Digital Commons Network^™

Sharksrx Newsletter Fall 2026, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Coinfections In Infectious Keratitis: A Case Involving Herpes Simplex Virus (Hsv) Type 1 Infection, Saeed S Alqahtani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Infectious keratitis remains a major cause of corneal morbidity and vision loss. While bacterial keratitis is commonly encountered, coexisting viral infections may complicate diagnosis and delay effective treatment. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing polymicrobial keratitis in patients with atypical or non-resolving clinical courses. Method: We describe the clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, and management of a 40-year-old female contact lens wearer who presented with a severe corneal ulcer initially presumed to be bacterial in origin. The patient was treated with intensive fortified topical antibiotics based on clinical suspicion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection related to prolonged contact …

Comparative Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Implications For Active Learning And Assessment At Various Curricular Levels Of Stem And Health Sciences In Developed Versus Underprivileged Countries, Vinay Munlapudi, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

Today’s all-pervasive emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of its role in education, especially for occupational disciplines in health sciences and STEM. AI has reshaped student learning and instructors’ navigation of the evolving, post coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) global academic landscape. This study aimed at encapsulating evidence-based AI implications for student-centered, active learning and assessment at various curricular levels of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and health sciences education in developed versus underprivileged or less developed countries. An extensive, scoping review of 65 recent, scholarly publications was conducted over six months through diverse search engines (PubMed, Google …

Sharksrx Newsletter Summer 2026, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Community - Volume 11

be Still

No abstract provided.

Namaste, Kem Chho, Jason Nguyen

be Still

No abstract provided.

Acute And Inpatient Occupational Therapy Practice For People With Chronic Conditions Who Are Experiencing Homelessness, Emily K. Simpson, Anne K. Mokate, Elizabeth A. Gibbs, Nina K. Duric

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Despite having high rates of chronic illness, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face barriers to healthcare access that result in unmet health needs and poor health outcomes.  The objective of the study was to identify the barriers to service experienced by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in acute and inpatient settings in providing services to PEH and to describe education strategies to reduce those barriers. Methods: Researchers employed a cross-sectional design with OTPs (n=292) with experience treating PEH. Results: Barriers to treatment for OTP included lack of education, need to prioritize acute concerns, and inadequate institutional resources. …

Making Sense Of Hospitalization: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Covid-19 Patients’ Psychological Experiences In Indonesia, Mira Wahyu Kusumawati, Heni Dwi Windarwati, Setyawati Soeharto

The Qualitative Report

While previous research has probed into the experiences of COVID-19 patients during isolation in hospitals, little is known about their psychological experiences and the meaning of such experiences. To address the gap,this study was designed to explore the psychological experiences of patients who were confirmed positive for COVID-19 while undergoing isolation in hospitals. Using a phenomenological approach, we recruited 19 COVID-19 survivors who were confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the first six months of the pandemic entering Indonesia, located in Madiun Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with health protocols and analysed the data using the …

A Series Of Investigations On The L. Cornutus Host System And Bivesiculid Sp. Cercariae, Briana K. Zaffiro

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Rising global temperatures are likely modulating parasite-host interactions, yet the direction and magnitude of these changes remain uncertain. Rarely are these interactions viewed from both a host and parasite perspective. Using both CT_max, or Critical Thermal Maximum, and Clark-type polarographic oxygen microelectrodes, the physiological metabolic effects are investigated. CT_max is examined in Common Shiners, Luxilis cornutus, and is shown to be modulated by parasitism: uninfected fish had the highest CT_max average of 37.0°C, whereas heavily infected fish had decreased CT_max averaging 35°C. Prior to the parasite metabolic investigation, a suitable medium was determined, as …

Sharksrx Newsletter Spring 2026, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Cultural Competence In Patient Care Coordination: Access To Care, Ryan Persaud

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper examines cultural competence in pharmacy patient care coordination, specifically focusing on access barriers faced by diverse patient populations and evidence-based interventions to address these challenges. Methods: A comprehensive literature review examined access barriers for Native American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American patient populations in pharmacy settings, identifying culturally competent interventions for their effectiveness in improving medication access. Results: Each population faces distinct barriers including geographic isolation for Native Americans, economic and transportation challenges for African Americans, language and cultural navigation issues for Asian Americans, and immigration-related concerns for Hispanic Americans. Effective interventions include telepharmacy services, …

The Consequences Of Attempted Human Perfection: Genetic Enhancement And Why It Is Immoral, Kiran S. Sajnani

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

In the field of biomedical ethics, genetic enhancement—the alteration of human DNA to increase characteristics beyond normal function—is a highly contested topic. Genetic enhancement presents serious ethical issues, especially when gene therapy seeks to treat or prevent disease. This paper makes the consequentialist case that genetic enhancement, whether somatic or germline, is intrinsically unethical because of its ethical, societal, and systemic ramifications. The autonomy of future persons is violated by germline enhancement, which also runs the risk of deepening socioeconomic gaps and escalating intergenerational inequity. Even though it only affects the individual, somatic augmentation undermines human diversity and agency by …

Nsu Business Graduate Student Catalog 2025-2026 Winter 2026 Edition, Nova Southeastern University

Huizenga Postgraduate Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Balancing Care And Chaos: A Phenomenological Study On The Emotional And Mental Health Challenges Of Emergency Department Nurses, Shantilee Green

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of emergency department nurses related to emotional and mental health challenges, coping with stress, and ways to provide them with better workplace support. Emergency department nurses are required to work 12-hour shifts in a high-stress environment with a significant patient load and an inadequate patient-to-nurse ratio. Emergency department nurses are exposed daily to patient events that can be traumatic and affect their mental and emotional health, and nurses may find it challenging to cope with the resultant stress.

The researcher created an interview protocol of 14 questions to …

Attention - Volume 10

be Still

No abstract provided.

More Than Medicine: The Quiet Power Of Attention, Eleni Geletu

be Still

This short reflection is based on my experience as a Patient Advocacy Representative. It tells the story of a phone call with a patient in distress and shows how simply paying attention and showing care can make a real difference. The piece reminds us that healing often begins with compassion, not just medicine. It highlights the importance of listening, empathy, and human connection in healthcare.

Keywords: compassion, patient care, attention, empathy, narrative medicine, advocacy, healing

Mentored Structural Biology Of Human Pathogens (Msbio-Path) Summer Program, Harani Athwale

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Global Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Higher Education In Physiology, Sean Mahajan, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the higher education sector worldwide in several disciplines, especially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential learning via practical application of concepts centered around physiology. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of education in these critical scientific fields. COVID-19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of physiology courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising …

Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Anatomy Higher Education Around The World, Sneh Patel, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted the higher education sector worldwide in several disciplines, especially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential learning via practical application of concepts centering around anatomy. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of education in these critical scientific fields. COVID-19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/ healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of anatomy courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising …

Preparing Rural Physiotherapists : Addressing Climate Change Through Entry-Level Education, Kerstin Mcpherson, Christopher Myers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Climate change is set to profoundly impact community health and access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas of Australia, which already experience limited access to health services like physiotherapy. The implications of climate change on physiotherapy practice underlie the urgent need to prepare future health practitioners. Entry-level education plays a pivotal role in equipping physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills to address climate-related health challenges effectively. This study aimed to explore the perspectives, awareness, and educational needs of rural physiotherapists in Australia regarding climate change. Methods: A survey was designed and distributed via rural physiotherapist via social media using …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Towards Accessibility In Healthcare For Individuals With And Without Hearing Loss: Evaluation Of Usability, Fit, And Communicative Effectiveness Of A Transparent N95 Mask Prototype, Samuel R. Atcherson, Brooklyn Schultes, Jeanne Hahne, Barbara Debaun, Chris Showell

JADARA

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity of effective face masks in both public and healthcare settings for mitigating the spread of disease. However, traditional face masks impede communication, posing significant challenges for approximately 13% of the general population and 10% of healthcare and social assistance workers who have hearing loss and who rely on lipreading and other non-verbal cues. Traditional surgical masks and N95 respirator masks serve important roles in healthcare, but they differ in levels of protection. Currently, a transparent surgical mask is available, but not an N95 version. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the usability, fit, …

Host, Microbiome, And Parasite: How Apicomplexan Microorganisms Interact With Gut Microbiota, Senia Bu, Andrew T. Ozga

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the human gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It functions in immune system regulation, digestion, and protection against pathogens. Apicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., are major pathogens that can significantly disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to alterations in microbial composition and function. This review explores the bidirectional interactions between Apicomplexan parasites and the gut microbiome, focusing on how these parasites influence microbial diversity, immune responses, and host metabolism. It examines the mechanisms by which infection-induced inflammation, altered …

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

The Characterization And Detection Of Human Associated Pathogens Within Aquatic Sediments In Florida, Athena Giorgiou Capetanakis

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Thalassogenic diseases, infectious diseases caused by wastewater pollution of marine environments, have been plaguing the world for generations. Every millimeter of raw wastewater may carry millions of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Water monitoring techniques generally rely on the sole detection of fecal indicator bacteria, while overlooking the significance of microbial data, especially via aquatic sediment. It is known that aquatic sediment can provide the ideal environment for pathogenic microorganisms to survive in. Using next-generation sequencing methods, amplifying the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, this study aimed to achieve the following objectives: 1) characterize the microbiome of the sediment in …

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Tahani Ali Alshammari, Ali Mohi Alqahtani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious pathogen causing significant respiratory infections across all age groups, with heightened severity in infants and the elderly. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the virus's epidemiology, the associated dangers, and current therapeutic interventions. Historical data identifies RSV as a primary cause of respiratory hospitalizations in infants and ageing populations, with reinfection common throughout life. After several trials and molecular diagnostics to find treatment options, various vaccines, antiviral drugs, and monoclonal antibodies have been licensed for use in various parts of the world. Recent studies explore the importance of passive immunization …

Bio-Physiological Development During Adulthood, Maria Boix Braga, Charles J. Golden, Lisa K. Lashley

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Defining adulthood, and what the criteria truly is to be able to consider oneself an adult, varies from culture to culture. Biologically, adulthood can also be defined as the period in which full physical and intellectual maturity has been attained. It is a period that is defined slightly differently depending on the source, but it is agreed that it tends to be considered the life period between ages 18 and 60. However, the definition of adulthood can have varying legal and sociocultural factors as well. For example, the legal definition of an adult is a person who has reached the …

A Woman's Place In Politics: The Effects Of Gendered Politics On A Global Level, Aruhi Kodeboyina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Women have been denied equality, especially with respect to their male counterparts. Feminism is the theory that seeks to explain this by the norms, beliefs, and societal pressure by which women have been excluded. One predominant realm in which women have been excluded is politics. Although there has been a rise in female politicians across the world, they continue to face the same stereotypes as before. Thus, this study delves into the implications of having more female leaders, looking more specifically at liberal feminist international relations theory. By reviewing literature, this study finds that female leaders impact a variety of …

Exit Strategy: How Methods Of Gaining Independence From European Colonial Powers Impact Development In Post-Colonial African Nations, Sophia Wehle

Undergraduate Student Symposium

How does the way a colony gains independence from its power impact that colony’s future development? It is well documented that being a former colony has an impact on how a nation develops once they are independent, however, what is not clear is if a nation’s development is impacted by the way they separate from their colonial power. This paper argues that there is a correlation between the way a colony gains their independence and how developed they are. For the sake of this research three main ways of gaining independence will be considered: though violent resistance, peaceful negotiations, or …

Comparative Genomics Across Streptomyces Murinus Strains To Identify Biosynthetic Gene Cluster For Antifungal Metabolite 'Pentamycin', Nitish Dundigalla, Ashley Bran Sampson, Smrithi Mukund, Melianni Terrero Terrero

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Streptomyces are filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria in the phylum Actinobacteria that are known to produce a diverse array of antimicrobial metabolites. A Streptomyces murinus strain SPC1, contains a 15- gene biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) that produces an antifungal metabolite ‘pentamycin’ (fungichromin), and is shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against fungal pathogens of palms¹. Using SPC1 strain as a reference, we analyzed the conservation of BGCs across 17 other S. murinus strains. A specialized bioinformatics analysis tool, antiSMASH² , was used to identify and annotate BGCs that produce pentamycin. Pairwise comparison of the 15 genes comprising the pentamycin cluster …