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Occupational Health Hazard: Silicosis Policy In California's Engineered Stone Industry, Devany G. Rocha

Master's Projects and Capstones

This policy analysis evaluated the effectiveness of current California regulations that were enacted after the STOP Act was passed to address silicosis incidence rates against Australia's complete ban on manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone with greater than 1% crystalline silica content. Silicosis is a deteriorating fibrotic lung disease caused by the prolonged or massive inhalation of crystalline silica (Dynamed, 2023). To assess the scope of the problem under the STOP Act, we used data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) surveillance from 2019 to present. We assessed incidence rates, mortality rates, and patient demographics. We …

Antiviral Activity Of The Polyene Macrolide Roseofungin Against Influenza A Virus: In Vitro, In Ovo, And Preliminary In Vivo Evaluation, Ahdrey P. Bogoyavlenskiy, Vladimir Berezin, Pavel Alexyuk, Madina Alexyuk, Irina Zaitseva, Aidar Mukhametkaliyev, Yergali Moldakhanov, Elmira I. Anarkulova, Timur Kerimov, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Roseofungin, a polyene macrolide antibiotic produced by Streptomyces roseoflavus, was evaluated for antiviral activity against Influenza A virus using complementary in vitro, in ovo, and preliminary in vivo toxicity models, supported by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The compound exhibited antiviral activity against multiple influenza A virus subtypes, including an oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 strain, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 μg/mL and selectivity indices of 20–25. Functional assays demonstrated that roseofungin interfered with early stages of the viral life cycle by reducing viral adsorption and partially inhibiting neuraminidase activity. In virucidal assays, treatment with roseofungin resulted …

There’S A Lot Happening In Macomb!, Michael Saba

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society's editor, Dr. Michael Saba.

A Place To Return, Jerry Wesley Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This month's edition of the President's Message column features the new Macomb Dental Society President Dr. Jerry Wesley's inaugural article.

Macomb Dental Society Journal Summer 2026

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Summer 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Give Kids a Smile
• Dedicated Dental Sportsman’s Club - 2026 Pistol Shoot
• Macomb, Oakland, Genessee, and Detroit Golf Event

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

Global Disparities In Neurosurgical Literature: A Narrative Review Of Underrepresentation Of Low- And Middle-Income Countries And Pathways To Research Equity, Tirath Patel, Naveed Ahmad, Abbas Hussain, Bisma Faraz, Amna Binte Naeem, Urooj Sheraz, Laiba Noor, Saleha Khan, Muhammad Seerat Ali, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

The global neurosurgical literature is dominated by high-income countries, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributing minimally despite bearing the most significant share of the neurosurgical disease burden. Underrepresentation limits equitable knowledge dissemination and the relevance of guidelines. The objective of this review was to assess neurosurgical publication disparities, identify deterrents to LMIC participation, and outline initiatives that foster equity and inclusion in research. This narrative review synthesized evidence on global disparities in neurosurgical literature through a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2025). Eligible studies examined research output, authorship trends, publication barriers, or equity initiatives. Findings mapped …

From Algorithm To Alarm: A Narrative Review On Insulin Delivery Innovation, Noor Ul Asaleem, Faraz Arshad, Maria Qadri, Muhammad Saqlain Mushtaq, Mishaim Khan, Pakeeza Shakoor, Tirath Patel, Anaya Noor, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background and objective: The global rise in the incidence of diabetes mellitus necessitates innovative management strategies to mitigate the severity of the disease. The mainstay of diabetes treatment is still insulin therapy, although there are drawbacks, such as the need to maintain ideal glycemic control while lowering the risk of hypoglycemia and user fatigue. The development, clinical usefulness, and constraints of insulin delivery systems are examined in this narrative review, with particular attention to sensor-augmented and closed-loop technologies.

Methods: A thorough electronic database search was conducted to obtain pertinent data on major insulin delivery devices, including sensor-augmented and closed-loop systems. …

Implementation Of Phq-9 To Improve Depression Identification In Icu, Jenny C. Manoly Bsn, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE This quality improvement project aimed to improve depression identification by screening 80% of eligible adults admitted to two heart failure intensive care units (ICU) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

RESULTS Screening compliance increased from 42.1% to 85% by Week 13, exceeding the project goal. Of 101 patients screened, 16.8% screened positive for depression. Workflow changes, leadership support, and peer engagement improved compliance, though psychiatric referrals remained inconsistent.

BACKGROUND Depression is common among critically ill patients but is frequently underrecognized because ICU care primarily focuses on physiologic stabilization. Existing admission screening was limited to suicide risk assessment, delaying identification …

Enhancing Heart Failure Transitional Care To Reduce 30-Day Readmission Rate, Thuy Nhu Uyen Tran

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project is to reduce 30-day readmissions for adult patients with heart failure (HF) by implementing a standardized HF pathway beginning in the intensive care unit (ICU) and continuing through discharge.

Background: The project was implemented within a large healthcare organization in Northwest Houston, Texas.

Methodology: This project utilized a pre- and post-implementation design guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. Eligible adult patients (≥18 years) with a primary or secondary HF diagnosis were identified during March 2026. The My Pathway to Wellness HF education pathway was initiated at the time of ICU downgrade …

Polyphenol Diet And Exercise As Neuroprotection From Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease, Michelle Morgan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Healthy non-pharmacological lifestyle factors, such as regular physical exercise and a dietary supplementation, have been shown to significantly improve cognitive outcomes over time compared to a more sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Furthermore, exercise may serve as a potential protective factor in attenuating the effects associated with cognitive decline that are characteristic of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, evidence indicates that certain diet interventions can also attenuate the effects of neurodegeneration and positively impact longevity. Supplementation of polyphenols, such as ellagic acid (EA), which are abundant in pomegranate juice, may help provide neuroprotective benefits and elicit a …

Reduced Lower Extremity Strength, Altered Muscle Activation, And Unchanged Kinetics During Single-Leg Squatting In Males With Patellofemoral Pain Versus Pain-Free Males: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Lisa T. Hoglund, Amy H. Amabile, Thomas Alexander Hulcher, Victoria K. Polansky, Erin L. Dopke

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is frequently a cause of reduced quality of life in physically active males. The cause of patellofemoral pain is theorized to include aberrant biomechanics during weight-bearing activities. Altered biomechanics of females with patellofemoral pain have been reported, but there is a dearth of research for males with this condition. This study aimed to compare males with and without patellofemoral pain for hip and knee joint moments and muscle activation during single-leg-squatting and proximal muscle strength.

METHODS: Twenty males with patellofemoral pain and 20 pain-free males aged 20-39 years performed single-leg-squatting while motion, ground reaction force, and proximal …

Assessing The Feasibility Of A Self-Management Intervention For Individuals With Advanced Prostate Cancer And Comorbid Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Amy L. Shaver, Christina Steinbock-Malfer, William Tester, Patrick Mille, William K. Kelly, Kevin K. Zarrabi, Costas D. Lallas, Mihir M. Shah, Rose Dimarco, Emily Brand, Shawntel Brown, Swapnil Sharma, Nikita Nikita, Cindy Cogen, Scott W. Keith, Grace Lu-Yao

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Many older adults with cancer have at least one comorbidity. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity among patients with prostate cancer (PC) and represents an important consideration in this population. Comorbid T2DM can negatively impact cancer-specific outcomes for patients, suggesting the need for better glycemic management, especially for patients on active cancer treatment. The goal of this modified Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (mDSMES) pilot study was to provide patients with the opportunity to learn methods of diabetes self-management, including how to manage their glucose levels, improve their understanding and utilization of medication to promote improvements in …

The Resilient Women's Collective: Empowering Women To Recognize Their Worth, Mary Campbell Johnstone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Mothers experiencing homelessness face challenges related to chronic stress, trauma, disrupted routines, and limited access to supportive resources, all of which negatively impact health, well-being, and occupational participation (Anderson et al., 2024). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through occupation-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote resilience, empowerment, and engagement in meaningful activities. This doctoral capstone addressed these complex needs through a multifaceted approach that included a scoping review, program development, advocacy, and educational initiatives. A scoping review examined stress-management interventions supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness in the United States. Although positive outcomes were reported, the literature revealed limited …

The Acute Effect Of A Single Dose Of Berberine On Blood Glucose Response Following A Standardized Meal And 2-Mile Walk Performance In Healthy Adults, Victor Emmanuel Obaro

Master's Theses

It is clear that exercise improves overall health status, and it is possible that berberine (BR) may work through some similar mechanisms to improve health status as well.  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the acute effects of a single dose of BR on health status following a standardized meal and a 2 mile walk treadmill protocol with outcomes including blood glucose (BG), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and a two-mile walk time trial performance. Methods: This study used a cross-over design where 14 healthy, young adults were given berberine (BBR) …

Machine Learning In Flow Cytometry For Acute Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis: A Scoping Review, Katrina Jezzela M. Dela Pena Md, Mls (Ascp)

Other Specialties

Manuscript version:

Introduction: Flow cytometry is essential for the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but conventional analysis is labor-intensive, operator-dependent, and increasingly complex. Machine learning (ML) may support automated analysis; however, its readiness for clinical implementation remains unclear. This scoping review mapped ML approaches applied to flow cytometry for AML-related diagnosis.

Methods: PubMed was searched for English-language primary studies applying artificial intelligence, ML, or deep learning to human flow cytometry data for AML diagnosis or classification. Eligible studies reported diagnostic performance metrics. Study characteristics, preprocessing, data representation, model architecture, validation strategy, performance metrics, interpretability, and implementation considerations were descriptively …

Facilitating Occupational Participation In Older Adults With Chronic Pain, Emily K. Ruesch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project developed doctoral-level clinical skills in the management of chronic pain. This capstone project also implemented a six‑week chronic pain management program for independent community‑dwelling older adults at Dow Rummel Village. Eleven adults aged 50–95 participated in weekly 45‑minute group sessions addressing adaptive equipment use, graded exercise, energy conservation, nervous system regulation, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Seven participants completed pre‑ and post‑intervention measures using the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form and the Pain Self‑Efficacy Questionnaire. A paired samples t‑test assessed changes in pain severity, pain interference, and self‑efficacy. Results demonstrated a decrease in pain severity (t(6) = −3.96, …

Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation Of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Chest Radiograph Interpretation For Tuberculosis Screening In Rural Health Units In The Philippines, Harold Henrison C. Chiu, Bryan Christopher C. Lao, Gloanne C. Adolor

Graduate School of Business Publications

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major public health burden in the Philippines, where diagnostic delays are amplified by limited radiology capacity in rural health units (RHUs) and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) using artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted chest radiograph interpretation may shorten the screening pathway and reduce reliance on scarce specialist readers. However, its economic value for RHUbased tuberculosis screening has not been fully evaluated.
Methods: We developed a decision-tree cost-effectiveness model in Microsoft Excel 365 to compare AI-assisted chest radiograph interpretation with conventional manual radiologist or teleradiology interpretation among a theoretical annual cohort of 1,000 presumptive tuberculosis …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of An Occupation‑Based Telehealth Intervention For Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Bernard A. Muriithi, Milan Bimali, Mario Schootman

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Introduction

Cancer survivors frequently experience occupational performance challenges during early survivorship, and telehealth may offer a feasible approach to deliver interventions during this period.

Methods

This pilot randomized controlled trial included 17 adults in the first year following breast or prostate cancer diagnosis, assigned to the ActiveHeal Cancer Program (ACP) or a control group. ACP consisted of six 75‑minute occupation‑focused virtual group sessions and weekly follow‑up telephone calls delivered by occupational therapists over 12 weeks. Control participants attended three brief virtual meetings without therapeutic intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using validated measures, attendance, and completion rates. The exploratory outcomes …

Association Between Stress Mindset, Psychological Symptoms, And Psychosocial Risk In Liver Transplant Patients, Sarah Kay Brill

Dissertations

Psychosocial functioning is a central component of liver transplant evaluation, yet less is known about how cognitive factors, such as stress mindset, relate to transplant readiness. The present study examined the association between stress mindset and psychosocial risk, as well as its relationship with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress among patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation. Patients included 62 adults completing standard pre-transplant assessment measures, including the Stress Mindset Measure–Specific (SMM-S), Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that stress mindset was …

Seeing The Unspoken: A Pilot Eye-Tracking Study Of Moral Injury Among Veterans, Eva M. Valdez

Dissertations

This pilot study examined associations between self-reported moral distress, state distress, combat exposure, deployment history, and maximum pupil reactivity among veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Participants viewed neutral and morally relevant images while pupil responses were recorded using eye-tracking technology. Self-report measures included moral distress severity, exposure to potentially morally injurious events, Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings, total deployments, number of combat deployments, and Combat Exposure Scale scores. Maximum pupil reactivity was calculated by subtracting the mean z-scored maximum pupil response during neutral image presentations from the mean z-scored maximum pupil response during morally relevant image presentations. This variable …

Analysis Of The Cannabinoid Compositions, Byproducts And Heavy Metals In Unregulated Cannabinoid Products By Hplc-Ms/Icp-Ms, Simone K. Melle

All NMU Master's Theses

The rapid expansion of unregulated hemp-derived products has created a need for analytical methods that characterize both cannabinoid composition and contaminant occurrence. This thesis used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify cannabidiol (CBD), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in commercial hemp-derived products, laboratory-prepared hemp oils, cultivated hemp tissues, extracted material, and post-harvest soil. Commercial products showed wide cannabinoid variability, with several samples containing more than one target cannabinoid, while laboratory-prepared plant oils showed a more consistent profile dominated by …

Parkinson's Disease: Immunometabolic Control Points Across Neural, Vascular, And Peripheral Systems, Y Narvaez Irizarry Felix, Alondr M. Bermudez Adorno, Boris Ermolinsky, Lilia Kucheryavykh, Mikhail Inyushin

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder most associated with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Increasing clinical and experimental evidence, however, indicates that PD is a multisystem disease in which immune, metabolic, vascular, and peripheral nervous system dysfunction precede and shape motor circuit failure. Nonmotor manifestations, including olfactory impairment, sleep and autonomic disturbances, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and cognitive decline, often arise years before motor diagnosis, highlighting pathogenic mechanisms beyond dopamine deficiency alone. In this review, we synthesize evidence supporting the view that PD represents a disorder of chronic immunometabolic dysregulation rather than isolated neuronal loss. …

Recover Well: Reducing Readmissions Through Nurse-Led Follow-Up After Urologic Surgery – A Quality Improvement Project, Candace Brigette Mike

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital readmissions within 30 days following urologic surgeries are often associated with catheter complications, infections, poor pain management, and limited patient understanding of discharge instructions and therefore represent a significant quality and safety concern for patients and institutions alike. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether implementing structured, nurse-led telephone follow-up in conjunction with standard discharge education reduced unplanned 30-day hospital readmissions among adult patients undergoing urologic surgery. Guided by the Logic Model framework, this project used a quasi-experimental, two-group pre- and post-intervention design to compare outcomes at a high-volume outpatient urology clinic in Houston, Texas. …

Utilization Of An On-Site Primary Care Clinic – An Evaluation, Joulvous Jarvis Drake

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Employers incorporate on-site primary care clinics into their workplace health strategies to improve employees’ access to timely care and chronic disease management and reduce absenteeism and healthcare-related costs. Yet despite the demonstrated organizational and health benefits, many worksite clinics experience lower-than-expected utilization. Purpose: This evaluation project aimed to identify the behavioral and structural factors that influenced employee utilization of a corporate on-site primary care clinic. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the factors contributing to employees’ low utilization of the on-site primary care clinic. Approximately 1,000 eligible full-time employees at a large corporate campus in Texas …

Quality Improvement Initiative To Improve Adherence To Ob Hemorrhage Policy And Standardize Pitocin Administration During Cesarean Sections To Reduce Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk, Lauren R. Litz, Monica Blauser

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and Pitocin administration is an important component of hemorrhage prevention and management during cesarean delivery. Variation in Pitocin timing, dosing, method of administration, and adherence to evidence-based recommendations may compromise patient safety and create barriers to standardized obstetric anesthesia care. The purpose of this Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice quality improvement project was to evaluate current anesthesia provider practices for Pitocin administration during cesarean delivery, compare observed practices with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative hemorrhage toolkit and Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean recommendations, …

Enhancing Patient Outcomes In Obstetric Neuraxial Anesthesia: Evaluation Of A Structured Documentation Tool For Post-Dural Puncture Headache Tracking (Pdph), Jacqueline Saldana Tovar, Ahmad Hasaan

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to evaluate the incidence, management, and practice variation of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in an obstetric population using retrospective data from standardized follow-up tools. The project aims to identify inconsistencies in procedural techniques, documentation practices, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines across anesthesia provider levels. By analyzing key clinical variables and patient outcomes, this project seeks to identify gaps in current practice, improve data reliability, and support the development of standardized protocols for PDPH assessment and management. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance quality of care, promote evidence-based decision-making, and …

Enhancing Sbar Documentation And Telecommunication Between Nursing And Anesthesia Teams In The Obstetric And Labor And Delivery Unit, Apollonia C. Anderson, Celeste Meda

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Effective communication during obstetric handoffs is essential for promoting maternal and neonatal safety, yet communication failures remain a significant contributor to adverse events due to inconsistent and unstructured handoff practices. This Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) quality improvement project was developed following the recommendations of the 2025 DNAP project, which implemented the OB/L&D-specific SBAR tool. This project evaluated the use of this communication tool in areas of OB interdisciplinary team communication accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration, particularly during obstetric epidural requests within a community-based labor and delivery unit. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2020). Utilized …

Dnp Final Report: Improving Diabetes Self-Efficacy Through Nutrition Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Lakimberely S. Wooten

DNP Final Reports

Diabetes affects 12.7% of residents in Northeast Texas and is the 7th leading cause of death. Internal evidence indicates low health literacy and a heavy disease burden in the service area, underscoring the need for a standardized, low-cost, and feasible approach to nutrition education. This quality improvement project evaluated the feasibility of implementing an instructor-led nutrition education session. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Framework and the ADKAR behavioral change model, adult participants with Type 2 diabetes received instruction on the Plate Method. Participants enrolled in a 4-week, instructor-led diabetes education class completed a 1-hour, nutrition education session using …

Dnp Final Report: Improving School Nurse Confidence In Managing Student Anxiety Through Simulation-Based Training, Jessica Marish

DNP Final Reports

Evidence has shown that students with untreated or poorly managed mental health concerns are at higher risk for absenteeism, psychiatric hospitalization, and school dropout. School nurses are often among the first healthcare professionals students encounter when experiencing emotional distress; however, many report limited preparation in mental health screening, grounding techniques, and referral support. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the feasibility of a simulation-based educational intervention for school nurses in managing student anxiety. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Neuman Systems Model, this initiative also included the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement model …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Cigar Warnings Among Young People In The U.S., Leah M. Ranney, Rime Jebai, Michael Jetsupphasuk, Sonia A. Clark, Kristen L. Jarman, Sarah D. Kowitt, Jim Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Adam O. Goldstein, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross

Faculty Publications

Introduction: The effectiveness of warning size and format on cigar packaging in influencing youth and young adult smoking behaviors is not well understood. This study tested these cigar warning characteristics among youth and young adults who use or are susceptible to using little cigars or cigarillos.

Methods: The study recruited 506 U.S. youth and young adults, aged 15−20 years, between April and June 2023. Participants reported ever or past 30-day use of little cigars or cigarillos or were susceptible to using little cigars or cigarillos. A 2 £ 2 between-subjects online experiment was conducted where youth and young adults were …