Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Minimum Clinically Important Difference Values For Promis Pi And Ue After Distal Radius Fractures In Operative Vs. Non-Operative Procedures, Rahul Bodapati, Michaela Rasmussen, Mary Zylinsky, Nebiyat Girma, Charles S. Day

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Minimum Clinically Important Difference Values for PROMIS PI and UE After Distal Radius Fractures in Operative vs. Non-Operative Procedures

Authors: Michaela Rasmussen, Mary Zylinski, Nebiyat M. Girma, Rahul Bodapati, Charles S. Day

Introduction:

The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is the smallest change after a procedure that is meaningful to the patient. However, there is limited data on the MCID for operative and non-operative treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) which could provide objective data for both providers and patients, in treatment planning and postoperative counseling.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients treated for distal radius fractures (DRF) …

Midnight Misses: Imaging Addenda And Pediatric Outcomes, Katelyn A. Toloff, Laura Geneseo, Samantha Carranza, Elika Ridelman Phd, Christina Shanti Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Radiology misreads can adversely impact healthcare delivery, leading to delays in care, suboptimal interventions, or harm through inappropriate discharge or procedures. This ongoing project investigates the frequency of addenda in radiology reports, the underlying reasons for addenda, and their clinical implications for patient care. This study analyzes 1,692 pediatric trauma patients seen in the emergency department at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) between January 2022 and December 2023. Key variables include: interpreter PGY level, anatomic location, imaging modality, time of reads, severity and type of misinterpretation (e.g., false negatives/positives), and clinical outcomes.

Hypothesis: Our hypothesis posits that pediatric trauma …

Seasonal Algal Blooms Produce Stress-Inducing Toxins And Impair The Growth Of Normal Lung Cells, Mehrnoosh Ghafouri, Mehrnaz Ghafourii Abbas Abadi, Ezekiel Israel, Cherie Southwood, Nicholas Perino, Dr. Judy Westrick Ph.D, Dr. Andrew M. Fribley Ph.D

Medical Student Research Symposium

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) occur in freshwater, and marine waters which pose a world-wide public health threat. Anthropogenic factors such as global climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of cHABs in water supplies. People who live near, or consume water affected by, cHABs have reported very high rates of allergy, asthma and other inflammatory lung maladies. The current study investigates on how cylidrospermopsin (CSM) a small alkyloid toxin produced during cHABs, affects growth and immunotoxic gene responses in human lung cells. Concentration-response assays revealed that CSM reduces the proliferation of cultured non-malignant human lung fibroblasts, MRC-5, in …

Electronic Health Record Documentation Of Cannabis Use In Pregnancy: A Retrospective Chart Review, Gloria Fung, Mia Boulay, Amela Rugova, Hsueh-Han Yeh, Amy M. Loree, Alyssa M. Vanderziel

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illicit drug during pregnancy. Despite its rising prevalence, there are few well-controlled studies evaluating the impact of prenatal cannabis use (PCU) on fetal development, and clinical guidelines addressing PCU are limited. This study examines electronic health record (EHR) documentation of PCU to better understand how PCU is addressed within obstetric encounters.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 8,323 patients with pregnancy outcomes in 2023 at a Midwestern healthcare system. Patients with and without documented PCU were identified using ICD-10 codes and positive urine drug screen (UDS) results. A random sample …

Breaking Down Barriers: A Literature Review Understanding Cervical Cancer Screening In Hispanic Women, Deni Peterson, Rina Badran, Farheen Vali, Lindsay Martin-Engle Dr.

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background/Purpose:

Hispanic women have one of the highest cervical cancer rates, with a 32% higher incidence than non-Hispanic white women1. This highlights a gap in critical preventive care within the Hispanic community. This review aims to explore these barriers Hispanic women face in accessing cervical cancer screenings and what can be done to address them.

Methods:

Barriers to cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women were identified through peer-reviewed articles from PubMed. Three independent researchers assessed journal eligibility based on publication date, relevance, and study quality. The search utilized the keywords “cervical cancer,” “screening,” “Hispanic women,” and “Latinas,” and was limited …

Epistemic Injustice In Marginalised Patient Populations: Reconceptualising Health Inequities Through The Lens Of Social Epistemology, Kaab Husain, Laiba Husain Dphil, Amina Zarzi

Medical Student Research Symposium

This paper examines epistemic injustice in healthcare settings and its implications for health services research and clinical practice. Epistemic injustice, the systematic devaluation of patients' knowledge and experiences, particularly affects marginalized populations. Drawing on empirical studies and theoretical literature, we analyse how this phenomenon manifests in clinical encounters, impacts health outcomes, and perpetuates health disparities. Our findings indicate that epistemic injustice contributes to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and reduced patient engagement, ultimately affecting healthcare quality and effectiveness. We explore the implications for patient-centred care, health equity, and quality improvement, discussing how recognizing epistemic injustice can inform research methodologies, clinical guidelines, and …

The Financial Implications Of Medical Education: An Roi Analysis Of School Type, Specialty, And Training Location, Hunter Ryan Cohn, Chase Moscovic, Alexis Kralovich, Simran Qureshi, Manoj Kulchania

Medical Student Research Symposium

The Financial Implications of Medical Education: An ROI Analysis of School Type, Specialty, and Training Location

Introduction

The financial burden of medical education profoundly influences career trajectories and long-term financial outcomes for physicians. This study examined the impact of medical school costs (comparing an in-state public and private medical school), specialty selection (focusing on Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Orthopedic Surgery), and geographic factors on physicians' financial returns. Further, this study considered loan repayment strategies and their effects on career return on investment (ROI), offering insights into financial decision-making for future medical graduates.

Methods

Data on medical school costs, including tuition and …

Taraxacum Officinale Effect On The Reduction Of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Il-6 And Tnf-A, Bailee Bad Heart Bull, Kat Kraemer, Kira Mccallum, Ruth Teeple

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a ubiquitous plant found in every continent except Antarctica. Despite its condemnation as a weed, it has been used for centuries in traditional European, Indian, and Chinese herbal medicine for its purported digestive and diuretic properties. Its leaves contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds like taraxasterol, which have been reported to reduce reactive oxygen species production and inhibit nitric oxide production. There have been claims that taraxasterol can reduce inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; a cytokine is a small protein released by immune cells that helps regulate inflammation, immune responses, and cell communication. Our …

Investigating The Effects Of Palmitoylation In Ovcar3 Cells, Bethany Knopp, Emu Suzuki

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

Ovarian cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries often due to mutations in our DNA. Because ovarian cancer is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, the survival rate is less than 40% over a five-year period. One significant influence of this cancer is palmitoylation - a post- translational modification in which fatty acid chains are added to specific cysteine residues in proteins. This modification alters protein localization, stability, and function. When dysregulated, as seen in ovarian cancer, palmitoylation can promote irregular cell growth, mutations, and ultimately cancer. However, the role of palmitoylation in cancer …

Advancing Scoliosis Care Through Pilates Training, Certification, And Outreach Initiatives, Jaryn Toms

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objective of this project was to expand SSP’s educational reach through the development of new Pilates training, certifications, and outreach efforts. The primary outcome included the creation of an online certification program eligible for continuing …

Breaking The Cycle: Reducing Maternal Mortality Disparities In Minnesota, Grace Hambike

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

A comparative analysis of Minnesota's maternal mortality rates with states implementing successful maternal health initiatives and a review of policies supporting doulas, midwives, and culturally competent care models. Conclusions show that addressing maternal mortality disparities requires systemic healthcare reforms and culturally competent interventions. Expanding access to doulas, midwives, and community-based care can significantly improve maternal outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term effects of policy changes and continued surveillance of maternal health disparities.

Nursing Education On The Health Benefits Of Animal Assisted Therapy, Sara C. Barker, Allie P. Dunlap, Daniel T. Do, Charde Willis

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Does nurse education for pediatric oncology families teaching daily animal-assisted therapy (AAT) health benefits reduce anxiety from 35% to 18% compared to current practice?

Methods: A literature search was conducted using CINAHL (356 articles), PubMed (412 articles), and Google Scholar (289 articles) with keywords including animal-assisted interaction, pediatric cancer, pet therapy, psychological support, caregivers, and psychosocial outcomes. Filters applied included peer-reviewed articles, English language, full text, publication within the last five years, randomized controlled or quasi-experimental study design, and relevance to nursing practice. 4 articles were chosen due to being directly relevant to education related to AAT and psychosocial …

Responsible Pain Management For Postpartum Patients, Anna Beth Wyatt, Isabella B. Conwell, Kaley E. Edelbrock, Missy M. Sterkel

SPARK Symposium Presentations

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s postpartum unit on 4 East, uncontrolled pain is a leading cause of decreased patient satisfaction and increased risk for complications. Effective, timely, and conscientious pain management plays a crucial role in improving patient satisfaction and promoting safer recoveries. Given the wide range of pain management needs due to varied birth experiences and complications, nursing judgment and clear patient communication are essential in ensuring both comfort and long-term safety. This makes 4 East an ideal unit to explore standardizing communication strategies to optimize patient care. The primary goal of our intervention is to enhance patient satisfaction …

Analysis Of The Tennessee Covenant Marriage, Lucy C. Spivey

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Most recent data from the World Population Review suggests that Tennessee’s divorce rate (3.3% per 1,000 people) is among the highest divorce rates in the country (2024). Although the country and state average rate has decreased in the past five years, many Tennesseans are concerned at the number of failed marriages. House Bill 0315, introduced by Republican Representative Gino Bulso, is a result of this growing concern. House Bill 0315, better known as the “Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act,” aims to strengthen Tennessee marriages by limiting divorce options for couples and requiring a premarital counseling course (Jenkins, 2025). Proponents of this …

Effectiveness Of Music Therapy In Managing Pain And Anxiety In Pediatric Burn Patients Compared To Traditional Methods Alone, Alejandro Miguel Santos, Maekalagail Santos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Introduction:

Burn injuries are among the most painful conditions for children. While pharmacological interventions are commonly used, non-pharmacological strategies like music therapy are gaining attention for their potential to improve patient outcomes. Previous research indicates that music therapy can reduce pain and anxiety in various settings, but its impact on pediatric burn patients remains underexplored.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of music therapy in managing pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients, comparing it to traditional pain management methods alone.

Research Question:

Does music therapy affect pain and anxiety in pediatric burn unit patients when added to …

The Health Impact Of Clinical Training On Nursing Students In Cambodia, Kimberly Aguilar Mondragon, Felicia Kim Yee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Clinical training presents significant challenges for nursing students worldwide, particularly evident in developing countries like Cambodia, where these difficulties are intensified by a lack of training, resources, and health issues like stress and fatigue. Many students struggle without adequate guidance, forcing them to navigate complex clinical environments independently. These factors not only impact students’ confidence and academic performance, but also their health and well-being. Through this study, we can gain insight into nursing in a developing country that hasn’t been widely studied, contributing to global nursing research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the health impact …

The Effect Of Female Athlete Menstrual Cycles On Their Athletic Performance, Millie Allgood

Honors Theses

Previous research studying the effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance has focused on women who do not participate in any athletic activity or participate at a recreational or professional level (Dupuit et al., 2023; Ekenros et al., 2022). Few studies have tested collegiate athletes and those which have examined theoretical effects or psychological impacts rather than direct performance outcomes (Carmichael et al., 2021). It is widely agreed upon that reproductive hormones have broad influences throughout the body including body composition, response to stress, appetite, energy expenditure, and blood-glucose regulation. These factors directly contribute to physiological abilities such as …

Impact Of A Case-Based Learning Module: Integrating Authentic Treatment Videos, Electronic Documentation, And Hands-On Simulation, Emily Martin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Developing student confidence and competence is essential for effective fieldwork preparation in occupational therapy (OT) education. Educators use diverse instructional methods to foster clinical readiness, including case-based learning (CBL), video cases, documentation practice, and simulation. CBL enhances critical thinking, clinical reasoning, self-awareness, and confidence. With advancements in technology, video CBL has become more accessible, using authentic patient videos to promote higher-level clinical reasoning, documentation, and communication skills, especially when paired with complementary learning activities. CBL video cases offer a logical opportunity to incorporate structured documentation training, an area in which health professions students often report feeling underprepared. Simulation …

Prenatal Exercise: The Importance Of Patient-Provider Communication, Stephanie Patton

Doctorate in Kinesiology

There is a low adherence to prenatal exercise guidelines which may be affected by several barriers including a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits to, safety of, and general guidelines for prenatal exercise. This study sought to investigate the communication that occurs in prenatal appointments and the barriers associated with low exercise rates. Data was collected from 54 pregnant and postpartum women between the ages of 18-40 through an anonymous survey and analyzed through SPSS software. Twenty-four (44.4%) respondents indicated discussion regarding exercise recommendations occurred and five (9.3%) shared that resources for exercise recommendations were provided. Twenty-three (42.6%) participants were …

Fourth Annual Research Symposium Program With Abstracts, Office Of Research Affairs, Boonshoft School Of Medicine

Boonshoft School of Medicine Research Symposium

The program booklet is a compilation of abstracts from oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's Fourth Annual Boonshoft School of Medicine Medical Research Symposium held on April 16, 2025.

Fundamentals Of Vascular Surgery: A Plan For The Uniform Instruction And Assessment Of Basic Skills In Vascular Surgery, Priscilla Tanamal, Claudie Sheahan, Malachi Sheahan

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Training surgeons poses many unique challenges. In addition to the clinical acumen that must be learned, a minimum threshold of technical competency is a requisite for independent practice. The trends of endovascular interventions and open surgical procedures add another layer of complexity to vascular surgery training. Simulation can provide a solution for both technical skills training and evaluating proficiency. The Education Committee of the Association of Program Directors of Vascular Surgery (APDVS) developed the Fundamentals of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery platform to provide an opportunity for more uniform basic technical skill teaching and assessment across all vascular training programs. Evaluation …

Diabetes: Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Using Federated Learning With Biosensor Signals, Narmatha Chellamani, Saleh Ali Albelwi, Manimurugan Shanmuganathan, Palanisamy Amirthalingam, Anand Paul

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Diabetes is a growing global health concern, affecting millions and leading to severe complications if not properly managed. The primary challenge in diabetes management is maintaining blood glucose levels (BGLs) within a safe range to prevent complications such as renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and neuropathy. Traditional methods, such as finger-prick testing, often result in low patient adherence due to discomfort, invasiveness, and inconvenience. Consequently, there is an increasing need for non-invasive techniques that provide accurate BGL measurements. Photoplethysmography (PPG), a photosensitive method that detects blood volume variations, has shown promise for non-invasive glucose monitoring. Deep neural networks (DNNs) applied to …

Human Capital And Lifetime Income Gains Of Scaling-Up Small-Quantity Lipid Nutrient Supplements Among Children Under 2 Years: A Modelling Analysis, Nandita Perumal Phd, Goodrarz Danaei, Günther Fink, Mark Lambiris, Christopher R. Sudfeld

Faculty Publications

Undernutrition in early childhood is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes later in life and remains a persistent global public health problem. Providing small-quantity lipid nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) to children aged 6-24 months improves child growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes, but the potential long-term benefits to human capital have not been previously estimated. We estimated the potential returns to schooling and lifetime income attributable to increasing coverage of SQ-LNS for children < 2 years of age from 0% to 50% or 90% per five-year birth cohort in five countries (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Uganda) with a high burden of undernutrition. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the effect of SQ-LNS on child development using evidence from randomized controlled trials, and to estimate the returns to lifetime income as a function of change in development based on a de novo meta-analysis of observational economic studies. Gains in school years attributable to scaling-up SQ-LNS to 90% coverage ranged from 0.14 million school years (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 0.064, …

Exploring The Acute Effects Of Sedentary Behaviors On Cardiometabolic Risk In Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Study, Erica G Soltero, Osamah Salim, Yiming Mirabile, Salma M Musaad

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Time spent in sedentary pursuits is associated with adverse metabolic profiles. Adolescents spend 65-75% of their day in sedentary pursuits; however, evidence among youth is less conclusive. This study examined the effects of an acute 4 h bout of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic outcomes and energy expenditure in Hispanic adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity (BMI% ≥ 95th).

Methods: This study used a randomized cross-over design to engage participants (N = 12) in two sedentary conditions, an active condition where youth were engaged in two hours of 'active' sitting activities (e.g., reading and puzzles) and two hours …

Launching A Neonatal Resuscitation Escape Room To Combat High Infant Mortality Rates In South India: A Quality Improvement Project, Ellen M. Campos, Kathryn L. Dambrino Dr., Jennifer Sternberg Dr., Taryn Mccoy, Shelby L. Garner Dr., Kendell Natt, Lyn S. Prater Dr., R. David Phillippi Dr., Weiming Ke Dr., Leena Lourduswamy Dr., Sheela Victor Dr., Vernonsiya Kirubha, Beth Hallmark Dr., Julie Honey Dr.

DNP Projects

Background: In South India, infant mortality rates are high, and nurses require advanced training to respond to infants in fetal distress. Evidence shows that improved nurse competency in neonatal resuscitation and the ability of students to recognize and respond to distressed infants have led to decreased infant mortality rates.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to design and implement a simulated escape room to improve neonatal resuscitation outcomes among undergraduate students in South India.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive design was used. N=310 undergraduate nursing students from six schools in India participated in a simulated neonatal resuscitation (NNR) …

A Qualitative Inquiry Of Exercise Preferences Among Hispanic Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Stephanie L Silveira, Robert W Motl, Tania Ontiveros, Victoria Flores

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to identify the components of an ideal exercise training program for Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS), cultural adaptations, and avenues for dissemination of information to this population. Online, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 adults with MS who identified as Hispanic. A deductive content analysis approach was applied for assessing necessary and desired components of an exercise program. Participants articulated preferences for "what," "when," "where," and "who" of exercise programs. All participants expressed an interest in aerobic training (n = 27) and need for resistance (n = 14), flexibility (n = 8), and neuromotor components (n = …

Developing An Online Community Advisory Board (Cab) Of Parents From Social Media To Co-Design An Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Intervention: Participatory Research Study, Regan M. Murray, Shawn C. Chiang, Ann C. Klassen, Jennifer A. Manganello, Amy E. Leader, Wen-Juo Lo, Philip M. Massey

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Social media health interventions have grown significantly in recent years. However, researchers are still developing innovative methods to meaningfully engage online communities to inform research activities. Little has been documented describing this approach of using online community advisory boards (CABs) to co-create health communication interventions on social media.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the formation, engagement, and maintenance of an online CAB focused on co-creating a health education intervention for parents regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The study provides guiding principles for public health researchers implementing such CABs in future digital health interventions.

METHODS: In May 2020, Twitter was …

Using The Healthy Native Youth Implementation Toolbox To Provide Web-Based Adolescent Health Promotion Decision Support To American Indian And Alaska Native Communities: Implementation Study, Amrita Sidhu, Ross Shegog, Stephanie Craig-Rushing, Nicole Trevino, Michelle Singer, Cornelia Jessen, Gwenda Gorman, Sean Simpson, Melissa Peskin, Belinda Hernandez, Christine Markham

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth experience numerous health inequities, including those in sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Implementation of culturally relevant, age-appropriate evidence-based programs may mitigate these inequities. However, numerous barriers limit the adoption and implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programs in AI/AN communities.

Objective: This study examines user reach and engagement from 2022 to 2024 of web-based decision support (the Healthy Native Youth [HNY] website and the embedded HNY Implementation Toolbox), designed to increase the implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programming in AI/AN communities.

Methods: Promotional strategies were designed for optimal geographic reach to …

Nursing Educators’ Perceptions Of Using Virtual Simulated Games In Nursing Education, Ruhee Waheeda Mir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nursing educators of Trinidad and Tobago have limited experience with virtual simulated games (VSGs) as a part of their teaching methodology. This lack of experience was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic as educators had to use virtual approaches in their classrooms and struggled with unfamiliar technologies. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study, guided by the extended technology acceptance model, was to explore the perceptions of Trinidadian and Tobagonian nursing educators regarding the use of a VSG as a teaching tool. The sample consisted of eight nursing educators from an educational institute in Trinidad who met the criteria of being …

Short- And Long-Term Effects Of Early Versus Delayed Treatment With Ocrelizumab On Cerebellar Volume Loss In Patients With Rms And Ppms, Douglas L Arnold, Shannon Kolind, Haz-Edine Assemlal, Amit Bar-Or, Matilde Inglese, Ludwig Kappos, Katrin Parmar, Till Sprenger, Anthony Traboulsee, Irene M Vavasour, Jerry S Wolinsky, Corrado Bernasconi, Ulrike Bonati, Stefano Magon, Björn Tackenberg, Laura Gaetano

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The cerebellum is a functionally and anatomically complex structure, which, in multiple sclerosis (MS), is affected by focal white/gray matter lesions and by secondary neurodegeneration of afferent/efferent connections to the supratentorial brain and the spinal cord.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of ocrelizumab compared with interferon β-1a (IFN β-1a)/placebo on cerebellar volume loss and the effect of switching to ocrelizumab on volume change in the Phase III trials in relapsing MS (RMS, OPERA I/II) and in primary progressive MS (PPMS, ORATORIO).

Methods: Cerebellar volume change was computed using paired Jacobian integration and analyzed using a mixed-effect repeated measurement model. …