Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Preventing Chemical And Biological Attacks: Enhanced Threats Requiring Enhanced Solutions, Alex Elliot Ottoni-Belval

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Chemical weapons (CW) and biological weapons (BW) are becoming more dangerous for experts to employ and more accessible to amateurs. Despite CW and BW attacks throughout history that killed and maimed millions of people, the international community has failed to establish meaningful consequences to prevent them. Agreements such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention vow to eliminate and reduce the effects of CWs and BWs but lack respected response precedents and capabilities. The limited and inconsistent enforcement has inadvertently allowed CWs and BWs to become plausible weapons, especially to gain asymmetric advantages, while modern developments exasperate …

Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin, Tony Matundura Nyabayo

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its …

An Investigation Of The Physiological And Behavioral Correlates Of Mental Imagery, Matthew Daniel Carroll

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Many conventional theories hold mental imagery to be fundamental to self-regulation. Recently, a current of research into mental imagery has developed, with the terms anaurelia and aphantasia being coined for the inability to experience, respectively, auditory and visual thought content, yet little is known about the impact that such individual differences have on persons’ lives. The present experiment was performed in order to test the hypotheses that self-regulation and mental imagery positively correlate and that mental imagery mediates the correlation of resting heart-rate variability and self-regulation. Self-regulation was measured via a self-report questionnaire (the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire), as was mental …

Characterizing A Rad23 Dependent Ultraviolet Radiation Resistance In Tetrahymena Thermophila, Emma June Liimatta

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

In 2020, 10 million deaths were attributed to cancer, with multidrug resistance being responsible for over 90% of deaths in cancer patients receiving treatment. This study utilized the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila to study how cells become resistant to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) radiation, a process similar to multidrug resistance, specifically focusing on the nucleotide excision repair and ubiquitin shuttle protein Rad23. The National Cancer Institute documented 30-60% of cancers tested had a mutation in RAD23. Knockdown of RAD23 in Tetrahymena thermophila demonstrated a UV resistance phenotype with decreased nucleotide excision repair and differential expression of proteins active within caspase-independent …

A Retrieval Augmented Approach To Improving Accuracy Of Biomedical Term Normalization By Large Language Models, Thanh Son Do

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Ontology normalization is crucial in biomedical text processing, as it enables the mapping of medical expressions to standardized ontology terms and their corresponding identifiers. This thesis explores the feasibility of using large language models (LLMs) for ontology normalization, with a specific focus on the Human Phenotype Ontology and Gene Ontology. Prior research studies indicated that LLMs employing zero-shot learning tend to exhibit low accuracy and are prone to frequent hallucinations. We propose a retrieval augmented generation (RAG) approach to address these limitations and enhance normalization accuracy. We generated synthetic test sets of ontology-derived synonyms to evaluate normalization performance and developed …

Effects Of Active Learning In An Undergraduate Physiology Class Using Hands-On And Simulation Labs, Ainsley C. Frayer

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Increasing student engagement has shown positive effects on students and can be achieved by incorporating active learning strategies in the lab. Currently, the undergraduate human physiology lab at Missouri State University utilizes simulations to practice physiological concepts. The proposed project aims to evaluate if incorporating hands-on labs would improve student learning and/or their engagement. The hypothesis is engagement will be increased in hands-on labs, but grades will not differ significantly, based on previous literature. Three simulations were replaced with hands-on lab software to evaluate engagement and learning. Student engagement was assessed using a voluntary, anonymous survey. Exam average scores were …

The Role Of Host Factor Sptbn1 In Hiv-1 Capsid Uncoating In Human Microglial Cells, Callie Marie Fry

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and currently, there is no cure once an individual is infected. The development of new drugs targeting HIV-1 replication steps is essential for keeping viral loads low or undetectable to prevent further transmission. An attractive replication step for new drug targets is viral capsid uncoating, where the virus loses the protein structure encapsulating the genome. The exact mechanism of capsid uncoating is unknown; however, several host-factors may be involved including protein SPTBN1. Recent studies have shown a significant decrease in viral infectivity when SPTBN1 is knocked down, yet its role …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Nsu Health Professions Division 2024-2025 Course Catalog, Nova Southeastern University

HPD Course Catalogs

• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
• College of Optometry
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
• College of Dental Medicine
• Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

Comparing Approaches To Estimating Person Parameters For The Mupp Model, David M. Lahuis, Caitlin E. Blackmore, Gage M. Ammons

Psychology Faculty Publications

This study compared maximum a posteriori (MAP), expected a posteriori (EAP), and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approaches to computing person scores from the Multi-Unidimensional Pairwise Preference Model. The MCMC approach used the No-U-Turn sampling (NUTS). Results suggested the EAP with fully crossed quadrature and the NUTS outperformed the others when there were fewer dimensions. In addition, the NUTS produced the most accurate estimates in larger dimension conditions. The number of items per dimension had the largest effect on person parameter recovery.

Understanding The Impact Of The Care Connect Washington Program, Hannah Cohen-Cline, Dan Fish, Taylor Doren, Abby Bush

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

At The Crossroads: Initial Findings And Lessons Learned From A Medicaid Housing Benefit Pilot, Cat Livingston, Megan Holtorf, Benjamin Gronowski, Alyssa Cragie

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Human Serum Albumin Interaction With Organochlorine Pesticides, D. S. Sanford, R. Yadav, A. Mishra

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant blood plasma protein and plays a crucial role in drug transport and physiological homeostasis. HSA has a highly flexible structure consisting of three domains, each with multiple binding sites lined with hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues. The structural properties of HSA make it a robust reservoir and receptor for various endogenous and exogenous compounds, including therapeutic drugs. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a subclass of pesticides characterized by their chlorine content. Once widely used, these compounds remain persistent in the environment and biological systems despite regulatory restrictions in many developed countries. The strong ligand-binding …

Comparison Of Machine Learning Models For Colon Cancer Survival: Predictive Modeling Approach, Reuben Adatorwovor, Motolani E. Ogunsanya, Bin Huang, Richard Charnigo, Olufunmilola Abraham

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with survival influenced by risk factors, treatment type, and patient characteristics. Traditional statistical models, such as Kaplan-Meier curves, have been widely used to estimate survival probabilities. However, these models often have difficulty handling complex interactions, covariates, and nonlinear relationships between risk factors. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as promising tools for improving survival prediction by handling large covariates and capturing complex patterns.

Objective: This study compares several ML models to accurately estimate colon cancer survival by leveraging data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. By identifying key risk …

Athletic Training Students' Use Of Health Information Technology Professional Behaviors During Clinical Experiences: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Julie M. Cavallario, Stacy E. Walker, R. Curtis Bay, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context:

As an essential core competency for high-quality healthcare, health information technology (HIT) leverages the use of technology, such as electronic record systems, to collect and use patient care information to make informed clinical decisions. There is a dearth of information regarding professional athletic training students' (ATSs') use of HIT professional behaviors during clinical experiences.

Objective:

To assess HIT professional behaviors ATSs engage with during clinical experience patient encounters (PEs). DESIGN: Multisite panel design.

Setting:

12 professional athletic training programs.

Participants:

363 ATSs enrolled across the participating professional athletic training programs entered patient encounter information within E*Value during their scheduled …

The Impact Of Social Participation Through Adaptive Sports On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Mikayla Martin, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project researched and explored how socialization through adaptive sports in this case impacts the perception of quality of life among individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury.

Reply [To Burnout Reflections: Musings On Bianchi And Schonfeld’S Five Focal Areas], Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld

Publications and Research

Contrary to what one might assume, the burnout construct did not emerge from systematic research. The definition of burnout was formulated in the 1970s based on prenotions and anecdotal evidence. No sound empirical studies, no in-depth theoretical reflections, not even a review of the stress literature underpinned the introduction of the construct. It is thus unsurprising that some observers regard the edifice of burnout research with scepticism. The pioneers of burnout research neglected basic scientific standards and, by overlooking the abundant work of contemporary stress researchers, deprived themselves of important safeguards against illusions of novelty making big claims based on …

Additional Evidence From A Case Report Supports A Novel Hypothesis On The Association Between Complex Regional Pain Syndrome And Lymphedema, M Mark Melin, John C Rasmussen, Melissa B Aldrich, Ron J Karni, Caroline E Fife, Kristen A Eckert

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

A previous report of 4 heterogeneous cases demonstrated that automated manual lymphatic drainage therapy (AMLDT), administered by a novel, pneumatic mat of 16 pressurized air channels that inflate and deflate sequentially to mimic the stretch and release action of manual lymphatic drainage therapy (MLD), altered lymphatic contractility and relieved pain. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF-LI) was used 1 h before AMLDT, during 1 h of AMDLT, and 30-60 min after treatment to obtain images that could be used to determine lymphatic contractility, as measured by pulsing frequency over a given timeframe. Herein, a case of type 2 complex regional pain syndrome …

Editorial: Advances In Pharmacotherapy For Alcohol Use Disorder: From Mechanisms To Clinical Interventions, Regina A Mangieri, Sunil Sirohi, Ezequiel Marron Fernandez De Velasco, Seungwoo Kang

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

No abstract provided.

Microglial Trem2 Promotes Phagocytic Clearance Of Damaged Neurons After Status Epilepticus, Dale B Bosco, Vaclav Kremen, Koichiro Haruwaka, Shunyi Zhao, Lingxiao Wang, Blake A Ebner, Jiaying Zheng, Manling Xie, Aastha Dheer, Jadyn F Perry, Abhijeet Barath, Aivi T Nguyen, Gregory A Worrell, Long-Jun Wu

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

In the central nervous system, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is exclusively expressed by microglia and is critical for microglial proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis. Microglial TREM2 plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, little is known about how TREM2 affects microglial function within epileptogenesis. To investigate this, we utilized male TREM2 knockout (KO) mice within the intra-amygdala kainic acid seizure model. Electroencephalographic analysis, immunocytochemistry, and RNA sequencing revealed that TREM2 deficiency significantly promoted seizure-induced pathology. We found that TREM2 KO increased both the severity of acute status epilepticus …

Menstrual Cycle Phase Effects On Exercise Thermoregulation And Performance In The Heat, Kailei J. Eustis

All Master's Theses

Hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle (MC) may influence physiological responses. This study examined whether thermoregulatory measures differ across MC phases, and if these changes impact running performance in the heat. Ten eumenorrheic adults completed two treadmill runs in simulated conditions (wet bulb globe temperature 31.7 ± 1.4°C) during early follicular (EF) and midluteal (ML) phases. First 45min was a constant self-selected light pace followed by a 15min performance test for distance. Core temperature (Tc), mean skin temperature (Ts), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal perception (THERM), and comfort perception (COMF) were assessed every 5min. Sweat perception (SP), sweat …

Is Pathogen Molecular Testing Reshaping Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing?, Barbara D. Alexander, William D. Irish, Adriana E. Rosato, Barry I. Eisenstein, Maren S. Fragala, Steven E. Goldberg, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Trauma-Informed Care In Higher Education, Lauren Mochnal

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Trauma is prevalent among students in higher education, with 66% to 85% of university students having experienced a traumatic event (Wells et al., 2021). Additionally, college students in the United States currently report greater psychological distress and mental health challenges than in the past (Ray et al., 2024). Traumatic experiences can lead to challenges in emotional regulation, delayed brain development, and increased risk of adverse health outcomes and academic failure (Gao et al., 2023). However, use of a trauma-informed care approach to higher education at both a departmental and classroom level can minimize barriers and improve occupational engagement in education, …

The Association Between Insomnia & Porn Addiction, Sheriyah Hicks

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This study inquired about the potential association between insomnia and porn addiction across various sexual gender identities in Rhode Island Young Adults. Using data from the 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey, 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 who live in Rhode Island—for at least a part of the year, were successfully recruited. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between insomnia and porn addiction. An interaction term between sex/gender identity (cisgender heterosexual males; cisgender heterosexual females; sexual and gender minorities) and insomnia was added to the model to assess potential moderation.

Results from the study show that young …

Mindfulness Strategies For Older Adults, Jennifer Macnie

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This literature review aimed to identify the current research related to mindfulness in addressing mental health concerns. Anxiety and depression are extremely prevalent amongst older adults living in Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) (Morgan et al, 2016; Wallis et al., 2018). Currently, anxiety and depression are mainly treated by pharmaceutical treatments and cognitive behavioral therapy, however an increase of non-pharmaceutical treatment methods are needed (Wallis et al., 2018). The development and evaluation of occupation-based mindfulness programs in ALF will help to identify best practices for addressing mental health concerns in this setting.

Mindfulness Interventions For Pediatric Cancer, Dara Studnitzer, Tori Sandull, Bella Fazio

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Research on mindfulness-based interventions is limited but necessary to determine the potential impacts on quality of life among children diagnosed with cancer. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in improving quality of life outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the systematic review. Studies from 2014 to 2024 that focused on interventions such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga for children ages 6-12 with a cancer diagnosis were reviewed, and outcomes that include quality of life, life satisfaction, well-being, and happiness were analyzed. Six studies met …

Igd And Nmpdu: Associations By Student Status, Steve Jacob

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

The popularity of video games and prescription drug misuse throughout college campuses may promote co-occurring behavior. This cross-sectional study examined the association between internet gaming disorder (IGD), non-medical prescription drug use (NMPDU), and student status among young adults in Rhode Island. Data from N=1,022 Rhode Island young adults aged 18 to 25 (124 lifetime prescription drug misusers) was included in this study. Logistic regression models showed that with each additional unit in the gaming addiction scale (GAS), odds of NMPDU increased by 6% (OR[95%CI]=1.06 [1.02,1.10]), controlling for age, sexual and/or gender identity, race/ethnicity, and social status. The interaction between student …

Social Media And Depression In College Students, Jadyn Torres, Lilly Oliveira

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

While studies suggest social media use may increase the risk of poor mental health, few studies have examined how the ways in which college students use social media may play a role in this risk. A prospective cohort study (N=586) of college students who own iPhones at a higher education institution in the northeast US was conducted with five follow-up visits in October 2021 through March 2022. Social media uses were assessed using the Social Networking Sites Usage & Needs Scale, measuring five different domains: diversion, cognitive, affective, personal integration, and social integration. Time lagged, generalized estimating equations (GEE) models …

Ot For Acquired Physical Disabilities, Olivia Rousseau, Stephanie Tudela, Jacqueline Needle, Joanne Barnhart, Thuy Do

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Sexuality is often overlooked in the rehabilitation process for adults with newly acquired physical disabilities, and adequate resources are not provided to clients experiencing difficulty with sexual function. This review explored research on the impacts of Occupation-Based Interventions (OBI) on the ability of adults with acquired physical disabilities to engage in sexual activities. Articles were assessed using PRISMA guidelines to review data quality, validity, and risk of bias. Six peer-reviewed articles were examined regarding occupation-based approaches in sexual rehabilitation for adults with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, and strokes. Data was analyzed to identify recurring themes and intervention outcomes. …

Medical Providers' Understanding Of The Role Of Ot, Zachery Edwards

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

The purpose of this scoping review was to gather information on medical providers’ current understanding of occupational therapy’s (OT) scope of practice and how their understanding impacts OT referrals. The question that guided this review was: does an increase of education on occupational therapies (OT) scope of practice for medical providers increase their understanding of OTs role? Current research highlights an inaccurate understanding of OT’s role by medical providers, which leads to decreased referrals. Further research is needed to determine medical providers’ motivation to receive education on OT’s scope of practice, what education methods are most beneficial, and if that …