Digital Commons Network^™

Malignant Habits: An Addiction With Potentially Fatal Consequences, Marvin E. Pizer Dds, Ms, Ma, Ficd, Kenneth E. Danty

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Evidenced-Based Practice Guideline Development: The Addition Of Adjunctive Dexmedetomidine In Brachial Plexus Blocks For Upper Arthroscopic Surgery, Mylene Louail

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist increasingly studied as an adjunct in brachial plexus blocks (BPBs) to enhance postoperative pain management. This project examines the efficacy of DEX as an adjunct in BPBs for upper extremity arthroscopic surgeries, focusing on its ability to extend analgesia duration, reduce opioid use, and enhance patient satisfaction. With analgesic and sedative properties, DEX can improve postoperative pain management with minimal side effects, providing shortened hospital stays, decreased costs, and better patient outcomes. Using the Iowa Model for evidence-based practice, baseline data on postoperative pain, analgesia duration, and opioid use will be collected from …

Delivering Food, Exercise, And Nutrition Education For The Prevention Of Chronic Disease, Ava Caron

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, cancer, and stroke pose significant health challenges in the United States, with Arkansas experiencing some of the highest rates of related mortality. This project aimed to improve health literacy related to nutrition and physical activity among adults at risk for chronic disease in Arkansas, focusing on those living independently in Ozark, Ouachita, and Delta regions, as well as cooperative extension agents in Family & Consumer Sciences. Using a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and focus groups, the study explored participants’ nutrition knowledge, health awareness, physical activity engagement, and preferred methods of receiving …

Nurse-Driven Palliative Care Screening Tools In The Icu, Olivia Sarkis Bsn, Rn, Fiona Hill Bsn, Rn, Isak Madden Bsn, Rn

Nurse Residency

PICOT Question: In adult ICU patients, how does implementing a nurse-driven palliative care screening tool, compared to provider-discretion palliative care consultation, affect rates of palliative care consultation in the ICU?

Safety Practices Regarding Oral Nimodipine Administration, Hannah Linsky Bsn, Rn, Nathan Mendoza-Connell Bsn, Rn, Perla Moguel Bsn, Rn, Andrew Vachon Bsn, Rn

Nurse Residency

PICOT Question: In adult patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who are unable to swallow, does pharmacy prepared nimodipine oral solution administered via EnFit syringes, compared with bedside aspiration of nimodipine capsule solution using a blunt needle into syringes, reduce medication administration errors during hospitalization?

Ada Lobby Day 2026

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

Dr. Renuka Bijoor recounts her experience representing the Ninth District as part of NYSDA’s delegation for Lobby Day 2026. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to "advocate for ourselves, our profession, our team members and our patients" and makes particular note of the engaged and excited students that attended.

2026 Lobby day legislation and issues included:

• ERISA and the Improving Dental Administration Act, H.R. 7931
• Student Loans and Postgraduate Educational Debt, H.R. 2028/S.942
• Protect and Restore the Federal Oral Health Infrastructure

The article discusses to whom and how each topic was presented and concludes with one-page fliers for each.

Effects Of Nicotine On Muscle Stem Cell Growth And Differentiation, Annaka M. Clark

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nicotine exposure has significantly increased due to the rising use of e-cigarettes, posing potential health risks not only to users but also to animals exposed to nicotine vapor. While nicotine has been extensively studied for its effects on human health, its impact on animal muscle cells remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of nicotine on muscle cell cultures, specifically focusing on morphological changes, gene expression, and differentiation. Using C₂C₁₂ myoblasts as a model system, the experiment evaluated how varying concentrations of nicotine influence muscle stem cell growth and regeneration. Findings show that lower …

Exploring The Quality-Of-Life Impact Of Driving For People With Aphasia, Kaleigh Welch, Emily Huddleston

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Purpose: This study explored how driving ability or loss affects the social, emotional, and practical quality of life of people with aphasia (PWA). Given that driving is a key marker of independence, identity, and community participation, the study aimed to understand how individuals with aphasia experience driving resumption or cessation and how these experiences shape daily functioning and psychosocial well‑being.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with aphasia recruited from a university-based aphasia group. Interviews were completed in a private university clinic room. Open-ended questions elicited participants’ feelings, experiences, and perceptions regarding driving or not driving after aphasia. …

Remimazolam As A Sedative For Endoscopic Procedures: A Scoping Review, Hamzha Aysheh, Megan Henderson, Megan Hinkle, Sara Holton, Spencer Turner, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Ccrn, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Propofol is commonly used for procedural sedation during endoscopic procedures because of its rapid onset and short duration; however, its use is frequently associated with adverse effects such as hypotension, hypoxemia, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and injection site pain. As diagnostic endoscopic procedures continue to increase, particularly among older and medically complex patients, there is a growing need for sedative agents that provide effective sedation while minimizing perioperative risk. Remimazolam, a novel ultra–short-acting benzodiazepine metabolized by tissue esterases, has demonstrated favorable hemodynamic stability and a reduced adverse effect profile in recent literature. The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project …

Discharge Education Bundles And Evaluating The Effect On Readmission And Satisfaction Rates: A Scoping Review, Jane Campo Bsn, Rn, Charlotte Edwards Bsn, Rn, Mary Catherine Hall Bsn, Rn, Sarah Moore Bsn, Rn, Allison Walker Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Transitioning children with a chronic medical condition from hospital to home is a critical and difficult process, leaving many families feeling anxious and unprepared. Nationally, 1 in 7 pediatric patients are readmitted within thirty days, making readmission rates an important quality indicator with both clinical and financial implications. To address these challenges, multiple discharge bundles have been developed; however, their effectiveness has not been consistently evaluated. The aim of this project is to summarize the current literature and highlight its positive outcomes, with the intention of promoting further research, reducing 30-day readmission rates, and increasing parental satisfaction (Shermont et …

Impact Of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia On Labor Experience, Kierra Jones Rn, Bsn, Elyzabeth Morales Rn, Bsn, Lanitra Ray Rn, Bsn, Rhonda Johnson Dnp, Cne, Cnm, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has re-emerged in the United States as a labor analgesia option that supports mobility, autonomy, and patient-centered care. As nurses increasingly support low-intervention and physiologic birth approaches, understanding the effectiveness and safety of nitrous oxide for low-risk laboring individuals is essential. This scoping review examines current evidence on nitrous oxide use during labor, focusing on maternal pain management, satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes to inform evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and the Cochrane Library between September and October 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language studies published within …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Immunotherapy Alone Or With Chemotherapy As First-Line Treatment For Marginal Zone Lymphoma, Adam Olszewski, Thomas Ollila, Dai Chihara, Geoffrey Shouse, Natalie Grover, Reem Karmali, Pallawi Torka, Colin Thomas, Praveen Ramakrishnan Geethakumari, Stefan Barta, Nancy Bartlett, Narendranath Epperla

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

No abstract provided.

A Hidden Giant: Tee Superiority In Mrsa Endocarditis With A Massive Supravalvular Aortic Mass, Mohammad Abed Alhaleem, Nebras Abu Abed, Salman Muslem, Fatma Bisher, Nadeen Sukhon, Wehbi Hanayni

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: A 66-year-old male with MRSA bacteremia developed septic pulmonary emboli, sternoclavicular joint infection, and prosthetic knee infection. While initial TTE was negative, subsequent TEE identified a large supravalvular aortic vegetation necessitating surgical excision and valve repair, underscoring the diagnostic superiority of TEE and the need for early surgical consideration in complicated MRSA endocarditis. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old male with diabetes, hypertension, and prior knee arthroplasty presented with MRSA bacteremia complicated by septic pulmonary emboli, sternoclavicular joint infection, and prosthetic knee infection. He underwent debridement of the chest wall and knee prosthesis with cultures confirming MRSA. Initial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) …

Avoiding Anchoring Bias In Lymphadenopathy: Metastatic Thyroid Cancer Mimicking Tuberculous Lymphadenitis, Giuliano Romano, Mitchell Schwocho, Jacob Morton

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction The differential diagnosis for a new neck mass is broad and includes malignant, infectious, and autoimmune etiologies. A systematic approach incorporating history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing is essential when developing and narrowing down a differential. Case Presentation A 52-year-old man with a history of diabetes, asthma, ankylosing spondylitis on weekly etanercept, and GERD presented with a 2-day history of painless right-sided neck swelling. He denied fever, chills, weight loss, night sweats, dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, recent illness, or constitutional symptoms aside from mild fatigue. He had recently returned from a 1.5- month trip to Bangladesh and had self-discontinued etanercept …

Factors Influencing Patient Recall For Follow-Up In The Multi-Stage Deployment Of Medical Intelligent Screening Systems, Wenjie Chen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

With the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the healthcare sector, intelligent screening systems have achieved significant breakthroughs in predictive accuracy; however, they commonly face a management challenge in clinical implementation: accurate early warnings but limited patient recall. To address this ineffective technological empowerment issue in practice, this study proposes a theoretical framework featuringbidirectional interactions between "technological empowerment" and"relational empowerment" based on empowerment theory to systematicallyinvestigate the dynamic evolution mechanisms and boundary conditions of patient recall willingness under multi-stage, cross-departmental deployment of medical intelligent screening systems. Using a leading municipal hospital as the primary experimental setting, the study …

Dnajb9-Positive Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis In A Patient With Longstanding Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Rare Association, Seyedah Simi Daryabari, Abhishek Vadhar, Sally Othman, Brahmani Tata, Towfiqul Chowdhury, Sujata Kambhatla, Chadi Saad

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare primary glomerular disease characterized by the organized deposition of nonamyloid, randomly arranged fibrils within the mesangium and glomerular basement membrane. While FGN is frequently associated with malignancies and chronic infections, its association with the autoimmune spectrum is emerging as a critical clinical entity. Specifically, the relationship between DNAJB9-positive FGN and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is exceedingly rare, as renal manifestations in lupus patients are typically attributed to immune-complex-mediated lupus nephritis. We present the case of a 67-year-old female with a longstanding history of DLE, manifesting as cutaneous lesions on the extremities and scalp with …

Rethinking Mixed Dka-Hhs: An Extreme Presentation Of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, Sajith Silva, Umair Malik, Amin Pasha, Sujata Kambhatla

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognizes diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) as life-threatening hyperglycemic emergencies that can overlap clinically; approximately 10% of presentations are described as mixed DKA–HHS. Because current guidelines do not define a single “mixed” category, overlap is best understood as concurrent fulfillment of key elements of both syndromes: DKA-type anion-gap metabolic acidosis with ketonemia or ketonuria, together with HHS-type severe hyperglycemia, hyperosmolality, and dehydration. We report an extreme HHS presentation (glucose >2,100 mg/dL) with limited DKA overlap. Case Description: A 34-year-old woman with longstanding type 1 diabetes mellitus managed with an insulin pump, …

Targeted Therapy With Braf/Mek Inhibitors And Immune Check Point Inhibitors In Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer - A Case Report, Yagnapriya Ammakola, Muhammad Ibrahim Majeed, Ishmael Jaiyesimi

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive malignancy constituting about 1% of all the thyroid neoplasms. It has poor prognosis with median survival of around 3 to 6 months. Recent advancements with targeted therapies have improved the survival outcome in these patients. We report a case of anaplastic transformation of papillary thyroid cancer with BRAF V600E mutation who responded to targeted therapy. Case presentation- A 54 year old male presented with a palpable left sided mass. Labs were unremarkable but imaging with contrast enhanced CT scan showed a 3 cm left thyroid nodule with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy …

Late Hepatitis B Reactivation After Hsct And B-Cell Depleting Therapy: Case Vignettes Challenging Fixed-Duration Prophylaxis, Ariana Cho, Harrison Moses, Muaz Alchirazi, Vishakh Keri, Lea Monday

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation remains a critical concern in immunosuppressed oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, yet the optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis is unresolved. Current guidelines recommend 12–18 months of prophylaxis after HSCT or B-cell depleting therapy for patients who are isolated anti-HBc positive, based on documented cases of late reactivation beyond the traditional 12-month threshold. However, these recommendations largely derive from studies in HBsAg-positive patients or those receiving rituximab-containing regimens, with limited data addressing the broader range of high-risk scenarios encountered in practice. We present two vignettes highlighting this gap. Patient 1 is a 60-year-old …

A Rare Price Of Pain Control: Methemoglobinemia From A Lidocaine Patch, Sushmita Mantravadi, Kesava Mankikanta Achuta, Aaron Goyal, Amin Pasha, Abed L. Dabaja

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction The overall prevalence of methemoglobinemia is around 0.035%. Methemoglobinemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of local anesthetic use. While all patients are at risk, those with cardiac or pulmonary compromise are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations. We report a case of acquired methemoglobinemia following topical lidocaine patch application for post-operative pain management in an elderly patient. Case Presentation 84-year-old male with a past medical history of aortic stenosis status post Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, Coronary artery disease, gastrointestinal bleed due to colon polyps, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, trigeminal neuralgia, obesity, essential hypertension, chronic atrial …

Mycobacterium Chimaera In A Young Patient Without Underlying Cardiac Surgery History, Kate A. Szczesniak, Rakesh Shah, Malitha Hettiarachchi

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction/Objective Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera), within the Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC), is a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species that is most often characterized by nonspecific symptoms of night sweats, fever, and fatigue. Due to the nonspecific symptoms of M. chimaera and the rarity of this infection, delayed or misdiagnosis occurs in these patients. Risk factors of contaminated heater-cooler units used in cardiac surgery have been reported; however, cases without this exposure, such as this case, have been cited less commonly. This case of M. chimaera will present a young patient initially presenting with dyspnea who was found to have a …

Esophageal Diverticulum Presenting As Chest Pain In A Patient With Significant Cardiac History: A Diagnostic Challenge, Sujan Shrestha, Alnimer Khabbab, Kamal Khalil, Malitha Hettiarachchi

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Esophageal diverticula are uncommon structural abnormalities that may present with nonspecific symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. It accounts for < 5% of all cases of dysphagia. In elderly patients with significant cardiac comorbidities, chest pain and dysphagia may be initially attributed to cardiovascular pathology, potentially delaying the correct diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive history taking in identifying esophageal diverticulum as an alternative etiology of chronic symptoms. Case presentation: A 77-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation, unstable angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diastolic heart failure presented with chest pain. Given her significant cardiac history, she underwent extensive cardiac evaluation, including serial troponins, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and stress testing, all of which showed no evidence of acute ischemia. Further history revealed intermittent dysphagia to both solids and liquids for over three years, occurring approximately twice weekly. The patient described a sensation of food getting stuck in her throat, occasionally requiring expectoration. Gastroenterology was consulted, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed minimal esophagitis with a distal esophageal diverticulum. The patient was managed conservatively with pantoprazole 40 mg daily, resulting in symptomatic improvement. Discussion: Esophageal diverticula are often associated with underlying esophageal motility disorders and can present with dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Symptoms may mimic or coexist with cardiopulmonary complaints, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. While barium esophagography remains the diagnostic modality of choice, endoscopy can identify associated mucosal pathology and confirm the diagnosis. Management is individualized based on symptom severity and diverticulum size, with conservative therapy appropriate for mildly symptomatic patients. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of considering esophageal diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of chronic dysphagia and chest discomfort, even in patients with significant cardiac disease. Careful history taking and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential to avoid misattribution of symptoms and to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Acute Myocardial Injury And Vasospastic Stunning Following A Grand Mal Seizure, Aaron Goyal, Kirill Ruban, Ishan Kirti, Karina Ruban, Fadi Saab, Pranay Gupta, Sujata Kambhatla

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Acute non-ischemic myocardial injury results from myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch in the absence of critical coronary stenosis or atherothrombotic plaque rupture, and may be precipitated by acute physiologic stress, including sustained sympathetic overactivity. Troponin elevation may occur in 6.7-10.9% of post-seizure cases, with higher incidence among the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with long-standing epilepsy, dyslipidemia, multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab, and significant cardiovascular risk factors (20 pack-year smoking history, occasional alcohol use, family history of early myocardial infarction) who presented to the emergency room after a witnessed generalized tonic-clonic …

Connecting With Augmentative And Alternative Communication Users: An Internship Report, Karaline Kerzie

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

This article evaluates and reflects on personal experiences working with children with autism in an early intervention, multidisciplinary setting. Implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech-Language Pathology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Occupational Therapy techniques created a multifaceted and comprehensive intervention environment in a free-clinic setting.

Supporting An Inclusive Summer Camp For Children With Developmental Disabilities Who Use Aac And Their Neurotypical Peers: A Practice-Based Report, Jessica Hicks

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

For my honors research, I completed an internship in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lab at the University of Arkansas. For most of my internship work, I helped support an inclusive AAC summer camp for children with and without developmental disabilities, such as autism, for whom speech does not fully meet their communication needs. AAC includes high-tech tools such as communication apps on tablets that serve as speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs were used by many of the AAC summer camp participants with developmental disabilities. In this report, I will provide background information on AAC and developmental disabilities. I will …

Sleep In Children In Foster Care: A Scoping Review, Juan Castellanos, Anna Wani, Jill Mcleigh

Health Status, Outcomes, and Literacy and Healthcare Utilization

Although the focus on sleep disturbances in children who have experienced adversity has increased, little is known about sleep among children in foster care (CFC). This study aimed to review what research tells us about the relationship between foster care experience and sleep disturbances and to identify knowledge gaps.

For questions about this study or others, please email [email protected]

childrens.com/fostercare

Artificial Intelligence In Dental Education: A Literature Review Of Global Adoption, Pedagogical Outcomes, And Ethical Implications, Betti Shahin, Jeremiah D. Ghodsi, Toleen Mazloum, Denise Hale

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many fields by enabling machines to accomplish tasks that previously required human intelligence, such as learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. In dentistry, AI is increasingly applied to diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical training. Its integration enhances educational experiences for students while supporting more accurate and efficient patient care.

Objective: This review synthesizes recent research on AI in dental education, highlighting global adoption trends and key pedagogical, ethical, and practical considerations.

Conclusion: AI has significant potential to enhance dental education through innovative teaching, clinical training, and data-driven decision-making. Effective integration depends on institutional …

Household Air Pollution Is Associated With Disease Severity In Ugandan Children Hospitalized With Hypoxemic Pneumonia, Ayla Ahmed, Sehaj Sandhu, Sophie Namasopo, Juliet Nabwire, Qaasim Mian, Andrea Conroy, Jackson Amone, Charles Olaro, Robert Opoka, Michael Hawkes

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background Household air pollution (HAP) due to biomass fuel use is a risk factor for childhood pneumonia, a leading cause of under-five mortality globally. This study examined the relationship between HAP and disease severity in Ugandan children hospitalized with hypoxemic pneumonia.

Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study across 20 Ugandan hospitals. PM2.5 exposure was estimated using caregiver-reported fuel use, cooking duration, kitchen structure, and ventilation. Pneumonia severity was assessed clinically, and associations were analyzed using non-parametric tests.

Results We included 735 children (median age 9 months, 42% female) hospitalized with hypoxemic pneumonia. Most households used firewood (84%) or charcoal …

Establishing The Inter-Rater Reliability Of The Titleist Performance Institute (Tpi) Movement Screen, Ian Henry Dahners, Matthew Fetner, Carlan Haugrud, Hunter Johnson, Braeden Lee Knutson, Erica Jo Peters, Dana Jayde Zarn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Movement Screen is a golf-specific physical assessment widely used by professionals to identify physical limitations that may influence swing mechanics and injury risk. Despite its popularity, there is limited peer-reviewed evidence regarding the screen’s inter-rater reliability. Without established reliability, clinical and performance decisions based on TPI scores may be questionable. Prior research on similar tools, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), shows that reliability varies based on evaluator experience, scoring objectivity, and standardization—all relevant concerns for the TPI Movement Screen.

Purpose: To determine the inter-rater reliability of …

Prognostic Predictors Of Developmental And Functional Outcomes In Children With Global Developmental Delay: A Retrospecive Chart Review, Rachel Lynne Kuechle, Sadie Elizabeth Olson, Eliana Hazel Parks, Hailee Lynn Schauer, Mara Marie Vannyhuis, Audrey Elizabeth Whitman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Global developmental delay (GDD) is a broad, global disorder in which children do not reach the appropriate gross and fine motor milestones as expected for their age. GDD’s impact can extend beyond motor skills to include speech and language development, cognitive abilities, social and personal skills, and ADL’s. This study aims to investigate the prognostic predictors of developmental and functional improvement of children with GDD. Our study also examines how the prognosis of children diagnosed with GDD will be affected based on therapeutic intervention in order to offer evidence-based recommendations to support children with GDD and their …