Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Impact Of Trauma Informed Care In Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice: A Holistic Approach To Healing, Sharon O. Obide

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This scholarly work seeks to establish the significance of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) practice to improve mental health results. Hence, TIC changes the paradigm from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and recognizes the existence of trauma. This paper discusses how TIC can enhance patient communication, decrease patients’ Retraumatization, and enhance rapport with clinicians, resulting in improved outcomes for patients. The outlined project employs a quasi-experimental design and targets 50 PMHNPs in the University of Maryland Medical Center. The expected outcome involves the reduction of the symptoms of PTSD, enhanced …

Nurses’ Ability To Provide Diabetes Education In A Hospital Setting, Nicole Ancrum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Diabetes is a destructive health problem that affects millions of people throughout the United States. Diabetes rates are drastically increasing, and diabetic adults have a higher risk of excessive hospitalization and readmission. One in every four or five hospitalized adult patients has diabetes. Hospitals nationwide are saddled with the responsibility of assessing the need for and supplying diabetic education. Registered nurses’ perception, awareness, and utilization of diabetes education are essential to patients’ ability and willingness to perform diabetes self-management interventions effectively. Meeting inpatient diabetes educational needs requires persistent, innovative strategies appropriate for available resources and staffing models. Nurses play a …

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-Gpc) Supplementation And Perceived Health Status, Michael Roman Iv

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim of this dissertation is to determine if there is a correlation between A-GPC supplementation and perceived health via a quantitative correlational design. The content of this manuscript demonstrates that A-GPC can increase motivation in human subjects as well as improve mood and reduce subjective feelings of sadness. Moreover, A-GPC presents the ability to influence the primary means of rapid communication throughout the human body via its ability to influence dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission, which play essential roles in the regulation of arousal, reward, pleasure, and motivation. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived health …

Exploring The Barriers Colleges Face Implementing Positive Psychology Interventions To Reduce Depression, Anxiety, Or Stress In College Students, Margaret U. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to understand the barriers that colleges face implementing positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to reduce depression, anxiety, or stress (DAS) in college students. The problem was the lack of utilizing PPIs to reduce DAS in college students, despite increased reports of symptoms among this population. Several research studies have supported the use of PPIs to reduce. DAS in college students. However, no prior research was identified regarding barriers to initiating these interventions. The three research questions that guided this study were fueled by previous empirical studies that revealed three barriers to implementing …

Immuneapp For Hla-I Epitope Prediction And Immunopeptidome Analysis, Haodong Xu, Ruifeng Hu, Xianjun Dong, Lan Kuang, Wenchao Zhang, Chao Tu, Zhihong Li, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Advances in mass spectrometry accelerates the characterization of HLA ligandome, necessitating the development of efficient methods for immunopeptidomics analysis and (neo)antigen prediction. We develop ImmuneApp, an interpretable deep learning framework trained on extensive HLA ligand datasets, which improves the prediction of HLA-I epitopes, prioritizes neoepitopes, and enhances immunopeptidomics deconvolution. ImmuneApp extracts informative embeddings and identifies key residues for pHLA binding. We also present a more accurate model-based deconvolution approach and systematically analyzed 216 multi-allelic immunopeptidomics samples, identifying 835,551 ligands restricted to over 100 HLA-I alleles. Our investigation reveals the effectiveness of the composite model, denoted as ImmuneApp-MA, which integrates mono- …

Exploring The Perceived Effects Of Integrating Unloader Braces And Exercise Therapy Interventions In Orthopedics And Sports Medicine: An Investigation Among Athletes With Knee Osteoarthritis, Lerome D. Pratt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this doctoral applied research project was to examine the perceived effects of integrating unloader braces and exercise therapy interventions within orthopedics and sports medicine, specifically focusing on athletes diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The problem addressed by this study is the limited understanding of how combined treatment modalities can enhance functional abilities, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being in this population. This research was driven by the rationale that existing conventional treatments often provide limited efficacy, necessitating a more comprehensive and personalized approach. The central research question explored how athletes with knee OA perceive the impact of …

Educating Providers On The Utility Of Pharmacogenomic Testing, Angela L. Holloman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pharmacogenomic testing is the use of an individual’s genotype to help determine their response to certain medications metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme family. This information can help to prevent adverse drug effects and guide medication selection and dosing. This testing is becoming more widely utilized and more commonly available. It is now available as a direct-to-consumer test. Many providers lack the necessary education in pharmacogenomics to utilize this technology or discuss it with their patients. Educational interventions for providers are effective at improving provider knowledge and confidence regarding pharmacogenomic testing. This practice project sought to educate providers at a …

Acute On Chronic Rheumatic Valvulitis, Natalie K Craik, Joseph Burns, Nirica Borges, Tam T Doan, Amy E Sanyahumbi, Edward J Hickey, Debra L Kearney, Ryan H Rochat, Eyal Muscal, Thomas Glenn

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

An 11-year-old boy presented in distress with tachypnea, holosystolic murmur, and a gallop. Echocardiography revealed mitral valve thickening and severe regurgitation. He required valve replacement with pathology consistent with acute on chronic valvulitis. This case underscores the importance of considering rheumatic heart disease, despite no preceding suspicious history.

Molecular Mechanisms Of Biofilm Formation In Helicobacter Pylori, Kartika Afrida Fauzia, Wiwin Is Effendi, Ricky Indra Alfaray, Hoda M Malaty, Yoshio Yamaoka, Muhammad Mifthussurur

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation in

METHODS: We conducted a literature review analysis of the published articles on the

RESULTS: The results showed that biofilm formation starts as adhesion and progresses through micro-colonies, maturation, and dispersion in a planktonic form. Moreover, specific genes modulate each phase of biofilm formation. Few studies have shown that mechanisms, such as quorum sensing and diffusible signal factors, enhance coordination among bacteria when switching from biofilm to planktonic states. Different protein expressions were also observed between planktonic and biofilm strains, and the biofilm architecture was supported by exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and outer membrane vesicles.

CONCLUSIONS: This infrastructure …

A Combination Of Four Toxoplasma Gondii Nuclear-Targeted Effectors Protects Against Interferon Gamma-Driven Human Host Cell Death, Brittany Henry, Aubrey J Phillips, L David Sibley, Alex Rosenberg

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In both mice and humans, Type II interferon gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for the regulation of

Characterization Of Non-Standard Viral Genomes During Arenavirus Infections Identifies Prominent S Rna Intergenic Region Deletions, Matthew Hackbart, Carolina B López

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Arenaviruses, a family of negative-sense RNA viruses spread by rodents, are a leading cause of severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Due to a paucity of antivirals and vaccines for arenaviruses, there is a need to identify new mechanisms for interfering with arenavirus replication. In several negative-sense RNA viruses, natural viral interference results from the production of non-standard viral genomes (nsVGs) that activate the innate immune system and/or compete for essential viral products. Although it is well established that arenaviruses produce strong interfering activities, it is unknown if they produce interfering nsVGs. Here, we show that arenaviruses produce deletions within the …

A Global Comparison Of Communication Intervention Strategies For Justice-Involved Youth, Sophia Janeiro Martinez

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Purpose: This paper explores the intricate relationship between communication disorders and delinquent youth behavior. It will explore the detrimental impact of zero-tolerance policies and their contribution to the school-to-prison pipeline. It will introduce issues, such as complex Miranda warning diction, and the benefits of including speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to aid in youth comprehension. Additionally, it will propose the integration of SLPs within the juvenile justice system to assist in communication between justice-involved youth (JIY) and justice professionals during conversations, questioning, and trials or hearings. Furthermore, this paper examines the roles of SLPs within juvenile justice systems abroad, including Canada, …

Art As An Intervention For Healing And Empowerment, Erin Barrus

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Komal Patel, an occupational therapist and artist residing in New Jersey, USA, provided the cover art for the Fall 2024 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Emotions” is a piece made from acrylic on canvas that depicts the emotional complexities the human mind goes through during a person’s experience or stage of life. The inspiration comes from her personal journey of moving to the United States from India and the emotional turbulence, both negative and positive, she experienced. Art has become part of the healing story for herself and others. She shares how incorporating this intervention leads …

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders In Navajo Weavers, Ramona F. Yazzie, Kimberly Masker, Kristin Biggins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Navajo Nation is one of the many reservations that lack access to health care services, leading to increasing chronic health conditions. Navajo rug weaving is a common creative occupation on the reservation. Navajo rug weaving involves multiple steps in creating a beautiful rug. The multiple steps include repetitive gripping, pinching, reaching, pulling, and prolonged sitting. Therefore, weavers are at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), preventing individuals from participating in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists have the skills to provide appropriate education through active listening, visual handouts, and family members. However, occupational therapists must demonstrate and understand cultural sensitivity to …

Social And Environmental Determinants Of Occupation And The Need For An Intersectional Approach To Culturally Meaningful Practice, Diane Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

To provide culturally-centered care to clients and develop interventions that meet the client’s holistic needs, occupational therapists need to consider social and physical environments affecting participation in culturally meaningful occupations. Using a case study, this paper describes the use of the concept of social and environmental determinants of occupation (SEDO) as a necessary strategy to incorporate in clinical practice to determine how SEDO intersect, resulting in occupational justices/injustices that influence access to participation. SEDO are defined as broad (and intersecting) social and environmental factors that increase or limit an individual, community, or population’s ability to participate in culturally meaningful occupations …

Moving Toward Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy For Autistic People: Key Questions And Next Steps, Aaron Dallman, Kathryn Williams, Jacklyn Boheler, Greg Boheler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

With the rise in popularity of neurodiversity-affirming practices in occupational therapy, specifically with the autistic population, there is a need to establish a more robust theoretical underpinning for this work. A neurodiversity framework is different from the prevailing medical model that informs current practice in much of Westernized health care, and interested occupational therapists are now asking questions about how to apply it to their work. Occupational science is well-suited to generate research outside the medical model that can serve as a basic science foundation to inform practice. The purpose of this Opinions in the Profession paper is to suggest …

Teaching Occupational Adaptation Using Constructs Of The Model, Linda R. Struckmeyer, Anna B. Galloway

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Quality, evidence-based health care practice and research is guided by theory; therefore, theory should be one of the first courses in health care professional curriculums. Signature andragogical methods of case-based learning, small and large group discussion, active learning, and self-reflection developed the teaching and learning activities to teach the occupational adaptation (OA) model in this study.

Methods. A mixed-methods design of qualitative open-ended questions and quantitative survey were used to measure student understanding and application of theoretical concepts. The lab assignment integrated andragogical methods, the use of the Relative Mastery Measurement Scale (RMMS) for individual and social adaptation, and …

Mapping The Way Forward: Prioritizing Education For Global Occupational Therapy Practice In Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy - A Delphi Approach, Beth Ann Walker, Jenn Soros, Abbie Alter, Bridget Downs, Courtney Cummings, Ireland G. Greenwell, Kayla Elstien, Kyli Luna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The World Health Organization identifies sexual functions and intimate relationships as a functioning domain in the Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (WHO, 2023). Addressing sexual functions and intimate relationships is a key area of practice for occupational therapists (Walker et al., 2020), and it is important to ensure that occupational therapists are prepared to address this important domain. With the worldwide call to ensure the sexuality and intimacy needs of individuals receiving rehabilitation services are addressed, it is time to establish a new direction for education, practice, and research. This study used a Delphi approach to gather and analyze evidence, …

Incorporating Real-Time Simulated Patient And Instructor Feedback To Enhance Simulation Learning Experience For Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Lauren Woods, Pamela Lewis-Kipkulei, Kuan Xing

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Health care simulation experiences should provide clear feedback that students can understand and incorporate into future practice. Based on the literature, more research is needed regarding how health professional students use various types of feedback to establish rapport with clients, increase critical thinking skills, and work collaboratively. Various types of feedback may be useful in regular simulation-based education, but there is limited research on how students integrate various feedback to enhance skill development. This study aimed to examine how occupational therapy (OT) students incorporate real-time Simulated Patient (SP) feedback, numerical feedback, and instructor-written feedback to enhance their learning from the …

Choosing Wisely® In Academia, Strategies For Clinical And Classroom Curricula, Jennifer Tokash, Glen Gillen, Virginia Koenig

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) into occupational therapy (OT) program curricula is best practice and mandated by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The Choosing Wisely® campaign, founded by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and adopted by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), provides 10 recommendations for evidence-based OT. This project focused on the Choosing Wisely® campaign's incorporation into OT program curricula. A 40-min educational program focusing on the history of Choosing Wisely®, its adoption by the AOTA as a specialty society partner, and strategies to bridge the campaign's evidence-based recommendations from classroom to clinical experience were …

Material Matters: A Comparative Analysis Of Hand Immobilization Orthoses Using 3d-Printed, Thermoplastic, And Fiberglass Cast, Shiori Domenighetti, Rebecca Ozelie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Orthosis fabrication is a widely used technique in occupational therapy, and there is growing evidence supporting the use of 3D printing in the fabrication of cost-effective orthotics. Nevertheless, further research is needed to enable informed decision-making when selecting appropriate orthotic materials.

Method: A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the fabrication processes and final products of thumb immobilization orthosis made with three different materials from the fabricator’s perspective. Factors examined included the required equipment and materials, assessment of time and skills involved in the fabrication process, evaluation of ease of adjustment during fabrication, and objective measurements of …

"I Have A Story To Tell Them": Qualitative Analsysis Of Interviews With Formerly Homeless Adults, Rachel Lee, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Adults experiencing homelessness (AEH) make up an underserved community, especially in receipt of occupational therapy (OT) services. While there is growing knowledge on the occupational needs of this community, little is known of the occupational needs of AEH to successfully sustain housing long-term. The primary objective of this study is to describe the lived experiences of adults who have successfully transitioned to stable housing after a long period of homelessness. The secondary objective is to use findings to identify key areas for OT intervention with adults immediately following homelessness.

Method: The participants included five adults 25 years …

Continuing Professional Development Preferences Of Occupational Therapy Providers In Kenya, Rwanda, And Tanzania, Angela M. Cecil, Godrey S. Kimathy, Margie N. Koech, Epiphanie Murebwayire, Pierre Damien Turikumana

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study was conducted to explore the continuing professional development (CPD) preferences of occupational therapists in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania for identifying and developing CPD opportunities to meet professional licensure requirements that are new to these countries.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study design was conducted using a 28-item electronic survey that targeted occupational therapists in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were studied through content and thematic analysis.

Results: Seventy-eight (78) participants completed the study, and the majority were male (60.5%). Most of the participants were from Tanzania, and most participants …

The Experience Of Burnout Of Rehabilitation Therapists In Long-Term Care Settings: A Qualitative Exploration, Christine Hughes, Lisa Borrero, Laura Santurri, Heidi Ewen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout among health care workers is growing among long-term care staff, with various repercussions. Research about how rehabilitation therapists (occupational, physical, and speech) perceive and experience burnout in such settings is limited. Understanding these experiences with burnout in long-term care is necessary to address burnout. This study investigated rehabilitation therapists' perceptions of and experiences with burnout while working in long-term care.

Method: The researcher used a qualitative interpretive approach to guide audio-recorded and transcribed interviews. The data were analyzed through coding and then themes were developed.

Results: Six themes emerged: causes of stress and burnout, individual …

The Development, Content Validation, And Clinical Utility Of Mealtime Screening For Schools (Mealss), Karen B. Howarth, Julia M. Guzman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study aimed to determine the initial content validity and clinical utility of Mealtime Screening for School (MEALSS), a new screening tool that measures mealtime participation in students with intellectual and developmental disabilities 5 to 10 years of age.

Methods: To determine the content validity of MEALSS, the researchers recruited five participants identified as pediatric occupational therapists and/or feeding experts to review the MEALSS. Item level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale level validity (S-CVI) were calculated, as well as modified kappa indices to reduce the probability of chance agreement. MEALSS was then revised based on feedback from the …

Occupational Therapist-Led Remedial Vision Program After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Pre/Post Pilot Study, Suzanne Briggs, Mitchell Scheiman, Yuki Asakura

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Vision disorders are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can affect occupational performance. The study was designed to support occupational therapy’s role in providing remedial vision rehabilitation (RVR) by demonstrating changes in vision efficiency and patient reports of vision-related occupational performance in adult patients with a mTBI after occupational therapy-led RVR.

Method: In this retrospective study, data was collected pre/post-RVR treatment at an outpatient clinic using a convenience sample of adults 18 years of age and older with vision disorder diagnosis and mTBI diagnosis. Vertical/horizontal saccades, vergence jumps, near-point convergence, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS), and Canadian …

Guidelines For Conducting Survey Research: Part 1 – Development And Recruitment, Diane Powers Dirette, Rob Lyerla

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia In A Scottish Fold Cat: A Case Report, Rattanin Chiewcharnvalijkit, Weerapat Chawanlawuthi, Kittara Chanmongkolpanit, Tanit Kasantikul, Nlin Arya, Sirintra Sirivisoot, Sirima Chatrungruengkul, Duangtip Chatchaisak

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 2-year-old intact female Scottish fold cat was presented to the Prasu-Arthorn Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, for a right nephrectomy because a renal mass was suspected. During the physical examination, the animal had an intra-abdominal mass with abdominal discomfort. No history of vomiting and diarrhea was reported. The blood chemistry and hematology revealed a markedly low albumin/globulin ratio and mild anemia with normal leukogram. The abdominal ultrasonographic examination and CT scan revealed an intestinal mass at the ileocecocolic junction. The mass was surgically excised, and jejuno-colic anastomosis was performed. Grossly, the mass was firm, very well …

2024 October 15 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Neural Correlates Of Socially Rewarding Memories In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Kyle P. Blidy

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Significance. Memory disturbances for emotional content are central to PTSD, yet most research focuses on trauma memories. Recent evidence suggests that enhancing access to positive memories could improve mood, affect regulation, self-esteem, and integration of trauma memories. However, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying positive memory encoding in PTSD are poorly understood. No study has examined memory for positive social items in PTSD, which is important because PTSD entails social withdrawal and reduced accessibility to positive memory. Additionally, positive memories embedded in a social context have enhanced subjective value and strengthening their accessibility may confer greater benefits to wellbeing compared to non-social …