Digital Commons Network^™

Pre-Procedural Anxiolytic Use In Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for those who must undergo them. With limited research analyzing the different types of pre-procedural anxiolytic medications, the purpose of this research and literature review was to explore two distinct but commonly used intranasal (IN) anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare their efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Databases including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ClinicalKey were searched to find articles investigating clinical trials using pediatric participants. Meta-analyses, animal studies, dental procedures, imaging procedures, full sedation procedures, and ongoing studies were excluded. In terms of effective anxiolysis, intranasal …

Pharmacological Treatment Options For Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Resmetirom Vs Glp-1 Receptor Agonists, Debbie Zabel

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rising and becoming a leading cause of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (Maurice et al., 2018). • Historic management with lifestyle changes and treatment of comorbidities. • March 2024: FDA approved resmetirom, the first medication specifically for the treatment of NASH. • Comparison of GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP/GIP/GCGR receptor agonists with resmetirom for hepatic fat reduction. • Database search of PubMed and Embase yielded 11 studies from an initial 698 articles after filter application for randomized controlled trials and studies published no earlier than 2014. • Resmetirom is superior to GLP-1 agonists for …

The Relationship Between Weather Variablity And Agricultural Land Cover Change In North Dakota (1997-2023) And Its Implication For Future Change, Sabrina Karim

Theses and Dissertations

Climate variability and weather patterns play a critical role in shaping agricultural land use and land cover (LULC), particularly in states like North Dakota, where agriculture dominates the landscape. This study explores the impacts of climatic factors—specifically rainfall, temperature, and Growing Degree Days (GDD)—on agricultural land cover (ALC) changes in North Dakota from 1997 to 2023, with projections for 2033. By combining historical analysis and predictive modeling, the research examines how climate variability has influenced crop dynamics and provides insights into future scenarios. The research uses advanced geospatial tools, including Google Earth Engine, and machine learning techniques such as Random …

Safety And Efficacy Of Combined Glucosamine And Chondroitin Supplementation In Osteoarthritis, Klayton Johnson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Over 30 million U.S. adults have osteoarthritis, often experiencing pain, stiffness, and swelling that impacts daily activities. • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used but carry risks like gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular complications. • This literature review evaluates the efficacy and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation as an alternative treatment. • The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation is considered safe. • The current research shows mixed results regarding pain reduced or improved physical function in osteoarthritis patients. • A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. • Keywords and MeSH terms identified studies …

D-Mannose Efficacy In Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In Women, Miah Lee

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of D-mannose, a natural sugar, in preventing and treating UTIs. Evidence from various studies, including randomized controlled trials and pilot research, indicates that D-mannose may reduce UTI recurrence rates and alleviate acute symptoms with comparable efficacy to standard antibiotics. • Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant health concern for women, affecting their quality of life and requiring effective and safe prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. • Daily D-mannose demonstrated a significant reduction in recurrence rates for prophylaxis compared to placebo and nitrofurantoin, with fewer adverse effects. • In acute UTI management, D-mannose-based …

Efficacy Of Turmeric In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, Mckenna Taylor

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. This is a progressive disease, one that comes from persistent use of one’s joints. Currently, treatment of this disease includes oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, oral and topical analgesics. These medications do have some long-term effects impacting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hepatic systems. A literature review was completed using randomized controlled, placebo controlled, and double-blind studies that emphasized the addition of turmeric to the treatment of osteoarthritis and its effects on pain, serum inflammatory markers, and physical functionality. Nine articles were found from …

Leads Data Insights: Affinity — May 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Data insights presentation file labeled for AFFINITY in May 2025. The file includes planning notes for Affinity metrics and materials related to campus environments, shared governance, first-year retention, study abroad, and other measures connected to belonging and campus engagement.

Leads Data Insights: Affinity — May 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

Data insights presentation file labeled for AFFINITY in May 2025. The file includes planning notes for Affinity metrics and materials related to campus environments, shared governance, first-year retention, study abroad, and other measures connected to belonging and campus engagement.

Effects Of Nsaids On Bone Healing Time In Orthopedic Patients, Alayne Brekke

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Use of NSAIDs in adults recovering from orthopedic injury or surgery has been found to be largely inconclusive when it comes to determining significance in delay of bone healing. The purpose of this review is to determine whether use of NSAIDs is detrimental to bone healing after orthopedic injury or surgery. A literature review was performed using electronic databases PubMed and SportsDiscus from May to July of 2024. There were fifteen studies that met final inclusion criteria. Research overwhelmingly acknowledged that selective COX-2 inhibitors are not recommended in a post injury or post operative state. However, when it comes to …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by identifiable psychological and physical symptoms that are present in the week before menses and is estimated to affect 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. The identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD is important both clinically, to provide proper support and treatment, and for advancing research by identifying appropriate study participants. This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of current and prospective tools to screen for symptoms of PMDD by comparing a common depression screening tool, the PHQ-9, to tools that enhance menstrual cycle awareness. A literature review was conducted …

Efficacy Of Low-Dose Naltrexone Compared To Gabapentinoids In Fibromyalgia, Dillon Boen

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder and often a diagnosis of exclusion characterized by widespread non-specific pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Despite fibromyalgia’s significant prevalence, optimal clinical management remains uncertain because of its uncertain pathophysiology. This literature review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) compared to gabapentinoids, including gabapentin and pregabalin, in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review of studies published between 2005 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed's electronic search base. Specific keywords included LDN, low-dose-naltrexone, fibromyalgia, pregabalin, and gabapentin. Specific criteria were set to include all clinical trials and randomized controlled trials …

Comparative Efficacy And Preference Of Estrogen Cream Or Gel Vs. Vaginal Ring Estrogen For Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Individuals, Clara Burkman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Menopause is a natural, nonpathological event that occurs due to decreasing estrogen levels that may be achieved naturally or through surgical means. One of the most commonly reported and often painful symptoms of menopause is urogenital atrophy, also known as vaginal atrophy. Symptoms include vaginal pruritus, dyspareunia, dryness, vaginal irritation, dysuria, and tightness associated with thinning and reduced elasticity of the vaginal mucosa. These symptoms can negatively impact the quality of life. Local estrogen therapy is the preferred treatment option due to its minimal systemic absorption, potential as a safe option for menopausal patients with hormone-sensitive conditions, and ease of …

Efficacy Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Ellie Fischer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and obesity (Brady et al., 2023). The purpose of this literature review is to compare glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) to the typical treatment, metformin, in improving outcomes such as weight loss, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual regularity in obese women with PCOS. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched from April to July 2024 using a variety of keywords and MeSH terms. This review included studies from 2014-2024, randomized control trials, pilot studies, and clinical …

Efficacy And Safety Of Angiopoietin-Like 3 Inhibitors In Decreasing Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Paige Fritz

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Hypercholesterolemia is estimated to effect 31.7% of the United States population according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is currently statin therapy. While these medications are often effective in decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to patient’s goal range, there are populations in which they are not sufficient. These populations include those who have genetic predispositions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, or those who experience refractory hypercholesterolemia to statin medications. To combat this issue, a class of medications named Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitors have been created to use as an adjunct to statin …

Impact Of Altering Gut Microbiota With Multinutrient Supplementation On Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Benjamin Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition affecting children, often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 explores the efficacy of multinutrient interventions on influencing gut microbiota to treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-12 years old. Findings indicate that multinutrient supplementation may modulate gut microbiota and subsequently impact neuropsychiatric symptoms, offering a promising adjunctive treatment for ADHD. However, variability in study methodologies and small sample sizes …

Effectiveness Of Epinephrine In Cardiac Arrest On Survivability With A Favorable Neurologic Outcome, Nathan Young

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Cardiac arrest represents a critical medical emergency characterized by the cessation of effective cardiac function resulting in loss of blood flow to vital organs. The management of cardiac arrest often involves pharmacological interventions, primarily the administration of epinephrine. Historically, epinephrine has been the first-line agent in resuscitation protocols due to its sympathomimetic properties that can enhance cardiac contractility and blood circulation. However, the efficacy of epinephrine in yielding favorable long-term survival outcomes with maintained neurological function remains in question. This literature review examines the effectiveness of epinephrine in adult cardiac arrest, comparing outcomes to scenarios of no drug use and …

Outcomes Of Blood Flow Restriction Training In Comparison To Traditional Strength Training In Patients Undergoing Acl Reconstruction, Alex Lange

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

ACL injuries are common in athletes and active individuals, with a significant impact on knee stability, function and strength. The ACL is crucial in activities involving jumping, cutting, and pivoting which places the ligament under increased stress, increasing the risk of rupture. ACLR surgery is often necessary, especially in younger, active individuals, to restore knee stability, function and strength. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the effectiveness of BFR-RT as an alternative or adjuvant to traditional rehabilitation techniques following ACLR surgery. The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched, and the seven studies included for this review …

Improving Fertility In Women With Endometriosis, Todd Marchant

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Endometriosis is a common condition in women and has a strong association with infertility. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the efficacy of hormonal therapy as compared to surgical therapy before assisted reproductive therapy (ART) on endometriosis-related infertility. The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched from June 23, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Keywords used were associated with fertility, IVF, and endometriosis. Article selection was limited to research published after the year 2000 with a preference for randomized control trials (RCTs), although one pilot study and one clinical cohort study were also included. The search yielded …

The Utility Of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Opioid Therapy In Pain Reduction, Jacqueline Mattson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care from primary care providers. Individualized responses to pain medications make pain difficult to treat effectively. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the utility of pharmacogenetic-guided opioid therapy across chronic, postoperative, and cancer-related pain. A structured search of PubMed and Embase yielded 151 articles, of which nine met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that pharmacogenetic-guided therapy may reduce opioid dosages and enhance pain control, particularly in chronic pain settings. Evidence for postoperative pain outcomes was mixed, and studies on cancer-related pain emphasized the role of genetic …

Comparing The Efficacy And Safety Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Gastric Bypass Surgery In The Treatment Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes, Abir Oliver

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are interconnected global health challenges, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This literature review compares the efficacy, safety, and applicability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and bariatric surgery as treatment options. A literature search with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost from May to July 2024, resulting in 14 randomized controlled trials for evaluation. This literature review supports the efficacy of both GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, and bariatric surgery as effective interventions for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. …

D-Mannose Efficacy In Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In Women, Miah Lee

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant health concern for women, affecting their quality of life and requiring effective and safe prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. This literature review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of D-mannose, a natural sugar, in preventing and treating UTIs. This review is based on a structured search and selection of randomized controlled trials and pilot studies identified through databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Evidence from assorted studies, including randomized controlled trials and pilot research, indicates that D-mannose may reduce UTI recurrence rates and alleviate acute symptoms with comparable efficacy to standard …

Impact Of Medication Opioid Use Disorder (Moud) Programs In Emergency Departments, Mechelle A. Zima

Nursing Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of how a medication opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs integrated into the emergency department (ED) can improve patient’s outcomes compared to standard ED discharges. This study utilized a systematic literature review using PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar. The initial literature search identified 594 articles. After applying the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles were selected. Inclusion criteria included peer reviewed articles that focused on opioid use disorder (OUD) patients treated in the ED with OUD medications while exclusion criteria involved articles with OUD patients treated in ED without OUD …

How Does Music Therapy Affect Pain Management And Emotional Health In Pediatric Cancer Patients?, Isabella Arceneau

Psychology Student Publications

This paper explores the effectiveness of music therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for pediatric cancer patients. It highlights how music therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, while also improving emotional well-being and coping skills during treatment.

A Time Capsule Memoir Of Life During The Pandemic, Marlee Todd

Pandemic Time Capsules

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Exercise On Adhd Symptoms In Children And Adolescents, Morgan Mozinski

Nursing Capstones

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise compared to traditional treatment methods on symptoms of ADHD in children, such as improved executive function. A systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and UND Medical Library resulted in a total of 113 articles, with 15 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were filtered to studies within the past 5 years. Studies suggest that physical activity could be used as an adjunct to current treatment. Results of various studies support this concept as children showed an improvement in attention, a decrease in impulsivity and hyperactivity, and an …

Redefining Strength: Male Sexual Assault Survivors & The Challenges They Face, Sophia Wolla

Psychology Student Publications

This paper discusses the challenges faced by male survivors of sexual assault. Other topics explored are what makes the experiences of male survivors unique, how these challenges affect male survivors reporting their assault, self-blame, and recovery after being assaulted.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Telehealth Interventions In Managing Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults In Underserved Rural Areas, Taylor Lemke

Nursing Capstones

Managing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in underserved rural areas presents ongoing challenges due to limited healthcare access and provider shortages. Telehealth interventions, such as remote monitoring, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have emerged as promising strategies to enhance care delivery. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth in improving glycemic control and patient satisfaction among adults with T2D in rural settings. Recent studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews published between 2019 and 2025, were analyzed. Overall, telehealth was associated with reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), improved medication adherence, and increased patient engagement. High levels …

Juvenile Treatment: A Systematic Review Of Methadone On Juveniles After Incarceration, Joshua Bortieh

Criminal Justice Scholarly Projects

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) has emerged as a harm-reduction strategy for addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) among justice-involved juveniles. Despite its growing implementation, there remains limited consensus regarding its effectiveness in reducing recidivism, its ethical and legal implications, and the systemic barriers surrounding its administration. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the therapeutic, ethical, and criminological dimensions of MMT in juvenile justice populations. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and synthesized 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2010 and 2023. Data were sourced from four major electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science using …

Moderate Exercise And Tirzepatide Versus Tirzepatide Alone For Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance, Edward Amoah Acheampong

Nursing Capstones

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs have been transformative when managing obesity in the clinical setting. Though these medications are effective for weight loss, questions regarding their efficacy for long-term weight loss or maintenance remain unanswered.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to answer the following clinical question: Can overweight or obese patients (P) who use tirzepatide without exercise (I) as compared to those incorporating 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise (C) sustain a ≥5% weight loss (O) one-year post-treatment (T)?

Methods: Five electronic article databases were searched to locate articles …

Nature's Relief: Efficacy Of Plant-Based Therapies Vs. Placebo In Easing Vasomotor Menopausal Symptoms, Megan N. Schneider

Nursing Capstones

Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) impact the lives of menopausal women. Plant-based therapies are frequently used as alternatives to hormonal therapy, warranting evaluation of their effectiveness.

Purpose: This literature review evaluates the efficacy of plant-based therapies in alleviating VMS during menopause and compares their effectiveness to placebo treatment.

Methods: A literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

Results: The review includes a synthesis of 16 primary studies, highlighting five therapies: black cohosh, soy, red clover, evening primrose, and combination therapy in managing VMS. Soy consistently reduces VMS. Black cohosh, red clover, evening …