Digital Commons Network^™

Type-1 Ryanodine Receptor Plays An Important Role In Cardiac Hypertrophy And Heart Failure By Increasing Type-2 Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Calcium Release, Yong-Xiao Wang, Ed Wilson Santos, Sarahann Mistretta, Yuexing Yuan, Harold A. Singer, Shey-Shing Sheu, Yun-Min Zheng

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Type-1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is essential for skeletal muscle contraction. This Ca²⁺ release channel is expressed in cardiac myocytes; however, its function remains elusive. Cardiac-specific RyR1 overexpression (OE) mice were generated under the cardiac-specific Myh6 promoter. Cardiac hypertrophy (CH), cardiac functions, and mechanistic changes in RyR1 OE and control (wildtype, WT) mice were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, [³H]-ryanodine binding assay, confocal microscope, ROS dye Amplex Red and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. RyR1 OE mice had increased whole heart, left ventricular weight, and left ventricular wall thickness, but decreased cardiac output and …

Two-Year Retrospective Evaluation Of Frailty To Optimize Postoperative Spinal Fusion Outcomes In Adults Aged 65 And Older, Sheri Loo

Doctoral Projects

Many older adults over the age of 65 have both spinal stenosis requiring spinal fusion surgery and frailty. As life expectancy has increased, many older individuals will undergo elective spinal fusion surgery to decrease their chronic pain in pursuit of improved quality of life. There is currently an underutilization of frailty screening for risk stratification of postoperative complications. A retrospective chart review over a two-year period from July 2023 to June 2025of adults aged 65 and older who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery, involving 126 participants, was completed. We assessed the correlation between frailty and postoperative outcomes, discharge disposition, and …

Development And Psychometric Analysis Of An Instrument To Assess Social Stigma Associated With Parkinson's Disease, Ana Lourdes Guerra-Anzaldo, Arturo Emmanuel Espinosa-Picos, Karen Itzel Sánchez-Ramírez, Ana Jimena Hernández-Medrano, Amin Cervantes-Arriaga, Ariadna Domínguez-García, Mayela Rodríguez-Violante

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: To develop and report the psychometric properties of a comprehensive scale designed to measure stereotypes and attitudes of the general population towards people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP).

Methods: The development and analysis of the Parkinson's Disease Stigma Perception scale (PDSP) included four phases: 1) literature review, 2) item development, 3) tests of validity and reliability, and 4) dissemination of a preliminary version. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore underlying structures, and confirmatory factor analysis to test the model's fit.

Results: Six (2%) of the 294 survey respondents were disqualified because of incomplete …

Improving Psychopharmacologic Continuity Of Care In Home Health Psychiatric Patients Using The Ideal Protocol, Serah Angela Guilbe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Comparing The Use Of Measured And Smoothed Data In Forecasting Visual Field Tests Using Deep Learning, Ashkan Abbasi, Sowjanya Gowrisankaran, Wei-Chun Lin, Xubo Song, Bhavna Josephine Antony, Gadi Wollstein, Joel Schuman, Hiroshi Ishikawa

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of training and testing deep learning (DL) models for visual field (VF) forecasting using input-target pairs in which the target is either the measured VF test result, or its smoothed counterpart constructed via linear regression.

DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis study evaluating DL models for VF forecasting under multiple training and testing configurations.

SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS: A total of 1400 subjects (healthy and glaucoma patients) with 19 437 reliable Humphrey VF (24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm) tests collected from longitudinal cohorts at the University of Pittsburgh and New York University.

METHODS: Three DL-based pointwise VF …

Multi-Grader Validation Of The Telemedicine Retinopathy Of Prematurity Severity Score, Harrison W. Pratt, Sarthak V. Shah, Cindy S. Zhao, Arthur R. Brant, Caroline R. Baumal, Cagri G. Besirli, Audina M. Berrocal, Kimberley A. Drenser, Anna L. Ells, Clio Armitage Harper, G. Baker Hubbard, Eric D. Nudleman, Polly Quiram, Irena Tsui, Edward Wood, Yoshihiro Yonekawa, Tatiana Rosenblatt, Jochen Kumm, Darius M. Moshfeghi

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

We aimed to statefully validate Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) grading by evaluating intergrader variability over age-matched simulated exams. In a prospective retinal photographic grading cohort study, both eyes of twenty patients with five images per eye per visit were graded by twelve expert graders across six weekly visits. For each eye visit, ROP experts graded the Zone, Stage, and Plus, from which the Telemedicine ROP Severity Score (tROP-SS) was calculated. Graders retained knowledge of prior assessments for a given eye and followed International Classification of ROP rules. Intergrader coefficient of variation (CoV) for Zone, Stage, Plus, and tROP-SS remained below …

Smart Pediatric Oncology Tracker Of Symptoms (Spots), A Web-Based Interface For The Pediatric Pro-Ctcae: Development And Usability Study, Stacey Crane, Deevakar Rogith, Melody Hellsten, Andrew D Miller, Jacqueline Castillo, Brandy Boeger, Susan Vidaurre, Stefanie Pieper, Cecile Nguyen, Duc Anh Thanh Huynh, Jessica Wooden, Amy Franklin, Karen Moody, Wenyaw Chan, Pamela S Hinds, Constance Johnson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Children undergoing cancer treatment experience a range of treatment-related toxicities that significantly affect quality of life and adherence to therapy. Current methods for symptom reporting rely heavily on clinician interpretation of caregiver or child verbal reports, which can result in incomplete or inaccurate records. The Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Pediatric PRO-CTCAE; National Cancer Institute) provides a validated mechanism for direct symptom reporting by children and caregivers, yet its traditional administration and preselection of questions limit the breadth of symptom capture.

Objective: This research aimed to co-design and conduct formative usability testing …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Disordered Eating: Clinical Indicators And Patient Narratives, Samantha E. Schulz

Masters Theses

Introduction: The use of the medication, GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), for weight loss has increased exponentially in the United States over the past decade. The continuing rise in demand for the use of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss justifies the need to better understand the physical and psychological effects that can occur with significant weight loss. By combining a standardized screening tool for eating disorder (ED) risk with narratives from patients undergoing GLP-1 RA treatment for weight loss, this study examines associations between GLP-1 RA use patterns and risk of ED and explores patient experiences, including the role of …

Reducing Burnout Among Psychiatric Practitioners And Therapists, Sarah Lemaine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Assessing Estimated Premorbid Iq In Dementia In The Uae: A Way Forward For The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, Sophie Price

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Optimal Timing Of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion Relative To Cranioplasty Post-Decompressive Craniectomy: A Frequentist Network Meta-Analysis, Shaan Patel, Shiva A. Nischal, Kush M. Kale, Pious D. Patel, James S. Harrop, Jack Jallo, Srinivas K. Prasad

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Optimal timing of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) relative to cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy remains controversial. VPS may be performed before, during, or after CP, but no consensus exists on which sequence minimizes complications. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the safety profiles of pre-, simultaneous, and post-CP shunting.

METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception to October 2025. Eligible studies directly compared at least two timing strategies in patients undergoing both CP and VPS. Primary outcomes included overall complications, reoperation, infection, and intradural bleeding. Secondary outcomes included shunt-related and other procedure-specific adverse events. …

Boosting Psychological Well-Being In One Session: A Rapid Counseling Approach To Digital Detox And Music Therapy, Aryobimo Oentarto

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The rapid acceleration of technology has trapped modern youth in a digital connectivity paradox, where constant social media exposure triggers cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors that erode psychological well-being. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Rapid Counseling approach integrated with Single-Session Music Therapy (RC-SSMT) in enhancing the psychological well-being of youth by breaking the cycle of digital addiction. Using a pre-test and post-test experimental design, the study focused on six youths (aged 15–17) at Church "X" in Jakarta who were identified as having low psychological well-being. The intervention combined a mandatory digital detox as a behavioral task with music …

Asymmetric Maxillary Molar Distalization And Guided Canine Eruption Using Temporary Anchorage Devices And Super-Elastic Niti Wire, Kah-Ying Yim, Huei-Mei Tsai, Yu-Ling Cheng, Ming-Jeaun Su, Yi-Min Liu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

An adult female patient presented with a pronounced maxillary dental midline deviation and localized crowding in the upper right quadrant, particularly involving the canine and second molar. The maxillary right canine was buccally erupted and overlapped the lateral incisor and first premolar due to insufficient arch space and unfavorable root proximity. The mandibular arch exhibited mild anterior crowding with a flat curve of Spee. Orthodontic treatment was initiated using preadjusted fixed appliances. Extraction of the maxillary right third molar was performed to allow immediate sequential distalization of the maxillary right molars. A bypassed-canine main archwire in combination with a temporary …

Management Of Lower Incisor Protrusion In An Angle Class Iii Malocclusion Using Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire, Jr-Wei Jian, Yu-Hsiang Chang, Yi-Mien Cheng, Ming-Han Cheng, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

A 16-year-old adolescent female presented with the chief complaint of poor dental alignment and protrusion of the lower teeth. Clinical examination revealed Angle Class III malocclusion accompanied by lower anterior crowding and a protrusive lip profile involving both the upper and lower lips. Cephalometric analysis demonstrated a skeletal Class I relationship with a normal mandibular plane angle. To facilitate anterior retraction, four premolars (15, 24, 34, and 45) were extracted. Following extraction, Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW) was employed to relieve lower anterior crowding. Canine distalization and anterior retraction were subsequently performed. Elastic chains were used to assist midline …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Single Versus Two Miniscrews For Maxillary Incisor Intrusion In Gummy Smile: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vaibhav Sunil Zanwar, Santosh Jetu Chavan, Jyoti Sunny Manchanda, Sakshi Santoshkumar Jain, Vedant S, Rishika Arya

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Background: Orthodontic intrusion of maxillary incisors is commonly used to treat gummy smiles in deep bite patients. The effectiveness of using one versus two miniscrews for this purpose remains debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the dental effects of one versus two miniscrews for maxillary incisor intrusion.

Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published up to December 31, 2024. Five studies (four randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized study) met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools.

Results: Intrusion was greater in …

Correlation Between Maxillary Incisor Inclination And Buccopalatal Alveolar Bone Thickness Assessed By Cbct: A Retrospective Observational Study, Raee Korgaonkar, Nandini Kamat

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the correlation between buccal and palatal alveolar bone thickness and the degree of maxillary incisor inclination. The objective was to derive clinically relevant insights for orthodontic treatment planning and controlled tooth movement. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one maxillary central incisors from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of thirty-four subjects were retrospectively evaluated and grouped as proclined, upright, and retroclined incisors. Buccal and palatal thicknesses of cortical and cancellous alveolar bone were measured at various levels of the incisor root. The correlation between bone thickness and incisor angulation was investigated using Spearman’s correlation test. Results: …

Adrenal Crisis Induced-Seizures: A Case Report And Literature Review, Israel Umoh, Elizabeth Mikhail, Narjis Batool, Nosheen Hajra, Ibrahim Al-Sanouri

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

This case report underscores the critical interplay between adrenal crisis and seizure activity, emphasizing the importance of rapid recognition and management of this life-threatening condition. Adrenal crisis, characterized by severe hypotension and electrolyte disturbances, often manifests with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and altered consciousness, which can obscure diagnosis, especially in pediatric and young adult populations. The report details a 21-year-old female with a complex endocrinologic background who developed seizures precipitated by an adrenal crisis triggered by gastroenteritis and compounded by medication noncompliance. Clinical findings included profound dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, refractory hypotension, and low cortisol levels, which responded favorably …

The Hidden Crisis: A Rare Case Of Thyrotoxicosis In A Young Female, Mimicking Neuromuscular Disease, Ali Haider Awan, Seerat Riaz, Hafiz Muhammad Hashim Butt, Sajeela Riaz, Fnu Sameeha, Hilana Soliman Omar, Shafia Naeem, Abida Perveen, Jahanzeb Malik

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but life-threatening cause of acute flaccid paralysis associated with hypokalemia. Although more common in males and individuals of Asian descent, it may present atypically in young females and be easily misdiagnosed. We report a case of a 30-year-old female who presented with acute quadriparesis. Extensive neuromuscular evaluation initially pointed toward Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), but subsequent investigations revealed profound hypokalemia. Further workup confirmed thyrotoxicosis as the underlying cause. Prompt potassium replacement and initiation of antithyroid therapy led to complete clinical recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering both endocrine disorders and electrolyte disturbances, …

Staff Education On Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prevention Bundle Practices, Ngowari Warmate

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Clinical Practice Guideline To Reduce Lgbtq+ Disparities In Health Care, Angel Lb Ambrose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Establishing The Division Interprofessional Council By Using Magnet Principles, Warisara Manuel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Educating Staff On The Use Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Screening Tool, Adetayo Adebayo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Burns: Severity, First Aid, And When To Refer, Mike Smith, Pablo Aguayo

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

This episode explains burn depth, TBSA estimation, and practical first aid that reduces complications—essential for pediatricians and ER providers who triage children with burns. Pablo Aguayo, MD (Children’s Mercy) walks through burn classification (superficial to fourth-degree), scald burns, and American Burn Association referral criteria. Keywords: pediatric burns, burn severity, burn first aid, scald injuries, TBSA, burn center referral. For more resources and show notes, visit the Pediatrics in Practice CME Podcast page and subscribe for updates.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

H2ax C-Terminal Dipeptide Truncation: A Master Switch Of The Dna Damage Response, Faith M Joseph, Matthew V Holt, John M Jerome, Linda Zhang, Ashley G Boice, Patricia D Castro, Sofía I Aramburu, Ruhee Dere, Susan M Rosenberg, David R Rowley, Nicolas L Young

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Phosphorylation of histone H2AX at serine 139 (γH2AX) by ATM/ATR kinases is a central marker of the DNA damage response (DDR), widely used to detect DNA double-strand breaks. However, the molecular basis for tissue- and context-specific variation in γH2AX signaling remains poorly defined. Here we discover a post-translational truncation of H2AX, catalyzed by lysine demethylase 4A (KDM4A), which removes two C-terminal amino acids critical for ATM/ATR-dependent phosphorylation. This truncation renders H2AX refractory to γH2AX formation, effectively bypassing canonical DDR signaling. Truncated H2AX accumulates in select cell lines, primary cells, solid tumors, and normal tissues. Genetic knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition of …

Staff Education On Improving Primary Care Depression Screening With The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Patience Amune

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Correction: Berezowski Et Al. Biomarkers In Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review And Immunohistochemical Validation Study, Brett Berezowski, Robert Boothe, Billy Chaplin, Sharon J Del Vecchio, Zakariya Fares, Tyrone L R Humphries, Keng Lim Ng, Taylor Noonan, Hemamali Samaratunga, Aaron Urquhart, David A Vesey, Simon T Wood, Glenda C Gobe, Robert J Ellis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This corrects the article "Biomarkers in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Immunohistochemical Validation Study" in volume 17, 2588.

Effects Of A Structured Fall Prevention Education Program On Staff Knowledge And Confidence, Gifty Danso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In A Rural Clinic, Paige Spence

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

No abstract provided.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapy For Peripheral Artery Disease: Evaluation Of Collagen Reduction And Fibrosis Mitigation In Ischemic Tissue, Tresha Nguyen

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by reduced blood flow, ischemic injury, and fibrosis, which collectively impair tissue function. Current treatment strategies are limited in their ability to target fibrotic tissue and restore normal function effectively. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of drug-loaded nanoparticles to reduce fibrosis in ischemic tissue. Nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for in vivo application. Tissue samples from experimental groups, including saline control, blank nanoparticles, free drug, and drug-loaded nanoparticles, were analyzed using Masson’s Trichrome staining to quantify collagen deposition. Histological images were processed using image analysis software to determine the percentage of collagen area. …

Value Of The Non-Enhanced Cardiac Computed Tomography Scan Analysis In Determination Of The Appropriate Coronary Ct Angiography Scan Protocol Improving Image Quality While Minimizing Radiation, Osama A Smettei, Sawsan A Sayed, . Fatin M Ahmed, Tawfeeq H Alharbi, Mohammed Saied, Rami M Abazid

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a cornerstone in the assessment of coronary artery disease. Despite technological advancements, balancing radiation does with diagnostic image quality remains a challenge. This study evaluates whether assessing preliminary non-enhanced CT scans allows for the optimization of CCTA gating protocols to enhance image quality and minimize radiation exposure.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed 150 patients undergoing CCTA on a 256-slice scanner. Non-enhanced scans were used to identify motion artifacts or anatomical challenges. Based on these findings, a specific gating protocol (prospective, prospective with padding, or retrospective) was selected. This cohort was compared to a …