Digital Commons Network^™

Musculoskeletal Health And Physical Performance In Gynecological Cancer Women During Chemotherapy, Yu-Yun Hsu, Keng-Fu Hsu, Cheng-Feng Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Chemotherapy-related musculoskeletal adverse effects, such as muscle wasting, reduced muscle mass, muscle and joint pain, decreased bone density, joint stiffness, and inflammation, can impair physical activity and impact overall survival (Sutton et al., 2019; Sturgeon et al., 2019; Pin et al., 2018; Jang et al., 2020; Lee et al., 2019). However, limited research exists on the changes in musculoskeletal health and physical performance among women with gynecological cancer throughout chemotherapy.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine changes in musculoskeletal health and physical performance across chemotherapy cycles and identify factors influencing these changes.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal …

Beyond Borders: Sustainable Development Goals As A Nursing Education Framework, Olivia Catolico, Jane Anyango, Andrea Boyle

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Introduction: Nurse educators prepare graduates as effective and compassionate clinicians. Global conditions demand sustainable health solutions centered within cultural contexts. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that intersect with health are a vital framework for education. The impacts of Covid on learning and infrastructure losses have long term consequences on quality education, and loss of human capital (UN, 2024; ICN 2023).

The SDGs and social determinants of health framed educational project goals between two schools in different countries: (1) to engage students and faculty in collaborative learning experiences, and (2) to collectively explore social determinants of health and care …

Creating Practice-Ready Nurse Practitioners Through The Clinical Expert Model, Tarnia Newton, Lori Martin-Plank

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, nurse educators are pivotal in preparing practice-ready Nurse Practitioners (NPs) (Dumphy et al., 2019). This abstract examines the clinical expert model's role in equipping NP students with essential skills and readiness for autonomous practice. Educators are instrumental in transitioning students from registered nurses to advanced practice roles, a shift that demands new competencies, in-depth clinical knowledge, and a mindset for autonomous decision-making (Finneran & Kreye, 2019). This transition presents significant challenges, as NP students must master advanced skills and embrace leadership in patient care (Faraz, 2019). As the demand for "practice-ready" graduates grows, …

An Evaluation Study Of Entry-To-Practice Competency Requirements For Rns In The Kingdom Of Eswatini, Bethany A. Murray, Nkosinathi Rejoice Nkwanyana

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the entry-to-practice (ETP) licensure requirements for RNs in The Kingdom of Eswatini. Eswatini implemented RN licensing requirements in 2020. Previously, RNs were licensed by graduation from a nursing training institution. Now, nurses must also pass a written general nursing exam and submit a signed record book of clinical practice skills (SCCRB) (1). RNs who want to practice midwifery or mental health have additional requirements. In 2023, the Eswatini Nursing Council (ENC) collaborated with a midwestern U.S. nursing school to evaluate the ETP requirements. The Nursing Registrar of Eswatini and nursing faculty from …

Distress To Success: Video-Based Interventions To Enhance Nursing Student Mental Health, Kacie Duncan, Heather S. Cole, Suzanne Prevost, Staci Simmons

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Nursing students have high stress levels that significantly impact their mental health, making them vulnerable to mental health disorders, burnout, poor academic performance, and dropout, ultimately contributing to the ever-increasing nursing shortage. Unaddressed mental health issues in nursing raise the risk of medication errors and the inability to focus. The purpose of this study was to introduce Mastering Mindset: A Mental Health Initiative, which aims to empower students to manage stress and succeed in their careers by using short TikTok-style videos.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 291 baccalaureate nursing students to assess changes in mindset, wellness, …

Bridging The Gap: Opportunities And Barriers In Diabetes Self-Management Education, Paul R. Boy, Sorina Long, Manpreet Sidhu, Barbara Roces, Dante Anthony Tolentino

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs are essential for navigating the complexity of diabetes management, yet engagement in these programs is poor.^1,2 A gap remains in understanding AAs' DSMES engagement due to the exclusion of their perspectives and the tendency to treat them as a monolithic group,³ missing nuanced experiences. This lack of understanding prevents the creation of interventions to improve DSMES engagement among AAs. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the determinants of DSMES engagement among AAs with T2DM. We used an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach to explore how AAs engage with DSMES programs. We conducted …

Instagram In The Clinic: A New Challenge For Patient–Physician Communication, Jayashree Ravikumar

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

This letter reflects on a growing trend observed in clinical practice: patients increasingly consult social media for guidance on various medical conditions before visiting their physicians. The piece highlights the opportunities and risks associated with this behavior, particularly in community hospital settings, and emphasizes the importance of clinician guidance and digital health literacy

Ileal Diverticulitis Leading To Small Bowel Obstruction: A Rare Case Of Ileal Diverticular Disease, Immanuel Raju Tullimalli, Vishnu Saivardhan Reddy Palyam, Srinath R. Allala, Nabil Badro, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

While small bowel diverticulosis, particularly, ileal diverticulitis is rare and often asymptomatic, it can lead to chronic vague symptoms or acute complications. Acute presentations may mimic appendicitis, small bowel obstruction, or colonic diverticulitis but can also appear with atypical symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. In many cases, definitive diagnosis relies on imaging such as abdominal CT, which can identify features like extraluminal air or mass lesions, though surgical exploration may be required in complex cases.

Small bowel diverticula are structural outpouchings of the intestinal wall, typically located on the mesenteric border, and are more common in men with a male-to-female ratio …

Fluid Resuscitation Choice And Its Effect On Plasma Chloride And Acute Kidney Injury In Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomized Study Of Normal Saline Vs. Balanced Crystalloids (Physiomax), Mandip Singh Bhatia, Ritu Attri, Ashok Kumar Pannu, Atul Saroch, Saurabh C Sharda, Neeraj Singla, Sakshi Mehta

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially fatal gastrointestinal condition, often associated with organ failure and acute kidney injury (AKI). Early fluid resuscitation with Normal saline (NS) may lead to hyperchloremia and AKI, which prompted interest in using balanced crystalloids. However, the optimal choice of crystalloid fluid remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of NS versus Physiomax on plasma chloride levels and AKI incidence during early resuscitation in patients with predicted severe AP (pSAP).

Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized study was conducted between November 2022 and December 2023 at PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. 112 patients with pSAP were …

Development Of Multi-Sector Negentropic Engineering, Xavier Pillet

Defensive Publications Series

This document, produced with the assistance of ChatGPT o3 and GPT-5 Thinking, is released under the Apache 2.0 license. It is a voluntary defensive publication (prior art) and therefore enters the prior art upon release under the applicable patent statutes: EPC Art. 54(2) (European Patent Convention), French IPC/CPI Art. L 611-11 (French Intellectual Property Code), 35 U.S.C. §102(a) (United States Patent Act), Chinese Patent Law Art. 22(5) (中华人民共和国专利法), and Japanese Patent Act Art. 29(1) (特許法). The booklet consolidates 140 enabling proposals that reduce entropy and maximise negentropy across materials, devices, buildings, urban grids, medicine, logistics, and space systems. Each entry …

Inovasi Aplikasi Adhimukti Brata Care Stunting Berbasis Appsheet Untuk Pendataan Status Gizi Anak Di Kabupaten Banggai, Moh. Saputra Tambora, Imelda Hutasoit

Jurnal Biostatistik, Kependudukan, dan Informatika Kesehatan

Stunting merupakan masalah kesehatan serius di Indonesia, termasuk di Kabupaten Banggai dengan prevalensi 29,1% pada tahun 2023. Keterlambatan intervensi sering terjadi akibat keterbatasan data gizi anak yang akurat, terbaru, dan mudah diakses. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan pengembangan Aplikasi Adhimukti Brata Care Stunting berbasis AppSheet sebagai solusi pendataan gizi anak secara real-time. Metode yang digunakan adalah research and development (R&D) dengan model prototyping, meliputi tahap analisis kebutuhan, perancangan, implementasi, uji coba teknis, dan penyempurnaan. Data diperoleh dari hasil uji coba aplikasi, observasi proses input, serta masukan pengguna awal yaitu petugas DP2KBP3A, PKB, dan kader posyandu. Hasil pengembangan menunjukkan aplikasi …

2025 September 12 - Academic, Research And Student Success Committee Agenda And Minutes, Board Of Trustees, East Tennessee State University

Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Beacon, September 12, 2025, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2025-2026

New and improved NW food; Teacher Of The Year: Scott Monsma; The Gray Havens most vulnerable album; Lifelight festival in Sioux Falls impactful; Strong start for movie “Caught Stealing”; Black V is back on stage for another season; Returning raiders: alumni working at NW; VPH: refreshed and refurnished; Art deco: maximalism; Over the trend of craftism; Raiders take down Waldorf in first game; Raiders win in first volleyball GPAC matchup; Raiders illuminated in Twilight meet; Cracker Barrel changes course; The problems with poorly planned pranks

The Hidden Link Between Hiv And Cardiomyopathy: Unraveling Hiv's Impact On The Heart, Toluwalase Awoyemi, Oluwaremilekun Zeth Tolu-Akinnawo, Andrew Greek, Oluwakemi Adenuga, Chukwuebuka Asogwa, Isaac Ekundayo, Olamide Odusola, Oyinlola Fasehun, Mercy Ajayi, Onyinye Ugoala, Luther-King Fasehun, Adeleke Oluwaseun Dorcas, Michael Angarone

Student Publications

This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiomyopathy, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. It highlights the significant global health burden posed by HIV and its potential to cause long-term cardiovascular complications. The review investigates the pathogenesis of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy. It elucidates the intricate cellular and molecular pathways involved, including the actions of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes in cardiac inflammation. Key signaling pathways such as TNF-NF-κB and the caspase-1 inflammasome are detailed, as they contribute to cardiac infection and injury. The clinical manifestations of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy …

Reining In Plasticulture From Land To Sea: Pacific Northwest (Usa) Perspectives On Agriculture And Aquaculture, Susanne M. Brander, Gail A. Langellotto, Minal T. Mistry, Sebastian L. Singleton, Mackenna A. Hainey, Lauren M. Kashiwabara, Kelsey Arthur, Elise F. Granek, Kervelle Baird, Ricardo Palazuelos, Multiple Additional Authors

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Plastic use in food production—known as plasticulture—has transformed agriculture and aquaculture globally. Plasticulture gained momentum in the mid-20th century with the development of novel plastic materials, and by 2009, U.S. farmers used over 200 million pounds of plastic films annually. Though plastics have increased yields and efficiency, they now pose environmental hazards through the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemicals. Despite extensive documentation of MPs in the environment, their role in U.S. food production and impacts on crop, livestock, and aquaculture health remain underexplored. In regions like the Pacific Northwest (PNW), with robust agricultural and aquaculture sectors, plastics from films, …

Observations On Predation Of The Flatback Turtle Natator Depressus By The Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus Porosus At A Major Rookery In Northern Australia, Casper Avenant, James Gee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: We examined predation by the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) on the flatback turtle (Natator depressus), an Australian endemic, at Cape Domett, a significant nesting site in Cambridge Gulf, northern Australia, where crocodile populations have recovered since legislative protection was implemented in the 1970s. Aims: The investigation aimed to document crocodile predation on flatback turtles across hatchling and adult life stages, assess predation strategies, and evaluate ecological impacts on this genetically distinct turtle stock. Methods: Conducted over three Austral winters (2021–2023), the study utilised infrared videography, unmanned aerial vehicles, and beach patrols to observe predation events in a population of …

Factors Influencing Health-Promoting Behaivors Of Adults In Cambodia, Youngran Yang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Cambodia is with NCDs responsible for 64% of deaths in 2018. Health-promoting behaviors play a vital role in reducing the risk of NCDs. The aims of the study is to identify the determinants of health-promoting behaviors among adults living in Cambodia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and through stratified sampling, 268 adults aged 19 years or older residing in Phnom Penh participated. A structured questionnaire was used. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire was used to assess health-promoting behaviors across six subscales. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 23.0.

Results: A total of 267 adults participated. …

Patient-Provider Communication In Ckd Care: Patient Experiences And Nursing Implications, Christin Iroegbu, Sheridan Leak, Sam Bartolone, Celsea Tibbitt

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition that requires extensive knowledge for adequate patient self-management. Many individuals with CKD lack sufficient understanding of their diagnosis, leading to poorer health outcomes. Effective patient-provider communication is crucial in closing this knowledge gap, particularly given the intricacies of managing CKD, other comorbidities, and complex medication regimens. This communication is essential in primary care settings, where most patients with CKD are managed. Yet, little is known, from the patient’s perspective, about how these critical conversations unfold during the clinical encounter. Understanding patients' experiences communicating with primary care providers about CKD can offer …

Effects Of Chin Tuck Against Resistance Exercise On Patients With Dysphagia After Stroke: Rct, Chia-Chi Kuo, Kuo-Li Chao

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Stroke patients often experience dysphagia, which can significantly impact nutritional intake and lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality. In clinical stroke rehabilitation, swallowing training is primarily conducted by physical therapists or speech therapists; however, the effectiveness of this rehabilitation is often limited by constraints related to time, space, and available personnel. The Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) exercise is safe and easy to learn, allowing patients to perform it independently. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of the CTAR exercise on stroke patients with dysphagia.

Methods: This is a …

A Square Peg In A Round Hole: The Isolated Chitrali Population Displays The Lowest Consanguinity Rate In Pakistan, Saif Ullah, Sader Uddin, Tatheer Zahra, Zaibun Nisa, Sajid Malik

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

Background and Objectives: Pakistan is among the countries with the highest prevalence of consanguineous unions (CU), with reported rates ranging between 55% and 65%. This high level of consanguinity contributes significantly to the burden of recessive genetic disorders. The Chitrali population, an isolated community residing in the Hindu-Kush mountains of northwestern Pakistan, exhibits distinct genetic and cultural characteristics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of CU within this population.

Method: A random sample of 993 individuals from Chitral was recruited between January 2023 and December 2024 through visits to public venues and household surveys. The consanguinity rate …

Financial Shocks, Emergency Savings, And Hardship Among Low-Wage Workers, Haotian Zheng, Stephen Roll, Mathieu Despard

Center for Social Development Research

For many households, particu­larly those with limited income or financial resources, medical emergencies, car repairs, sudden job losses, and unexpected expenses can quickly precipitate financial hardships. Emergency savings provide a buffer that allows households to manage disrup­tions and avoid reliance on options that incur high-interest debt. Addressing the lack of emergency savings is not just a matter of individual responsibility; it also poses a broader policy challenge with implications for public welfare. Drawing upon data from the nationally representative Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility survey, this brief reports on low-wage households’ experiences with shocks, savings, and hardships. It also discusses …

Interactions Between Staphylococcus Aureus And Corynebacterium Species In The Context Of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Joshua Tucker Huffines

All ETDs from UAB

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory disease affecting the upper respiratory tract (URT) for a large portion of the populace, leading to significant economic burdens. Staphylococcus aureus is considered as a significant contributor to CRS inflammation through the production of toxins regulated through quorum sensing (QS). Microbiome studies have characterized the microbial communities present in the healthy URT and in CRS. These studies show that the genus Corynebacterium is associated with the healthy URT, decreased in CRS, and has a negative correlation with S. aureus regardless of health status. A few studies have partially characterized a mechanism to explain …

Leveraging Computational Modelling/Simulation, Machine Learning, And Additive Manufacturing For Customized Design Of Periodontal And Bone Tissue Scaffolds, Rakesh Pemmada

All ETDs from UAB

The current dissertation presents an overarching pipeline for the development and production of custom-made scaffolds for periodontal tissue regeneration using finite element analysis (FEA), machine learning (ML), and additive manufacturing (AM).CAD anatomically realistic scaffolds were generated from CT-based maxilla and mandible models. The FEA simulation results under masticatory (100 N), parafunctional (500–550 N), and traumatic (800–850 N) loads showed region-specific distribution of stresses and strains, which guided structural reinforcement strategies. Over 1000 3D-printed PCL scaffolds were printed using various pore diameters (200–300 µm) and filament diameters. Five ML models were constructed for predicting print quality based on process factors. Classification …

Spatial-Temporal Variation Of Diarrhea Among Children Under 5 Years Old Between 2010-2020 In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana Dr., Patrick A. Tschida Dr., Elias Nyandwi Dr.

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

We used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys of 2010, 2015, and 2020 to assess the spatial-temporal variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old between the years 2010 and 2020 in Rwanda. Stratified descriptive statistics, pairwise comparisons, and logistic regression designs were used for data analysis in SPSS. A statistically significant variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old was observed across districts, regions, and urban–rural areas but not at the national level between 2010–2020. Some districts of the Western region, including Nyabihu (OR = 2.5), Ngororero (OR = 2.3), and Karongi …

Breath Acetone As A Biomarker For Concussion, Allyn Abadie

All ETDs from UAB

Concussions represent a critical public health concern, affecting millions annually yet remain challenging to diagnose and manage. Concussions involve a range of often invisible signs and symptoms. Traditional assessments rely heavily on subjective symptom reporting, with limited objective data which may complicate return-to-play decisions. Objective physiological biomarkers are needed to complement traditional methods, detect subtle disruptions, and improve decision-making. Following concussion, the brain undergoes a neurometabolic cascade involving disrupted glucose utilization, ionic imbalances, neurotransmitter release, and reduced cerebral blood flow. This cascade creates a metabolic crisis, potentially shifting energy metabolism toward alternative substrates such as ketones. Breath acetone, a measurable …

Immune And Endothelial Cell Mechanisms Of Cardiovascular And Kidney Disease Risk In Obesity, Claudia Edell

All ETDs from UAB

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. Both inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are hallmark signs of adverse health outcomes in obesity. Previous data from our lab has shown that a 2-week time restricted feeding (TRF) intervention reduces kidney CD3+ (T) cells and fibrosis and improves endothelial function in a mouse model of diet induced obesity (DIO). There is little known about kidney damage and T cells in obesity. We hypothesized that TRF reduces kidney damage in obese mice through mitigating T cell inflammation. We use a 20-week DIO model, with 18 weeks of ad libitum …

The Role Of The Glycerol Metabolism Regulator Glpr On Pseudomonas Aeruginosa’S Physiology, Nicholas Jordan Evans

All ETDs from UAB

Chronic infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa persists in the CF lung through adaptations, including altering the expression of metabolic genes to acquire nutrients that are abundant in the CF airway. Glycerol in the airway is imported and metabolized by proteins encoded in the glp regulon, which is regulated in part by GlpR. The loss of GlpR was previously shown to increase biofilm development in a P. aeruginosa CF isolate compared to a wound isolate. In the first half of this work, we investigated the influence that …

Investigating The Role Of Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling In The Cystic Fibrosis Airways, Meghan June Hirsch

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which results in complications in organs such as the lung, pancreas, liver, and intestines. In the lung, defective CFTR results in thick, sticky mucus that causes susceptibility to colonization of opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), progressive lung damage, and ultimately a decrease in life expectancy in affected individuals depending on severity of disease. Additionally, one of the characteristics of this disease, with and without PA infection, is chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has also been associated with accelerated aging …

Compartmentalized Antigen Presentation By Intestinal Epithelial Cells Directs Cd4 T Cell Fate, Christopher Garrett Wilson

All ETDs from UAB

The intestinal epithelium maintains a complex relationship with both commensal microbiota and enteric pathogens while orchestrating local immune responses. Although intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) can express MHC class II molecules during inflammation, their functional contribution to pathogen-specific adaptive immunity and immunological memory remains poorly defined. This dissertation investigates the hypothesis that IECs actively shape CD4+ T cell responses through antigen presentation, using Citrobacter rodentium infection as a physiologically relevant model of human attaching and effacing bacterial pathogens. The C. rodentium model offers unique advantages for dissecting epithelial-immune interactions: it naturally infects mice through oral inoculation, exhibits precise anatomical tropism for …

Air Pollution And Environmental Injustice Are Related To Respiratory Complications In Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease, Kelsey M. Maclin

All ETDs from UAB

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited blood disorder affecting people of African descent. SCD is characterized by painful episodes and an acute lung injury known as acute chest syndrome (ACS). Patients with SCD have a life expectancy <19 years compared to Blacks without SCD. There is minimal research investigating air pollution and health complications in SCD. The aims of this research were to investigate whether pulmonary function is affected by exposure to ambient air pollution, whether higher air pollution concentrations are associated with hospitalizations for ACS, and whether environmental injustice impacts the respiratory health of children and young adults with SCD. Air pollution data on the criteria air pollutants (CAPs) was obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Patient health data were obtained from Children’s Hospital of Alabama electronic medical records. Logistic regression, distributed lag non-linear regression, Granger Causality, and Getis-Ord Gi* hot spot analysis were used to analyze our data. The EPA’s EJScreen tool was used as a measure of exposure to environmental injustice. ArcGIS was used to map the EJScreen data. Exposure to short-term air pollution is significantly associated with a reduction in pulmonary function in children and young adults with SCD. Children and young adults exposed to a one-unit increase in the monthly average concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) experienced an increase in the odds of having abnormal pulmonary function. We observed the trends of each criteria air pollutant in our study to be closely aligned with the trends in the hospitalizations for ACS. Most of our study participants with a history of ACS lived in areas burdened by greater environmental injustices. Specifically, the hot spots for ACS overlapped with the hot spots for PM2.5. Unequal exposure to environmental injustices leads to increases in hospitalizations for respiratory complications in individuals with SCD. Reductions in air pollution could be greatly beneficial to the pulmonary function and overall respiratory health of individuals with SCD. Further research is needed to examine associations between air pollution and hospitalizations for ACS in individuals with SCD.