Other Medical Sciences Commons^™

Development Of A Practical Lu-177 Activity Calibration Protocol For Clinical Nuclear Medicine: Dosimetric Impact Analysis And Implementation Tools, Azam Almolaiki

Theses and Dissertations

Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) is widely used in radionuclide therapy, where accurate activity measurement prior to administration is essential for safe and effective treatment delivery. However, variability in dose calibrator response due to measurement conditions and source geometry remains a practical challenge in routine clinical settings. This study presents a practical clinical calibration strategy under real-world constraints for Lu-177 activity measurement using standard nuclear medicine instrumentation. A vial-based approach was implemented using a well-type ionization chamber (Capintec CRC-15R) to evaluate measurement repeatability, temporal stability, and geometry dependence. All measurements were performed under consistent conditions with appropriate decay correction applied using the physical …

Evaluating The Impact Of Telemedicine-Based Medication Education On Glycemic Control In Adult Male Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Megan N. Calter

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Veterans experience disproportionately high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (20.5% vs 11.6% nationally), driven by military-related factors such as PTSD, deployment-related obesity, and service-connected disabilities. At a large urban primary care clinic, 28% (40/141) of veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus had persistently elevated HbA1c levels of ≥8%, indicating a high risk for diabetes-related complications. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the proportion of veterans with HbA1c of ≥8% by implementing tailored telemedicine-based medication education, leveraging underutilized virtual care infrastructure to address access barriers and improve diabetes self-management. Participants received two 30-minute telemedicine medication and disease management education …

Pioglitazone Uncouples Macrophage Inflammatory Signaling From Epithelial Oxidative Stress During Map Infection Mimicking Crohn’S Disease Treatment, Sabera Akter Bushra

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and abnormal immune signaling. CD pathophysiology is increasingly linked to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection, which increases chronic macrophage activation and the production of inflammatory mediators that lead to epithelial damage. Among these mediators, CXCL10, TNF-α, and IL-6 contribute in inflammation, while NOX-1 and SERPINE-1 indicate epithelial oxidative stress and damage. Despite the role of macrophage-epithelial interaction in CD, selective pharmaceutical regulation of this axis remains unclear. Pioglitazone, an FDA-approved PPARγ agonist used for type 2 diabetes, is an appealing repurposing candidate, given …

Dual-Task Interaction Between Vestibular Function And Cognitive Processing Using The P300 Event-Related Potential, Laurel Elise Money-Nolan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Previous research has established links between vestibular function and cognitive processing, aging and cognitive function, and aging and vestibular function. Theories of cognitive resource allocation discuss how cognitive resources, such as attention, are devoted towards and divided between tasks when multitasking. This dual-task study, utilizing a balance task and a listening/cognitive task, across the young- and middle-aged adult age range, aimed to evaluate potential relationships between vestibular function, cognition, and age, and to examine how cognitive resources might be allocated under dual-task conditions.

The dual-task protocol in this study utilized an oddball paradigm with tonal stimuli to measure the P300 …

Development Of A Longitudinal, Small-Group Pocus Curriculum For Internal Medicine Residents, Shah N. Mahmud Do, Ammar W. Bhatti Do, Ariq Rahman Md, Omar Al Qassab Md, Fraser Mackay Md

The Lahey Journal

Development of a Longitudinal, Small-Group POCUS Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Introduction

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is integral for clinicians to enhance their diagnostic and procedural skills. Unlike Emergency Medicine or Anesthesia training programs, Internal Medicine programs often lack a structured and standardized curriculum. We thus developed a longitudinal and multi-pronged POCUS curriculum aimed at building trainee competency when utilizing ultrasound for diagnostic and procedural work-up.

Methods

The curriculum encompasses the following: basics of ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, thoracic ultrasound/Bed Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE), and cardiac ultrasound/Focus-Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE). These modules were integrated into the residents’ clinic blocks. We utilized …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

Risk Factors Of Acute Gastroenteritis And The Implementation Of Community-Based Total Sanitation In Banyuwangi, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Citra Al Karina, Juniastuti Juniastuti, Budi Utomo, I Made Dwi Mertha Adnyana

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: In Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia, diarrhea remains a major health problem, even though the community-based total sanitation (CBTS) program has been implemented for ten years. This household survey study aimed to identify the risk factors of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and to evaluate the implementation of CBTS in Banyuwangi Regency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Banyuwangi Regency. Characteristic data from patients with AGE were collected from the two primary healthcare working areas, followed by collecting data of their family members and CBTS in their houses. Data were obtained through interviews and direct observation. The CBTS evaluation results …

Dosimetric Evaluation Of Clearsight Bolus Versus Superflab Bolus For Vmat Head And Neck Treatment, Courtney M. Williams

Masters Projects

This study compares the dosimetric performance and fit accuracy of ClearSight and Superflab boluses in head and neck (HN) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans, focusing on dose distribution and air gap volumes. A RANDO anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate HN VMAT treatment for oral cavity cancer with positive lymph nodes, prescribed 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Four configurations were tested: ClearSight bolus over a thermoplastic mask (CSO), ClearSight under a mask (CSU), Superflab over a mask (SFO), and Superflab under a mask (SFU). Five computed tomography (CT) scans, one without bolus and four with bolus, were performed …

A Retrospective Data Analysis Of Factors Contributing To Surgical Patients Not Achieving Normothermia, Joseph P. O'Rourke Jr, Megan Casselberry

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Postoperative hypothermia, defined as a core temperature below 36°C, is a prevalent and underrecognized complication in surgical settings, contributing to increased patient morbidity, prolonged recovery, and higher healthcare costs. This program evaluation project aimed to identify and address factors contributing to intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia by retrospectively analyzing patient records from a local hospital’s EPIC electronic health record system. Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Program Evaluation Model, the project systematically reviewed perioperative temperature management protocols and warming interventions across diverse surgical specialties. Data extraction and analysis focused on patient demographics, procedural variables, …

Dosimetric Comparisons For Determining Optimal Arc Geometry In Multi Target Thoracic Vmat Sbrt Treatment Plans For Patients With Locally Advanced Inoperable Nsclc, Alexandrea M. Reeves

Masters Projects

Non-coplanar beam arrangements have been used for many years in radiation treatment planning. Their use has been known to show an increase in target conformity and gradient index. However, by using non-coplanar beam arrangements, the treatment planning time as well as the treatment delivery time can increase. Despite the increase in treatment planning and delivery complexity and time, previous studies have shown a decrease in OAR doses resulting in a desire to use non-coplanar beams. Previous studies have looked at various body sites and target locations, though no research has been found specifically studying non-coplanar beam arrangement in multi-target treatment …

Transforming Primary Care: Innovative Post Graduate Pa Training For Real-World Solutions, Kenneth Botelho, James Ali

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The ongoing crisis in primary care demands innovative and scalable strategies to prepare and retain advanced practice providers. This article introduces the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) Program, a conceptual postgraduate training model designed for certified physician associates/assistants (PAs) who aim to serve in underserved and rural communities. The program integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, telehealth competencies, VR-enhanced simulation, and evidence-based strategies to promote provider resilience. Rooted in systems-based thinking and real-world applicability, the PCP Program culminates in capstone projects that encourage innovation in care delivery and population health.

Aligned with national frameworks such as the HRSA Primary Care Training …

Obesity And Its Effect On Work Performance, Erin Lajoie

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This research aims to examine how obesity affects work productivity and performance and how companies can support their employees diagnosed with obesity. Obesity is a growing global health concern that has significant implications for decreased workplace productivity and performance. Obesity is considered a chronic complex disease often associated with hypertension (HTN), type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and heart disease that can lead to overall increases in healthcare costs for employers through increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased efficiency. A systemic literature search was completed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identifying multiple journal articles about obesity and productivity in the workplace …

Adults' Intention To Take An Arthritis Prescription Drug Based On Drug Advertisements, Amanda Radola

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Advertising (DTCPA) has rapidly expanded, particularly via social media, but research on its influence on individual decisions regarding prescribed medications remains limited. This gap is notable among chronic disease patients, such as those with arthritis, which affected over 58.5 million U.S. adults as of 2015 and is projected to rise to 78.4 million by 2040 (Barbour et al., 2017; Hootman et al., 2016). Social media discussions show significant activity following television ads for arthritis drugs (Curtis et al., 2017). However, few studies explore how DTCPA impacts patient intentions to take advertised arthritis medications. This study employed a novel …

Division Iii Soccer Athlete Ankle Stability In An Ankle Brace Compared To Ankle Tape During Functional Testing, Caitlin M. Craig

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Objective/ Context: A common injury to athletes and non-athletes is a lateral ankle sprain. There is a higher incidence of a lateral ankle sprain occurring during sports participation. Additionally, soccer athletes are at an increased risk for lateral ankle injuries due to the high impact of cutting and turning, which can lead to the mechanism of injury. As a means of injury prevention and ankle stability, ankle taping and ankle bracing provide athletes with similar support. There is an ongoing debate on whether one method is better at providing stability to at-risk populations; however, the answer is still being determined. …

Editorial–Special Issue On Application Of Cold Atmospheric Plasma In Human And Veterinary Disease, Katharina Stapelmann, Eloisa Sardella, Vandana Miller

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Plasma medicine is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field that combines plasma science and engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This special issue focuses on various ways to apply cold atmospheric pressure plasma in translating plasma technology into clinical applications. Ongoing research on the redox-based mechanism of plasma action, the concept of 'plasma dose' and device control is critical for advancing plasma medicine. As these applications move toward the clinic, ensuring the reproducibility and quality control of plasma sources is essential. The articles in this issue present examples of both direct and indirect plasma applications, with indirect treatments describing cell exposure to …

Influence Of Hearing Loss On Self-Reported Hearing Ability And Listening Fatigue In Persons With Aphasia, Ashlyn Kilgore

Poster Presentations

Aphasia is an acquired disorder, often caused by stroke, that results in language deficits. It can greatly impact a person's ability to communicate with others. Cognitive deficits may accompany aphasia. Additionally, hearing loss is a disability likely to co-occur with aphasia, as they both most commonly impact the same age group. When a person has hearing loss, the quality of the auditory signal is degraded when it reaches the brain. The poor signal quality, compounded with linguistic and possible cognitive deficits that are associated with aphasia, makes it more difficult for persons with aphasia (PWA) to comprehend speech.

For all …

Healthcare Utilization Patterns, Associated Factors, And Readmission Rates Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease., Daniya Mohammed Sabrah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is common in Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence rate of 2.3%. It is an expensive disease to manage due to the extensive utilization of healthcare resources, including hospital readmissions, extended hospital stays, and frequent emergency department visits, which cost approximately $395 million annually in U.S. dollars. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of healthcare utilization and cost of patients with SCD, following the PICO framework and PRISMA guidelines. The second aim utilized count models, including the negative binomial and Poisson, to identify factors associated with emergency, inpatient, and outpatient …

Influence Of Hearing Loss On Self-Reported Hearing Ability And Listening Fatigue In Persons With Aphasia, Ashlyn Kilgore

Honors Theses

Aphasia is an acquired disorder, often caused by stroke, that results in language deficits. It can greatly impact a person's ability to communicate with others. Cognitive deficits may accompany aphasia. Additionally, hearing loss is a disability likely to co-occur with aphasia, as they both most commonly impact the same age group. When a person has hearing loss, the quality of the auditory signal is degraded when it reaches the brain. The poor signal quality, compounded with linguistic and possible cognitive deficits that are associated with aphasia, makes it more difficult for persons with aphasia (PWA) to comprehend speech.

For all …

Role Of Evolutionarily Conserved G4 Structures In Enhancer-Promotor Interactions, Shahem Alqudah

Honors Theses

Gene regulation is governed by complex networks of interactions between enhancers and promoters, regions of the genome that are typically distant from one another yet functionally linked through chromatin looping. Recent research has revealed the significant role of Gquadruplexes (G4s) in facilitating these interactions. This thesis explores the role of long Gquadruplex regions (LG4s) in enhancer–promoter communication, proposing that these regions mediate physical interactions between enhancers and their target promoters through direct G4:G4 interactions. Using a chromatin conformation capture (EQuIP-seq), electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and luciferase reporter assays, the study demonstrates that LG4s may drive gene expression by promoting …

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …