Digital Commons Network^™

Global Health Financing Of Diagonal Interventions: Building Resilient And Sustainable Health Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Lucy Kim

Master in Public Policy Theses

Background: Global health financing has historically prioritized disease-specific “vertical” programs over broader “horizontal” strengthening of general health systems. Vertical programs in HIV have led to unprecedented reductions in mortality worldwide, but HIV remains a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, where vertical strategies have long been criticized for creating fragmented health systems. In response, global health strategies have shifted towards combining vertical investments with broader horizontal activities, commonly referred to as “diagonal” programming. While evidence suggests that diagonal programming has the potential to create more resilient and sustainable health systems, evaluating its value for money is challenging due to …

The Digital Rentier State: Saudi Arabia, George Ngoh

Master in Public Policy Theses

As artificial intelligence reshapes Great Power Competition, control over digital infrastructure has become a key measure of global hegemony. In this context, Saudi Arabia is using its Vision 2030 strategy to pivot from traditional hydrocarbon reliance toward diversification into the AI and emerging technology sector, seeking to secure a position of power in an increasingly multipolar world.

This thesis analyzes whether Saudi Arabia’s AI investments signal a transition away from traditional resource rentierism or the creation of a new digital rentier model. Through primary and secondary research, this study argues that the Kingdom is establishing a sustainable pathway toward a …

Beyond The Ban: Chhaupadi Abolition And The Governance Of Menstrual Autonomy In Western Nepal, Nikita Paudel

Master in Public Policy Theses

This thesis examines how two decades of efforts to abolish chhaupadi have shaped the everyday conditions under which women and girls experience menstruation in western Nepal. Chhaupadi, commonly understood as menstrual seclusion, has been addressed through Supreme Court directives, national policy, criminal law, municipal implementation instruments, hut demolition campaigns, public health programming, and rights-based advocacy. Yet the practice has persisted, adapted, and in some cases moved into less visible spaces. Rather than treating this as a simple gap between law and practice, this thesis asks how abolition efforts themselves have become part of the regulatory regime through which menstruation is …

A Rarer Earth: The Many States Of Peat In Central Kalimantan, Layna Chen Ms.

Masters of Environmental Design Theses

Peat currently occupies a central place within climate discourse, with Indonesia’s peatlands as a key site of concern since the late twentieth century. Yet this contemporary understanding is historically unstable. Over the last two centuries, what we commonly consider peat has been repeatedly redefined by scientific and bureaucratic institutions. Within popular media, peat has circulated as a low-grade fuel, an infertile swampland, an agricultural soil awaiting rehabilitation, and a hydrological body requiring remediation. Tropical peatland fires, once treated as a scientific improbability, have become a recurring environmental crisis. This history of shifting definitions suggests that ‘peat’ is not a stable …

Dna Strand Breaks By Small Molecules: From Genomic Hazard To Therapeutic Strategy, Clerin John

Honors Scholar Theses

DNA strand breaks are among the most critical forms of genomic damage, arising from endogenous metabolic activity, environmental stress, radiation, and diverse chemical agents. Single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks contribute to genome instability, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Cells rely on DNA repair pathways to detect these breaks and initiate repair. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to systematically compile and examine the mechanisms underlying small-molecule-induced DNA strand breaks. This review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which these molecules interact with DNA and trigger damage. We further discussed the current methods used for detection and quantification of …

Breaking Down Barriers To Pediatric Respite Care Use, Michelle Montanez

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Parents of children with a life-limiting illness provide constant, around-the-clock care, often leaving little time for their well-being. This responsibility is emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, and without proper support, parents face increased risk of depression, burnout, and deteriorating health. Respite services offer relief by providing a much-needed break and allowing parents the opportunity for self-care and improved well-being. Though the benefits of respite are well documented, these services remain underutilized due to barriers such as limited provider awareness, lack of access, and emotional challenges the parents face. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to address these barriers …

Decoding Spatial Transcriptomics Across Multicellular And Subcellular Resolutions, Chongyue Zhao, Hanqiu Zhao, Zhiyu Dai, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Current whole-genome spatial transcriptomics (ST) platforms, which range from multicellular (e.g., Visium) to subcellular resolution (e.g., Visium HD, Stereo-seq), face significant challenges in accurately decomposing or aggregating spots into single cells-the fundamental units of biological activity. To date, most existing computational methods operate at the spot level, and no method has effectively reconstructed transcriptomes at single-cell resolution. In this study, we present STARS (Spatial Transcriptomics across Resolutions for Single Cells). Leveraging Vision Transformer model and contrastive learning, STARS combines high-resolution histology images with spot-level transcriptomics data to reconstruct single-cell-level gene expression from multicellular and subcellular platforms. We demonstrate the advantage …

Discharge Preparedness Assessment Using The Path-S Tool With Stroke Patient Caregivers, Sue B. Pugh

Group: Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing

Background of Project:

• Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
• Caregivers are a vital component to successful discharge.
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) are designed to prepare individuals and their caregivers for the transition to home.
• IRF’s measure their success using post discharge surveys.
• The IRF involved in this project measured discharge preparedness against a benchmark score.
• A low score of 3.03/5.0 with a benchmark of 3.4/5.0 resulted in the creation of a key performance initiative regarding discharge preparedness. 

The purpose of this project is to utilize an evidence-based tool in the assessment of stroke caregiver preparedness …

Association Between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists And Suicidality: A Systematic Review, Timothy H. Chan, Leon E. Cosler, Michael R. Gionfriddo, Emily E. Leppien, Eleanor J. Sommers, Mia E. Lussier

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Aims: We aimed to examine the association between GLP-1 RA use and suicidal ideation or behaviours through a systematic review of observational studies. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO was conducted from database inception through December 11, 2025. Observational studies investigating suicidal ideation, suicide attempts or complete suicide among adults using GLP-1 RAs were included. Eligibility screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed independently and in duplicate, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Results: Forty-three studies were included. Findings varied by study design. Some case reports suggested a temporal …

Measuring Treatment Burden With The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (Tbq): A Narrative Literature Review And Implications For Geriatric Research And Clinical Practice, Jennifer Li-Wang, Sophia Hernandez, Sahana Ramasamy, Lawrence Qu, Jack Banks, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Holly Holmes, Aanand Naik, Dana Giza

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Treatment burden refers to the demands that healthcare places on a patient's daily life, including managing appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. It is a critical concern for older adults, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions. High treatment burden has been associated with poorer treatment adherence, increased disruptions in care, and diminished quality of care. The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) is a validated tool that has been successfully used to measure treatment burden in a variety of geographic, clinical, and research settings.

Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review to identify studies that have applied the TBQ in older adult …

Optimization And Energy Efficiency Analysis Of An Automatic Feed Mixer With A Rotating Drum Mechanism, Kris Witono, Talifatim Machfuroh, Nurlia Pramita Sari, Lisa Agustriyana, Aini Lostari

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Energy-efficient feed mixer machines are important for improving the productivity and sustainability of small and medium-scale livestock farms. Previous studies primarily focused on either structural performance or mixing efficiency, with limited studies integrating both aspects. Therefore, this study evaluated an automatic rotating-drum feed mixer by combining Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and energy modeling. The study used FEM simulations for different materials, namely A36 steel alloy, stainless steel 304, aluminium 6061, and galvanized steel, with thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm, as well as different drum systems. The FEM results showed that all evaluated materials met the minimum safety …

Intouch Week Of May 18, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony Marks New Chapter
• NYMC and WMC Host 16th Annual Paul Woolf, M.D., Pediatrics Trainee Research Day
• Marking 25 Years of Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology Research
• NYMC Reunion 2026 Unites Alumni, Graduates, and Campus Community
• TCDM Celebrates Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony
• Off Campus, On Craft: John Phillips, M.D., Makes Waves in Medicine and on the Water

From Code To Calm: Cold Debriefing And Spiritual Sessions For Icu Nurses, Cailin Ford Bsn, Rn-Bc, Va-Bc, Taryn Sheehy Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Julie Mackenzie Msn, Rn Agcns, Jeanne Hlebichuk

Nursing

Debriefing after critical events promotes communication, teamwork, and performance improvement. Concurrently, a positive spiritual climate is also linked to improved teamwork and safety climates, as well as reducing RN intent to leave and turnover (Celano et al., 2022). Clinical RNs engaged with professional governance identified an opportunity to expand on a nurse-led hot debriefing project and incorporate a second phase consisting of cold and spiritual debriefing. In this second phase, cold and spiritual debriefing was piloted in a 30-bed cardiovascular ICU, staffed with 110 RNs. First, standard cold debriefing materials were developed with organization specific resources. Two RN project leads …

Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In A Child With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Treated With Everolimus And Vigabatrin, Sarah Ml Wilson, Megan Samuels, Luana Pimentel, Shelley Varnado, Claire Sartwell, Rosleen Mansour, Deborah Pearson, Hope Northrup, Mary Kay Koenig

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: To report early neurodevelopmental outcomes in a child with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) treated with everolimus and vigabatrin.

Methods: The authors report a five-year-old girl with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex who was initiated on vigabatrin at seven weeks old to treat infantile spasms and on everolimus at two months of age to treat a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted in this patient at 12, 24, and 36 months using the Bayley-III and Vineland-II.

Results: On the Bayley-III, the patient had a high average cognitive composite score at 12 months and a high average language composite score at …

Pfas Toxicity: What’S True, What’S Not, And What Really Matters, Jamie C. Dewitt, Ian T. Cousins, Gretta Goldenman, Dorte Herzke, Rainer Lohmann, Mark Miller, Carla A. Ng, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Zhanyun Wang

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

A substantial body of evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a risk to human health. Data from epidemiological studies of those exposed occupationally or environmentally demonstrate adverse health risks, and these health effects are concordant with data from toxicological studies. Systematic reviews, conducted by agencies, organizations, and independent scientists that synthesize and integrate these data streams, have concluded that a range of health risks arise from PFAS exposure, including different types of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancer, metabolic alterations such as increased liver enzymes and increased cholesterol, immune dysfunction such as reduced vaccination …

Biodegradable Pcl–Plga Electrospun Nanofibers For Localized Cancer Therapy, Rahul Tiwari, Pranav, Joel Delossantos, Eswara N.H.K. Ghali, Luis Chavez, Vishal Sharad Chaudhari, Songyang Han, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Localized chemotherapy offers a promising strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the systemic toxicity of conventional cancer treatment, particularly following tumor resection. Electrospun nanofibers are well suited for this purpose due to their high porosity, extracellular matrix-mimicking architecture, and capacity for localized drug release. In this study, electrospun nanofibers based on PCL and PLGA were developed for localized cancer therapy. Three distinct nanofibrous architectures were fabricated: PCL nanofibers, PCL−PLGA blended nanofibers, and PCL−PLGA multilayered (tetra-layered) nanofibers, and their encapsulation efficiency was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform, bead-free nanofibrous morphologies, while Fourier transform infrared …

The Impact Of Microvascular Fluorescence Angiography (Mfa) On Healing And Outcomes Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Patients Following Lower Extremity Amputations Complicated By Flap Ischemia, Gaurav Narula, Benjamin Banks, Prashan Gunasekera, Dawn Wankowski, David Boulware, Sarah Riutta, Laurie Gesell

Aurora GME

No abstract provided.

Serum-Derived Albumin As A Cryoprotective Agent For The Long-Term Storage Of Red Blood Cells: A Preliminary Examination, Thomas Bailey-Schmidt, Christine V Saunders, Chloë E George, Thomas G Scorer, Lynn M R Mccallum, Tracey E Madgett

School of Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation extends the shelf life of red blood cells (RBC) from weeks to years, offering major advantages for blood banking logistics, especially in remote environments. However, current glycerol-based methods, though effective, are limited in scope due to complex post-thaw washing and incompatibility with routine clinical workflows. This study evaluated plasma-derived albumin as a potential alternative cryoprotective agent (CPA) for human RBC.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donor-derived RBC were suspended in 25% w/v bovine serum albumin (BSA) prepared in various diluents and tested for biocompatibility and cryoprotective efficacy under rapid freezing (immersion in liquid nitrogen) and gradual freezing with storage …

Cohort Study Of Opioid Utilization In Post-Tonsillectomy Pediatric Patients, Sainiteesh Maddineni, Varun Vendra, Hareem Khan, Noor Ali, Tulio Valdez, Anna Messner, Iram Ahmad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Prospective observational cohort study at a tertiary care academic center to evaluate the post-operative use of oxycodone in pediatric tonsillectomy patients and caregiver knowledge of opioid disposal.

Methods: Pediatric patients 6-18 years old undergoing tonsillectomy were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they required prolonged inpatient care, had a history of organ transplantation, chronic pain or narcotic use, congenital or chromosomal disorders, inability to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and other significant medical diagnoses that could potentially alter postoperative pain management. All patients were prescribed a standard amount of oxycodone to be used for breakthrough pain in addition to ibuprofen and …

Assessment Of The Bioremediation Potentials Of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacterial Strains Recovered From Spent Engine Oil-Contaminated Environments In Southwest Nigeria, Nafisa Mohammed Babayola, Nasiru Bright Lecky, Chinweizu Obioma Onumaegbu, Olufunmiso Olusola Olajuyigbe, Martins Ajibade Adefisoye

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Environmental pollution from hydrocarbons and their derivatives is predominantly of anthropogenic origin, occurring mainly during mining, transportation, and storage. This often in an annual release of substantial amounts of pollutants into the environment. The effective restoration of petroleum-contaminated environments requires a series of interventions to remediate soil to its natural state. This study aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant-producing bacterial strains with potential bioremediation capabilities to assess the potential application for remediating soils polluted with spent engine oil in the Remo district, Ogun State. Bacterial isolates were recovered from soil samples collected from spent engine oil contaminated sites, using standard …

Draft Final 2024 Unreclaimed Sites Sampling: Ur-21 Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Medical Monitoring Working Group Meeting Minutes, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Risk Factors And Prevention Strategies For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following Fractures: A Scoping Review, Tina Tran, Brian H. Tran, Tatum R. Dam, Ank A. Agarwal, Moorice Caparó

Student Publications

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the severity of the inciting injury, persisting beyond the expected period of tissue healing. CRPS can significantly impact functional outcomes, but despite increasing research, risk factors and preventive strategies remain incompletely characterized. The objective is to map the existing evidence on risk factors and preventive strategies for CRPS following fracture, including trauma-related, surgical, and patient-related contributors, and identify gaps in current prevention and risk stratification approaches. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from database inception through March 17, 2026. Eligible studies …

Spontaneous Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection - A Case Report, Marina Takawy, Yousef Waly, Mohanad Shehadeh, Mostafa Najim, Richard Alweis

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Introduction: Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) is a rare condition, with an unpredictable natural history. It typically affects middle aged men with risk factors including hypertension and smoking. It can remain asymptomatic, and for many patients is detected as an incidental finding. The increasing number of reported cases over the past decade has been attributed to advances in imaging modalities. Management strategies vary depending on presentation. Case presentation: We describe a case of SICAD with atypical demographics. A 77-year-old female with no smoking history presented with progressively worsening abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an isolated celiac artery dissection. She …

Toxoplasmosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome In A Patient With Newly Diagnosed Hiv/Aids, Shivam Singh, Divya Samat Md, Viraj Shah, Kelly Brenan-Rothschild, Anthony Donato

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a common cause of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in advanced HIV, and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can precipitate immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Toxoplasma-related IRIS is rare but poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case Presentation: We report a 40-year-old male with advanced HIV (CD4 <35 cells/mm3, viral load 540,000 copies/mL) who initially presented with seizures and multiple ring-enhancing supratentorial lesions. Serology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmedToxoplasma gondii, and he was treated with high-dose sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, dexamethasone, and ART. A lymph node biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with intracellularHistoplasmaspecies. One month later, following brief interruption of anti-toxoplasma therapy, he developed recurrent seizures and radiographic progression despite ART adherence. Repeat evaluation excluded other infections or malignancy. Brain biopsy confirmedT. gondii, and IRIS was diagnosed. The patient improved with re-initiation of high-dose anti-toxoplasma therapy, corticosteroids, and seizure prophylaxis. Discussion: This case illustrates paradoxical toxoplasmosis-associated IRIS in the context of advanced HIV and concurrent opportunistic infection. Early recognition, exclusion of alternative diagnoses, and continuation of ART with targeted antimicrobial therapy are essential. Conclusion: Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for IRIS in HIV patients with CNS …

Ultrasound-Guided Epidural Caudal Block For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis In A Patient With Severe Scoliosis: A Case Report, Theresia Chandra Tania Novy, Daniel Hadimartana, Maria Jessica Yaputri

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative condition in the elderly characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to neural compression and symptoms such as low back pain, neurogenic claudication, and sensory disturbances. LSS may coexist with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), which can further complicate clinical presentation and management. While surgical treatment is often considered for severe cases, nonsurgical interventions remain important treatment options, particularly for elderly patients with comorbidities. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old male presenting with chronic low back pain for more than two years, accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, …

Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report, Daniel Zipfel, Thomas Russo, Mathew Devine

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas but may arise anywhere where there are neuroendocrine cells within the body. When neuroendocrine tumors metastasize to the liver, patients present with carcinoid syndrome, a group of symptoms characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and right-sided heart disease. However, many NETs do not cause carcinoid syndrome, sometimes leading to a unique clinical presentation. Patients may present with symptoms of appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or be completely asymptomatic. We report a case of a 25-year-old male with a Grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix, who underwent …

Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Autoimmune Diabetes Following Pd-1 Blockade: Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis After Pembrolizumab, Divya Samat, Osadebamwen Osaghae, Shivam Singh, Mohammad Abu Tineh, Anthony Donato

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy by enhancing antitumor T-cell activity through blockade of inhibitory pathways including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). Loss of immune tolerance can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including endocrine toxicities. Checkpoint inhibitor–associated autoimmune diabetes (CIADM) is rare but clinically significant because it often presents abruptly with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and profound insulin deficiency. We describe an 81-year-old male with stage III clear-cell renal cell carcinoma who developed abrupt-onset autoimmune diabetes 8 weeks after initiating adjuvant pembrolizumab. The patient presented with severe hyperglycemia and high anion-gap metabolic acidosis …

Intravenous Phenytoin-Induced Purple Glove Syndrome With Transient Hyperpigmentation: A Rare Adverse Drug Reaction In An Elderly Patient, Aarthi Ma, Revanth R

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Purple Glove Syndrome (PGS) is an uncommon but potentially serious adverse effect of intravenous (IV) phenytoin, characterized by limb pain, swelling, and purple-blue discoloration near the injection site. Although self-limiting in most cases, it can progress to ischemia or necrosis. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old male with a prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and coronary artery disease (CAD) was admitted for seizure management. He received IV phenytoin 100 mg thrice daily. By the evening of Day 1, he developed pain, edema, and purplish discoloration at the right wrist, followed by hyperpigmentation on the left palm and right-hand nails. IV …

Invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Enterocolitis And Bacteraemia With Negative Initial Stool Culture Following Consumption Of ``Ceviche''- A Case Report, Maria Vasnaik, Nimrat Kaur Sandhu, Justin Nistico

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Salmonellosis is a global public health concern, mainly presenting with non-specific signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken, meat, eggs, unpasteurized milk, raw fruits and vegetables irrigated with fecally contaminated water. While non-typhoidal serotypes are known to cause mild, self-resolving symptoms, typhoidal serotypes such as Salmonella typhi and paratyphi may present with severe symptoms, including hyperpyrexia, bloody stools, osteomyelitis, and other symptoms. Such diseases are relatively uncommon in developed countries due to improved hygiene practices and are most often related to travel to endemic countries. Although vaccination against the disease has been recommended for …