Digital Commons Network^™

Atypical Presentation Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Identified During Evaluation Of Transient Neurologic Symptoms, Austin J. Wong, Todd Schachter

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, typically associated with tick exposure and delayed allergic reactions to mammalian meat products. While most commonly presenting with urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, or anaphylaxis, atypical and systemic manifestations remain poorly characterized.

We present the case of a 39-year-old male with minimal vascular risk factors who developed acute onset shortness of breath, chest pressure, and transient neurologic symptoms concerning for a transient ischemic attack. Extensive cardiac, vascular, and autoimmune evaluation was largely unremarkable aside from abnormalities in lupus anticoagulation screening and elevated homocysteine and protein C levels.

Further evaluation revealed elevated alpha-gal–specific …

The Effects Of Blue Light From Technology On Sleep Health In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Literature Review, Matthew F. Dilloian, Dianne Langford Ph.D., Charalampos Papachristou Ph.D.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Digital screens, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, emit blue light in the short wavelength range of ~400–500 nm. This exposure impacts the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brain's biological clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle via melatonin secretion from the pineal gland. Blue light is known to suppress melatonin, potentially leading to poor sleep quality and sleep disruptions. Significance: With approximately 90% of Americans using electronic devices within one hour of bedtime, understanding these effects is critical for public health. Previous research often excluded young adults, specific target populations, like athletes, or focused solely on the biochemistry of blue …

Lactate-Induced Mitochondrial Magnesium Uptake And Its Metabolic Implications In The Mcardle’S Disease Model, Thiruvelselvan Ponnusamy, Jeremy Mehta, Haris Waseem, Marianne Assogba, Dianne Langford, Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy, Shanmughapriya Santhanam

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

McArdle disease, caused by mutations in the PYGM gene, impairs glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle, reducing lactate production and leading to energy deficits, fatigue, and risk of rhabdomyolysis. Using a CRISPR/Cas9-generated PYGM knockout (KO) rat model, we investigated whether reduced lactate production disrupts mitochondrial magnesium (Mg²⁺) homeostasis. KO rats failed to elevate lactate during static muscle contraction and showed diminished mitochondrial Mg²⁺ uptake, disrupted ATP synthesis, and impaired mitochondrial respiration. In vitro, caffeine-stimulated KO myotubes lacked lactate production and mitochondrial Mg²⁺ uptake despite preserved Ca²⁺ oscillations. Raising glucose concentration restored lactate levels, rescued mitochondrial Mg²⁺ transport, and improved metabolic output in …

Becoming Mandan: The Collaborative Life History Of Robert O’Brien, Douglas D. Meigs

Sociology and Anthropology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

This thesis examines how separation from—and later discovery of—an Indigenous family and culture shapes ethnic identity formation. Grounded in Charles Horton Cooley’s theory of the looking-glass self, it uses collaborative life history methodology to analyze the process of Indigenous identity formation experienced by Robert O’Brien, a Native American orphan who discovered his Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) heritage as an adult. Drawing on two decades of reflexive research, unstructured interviews, participant observation, and archival documents, the case study shows how O’Brien’s sense of identity developed in response to shifting and often contradictory social mirrors.

Enhancing Community Transitions For Outpatient Behavioral Health Clients, Sylvia Chonya

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Dementia Communication Strategies Educational Module For Providers, Renie Efuetngu Leke Tazisong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Spiritual Intelligence And Emotional Intelligence On Resilience Among Nurses, Ira Dell Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Prapare Social Determinants Of Health Screening Tool, Munachiso Iheonunekwu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education On Post Discharge Follow Up Care To Improve Staff Knowledge, Collins Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education Program On Medication Reconciliation In Primary Care With Integrated Pain Clinic, Jemimah Nimako-Mensah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Efficacy Of The Confusion Assessment Method For The Icu (Cam-Icu) In Reducing Length Of Stay Among Critically Ill Patients: A Scoping Review, John Simmons, Fay Nelson, Keith Hunt, Lindsey Waller, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Delirium is a prevalent complication among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs), associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) is a validated tool designed to aid in the early identification of delirium; however, systematic screening remains low among healthcare professionals. This scoping review aims to evaluate the efficacy of the CAM-ICU in identifying delirium and its potential impact on reducing ICU length of stay.

Method

            This scoping review began by establishing inclusion criteria to ensure the results were applicable to the researchers’ patient population, including …

Comparative Efficacy Of Intravenous Ketamine And Lidocaine Infusions For Pain Management In Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crisis (Voc), Akhil Tumpudi Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary hemoglobin disorder characterized by vaso-occlusion and recurrent acute painful crises, which are the leading cause of hospitalization in affected individuals (1,2). Opioids remain the primary treatment for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) pain but are associated with adverse effects, tolerance, and risk of dependence, prompting investigation into opioid-sparing adjuncts (1,2). Intravenous ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has shown modest opioid reduction in randomized and observational studies, though pain score improvements are inconsistent (3–6). Intravenous lidocaine, a sodium channel blocker, has also demonstrated potential opioid-sparing effects in retrospective cohorts with limited evidence of analgesic superiority (7–9). …

Cold Agglutinin Disease A Case On Diagnostic Pitfalls And Decision-Making Strategy, Portia Shaheed, Shefali Waghray Do, Te Du Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cold agglutinin disease is a rare subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis triggered by cold temperatures. Because of its rarity and variable presentation, cold agglutinin disease is frequently underrecognized, often leading to extensive and sometimes unnecessary diagnostic evaluations. By recognizing cold agglutinin disease as a differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent admissions for hemolysis, clinicians can avoid unnecessary workups, consults, and distress for their patients.

Coherent Breathing As A Stress-Reduction Intervention, Ete Kwegang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring Resilience And Positive Psychology – Mental Health Clinicians’ Perspectives On Schizophrenia Within The Criminal Justice System, Shaquanna Ferguson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Lived Experiences Of Facilitators Navigating Group Cohesion In Online Interpersonal Psychotherapy Groups, Jason Woodford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Improving Staff Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Strategies To Support Antidepressant Medication Adherence Through Psychoeducation And Automated Reminder Tools In An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Flavine Tembu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Improving Hypertension Control Among Middle-Aged, Black, Female Patients Through Staff Education On Evidence-Based Joint National Committee Guidelines, Afolake Oyinlola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Phq-9 For Early Detection Of Depression In Older Adults, Elsie Kumba Kamara

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

How The U.S. Virgin Islands Government Responded To The Covid-19 Crisis: A Leadership Perspective, Erica Dover

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Structured Staff Education On The Use Of The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 In An Outpatient Psychiatric Center, Naah Allotey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Stress First Aid: A Foundation For Creating Healthy Work Environments, Richard J. Westphal

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Burnout is not the failure of an individual to cope; it is the expected response to working in unbalanced systems where demands exceed resources.¹ Traditional self-care resilience strategies that include a range of mindfulness and physiological are important individual skills but are not sufficient to address the intensity and duration of occupational stress in health care.² Health workers (HCW) face chronic exposure to fatigue, trauma, loss, and moral distress. These four sources of stress injury can have an independent or cumulative effect that negatively impact patient quality and safety, individual team members well-being, team cohesion, and organizational trust. …

Improving Engagement In Community Activities At Whitetail Springs Memory Care Community, Kylie T. Klavon

Public Health Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project, in collaboration with Whitetail Springs Memory Care Community, is to encourage consistent attendance and engagement among residents and staff in community activities, thereby enhancing residents’ well-being through greater meaningful engagement. This was done by assessing communication gaps between the clinical and activities teams, developing an educational infographic and scheduling template, and conducting an interactive presentation introducing these deliverables. This project was facilitated by observing current engagement and communication procedures at Whitetail Springs. After observations, brief interviews were conducted with the Life Enrichment Director and the Health Services Director to understand where each team needs support …

Developing A Comprehensive Resource Guide For Caregivers Within The Area Agency On Aging, Aiden R. Murphy

Public Health Capstone Projects

This project developed a new universal caregiver resource guide for caregivers within the Area Agency on Aging, in order to improve resource navigation and workflow efficiency. Resources were collected, verified, and organized into a new, streamlined guide via the ARIA chatbot, covering multiple needs. Caregiver resources were collected and verified by the capstone student and mentor, Michael Kroeker, and organized into a centralized knowledge base within the ARIA chatbot. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted utilizing a 5-point Likert scale with three quantitative questions and one open-ended qualitative question. The data was given to the SeniorLine staff, who wanted to …

Using Group Activities To Improve Engagement And Help Alleviate Loneliness Among Older Adults At Macedonia Face, Taylor Corcoran

Public Health Capstone Projects

Introduction: Social isolation and loneliness are increasing public health concerns due to their association with heightened risk for chronic disease and their disproportionate impact on Black older adults (BOA). This project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally relevant, low-cost activities on engagement rates among older adults during unscheduled program periods at the Macedonia Family Community Enrichment Center (FACE).

Methods: This project used a mixed methods approach over a 4-week implementation period. Three activities were introduced by the student facilitator, including UNO!, Name That Tune (NTT), and coloring pages. Engagement was measured by comparing the …

Invasive Macrofungi In The United States: A Mushrooming Crisis, Emily Torres

Student Theses 2015-Present

Globalization has accelerated the spread of invasive species, making them one of the largest contributors to biodiversity loss worldwide. While invasive macrofungi remain largely absent from scientific discourse on invasive species, they represent a growing ecological concern throughout the United States. Invasive macrofungi disrupt forest ecosystems, alter soil communities, and displace native fungi. Beyond these ecological impacts, their presence and establishment profoundly affect human-nature relationships, most notably mushroom foraging and cultivation practices. This paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach to examine the ecological, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of invasive macrofungi in the United States. Chapter 1 provides a quantitative overview of …

Lindenwood Digest, May 6, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

Event & Date: The 2026 Lindenwood Showcase was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 

Geographic Grounding: The event occurred at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Key Honorees/Awards: Student winners included Reghan Gacki and Luisa Gonzalez for Original Research Project, Aidan Brynes for Creative Project, Lauren Roberts, Brendan Finnery, and Judah Davis for Exploratory Project, Chloe Ceballos for Proposal Project, and Allison Schrumf and Eleri Tye for Civic Engagement Project; Kimberly Sanchez received the Alpha Chi People's Choice Award; Oral presentation winners included Ava Bilton, Stephanie Greenhalgh, Kadence Berry, Taylor Bertubin, and Piper Colantone. 

Institutional Context: The showcase highlights diverse …

May 6, 2026 Faculty Senate Minutes, University Of South Carolina

Faculty Senate

No abstract provided.

Hawks' Herald -- May 6, 2026, Roger Williams University

Hawk's Herald

No abstract provided.

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Patients With Substance Use Disorder And Depression: A Scoping Review, Josiane Deguenon Bsn-Rn, Elisabeth Fritz Bsn-Rn, Jesse Jean Bsn-Rn, Tucker Mckinney Bsn-Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently co-occurs with depression and increases relapse risk and healthcare utilization. Although medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based intervention for SUD, outcomes for adults with co-occurring depression remain inconsistently reported due to variation in study designs, treatment settings, and measures. This scoping review examines evidence on MAT use among adults with co-occurring depression and SUD and summarized reported clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes.

Methods

From August 2023 to November 2025, a scoping literature review was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using MeSH search terms and Boolean operators to link the concepts defined …