University Of Arkansas Research Articles

Combining physical therapy and anatomy education in a high school anatomy outreach program in central Arkansas.

Student participation in interactive outreach programs focusing on anatomy has been shown to have a positive impact on learning and healthcare career aspirations. This article describes the Anatomy Outreach Program held at the Physical Therapy Center and Gross Anatomy Lab on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. Physical therapy (PT) students demonstrated PT skills and led hands-on activities in the gross anatomy lab using donor specimens and models. Hands-on physical therapy-based activities involved wheelchairs and cushions, assistive devices, goniometry and reflex testing, grip strength testing, and lines and tubes in the acute care setting. Before anatomy-based activities, learners were educated about the significance of donors' choice for donating their tissues and respect shown to donors. Learners participated in anatomy stations consisting of hands-on activities with anatomical specimens and models of heart and lungs, brain and spinal cord anatomy, bones and radiographs, and upper and lower extremity anatomy. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on post-tour survey data. After the program, 59% (32/54) of high school learners rate their interest in pursuing a career in healthcare as 10/10. The three biggest takeaways participants took from the program were developing an appreciation for the gross anatomy lab and anatomy education, learning and appreciating the field of PT, and affirming interests in healthcare. High school learners' favorite experiences were in the gross anatomy lab, talking with PT students about the profession, and the goniometer and grip strength activities. One hundred percent (54/54) of survey participants agreed that the program provided them with valuable information.

Prescription for Lifestyle Medicine Health Coaching: Moving Beyond Patient Education

This paper explores the integration of lifestyle medicine (LM) and health coaching into pharmacy education, with a focus on developing students’ skills to facilitate health behavior change. It highlights the gap between knowing the importance of health behaviors and actually implementing them, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to be trained in coaching methodologies. The paper discusses a 2-credit hour elective at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences designed to teach pharmacy students LM fundamentals and coaching techniques. Through experiential learning, students develop personalized health goals and practice coaching with peers. The course aims to prepare students for potential certification in health coaching and emphasizes the role of healthcare providers in fostering sustainable behavior change.

Comparison of antioxidant, β-carotene, and phenolic levels between roots and leaves across three popular sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and β-carotene levels of three sweet potato varieties, namely, Beauregard, Centennial, and Georgia Jet, between their storage roots and leaves using specific methods such as ABTS assay, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and HPLC to assess the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and β-carotene quantities, respectively.ResultsThree sweet potato varieties were cultivated and collected from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff research fields, and their leaf extracts were used to determine total antioxidant activity (ABTS method), total phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay), and β-carotene quantity (HPLC–DAD). The total antioxidant activity was more significant in the leaves than in the roots, with the leaf activity nearly doubling the roots. The Centennial variety had the highest overall average for the roots (1373 µg/g dry weight basis) and the leaves (2666 µg/g dry weight basis) for the total antioxidant activity. On the other hand, the Georgia Jet had the lowest overall average for the roots (1053 µg/g dry weight basis), while the Beauregard had the lowest activity for the leaves (1920 µg/g dry weight basis). The Beauregard roots had the highest phenolic content average (66,231 µg/g dry weight basis), while the leaves had the second-highest average (110,721 µg/g dry weight basis). The Georgia Jet had the lowest total phenolic content average for roots and leaves. The roots had a higher β-carotene quantity than the leaves. The Georgia Jet root had the highest average (1320 µg/g dry weight basis), while the leaf average was 305 µg/g dry weight basis. The Centennial variety had the lowest β-carotene quantity for both root average (1203 µg/g dry weight basis) and leaf average (218 µg/g dry weight basis). The study found that the Beauregard variety had the highest phenolic content, while the Georgia Jet had the highest β-carotene levels.ConclusionsThe study concluded that sweet potato leaves have higher antioxidant activity and phenolic contents, while the roots have higher β-carotene levels. Among the varieties, Beauregard had the highest phenolic contents, whereas Georgia Jet had the highest β-carotene levels. Cultivars rich in phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and β-carotene are promising for future food security.

Bibliometric Characteristics of Geosciences Faculty Publications at a Research University

ABSTRACT This paper provides information on the characteristics of the research output from the geoscience faculty at the University of Arkansas over a 6-year period (2018–2023). The faculty publications and their cited references were used to identify how well our current holdings are satisfying the needs of instruction and research in this area. We identified (a) a core set of journals and other resources they are publishing in and citing over this period; (b) their co-authorship characteristics; (c) the characteristics of the journals in which they publish and cite (i.e. scatter of publications, Bradford distribution, major publishers, ranking, and subject categories based on the Journal citation Reports [JCR]); (d) the degree of openness of their publications; their citation advantage, if any, using the Web of Science core collection and (e) the age of resources that are referenced. Based on the findings, the authors were able to gain an expansive view of the department’s research activity and highlight their impact. We verified that our university libraries’ holding is well poised to support the research and instructional needs of this department.

Abstract TP159: When Experience Matters More than Size in Telestroke

Background: The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Digital Health&Innovation (IDHI) – Telestroke Program provides neurology support to 62 spoke hospitals across Arkansas. We retrospectively reviewed stroke consults who received Alteplase or Tenecteplase during the 2023 calendar year, to determine if years of program training influences time metrics. We examined Door to CT (Door2CT) and Door to Lytic (Door2Lytic) time with spoke hospital size and the year the spoke joined the telestroke program. Methods: Sixty-two Spoke hospital sites joined the telestroke program from 2008 to 2023 and were determined as veteran (2008 to 2018) or recently joined (2019 to 2023). Spoke hospital size was determined as bed size and included 0-25, 26-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200 and >200 beds. Both time metrics of Door2CT and Door2Lytic from calendar year 2023 were examined by both the year spoke hospitals joined and bed size using ANOVA. Results: Door2CT times were significantly faster at p=0.01, with improved times to CT by veteran hospital sites compared to recently joined sites (15.1±0.8 from sites who joined in 2008-2018 vs. 19.6±2.4 who recently joined 2019-2023, p=0.042, respectively). Door2Lytic minutes were also significant comparing veteran spoke hospitals to more recently added sites, (60.3±1.2 veteran sites vs. recently joined sites 66.8±3.5, p=0.041, respectively). Hospital size was not significant in Door2CT minutes at p=0.20; however the D2Lytic was significantly improved in the midsize spoke hospitals (51-100 and 151-200 size groups) that were comprised of veteran hospital sites, p=0.0002. Conclusion: Regardless of hospital size in a large telestroke system, veteran sites performed better in CT and lytic time metrics.

Custom, High Density Power Modules Enabled by Thermal Integration Technologies

Researchers at the University of Arkansas are achieving significant strides in power electronic packaging, focusing on the critical needs for high power density and integrated thermal management. They have introduced an innovative non-metallic jet impingement cooler, produced via advanced additive manufacturing techniques, which has proven to be effective in lowering thermal loads. Specifically, it reduces junction temperatures by as much as 30°C and attenuates electromagnetic interference, a crucial factor for the efficiency of high-power silicon carbide MOSFET-based inverters. In response to the 2021 PowerAmerica Institute challenge, the team engineered a high-voltage power module, achieving the specifications of 1.7-kV/1600-A within a confined volume of 100 cm³. This module exemplifies the successful integration of thermal and electrical systems in a space-efficient package, highlighting the practical resolution of high-density packaging challenges. The process has provided insights into the behavior of thermal resistance in such compact modules and the associated operational constraints. Further extending their research, the team has examined advanced cooling techniques employing dielectric fluids, targeting applications surpassing 1.2 kV. They have balanced the turbulence within fluid movement and the fluid’s voltage blocking capacity, essential for the stability of thermal management systems in high-voltage electronics. Moreover, the group has developed an empirical model for direct jet impingement cooling using dielectric fluids, optimizing for enhanced cooling performance with minimal flow rates. They are also researching in the area of two-phase immersion cooling, with a focus on maintaining electrical isolation, especially during phase changes, and conducting assessments of breakdown voltages in boiling dielectric fluids. These efforts are pivotal in guiding the next generation of efficient, compact power electronic packaging solutions, contributing significantly to the field’s future advancements.

Building an Oral Repository of African Immigration Experiences in French: The Griotte Project’s Reparative Historiographic Praxis Through Service-Learning at the University of Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas and the campus of the University of Central Arkansas are home to a vibrant and growing community of multilingual French speakers of diverse cultural and national identities of West and Central Africa. French serves as an important tool of Black transnational community building, networking, and civic organization in our area. However, Black French speakers in the United States are often erased in official records of the presence and activities of immigrants in Arkansas, as well as from representation in French syllabi. To address and repair these gaps, the author, advanced French students, and community members are building a repository of oral histories of Arkansas African immigration stories in French, activating the university archive as a dynamic teaching and learning space. This article critically reflects on the translation of decolonial, antiracist, and feminist theory into pedagogical praxis through the coordination of a French-language oral history service-learning project from the academic perspective of an associate professor in French in affiliation with the Africana Studies and Gender Studies programs of a predominantly white public regional teaching university in the American South. The UCA Griotte Project entrusts students, the majority of whom are women of African descent, with collaborative leadership of the project to decentralize historical authority and destabilize the teacher/learner dichotomy. When we occupy and open the archive as a space of experiential learning and shared knowledge creation, we are transforming an institutional site of memory to write a more accurate, just, and inclusive history for the future.

The Association Between Dietary Supplement Use and COVID-19 Symptoms

The scientific evidence supporting recommendations for dietary supplement use to prevent or treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is not well‑established. This cohort study investigates the relationship between dietary supplement usage and COVID‑19 symptoms among 27,181 adults tested for COVID‑19. Using data from surveys following COVID‑19 testing, conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, associations between dietary supplement usage, symptomatology, and COVID‑19 status were explored. The prevalence of supplement consumption among symptomatic individuals was significant, with non‑Hispanic (NH)‑White individuals showing higher usage rates. Among those testing positive for COVID‑19, mainly asymptomatic cases, dietary supplement usage was increased (7.8%), suggesting a proactive approach to supplementation. Symptomatic individuals with confirmed COVID‑19 also showed heightened dietary supplement usage (37.9%), indicating a response to perceived therapeutic benefits. Notably, respiratory symptoms such as cough (46.2%), fever (31.4%), and shortness of breath (8.9%) correlated consistently with increased dietary supplement usage across different time points. Despite limitations such as varying test sensitivities and potential selection biases, this study offers valuable insights into individual health‑seeking behaviors during the pandemic. Findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions and education to address disparities in dietary supplement usage and promote evidence‑based approaches to dietary supplementation. Further research is warranted to understand better the motivations and implications of dietary supplement usage in the context of the pandemic.

Vaccine hesitancy or hesitancies? A latent class analysis of pediatric patients' parents.

Vaccine hesitancy is an attitude of indecision toward vaccination that is related to but not determinative of vaccination behaviors. Although theories of vaccine hesitancy emphasize it is often vaccine-specific, we do not know the extent to which this is true across sociodemographic groups. In this study, we asked: What latent classes of vaccine hesitancy might exist when examining parents' attitudes toward vaccines in general and COVID-19 and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination specifically? Which sociodemographic, health access, and health-related variables are predictive of membership in those classes? To answer those questions, we analyze online survey data from parents of pediatric patients recruited through eight clinics within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Rural Research Network. Data were collected between September 16, 2022 and December 6, 2022. Latent class analysis revealed three underlying classes of vaccine hesitancy, or hesitancies: The "Selectively Hesitant," the "COVID-Centric Hesitant," and the "Pervasively Hesitant." Significant predictors of class membership were age, education, health insurance status, and usual source of care. Vaccine hesitancy may be specific to certain vaccines for some parents and more generalized for others. The distinct classes of vaccine hesitancy revealed in this study suggest the need for distinct approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy depending on the population.

Empowering Small-Scale Farmers: An Assessment of Small Farm Program’s Effectiveness in Arkansas, USA

The evaluation report explores how the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program supports small-scale farmers in Arkansas by providing them with financial, production, and marketing assistance. This study examines the program's effectiveness in helping farmers improve their agricultural practices, profitability, and sustainability. The survey, conducted with randomly selected farmers, reveals how well the program delivers practical solutions in these areas. On financial and business planning assistance, most farmers said the training improved their ability to create farm business plans, with 73.3% noting that it helped them maintain accurate records and understand crop insurance. However, less than half felt that the program helped them secure loans, suggesting a need for more targeted financial training. In production assistance, 80% of respondents reported that the training improved their understanding of production techniques, leading to higher yields and productivity. Two-thirds experienced increased production, and 60% noticed a boost in agricultural productivity. To enhance the program’s long-term impact, future efforts should focus on strengthening farmer networks, improving financial access, and keeping pace with market trends. Expanding farmer association memberships can provide better networking and collective market opportunities. Regular feedback from participants will keep the program agile, addressing evolving needs and ensuring continued relevance. This approach supports sustainable growth, helping farmers turn market reach into lasting success. Overall, the UAPB Small Farm Program has positively impacted small-scale farmers, enhanced their agricultural practices, and helped them navigate financial and marketing challenges. The recommendations aim to further boost the program’s reach and effectiveness.

DELIRIUM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH COVID-19

Abstract SARS-COV-2 is often associated with cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias and congestive cardiac failure (CHF), and cardiovascular disease is itself linked with the development of delirium. In this retrospective study we explored the relationship between heart disease and acute delirium in 319 COVID-19 patients 65 and older, seen at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences from January 7, 2018 to January 5, 2021. We reveiwed the frequency of cardiac conditions (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, tachycardia, bradycardia, CHF, CAD, other) in this cohort with emphasis on timing before and concurrent with COVID-19 delirium. We found a strong association of acute delirium during COVID-19 infection in patients with cardiac disease as compared to patients without cardiac disease (p< 0.00001). 128/319 (40.1%) COVID-19 patients suffered from delirium during or after COVID-19, and 88 of these patients had cardiac disease. 121/319 (37.9%) COVID-19 patients had no other cardiac conditions excluding essential hypertension. The majority (83/121, 68.6%) of those with no cardiac conditions listed in EMR also had no delirium documented during or after infection. Patients with cardiac conditions had a risk ratio of 1.38 of developing delirium during or after COVID-19 infection compared to patients without COVID-19. In conclusion, having a preexisting cardiac condition increases the likelihood of delirium in older adults with COVID-19 infection. Improved treatment strategies that optimize cardiovascular care during COVID-19 will also benefit cognition and enhance outcomes in older adults. A better understanding of these complex interactions should improve treatment of delirium in older adults with SARS-COV-2.

Soft Red Winter Wheat Elite Germplasm Screening and Evaluation for Stripe Rust in the US Southeast Region

Stripe rust is a severe disease affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the United States Southeast region, necessitating the identification of resistant sources. The study was conducted at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and utilized a Randomized Block Design over three years. A total of 1130 lines were inoculated annually, and their responses for stripe rust were recorded. The results revealed that 11%, 79%, and 77% of the lines showed resistance in the first, second, and third years, respectively, with an overall 50% of the whole population. Linear Mixed Model and Generalized Estimating Equation analyses highlighted environmental influences, with cooler, humid conditions in 2021 favoring stripe rust, while warmer, variable conditions in 2022 and stable weather in 2023 contributed to lower disease severity. Data analysis of infection rates and disease development indicated that the newer generations of wheat lines tested in 2022 and 2023 exhibited higher resistance lines, lower infection rates, and slower disease progression. The findings support targeted breeding strategies for durable stripe rust resistance, emphasizing the importance of multi-environment testing and selection of lines with adult-plant resistance traits. This research offers valuable insights for breeders, agronomists, and farmers aiming to mitigate stripe rust impact through improved cultivars and informed management practices.

Did court dismiss medical resident's Title VII retaliation claim against university?

A Black man began his second year of residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He was one of two Black residents. The resident claimed that he experienced discrimination largely involving an attending physician at the medical facility. He claimed that the physician regularly subjected him to excessive scrutiny and ongoing criticism. The resident further contended that no clear, objective standards were used to evaluate his work.

A Multisite, Longitudinal Study Assessing Prevalence of Anxiety in Student Pharmacists

A Multisite, Longitudinal Study Assessing Prevalence of Anxiety in Student Pharmacists

Frontline to farm: Sustainable farming training for military veterans and beginning farmers

Frontline to farm: Sustainable farming training for military veterans and beginning farmers

Did court dismiss Title VII hostile environment claim?

A family consumer science agent for the University of Arkansas claimed she experienced sex‐based dis‐ crimination from her supervisor. The agent alleged that the supervisor frequently used misogynistic slurs to demean employees.

Single Institution Experience with Lumbar Drainage and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract Introduction In our article, we evaluate the effect of lumbar drainage on delayed cerebral ischemia and requirements for permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2023 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) examining factors associated with patients (n = 150) who had aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and a lumbar drain placed. The main outcomes examined were incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia, need for permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion, and neurologic outcomes at discharge that were compared to currently published standards. Results We failed to appreciate a reduced occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (37.3% with the current literature supporting rates of 20–30%); however, we did find a low rate of requiring permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion (12% compared to 10–20% in the current literature) with overall good neurologic outcomes at discharge (∼69% of patients had a Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] of 4–5 at discharge). Patients with GOS ≥ 4 at discharge were noted to be more likely to have more days or lumbar drainage and less likely to be older than 65 years, have had an external ventricular drain placed, and have experienced delayed cerebral ischemia. Conclusion Lumbar drainage is a potentially useful adjunct in the management of secondary neurologic injury in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Statistical Analysis of Telehealth Use and Pre- and Postpandemic Insurance Coverage in Selected Health Care Specialties in a Large Health Care System in Arkansas: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered policy changes in 2020 that allowed insurance companies to reimburse telehealth services, leading to increased telehealth use, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, with many emergency rules ending in 2022, patients and health care providers face potential challenges in accessing these services. This study analyzed telehealth use across specialties in Arkansas before and after the pandemic (2017-2022) using data from electronic medical records from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center. We explored trends in insurance coverage for telehealth visits and developed metrics to compare the performance of telehealth versus in-person visits across various specialties. The results inform insurance coverage decisions for telehealth services. We used pre- and postpandemic data to determine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in reimbursement policies on telehealth visits. We proposed a framework to calculate 3 appointment metrics: indirect waiting time, direct waiting time, and appointment length. Statistical analysis tools were used to compare the performance of telehealth and in-person visits across the following specialties: obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, family medicine, gerontology, internal medicine, neurology, and neurosurgery. We used data from approximately 4 million in-person visits and 300,000 telehealth visits collected from 2017 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in telehealth visits across all specialties (P<.001), showing an 89% increase from 51,589 visits in 2019 to 97,461 visits in 2020, followed by a 21% increase to 117,730 visits in 2021. Around 92.57% (134,221/145,001) of telehealth patients from 2020 to 2022 were covered by Medicare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, commercial and managed care, Medicaid, and Medicare Managed Care. In-person visits covered by Medicare and Medicaid decreased by 15%, from 313,196 in 2019 to 264,696 in 2022. During 2020 to 2022, about 22.84% (33,123/145,001) of total telehealth visits during this period were covered by Medicare and 53.58% (86,317/161,092) were in psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and family medicine. We noticed a statistically significant decrease (P<.001) in the average indirect waiting time for telehealth visits, from 48.4 to 27.7 days, and a statistically significant reduction in appointment length, from 93.2 minutes in 2020 to 39.59 minutes in 2022. The indirect waiting time for psychiatry telehealth visits was almost 50% shorter than that for in-person visits. These findings highlight the potential benefits of telehealth in providing access to health care, particularly for patients needing psychiatric care. Reverting to prepandemic regulations could negatively affect Arkansas, where many live in underserved areas. Our analysis shows that telehealth use remained stable beyond 2020, with psychiatry visits continuing to grow. These findings may guide insurance and policy decisions in Arkansas and other regions facing similar access challenges.

Court sides with university

Case name: Stepps v. The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, et al., No. 4:21‐cv‐00986 (E.D. Ark. 07/09/24).

Judge rules in favor of former employee

Case name: Cox v. Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, No. 3:24‐cv‐15 (E.D. Ark. 07/09/24).