Digital Commons Network^™

From Research To Writing: How Collaboration Strengthens Thesis Preparation, Carly Mcleod, Ben Lee Taylor

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Graduate students have unique learning needs that often require simultaneous support from multiple service areas to be successful. From navigating scholarly sources to developing strong academic writing skills, students benefit most when guidance is provided at critical points through intentional collaboration and shared expertise.

In response to a faculty request for supplementary workshops for mechanical engineering students, the Teaching and Learning unit within the library partnered with the Writing and Academic Skills Centre to design timely instruction that aligns with students’ academic goals as they enter the thesis preparation stage. Rather than delivering separate sessions, we recognized this would be …

Changing Mercy In Aotearoa New Zealand, Anna Nicholls Victoria University Of Wellington

Journal of Global Catholicism

This paper examines the evolving expression of Catholicity within the Mercy organization in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores the impact of Vatican II, demographic shifts, and societal changes. Through interviews with lay leaders in Whānau Mercy Ministries, the religiosity, inclusive approach, and the tension between traditional Catholic identity and pluralism in the organization are explored. A pertinent discussion concerns how the organization uses a more secular portrayal of Catherine McAuley as a unifying figure for the religiously diverse audience. The author argues that while secularization influences the organization, it fosters human flourishing and community engagement, offering opportunities for growth rather …

The Untameability Of The Sacred: Votive Traditions At Notre Dame De Lourdes And El Santuario De Chimayó, Gabrielle Bibeau

Journal of Global Catholicism

This article compares divergent votive practices at Notre Dame de Lourdes in France and El Santuario de Chimayó in New Mexico. Lourdes’ embrace of modern aesthetic values—simplicity, order, and functional clarity—has led to the removal and tight regulation of most ex-votos. By contrast, Chimayó’s roots in Latin American Baroque aesthetics, with its emphasis on abundance, drama, and hybridity, create space for a vibrant proliferation of offerings. Drawing on Jacques Rancière’s theory of aesthetics and politics as the “distribution of the sensible,” the article shows how aesthetic judgments intertwine with clerical power to curate, constrain, and authorize pilgrims’ access to the …

Recalibrating Library Research Support Workshops For Graduate Students: Addressing Skill-Gaps Through Targeted, Collaborative Workshop Design, Ekaterini Papadopoulou, Jason B. Hall

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Creating library support for graduate services can and should take many forms to meet the specific and varied needs of the student populations and graduate programs at any given institution. However, there are often common threads and needs that can be met through some carefully targeted centralized library services. We will present our approach to providing a suite of workshops that provide skills and transferable knowledge across multiple graduate student needs at our institution, where the majority of graduate students are pursuing professional graduate degrees.

Three challenges that we aimed to address with our workshop series:

A perception that library …

It's A Stretch: De-Customizing To Provide Better Support To All, Jean Cook

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

The University of X's graduate programs are its fastest growing sector. The College of Education is the third largest public university in the county, due largely to its graduate programs and partnerships with local school districts. Many programs across the disciplines have a heavy research aspect, with a focus on evidence-based practice. To meet the needs of these programs, the library has taken the counter-intuitive approach of widening the focus on its instruction and liaison programs. Previously, each program had specific librarians assigned to that program’s needs. Tools like videos, research guides, and workshops were tailored to each individual class …

Beyond The Tour: Designing Graduate Library Orientations That Build Research Confidence And Belonging, Megan York

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Graduate student orientations often lean heavily on logistics: where to find resources, how to log in, and which services the library offers. While this information is important, it rarely addresses the deeper needs of graduate learners. Many of the students I work with arrive on campus already balancing careers, families, and demanding academic programs. At the University of Arkansas, graduate orientations in the College of Education and Health Professions frequently take place on weekends, serving students who travel from out of state and receive an overwhelming amount of information in a short time. For them, orientation is not simply a …

Hancock County’S Journey From Planning To Execution, Gary Pool, Ann Sheidler

Purdue Road School

Over the past decade, Hancock County has seen both successes and challenges in funding public projects, including roads, bridges, utilities, a technical school, healthcare, and retail development. Using a variety of capital sources, the county turned plans into real construction efforts that served the public good. This presentation will explore real projects with real financing—highlighting lessons learned, unexpected outcomes, and strategies that can inform and benefit similar efforts in other counties.

The Level Of Physical Activity And The Feeling Of Stress In Difficult Life Situations Among Refugees From Ukraine, Bartosz Gondek, Iwona Bonisławska, Milena Lachowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 started the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. In the face of danger, crowds of civilians decided to leave their homes and escape, among others, to Poland in search of shelter. Materials and methods: The research was conducted on groups of refugees from Ukraine who registered in the first days of the war in Sopot and Pruszcz Gdanski. The refugees came from Kharkov, Mariupol, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and western Ukraine (not involved in hostilities). People from the war zone areas mostly came with only hand luggage. The respondents were divided …

Congenital Absence Of The Inferior Vena Cava Presenting As Extensive Deep Vein Thrombosis In A Young Male: A Case Report And Review, Aman Ullah, Faseeh Haider, Sara Sartaj, Muhammad Arham, Muhammad Usama Imtiaz, Fatima Binte Athar, Nabeel Rajeh

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Inferior vena cava (IVC) agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly in young adults without identifiable risk factors. We report the case of a 27-year-old male presenting with right lower extremity swelling and hip pain. Imaging revealed extensive thrombosis from the popliteal vein to the right common iliac vein. Diagnostic venography confirmed congenital absence of the IVC, with venous drainage via collateral lumbar pathways. The patient underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy. Given the extensive thrombus burden and risk of pulmonary embolism, lifelong anticoagulation with a direct oral anticoagulant was initiated. This case highlights …

Alk-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting As Back Pain, Khalid Javed, Mariah Malak Bilalaga, Sareema Adnan, Ramya Vasireddy, David Blackwood, Christopher Haas

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a distinct subtype of mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by large, strongly positive CD30 lymphoid cells that lack expression and rearrangement of the ALK gene. Here, we present a unique case of ALK-negative ALCL in a 34-year-old male patient who presented with acute on chronic back pain. Initial emergent MRI spine demonstrated lytic changes of L3 and L4 with probable psoas fluid collection, with high suspicion for Pott’s disease. However, subsequent work-up including a CT-guided bone biopsy revealed ALK-negative ALCL.  Patient underwent radiation to his lumbar spine and psoas muscle, …

Refractory Post-Transplant Erythrocytosis In A Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report, Ahmed Mustafa, Abbas Gain, Umm E Salma Shabbar Banatwala, Nasim Salimiaghdam, Amir Kamran

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background:

Post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE) is a well-recognized complication occurring in approximately 8–15% of renal transplant recipients. It is commonly managed with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, including angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). However, a subset of patients may be refractory to standard pharmacologic therapy.

Case Presentation:

We report the case of a 57-year-old male kidney transplant recipient who developed persistent erythrocytosis despite treatment with an ARB. The patient remained symptomatic with elevated hematocrit levels, prompting consideration of alternative management strategies.

Management and Outcome:

Given the inadequate response to RAS blockade, therapeutic phlebotomy was initiated. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and phlebotomy …

Recurrent Pubic Osteomyelitis And Urosymphyseal Fistula In A Prostate Cancer Survivor: A Multidisciplinary Management Challenge, Peng Jhen Wu, Navin Sampathkumar, Tanmay Singh, Sonal Gandhi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

A 67-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer, treated with prostatectomy and subsequent radiation for recurrence, presented with a complex clinical course of recurrent osteomyelitis and a persistent urosymphyseal fistula with associated phlegmon. Following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for a T4 vertebral lesion, he developed pelvic osteomyelitis, from which Kocuria species was cultured. The progression of his disease led to a urosymphyseal fistula, necessitating a cystectomy with ileal conduit and pubic bone debridement. Despite this extensive surgical intervention, he presented one year later with recurrent ileal conduit phlegmon and osteomyelitis. This case highlights the significant diagnostic and management …

Unprovoked Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis In A Heterozygous Prothrombin G20210a Mutation Carrier: A Rare Case Report, Hasan Obeidat, Sandeep Kshetri, Mahyar Toofantabrizi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is a rare condition accounting for approximately 1% of all strokes. It can occur secondary to various causes, including inherited thrombophilia, with Prothrombin G20210A mutation being the second most common. Extensive unprovoked CVST in heterozygous carriers is uncommon. This case underscores the importance of evaluating inherited thrombophilia in unprovoked CVST. Long-term, multidisciplinary follow-up is vital for managing post-thrombotic sequelae.

Don’T Mistake It For Ra: A Case Of Antithyroid Arthritis Syndrome After Methimazole Initiation, Michael K. Viggiano, Auda Baker, Diana Palanker, Ayrton Bangolo, Anna Belyayeva, Iyad Baker

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Antithyroid arthritis syndrome (AAS) is a rare reaction to thionamides (e.g., methimazole) that can cause sudden, severe joint pain. It often gets mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus but typically improves within four weeks when the medication is stopped. A 51-year-old man with Graves’ disease developed a rash and disabling joint pain in multiple areas within weeks of starting methimazole. Labs showed elevated liver enzymes and CRP, but no autoimmune markers. Symptoms improved quickly after a short steroid taper and stopping the drug. This case shows how AAS can mimic autoimmune disease and why it is important to recognize early …

Severe Spontaneous Hematoma In An Elderly Female: A Case Of Acquired Hemophilia A, Sandeep Beesabathina, Sara Sartaj, Nabeel Rajeh

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Acquired Hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), leading to spontaneous bleeding in individuals without a personal or family history of bleeding disorders. The incidence of AHA is approximately 1.5 cases per million per year, with a higher prevalence in the elderly. This case report describes an 87-year-old female who presented with extensive bruising and was found to have profoundly low FVIII levels, and elevated FVIII inhibitor levels confirming a diagnosis of AHA. Management included recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), porcine FVIII (Obizur), corticosteroids, and rituximab, …

An Unexpected Cause Of Thrombocytopenia In Pregnancy: A Case Of Malaria In A Non-Endemic Setting With Unclear Transmission Source, Jessica Ohemeng-Dapaah, Riham Mohammed, Ikechuwku Eke-Okoro

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with increasing concern for imported and locally acquired cases in non-endemic regions. We present the case of a 35-year-old pregnant woman from Sierra Leone, living in Missouri, who despite no recent international travel, was found to have symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Her clinical course was notable for fever, severe thrombocytopenia, mild anemia and intraerythrocytic ring forms on her peripheral smear. She had a history of chronic hepatitis B and prior chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma and recent travel to Florida, where local malaria transmission has been documented. The patient responded rapidly to artemisinin-based therapy, …

Cryptococcal And Ebv Meningitis In A Postpartum Woman With Hiv Despite Art: A Case Challenging The Limits Of Immune Reconstitution, Rouba Isshak, Zhaoqi Li, Aqsa Zoey Sorathia Md, Opeyemi Fakayode, Ivan Mercado, Malina Mohtadi, Nader Ghobriel, Mina Gerges, Patrick Michael, Simi Philip

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection, mainly affecting immunocompromised patients, especially with advanced HIV/AIDS. Unmasking cryptococcal immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (C-IRIS) is a severe but relatively rare complication in the United States. Co-infection with other central nervous system (CNS) pathogens further complicates both diagnosis and management.

In this case report, we present a rare instance of CM secondary to C-IRIS alongside EBV meningitis in a postpartum, HIV-positive patient on ART. This co-infection highlights the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals, even on ART, to multifactorial CNS infections. It emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, timely intervention, and comprehensive long-term management …

Igg4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis Masquerading As Cholangiocarcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge, Shahem Abbarh, Bisher Sawaf, Radhika Vij, Kiyoko Oshima, Keiichi Kinowaki, Abhinav Sankineni

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is a rare immune-mediated disorder affecting the biliary tree and leading to biliary strictures that may resemble cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).

Case Presentation: An elderly man presented with a one-week history of jaundice, pale stool, and dark urine. This was associated with unintentional weight loss over the past year. Laboratory findings were notable for cholestasis and significantly elevated CA19-9. Imaging demonstrated multiple diffuse biliary strictures of malignant appearance. Cytology showed atypical glandular cells. The patient was misdiagnosed with CCA and was assessed for a possible surgical intervention or chemoradiotherapy. However, the patient was eventually diagnosed with IgG4-SC …

When To Continue, Pause, Or Stop Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Heart Failure: A Complication-Based Clinical Guide, Nicole Tesoro, Jasvin Kurundrayil Manha, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an essential part of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure due to their proven ability to reduce hospitalizations and improve survival, independent of diabetes status. Despite these benefits, their use can be complicated by genitourinary side effects such as genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, serious complications including urosepsis, Fournier’s gangrene, and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. These events often leave clinicians uncertain about whether therapy should be continued, paused, or permanently discontinued. Current guidance remains limited and inconsistent, with most recommendations derived from case reports, expert opinion, or post-marketing surveillance. In this …

The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review, Farooq Hyder, Laraib Naeem Arain, Abdullah Ashraf, Abida Perveen, Hina Pervaiz

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disorders, and certain cancers are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While biological and behavioral factors contribute to their development, growing evidence indicates that social determinants of health (SDOH) play a fundamental role in influencing chronic disease outcomes. SDOH include socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing conditions, neighborhood environment, access to nutritious food, and availability of healthcare services. These factors not only shape individual health behaviors but also determine access to preventive care, disease management resources, and overall quality of life. Individuals and communities facing socioeconomic disadvantage are disproportionately affected by …

Impact Of Atrial Fibrillation On Hospital Outcomes In Nstemi Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Swatam Jain, Pinak Shah, Kartika Shetty

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and frequently occurs in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) accounts for nearly 70% of ACS hospitalizations and poses significant morbidity and healthcare burden. Despite its prevalence, the impact of AF on in-hospital outcomes in NSTEMI remains underrecognized, and current risk models often exclude AF.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified patient-level data from HCA Healthcare, capturing 31,649 NSTEMI admissions across 180 U.S. hospitals (2021–2022). Patients were stratified based on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) status. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models evaluated …

Diagnosis And Characterization Of Thyroid Dysfunction In Patients Evaluated In Primary Care In A Rural Zone Of Honduras, Javier Shafick Asfura, Travis Wesley Harris, Amanda Reeck, María Fernanda Chévez

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Thyroid disorders are prevalent and frequently underdiagnosed in primary care, particularly in resource-limited rural areas. Their nonspecific symptoms complicate early recognition and treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and describe the clinical reasoning, diagnostic strategies, and laboratory findings among adults evaluated with TSH testing in rural Honduras. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Loma de Luz in Balfate, Honduras. Adult patients aged ≥18 years who underwent diagnostic TSH testing between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, were included. Patients with prior thyroid diagnoses or current pregnancy were …

Clinical Application Of Midline Catheters In An Acute Care Ward: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study, Miki Sato Rn, Yusuke Makio, Taku Harada, Kenta Shukuya, Hiroki Taira, Shintaro Kosaka

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction

Midline catheters are a promising alternative to central venous access devices for intermediate-term therapy, with reduced risks of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Their inclusion in the 2024 World Health Organization guidelines reflects increasing global interest. However, their use remains limited to select countries, and real-world clinical data are scarce. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of midline catheters in an acute care setting.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 68 midline catheter insertions in 50 patients between November 2023 and April 2024 in a general internal medicine ward of a 400-bed hospital. Collected data included …

Renal Function Equations And Medication Dosing: The Daily Clinical Dilemma, Witt Durden, Amna Anees, Joel Topf

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

In 1976, Donald Cockcroft and M. Henry Gault published a formula that estimates creatinine clearance.  This study involved only Caucasian males and was done prior to the development and standardization of the modern creatinine assays.  With the major advances in medicine and nephrology that have occurred over the past half century, it seems almost inconceivable that we would still be using this formula as the standard for medication dosing, yet this is the clinical reality.  We explore the tension between guidelines that suggest using eGFR for medication dosing and the practical reality of our current system and the knowledge gaps …

Artificial Intelligence In Medicine: A Definition Of Terms, Teray Johnson, Melvin Blanchard

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools gain traction in clinical, operational, and administrative settings, healthcare professionals must develop a foundational understanding of key AI concepts to engage with these technologies responsibly and effectively. This perspective outlines essential AI terminology—such as machine learning, generative and agentic AI, large language models, artificial neural networks, and prompt engineering—paired with concrete clinical examples to illustrate their relevance in modern medical practice. By clarifying these terms and exploring their applications, this paper aims to equip healthcare leaders with the vocabulary and context necessary to evaluate, implement, and oversee AI systems within their organizations. Such literacy is …

Pertanggung-Jawaban Medikus Atas Kesalahan Profesional (Malpractise) (Tinjauan Dari Sudut Hukum Perdata), Kinsar Sihaloho, S.H.

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Cv: Michael Lloyd, Michael Lloyd

Social Work Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Ethical Leadership And Funding Strategies In Nonprofit Organizations, George Edward Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of effective funding strategies can negatively affect nonprofit program sustainability and growth. Nonprofit leaders are concerned with inadequate funding practices as they lessen organizational sustainability, donor trust, and reliable program delivery. Grounded in deontological ethical theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore funding strategies nonprofit leaders use to expand and sustain programs and services. The participants were eight nonprofit leaders from the West Coast of the United States with 10+ years of leadership experience. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and peer-reviewed journals. Through thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (a) research and data …

Food Insecurity’S Influence On Obesity, Hypertension, And Diabetes In Rural Vermont And Adirondack New York, Lindsay Morse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Food insecurity (FI) is a persistent public health challenge in the United States and disproportionately affects rural communities. Guided by syndemic theory, this quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between FI and chronic disease outcomes among rural residents of Vermont and the Adirondack region of New York. Social determinants of health screenings and electronic medical records from 35 rural primary care sites were analyzed. Secondary data from n = 72,505 adults were used to evaluate these relationships. Binary logistic regression models assessed obesity, hypertension (HTN), and diabetes (DM), and a multinomial logistic regression model evaluated the combined presence of obesity and …

Polθ Activity Modulates Sensitivity To Standard Therapies In Dnmt3a-Deficient Leukemia, Bac Viet Le, Umeshkumar Vekariya, Monika M. Toma, Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska, Marie-Christine Caron, Malgorzata Gozdecka, Zayd Haydar, Martin Walsh, Jayashri Ghosh, Elaine Vaughan-Williams, Paulina Podszywalow-Bartnicka, Anna-Mariya Kukuyan, Sylwia Ziolkowska, Jessica Atkins, Emir Hadzijusufovic, Gurushankar Chandramouly, Reza Nejati, Katarzyna Piwocka, Richard T. Pomerantz, George S. Vassiliou, Brian J.P. Huntly, Peter Valent, Mariusz Wasik, Alfonso Bellacosa, Jean-Yves Masson, Gaorav P. Gupta, Grant A. Challen, Tomasz Skorski

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Myeloid malignancies carrying somatic DNMT3A mutations (DNMT3Amut) are refractory to standard therapy. DNMT3Amut leukemia cells accumulate toxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and stalled replication forks, rendering them dependent on DNA damage response (DDR). We report here that DNA polymerase theta (Polθ), a key element in DSB repair by end-joining (Polθ-mediated end-joining [TMEJ]) and in fork restarting, promotes survival and proliferation of DNMT3Amut leukemia cells. Polθ is overexpressed in DNMT3Amut leukemia cells due to abrogation of PARP1 PARylation-dependent UBE2O E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Polθ. In addition, PARP1-mediated recruitment of the SMARCAD1-MSH2/MSH3 repressive complex to DSBs is diminished in …