Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Nano-Scale Approach To Controlled Apoptosis In Brain Cancer Through Magneto-Mechanical Actuation, Sakura Rieck

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, we investigate the effects of cell therapy and magneto-mechanical actuation (MMA) to treat glioblastoma (U87). MMA approach employs super low-frequency alternating magnetic fields (AMF) to actuate intracellular PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PEG-SPIONs). Magnetic forces are translated into mechanical agitation on PEG-SPIONs, which can disrupt key cellular components. We explored two ways in which the MMA approach can be used to combat cancer growth. First, we investigated MMA directly in U87 cells. Preliminary observations indicate that PEG-SPIONs are intracellularly taken up by the U87 cells via micropinocytosis. Cell-counting kit-8 toxicity assays revealed a cytotoxic effect of MMA …

Occupational Therapy Fellowship Curriculum Design: A Framework And Curriculum Mapping, Sydney Mitchell

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective. There is little published research on occupational therapy (OT) fellowships and varying levels of understanding around fellowships. The purposes of this IRB-exempt capstone were to identify stakeholder perception of OT fellowships, create a neurologic OT fellowship to bridge the gap in access to this training in the Southeast, and apply a conceptual framework during development. Methods. Anonymous surveys and semi-structured interviews were used to identify stakeholder needs for the curriculum. Methods focused on curriculum outline, development of one educational lesson, and incorporating formative and summative assessments. Five volunteers rated the module on usability and overall experience. The curriculum was …

A Retrospective Pilot Study Assessing The Concordance Between Referral Diagnoses, Referring Physician Specialty, And Emg/Ncv Results, Bodrul Islam, Daniel L. Menkes

Posters

• Electromyoneurography (EMG/NCV) combines nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography.1 Patients are referred with a diagnostic hypothesis to be tested.
• Nerve conduction studies assess large myelinated fibers, and needle EMG evaluates type I muscle fibers. Conditions affecting small fibers (e.g., neuropathic pain) or type II fibers (e.g., steroid myopathy) typically yield normal results, limiting the utility of EMG/NCV for their evaluation.1,2,3
• Moreover, many patients are referred for EMG/NCV testing for nonspecific symptoms such as pain or numbness, often without objective neurological deficits.
• This study was conducted to determine the concordance of the EMG referral with the provider’s specialty and the final …

Safety Profile Of Spinal Cord Stimulator Paddle Lead Revision And Replacement, Saini Kethireddy, Michael Staudt

Posters

• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulatory treatment for patients experiencing chronic pain resistant to conservative therapies. It is often used for postlaminectomy syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathic pain.
• SCS leads can be categorized into percutaneous leads and paddle leads, the latter requiring a laminectomy for implantation.
• The advantages of paddle leads include lower migration rates and more efficient energy delivery.
• Revision surgery may be required in instances of lead failure, migration or misplacement. Paddle lead replacement can be challenging due to extensive scar tissue formation, often requiring additional dissection.
• Reoperation for paddle leads has raised concerns about …

Advances In Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Interventions For Non-Operative Candidates, Tulasi Talluri, Philip Cieplinski, Kristian Loveridge

Posters

Cholangioscopy is a technique used for diagnosing and treating patients with pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. It has been available since 1976 but with limited use in interventional radiology (IR) due to issues with steerability, irrigation capabilities, requirement for more than one operator, and poor percutaneous access options; however, direct intraluminal visualization of the gallbladder, common bile ducts, and even the ampulla and duodenum has become more practical with the advent of single operator percutaneous systems. Access to the biliary system can now be made through smaller 11 French sheath/delivery systems allowing for improved maneuverability into the common …

Sports Injury Prevention - Epidemiological Analysis Of Concussion Mechanisms In Female Soccer Players: A Review Of Neiss Data (2020–2023), Caroline A. Bertalotto

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concussions are a significant concern in women’s soccer, with many studies showing that women have a higher rate of having them than compared to men. The number of concussions in athletes have raised concerns about long-term health and calls for a deeper look into ways to prevent them from occurring. The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiological data related to the mechanisms of concussions as a result of soccer, specifically within female participants. The data was obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from the years 2020 through 2023. Specifically, the narrative was used to …

Promoting Safe Firearm Storage Through Media-Based Interventions, Abigail Bordelon

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the ongoing phenomenon of unintentional pediatric firearm deaths, this project seeks to examine how the mainstream media reports on these events and how media frames could be altered to better promote public health prevention efforts.

The Relationship Of Peer Recovery Support Specialists And Recovery Of Perinatal Women With A Substance Use Disorder, Mary C. Talbot

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Substance use in pregnant and postpartum women is a growing issue in the United States. Drug use while pregnant can lead to birth defects, stillbirths, and problems providing positive parenting to their children. Many women with substance use disorders (SUD) feel extreme shame and stigma related to their substance use and have trouble accessing recovery-related treatment and other services. Peer recovery support treatment uses the lived experiences of individuals in current recovery from SUD to facilitate and support recovery in others. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of peer recovery support specialists on the …

Analysis Of Marshallese Perceptions Of Health And Weight In Adolescents, Sterling Thomas

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to understand the perceptions of Marshallese adolescents on the topic of health and weight, in order to provide guidance for interventions and public health efforts. The United States has the largest Marshallese population outside the Marshall Islands. Perceptions of weight and health is under researched for minority communities and from the insight of adolescents. Pacific Islanders such as the Marshallese are often categorized as part of the larger Asian American ethnic population, which is not always accurate in certain aspects where public health could provide support areas of concern.

Design: Focus groups …

The Effect Of Maternal Anxiety On Breastfeeding Exclusivity And Duration, Zoe E. Treat

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The postpartum period, especially during the first year, presents a heightened risk for maternal anxiety. Research suggests a potential negative relationship between maternal anxiety and breastfeeding duration, though there is currently a gap in the existing literature regarding how maternal mental health impacts breastfeeding outcomes.

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the influence of postpartum anxiety on both the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, crucial knowledge required to support and implement targeted interventions. We expected that maternal anxiety would predict shorter exclusive and total breastfeeding durations.

Methodology: To explore the relationship between postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding behaviors, we distributed …

Assessment Of Attitudes, Preferences, And Knowledge Regarding Dietary Protein And Health, Annabella E. Grau

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the area of nutrition and dietary protein, experts often state that there are several barriers to consumption of dietary protein, however there is a lack of published data supporting these claims. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the attitudes, preferences and knowledge regarding dietary protein to identify potential barriers that would prevent purchasing protein or including protein in the diet. A 38-question Qualtrics survey was distributed via University of Arkansas listservs and on social media for three weeks. Participants (n=866) were asked to answer questions related to general nutrition knowledge and current dietary practices related to …

Interpretation Challenges In Healthcare Settings As Experienced By Refugees And Healthcare Providers In The United States, Lydia H. Samoff

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Language and interpretation barriers are significant challenges for refugees receiving healthcare in the United States. Both providers and refugee patients associate effective communication with a positive healthcare experience. Therefore, it is important to identify themes in interpretation barriers to promote productive communication between providers and refugee patients.

Purpose: To identify themes in literature surrounding interpretation challenges between refugees and healthcare workers in the United States and compare them to lived experience in a clinic in Northwest Arkansas.

Methods: Several databases were searched, including CINAHL, Medline, HealthSource, and Google Scholar, and articles were chosen with the inclusion criteria being research …

Comparison Of Two Adjuvant High-Dose Rate Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy Dose Fractionation Regimens For Treatment Of Early-Stage Uterine Cancer, Catherine Raciti, Hong Ye, Allison J. Hazy, Maha Saada Jawad

Posters

• Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with peak incidence at 63 years of age.¹

• PORTEC-2 trial established VBT alone as an effective modality for select high-intermediate risk patients.2

• There was no strict ABS guideline for dose fractionation; our institution adopted a 30Gy in 6 fractions regimen based on radiobiological calculations.3,4

• COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift towards 22Gy in 4 fractions

• Objective: Compare oncologic outcomes and toxicity between the 30Gy/6fx and 22Gy/4fx regimens.

• Hypothesis: Both regimens are well-tolerated and equally effective.

• Impact: Findings will inform clinical practice …

Predicting Steroid Concern Through Tiktok Use And Self-Esteem, Adam Lorio, Brandon C. Bouchillon, Sisi Hu, Jennifer Mortensen

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examined student perceptions of steroid use through a survey of 154 participants. While self-esteem did not directly predict steroid concerns, specific TikTok engagement patterns revealed complex relationships. Using TikTok to pass time correlated with viewing steroids as a public health issue, whereas surveillance-based use was associated with lower self-esteem. Using the platform to interact was positively related to self-esteem, highlighting how different modes of engagement can shape perceptions about individual and collective health.

Efficacy Of A Novel Role-Playing Based In-Class Simulation On Enhancing Clinical Judgment Skills In Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Melodie Jolly

Dissertations

Clinical judgment is a critical skill for nurses, directly impacting patient outcomes and quality of care. However, studies have shown that newly graduated nurses often lacked sufficient clinical judgment abilities to meet the demands of increasingly complex patient populations. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel role-playing based in-class simulation designed to enhance clinical judgment skills among senior baccalaureate nursing students. The study employed a single-group pre-assessment and post-assessment design using Lasater’s Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) as the primary measurement tool. Using a convenience sample, 37 senior nursing students who enrolled in a Term 4 clinical …

A Word From The Writing Team (May 2025), Pam Walter, Mfa, Hemma Murali, Ms

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Publication Spotlight
• Two Ways to Fund Open Access Fees
• Mark Your Calendar for the Drs. Theresa and Charles Yeo Writing Prize Reception & Reading (See Flyer)
• Citation Manager Updates
• Check out the Instructional Design Team’s Podcast, The Learning Curve!
• Looking for Your Next Read?
• The OPWPC Canvas Page Offers Helpful Tools

Demographics And Clinical Features Associated With Abnormal Small Bowel Motility In Systemic Sclerosis, Jenice X Cheah, Jamie Perin, Michael Hughes, Christopher A Mecoli, Julie J Paik, Laura K Hummers, Ami A Shah, Zsuzsanna H Mcmahan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: The small bowel is affected in up to 50% of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and some patients experience severe complications. Our aim was to use specific statistical methods to compare demographic and clinical features of SSc patients with and without abnormal small bowel to better characterize patients at risk for this complication.

Methods: SSc patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were prospectively enrolled and underwent a scintigraphy-based whole gut transit (WGT) study. A cross-sectional analysis was performed comparing clinical features between patients with and without abnormal small bowel transit by WGT. Univariate logistic regression models and multivariable models were used to …

Risk Communication And Public Health Emergency Responses During Covid-19 Pandemic In Rural Communities In Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study, Wilberforce Cholo, Fletcher J. Njororai, Walter Ogutu Amulla, Caleb Kogutu Nyaranga

Population Health Leadership and Analytics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of community preventive behaviors in controlling the virus’ spread. Studies show that people’s risk perceptions and awareness significantly contribute to the containment and prevention of infections by motivating adoption of desired actions and behaviors. This study aimed at assessing the role of risk communication and factors that influenced responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural communities in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative research approach, collecting data from 806 individuals across Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties. Descriptive statistics were used to detail the demographic characteristics of …

Understanding Weight Loss Maintenance In Postmenopausal Women: A Qualitative Exploration, Amy M. Field

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Postmenopausal women are treasures in our community. They contribute to society in countless ways, often using their life experience, wisdom, and resilience to serve as caregivers, mentors, and educators. As women age, hormonal changes contribute to increased abdominal adiposity and subsequent metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and bone and joint problems. Weight loss and maintenance of that loss likely contribute to decreased risk factors of comorbidities associated with excess weight and increased daily functioning and fulfillment of desired tasks. Weight management strategies are well-studied. However, postmenopausal women are more likely to regain weight lost. This work explores the gap in …

Timing End-Of-Life Care Education For New Graduate Icu Nurses, Annelies J. Harrison

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Problem: New graduate nurses (NGNs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience a readiness to-practice gap when providing end-of-life (EOL) care.

Research Question: What is the effect of differences in timing EOL education in an ICU NGN’s first year and their self-efficacy to provide EOL care, emotional exhaustion, and reality shock?

Design: This pilot study used a complex experimental mixed methods design with the qualitative strand embedded after the quantitative intervention.

Methods: Pre- and post-intervention data were collected from 135 nurse residents (62 ICU nurses), 34 of whom were trained within 4 months of practice and 28 of whom were …

Capturing Care: A Visual Narrative On Caregivers At J.P Lord School, Melisa I. Ontiveros

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project explores the emotional experiences of caregivers at J.P. Lord School, a unique program within the Omaha Public School district that serves children and young adults with complex special needs. As one of the few schools of its kind in the country, J.P. Lord offers a rare glimpse into the world of caregiving in a highly specialized educational setting (Omaha Public Schools, n.d). Despite the critical role these educators play, there is limited research exploring the emotional experiences of special education teachers—especially those working in medically complex or high-needs environments. This lack of visibility makes it even more important …

A Comparative Study Investigating Patient Experience At Corporate And Private Dental Practices., Abigail R. Logeman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Oral healthcare is an essential aspect of an individual’s systemic health. However, many oral conditions are left untreated due to the inaccessibility to dental care. Many disparities limit access to dental care like low income and lack of insurance coverage. Untreated oral conditions are linked to systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pancreatic cancer. Patient experience is a driving factor in the continued involvement in dental care that would limit some of the diseases with oral health manifestations. I aim to compare patient experiences in private and corporate dental practices to provide a scope of the dental care …

Understanding Age-Related Differences In Dentists' Perceptions Of Fluoride Use In The Midwest, Alexander S. Becker

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study examined age-related differences in dentists’ perceptions of fluoride use, effectiveness, and risks. Eight Midwest dentists (four early-career, four experienced) participated in interviews with demographic, quantitative, and open-ended questions. While all recognized fluoride’s importance, younger dentists emphasized its benefits and utilized it more themselves than older dentists, two of whom expressed concerns about fluoride exposure and fluorosis, a hypomineralization disorder that occurs during enamel development (Berg et al., 2011). One dentist cited potential neurological risks, including effects on the pineal gland and links to Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite these differences, all but one viewed fluoride as a cost-effective preventive measure …

The Burden Of Care: Understanding Burnout Among Pediatric Healthcare Workers, Navya Khandavalli

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Burnout among pediatric healthcare professionals is a growing concern that impacts both employee well-being and the overall quality of patient care. The aim of this study is to analyze the definition of burnout and how healthcare organizations can implore strategies to help improve the mental and physical well-being of their staff. Analysis was done through a survey administered to healthcare employees recruited from pediatric clinics, the neonatal ICU, pediatric research, and pediatric rehabilitation facilities. Findings from the methods found that burnout is often defined as prolonged occupational stress in an individual and are often characterized by symptoms of emotional exhaustion, …

Dental Access And Public Health Policy Gaps, Hafsa Tasneem

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Oral health is a key component of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in public health policy and planning. While regular dental care can prevent long-term complications, many individuals delay or forget treatment due to barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, scheduling difficulties, and limited awareness of available resources. I did this study as I came across health disparities in underserved communities and wanted to see if the results would be similar in a university population that is insured and has access to more resources. To investigate challenges that individuals within a university community face in accessing dental …

An Examination Of The Impact Of A Six-Week Summer Enrichment Program On Anxiety Among Underrepresented Health Profession Students, Rolando Martinez-Rico

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Healthcare pipeline programs aim to enhance diversity in the health professions by supporting undergraduate students interested in pursuing a healthcare career, particularly those from underrepresented and historically excluded backgrounds. Despite these initiatives, significant disparities persist in the healthcare workforce, amplified by structural racism and systemic barriers to entry. These challenges contribute to heightened anxiety, which can hinder the success of students pursuing healthcare careers.

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) seeks to mitigate these barriers by fostering an inclusive environment where students gain academic skills and mentorship. Among the many challenges underrepresented students face, anxiety is a significant and …

Diagnostic Categories And Epistemic Injustice In Clinical Psychology, Thomas Eilers

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study investigated how clinical psychologists reasoned about and used diagnostic categories in practice. Diagnostic categories are limited and sometimes reductive systems of understanding people. They can also bring with them epistemic injustice, a type of wrong done to someone specifically in their capacity as a knower. In this case the concern is that a mental health diagnosis is a serious attack on a person’s credibility, wherein their experience is seen as less legitimate insofar as it is caused by an illness. Four semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical psychologists. Psychologists generally described using diagnosis as one of many tools …

The Sun Shines Beyond The Mountains: The Creation Of A Suicidality Needs Assessment For Lesotho, Layhla Currier

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The country of Lesotho has the highest suicide mortality rate in the world. Although this is true, there has seldom been research into the cause of this astronomical rate, and even less evaluating how to address the issue. This study focused on the analysis of available data to better understand the possible causes of the high suicide rate in Lesotho. Additionally, a suicidality needs assessment was created to collect data regarding mental health, social support, risk factors, and previous suicidality from Basotho (moniker for residents of Lesotho) in a non-stigmatizing way. Two varying suicidality assessments were used to create this …

Assessing And Addressing The Needs Of Socially Vulnerable Populations To Enhance Community Emergency Preparedness And Resilience: A Mixed Methods Study, Jennifer E. Harris

Dissertations: Doctor of Public Health

Background: A robust understanding of the needs of individuals and communities can help reduce the impact of a disaster, especially on those communities that already have associated health disparities. By strategically including these populations into mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery planning, emergency management plans can be enhanced to be more inclusive and effective by identifying targeted resources during a crisis. Additionally, understanding and improving upon individual resiliency can potentially bolster a community’s resiliency level and reduce overall susceptibility to a disaster event, and expedite the recovery phase. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the emergency …

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.