Digital Commons Network^™

Unlocking The Potential Of Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioners Globally: A Concept Analysis Of Their Added Value, Isabelle Savard, Gina Sophia Costanzo, Colette Henderson, Deborah C. Gray, Melanie Rogers, Kelley Kilpatrick

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Primary healthcare nurse practitioners (PHCNPs) are expanding globally to meet rising healthcare demands. Despite positive outcomes, their added value remains underexplored.

Purpose: To clarify and refine the added value PHCNPs bring.

Methods: Building on a previous concept analysis of the added value of nurse practitioners, we analyzed 37 systematic reviews focusing on PHCNPs’ roles across various settings, using Rodgers’ evolutionary approach.

Findings: Attributes include PHCNPs’ skills and competencies, activities, positive outcomes, and professional autonomy. Antecedents involve PHCNP characteristics and structural and institutional factors, while consequences highlight improved patient outcomes, satisfaction, professional dynamics, and system efficiency.

Discussion: Understanding PHCNPs’ added …

The Role Of Social Isolation In Shaping Health Outcomes In Older Adults: A Regional Analysis, Vince Falco, Lynn Wiles, Jonathan Romero, Leorey Saligan

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Social isolation is a critical public health concern in older adults and is linked to a range of adverse health outcomes across diverse sociodemographic groups. This study investigated the associations between social isolation with physical and mental health of older adults residing in Hampton Roads, a racially diverse region in Southeastern Virginia, home to a large population of senior military veterans. Secondarily, the study explored how social determinants of health (SDoH) and comorbid medical conditions influenced the relationship of social isolation with physical and mental health of these seniors. Physical and mental health were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement …

Neurotensin Regulates Primate Ovulation Via Multiple Neurotensin Receptors, Andrew C. Pearson, Jessica S. Miller, Hannah J. Jensen, Ketan Shrestha, Thomas E. Curry Jr., Diane M. Duffy

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Neurotensin (NTS), a small neuropeptide, was recently established as a key paracrine mediator of ovulation. NTS mRNA is highly expressed by granulosa cells in response to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, and multiple NTS receptors are expressed by cells of the ovulatory follicle. To identify the role of NTS receptors NTSR1 and SORT1 in ovulation in vivo, the dominant follicle of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) was injected with either vehicle control, the general NTS receptor antagonist SR142948, the NTSR1-selective antagonist SR48692, or the SORT1-selective antagonist AF38469. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was then administered to initiate ovulatory events. …

Interaction Of Cardiac Leiomodin With The Native Cardiac Thin Filament, Madison Little, Cristina M. Risi, Tania M. Larrinaga, Mason D. Summers, Tyler Nguyen, Garry E. Smith Jr., Jennifer Atherton, Carol C. Gregorio, Alla S. Kostyukova, Vitold E. Galkin

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Every heartbeat depends on cyclical contraction-relaxation produced by the interactions between myosin-containing thick and actin-based thin filaments (TFs) arranged into a crystalline-like lattice in the cardiac sarcomere. Therefore, the maintenance of thin filament length is crucial for myocardium function. The thin filament is comprised of an actin backbone, the regulatory troponin complex and tropomyosin that controls interactions between thick and thin filaments. Thin filament length is controlled by the tropomodulin family of proteins; tropomodulin caps pointed ends of thin filaments, and leiomodin (Lmod) promotes elongation of thin filaments by a “leaky-cap” mechanism. The broader distribution of Lmod on the thin …

Protein Marker-Dependent Drug Discovery Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells, Ashley V. Huang, Yali Kong, Kan Wang, Milton L. Brown, David Mu

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. Unfortunately, many patients with breast cancer develop resistance to chemotherapy and tumor recurrence, which is primarily driven by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs behave like stem cells and can self-renew and differentiate into mature tumor cells, enabling the cancer to regrow and metastasize. Key markers like CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1), along with pathways like Wingless-related integration site (Wnt), Notch, and Hedgehog, are critical to regulating this stem-like behavior of BCSCs and, thus, are being investigated as targets for various new therapies. This review summarizes marker-dependent strategies for targeting …

Codon Composition In Human Oocyters Reveals Age-Associated Defects In Mrna Decay, Pavla Brachova, Lane K. Christenson, Nehemiah S. Alvarez

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Oocytes from women of advanced reproductive age exhibit diminished developmental potential, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Oocyte maturation depends on translational control of maternal mRNA synthesized during growth. We performed a computational analysis on human oocytes from women < 30 versus ≥40 years and observed that mRNA GC content correlates negatively with half-life in oocytes from young (< 30 yr) but positively with oocytes from aged (>40 yr) women. In young oocytes, longer mRNA half-life is associated with lower protein abundance, whereas in aged oocytes GC content correlates positively with protein abundance. During the GV-to-MII transition, codon composition stratifies stability: codons that support rapid translation (optimal) stabilize mRNA, while slow-translating codons (non-optimal) promote decay. With reproductive aging, GC-containing codons become more optimal and align with increased …

Contract To Kill: Gnas Mutation, Pratima Raut, Poompozhil Mathivanan, Surinder K. Batra, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The mutation in Gsα-coding GNAS exons, popular as gsp oncogene, is the most frequent mutation across all heterotrimeric G proteins involved in oncogenesis. GNAS R201, the most frequently mutated, followed by Q227, are found predominantly across various neoplasms and cancers such as IPMN, pituitary, thyroid, appendiceal, colorectal, etc. This review emphasizes the pivotal significance of the gsp oncogene and its ramifications underpinning the sustained addiction to GNAS mutation. Recent studies delineating the mechanistic intricacies that provide solid evidence of the profound impact of oncogenic GNAS on tumor formation, progression, and maintenance are highlighted. We have leveraged the discoveries of Gsα …

Niclosamide-Loaded Polyanhydride Nanoparticles To Combat Gemcitabine Resistance In Pancreatic Cancer, Brianna M. White, Venugopal Gunda, Susheel Kumar Nethi, Nagabhishek Sirpu Natesh, Adam S. Mullis, Mariaelena Roman Sotelo, Jeffrey North, Chris Destache, Balaji Narasimhan, Surinder K. Batra, Surya K. Mallapragada, Satyanarayan Rachagani

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Purpose

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy and lacks effective treatments. Current chemotherapies, including gemcitabine (Gem) in combination treatment regimens, produce dose-limiting toxicity, drug resistance, and ultimately limited improvement in the overall survival of PC patients. Niclosamide (Nic), a clinically safe FDA-approved anthelmintic drug has been shown to have anti-cancer properties; however, its limited bioavailability makes Nic largely ineffective as a therapeutic agent. To address this challenge, we have developed a novel combination therapy of Gem with the repurposed drug, Nic, loaded in biodegradable polyanhydride nanoparticles (NicNp), as an effective treatment option for PC.

Methods

We synthesized and …

Reducing Falls In Hospitalized Adults With The Use Of Bed Alarms, Tracy Hock Bsn,Rn, Marzane Hawthorne Rn, Prabesh Acharya Bsn,Rn, Megan Kuck Bsn,Rn, Jonna Hicks Bsn,Rn

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Megan Sowder

Grant Medical Center

Occupation-Based Activities For Neuroatypical Adults In Inpatient Settings, Kim Miller, Angelina Mills, Latasha Sheets

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitators: Melissa Harper and Donita Warren

OhioHealth O-Bleness Hospital

Bridgewater Magazine, Volume 35, Number 1, Fall 2025, Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater Magazine

THE EDUCATION ISSUE: Reaching Higher Through degree and non-degree programs, BSU supports learners of all ages and from all backgrounds, like middle-schooler Zhyra Lopes who is creating a clay model of a brain.

INSIDE: Educational Outreach Programs I A More Inclusive Honors Program I New Home for College of Education and Health Sciences I The Quantum Future

Changing The Paradigm For Newly Graduated Nurses’ Intent To Leave Through An Emeritus Rn Virtual Mentoring Program In An Acute Care Hospital Setting, Lacy Eynon

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

The U.S. nursing shortage presents a critical challenge to healthcare organizations, withwide-reaching implications for patient safety and financial sustainability. High nurse turnover contributes to increased staffing costs, estimated at $56,300 average cost per nurse replaced. This shortage directly impacts patient outcomes including increased rates of medical errors, patient mortality and decreased overall quality of care. Supporting early-career nurses through mentorship programs is a promising strategy to improve professional development and retention, thereby addressing clinical and economic consequences workforce shortages. This DNP Project developed and implemented an Emeritus RN Virtual Mentoring Program utilizing experienced emeritus nurses to mentor nurses with less …

Empowering Emerging Air Medical Leaders Through A Novel Professional Development Program Adapting National Nursing And Healthcare Management Competencies To A Multi-State Air Medical Service, Christopher Hardman

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Empowering Emerging Air Medical Leaders through a Novel Professional Development Program Adapting National Nursing and Healthcare Management Competencies to a Multi-State Air Medical ServiceHigh turnover in the nursing workforce has led to clinicians with limited experience being promoted to leadership roles without proper training or support. Nurse leaders directly impact clinical outcomes and retention. The financial burden of turnover is significant, as health systems must continually replace employees. Despite this, limited evidence exists on effective professional development and retention strategies in non-traditional, non-hospital settings. This DNP project sought to adapt and implement a novel professional development program, derived from the …

Transgender And Gender Diverse People – Inclusive Healthcare System Access, Dakota Denielle Lawtum

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

Transgender and Gender Diverse People – Inclusive Healthcare System AccessPurpose: This DNP project implemented a dual strategy to increase system-wide access to care and awareness of the needs of transgender and gender diverse people. Background: The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey is the most recent and largest survey of its kind in the United States comprising a total of 27,715 responses. (National Center for Transgender Equality, 2015, U.S. Transgender Survey). The results of this survey are as follows: 1) 26% of the total national respondents experienced insurance issues for gender affirming healthcare or being denied coverage for routine care; 2) 32% …

Developing A Decision Tree To Address Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia In The Primary Care Setting, Lolita Tramel

Yale School of Nursing Digital Theses

AbstractDeveloping a Decision Tree to Address Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in the Primary Care Setting There are 55 million people living with dementia worldwide. In the United States, there are approximately 7.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s dementia and these numbers are expected to rise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2022) identified there is a shortage of behavioral health clinicians nationwide. As the population ages, demand for behavioral health clinicians will be high and supply will remain low. Primary care providers (PCPs) will be required to see an influx of dementia patients despite finding it …

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma In Children And Adolescents, Eric J. Lowe, Wilhelm Woessmann

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) accounts for >95% of ALCL cases in children and adolescents. The first description of ALCL as a CD30-positive lymphoma in 1985 was followed by the detection of chromosomal translocations involving the ALK gene at chromosome 2p23. The pathogenesis of ALK-positive ALCL is based on signalling from the constitutive active ALK kinase. The clinical characteristics, therapy regimens and outcome data were reported in the 1990s and 2000s. Different chemotherapy regimens led to astonishingly similar long-term event-free survival rates of 70%, independent of the drugs, doses and duration of therapy. Additionally, patients with relapsed …

Correlations Of Gait Kinematics And Cognitive Skills In Parkinson Disease, Joshua J. Lander, Matthew F. Moran, Hannah Alexanian

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Cognitive impairments and gait disturbances are often concurrent in Parkinson disease (PD), but the extent to which specific cognitive deficits relate to gait abnormalities remains unclear, especially in early-stage PD. To address this gap, we conducted an observational correlational study to determine if cognitive performance in distinct domains is associated with gait kinematics in PD. This study included a cohort of 19 individuals with early-stage PD who underwent gait analysis with a three-dimensional marker-less motion capture system (Theia Markerless Inc., Kingston, ON, CA) during three conditions: single-task walking, cognitive dual-task walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Cognitive …

Delayed Newborn Bathing To Increase Breastfeeding, Nadia Martino, Amanda Bace, Carrie Moneysmith, Mary Brooks, Shelly Wu, Wala Safi

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Ellie Barte, RN

Promoting A Culture Of Well-Being On A Nursing Unit, Jayla Campbell Rn, Jessica Detty Rn, Rebekah Krider Rn, Abby Winegardner Rn

Nurse Residency Posters

Facilitator: Ellen Villalobos

OhioHealth Berger Hospital

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report 2025, Brenda Simpson Rn

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report

Baystate Medical Center Nursing Report 2025

Artificial Intelligence And Digital Technologies In Finance: A Comprehensive Review, Soudeh Pazouki, Mohamad Jamshidi, Mirarmia Jalali, Arya Tafreshi

Finance Faculty Publications

This study explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on the financial technology (FinTech) industry, highlighting their role in fostering business growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement. AI-driven strategies have unlocked new avenues for streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and expanding financial inclusion by reaching underrepresented populations. However, these advancements also pose challenges, including navigating complex regulatory frameworks and adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This paper delves into the macroeconomic effects of AI, examining its influence on labor markets, consumer behavior, and organizational success. Furthermore, the paper discusses blockchain applications and their potential to …

Epigenetic Regulation In Fibrosis, Qingping Wei, Xiaoru Hu, Yan Sanders

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Fibrosis is one of the pathological conditions underlying the progression of numerous chronic diseases, and it contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing amounts of evidence indicate that epigenetic mechanisms—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs—play pivotal roles in epithelial cell injury and maladaptive tissue repair, inflammatory cell and fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling and accumulation. Compared to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes are relatively reversible, positioning them as promising therapeutic targets. The articles collected in this Research Topic highlight recent advances in understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes fibrotic processes across multiple organ systems and …

Deletion Of Chop In Beta Cell Protects Mice From Cardiovascular Complications In Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From A Pre-Clinical Mouse Model, Balaji Srinivas, Kiran Alluri, Nour-Eddine Rhaleb, Khalid Matrougui

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction

Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is recognized as a major independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure. The interrelationship between metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease is complex and multifactorial, involving hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Evidence indicates that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) contribute to metabolic dysregulation and vascular dysfunction. However, the specific role of beta cell-derived UPR mediators, particularly C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in coordinating this interorgan axis between …

Reduced Slow Wave Sleep Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Short Stature In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Zhaohua Chen, Yuan Shi, Fei Lei, Xujun Feng, Lu Tan, Taomei Li, Junying Zhou, Yuanfeng Sun, Jiamin Liao, Yun Li, Zhoulong Yu, Jian Jiao, Yanyan Wang, Larry D. Sanford, Michael V. Vitiello, Ye Zhang, Rong Ren, Xiangdong Tang

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: Although growth hormone was shown to be specifically released during slow wave sleep (SWS), no population-based evidence has demonstrated the association between sleep quality and childhood height. To address this gap, our study aims to investigate the relationship between SWS and height of children.

Methods: We analyzed polysomnography data and z-scores for height in 2527 suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) children (537 non-OSA children and 1990 OSA children) collected over the past 16 years. Different grades of z-scores for height and SWS were classified by the quartile method, and the lowest z-scores for height quartile defined short stature as …

Assessing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Community Composition And Diversity Across A Land-Use Gradient In Eastern Washington Prairies, Katherine I. Cole

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key to healthy, functioning terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Associating with over 80% of all extant land plants, they play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, and contribute to overall plant health. Given their significance to terrestrial ecosystems, AMF have a crucial role to play in the successful restoration of Eastern Washington’s native prairies. However, AMF community composition is significantly altered by the commercial agricultural practices used extensively in this region for over 100 years. The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Prairie Restoration Project aims to restore ~120 acres of farmland to native prairie. This research provides insight …

The Effects Of Salinity On The Cutaneous Microbiome And Pathogen Infection On The Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris Regilla) In Monterey Bay, California, Usa, Hannah Eunhae Kim

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Global climate change and infectious diseases are considered a leading cause of amphibian population declines worldwide. Changes in precipitation and salinity have altered watershed systems and microbial communities, reducing habitat availability and physiological performances for amphibian survival. The salt refuge hypothesis, however, is a proposed explanation that higher saline environments may reduce susceptibility to pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve (MCSSMR) (California, USA) is known as an abundant breeding ground for endangered/threatened amphibian species. To test and expand the salt refuge hypothesis, I evaluated Bd prevalence and intensity and the cutaneous microbiome of …

Osteoclastogenic Potential Of Cd68-Expressing Osteoclast Precursor Cells, Colton Quinn

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Bone remodeling is a dynamic process maintained by the balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-driven resorption. When this balance is disrupted, pathological bone loss occurs, as seen in osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer-induced bone disease (Teitelbaum, 2007; Korol & Baumeister, 2023; Ensrud & Crandall, 2017). Osteoclasts, derived from hematopoietic stem cells through a macrophage lineage, play a central role in bone resorption. However, the identity of all proteins of osteoclast precursors remains unclear. CD68, a lysosomal glycoprotein widely expressed in macrophages and monocyte-lineage cells (Holness & Simmons, 1993), has been proposed as a marker of osteoclast precursors. Some studies …

London's Murderous Mothers: How Charitable And Medical Advancement Influenced Infanticide Indictments During The Long 18th Century, Brandon Gamman

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Production Challenges Of The P100.1 Phage Endolysin, Jonah O. Frago

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases globally. One key aspect of acne pathogenesis is the disturbance of healthy strain diversity of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Many acne treatments are antimicrobial; however, these treatments are generally nonspecific and carry a variety of side effects in addition to contributing to rising antibiotic resistance. Lytic bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Their lytic lifestyle is facilitated by enzymes called endolysins. Phages have been studied as an alternative to traditional antimicrobials in acne treatment and have shown reduced C. acnes load in acne lesions and …

The Seasonality And Community Composition Of Mosquitoes At Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Jonathan Becerra

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Characterizing mosquito species composition and seasonal dynamics is fundamental to understanding how mosquito communities change across time and space. This study examined the structure, temporal patterns, and spatial variation of the mosquito community at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) using three years of CDC light-trap data (2017–2019). We applied multiple complementary analytical approaches—including presence/absence and CPUE models, annual and species-specific generalized additive models (GAMs), peak-timing ANOVA, and multivariate analyses (NMDS, PERMANOVA, and indicator species analysis)—to quantify species-level seasonality, phenological staggering, and community-level patterns across years and between two sampling locations (Gate and Headquarters). Across all model families, species identity and …