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Effect of Asynchronous Virtual Interviews on Ethnic Minority Matriculation into a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
No full textPurpose/Methods: This study examines the impact of the use of asynchronous virtual interviews (AVIs) in the admissions process of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This research aims to examine racial and ethnic subgroup differences in AVI scores, evaluate the influence of AVIs on applicant scores in the admissions process, and assess the AVI inter-rater reliability among faculty evaluators using data from the 2019-2022 admissions cycles.
Results: Significant differences were found in AVI scores among racial and ethnic groups, with Black applicants scoring highest and Asian applicants scoring lowest. Additionally, inclusion of AVIs had a significant impact on pre-interview and final applicant scores. Black applicants were the only group that saw an increase in overall score with inclusion of AVIs. Inter-rater reliability among faculty evaluators was poor, highlighting the need for further exploration of the process used by evaluators when grading AVIs. The study underscores the potential of AVIs to enhance diversity by providing underrepresented minorities with an opportunity to showcase additional skills and emphasizes the importance of addressing reliability issues to ensure fair evaluation of all applicants
A Low Dose of Electro-Psychedelic Treatment Increases Neuronal Dendritic Arborization and Filopodic Spine Density
No full textNeuropsychiatric disorders remain a formidable challenge to the global healthcare system, necessitating innovative treatments to address their complex pathophysiology. Alternative therapeutic approaches, including electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) and psychedelics, have gained attention for their capacity to relieve a broad range of symptoms. ECT is a long-standing effective therapy for patients, especially treatment-resistant ones. Psychedelics, like psilocybin, can induce profound and sustained therapeutic effects. The limited understanding of their mechanisms of action, compounded by the negative stigma surrounding ECT and psilocybin, prevents them from being used as adjunct agents. ECT and psilocybin promote synaptic plasticity and modulate neural remodeling, yet their comparative impact on spine morphology remains largely unexplored. Interactions between microglia and neurons protect against excessive stimulation and promote therapeutic spine pruning, enhancing plasticity. Activation of microglia has been implicated in the symptomology and treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders, providing a potential clue to understanding the synergistic mechanisms between ECT and psychedelics. The study investigates the differential impact of varying doses of ECT and psilocybin on spine morphology to address their therapeutic potential. Results 35mA of ECS causes an elongation of microglia branches with large end feet, and psilocybin causes an increase in total spine density, specifically filopodia. The co-treatment of ECS and psilocybin shows augmented filopodic spine density in neurons and an increase in endfeet volume. Our findings contribute to the growing body of literature on ECT and psilocybin as potential adjunctive therapies, paving the way for future clinical trials and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions
Improving Patients’ Readiness for Discharge: The Development of An Occupation-Based Group Therapy Protocol in Inpatient Rehabilitation
No full textThe literature showed a lack of studies involving occupation-based group therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, with notable barriers including lack of time, space, and equipment. The barriers lead occupational therapists (OT) to pursue an impairment-based approach, steering away from occupation-based approaches, which is what makes up the core of OT. Current literature is also limited to patients\u27 perceptions of discharge readiness, with most research primarily concentrated on clinicians\u27 perspectives. This 14-week capstone experience will include developing an occupation-based group therapy protocol for inpatient rehabilitation that will be implemented at Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Through conducting occupation-based group therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation setting for six weeks, surveys were provided to evaluate the program and to view patient\u27s perceptions of readiness for discharge. The culminating experience provided Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital with additional resources for their OT department to conduct occupation-based group therapy. Patients\u27 perceptions of readiness for discharge were evaluated through pre- and post-group surveys to view whether participating in occupation-based groups impacted readiness for discharge in conjunction with their inpatient rehabilitation stay
Effect of Slot Dimensions on Aligner Retention
No full textIntroduction: Orthodontic brackets with rectangular arch wire slots have been historically used for fixed orthodontic treatment and remain as the industry standard. In light of the biomechanical disadvantages of rectangular slot design and the tremendous market demand for clear aligner therapy, a novel orthodontic device system was designed and evaluated. Clear aligner therapy (CAT) as a solo system has another host of compromises and disadvantages which include lesser treatment outcomes and lack of tooth movement accuracy. A novel 3D printed orthodontic trapezoidal slot twin bracket was fabricated to be used as a fixed appliance, as a clear aligner system, and/or a combination of both. Research on this alternative slot form was conducted on aligner retention utilizing varying slot dimensions with the base of slot ranging from 0.014” to 0.018” and top of slot ranging from 0.040” to 0.060”. A 2mm retention attachment and no attachment model were used as an industry comparison/control. Methods: The trapezoidal slot twin bracket (UL5) was fabricated in composite/ceramic hybrid via 3D printed technology. The brackets were bonded to a 3D printed model and scanned using a Trios 3 intraoral scanner. The STL file was then 3D printed using Sprintray 3D printing technology. A vacuum-form using Zendura Flex aligner material was fabricated on the model using a Ministar S pressure forming machine. The aligner was trimmed equal-gingival. A custom uniaxial tensile testing machine was used to measure the force required to remove the aligner from the testing model. Results: The data collected was compared to each top of slot dimension (0.040”, 0.050”, 0.060”), each base of slot dimension (0.014” or 0.018”), no attachment, and 2mm retention attachment. Two-tailed T-tests showed clinical significance among all categories tested. An ANOVA was conducted to confirm clinical significance among the different slot configurations. Conclusion: From the data collected, researchers were able to select a slot dimension of choice for further testing of the system
Linking Scholarly Learning Activities and Professional Identity in OTD Students
No full textProfessional identity formation is a critical aspect of education, training, and becoming an occupational therapist in Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs. This capstone study explores the potential influences of learning activities related to research and scholarly writing professional identity development amongst OTD students using a cross-sectional descriptive design. This research study involved 32 OTD students across six cohorts participating in focus groups from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC). Through convenience sampling and latent content analysis managed with ATLAS.ti, the study identified categories underpinned by the Kawa Model to describe the dynamic interplay between learning activities and shaping identity. Three main categories emerged: (1) empowerment and challenge in the academic environment, focusing on overcoming and growth; (2) bridging theory and practice through curriculum, highlighting the influences of the learning environment; and (3) the odyssey of becoming: an embodied OT identity and scholarly professional, which attempts to trace the formation of identity of a scholarly professional from the focus group data. The study findings suggest that scholarly activities and engagements are crucial in fostering professional identity and evidence-informed practices. These insights underscore the significant role of OTD learning activities that support the growth of competent, reflective, and evidence-based practitioners
Standard and Non-Standard Log-Linear Models For 2 × 2 Contingency Tables
No full textLog-linear models can be used to model the joint relationship of two or more categorical variables in a multiway contingency table. In a log-linear model, the logarithm of the expected joint counts (or the logarithm of the joint probabilities) in a contingency table can be written as a linear model.
Most log-linear models used in practice are standard. Standard log-linear models include the traditional parameter terms we see in ANOVA models: an overall effect, main effects, and various kinds of interaction terms.
Standard log-linear models are divided into hierarchical and non-hierarchical. Hierarchical models satisfy the hierarchy principle: if a higher-order term is included in the log-linear model, then so are all the lower-order terms.
Most of the standard log-linear models used in practice are hierarchical models. Nonhierarchical standard models appear rarely in the literature because they are difficult to interpret.
In this thesis, we examine standard and non-standard log-linear models for 2 × 2 contingency tables. To show their application, we use a thromboembolism data set that first appeared in Vessey and Doll (1968) and was later analyzed by Worcester (1971) using a multiplicative model, which can be equivalently written as a non-standard log-linear model.
Although the above data were collected in a one-to-two matching design, Worcester (1971) analyzed them using multinomial sampling where only the total was fixed.
In this thesis, however, we also examine a product multinomial sampling design for these data, which is a more correct probability model for a matched design.
We use the free statistical software R to estimate the above log-linear models. We compare the estimated log-linear models using the Pearson chi-square test, the G-square test, and the AIC, and we discuss the results
Laramide Shortening in the Clark Mountain Thrust Complex: Reinterpretation of the Timing of the Winters Pass Thrust, Mojave Desert, SE California
No full textThe transition to flat slab subduction, around ~90-80 Ma during the Laramide orogeny, marks a pivotal shift in the style of deformation for the North American Cordillera. Late Cretaceous deformation associated with the change in subduction angle is observed throughout the Mojave, paradoxically manifesting as extensional strain deforming the thickened crust formed during the Sevier orogeny. The Winters Pass thrust, located in the Mesquite Mountains of southeastern California, has long been regarded to be the southern continuation of the Wheeler Pass thrust of the NW Spring Mountains, 50 km to the north, and the northern continuation of the Pachalka thrust, 20 km to the south in the Clark Mountains. This study uses 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on synkinematic muscovite to provide direct geochronologic constraints on mylonitic deformation for the Winters Pass, Powerline Road and Pachalka thrusts. Structural data paired with kinematic and microstructural data from petrographic and SEM observations, and data collected with electron backscatter diffraction on recrystallized quartz allows for temperatures of deformation, the geometry of the thrust complex and transport direction of the upper-plate(s) to be determined. This study provides deformation timing constraints of ~73 Ma for the Winters Pass thrust, ~81 Ma for the Powerline Road thrust, and looser constraints on the Pachalka thrust of ~70-85 Ma. Structural data shows an overall NE-E direction of transport for the upper plate. These data suggest that these faults record a Laramide thrust complex with a backwards-breaking thrust sequence and are not correlative to any thrusts of the southern Sevier fold-thrust-belt in the Spring Mountains. We discuss possible drivers of contractional strain in the Mojave during this time and suggest that subduction of the conjugate Shatsky Rise paired with the proximity of the paleo rift-margin played a critical role in the unique style and age of deformation that is reported herein for this portion of the eastern Mojave Desert
Interdisciplinary Education on Using the Combilizer For Grooming Tasks in the Intensive Care Unit
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a teaching and learning program to the interdisciplinary team on how to use the Sara Combilizer with critically ill patients to increase efficacy for early progressive mobility (EPM) by facilitating grooming tasks. Methods: A teaching and learning program on using the Sara Combilizer to facilitate grooming tasks was provided to the acute care therapy team at a hospital. The program included an evidence-based lecture, a practice case study, and a digital instructional manual. The program was evaluated through a pre- and post-survey, and a quality improvement survey. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the results of the surveys. Results: A total of 31 care team members participated in the program. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall score by 25%. Each category score also had a statistically significant increase, which included the knowledge score by 27%, understanding score by 22%, and confidence score by 26%. Conclusion: In this capstone project, the acute care therapy team at the hospital learned about how to use the Combilizer to increase efficacy for EPM by facilitating grooming tasks. The program included education on the uses and benefits of the device, provided an instructional manual, and helped increase safety awareness on mobilizing patients. Overall, the participants of the program reported an increase in knowledge, understanding, and confidence in using the device with critically ill patients
Compliance and Efficacy of Orthodontic Medicaid in Southern Nevada: A Retrospective Study
No full textObjective: The study’s main objective is to evaluate efficacy and compliance in Medicaid orthodontic patients compared to private insurance and cash (self-pay) patients in Southern Nevada. In addition, the paper will study the trends in approval selection such gender, age, race/ethnicity, and case type. This information will be used to discuss the barriers that Medicaid patients face and offer solutions for the issues found in the orthodontic Medicaid system.
Introduction: Medicaid coverage was brought forward by the Federal Social Security Act in July of 1965. Since then, there have been many discussions on how orthodontic treatment should be covered under the Medicaid umbrella. With the states having the ability to determine allocation of resources, reimbursement, and qualifications, there tends to be great confusion around the system from state to state. Medicaid patients and providers also face many other barriers to treatment, including the preconceived notions of treatment inefficiency and lack of patient compliance. There have been studies done in states such as North Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, and Texas to analyze the state orthodontic Medicaid, but no similar studies have been conducted in Nevada. With 938,519 Medicaid enrollees in Nevada, or 1 in 4 people, it is important to understand this population to help educate both providers and patients in order to better the system as a whole.
Methods: A retrospective study was completed by analyzing data from the electronic health record (EHR) system [axiUm] from UNLV School of Dental Medicine over a 3-year period from 3/1/2016-3/1/2019. The information collected was used to compare efficacy and compliance of orthodontic Medicaid vs orthodontic non-Medicaid patients based on grading criteria of treatment time, broken appointments, emergency appointments, and compliance.
Results: Overall, there were 342 patients in the study consisting of 122 Medicaid and 220 non- Medicaid patients. Medicaid patients averaged longer treatment time, 31.5 months vs 28.5 months, and more appointments, 27.4 vs 24.2. However, this was expected as it was found that the Medicaid approval process leads to more complex cases as a group. In terms of grading criteria, there was no statistical significance found to make definite conclusions in any of the four criteria of compliance and efficacy. Medicaid patients finished over treatment time more often, 53% vs 46%, and had a higher percentage of recurrent compliance notes, 53% to 46%, than non- Medicaid patients. Inversely, Medicaid patients had a smaller percentage of patients with a “high risk” broken appointment rate, 27% vs 35%, and a smaller percentage of patients that had more than 1 emergency appointment, 30% vs 36%, than the non-Medicaid group.
Discussion and Conclusions: The study did not find any statistically significant evidence to say that Medicaid patients differ from non-Medicaid patients in compliance or efficacy in Southern Nevada. The Medicaid patient faces great barriers in the access to orthodontic care, but many preconceptions of the patient are misguided. The onus of the extremely low utilization rate falls on the system, and there is still great importance in the effort to help serve this large and growing population more effectively
Voices From the Field: Black Women Who Have Successfully Transcended the Leadership Pipeline into Superintendency
No full textBlack women have a distinct journey within the realm of education, one that can only be fully comprehended and articulated by Black women themselves. However, even with their insights, not all readers will grasp the intense scrutiny Black women face when they strive for leadership roles, particularly in superintendency. This study aims to delve into the experiences of Black women who have risen to superintendency, examining the challenges they\u27ve encountered. It seeks to address four key questions through the lenses of Critical Race Feminism and Black Feminist Thought: What barriers do Black aspiring women leaders confront as they ascend to superintendency? Why are qualified Black women not securing superintendency contracts? How does intersectionality impact the upward mobility of Black women aspiring to become superintendents? What strategies have Black women who have attained superintendency roles employed to reach their positions? Through the narratives of these women, researchers will gain insights into how intersectionality influences their success, both from an external perspective and within their own experiences