Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Ethical And Practical Considerations Of Artificial Intelligence In Real-World Health Care Settings: Stakeholder Focus Group Study, Carmen Wendy Ulizio, Devika Dua, Naya Meenkashi Mukul, Santosh Areti, Kristin Kostick-Quenet, Vasiliki Nataly Rahimzadeh

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to transform how we research human disease, diagnose and treat patients, and operate hospitals. However, emerging ethical dilemmas surrounding their design, use, and oversight demand both policy attention and empirical research.

Objective: This study aims to explore current AI development, integration, and use activities across the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical center in the world, and identify emerging ethical priorities.

Methods: We conducted a total of 3 qualitative focus groups via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc) between May and June 2025 to gauge the perspectives of 19 clinicians, developers, administrators, and patient …

Gamified Simulation Training: An Opportunity For Improvement In Healthcare Education, Naya Hawkins-Grier, Ashley Martinez, Tara Subrahmanyan, Kelly Fan, Ryan Leudtke

Posters

Introduction: Improvements to education are currently being studied, as lectures alone have been shown to lack the ability to engage students effectively. Research has shown that simulation-based methods are promising new methods; however, they still leave room for improvement in the area of motivation. This program was introduced to introduce gamification to the WMed EIH2 program during the simulation section. The aim of this addition is to improve information retention and engagement among the kalamazoo high school student during the program. Methods: During each monthly session, the students were divided into two groups. Both groups completed individual pre-quizzes, …

Bdcd: A Comprehensive Brain Disease Cell-Cell Communication Database, Xinyi Liu, Citu Citu, Wendao Liu, Nitesh Enduru, Andi Liu, Chia-Hao Tung, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Dysregulated cell–cell communication (CCC) is increasingly recognized as a driver of brain disease pathology, contributing to neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, existing resources remain limited in brain specificity, regional coverage, and functional annotation. To address this gap, we develop the Brain Disease Cell-cell communication Database (BDCD), the first comprehensive resource focused on CCC networks across major brain diseases. BDCD integrates 38 manually curated datasets, comprising 8 519 425 single cells from single-cell RNA-seq studies and 140 744 spots from spatial transcriptomic maps, spanning 14 brain regions and 13 canonical cell types covering Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, …

Depolymerizing F-Actin Accelerates The Exit From Pluripotency To Enhance Stem Cell-Derived Islet Differentiation, Nathaniel J Hogrebe, Mason D Schmidt, Punn Augsornworawat, Sarah E Gale, Mira Shunkarova, Jeffrey R Millman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In this study, we demonstrate that cytoskeletal state at the onset of directed differentiation impacts the exit of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) from pluripotency and downstream lineage specification. In particular, depolymerizing F-actin with latrunculin A (latA) during the first 24 h of definitive endoderm formation facilitates efficient loss of pluripotency and alters Activin/Nodal, BMP, c-Jun, and WNT signaling dynamics. These signaling changes influence downstream patterning of the gut tube, leading to improved pancreatic progenitor identity and decreased expression of markers associated with other endodermal lineages. Continued differentiation generates islets containing a higher percentage of β cells that exhibit improved …

Eeg In Patients With Altered Mental Status In The Emergency Department, Mariama Runcie, Neal Nolan, Olivia Yoo, Robert Silbergleit, Fábio A Nascimento, Maura Kennedy, M Brandon Westover, Joshua N Goldstein

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Altered mental status is a common chief complaint in the emergency setting, and the initial evaluation often fails to find an etiology. Subclinical (electrographic) seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are potential causes of delirium and altered mental status, but require electroencephalogram (EEG) for diagnosis. It is not clear how often subclinical seizure or NCSE is present in those with undifferentiated altered mental status, nor which patients are most likely to benefit from emergent EEG. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients presenting to a single academic medical center emergency department (ED) over a one-year period with the …

What Is New In Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support In 2024-2025?, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

This review covers the most interesting publications on temporary mechanical circulatory support in 2024-2025. We include the latest research on intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella devices, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Innovator - Spring 2026

Innovator

06 - Message From the President

08 - Time Machine

12 - News

22 - Gabrielle Kemberling ’12

28 - The Oughton Family

34 - Beyond the Seams

44 - Question & Innovate

46 - Ram Roundup

48 - Which Ram Was the GOAT?

52 - Class Notes

56 - In Memory

58 - Trivia

Innovator - Fall 2025

Innovator

06 - Message From the President

08 - Time Machine

10 - News

24 - Nureed Saeed ‘99

28 - Cell Mates

32 - Robert C. Sergott, MD

36 - Working Smarter

42 - Question & Innovate

44 - Alumni Impact

48 - Leeor Gal ‘19

50 - Class Notes

56 - In Memory

58 - Trivia

Innovator - Winter 2025

Innovator

06 - Message from the President

08 - Time Machine

10 - News

14 - New Leader for a New Century

18 - Fashion’s Fairy Godmother

22 - Diploma School of Nursing

26 - Question & Innovate

28 - Alumni Impact

30 - Ram Roundup

32 - From the Washington Ballet to Wimbledon

36 - Homecoming 2024 and Alumni Awards

42 - JCLS Alumni Day

44 - Class Notes

50 - Love Train

52 - In Memory

54 - Trivia

Innovator - Summer 2024

Innovator

06 - A Message from the President

10 - Time Machine

16 - The Nexus

32 - Our History

38 - Weaving a Legacy of Excellence

40 - Bridging the Gaps

44 - Harnessing the Qualities That Create Healthcare Heroes

48 - Question & Innovate

52 - Alumni Impact

54 - Ram Roundup

58 - Be Kind

62 - Class Notes

68 - In Memory

70 - Trivia

Innovator - Fall 2023

Innovator

06 - Get to Know Jefferson's Interim President

08 - Leadership Announcements

10 - Time Machine

14 - The Nexus

22 - Climate Change on Your Block

30 - Humana and Jefferson

34 - Question & Innovate

38 - Caffeinated Creativity

42 - Alumni Impact

46 - Ram RoundUp

50 - Brotherhood's Enduring Legacy

56 - Class Notes

60 - In Memory

62 - Trivia

Evaluating Clinical-Academic Partnerships In Physical Therapy Education: A Critically Appraised Topic On Available Assessment Tools, Jocelin Friedman, Hannah Bennett, Rachel Atkinson, Leona Hidalgo

Pacific Journal of Health

Scenario: Physical Therapy Clinical Education represents a significant component of curricula and requires cooperation between academic institutions and clinical education sites (CES). Curriculum structure variation, clinical instructor availability, and student internship demands impact the academic institutions and CES partnership. For stakeholders, communication of expectations and the individuality of the student placement workflow can strain partnerships. Longevity of the clinical-academic partnership depends on effective evaluation incorporating perspectives of both parties. Question: Are there bi- directional assessment tools or protocols available to help academic institutions and CES to evaluate each other in the areas of administrative and collaborative performance? Methods …

Hypothermia Prevention In Major Trauma Patients, Alaina Hostetler

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Traumatic injuries present a significant health challenge for providers, often resulting in hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis, referred to as the trauma triad of death. Hypothermia significantly impacts trauma patients' outcomes and exacerbates morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in trauma cases with high injury severity scores who require immediate surgical intervention. Despite the detrimental effects of hypothermia, evidence-based approaches to treating hypothermia in this population are lacking. Traditional warming methods heavily rely on provider preference and can lead to inconsistent care. Rapid, reliable, and effective resuscitation interventions are essential in the immediate care of major trauma patients. The proposed project will …

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Versus Propofol: In Patients Requiring Sedation While Mechanically Ventilated,, How Does The Use Of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Compared To Propofol, Affect Reintubation Within 48 Hours Post Extubation?, Kimberly Barbee, Markela Albright, Malak Amro, Evelyn Caty-Pletcher, Margaret Havey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Keywords: dexmedetomidine, propofol, reintubation, sedation2

Abstract Assignment

Background

Sedation management in the ICU plays a key role in extubation readiness and post-extubation outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. Although both propofol and dexmedetomidine are commonly used in critical care, there is limited evidence comparing their impact on early reintubation. This quality improvement (QI) project examined whether sedative choice was associated with reintubation within 48 hours of extubation.

Methods

A retrospective QI analysis was conducted in a cohort of 38 mechanically ventilated adult patients. Patients received either propofol (n = 31) or dexmedetomidine (n = 7) prior to extubation. Reintubation within …

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letter - April 2026, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letters

No abstract provided.

Shsp Dean's Newsletter, Spring 2026, Robert W. Amler

SHSP Dean’s Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Supporting School Readiness: A Visual-Motor Integration Program For Children Ages 2.5-10, Bailey Williams, Wendy Tremaine, Carla Hamilton

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on supporting school readiness through the development and implementation of a visual-motor integration (VMI) program for children ages 2.5–10 with developmental delays. A needs assessment was conducted to identify gaps in caregiver knowledge and resources related to VMI development. In response, a 6-week educational program was created, incorporating targeted activities and caregiver education to promote VMI skill development. Findings indicated improved caregiver understanding of VMI concepts and increased confidence in implementing strategies at home. These results highlight the importance of early intervention and caregiver involvement in supporting children’s academic readiness and overall developmental outcomes.

Depressive And Anxiety Symptomatology Among Caregivers Of Children 0-3 Years In Nairobi City County: Community-Based Prevalence Study, Esther Chongwo, Japhet Adina, Kevinson Mwangi, Tabitha Shali, Edwin Dzoro, Cynthia Shitote, Vibian Angweny, Rachel Odhiambo, Margaret Kabue, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Caregivers of young children in low-resource urban settings face multiple stressors, which can affect their mental health. There is limited population-based evidence on the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among caregivers of young children in these contexts. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among caregivers of young children in Nairobi City County. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey with 2,903 primary caregivers of children 0–3 years. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated Swahili versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively, with a cut-off score …

Navigating Academic Promotion: Identifying The Winning Combination For Volunteer Faculty, Enam Haddad, Jacqueline Hill, Sarah Tsai, Ruba A. Abdelhadi, Sarah Braet, Eric T. Rush

Posters

Introduction/Background: Academic promotion is an arduous and time-consuming process. Implementation of support resources is essential for faculty success. Supporting faculty through the process, we developed multiple promotion resources, including a robust online resource catalogue, peer coaching sessions, and detailed weekly email reminders. Goals/Hypothesis: To examine which resources faculty find most helpful in preparing their academic promotion application. Methods/Approach: We surveyed promotion applicants from 6 cycles (2020-2025). Faculty rated the usefulness of promotion resources, how prepared they felt at different points in the promotion timeline, and provided feedback about the overall promotion preparation process. Results/Outcomes: 258/354 (73%) applicants responded to the …

Can Mentoring Improve Professional Skills For Mentors And Mentees?, Emilie Keeton, Msod, Myles Chandler, Eric T. Rush, Susan B. Hathaway, Jacqueline Hill

Posters

Introduction/Background: We implemented a structured 10-month mentoring program at our pediatric academic hospital designed to assist faculty in actualizing professional and personal goals through developing trusted, mutually rewarding relationships. Goals/Hypothesis: To evaluate if faculty participants in the 2 inaugural mentoring program cohorts improve scores on 6 behavioral competencies related to maintaining effective communication, aligning expectations, assessing understanding, addressing diversity, fostering independence, and promoting professional development. Methods/Approach We used pre- and post-program Mentoring Competency Assessments to assess changes in 26 skills across 6 competencies and gather feedback on program elements from participants. Results/Outcomes: 19/35 (54%) mentees and 15/29 (52%) mentors completed …

Identification Of Bioactive Inhibitors In Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Undatus) Targeting Top2a Protein In Human Breast Cancer, Md Iftehimul, Soharth Hasnat, Md Hasibur Rahman, Md Shohel Hossain, Md Arju Hossain, Abdul Barik, Md Faisal Amin, Dipta Dey, Tofazzal Islam, M. Nazmul Hoque

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), a key enzyme involved in DNA replication and repair, represents an important biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in BC. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) as inhibitors of TOP2A using computational biology approaches. A total of 72 phytochemicals were retrieved from the PubChem database and evaluated for binding affinity, toxicity, drug-likeness, and inhibitory potential against TOP2A. Among these, fifteen compounds satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and were predicted to be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Further …

From Story Time To Self-Esteem: Using Books To Foster Positive Body Image In Pediatric Athletes, Emma Lieser

Senior Theses

This creative project explores the relationship between sport-specific musculature development and body image among pediatric girls, addressing how differing athletic movements shape both physical form and self-perception. Research indicates that girls often disengage from sports at a young age due in part to negative body image and comparison with peers, despite the physical and psychological benefits of participation. This project examines how common athletic movements—such as running, jumping, throwing, and skating—develop distinct muscle groups, contributing to diverse yet functional body types. In addition, the project investigates the influential role of children’s literature in shaping perceptions of body image and physical …

Feeding The Mind: Dietary Consumption And Neural Aging, Bhavani Tuppale

Senior Theses

Neural aging is the process of physiological decline in the brain and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are associated with aging and the interaction of genetics and lifestyle choices. Previous research studies have connected Alzheimer’s disease with dysfunction in the metabolic system. To combat age-associated dysfunctions in the metabolic system, research studies propose using the ketogenic diet, which utilizes ketone bodies as an energy source instead of glucose. The thesis analyzes literature on the effect of neural aging on various model organisms, how a ketogenic diet affects aging model organisms, and how aging and …

Loss Of Sarm1 Affects Myelin Uptake And Clearance In Macrophages, Grace J. Bergeron

Senior Theses

Clearance of myelin debris is an essential step in nerve regeneration after injury in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), a process that is primarily carried out by macrophages. Failure to phagocytose and clear myelin can prolong inflammation and impair recovery. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is well researched as a regulator of axonal degeneration, yet its role in macrophages is still unclear. This study investigates how sarm1 deletion and cytokine signaling influence macrophage uptake and clearance of CNS and PNS myelin in vitro. Splenic macrophages isolated from wild-type (WT) and sarm1 …

The Role Of Community Health Workers In Rural South Carolina, Sarah W. Haselden

Senior Theses

This paper aims to explore the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural South Carolina through a literature review as well as the data supplied from the Community Health Alignment Initiative (CHAI) and Community Health Workers Changing Outcomes in SC (CCOSC). Through reviewing the collection of materials and data, the effectiveness of CHWs can be studied. Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide a unique aspect to primary care within communities through their aid in prevention of health conditions. CCOSC and CHAI collected data throughout South Carolina to determine the needs of communities and how CHWs can work to address those …

Discovering Drug-Like Compounds By Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions Using A Yeast-3-Hybrid System, Chesley C. Blake

Senior Theses

Protein-protein interactions are important targets in cancer biology as they can make historically “undruggable” proteins viable drug targets. However, the current approach to targeting protein-protein interactions relies on the use of small molecule drugs, which have low efficiencies as they must cover a large surface area of the interaction. Further, traditional drug therapies often lead to off-target toxicity, limiting therapeutic specificity. The objective of this project is to develop a selection system in yeast to identify short peptide sequences that can disrupt protein-protein interactions specific to cancer cells. Following proof of principle and development of the AH109 yeast strain having …

Exploring Synthesized Cbd Derivatives: Implications Of Therapeutic Strategies For Neuroinflammation, Josephine Mosser

Senior Theses

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis Sativa with well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its clinical utility is limited by moderate receptor selectivity, rapid hepatic metabolism, and broad pharmacological activity on the central nervous system (CNS). This thesis describes the design and partial execution of a multi-step synthetic route aimed at generating CBD/CBD-derived chalcone intermediates for potential therapeutic applications for neuroinflammation. The steps encompass an O-methylation, O-acetylation, and a Fries rearrangement. The first three steps were completed successfully and reproducibly shown through 1H-NMR and 12C-NMR; however, purification of the fourth step was not successful within the available …

Antibiotics And You: A Comprehensive Guide, Brady Haas

Senior Theses

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly emerging issue within public health. As resistance grows, the effectiveness of traditional antibiotic therapies diminishes while risk of treatment grows. Alongside novel therapies, public knowledge is a strong combatant of the resistance-related risks of antibiotic usage. Through a comprehensive review of current literature, this work serves as an accessible guide to the mechanisms of antibiotics, bacterial resistance, and the challenges related to current antibiotic usage. Additionally, the ability of current policy and emerging novel treatments, such as nanoparticles and bacteriophage therapy, to fight antibiotic resistance is evaluated. This analysis highlights the importance of improving public …

Cell-Free Mitochondrial Dna (Mtdna) Triggers Vascular Dysfunction Via Toll-Like Receptor 9 (Tlr9)-Dependent Activation Of Inflammasomes, Mohin Amin

Senior Theses

Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for mortality and is closely associated with vascular inflammation and dysfunction. Damaged mitochondria release cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA), which activates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). The binding of TLR9 to mtDNA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines via gasdermin D (GSDMD), therefore worsening inflammation. However, the mechanisms linking mitochondrial injury to inflammation-induced vascular dysfunction remain unclear. We hypothesize that cf-mtDNA triggers TLR9-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributing to vascular and endothelial dysfunction. To assess that, adult male C57BL/6 were exposed to 28 consecutive days of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or …

The Role Of Outer Setting Health System Factors In The Use Of Hydroxyurea For Ugandan Children With Sickle Cell Anemia, Rollins Angela, Joseph Rujumba, Ruth Namazzi, Deogratius Munube, John Chandy, Russell Ware, Doreen Apolot, Andew Ssali, Henry Nancy, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) causes childhood morbidity and mortality in Uganda and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Hydroxyurea is safe and effective, but not currently widely used in Uganda. We piloted a toolkit to support hydroxyurea use in two public health clinics: a regional referral hospital in a peri-urban area and a district hospital in a rural area. Implementation supports included a manual, expert training, and coaching over 2 years. We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with national stakeholders, hospital leaders, healthcare workers, patient caregivers, and patients early in Year 1 and later in Year 2. Embedded research …