Digital Commons Network^™

From Your Pov: Using Narrative-Focused Methodology To Study Psychological Correlates Of Sexual Health Behaviors, Zoë E. Sweaney, Stephanie Afful

The Confluence

How far would you go (or not go) to protect yourself from risky sexual behaviors? Additionally, what influence does our gender identity and socialization have on these decisions? In the current series of studies, a story-driven safe-sex behavioral assessment was developed and administered to participants to assess the relationships amongst psychological indices, personal values, and sexual health. This research confirms the validity of an instrument that queries sensitive data while controlling for social desirability concerns. The applications of this research are especially pertinent to improving upon interpersonal communication, sexual health education, and women’s sexual health advocacy.

How Human Behavior Shapes Epidemic Dynamics, Leah Lejeune, Navid Ghaffarzadegan, Lauren M. Childs, Omar Saucedo

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Dynamics Of A Two-Stage Epidemiological Model With Post-Infection Mortality And Transmission Heterogeneity, B Sagar

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Association Of Mirnas As Biomarkers For Severe Liver Dysfunction In Severe Dengue Infection, Napat Pas-Arj, Nattachai Srisawat, Umaporn Limothai, Sasipha Tachaboon, Janejira Dinhuzen

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Identification early biomarkers for predicting severe liver dysfunction in severe dengue patients is essential. Currently, there is no any data on circulating microRNAs to predict this important complication.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the role of circulating microRNAs in prediction severe liver dysfunction in dengue infection by identifying and validating predictive microRNAs via Nanostring and RT-qPCR.

Methods: On the initial day of admission, serum samples were gathered from patients with dengue infection. These patients were monitored for 14 days post-admission to ascertain their final diagnosis. Following the WHO 2009 criteria, participants were categorized into severe liver dysfunction and …

Discharge Rates From Pediatric Emergency Departments Against Medical Advice Can Be Reduced By Improving Service Quality, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Covid-19–Associated Rhabdomyolysis In Hospitalized Patients: Retrospective Cohort Study, Paula Esquerdo-Serrano, Silvia Otero-Rodriguez, Hector Pinargote-Celorio, Sergio Reus, Esperanza Merino, José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the frequency of rhabdomyolysis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to characterize their clinical features and outcomes. Methods: All adults admitted to the hospital were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study with COVID-19 at a tertiary care institution in Alicante, Spain, between March 2020 and March 2024. A creatine kinase (CK) threshold of 1000 U/L or higher was used to define rhabdomyolysis. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Patients with and without rhabdomyolysis were compared, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) were analyzed. Results: Among 7,590 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 20 developed rhabdomyolyses …

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C In Patients Hospitalized In Palliative Care Service, Meryem Betos Koçak, Burcu Güler

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data on the seroprevalence and prognostic impact of these infections in palliative populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit and to assess their association with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study conducted on 545 adult patients a tertiary palliative care unit between 2018 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nutritional support, mobility, …

Artificial Intelligence In Dialysis Therapies: Applications In Hemodialysis And Peritoneal Dialysis For Managing Infectious Diseases And Complications, Waleed H. Mahallawi

Saudi Medical Journal

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from a systematic literature search (2019–2025) on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for managing infections and complications. Dialysis patients face infection rates 100-fold higher than the general population and sepsis mortality exceeding 35%. The AI, utilizing machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, deep neural networks, and explainable AI tools, revolutionizes care through precise diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Key models demonstrate high accuracy in predicting bloodstream infections (area under the curve [AUC] 0.914), classifying peritonitis (F1 0.93), detecting SARS-CoV-2 (AUROC 0.82), and forecasting mortality (AUC 0.979). Therapeutically, AI guides antibiotic stewardship, reducing …

Contribution Of Interleukin-6 (Il-6) To Body Defense And Healing In Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Hasrah Junaidi, Annis C. Adi, Soedarsono Soedarsono, Soetjipto Soetjipto, Chatarina U. Wahyuni, Fariani Syahrul, Mahmudah Mahmudah, Zakiyuddin Zakiyuddin, Iskandar Arfan, Abdullah A. Mamun, Rubia Sari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Pulmonary tuberculosis continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with disease outcomes determined by complex host–pathogen interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, has been implicated in immune regulation and tissue recovery during TB, but its specific role is not fully established. This review aimed to examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary TB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Medline following PRISMA guidelines, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. …

Be Prepared For Your Nurse Practitioner Clinical Readiness Exam, Elizabeth Heavey, Renee Biedlingmaier, Colleen Burgoyne, Carnel C. Jackson

Milne Open Textbooks

This text contains case studies and review questions for nurse practitioner students; focusing on the 3Ps of nurse practitioner education (Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Physical (Health) Assessment) to help NP students prepare for their clinical courses and pass their clinical readiness exam.  It includes cases commonly seen in entry-level NP practice.  In addition to the three individual sections of the text that focus on cases applying content from each of the distinct courses (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment), we included summative case studies at the end of the book that connect all three areas in a single case. Because these three …

Dynamical Systems Modeling To Determine The Role Of Crosstalk In Shaping Stat Signaling Profiles, Laura F. Strube, Anamarie Martinez, Neha Cheemalavagu, Karsen Shoger, James Faeder, Rachel Gottschalk

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Data-Driven Modeling Approaches For Epidemiological Applications Using County-Level Data, Mansoor A. Haider

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Modeling The Dynamics Of Infectious Disease Transmission Through Wastewater Surveillance: Applications To Covid-19 Epidemiology, Ephraim Agyingi, Michael Kostrna

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Impact Of The Dose And The Number Of Transmitted/Founder Viruses On Siv Dynamics, Sunil Maity, Vitaly V. Ganusov

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

The Risk Of Bpa In B Lymphocyte-Mediated Autoimmunity, Mario J. Palacios

Senior Honors Theses

Autoimmune disorders disproportionately affect females, a bias largely attributed to estrogen's modulation of B lymphocyte development and tolerance. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic monomer, shows estrogenic activity and acts as an endocrine disruptor and epigenetic modifier. This thesis examines how BPA may increase autoimmune risk by mimicking estrogen such that it can excite estrogen receptors which rescue autoreactive B lymphocytes from apoptosis. While direct research linking BPA to B lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity is limited, understanding BPA’s course of action in B lymphocytes is critical for addressing the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its possible link to the increased and …

A Survey Of Health Professions Learners’ Attitudes Towards Social Media In Medical Education: A Substance Use Disorders Education Case Study, Gregory A. Jaffe, Sarah Lawson, William Leach, Mallika Kodavatiganti, Erin Avanzato, Katherine Fesperman, Heather Klusaritz

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Social media is a ubiquitous part of the modern world and plays a key role in the dissemination of information. While utilizing social media for educational purposes has been repeatedly demonstrated as feasible, it has been underutilized in medical education and remains a critical opportunity to integrate microlearning and stigma reduction curricula.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on social media usage, attitudes, and beliefs was sent to medical and nursing students at two large academic institutions within Philadelphia. Descriptive statistics are reported, and non-parametric tests were utilized for exploratory analyses.

RESULTS: Health learners were low consumers of social media, reporting …

Assessment And Mitigation Of Covid-19 Occupational Hazards Among Small Businesses In A High-Risk Community, Sadie H Conway, Denise Vasquez, Soyoung Kwon, Kristina D Mena, Louis D Brown, Janelle Rios

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose –: This project explored COVID-19 workplace hazards and factors influencing the implementation of risk mitigation approaches among small businesses in a high-risk community.

Design/methodology/approach –: Using a novel framework, data were collected from 90 workplaces through site visits and consultations with at least one owner, manager or supervisor ("employer") and at least one non-managerial staff member ("employee"). A risk assessment and mitigation plan were prepared based on site-specific hazards; later, a follow-up visit assessed whether recommendations had been implemented and factors influencing these decisions.

Findings –: A total of 84 businesses (93.3%) implemented at least one recommendation, citing ease …

2016g_Nhp19_Approved_At-6403, Graduate Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

2016g_Nhp06_Approved_At-5203, Graduate Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

2018u_Lac09_Approved_Nc_Hist-4573-Revision1, Undergraduate Curriculum Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

2018u_Lac09_Approved_Nc_Hist-4573, Undergraduate Curriculum Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

2018u_Lac08_Approved_Nc_Hist-4493, Undergraduate Curriculum Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

2018g_Ebs04_Approved_Lon13_Mse-Sped-Revision2, Graduate Council

All Approved Curriculum

No abstract provided.

Exploring Policy Response And Quality Of Care From Lessons Learned During Covid-19 In Moderate Testing, High-Complexity Laboratories In The Department Of Defense, Carmen Alesia Bell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Wildlife Communities As Mediators Of Lyme Disease Risk In Urbanized Landscapes, Regina Christen

Master’s Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Modeling Of Macrophage And Cd8+ T Cell Activation: Evaluating Immortalized Cell Lines For Use In Undergraduate Immunology Laboratories, Lucy Groothuis

Masters Theses

The immune system is a complex, highly coordinated network of cells and signaling molecules that protects the body from infection and disease. Immunology is therefore a fundamental component of undergraduate education for students pursuing careers in medicine and biomedical research. Despite its importance, many undergraduate immunology courses lack a laboratory component. To address this gap, we developed an open-access immunology laboratory manual and evaluated its ability to generate meaningful data using primary murine cells and commercially available cell lines. Given the cost and logistical constraints of using mouse models in an undergraduate laboratory setting, we evaluated whether immortalized cell lines …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Standardized Intimate Partner Violence Screening Tool In A Clinical Setting, Dylan Bogucki

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as any act of violence, including physical, sexual, stalking, or psychological aggression by an intimate partner, former or current. Despite being preventable, IPV remains a leading nonobstetric cause of morbidity and mortality among women, which highlights the need for systematic screening in clinical settings. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to identify women who have previously experienced or are currently experiencing IPV and to connect them with appropriate resources. Twenty-one studies were identified, all demonstrating moderate to high methodological quality and supporting the need for routine IPV screening in women’s health settings. …

Redefining Skincare For Sensitive Lives, Ashlyn G. Sierra Ms

Honors College Theses

This study outlines how a skincare company that is both ethically and effectively developed for people suffering from eczema could create accessible, affordable products as well as maintain its commitment to being inclusive. The study uses scientific data regarding eczema in order to examine why certain aspects of skin care are helpful or dangerous when it comes to individuals who suffer from eczema, in addition, it provides an assessment of current skin care product offerings that are designed for people with eczema. Using the Wise Leadership Framework, the study presents a hypothetical business plan for a new, eczema-based skin care …

Development And Psychometric Analysis Of An Instrument To Assess Social Stigma Associated With Parkinson's Disease, Ana Lourdes Guerra-Anzaldo, Arturo Emmanuel Espinosa-Picos, Karen Itzel Sánchez-Ramírez, Ana Jimena Hernández-Medrano, Amin Cervantes-Arriaga, Ariadna Domínguez-García, Mayela Rodríguez-Violante

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: To develop and report the psychometric properties of a comprehensive scale designed to measure stereotypes and attitudes of the general population towards people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP).

Methods: The development and analysis of the Parkinson's Disease Stigma Perception scale (PDSP) included four phases: 1) literature review, 2) item development, 3) tests of validity and reliability, and 4) dissemination of a preliminary version. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore underlying structures, and confirmatory factor analysis to test the model's fit.

Results: Six (2%) of the 294 survey respondents were disqualified because of incomplete …

Redefining Skincare For Sensitive Lives, Ashlyn G. Sierra Ms

Honors College Theses

This study outlines how a skincare company that is both ethically and effectively developed for people suffering from eczema could create accessible, affordable products as well as maintain its commitment to being inclusive. The study uses scientific data regarding eczema in order to examine why certain aspects of skin care are helpful or dangerous when it comes to individuals who suffer from eczema, in addition, it provides an assessment of current skin care product offerings that are designed for people with eczema. Using the Wise Leadership Framework, the study presents a hypothetical business plan for a new, eczema-based skin care …