Digital Commons Network^™

Management Of Critically Ill Patients Following Earthquake Disasters, Esat Kivanç Kaya, Burçi̇n Halaçli, Mehmet Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The devastating earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkiye on February 6, 2023, emphasized the profound societal and healthcare challenges posed by natural disasters. These events highlighted the essential need for healthcare professionals to be well-prepared and equipped with the expertise to manage such crises effectively. Earthquake-induced trauma presents a wide array of medical and surgical complications, frequently requiring urgent hospitalization and specialized management for critically ill patients. However, the limited availability of comprehensive data and evidence-based guidelines complicates optimal care delivery in these scenarios. This review outlines current recommendations for the multidisciplinary management of critically ill patients with earthquake-related trauma. It …

Detection And Quantification Of Microplastics In Cerumen, Bengi̇ Arslan, Yüce İslamoğlu, Ali̇ Sami̇ Berçi̇n, Selen Akbulut, Mehmet Meli̇koğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Microplastics (MPs) are a growing concern due to their pervasive environmental presence and potential environmental and human exposure impacts. Given evidence of systemic MP presence in human tissues and fluids, and the ear canal's environmental exposure, this novel study aimed to identify these particles in human cerumen. Cerumen was collected from the proximal ear canal to minimize potential airborne contamination.

Materials and methods: Cerumen samples were prospectively collected from 12 adult patients (23 patient-derived specimens) and 3 control water samples, following ethical approval and consent. Samples were extracted using sterile instruments, stored in glass, diluted, and filtered through 0.22 …

Incidence Of And Risk Factors For Hyperoxemia Among Potentially Critically Ill Patients Treated In The Wards: A Retrospective Study, Mehmet Nuri̇ Yakar, Doğukan Şenberber, Ozan Balkabak, Nurgazy Shermatov, Kaan Köşker, Seli̇n Elden, Emel İbi̇şoğlu, Begüm Ergan, Volkan Hanci, Necati̇ Gökmen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The literature shows a link between hyperoxemia and poor outcomes, whereas this association remains unclear in hospital wards. This study aims to determine the incidence of hyperoxemia in hospital wards and its risk factors.

Materials and methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent an evaluation by an intensivist between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020, while receiving treatment in hospital wards, were included in the study following ethics committee approval. Patients with hypoxemia (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] < 60 mmHg), a condition related to Coronavirus disease 2019, a hospital stay < 1 day, or missing data were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: normoxemia (60 mmHg ≤ PaO2 < 120 mmHg) and hyperoxemia.

Results: The incidence of hyperoxemia was 42.2%. Patients with hyperoxemia had longer hospital stays and higher intensive care unit …

Consensus Paper On Candida Auris By Türkiye Ekmud, Thsk Of Ministry Of Health Of The Republic Of Türkiye, Klimud, Tmc, Tard, Tybd And Id-Iri, Canan Ağalar, Hakan Erdem, Yasemi̇n Çağ, Bi̇lgi̇n Arda, Recep Balik, Ali̇ye Baştuğ, Burcu Dalyan-Ci̇lo, Nuretti̇n Erben, Esma Eryilmaz-Eren, Gülşen İskender, Ayşe Kalkanci, Ni̇lgün Karabiçak, Zeli̇ha Koçak-Tufan, Emi̇ne Parlak, Nagehan Di̇dem Sari, Murat Sayin, Seni̇ha Şenbayrak, Recep Teki̇n, Ayşegül Ulu-Kiliç, Tuğhan Utku, Ömrüm Uzun, Göknur Yapar Toros, Sevtap Arikan-Akdağli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that has become a critical global health concern due to its high antifungal resistance and potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks. Since its initial identification in Japan in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly, posing significant treatment challenges across various healthcare settings worldwide. The biofilm formation ability of C. auris enhances its resilience against disinfectants and antifungal agents, complicating infection control in healthcare environments. This consensus report, developed with the collaboration of several Turkish medical specialty societies, including the Turkish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialty (EKMUD), the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology …

Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Oral Hymecromone In Adults With Pulmonary Hypertension, Kathryn Czepiel, Nadine Nagy, Tamera Panjalingam, Anissa Kalinowski, Adam R Frymoyer, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Bo Gu, Haley Hedlin, Gernot Kaber, Sylvie Dobrota Lai, Joelle I Rosser, Paul L Bollyky, Vinicio De Jesus Perez, Roham T Zamanian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) is linked to vascular remodelling and interstitial fibrosis in PH. We hypothesised that inhibition of HA synthesis with hymecromone could serve as a reverse-remodelling therapy in PH.

Methods: We performed a proof-of-concept phase IIa randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension and PH associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). Patients were randomised to a 5:3 ratio and stratified by PH group to receive oral hymecromone or placebo two times per day over 24 weeks. The primary …

Evaluation Of The Antimicrobial Management Of Intracranial Suppurative Infections In A Single Pediatric Institution., Cameron E. Bizal, Alaina N. Burns, Rana El Feghaly, Brian R. Lee, Ann L. Wirtz

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: To describe the antimicrobial management of and examine the etiology of intracranial suppurative infections (ISIs) at a single pediatric institution.

DESIGN: Retrospective review.

PATIENTS: We included children hospitalized at a 367-bed freestanding pediatric institution for treatment of an ISI (epidural or subdural empyema, brain abscess) between January 1, 2015, and September 30, 2023. ISIs were identified using international classification of diseases 9/10 discharge diagnosis codes.

METHODS: We collected data regarding patient characteristics, infection etiology and complications, antimicrobial choice and route (empiric, definitive, and outpatient), microbiology results, treatment duration, and treatment-related outcomes from the electronic health record.

RESULTS: A total …

Hot Spring Associated Infectious Diseases In The Great Basin And Southwest, Matthew Bentz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Like all bodies of freshwater, natural hot springs can harbor pathogenic microorganisms that carry the threat of infectious disease. The unique chemistry, increased temperature, and popularity for bathing may alter the risk profile of hot springs compared to other natural bodies of water. Despite this risk, the role of hot springs as a reservoir for infectious diseases remains understudied, particularly within the context of regional public health. Nevada and the Great Basin/Southwest have increasingly promoted hot springs for the purposes of tourism, and they share a strong link to the cultural heritage of the region. The unknown risk profile and …

Lipidomic And Proteomic Insights From Extracellular Vesicles In The Postmortem Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Reveal Substance Use Disorder-Induced Brain Changes, Chioma M Okeoma, Wasifa Naushad, Bryson C Okeoma, Carlos Gartner, Yulica Santos-Ortega, Calvin Vary, Savio Lima-Bastos, Victor Corasolla Carregari, Martin R Larsen, Alessio Noghero, Consuelo Walss-Bass, Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Substance use disorder (SUD) significantly increases the risk of neurotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired neuroplasticity. The activation of inflammatory pathways by substances may lead to reactive astrogliosis and chronic neuroinflammation, potentially mediated by the release of extracellular particles (EPs), such as extracellular condensates (ECs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These particles, which reflect the physiological, pathophysiological, and metabolic states of their cells of origin, might carry molecular signatures indicative of SUD. In particular, our study investigated neuroinflammatory signatures in SUD patients by isolating EVs from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) Brodmann's area 9 (BA9) from postmortem subjects. We isolated BA9-derived …

An Evidence-Based Intervention To Increase Trypanosoma Cruzi, A Neglected Parasitic Infection, Diagnosis In Rural And Moderate-Size-City Us Clinics, M K. Lynn, Hunter M. Boehme, Jeffrey Hall, Patrick Kent, Alain H. Litwin, Quang H. Pham, Melissa Nolan Ph.D., Mph, Prisma Chagas Team

Faculty Publications

Background

Chagas disease is a chronic, insidious parasitic infection (Trypanosoma cruzi) that slowly develops to irreversible organomegaly over several decades. The disease is traditionally acquired in endemic Latin American countries during childhood; < 1% of foreign-born adult residents in the United States have been diagnosed or treated with this potentially fatal disease. Low physician knowledge is a primary factor leading to misdiagnosis.

Methods

Starting in April 2022, a 4-part T cruzi clinical education intervention began, which included (i) 2 grand rounds presentations to >100 internal medicine providers; (ii) implementation of a “clinical Chagas champions program” incorporating 14 key clinical staff at varying departments and administrative levels educated on their specific role related to T cruzi screening, diagnosis confirmation, clinical management, and medical billing; ( …

Pacific Rxtracts - August 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• Ready. Set. Infuse: TYZAVAN Brings Vancomycin Closer to the Bedside
• ENFLONSIA: A New Era in RSV Prevention for Infants
• A Shot for Peace of Mind: Can Yeztugo Eliminate the Risk of Contracting HIV?
• Ekterly: The First Orally Administered On-Demand HAE Treatment
• Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor CAR T cell Immunotherapy Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Removed
• Early Tirofiban Intervention Lowers Likelihood of Disability Post-Stroke
• Obicetrapib in High Risk Patients: A New Chapter in Cholesterol Management
• Lorundrostat for Uncontrolled Hypertension: Phase 3 Clinical Trial
• The Potential of Cagrilintide/Semaglutide (CagriSema) in Weight Management
• The Unfortunate Link Between GLP-1 RAs and Neovascular Macular …

A Morphological Study On Acanthocephalan Species From Wild Birds In Northern Türkiye, Mehmet Öztürk, Şi̇nasi̇ Umur

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The phylum Acanthocephala contains approximately 1300 acanthocephalan species. So far, only nine acanthocephalan species of wild birds have been reported in Türkiye. To study the context of acanthocephalan diversity in wild birds in Türkiye, we examined 193 birds from 69 species belonging to 16 orders. Acanthocephalans were found in seven bird species: Centrorhynchus aluconis in Buteo buteo and Buteo rufinus, Centrorhynchus spinosus in Buteo buteo and Strix aluco, Mediorhynchus papillosus in Iduna icterina, Mediorhynchus tenuis in Luscinia svecica, Plagiorhynchus cylindraceus in Erithacus rubecula and Turdus merula, Polymorphus contortus in Anas platyrhynchos, and Sphaerirostris turdi in Turdus merula. Except for Plagiorhynchus …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Its Role In Pathologies Of Oxidative Stress: A Literature Review, Philippe Dentino, Johanna Mora, Li Zuo

School of Medicine Publications

Vitamin D (VD) is a key mineral providing critical modulation of reduction-oxidation homeostasis within biological systems. VD and the VD receptor coordinate essential cellular activities, including mitochondrial electron transport, respiration, antioxidation, gene regulation, and calcium transportation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a natural by-product of cellular metabolism, play a prominent role in the mechanisms of biological antioxidant systems and form the basis of antioxidant therapies. However, ROS may also perpetuate pathological processes when produced in excess secondary to inflammatory pathways. Aging processes within cells rely on this reduction-oxidation homeostasis. Thus, the interaction with VD, its receptor, mitochondria, and oxidative stress forms …

Lsu-Crescentcare Sexual Health Center: An Inter-Organizational Partnership Initiative To Improve Access To Sexual Health Services In New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, Stephanie N. Taylor, Rebecca A. Lillis, Ronald D. Wilcox, Laura Damioli, David H. Martin, Alice Riener, Julio E. Figueroa, M. Jacques Nsuami

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: To describe a partnership between CrescentCare and Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine that created a new Sexual Health Clinic in New Orleans, and to assess the health services that patients sought and received at the new clinic in the opening months of its creation. Methods: When the new clinic opened, signs were posted on New Orleans streets, flyers were placed in selected emergency rooms and healthcare facilities, radio and bus stop advertisements were purchased, and the CrescentCare website was updated with the addition of a page for the new clinic. The new clinic opened on 15 June …

Dalbavancin For Treatment Of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia: The Dots Randomized Clinical Trial, Nicholas A Turner, Toshimitsu Hamasaki, Sarah B Doernberg, Thomas P Lodise, Heather A King, Varduhi Ghazaryan, Sara E Cosgrove, Timothy C Jenkins, Catherine Liu, Shrabani Sharma, Smitha Zaharoff, Lana Wahid, Valerie J Renard, Paul Cook, Issam Raad, Ray Hachem, Anne-Marie Chaftari, Matthew Sims, Carmen Demarco, Loren G Miller, Matthew W Mccarthy, Caryn G Morse, Chris Lucasti, Graeme N Forrest, Kartikeya Cherabuddi, Christopher Polk, Tasaduq Fazili, Mark E Rupp, George R Thompson, Kami Kim, Luke Strnad, Amanda E Schnee, James A Mckinnell, Mayur Ramesh, Fernanda P Silveira, Todd P Mccarty, Todd C Lee, Emily G Mcdonald, Kristopher Paolino, Katie Wiegand, Alison Wall, Todd Riccobene, Rinal Patel, Urania Rappo, Scott Evans, Henry F Chambers, Vance G Fowler, Thomas L Holland

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Dalbavancin is a long-acting intravenous lipoglycopeptide that may be effective for treatment of complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without requiring long-term intravenous access.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dalbavancin vs standard therapy for completion of treatment of complicated S aureus bacteremia.

Design, setting, and participants: Open-label, assessor-masked, randomized clinical trial conducted from April 2021 to December 2023 at 23 medical centers in the US (n = 22) and Canada (n = 1). Participant follow-up lasted 70 days (180 days for participants with osteomyelitis); date of final follow-up was December 1, 2023. Hospitalized adults with complicated S aureus …

An Exciting Future For Microbial Molecular Biology And Physiology, Andrew A Bridges, Leah Guthrie, Mckenzie Lehman, Elizabeth H Kellogg, Samantha Wellington Miranda, Andrew Pountain, Anthony L Shiver, Andrew Varble, Molecular Biology And Physiology Community Of The Council On Microbial Sciences, Heidi B Kaplan, Elizabeth A Shank, Gisela Storz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Continuous advances in technologies ranging from deep sequencing and genetic manipulation to mass spectrometry, single cell imaging, and structural biology have led to previously unimaginable advances in our understanding of microbial physiology and the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial responses in a multitude of environments. Simultaneously, these advances are revealing how much more there is to learn. At the 2024 virtual retreat of the Molecular Biology and Physiology (MBP) Community of the Council on Microbial Sciences (COMS) of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), eight early-career investigators, along with retreat attendees, discussed some of these astounding advances, as well as the …

Variability In Long Covid Definitions And Validation Of Published Prevalence Rates, Lauren E. Wisk, Michelle L'Hommedieu, Kate Diaz Roldan, Imtiaz Ebna Mannan, Erica S. Spatz, Robert A. Weinstein, Arjun K. Venkatesh, Michael Gottlieb, Ryan Huebinger, Kristin L. Rising, Juan Carlos C. Montoy, Kari A. Stephens, Robert M. Rodriguez, Mandy J. Hill, Kelli N. O'Laughlin, Nicole L. Gentile, Ahamed H. Idris, Shu-Xia Li, Michelle Santangelo, Efrat R. Kean, Samuel A. Mcdonald, Kristyn Gatling, Joann G Elmore

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Long COVID definitions vary widely, and no consensus exists on how to accurately measure its prevalence, complicating both clinical care and research.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long COVID prevalence using various definitions from published literature.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective, multicenter cohort study used data from the longitudinal Innovative Support for Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE). Participants aged 18 years or older with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 illness at the time of their index SARS-CoV-2 test enrolled at 8 sites across the US from December 11, 2020, through August 29, 2022, with follow-up surveys collected through February 28, …

Tracing Sars-Cov-2 Clusters Across Local Scales Using Genomic Data, Leke Lyu, Mandev Gill, Guppy Stott, Sachin Subedi, Cody Dailey, Gabriella Veytsel, Magdy Alabady, Kayo Fujimoto, Ryker Penn, Pamela Brown, Roger Sealy, Justin Bahl

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A quantitative understanding of local transmission dynamics is essential for designing effective prevention strategies. In this study, we developed a computational workflow to identify viral introductions and trace locally circulating clusters. We analyzed over 26,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes and their associated metadata, collected between January and October 2021, to explore introduction and local dispersal patterns in Greater Houston, a major metropolitan area known for its demographic diversity. Our analysis identified more than 1,000 independent introduction events, resulting in clusters of varying sizes. The majority of introductions originated from domestic sources, while international introductions occurred earlier and were associated with larger cluster …

Extracellular Vesicles For Clinical Diagnostics: From Bulk Measurements To Single-Vesicle Analysis, Hai Linh Tran, Wenshu Zheng, David A Issadore, Hyungsoon Im, Yoon-Kyoung Cho, Yuanqing Zhang, Dingbin Liu, Yang Liu, Bo Li, Fei Liu, David Tai Wai Wong, Jiashu Sun, Kun Qian, Mei He, Meihua Wan, Yong Zeng, Ke Cheng, Tony Jun Huang, Daniel T Chiu, Luke P Lee, Lei Zheng, Andrew K Godwin, Raghu Kalluri, Steven A Soper, Tony Y Hu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication, signaling pathways, and disease pathogenesis by transporting biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids derived from their cells of origin, and they have demonstrated substantial potential in clinical applications. Their clinical significance underscores the need for sensitive methods to fully harness their diagnostic potential. In this comprehensive review, we explore EV heterogeneity related to biogenesis, structure, content, origin, sample type, and function roles; the use of EVs as disease biomarkers; and the evolving landscape of EV measurement for clinical diagnostics, highlighting the progression from bulk measurement to single vesicle …

Multivalvular Native Valve E. Coli Endocarditis, Madison Baker, Jose Reyes, Natasha Singh, Samir Shah, Rohail A. Baig, Justin Nistico

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

E. coli is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. This report describes an 81-year-old-woman with a history of aortic stenosis and recurrent urinary tract infections who presented in sepsis secondary to E. coli urinary tract infection which was complicated by multivalvular infective endocarditis of the aortic and tricuspid native valves identified on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). The patient was managed medically with ceftriaxone, and resolution of both vegetations was seen on TEE without the need for cardiothoracic surgery. Literature review did not yield prior cases of multivalvular E. coli endocarditis.

Integrating Clinical History, Imaging, And Serologic Testing For The Accurate Diagnosis Of Neurocysticercosis: A Case Report, Jedediah Bondy, Paul Dobria, Dillon Woody, Bryan Scott

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the cestode Taenia solium, in which pigs serve as the definitive hosts. Humans can become accidental intermediate hosts through the ingestion of food contaminated with Taenia solium eggs via fecal-oral transmission. Once ingested, the eggs of Taenia solium hatch into larvae, which then migrate through the bloodstream and disseminate across various organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). In this case, a 40-year-old male from Mexico with a known history of seizure disorder presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. He had been told by a physician in his native …

Can Implementation Strategies Diminish Infection Prevention Barriers And Reduce Cardiac Surgical Site Infections, Jennifer West, Jennifer Gutowski, Jarvis Mcgrath, Kristen Paliani, Emil P. Lesho

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSI) can affect up to 26.8% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In New York State (NYS), hospitals are evaluated by comparing their risk-adjusted CABG SSI rates to the NYS average rate. In 2021, our facility’s rate was significantly higher than the NYS average at 3.40 and 1.51, respectively. We sought to reduce infection rates using a multidisciplinary Implementation Science (IS) approach across the continuum of care.

Methods:

Standardized definitions from the National Healthcare Safety Network were utilized in a 24-month before and after study at a 528-bed hospital that averages 468 CABG/year. In …

Changes In Mental Health Care Utilisation Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic Among People Living With Hiv In The Usa: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using The All Of Us Dataset, Atena Pasha, Shan Qiao, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Ruilie Cai, Buwei He, Xueying Yang, Chen Liang Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Introduction Despite the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLWH) mental health, large-scale, real-world data on mental healthcare utilisation and associated factors among PLWH remain limited. This study explores mental healthcare utilisation and associated factors among PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods Using a retrospective cohort design, we identified and included 4575 PLWH through computational phenotyping based on relevant Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model concept sets from the All of Us programme between March 2018 and March 2022. Mental healthcare utilisation was measured using the yearly count of mental healthcare visits and compared …

Chlorhexidine Bath Procedures To Increase Clabsi Maintenance Bundle Compliance And Decrease Clabsi And Clambi Incidence Rates., Michael Jabituk

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the quality improvement (QI) project was to increase the Chlorhexidine (CHG) bath compliance, to decrease Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI and Central Line-Associated Mucosal Barrier Injury Infections (CLAMBI) rates in a transplant oncology unit.

Background

CLABSI and CLAMBI are hospital-acquired infections causing morbidity and mortality worldwide. A project targeting CHG bath compliance was developed to address the increased rates of these infections at a 32-bed transplant oncology unit at a hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Methodology

Two simulation-based videos were created on the importance of CHG baths and demonstration of CHG wipe application at bedside and administered …

Vaccination With Acinetobacter Baumannii Adhesin Abp2d Provides Protection Against Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, Morgan R Timm, Kevin O Tamadonfar, Taylor M Nye, Jesús Bazán Villicaña, Jerome S Pinkner, Karen W Dodson, Ali H Ellebedy, Scott J Hultgren

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) contribute greatly to the burden of healthcare-associated infections. Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium with high levels of antibiotic resistance that is of increasing concern as a CAUTI pathogen. A. baumannii expresses fibrinogen-binding adhesins (Abp1D and Abp2D) that mediate biofilm formation on catheters, which become coated with fibrinogen upon insertion. Here we develop a protein subunit vaccine against the Abp1D and Abp2D receptor binding domains (RBD) and show that vaccination significantly reduces bacterial titers in a female mouse model of CAUTI. We further demonstrate that immunity to Abp2D

Health Maintenance: Oral Health For Primary Care. The Role Of The Inflammatory Process In Periodontitis And Diabetes, Maureen O'Hara, Debra A. Dixon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

There is a bidirectional relationship for inflammation with periodontal disease and chronic, systemic diseases. The focus of this review specifically includes diabetes because it is a global health problem. Periodontal disease is reversible in the early stages. The benefit of controlling the inflammatory process associated with periodontitis is a reduction in serum levels of inflammatory mediators, which can improve hemoglobin A1c and other microvascular complications of diabetes. Dental practitioners may be the first health care professional to encounter the patient with diabetes and periodontal complications. Having a relationship with primary care providers in the community is essential for the care …

Describing Latent Tuberculosis Infection And Treatment Completion In Virginia: A Social Determinants Of Health Approach, Amber N. Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection is a key strategy in tuberculosis elimination nationally and globally, there is a limited understanding of the general prevalence of latent tuberculosis as well as factors related to successful treatment. This dissertation describes the known landscape of latent tuberculosis in Virginia and explores possible factors related to latent tuberculosis infection treatment through three manuscripts. The first manuscript, Chapter 1, outlines the overall proposal for this dissertation research in the style of a National Institute of Health grant proposal. The second manuscript, Chapter 2, describes the current understanding of the factors related to latent …

Improving Intraoperative Antibiotic Stewardship To Reduce Surgical Site Infections: A Quality Improvement, Allyson Nichelle Heard

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) have been associated with poor pre-surgical incision antibiotic and intraoperative redosing practices and are the leading cause of postoperative readmissions and healthcare-acquired infections. A Quality Improvement (QI) project was developed to evaluate SSIs rates and pre-surgical incision antibiotic dosing and intraoperative redosing practices of anesthesia providers at a Level 1 trauma center in the Midwest. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey addressing intraoperative antibiotic stewardship was administered to 138 anesthesia providers. Interventions included education, a reference sheet, and a clinical pathway. Data analysis for surgical procedures involving anesthesia services, …

Increasing Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Testing By Using Universal Trauma-Informed Care And Offering Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs To Patients At A Non-Profit Independent Reproductive Healthcare Center, Dana M. Bloomburg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background & Significance: The sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic in the United States remains a public health concern, with over 2.4 million cases in 2023 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Increased screening can help prevent complications and enable treatment for the sexual partners of these asymptomatic infections (CDC, 2024). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that obstetrician-gynecology offices aim to provide universal trauma-informed care (TIC) to all patients (McNicholas et al., 2021). Purpose: Universal TIC practices were used to improve acceptance of gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT) testing among at-risk individuals by adding a self-collected vaginal …

Hsp70 Is A Chaperone For Il-33 Activity In Chronic Airway Disease, Omar A. Osorio, Heather E. Raphael, Colin E. Kluender, Ghandi F. Hassan, Lucy S. Cohen, Deborah F. Steinberg, Ella Katz-Kiriakos, Morgan D. Payne, Ethan M. Luo, Jamie L. Hicks, Derek E. Byers, Jennifer Alexander-Brett

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IL-33 is a key driver of type 2 inflammation and implicated in pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, the mechanism for IL-33 secretion and regulation in the context of chronic airway disease is poorly understood. We previously reported an airway disease-associated isoform IL-33Δ34 that escapes nuclear sequestration and is tonically secreted from epithelial cells. Here, we describe how this IL-33Δ34 isoform interacts with HSP70 within cells and is targeted to secretory organelles through coordinated binding to phosphatidylserine (PS) and delivered to compartments for unconventional protein secretion (CUPS). Once secreted, extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) in complex with IL-33Δ34 …

A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Educational Initiative For Improving Hand Hygiene, Lyanna L. Chan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a persistent concern in assisted living facilities, often resulting from inconsistent hand hygiene practices. Although national guidelines exist, adherence remains suboptimal, especially where staff training and compliance monitoring are limited.

Context: This project took place in a 53-bed assisted living facility without a formal system to track or reinforce hand hygiene. The aim was to improve staff knowledge and promote infection prevention through education.

Interventions: A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) led an evidence-based hand hygiene education program. The intervention included interactive training, visual reminders, personal sanitizers, and leadership support during clinical huddles.

Measures: Pre- …