Digital Commons Network^™

The Implications Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome For Dental And Medical Treatment, Adam Degenova Mba, Kristi Soileau

New Orleans Dental Association News

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to a mammalian sugar molecule introduced through tick bites. With rising U.S. diagnoses, dentists must recognize AGS symptoms and understand its implications. Many dental medications and materials contain mammalian-derived ingredients, requiring providers to adapt treatment plans and remain vigilant for delayed allergic responses in undiagnosed patients.

Evaluating Nutrition, Exercise, And Education, On Mental Health And Quality Of Life In Menopause, Jill R. Stone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and a lack of understanding of menopause adversely affect mental health and quality of life in women entering menopause. Metabolic changes during this period can lead to an increase in visceral fat, loss of muscle mass, depression, and anxiety. These metabolic changes are linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional quantitative study, guided by the health belief model, explored the contribution of adopting specific nutrition strategies, exercise, and education in women during menopause transition to help manage mental health (as measured by depression and tension), and quality …

Common Sources, Perceived Communication Efficacy And Sufficiency Of Cervical Cancer Information, Education And Communication Materials For Women With Hiv/Aids In Rural Kenya, Scholastic Musakali Adeli, Elkanah Orang'o, Violet Naanyu, Ann Mwangi, Peter Itsura, Barry Rosen, Patrick Loehrer

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the greatest cause of cancer-related death among women in Sub-Saharan Africa, with particularly high incidence and mortality rates in rural regions. In Kenya, Women with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) are at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer though screening rate remains low. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials play a crucial role in raising awareness, promoting screening, and supporting early detection and treatment; however, little is known about the accessibility, content, and perceived effectiveness of these materials from the perspective of WLHA.

Methods: The objective of this study was to determine the common sources, perceived communication efficacy …

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

Pengaruh Vaksinasi Covid-19 Terhadap Kesehatan Dan Kondisi Ekonomi Masyarakat Di Indonesia, Ayu Lestari, Fauziah Zen

Jurnal Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Indonesia

The COVID-19 vaccination is considered crucial for controlling the pandemic and accelerating economic recovery. However, empirical evidence on the impact of vaccination on health and the economy at the district/city level in Indonesia remains limited. This study aims to analyze the impact of vaccination on health outcomes and economic conditions. The methodology used is a fixed effect model with monthly panel data on vaccination and health outcomes (positivity rate and recovery), as well as annual data on per capita expenditure in 514 districts/cities from January 2021 to December 2022. The results show that the first dose of vaccination significantly reduces …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates For Patients Without Insurance, Andrea F. Day

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (U.S.), ranking as second most prevalent overall. Despite many initiatives, screening rates remain low, especially among clinic patients without insurance. The lack of an evidence-based screening protocol exacerbates these issues and increases the risk of advanced cancer and death. Initial data showed that 0% of patients were screened according to recommended guidelines.

Purpose: The project implemented a standard screening protocol to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in a rural Alabama free clinic for patients ages 45-64 lacking insurance.

Project Design: This quality improvement …

Utilizing Text Messaging To Increase Annual Mammogram Screening Compliance, Lacey B. Santa Cruz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Routine mammography can lessen breast cancer deaths, but many patients do not follow the current screening guidelines. Limited access to mammography and insufficient awareness lead to missed screening appointments.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve annual mammogram adherence among women aged 40-74 by implementing an electronic medical record (EMR)-based text reminder system.

Project Design: Secondary patient data was collected from a privately owned, rural family practice clinic. Using the Mobilize-Assess-Plan-Implement-Track (MAP-IT) quality improvement framework, the project implemented a text message reminder intervention through the EMR. Eligible patients received a text reminder …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Referrals In A Rural Health Clinic, Kysha Mcbee

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Preventive screening for colorectal cancer has been associated with early detection and improved 5-year survival rates. The referral rates for colorectal cancer screening at the practicum site were 17.7%, well below the national benchmarks of 71.8%.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to increase the screening referral rates in adults aged 45 to 75 years by 50% over a ten-week period by implementing an evidence-based toolkit.

Review of the Evidence: Literature review highlighted barriers to colorectal cancer screening, such as knowledge …

Navigating Child Oral Health In Western Australia: A Caregiver's Perspective, Lesley Andrew, Elizabeth Wenden, Mohamed Estai, Ruth Wallace

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common chronic health condition among Australian preschool-aged children. Untreated, ECC can affect children's physical and emotional health and future social opportunities. ECC is largely preventable through primary caregivers' correct understanding of oral health promoting diets, oral hygiene practices and dental service engagement. The study aim is to explore Western Australian (WA) primary caregivers' child oral health knowledge, experience and practices. The Fisher-Owens socioecological model of child oral health was applied across the study to structure and interpret the findings across the complex, interactive sociocultural influences on child oral health. Methods: The mixed-methods …

The Diabetes Prevention Program And Its Outcomes Study: Niddk's Journey Into The Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes And Its Public Health Impact, Jill P Crandall, Dana Dabelea, William C Knowler, David M Nathan, Marinella Temprosa, Dpp Research Group

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The current-day epidemic of type 2 diabetes, largely driven by increased adiposity and reduced physical activity in the setting of genetic susceptibility, is a major public health challenge. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) presciently proposed the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a multicenter randomized clinical trial, designed by investigators in conjunction with NIDDK staff and initiated in 1996. The primary goal of DPP was to determine whether an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS) or metformin in comparison with placebo would reduce the development of diabetes in a high-risk population with prediabetes. After mean 2.8 years, ILS …

The Impact Of Household Dysfunction On Dating Violence Perpetration Among Adolescents In The United States: A Scoping Review, Sumaita Choudhury, Melissa F Peskin, Timothy J Walker, Emily T Hébert, Nivedhitha Parthasarathy, Kaitlyn L Zajack-Garcia, Lea Sacca, Christine M Markham

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Adverse childhood experiences, such as household dysfunction (HD), play a central role in how adolescents establish, experience, and navigate the challenges of relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution. HD exposures have been independently associated with dating violence (DV) perpetration in both adolescents and adults. However, research examining the association between the concurrent effect of HD on DV perpetration, especially among adolescents remains scarce. Thus, we conducted a scoping review to accumulate and summarize existing research regarding the impact of HD on DV perpetration among adolescents aged 10 to 17 years in the United States. We used three electronic databases, Medline (Ovid), …

Shared Genetic Architecture Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Cardiovascular Imaging, Risk, And Diagnoses, Jie Shen, Wander Valentim, Eleni Friligkou, Cassie Overstreet, Karmel W. Choi, Dora Koller, Christopher J. O’Donnell, Murray B. Stein, Joel Gelernter, Haitao Lv, Ling Sun, Guido J. Falcone, Renato Polimanti, Gita A. Pathak, Edward Trapido, Ariane Rung, Et Al.

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder face increased cardiovascular risk. This study examines shared genetic regions between post-traumatic stress disorder and 246 cardiovascular conditions across electronic health records, 82 cardiac imaging, and health behaviors defined by Life’s Essential 8. Post-traumatic stress disorder is genetically correlated with cardiovascular diagnoses in 33 regions, imaging traits in 4 regions, and health behaviors in 44 regions. Potentially shared causal variants between post-traumatic stress disorder and 17 cardiovascular conditions were observed in 11 regions. Subsequent observational analysis in AllofUS cohort showed post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with 13 diagnoses even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and …

The Influence Of Sex Education On Sexual Behaviors From Adolescence To Young Adulthood In South Carolina, Megan Elizabeth Austin

Theses and Dissertations

Sex education in South Carolina (SC) is known to be limited, which may influence adolescent sexual behaviors, leading to a higher likelihood of lower ages of sexual initiation, more sexual partners, and more experiences of sexual violence. These behaviors are associated with many negative health outcomes.

A political content analysis of bills, laws, and educational standards provides insight to changes in political discourse around sex education from when the Comprehensive Health Education Act (CHEA) was passed in 1988 until 2024. A variable created through this analysis is used along with SC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to assess changes in …

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Exercise Initiatives To Improve Child Obesity, Alice Werynski, Ashley Simbafo, Diana Kernen, Koa Williams, Linda Beqaj, Noah Krepostman, Trevor Buck

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Improving Outcomes Of Hiv In Marginalized Populations, Aidan Bailey, Alexis Bowles, Ammar Chauhdri, Biola Makinde-Odusola, Dea Kanani, Keshav Sharma, Vasanth Palanisamy, Waffa Bakheet

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Resources To Improve Kidney Disease In Adults, Alan Berkovitz, Alejandro Damian, Anthony Tundo, Haziq Latif-Jangda, Jared Poliskey, Kristen Bartow, Petra Johnson, Sophie Turner

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Improving Lifestyle Choices In Children Withtype-2 Diabetes Mellitus, David Williams, Hariharan Ramakrishnan, Luv Thakkar, Sanjana Kumar, Srikar Munukutla, Stephan Gonzalez, Taqwa Naas, Ted Hirschfield

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Hypertension Prevention Strategies Catered Towards Pre-Menopausal Women, Jack Summers, Juan Rios, Karli Monahan, Lara Thomas, Leah Abdallah, Noah Ramirez, Noor Ghanam, William Merchun

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Environmental And Psychosocial Interventions In Adolescent Depression, Christian Hausner, Deanna Brown, Erica Kruszewski, Mawadda Abdelhai, Mukund Jayaraju, Sabryn Leidlein, Trentin Ines, Tyrnan Mcgowan

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Emotional And Behavioral Concerns With Limited Support, Ahmed Alzubaidi, Ambrielle Stoltz-Bango, Grace Doakes, Ikenna Oduocha, Isaak Miller, Kelly-Ozze Bollou, Marta Haireek, Wyatt Feldman

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Depressive Symptoms And Treatment Hesitancy In A Middle-Aged Male Living Alone, Abdulrahman Altatan, Abigail Biddix, Joseph Kunnappilly, Katherine Zhang, Kehinde Bolaji, Kyrillos Ayoub, Maya Fajardo, Michael Niculcea

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Inorganic Nanoparticle And Nanoplastic Transformations And The Impact On Biouptake By Freshwater Algal Cells Using Single Cell And Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Elizabeth Carey Bair

Theses and Dissertations

The ubiquitous presence of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoplastics (NPPs) and their effects on environmental and human health is a significant concern. They are used in every aspect of our lives, and while they offer many benefits, there are concerns about their impacts on ecosystems and human health. The primary aim of this dissertation is to quantify NP and NPP transformations in the presence of algae and determine how those transformations influence bioavailability. The methodology involves two complementary analytical techniques: single particle (SP) and single cell (SC) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These techniques are tested and applied to two …

Foundations And Strategic Vision Of The Canadian Translational Geroscience Network, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Andréa Faust, John Muscedere, Perry Kim, Gilles Gouspillou, Lea Harrington, James L. Kirkland, George A. Kuchel, Jeremy Van Raamsdonk, R. Jane Rylett, Chantal Autexier, Louis R. Lapierre, Michael Kobor, Mohammad Auais, Ann Beliën, Jeroen Aerssens, George Sutphin, Kenneth Rockwood, Alexandra Papaioannou, Marc Sim, Jamie Justice, Nancy Mayo, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Geroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the biological connections between aging and the development of chronic diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying interventions to extend healthspan and delay age-related conditions. Recognizing the growing importance of this field, the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network (geroscience.ca) was officially launched during a conference held in Montreal on September 5-6, 2024. Building on the momentum of successful Geroscience meetings in Toronto and Montreal in 2023, this milestone event marked a transformative step forward for geroscience in Canada. This event brought together key stakeholders, including the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN), the Canadian Institutes …

Microbial Biosensor For Sensing And Treatment Of Intestinal Inflammation, Duolong Zhu, Jeffrey Galley, Jason Pizzini, Elena Musteata, Martin V Douglas, Walter J Chazin, Eric P Skaar, Jeffrey J Tabor, Robert A Britton

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Synthetic biology has enabled the development of biosensors to detect intestinal inflammation, yet few target the clinically validated biomarker of intestinal inflammation calprotectin with both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Here, an optimized calprotectin biosensor is presented that leverages a zinc uptake regulator (Zur) controlled promoter coupled with a memory circuit to detect and record intestinal inflammation in vivo. The level of biosensor activation strongly correlates with calprotectin levels in the colon of two independent mouse models of colitis. Coupling of the biosensor with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 allowed for the resolution of chemically induced colitis, demonstrating the …

Investigating Environmental And Socioeconomic Contributors To Adult Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russel Wiggins, Shizue Mito

School of Medicine Publications

Obesity in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas remains a critical public health concern, with rates (46.9%) significantly exceeding those of Texas (36%) and the U.S. (34%) (p < 0.001). This study used 2024 County Health Rankings data to analyze environmental and socioeconomic contributors to obesity across 240 Texas counties, with a population-weighted focus on Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties. The RGV exhibited markedly poorer access to exercise, higher rates of physical inactivity, lower Food Environment Index scores (FEI = 4.3 vs. 5.7 in Texas), higher rates of uninsurance, worse patient-to–primary care physician (PCP) ratios (2152:1 vs. Texas 1660:1), and increased preventable hospitalizations. Multiple linear regression identified physical inactivity (β = 0.6, p = 0.01) and access to exercise (β = −0.02, p = 0.02) as significant predictors of obesity. Notably, higher uninsured rates were associated with lower reported obesity, likely due to underdiagnosis in the absence of routine care. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing food access, environmental and recreational infrastructure, along with healthcare infrastructure in the RGV, where socioeconomic disadvantage and structural barriers magnify the impact of national obesity trends on the regional level.

Performance Of Stool Xpert Mtb/Rif Ultra For Detection Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Among Adults Living With Hiv: A Multicentre, Prospective Diagnostic Study, George W Kasule, Sabine Hermans, Sozinho Acacio, Alexander Kay, Joachim Kikoyo Nsubuga, Carlos Fernández-Escobar, Nosisa Shiba, Lucia Carratalá-Castro, Derrick Semugenze, Patricia Mwachan, Shilzia Munguambe, Joanna Ehrlich, Elisa Lopez-Varela, Andrew R Dinardo, Frank Cobelens, Christoph Lange, Moses Joloba, Anna M Mandalakas, Willy Ssengooba, Alberto L García-Basteiro

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: When people living with HIV develop pulmonary tuberculosis, it often manifests without detectable acid-fast bacilli on sputum microscopy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of stool Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (hereafter, Ultra) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection among adults with HIV.

Methods: This multicentre, prospective diagnostic accuracy study was done in outpatient and inpatient health centres in Eswatini, Mozambique, and Uganda. We enrolled adults aged 15 years and older with HIV with presumptive tuberculosis. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of stool Ultra using the simple one-step processing method against a composite microbiological reference standard (CMRS) including three WHO-recommended tuberculosis diagnostic …

Policy Analysis On Million Hearts 2027, Cardiovascular Health, Priyanka Gera

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Anthropometry Measurement Video Improve Knowledge Of Cadres In Nganjuk City: A Single Group Pre-Post Test Design Study, Farah Paramita, Mika Vernicia Humairo, Septa Katmawanti, Nohan Arum Romadlona

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

High quality anthropometric measurements are important for nutritional assessment in children. In Indonesia, anthropometric measurement of children performed by caders in child center called posyandu as a child growth monitoring. However error measurements are found, especially on length or height measurement of children affecting presision and accuracy of data. This will lead to misinterpretation of child nutrition status. Education and training for cadres using media are important to improve their knowledge and skill related to anthropometric measurements. This study aimed to assess the effect of anthropometry measurement training using videos on Cadre’s knowledge. This study used one group pre-post test …

Too Sweet To Ignore: How Ssb Intake And Physical Inactivity Affect Bmi In Malang’S Student Population, Indana Tri Rahmawati, Nurnaningsih Herya Ulfah, Anggi Renawati, Yuvica Novita Gunawan

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

The growing incidence of overweight and obesity in young adults has been closely associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits, particularly the high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low levels of physical activity. College students are especially at risk due to lifestyle changes that occur during their university experience. This research aims to investigate the SSB consumption patterns, physical activity levels, and their correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI) among university students in Malang City. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 382 active students chosen through accidental sampling. Data were obtained using an online questionnaire shared through student networks …

The Relationship Between Caffeine Consumption And Sleep Quality Of Students Of The Faculty Of Sports Science Universitas Negeri Malang, Windi Chusniah Rachmawati, Dian Mawarni, Lucky Radita Alma, Adiska Rahma

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Coffee is a popular drink consumed in Indonesia, especially among people aged 17 until 25 years. Coffee contains thousands of natural chemicals, one of which is caffeine, which has negative impacts on health if consumed in excessive amounts. The purpose of this study is to describe the caffeine-based beverages consumed and sleep quality and to assess the association between caffeine use and sleep quality. This study used a cross-sectional design with 120 respondents who completed a questionnaire about the history of caffeine-based beverage consumption and PSQI sleep quality, PSQI is used to measure the state of sleep which consists of …