Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Survey-Based Quantitative Analysis Of Stress Factors And Their Impacts Among Cybersecurity Professionals, Sunil Arora, John D. Hastings

Research & Publications

This study investigates the prevalence and underlying causes of work-related stress and burnout among cybersecurity professionals using a quantitative survey approach guided by the Job Demands-Resources model. Analysis of responses from 50 cybersecurity practitioners reveals an alarming reality: 44% report experiencing severe work-related stress and burnout, while an additional 28% are uncertain about their condition. The demanding nature of cybersecurity roles, unrealistic expectations, and unsupportive organizational cultures emerge as primary factors fueling this crisis. Notably, 66% of respondents perceive cybersecurity jobs as more stressful than other IT positions, with 84% facing additional challenges due to the pandemic and recent high-profile …

School Personnel Perceptions Of School-Based Mental Health Prevention And Interventions, Kelsey Lytle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite millions of children across the United States experiencing at least one mental health disorder about half do not receive any sort of treatment or counseling. Within schools, many children receive formal intervention services once they are identified. However, there are many other children who would benefit greatly from learning social emotional skills who have not been identified. Prevention could be a great resource to prevent children from falling through the cracks. The purpose of this study was to assess personnel perceptions on the school’s role in student mental health, mental health interventions and prevention, evidence-based practices, and barrier to …

Diastolic Dysfunction With Vascular Deficits In Hiv-1-Infected Female Humanized Mice Treated With Antiretroviral Drugs, Fadhel A. Alomar, Prasanta K. Dash, Mahendran Ramasamy, Zachary L. Venn, Sean R. Bidasee, Chen Zhang, Bryan T. Hackfort, Santhi Gorantla, Keshore R. Bidasee

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Early-onset heart failure is a major treat to healthy aging individuals with HIV-1 infection. Women with HIV-1 infection (WLWH) are especially vulnerable and develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), of which left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, vascular deficits, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis are major components. HIV-infected rodent models that exhibit these pathophysiological features remain under-reported, and this has left a void in our understanding of their molecular causes and therapeutic strategies to blunt its development. Here, we show that female NOD.Cg-Prkdc^scidIl2rgt^m1Wjl/SzJ humanized mice (Hu-mice) infected with HIV-1_ADA and treated for 13 weeks with dolutegravir …

Help-Seeking For Problematic Alcohol Use: Stigma, Shame, & Guilt, Olivia G. Chapell

2025 Honors Symposium

Stigmatization is a prevalent barrier to help-seeking behaviors in problematic alcohol users, especially among college-aged students. By using a cross-sectional electronic survey method, the relationship between personal or immediate family experience with substance-related treatment and perceptions of stigmatization was assessed.

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

2025 Honors Symposium

This study examined whether postpartum anxiety affects breastfeeding exclusivity and duration among mothers in Northwest Arkansas. While maternal anxiety was not a significant predictor, child age and infant birth order were associated with breastfeeding outcomes.

“Promoting Safe Firearm Storage Through Media-Based Interventions”, Abigali Bordelon

2025 Honors Symposium

Although often underrepresented in public discussions of gun violence in the United States, unintentional pediatric shootings contributed to the ongoing gun violence endemic. These shootings routinely share characteristics which make them an ideal target for public health and injury prevention efforts. As individual's often learn about unintentional pediatric shootings and form opinions based on media reports of these incidents, it is crucial that we explore how the mainstream media is framing these events and what must be changed in order to better support prevention efforts. This project examines safe firearm storage patterns and attitudes within the U.S. and mainstream media …

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …

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

2025 Honors Symposium

Background/Introduction: 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. Purpose: 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.

Understanding The Impact Of Language Barriers And Visit Duration On Caregiver Satisfaction In Pediatric Primary Care, Gavin Miller, Liz Vazquez, Joyce Ho, Emma Maynor, Emily L. Allen, Marley F. Fradley, Julian Ruiz, Ana J. Bridges

2025 Honors Symposium

Abstract:

Problem. Children from households that speak languages other than English (LOE) face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and inadequate medical care (Flores et al., 2005). Language barriers contribute to these disparities, often resulting in diminished communication between healthcare providers and families (Ramirez et al., 2023). In pediatric primary care, visit duration—defined as the amount of time between when a patient is checked into and out of the clinic—may play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication and improving patient satisfaction (Tsiga et al., 2013). Physicians experience significant time pressure and productivity expectations, …

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

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: 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 …

The Games Kids Play: Determining Concussion Risk Of Playground Sports A Review Of Neiss Data (2013-2022), Brynlee Morgan

2025 Honors Symposium

This study aims to identify which playground games or recreational sports pose the highest risk for injury, specifically concussions, and highlights the importance of concussion prevention training for all school personnel to minimize potential health risks for children.

The Impact Of Moral Injury On Veterans' Occupations, Sydney Santora

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Occupational therapy has been working with veterans since its origin. Once labeled as shell shock, occupational therapists addressed and continue to address veteran’s mental health, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While PTSD still affects veterans, there is another emerging phenomenon that is affecting veterans called moral injury. Moral injury (MI) is a condition resulting from “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations” (Litz et al., 2009, p. 697). There is currently limited literature regarding occupational therapy’s treatment of moral injury. This study aimed to fill the gaps …

The Phenomenon Of Sports As An Occupation, Christopher G. Cercone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The “Phenomenon of Sports as an Occupation” is a mixed-methods, survey and interview-based research study that examines the impact of sports participation on occupational performance, identity, and routines. Findings highlight the value of recognizing sports in occupational therapy and may guide future practice and professional development. The study involved three groups of participants, including college athletes, occupational therapy practitioners, and adults involved in sports activities. Each group completed different surveys based on what sports mean to them and how sports have influenced their lives. Occupational therapy practitioners were asked about their feelings regarding increased involvement in sports rehabilitation. An interview …

Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement: Social Emotional Wellness Through Yoga, Gianna R. Delfino

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

This doctoral capstone program, Social-Emotional Wellness Through Yoga: Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement, aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a family-centered occupational therapy (OT) program designed to enhance emotional connection, co-regulation, and wellness in caregiver-child dyads at a pediatric outpatient clinic. This project was guided by a systematic review of literature on the effects of yoga on the mental health of children 3-10 years old, which suggests that yoga has positive outcomes on the mental health and wellbeing of children (Khunti et al., 2022). Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care, the 10-week group was designed for children ages 3–11 and their …

Open Doors Rehab: Student-Led Courtesy Occupation-Focused Stroke Rehabilitation Clinic, Caitlin Scully

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Experiencing a stroke is a life altering event. Effects range from minimal to severe, but nonetheless survivors are put in a position where they need to understand their health and how to move forward (Wolf et. al., 2009). Nagaraja et. al. (2022) draws attention to the issue that survivors who are not eligible for inpatient services are often discharged home with a home exercise program and no clinical or therapy follow- up. This creates a gap in the stroke recovery continuum of care, putting survivors at even more risk for additional health risks and complications. The need for stroke rehabilitative …

“Primum Non Nocere”, The Role Of Research In Meeting This Primary Objective In Neurosurgical Praxis., José Antonio Soriano Sánchez, Fiacro Jiménez Ponce, José Alberto Israel Romero Rangel

Archives of Neurosurgery

The present editorial object is to make us aware of the role that scientific production has in patient safety. Our goal shall be to provide the best neurosurgical praxis parameters supported by the best scientific evidence, developed in strict alignment to current research and publishing ethics, to warrant patient safety in every process of neurosurgical care. Once this has been said, be the worldwide neurosurgical scientific community welcome to publish in Archives of Neurosurgery, a new journal that will make publishing possible for every neurosurgeon around the world, to become the scientific home of Neurosurgery.

The Sellar Barrier’S: An Important New Concept In Pituitary Surgery., Juan F. Villalonga, Alvaro Campero

Archives of Neurosurgery

The sellar barrier's concept was created by our team in Tucumán in 2019. There are currently 3 well-defined subtypes: strong, weak and mixed. Published case series studies indicate that there is a strong correlation between radiological, intraoperative findings and risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Patients with weak sellar barrier have more risk of intraoperative CSF leak. The strong sellar barrier is a protective factor for intraoperative CSF leak. The sellar barrier's concept is useful for clinical-surgical practice and for the physician-patient relationship.

Graduate Students In Medical School: Navigating Their Roles As Students And Parents, Laura Rafaj

Dissertations of Practice

This narrative inquiry examines the stories of medical students with children and how they manage and balance the demands of their roles as students and parents. Participant stories were used to illustrate the daily lives of medical student parents, highlighting some of the challenges and choices student parents face. Major themes that emerged relating to the needs of medical student parents include: the tools they use to balance their roles, how family status influences their academic and professional choices, how the structure of medical education impacts their experiences, and stigmas they face as a parenting and/or non-traditional student. This study …

Exploring Microrna Pathways And Metformin's Anti-Inflammatory Potential In Osteoarthritis, Quang D La, Benjamin Tangkamolsuk, David F Lo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

No abstract provided.

Understanding Injury Risk In Female College Dancers: The Interplay Of Mobility And Strength, Audrey Clark

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

INTRODUCTION: Female college dancers present a unique set of demands that contribute to a risk of injury different from other sports. Two of the primary physical demands of dance, mobility and strength, are also known risk factors for non contact injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility, strength, and non contact injuries in female college dancers and add to the current gap in literature. METHODS: Participants (n=10) completed an injury history, hand-grip assessment, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and monthly follow up injury surveys during the duration of the study. Means, standard deviations, correlations, and …

Biocultural Mobility: The Impact Of Osteoarthritis On Rural Kentuckians, Alexandria Anderson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease that results in joint pain and loss of joint function, and it is rising in prevalence alongside an aging population. OA has a complex etiology, with various biological, mechanical, and sociocultural factors affecting its acquisition and progression. Like most diseases, OA has a differential prevalence among populations; it is disproportionally more common in underserved communities, including rural areas. This thesis presents (1) a study comparing selected OA treatment type and patient travel time, (2) a study comparing OA comorbidity amount and rurality, and (3) a discussion of exploratory interdisciplinary methods in …

States Of Consciousness Are Central To A Transpersonal Critique Of Contemporary Psychology (Editor's Introduction), Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

The framework used by contemporary science is infused with the particularly Western philosophy out of which it emerged. These implicit assumptions in turn shape the lens through which psychological phenomena are studied, with the result that experiences and human capabilities not favored by Western societies are marginalized by its psychology. Efforts to constructively critique these limitations as unscientific bias are regularly rebuffed as challenges to science itself, complicating efforts at correcting this limitation. Early work by Charles Tart articulated the process by which such a paradigm, once established, becomes immune to further questioning.

Untreated Hyperthyroidism And A Mediastinal Mass: To Remove Or Not To Remove?, Jennifer M. Alvis, Olga Suarez-Winowiski, Faizaan Khan

Anesthesiology Publications

CASE PRESENTATION: J.W. was seen by the PACE (Preoperative Assessment, Communication and Education) Center prior to a mediastinal mass resection. Medical history includes well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety and a recent diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Labs were significant for TSH DISCUSSION: Untreated GD is rarely correlated with thymic hyperplasia; however the pathogenesis is not well understood. Regardless of the association, contextualization of this patient's history and lab values prompted the provider to seek specialized management. This finding was then communicated with the surgical team, who often rely on PACE providers to screen patients with the ultimate goal of risk reduction and optimization …

Using A Transitional Care Management Screening Tool On Medicare Adult Patients With Chronic Conditions: Quality Improvement Project, Lizete D. Rosa

DNP Projects

Background

Within the United States, adult patients over the age of 65 are averaging give emergency room visits per year with potential admission. Patient hospital readmissions occur when a patient is discharged from the hospital and is readmitted within 30 days. This can occur due to medication noncompliance, premature discharge, or the most common reason, lack of adequate provide follow-up as an outpatient.

Project Goals

1. Implement a transitional care management screening tool within the primary care practice with Medicare adult patients with chronic conditions to improve post hospitalization follow up appointments with PCP.

2. Designate a medical assistant to …

Regulation Of Human Il-9 Production By Lipid Metabolism, Swetha Peesari

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

T lymphocytes contribute to host defense and inflammation producing cytokines in response to antigenic stimuli. CD4 T cell activation induces dramatic changes to cellular metabolism for supporting their growth and differentiation into effector subsets. Distinct subsets have been named Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, Tfh and Treg based on their characteristic effector cytokines and transcription factors expressed. Th9 cells are one of the most recent subsets identified. While the cytokines IL-4, TGF-β and IL-21 promote differentiation into Th9 cells, metabolic factors regulating this process remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that lipid metabolism could regulate Th9 cell differentiation which may have …

Príomhthorthaí Ó Thionscadal Suirbhé Scoileanna Na Heorpa 2024 Maidir Le Halcól Agus Drugaí Eile (Espad)., Espad Group

Reports

Déantar achoimre san fhoilseachán seo ar na príomhthorthaí ón 8ú babhta de Thionscadal Suirbhé Scoileanna na hEorpa maidir le hAlcól agus Drugaí Eile (ESPAD), a rinneadh i measc 113 882 scoláire idir 15 agus 16 bliana d’aois, ar fud 37 tír Eorpacha in 2024. Is léiriú é an t-eagrán seo ar 30 bliain d’fhaireachán a dhéanamh ar iompraíochtaí rioscúla na nógánach ar fud na hEorpa agus tugtar isteach leis béim nua ar fholláine mheabhrach agus ar ghníomhaíochtaí coisctheacha, agus aitheantas á thabhairt do thábhacht mhéadaitheach na dtosca sin maidir le torthaí sláinte na n-ógánach a mhúnlú. Tá an tuarascáil seo …

Beyond The Screen: Assessing The Impact Of Hospitalist Reliance On Electronic Medical Records In Patient-Centered Care, Brian H. Cox

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The integration of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems has transformed healthcare delivery, offering enhanced data accessibility, improved communication, and operational efficiency. However, concerns persist regarding the potential erosion of patient-centered care due to EMR overutilization. This study investigated how hospitalists’ use of EMR systems correlates with patient satisfaction, focusing on the dynamics of physician communication, hospital length of stay, and regional characteristics. Using a comprehensive framework combining Resource Dependency Theory and Donabedian’s Structure-Process-Outcome model, the research examines the influence of demographic, technological, and structural factors on healthcare outcomes.

The analysis, based on patient survey data from a large integrated delivery …

Case Report Of Neurosyphilis, Caroline Finnerty, Elizabeth Diaz, Teena Mathew

North Texas Research Forum 2025

This is the case of a 29 year old female who initially presented with generalized joint aches noted to have neurosyphilis. Because of her delayed treatment, this case presents interesting findings that we classically no longer see in syphilis cases due to early detection and treatment. The case looks at the early symptoms as well as late symptoms if syphilis is left untreated. The patient was ultimately treated with IV penicillin with improvement of her symptoms.

Shortness Of Breath In A 39 Year Old: A Rare Case Of Heart Failure, Mohammed Rashik, Olufunmilola Adeleye, Jason Thompson, Tasaduq Mir

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Currently, 2.6% of Americans suffer from heart failure. Common causes include coronary artery disease, chronic hypertension, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction, often managed in clinical and hospital settings. A rare cause, however, is infiltrative cardiomyopathy, affecting just 0.04% of the U.S. population. This condition, often caused by amyloid buildup or sarcoidosis, is challenging to diagnose and typically requires a heart transplant due to its rapid progression. Thorough investigations into heart failure causes are crucial to identify this rare condition. A 39-year-old male with no significant medical history presented to the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) Family Medicine clinic …

The Birth Experience During The First Wave Of Covid-19 Lockdown In New York Hospitals: A Qualitative Study, Emily Morse Small M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

In 2020, alongside the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, 209,338 births occurred in New York State (Osterman et al., 2022). While much of the public adjusted to working or learning in a virtual world, many hospitals in New York remained open to treat those in need of care. Women nearing the end of their pregnancy, many of whom felt that they had no other choice, found themselves headed to the hospital—to the labor and delivery unit. Many studies completed outside of the United States on the birth experience during the pandemic found an increase in the likelihood of negative …