Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Efficacy Of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For The Treatment Of Children With Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sarah Herman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition in children, characterized by persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and overall quality of life. Anxiety disorders are considered the most common psychiatric disorders among children. The trajectory of untreated anxiety in early life can result in more resistant and chronic presentations in the future, complicating both therapeutic engagement and outcomes. Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for children displaying anxiety symptoms, particularly those diagnosed with GAD. This literature review endeavors to assess the effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as an …

Analysis Of Pre-Procedural Intranasal Anxiolytic Use In The Emergency Treatment Of Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for patients 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 analyze two different, but commonly used intranasal anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare the efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Only articles including clinical trials and pediatric participants were included. A combination of keywords and MeSH phrases included, but were not limited to “pediatric”, “laceration repair”, “anxiolytic”, “administration intranasal”, “intranasal midazolam”, “intranasal dexmedetomidine”, and “parent satisfaction” were used to …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Telemedicine Vs. Clinic Monitoring: Adherence In Hypertension Management, Kimberly Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Hypertension affects over a billion adults worldwide and remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Effective management requires consistent medication adherence and lifestyle changes, but barriers such as limited healthcare access often hinder follow-up. This literature review evaluates the efficacy of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring combined with telemedicine follow-up in improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension compared to traditional clinic-based follow-ups. A literature review was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of six studies that examined interventions such as telepharmacy, remote BP monitoring, bidirectional text support, and mobile health applications. Results demonstrated that telemedicine significantly enhances BP …

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

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is continually rising and has now emerged as one of the leading causes of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (Maurice et al., 2018). Until recently, the management of this disease has been limited to lifestyle modification and treatment of comorbid risk factors. In March 2024, the FDA approved resmetirom, the first and only medication for the treatment of this condition. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the efficacy of GLP-1 and dual GLP/GIP or GLP/GCGR receptor agonist medications for the reduction of liver fat content in comparison to resmetirom. A literature review …

Efficacy Of Turmeric In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, Mckenna Taylor

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to debilitating pain and some forms of immobilization. It is a progressive disease, one that comes from persistent use of joints. Factors that may increase the risk for osteoarthritis include age, female gender, joint injury, obesity, and genetics. Additionally, these factors can increase the rate of degeneration of the cartilage and joint space between bones, causing constant bone on bone contact. Currently, treatment or management of this disease has included oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, oral and topical analgesics. However, …

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

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

According to the CDC, over 30 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, many of whom experience pain, stiffness, and swelling that hinder daily activities. Typical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks. This literature review examines key research on glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on adults with osteoarthritis. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Keywords and MeSH terms were used to identify studies discussing the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as a potential alternative, effective, …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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

Pandemic Time Capsules

No abstract provided.

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.

Supplement To "A Theoretical Investigation Of The Selectivity Of Aza-Crown-Ether Structures Chelating Alkali Metal Cations For Potential Biosensing Applications", Mouhmad Elayyan, Mark Hoffmann, Binglin Sui

Datasets

Aza-crown ether structures have been proven effective in constructing fluorescent biosensors for selectively detecting and imaging alkali metal ions in biological environments. However, choosing the right aza-crown ether for a specific alkali metal ion remains challenging for synthetic chemists because theoretical guidance on the chelating activities between aza-crown ethers and alkali metal ions has not been available up to now. Predicting the physical properties of the chelator-metal complexations poses a greater challenge due to the numerous quantum mechanical functionals and basis sets to be used in any theoretical investigation. In this study, we report a theoretical investigation of different aza-crown …

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 …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding On Maternal Mental Health, Quinn Packineau

Nursing Capstones

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health issue impacting maternal and infant well-being, and though breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby, its effect on PPD is uncertain. This scoping literature review explores whether breastfeeding versus bottle feeding reduces PPD risk within six months postpartum using CINAHL and PubMed search of studies from the last five years on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and PPD correlations. From 17 qualifying studies, results display exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding linked to lower PPD rates. However, the relationship is bidirectional because PPD can also prompt early breastfeeding cessation. Maternal self-efficacy, lactation support, and socioeconomic- demographic factors …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy And Substance Use Disorders, Rachel J. Brunsell

Nursing Capstones

Background: Treatment options for SUDs fail to address the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. Recent studies suggest that GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide, offer therapeutic benefits by reducing cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates across a range of SUDs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid use disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore studies that highlight the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates for patients with various SUDs.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including …

The Impact Of Sensory Sensitivity On Nutritional Outcomes In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rachel M. Qualley

Theses and Dissertations

Background/Objective: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are at increased risk of malnutrition due to restrictive dietary patterns and behavioral difficulties at mealtimes. Research suggests that heightened sensory sensitivity, a characteristic accompanying several of these disorders, may be a contributing factor. However, the effects of sensory sensitivity on nutritional outcomes across distinct NDDs have not been fully explored. This review aims to examine the relationship between sensory sensitivity and nutritional status, food preferences, and eating behaviors in children with NDDs, specifically investigating how atypical sensory processing might influence dietary intake.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, …

Cohens_D, Manish Rami

Software

This Python script calculates the effect size Cohen's d in a two group situation with known means and Standard Deviations.

Use this effect size if the sample size in your experiment is large and the two SDs are similar.

The Role Of Almonds In Exercise Recovery And Athletic Performance, Kathryn M. Trochman

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: During exercise, many trained athletes and physically active adults experience symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The effects of EIMD can cause limitations in athletic performance and increased duration of exercise recovery. Nutritional interventions have shown results in improving the duration of recovery. However, there are few studies completed on common food items. This review aims to examine the role of almonds in exercise recovery and athletic performance. Methods: A literature search was conducted utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, and reference hand searching. The search parameters included the dietary intervention of almonds for trained athletes and physically active …

Shaping Young Minds: How Parental Reactions Influence Children’S Emotions And Behavior, Mya Isenberg

Psychology Student Publications

The way parents respond to situations can really shape how children deal with stress, build relationships, and control their actions. This paper explores how different parenting styles like authoritative authoritarian permissive and neglecting affect emotional and behavioral development.

The Effects Of Excessive Screen Time On Children, Emma Bock

Psychology Student Publications

This paper examines the effects of excessive screen time in children. Screen time is considered “excessive” in children when it is over an hour or two per day. Too much screen time can heavily impact a child’s life physically, psychologically, developmentally, and socially. This paper focuses specifically on how screen time affects attention, language development, eating habits, and sleep.

Dietary Patterns And Their Effects On C-Reactive Protein Regarding Female Reproductive Disorders, Mckenzie Moe

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. …

Physics-Integrated Neural Networks For Improved Mineral Volumes And Porosity Estimation From Geophysical Well Logs, Prasad Pothana, Kegang Ling

Petroleum Engineering Student Publications

Accurate estimation of mineralogy from geophysical well logs is crucial for characterizing geological formations, particularly in hydrocarbon exploration, CO₂ sequestration, and geothermal energy development. Current techniques, such as multimineral petrophysical analysis, offer details into mineralogical distribution. However, it is inherently time-intensive and demands substantial geological expertise for accurate model evaluation. Furthermore, traditional machine learning techniques often struggle to predict mineralogy accurately and sometimes produce estimations that violate fundamental physical principles. To address this, we present a new approach using Physics-Integrated Neural Networks (PINNs), that combines data-driven learning with domain-specific physical constraints, embedding petrophysical relationships directly into the neural network …

Diving Into Magic Mushrooms, Cole Anderson

Psychology Student Publications

The primary purpose of this paper within the science community is to help break stigma but also provide insight into what is happening for the mental health crisis happening at a global level. In this paper, you will find the testimonial of a veteran who turned into a certified alcoholic and the route this person had found within the scientific community to start conquering their own mental health troubles. At the end of this paper, there should be genuine interest and understand where and how Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybe) have a place amongst modern medicine with the fight against the global …