Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of A 6-Month Dual-Task, Power-Based Exercise Program On Cognitive Function, Neurological And Inflammatory Markers In Older Adults: Secondary Analysis Of A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Jamie L. Tait, Rachel L. A. Duckham, Timo Rantalainen, Catherine M. Milte, Luana C. Main, Caryl A. Nowson, Kerrie M. Sanders, Dennis R. Taaffe, Keith D. Hill, Gavin Abbott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Functional power-based exercise training can improve physical performance in older adults and cognitive training can improve measures of cognition, but their combined effects on cognition and related risk factors (neurological and inflammatory markers) remains uncertain. This 6-month cluster randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of dual-task functional power training (DT-FPT) on cognition and circulating neurological and inflammatory markers in older adults at increased falls risk, and whether intervention responses varied by apolipoprotein-E (ApoE) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms. Three hundred residents aged ≥ 65 years at increased falls risk residing in 22 independent-living retirement communities, were randomised by …

The Development Of A Family-Led Novel Intervention For Delirium Prevention And Management In The Adult Intensive Care Unit: A Co-Design Qualitative Study, Gideon U. Johnson, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Christopher Mclean, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of this study was to codesign a Family Members’ Voice Reorientation Intervention (FAMVR) for delirium prevention and management in critically ill adult patients through collaborative process with previous patients, families, and clinical staff. Background: Delirium is a common consequence of intensive care admission, and there is limited evidence to support family-led interventions to prevent or minimise delirium in intensive care. People with lived experience of intensive care are seldom involved in codesigning delirium prevention and management interventions despite the identified benefits of their involvement in delirium care. Design: Codesign qualitative study. Methods: The process of co-designing was …

Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Eccentric, Concentric And Isometric Contractions Of The Knee Extensors, Cassio V. Ruas, Janet L. Taylor, Christopher Latella, G. Gregory Haff, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: We compared voluntary drive and corticospinal responses during eccentric (ECC), isometric (ISOM) and concentric (CON) muscle contractions to shed light on neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the lower voluntary drive in a greater force production in ECC than other contractions.

Methods: Sixteen participants (20–33 years) performed ISOM and isokinetic (30°/s) CON and ECC knee extensor contractions (110°–40° knee flexion) in which electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis. Voluntary activation (VA) was measured during ISOM, CON and ECC maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation elicited motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and corticospinal silent periods (CSP) during MVCs and submaximal (30%) contractions, …

People With Hip Osteoarthritis Have Reduced Quadriceps Voluntary Activation And Altered Motor Cortex Function, Myles C. Murphy, Molly Coventry, Janet L. Taylor, Ebonie K. Rio, Andrea B. Mosler, Jackie L. Whittaker, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: Compare quadriceps voluntary activation, corticospinal and intracortical excitability between people with and without hip osteoarthritis (OA). Exploratory objectives include quantifying the association of corticospinal/intracortical excitability with voluntary activation, corticospinal/intracortical excitability with hip related pain, and motor threshold with motor cortex inhibition and facilitation. Methods: Case-control study including participants with clinically and radiologically confirmed hip OA and non-OA controls. Quadriceps voluntary activation was assessed using twitch interpolation via femoral nerve stimulation. Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation over the motor cortex assessed resting motor threshold (RMT), active motor threshold (AMT), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and silent period. …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Nurses' And Junior Doctors' Workloads, Gemma Doleman, Annemarie De Leo, Dianne Bloxsome

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' and junior doctors' workload, changes to direct care and the impact of workload on resource allocation. Design: Mixed-method design was used. Methods: Data were collected from direct observation, hospital administrative database and a survey. Nurses and junior doctors were observed on two COVID-19 wards and one non-COVID-19 ward using a semi-structured observation schedule. Survey data were collected from nurses and junior doctors that had worked on the COVID-19 ward during the pandemic. Patient data were collected from Web Patient Administration System during the period of March–August 2021 and compared …

Proximity To Cancer Rehabilitation And Exercise Oncology By Geography, Race, And Socioeconomic Status, Kathryn H. Schmitz, Kathryn Demanelis, Mary E. Crisafio, Mary A. Kennedy, Anna L. Schwartz, Anna Campbell, Jessica Gorzelitz, Kelley C. Wood, Christopher M. Wilson, Raymond L. Scalise, Alex Vincent

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology (CR/EO) have documented benefits for people living with and beyond cancer. The authors examined proximity to CR/EO programs across the United States with respect to population density, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022–2023. Online searches were initiated to identify CR/EO programs. Geocoding was used to obtain latitudinal and longitudinal geospatial coordinates. Demographic data were abstracted from the 2020 5-year American Community Survey. Cancer incidence and mortality data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum …

Limiting H1n1 Replication Via The Dsrnai Pathway Using Sequence-Specific Ldsrna, Shawn Marie Sharon Carr, Stephanie Dewitte-Orr

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The seasonal influenza virus causes a common respiratory illness that can be life threatening to the immunocompromised, the very young, and the elderly. The current strategies for avoiding a serious influenza virus infection are good hygiene practices and the annual influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, last year’s influenza virus vaccine effectiveness ranged between 32-60% for children and adolescents and 46-54% for adults. These low efficacy rates are due to the vaccine often targeting hemagglutinin, a highly variable surface protein. This thesis seeks to create a prophylactic treatment via the RNA interference (RNAi) response that targets the virus’s conserved genes that are integral …

Immune Pathway Modulation In Melanoma Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Dsrna Delivery, Bethel C. Iwuji

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, which typically results in the formation of tumours. Even with advances in treatments, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer which is highly malignant, develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, melanocytes, and in the late stages of the disease poses a significant challenge for therapeutic intervention due to its multidrug resistance. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and can recognize and destroy …

The Usual Suspects: A Review Of Common Dysbiosis Of The Human Mouth, And The Associated Microbial Species, Sophie Katherine Shields

Honors Theses and Capstones

The mouth, often referred to as the oral cavity in scientific literature, is described as the second most diversely populated microbiome in the human body, only after the gut. The cavity’s temperature, abundant water, high nutrient levels, and diversity of sites are all critical factors that make the oral cavity a space booming with life. The mouth harbors over 700 species of bacteria, in addition to numerous fungi, viruses, and protozoa species. Together, when working in harmony, these species provide critical supports to the functions of the human body. When dysbiosis occurs, however, the overgrowth of a single species may …

The Work Of Midwives: The Socio-Institutional Theory Of The Meaning Of Midwives’ Work-Life Balance, Kate Buchanan, Kate Dawson, Jacqueline Taylor, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Globally, midwifery is facing a potential workforce crisis. A significant number of midwives intending to leave the profession often cite burnout as contributing to this decision. While it has been reported that work-life balance is a key element in deciding to stay in midwifery, little is known about what constitutes work-life balance and the barriers to achieving this. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what work-life balance means to Australian midwives, and to determine its crucial features. Methods: Qualitative Description methodology was used for this study. Data were collected from 31 midwives in Australia working in …

Physiological Plateaus During Normal Labor And Birth: A Novel Definition, Marina Weckend, Kylie Mccullough, Christine Duffield, Sara Bayes, Clare Davison

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Diagnoses of labor dystocia, and subsequent labor augmentation, make one of the biggest contributions to childbirth medicalization, which remains a key challenge in contemporary maternity care. However, labor dystocia is poorly defined, and the antithetical concept of physiological plateaus remains insufficiently explored. Aim: To generate a definition of physiological plateaus as a basis for further research. Methods: This qualitative study applied grounded theory methods and comprised interviews with 20 midwives across Australia, conducted between September 2020 and February 2022. Data were coded in a three-phase approach, starting with inductive line-by-line coding, which generated themes and subthemes, and finally, through …

A Turning Point In Cardiac Remodelling In Obesity: Obesity, Mariella R. Huaman, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cardiac remodelling in obesity has received growing attention in the past two decades, particularly as the prevalence of obesity continues to rise globally. In 2013, Aurigemma and colleagues published a seminal study that provided crucial insights into the structural changes in the heart associated with obesity. This study summarized advances in understanding how the disproportionate growth of adipose tissue affects cardiac function, and challenged and reshaped previously established paradigms. Before the publication of this report, the standard paradigm held that obesity-induced haemodynamic stress primarily drove eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy. However, this study instead demonstrated that in individuals with obesity, concentric …

The Use Of K-Means Clustering For The Organisation Of Training Groups In Australian Football, Christopher Wing, Nicolas H. Hart, Shih Ching Fu, Kazunori Nosaka, Fadi Ma’Ayah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the potential use of k-means clustering for organising training groups in Australian Football (AF) based upon match performance data. Global positioning system (e.g., distance per minute) and technical action (e.g., kicks) data were collected on 38 AF players from 22 matches during the 2021 season. Each player was assigned their season average for all metrics, as well as their primary playing position (the position they occupied the most during the season). Following the application of the elbow method, the data was grouped into four clusters; cluster one could be defined as the low technical action players, cluster …

When Nurses Worry: A Concept Analysis Of Intuition In Clinical Deterioration, Amy Louise Byrne, Deb Massey, Tracy Flenady, Justine Connor, Wei Ling Chua, Danielle Le Lagadec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nurse worry is a criterion often included in early warning systems tools and used to escalate care when other clinical markers do not indicate deterioration. What it means to worry, however, is not always clear. Aims: To generate a concept analysis of nurse worry in relation to clinical deterioration. Design: Rodgers's evolutionary method was used. Method: A review was first conducted in April 2024, searching the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Pubmed, EmCare, and Embase databases. A total of 22 articles were subjected to analysis of the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of nurse worry in the …

Can Quantitative Sensory Testing Predict Treatment Outcomes In Hip And Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Individual Participant Data, Myles C. Murphy, Andrea Mosler, Ebonie K. Rio, Molly Coventry, Isaac Selva Raj, Paola T. Chivers, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Fabio Marcon Alfieri, Martin F. Bjurström, Dennis Boye Larsen, Wei Ju Chang, Anne Estrup Olesen, Emma Hertel, Paetur Mikal Holm, Thomas Graven-Nielsen, Cid André Fidelis De Paula Gomes, Marius Henriksen, N. Jennifer Klinedinst, Jerin Mathew, Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Guilherme S. Nunes, Helen O'Leary, Håvard Østerås, Ozgul Ozturk, Miklos Pozsgai, Érika Patrcia Rampazo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis can assess the predictive value of data on outcomes at the individual level, offering a potential tool for developing personalized pain management. Pretreatment quantitative sensory testing (QST) may stratify patient groups, which are then linked to treatment outcomes. Our objective was to determine if measures of QST at baseline are related to treatment outcomes (at any time point) for pain and disability in lower-limb osteoarthritis. We performed a systematic review with an IPD meta-analysis. Searches were conducted in 9 databases until May 5, 2023 for intervention studies that measured baseline QST and longitudinal measures …

Advancing Person-Centred Care Through Palliative Care Wa’S Acp Workshops: The Longer-Term Impact, Gertrude G. Phiri, Emma Gunner, Philip Bafile, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Planning for end-of-life and associated decision-making is one of global significance as it impacts the quality of care in palliative care settings, including ensuring that personal preferences are honoured. It is a priority for the Australian health system to use Advance Care Planning (ACP) as it is an effective tool for individuals and their families to make their personal preferences known and implemented. The aim of this project was to evaluate the longer-term impact of the Palliative Care Western Australia (PCWA) ACP workshops. Semi-structured, open-ended questions were used to collect data from 21 participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to …

Applying Hybrid Coding And Reflexivity In Qualitative Content Analysis: An Exemplar, Kunwar Kaur, Ma’En Zaid Abu-Qamar, Amineh Rashidi, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) is a widely used method in nursing research for analysing textual data. Numerous authors have provided comprehensive explanations of this approach, including step-by-step guidelines. The coding methods employed in QCA are typically categorised as deductive, inductive, or a combination of both, often referred to as the abductive or hybrid technique. However, the hybrid coding technique remains under-utilised within nursing research. Further, trustworthiness, a cornerstone of qualitative research, has been extensively discussed in the literature, with reflexivity identified as a key component of ensuring rigor and credibility. This paper presents an example from nursing research where a …

“It Is Tiny And It Is Everything”: Exploring The Effects Of Arts-Integrated Gardening On Experiences Of Ecological Grief Through Autoethnographic Research, Christina Kingsbury

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study explores how arts-integrated gardening affects experiences of ecological grief through autoethnography and draws on my personal experiences as a survivor of environmentally linked cancer and artist working with gardens through social practice. My research builds on two areas of emergent scholarship—investigations of ecological grief and gardens as sites for social work practice—to explore how social work may address ecological grief through arts-integrated gardening. I use a quilting autoethnography as a method of inquiry to foreground my subjective knowledge and analyze it through intersectional feminist, disability and decolonizing theories. By incorporating narrative analysis and arts-based inquiry—writing in place, poetic …

Evaluation Of The Dnazyme Gr5 For The Determination Of Lead Speciation In Natural Waters, Gaganprit Gill

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis explores the development and application of a DNAzyme-based biosensor designed to detect labile metal species in environmental samples. Real time and on-site monitoring of labile metal fractions would make a valuable contribution to environmental management, as these fractions are the most bioavailable and pose significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. Conventional methods for detecting labile metals, while effective, are often burdened by high costs, complexity, and lengthy processing times, making them less ideal for rapid and widespread environmental assessments.

The first manuscript of this thesis (chapter 2) establishes the fundamental capabilities of the Pb²⁺-specific DNAzyme GR5 …

Neighbourhood Resilience Planning With Renters In Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Anna Do

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This sequential mixed-methods study demonstrates the co-production of knowledge between academic researchers and local communities. Guided by the resilience planning framework, the study engaged 48 renters from the Beasley neighbourhood of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in identifying stressful and supportive locations using a participatory mapping tool called the “Place Report.” A total of 74 Place Reports were submitted, with most reporting supportive places in or near Beasley. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching domains, and 13 themes related to the use and function of these locations. Places pertaining to food, housing, and physical activity emerged as the most frequently discussed topics. The …

Exchanging Kindness: Boosting Nurse Wellbeing, Nurse Satisfaction And Team Connection, Debbie Nuttall Bsn, Rn, Terri Ferrizzi Bsn, Rn, Ashley Daubert Bsn. Rn, Marie Shanahan

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Formation, Operation, And Maintenance Of A Community Advisory Board For Research With Lgbtq+ Parents, Aubrey Jones, Olivia S. Yinger, Rachel H. Farr, Keisa Fallin-Bennett, Sabrina Beiring, Cassi Crouse, Carolyn Greenstrom

Transforming Communities

Community-engaged research is becoming increasingly popular to promote health equity. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the formation, operation, and maintenance of a community advisory board (CAB) of LGBTQ+ parents and healthcare providers who work with LGBTQ+ parents. Method: Using Newman and colleagues outline, we describe the formation, operation, and maintenance phases of our CAB process. Inclusion criteria for CAB members is as follows, CAB members must be 18 years of age or older, live in the U.S., and (a) self-identify as LGBTQ+ and have had a child in the NICU more than five years prior to …

A More Sustainable Future For Dentistry, Jillian Bulter

Virginia Dental Journal

Jillian Bulter, a biomedical engineering major, became involved in a research project at VCU focused on developing biodegradable plastics to replace single-use plastics in dental clinics. Collaborating with Dr. Eser Tüfekçi and Dr. Todd Kitten, the team tested the effectiveness of these novel plastics in preventing bacterial contamination. Although initial results indicated the need for further development, the project represents a significant step towards more sustainable dental practices.

Vcu Enhances Cultural Competency And Provides Better Care For Patients, Giovanni Flores

Virginia Dental Journal

The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is working to improve healthcare for Hispanic communities by addressing language barriers and promoting cultural competency. With Hispanics making up 19.1% of the U.S. population but only a small percentage of the dental workforce, VCU's HSDA provides Spanish dental terminology booklets and hosts Spanish workshops for students, faculty, and staff. These efforts aim to enhance communication with Spanish-speaking patients and improve their overall healthcare experience.

Your Vda Membership Could Easily Be Paying For Itself, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) membership offers significant savings through various endorsed vendors. Members can save on malpractice and group health insurance with RK Tongue, reduce credit card processing fees with BestCard, and get discounts on website design with Prosites. Additional savings are available on encrypted file transfers with iCore Exchange and dental supplies through Torch Dental. These benefits can easily cover the cost of annual dues, making the membership a valuable investment. For personalized assistance, members can contact Karen Wood, Director of Operations.

Sustainable Dentistry: A Two-Fold Strategy To Recession-Proofing Your Dental Practice, Ashli Klingaman

Virginia Dental Journal

The document outlines strategies for recession-proofing a dental practice by focusing on both internal and external tools. Internally, it emphasizes the importance of using a robust practice management system (PMS) with automation features to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effective supply chain management to mitigate financial risks. Externally, it highlights the benefits of digital marketing, telehealth services, and community partnerships to attract and retain patients. By adopting these strategies, dental practices can ensure growth and stability even during economic downturns.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes March 8, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry meeting on March 8, 2024, covered various topics, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and a report from DHP Director Arne W. Owens on legislative activities and staffing changes. Dr. Bryant shared insights from recent dental conferences, while Yetty Shobo, Ph.D., presented workforce data showing trends in the demographics, income, and debt of dentists and dental hygienists. The report highlighted an increase in younger dentists and a decline in dental hygienists since 2022. Regulatory updates and disciplinary actions were also discussed, with 135 new cases received and 154 cases closed, including 11 with violations.

Six Strong Cybersecurity Actions To Protect Your Dental Practice, Robert Mcdermott

Virginia Dental Journal

The document emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity for dental practices, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect patient data and ensure business continuity. Key actions include using cloud services for IT management and automated backups, conducting HIPAA security risk assessments, implementing encrypted HIPAA-compliant email, and adopting cloud ePrescribing. These steps help safeguard against cyber threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain the integrity of sensitive information. The document also promotes iCoreConnect's comprehensive security solutions for dental practices.

Dentistry’S Best Advocate—You, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

The document discusses strategies to address the shortage of dental hygienists in Virginia by promoting dentistry as a career. It suggests partnering with educational institutions, hosting career fairs, empowering staff to mentor, leveraging social media, and using patient interactions to inform about dental careers. It highlights the importance of community involvement and provides resources like the G3 tuition assistance program for aspiring dental professionals. The document also outlines various dental career roles, including dental assistants, hygienists, office managers, and administrators.

Vda Member Perks Endorses Threadfellows To Enhance Brands, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

VDA Member Perks endorses Threadfellows, offering member dentists a 10% discount on branded gear with free logo setup, decoration, and shipping. Threadfellows provides high-quality apparel and items from brands like Patagonia, Nike, and The North Face, helping dental practices enhance their brand. The ordering process is simple, and more information can be found on their website or by contacting Karen Wood.