Educating Occupational Therapy Students On The Role, Scope, And Delivery Of Occupational Therapy Services In End-Of-Life Care, Zaria Favorite, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Shannon Kauppila

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience a decline in body functions and performance skills along with challenges in maintaining occupational roles, routines, habits, and performance patterns (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). Despite their decline, patient want to continue to participate in their chosen occupations, which are unfulfilled due to the role, scope, and delivery of OT services in EoL care being misunderstood by OT students and practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients, families, and caregivers (Hammill et al., 2019; Knecht-Sabres et al., 2019; Mueller et al., 2021). There is a need for increased education and training so OT students can better …

A Hybrid Deep Learning-Based Approach For Visual Field Test Forecasting, Ashkan Abbasi, Sowjanya Gowrisankaran, Wei-Chun Lin, Xubo Song, Bhavna Josephine Antony, Gadi Wollstein, Joel Schuman, Hiroshi Ishikawa

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

OBJECTIVE: Longitudinal assessment of visual field (VF) testing is essential in glaucoma management. Conventional VF forecasting methods require numerous prior tests, while deep learning techniques have shown promising results with fewer tests. This study introduces a hybrid deep learning framework to enhance flexibility and accuracy in VF test forecasting.

DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal study using deep learning-based VF forecasting models.

SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS: A total of 1750 subjects (healthy and glaucoma patients) with 19 437 Humphrey VF (24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm) tests collected from longitudinal glaucoma cohorts at the University of Pittsburgh and New York University.

METHODS: Three deep …

Idh Status Dictates Ohsv Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Affecting Anti-Tumor Immunity, Upasana Sahu, Matthew P Mullarkey, Sara A Murphy, Joshua C Anderson, Vasanta Putluri, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Jun Hyoung Park, Tae Jin Lee, Alexander L Ling, Benny A Kaipparettu, Ashok Sharma, Nagireddy Putluri, Pamela L Wenzel, Christopher D Willey, E Antonio Chiocca, James M Markert, Balveen Kaur

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations has uncovered the crucial role of metabolism in gliomagenesis. Oncolytic herpes virus (oHSV) initiates direct tumor debulking by tumor lysis and activates anti-tumor immunity, however, little is known about the role of glioma metabolism in determining oHSV efficacy. Here we identify that oHSV rewires central carbon metabolism increasing glucose utilization towards oxidative phosphorylation and shuttling glutamine towards reductive carboxylation in IDH wildtype glioma. The switch in metabolism results in increased lipid synthesis and cellular ROS. PKC induces ACSL4 in oHSV treated cells leading to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is critical to launch an …

Blood Flow Restriction And The Achilles Tendon, Lacey Jajko, Anja Whitehouse

Masters Projects

Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is gaining popularity in strength gains and muscle hypertrophy.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess if BFR can change Achilles tendon size and to compare the size of the tendon based on the thigh or calf placement of the cuff.

Methods: Participants received an ultrasound guided measurement at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to assess the cross-sectional area of the tendon. Participants completed a six week BFR intervention where the cuff was randomly assigned to either thigh or calf placement on the non-dominant leg. Participants completed multiple repetitions of straight and bent knee calf raises with …

Difference In Clinical Presentation And Surgical Outcomes In Pediatric And Adult Patients With Chiari Malformation Type 1: A Single Center Retrospective Study, Erik Öhlén, Victor Gabriel El-Hajj, Victor E. Staartjes, Pascal Jabbour, Erik Edström, Adrian Elmi-Terander

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is a common congenital disorder affecting both children and adults. Although pediatric and adult CM1 patients share many characteristics, the differences between the groups are not fully described.

METHOD: A comparative analysis was made of two previously defined cohorts of adult and pediatric non-syndromic CM1, surgically treated at the study center. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari outcome scale (CCOS) and radiological outcomes were measured as change in cerebellar tonsil and syringomyelia status.

RESULTS: A total of 209 patients (73 pediatric, 136 adults) were included, with median ages of 11 and 33 …

Sexually Transmitted Infection (Sti) Incidence And Risk Factors Among People With Hiv (Pwh): Insights From A 13-Year Cohort Study In South Carolina, Salome-Joelle Gass, Shujie Chen, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Bankole Olatosi

Faculty Publications

The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030 in the United States (US). However, rising sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates exacerbate the bidirectional infection risk between HIV and STIs. Most research on STIs among people with HIV (PWH) has focused on high-risk groups, resulting in limited data on broader populations. This study addresses that gap by examining the incidence and risk factors for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis in a statewide cohort of PWH in South Carolina. Data from South Carolina’s HIV and STI surveillance systems were linked, and all PWH aged …

Implementation Of A Standardized Discharge Process At A Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility, Katelyn Love Bsn, Rn, Jennifer Sternberg Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-C, Kathryn Dambrino Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-C, David Phillippi Biostatistican

DNP Projects

Project Title: Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Process at a Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Facility

Background and Rationale: Currently, millions of adults are suffering from substance use disorder. For those in recovery, 45-55% of these adults will relapse within the first 6 months of leaving rehab, and due to loss of tolerance to their preferred drug of choice, these clients are at higher risk of mortality. This transition of care phase is a critical time period for clients to avoid relapse while navigating recovery challenges independently, and evidence supports standardized, intentional, client-centered discharge planning to improve transitional care outcomes. …

Effect Of Unilateral And Bilateral Resistance Training On Performance Tests Of Collegiate Softball Athletes, Kamryn S. O'Dell

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Strength and conditioning coaches typically have athletes perform either unilateral (UL) or bilateral (BL) lower body training, based on the perception that UL may be more sport-specific, and may enable lighter loads due to different stability requirements. A randomized controlled design was used to assess the effects of UL (n=6) and BL (n=5) on collegiate DII softball athletes. After three weeks of familiarization training, testing was done pre- and post- 8 weeks of the athletes’ Fall offseason training program. Performance testing consisted of strength (front squat, hex bar deadlift, front rack split squat, rear foot elevated split squat), change of …

Reducing Hapis In The Icu With A Turn Team, Taylor Guadiz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) rates within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by implementing a two-nurse turning and repositioning schedule.

Background: The QI project was implemented in a 24-bed Medical-Surgical ICU at a for-profit community hospital in Northwest Houston, Texas, in the United States of America. The project was developed and initiated at the project site because there was an increase in the HAPI rate above the organization’s target rate of zero.

Methodology: Baseline HAPI rates and turning charting compliance were obtained. A baseline Likert scale survey was …

Age–Period–Cohort Effects Of Adult Cigarette Smoking In The United States, 1971–2020, Dinko Kranjac, Ashley W. Kranjac

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The rates of cigarette use among American adults have dropped substantially throughout the last six decades, yet smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. It is crucial to identify the putative time-varying population-level factors of age, period, and cohort that influenced the decrease in smoking prevalence so we can maintain the downward trend. We used 49 years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and hierarchical age–period–cohort (HAPC) analysis to examine lifecycle, historical, and generational distribution of smoking among Americans aged 18–74 years old. The prevalence of smoking has …

The Relationship Between Climate Change Awareness And Mental Health Among Adults In The United States, Stanley Nkemjika

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Understanding the connection between climate change awareness and overall well-being is crucial, particularly regarding its impact on the environment and mental health. However, there is a need for more research on this topic, especially within the American context. The mental health implications of climate change are not yet fully understood, and there is a gap in the literature. This gap was addressed by exploring climate change awareness effects on mental health among U.S. adults. The social ecological model provided a framework to examine the impact of climate change awareness on mental health, considering individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. This …

Stereotype, Stigma, And Discrimination And Prep Use Among Black And Latino Men And Women, Aieshia Brooks Poole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

HIV infections continue to rise in the Southern United States, with Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), bisexual men, and women experiencing disproportionate impacts. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical intervention for reducing HIV transmission, disparities in its uptake remain due to healthcare stereotype threat, felt stigma, and everyday discrimination. This quantitative cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from the Generations: A Study of the Life and Health of LGB People in a Changing Society (2016–2019) to examine the relationship between these psychosocial barriers and PrEP use among Black/Latino MSM, bisexual men, and women aged …

High-Grade Astrocytoma With Piloid Features: A Single-Institution Case Series And Literature Review, Eric A Goethe, Subhiksha Srinivasan, Swaminathan Kumar, Sujit S Prabhu, Maria A Gubbiotti, Sherise D Ferguson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP) is a recently described primary brain tumor and the first requiring a specific methylation pattern for diagnosis, as its histologic features are often compatible with other tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM). Characterized by molecular alterations in CDKN2A/B, NF1, BRAF, FGFR1, and ATRX, they may be located anywhere in the CNS but show a predilection for the posterior fossa. Reports are limited to retrospective case series, and the standard of care is not yet established. We performed a retrospective review of electronic medical records of all patients with HGAP at our institution. Records were queried …

Differences In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence Trends Across Us Census Divisions, 2001 To 2021, Itunu O Sokale, Omar Rosales, Aaron P Thrift, Hashem B El-Serag, Elyse Burgess, Abiodun O Oluyomi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer diagnoses and deaths in the United States. This study serves as an update on secular trends in national HCC incidence rates while exploring potential geographic and racial/ethnic differences across all nine US census divisions.

Methods: We analyzed HCC incidence data reported to the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database from 2001 to 2021 (excluding 2020 data, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's cautionary recommendations for COVID-19 pandemic data usage for trend analysis). We performed trend analyses of age-adjusted incidence rates in the US overall, by census …

Dual Targeting Of Ezh2 And Ezh1 Drives Exit Of Leukemia Stem Cells From Quiescence And Potentiates Chemotherapy In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Hiroki Akiyama, Yuki Nishida, Kyung Hee Chang, Andrea D Bedoy, Muharrem Muftuoglu, Wencai Ma, Mahesh Basyal, Zoe Hirschi, Daisuke Honma, Shinji Tsutsumi, Jing Wang, Weiguo Zhang, Xuelin Huang, Raajit K Rampal, Olalekan O Oluwole, Dale Lee Bixby, Naval G Daver, Michael Andreeff

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Lifesaving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Pilot Evaluation Of A Targeted Educational Intervention To Improve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Provision In Volunteer Surf Lifesavers, David Reid, Katie M. Dixon, Leesa Equid, Chris Jacobson, Jasmin C. Lawes, Tracey Hare-Boyd, Andrew Chubb, Michelle Murphy, Kane Treloar, Pamela Simon, Ned Douglas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Approximately 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in Australia each year, and only 13% of patients survive their event and return home. Survival variability from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can be explained by a range of factors. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education quality-improvement programs focusing on identified elements of basic life support provision in concert with resuscitation system interventions have been associated with significant improvements in survival after cardiac arrest. Surf Life Saving Australia members respond to approximately 65 cardiac arrests per year in the community while on duty and have successfully resuscitated many beachgoers over the years. In addition to this, …

Implementation Of The Extension For Community Healthcare Outcomes Model For Hypertension Education Of Frontline Health Care Workers In The Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria: Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Evaluation, Abigail S Baldridge, Mark D Huffman, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model was adapted for hypertension education of community health extension workers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, and delivered as a 7-part series.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate implementation outcomes of the hypertension ECHO series mapped to the first 3 levels of the Kirkpatrick model. Outcomes included reach, appropriateness (level 1), effectiveness (level 2), and penetration (level 3).

METHODS: From August 2022 to April 2023, 7 hypertension ECHO sessions were delivered via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc) to a health care worker audience including targeted community health extension workers at 12 …

Epilepsy Diagnosis When The Routine Ancillary Tests Are Normal, Boulenouar Mesraoua, Bassel Abou-Khalil, Bernhard Schuknecht, Hassan Al Hail, Musab Ali, Majd A. Abualrob, Khaled Zammar, Ali A. Asadi-Pooya

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: In a patient suspected of having epilepsy, routine EEG primarily contributes to the recording of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the gold standard imaging technique for identifying epileptogenic structural brain abnormalities. Various EEG and MRI tools to improve epilepsy diagnosis will be presented. Methods: When the initial EEG fails to record IEDs, various EEG measures that can improve EEG performance are presented; a comprehensive epilepsy-targeted MRI protocol to identify, localize, and characterize an epileptogenic lesion will also be described. Results: Studies show that the initial routine EEG fails to record IEDs in approximately …

Induction Of Cardiac Fibulin-4 Protects Against Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy And Heart Failure, E D Van Deel, C M Halabi, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The prevailing view of fibulin-4 deficient mice is that the cardiac phenotype is the result of aortic and/or valvular disease. In the present study, we have tested whether the cardiac phenotype is, at least in part, the consequence of primary cardiac effects of fibulin-4. We have found fibulin-4 expression to be activated throughout the myocardium in wildtype (fibulin-4

Assessment Of The Relationship Between Particulate Matter Level And Respiratory Diseases In Dogs And Cats In Bangkok, Thailand, Nattawan Tangmahakul, Janenisa Klomklao, Damisa Thanyapornsombat, Tuangphon Lertsubkhajohn, Wiphawa Piboonlapudom, Satraporn Mettaviparee, Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 has become a serious pollution concern in many countries, including Thailand. Due to its small particle size, PM2.5 can penetrate deep into pulmonary tissues, posing health risks to humans. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that PM2.5 may also cause respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. This study aimed to evaluate a relationship between PM2.5 levels and the number of dogs and cats visiting due to respiratory problems in Bangkok, Thailand, and to investigate potential environmental factors that may contribute to these health outcomes. A total of 184 dogs and 73 cats were included in the study. Medical …

Impact Of Colostrum Lactose Concentration In Relation To Metabolomic Profiles On Kid Growth Performance Of Black Bengal Goats, Tien Thi Phuong Vo, Chollada Buranakarl, Sumonwan Chamsuwan, Sumpun Thammacharoen, Morakot Nuntapaitoon, Sarn Settachaimongkon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Colostrum composition, including lactose concentration in relation to metabolomic profiles on kids’ growth performance of Black Bengal goats, has not yet been elucidated. Macronutrients, including lactose and metabolomic profiles, were determined in 37 colostrum samples using MilkoScan and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance technique, respectively. Kids’ growth performance, including birth weight, average daily gain at 0–4 weeks (ADG0-4W), 4–8 weeks (ADG4-8W), and wean weight were determined. A total of 51 metabolites were detected in the colostrum. From the general linear model for univariate analysis, kids born from multiple litter sizes showed lower ADG during the first month postpartum (P = 0.004). …

Dallas Neurorehab Internship Panel, Jennifer O'Loughlin-Brooks

Research Week

Discover how research can transform your academic journey beyond the classroom! Join Professor Jennifer O'Loughlin-Brooks and her students for an engaging panel discussion as they share their experiences interning at Dallas NeuroRehab.

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Is There A Role Of Adding Defibrillation To Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy For Primary Prevention In Patients With Heart Failure And Reduced Ejection Fraction?, Hong Yee Lim, Yew Chung Chan, Wee Lee Chin, Soot Keng Ma

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major global health concern, and the mortality rate remains high despite advances in medical and device therapies. Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a pacemaker (CRT-P) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies have demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, but their roles in combination for primary prevention remain under ongoing investigation. This review explores the current literature on the role of adding defibrillation to CRT for primary prevention in HFrEF patients. We examine key studies, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes to evaluate the benefits, risks, and future directions of …

Future Perspective Of Pulse Field Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation, Ka-Ying Li, Ho-Ting Ngan, Chu-Pak Lau, Hung-Fat Tse

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Pulse field ablation (PFA) represents cutting edge technique in cardiac electrophysiology designed to treat arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation methods that rely on thermal energy to create heart lesions, PFA employs pulsed electric fields to trigger irreversible electroporation, resulting in precise tissue ablation. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms and clinical uses of PFA, emphasizing its potential benefits over conventional ablation techniques and exploring its limitations. It also examines clinical data on current PFA devices, which offer consistent procedural outcome and lower risk of thermal related complications. These developments have driven rapid advancements of modern PFA catheters, with future innovations …

Molecular Insights Into Antibiofilm Inhibitors Of Streptococcus Mutans Glucosyltransferases Through In Silico Approaches, Lubna Atta, Ali Raza Siddiqui, Mamona Mushtaq, Sajida Munsif, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Aftab Ahmad, Zaheer Ul-Haq

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Streptococcus mutans, a primary cariogenic bacterium, plays a central role in dental caries, one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally. Glucosyltransferases (GTFs) are key virulence factors in this process, as they synthesize extracellular polysaccharides that contribute to biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Targeting GTFs has emerged as a promising strategy for preventing dental caries, with previous studies demonstrating its potential efficacy. This study builds on our prior work by providing detailed molecular insights into the binding modes of previously identified GTF inhibitors. Using computational tools, including density functional theory, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we examined the binding …

A Webinar Series On Role Transitions And Maternal Mental Health For Black And African American Women, Italia Whetstone, Sylvia Anderson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Italia Whetstone

Capstone Project Title: A Webinar Series on Role Transitions and Maternal Mental Health for Black and African American Women

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sylvia Anderson, DHEd, MBA, OTR/L

Abstract:

There are several transitions that we experience throughout life as we grow and evolve as individuals. Experiencing transition can significantly impact an individual’s occupational performance depending on how well they are able to adjust and cope during their transitional period. “As much as these “occupations”, as we call them, seem to be built into the fabric of our daily life, they actually require many …

Getting In The Game: Innovating An Occupational Therapy Training Curriculum For Managing Performance Anxiety In Collegiate Athletes, Myiah Sturdivant, Phyllis Ross

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Myiah Sturdivant

Capstone Project Title: Getting in the Game: Innovating an Occupational Therapy Training Curriculum for Managing Performance Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Ross, OTD OTR/L CAPS, CHT, CLT, Shanteria Watson, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

The purpose of this study examine effectiveness in an OT training curriculum aimed at educating OT faculty on performance anxiety within the collegiate athlete population, and to advocate and educate OT faculty on occupational therapy’s role in student athlete care to be used for future learning material. Student athletes are challenged by balancing the multiple role demands and contexts …

Everyday Explorers An Occupation Based Play Curriculum: Increasing First Time Mothers Knowledge Of Developmental Milestones, Terra Gina Samuels, Shanteria Watson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Gina Samuels

Capstone Project Title: Everyday Explorers An Occupation Based Play Curriculum: Increasing First Time Mothers Knowledge of Developmental Milestones

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson, OTD OTR/L

Abstract:

Purpose: To develop a play-based curriculum increasing understanding of child developmental milestones among first-time adolescent mothers (16-21 years).

Background and Significance: Adolescent mothers in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C. face educational and socioeconomic barriers limiting parental effectiveness.

Statement of the Problem: Limited capacity to identify and foster child development among young mothers in underprivileged communities.

Research Design: Curriculum guided by Developmental Frame of Reference, Constructivist …

Development Of A Mindfulness And Visual Arts Program To Support Emotional Self-Regulation In Children With Adhd In Community-Based Settings, Jeannine Robinson, Thierry Lienou

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Jeanine S. Robinson

Capstone Project Title: Development of a Mindfulness and Visual Arts Program to

Support Emotional Self-Regulation in Children with ADHD in Community-Based Settings

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr.Thierry Lienou, OTD, OTR/L,CAPS,ATP

Abstract:

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently experience challenges with emotional self-regulation that can significantly impact their participation in educational, social, and recreational activities. Although mindfulness and visual arts interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting emotional regulation, limited resources exist that integrate these strategies into community-based environments. This doctoral capstone project addresses this gap through the development of a mindfulness and visual arts program …