Digital Commons Network^™

Geometry Of Neural Dynamics Along The Cortical Attractor Landscape Reflects Changes In Attention, Hayoung Song, Ruiqi Chen, Thomas L Botch, Todd S Braver, Monica D Rosenberg, Jeffrey M Zacks, Shinung Ching

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Large-scale brain activity reflects changes in attention. To understand how, we tested a hypothesis that the geometry of neural dynamics on the cortical attractor landscape, or movement along its "hills and valleys", reflects attentional states. A dynamical systems model separating intrinsic dynamics from stimulus-driven influences was fit to fMRI data collected during rest, tasks, and movie-watching. Model simulations revealed a set of attractors aligned with canonical functional brain networks. The speed and direction of neural trajectories toward these attractors varied systematically with attentional states over time and across contexts. When participants were paying attention to effortful tasks, neural dynamics converged …

Navigating Analytical Challenges In Clinical Trials Using The Multiverse Approach, Alexander O. Crenshaw, Nicole Pukay-Martin, Anne Wagner

Faculty Articles

Making decisions regarding data processing and analysis are crucial steps toward extracting insights from data in clinical trials. Trial registries like clinicaltrials.gov promote transparency about these decisions and encourage making them in advance. However, clinical studies often face decisions with multiple reasonable options outside the bounds of preregistration, such as when studies conduct post hoc analyses, deviate from preregistered plans, or simply were not preregistered. Additionally, even a priori decisions often have multiple reasonable options from which to choose. Methods that maximize transparency and minimize bias in such situations are needed. This paper advocates for applying a “multiverse” approach to …

Spartan Daily, February 12, 2026, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2026

Volume 166, Issue 10

Cover And Content

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Individualized Respiratory Exercise Device Originated In Türkiye: Design, Prototype, And First Results, Çi̇ğdem Emi̇rza Ci̇lbi̇r, Özge Ertan Harputlu, Hi̇kmet Uçgun, Büşra Ülker Ekşi̇, Sarper Kaya, Esen Kiyan, Gökşen Kuran Aslan, Buket Akinci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) and breathing exercises are crucial components in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. RMT includes inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT); however, existing RMT devices typically support only one of these. Incentive spirometers, which also provide visual feedback for breathing exercises, are frequently used. Achieving an RMT program requires multiple devices, which increases both the cost and complexity of the training regimen. This study aimed to design, calibrate, and test a novel individualized respiratory exercise device that integrates both IMT and EMT functions into a single unit, thereby offering a cost-effective, user-friendly alternative for comprehensive cardiopulmonary …

Radial Peripapillary Capillary Changes And Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Alterations In Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Mild-To-Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: An Octa Study, Eyüpcan Şensoy, Hi̇kmet Erhan Güven, Mehmet Çitirik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) on retinal microvascular changes, specifically the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with mild-to-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Materials and methods: Ninety participants were enrolled and divided into three groups: 30 patients with DFUs and mild-to-moderate NPDR, 30 patients with NPDR but without DFUs, and 30 healthy controls. RPC density and RNFL thickness were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), a noninvasive imaging method. Comparisons between groups were made with statistical adjustments, including optic disc area.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms And The Incidence Of Attributable Infections In Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Burcu Çalişkan Demi̇rkiran, Gülşen İskender, İpek Mumcuoğlu, Duygu Mert, Si̇nan Dal, Tuba Dal, Semra Tunçbi̇lek, Mustafa Ertek, Fevzi̇ Altuntaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The global rise in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has led to an increased incidence of MDRO infections following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly during the preengraftment period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pretransplant colonization by MDROs or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and the occurrence of infections caused by phenotypically similar microorganisms during the preengraftment period, as well as to assess the clinical outcomes of patients colonized with MDROs prior to transplantation.

Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies who underwent HSCT at the bone marrow transplant unit of …

The Impact Of Fall History On Instability, Disability, And Anxiety In Patients With Chronic Neck Pain, Bülent Bozyi̇ği̇t, Emre Söylemez, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of fall history on postural stability, disability, and anxiety in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). It was hypothesized that patients with a history of falls would exhibit greater postural instability, perceived disability, and anxiety levels compared with those without a fall history and healthy controls.

Materials and methods: A total of 62 participants were included: 16 CNP patients with a history of falling (Group Ia), 21 CNP patients without falls (Group Ib), and 25 healthy controls. Assessments included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Visual Analog Scale …

Levothyroxine Poisoning In Children: A Multicenter Study From Türkiye, Kübra Şen Küçük, Şule Demi̇r, Reyhan Deveci̇ Sevi̇m, Fatma Akgül, Gülşen Yalçin, Öznur Eser, Alkan Bal, Eli̇f Ergi̇n, Sercan Öztürk, Ahmet Anik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment approaches, and follow-up strategies employed in the management of pediatric patients with levothyroxine poisoning.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients aged ≤18 years who presented with acute, single-episode levothyroxine ingestion to the pediatric emergency departments of six tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2023. Clinical data, laboratory findings, symptom onset and severity, and treatment modalities were extracted from medical records. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were interpreted according to the age-specific reference ranges of each center. Treatment decisions, including gastric decontamination and pharmacologic therapy, were evaluated …

Effects Of Transversus Abdominis And Erector Spinae Plane Blocks On Postoperative Pain Control And Postpartum Depression After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Prospective Study, Hi̇lal Bi̇radli, Feyza Çalişir, Alev Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Effective postoperative pain management after cesarean section is essential for maternal recovery. Poor pain control can lead to complications, including postpartum depression. This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks following cesarean section, with a particular focus on their potential impact on postpartum depression.

Materials and methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either an ESP block (Group E, n = 30) or a TAP block (Group T, n = 30) after cesarean section. Pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the …

Examination Of Sexual Health Literacy And Cyberchondria Levels In Women With Vaginismus, Gonca Türker Ergün, Cemal Ünlü, Ayşe Kuyulu Akman, Elçi̇n İşlek Seçen, Razi̇ye Toksöz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to compare sexual health literacy and cyberchondria levels between women who had been diagnosed with vaginismus and those who had not.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted as a prospective cohort study including 60 women over the age of 18 who were married and unable to engage in sexual intercourse due to primary vaginismus and 60 sexually active married women without vaginismus. Data collection tools included a patient information form, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12-TR), and the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS).

Results: The median age of the women diagnosed with vaginismus was 27 (21–54) …

Cd20 Molecule Deficiency And Carrier Frequency: A Village-Based Screening Study, Ebru Sümen, Mehmet Ali̇ Karaselek, Serkan Küççüktürk, Tuğçe Duran, Büşra Yüksel, Mustafa Gençeli̇, Ayşe Sümeyra Engi̇n, Muhammed Furkan Erden, Tuğba Esra Pekcandanoğlu, Bi̇lal Bostan, Mahmut Esad Yurtseven, Nazi̇re Nur Onat, Şükrü Nai̇l Güner, Sevgi̇ Keleş, İsmai̇l Rei̇sli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: CD20 deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI), and the only known affected individual worldwide has been under follow-up in our clinic. Because the consanguineous parents of the index patient are putative carriers, we hypothesized that additional individuals with reduced CD20 expression might exist within their village population. This study aimed to evaluate clinical features associated with IEI and to identify individuals displaying CD20 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) patterns consistent with putative carrier status, while also providing appropriate genetic counseling.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional screening study was conducted in December 2024 in Çukurbağ village. Participants …

Association Between Frailty Status And Pain, Balance, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Musa Güneş, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Frailty is a clinical syndrome that affects individuals physically and psychosocially. However, the association between lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and quality of life between patients with LSS with and without frailty.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 43 frail and 48 nonfrail patients with LSS according to the frailty criteria of Fried et al. Pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), static balance (single leg stance test [SLST]), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test [TUG]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), fear of falling …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Healthcare Workers: Risk Factors, Sources Of Infection, And Sickness Absenteeism, Ezgi̇ Gülten, Güle Çinar, İrem Akdemi̇r, Eli̇f Muki̇me Saricaoğlu, İlkay Taşdan, Emi̇ne Atmaca, Si̇bel Kaymakçi, Fatma Şanal, Di̇lek Sevi̇m Akdaş, Arzu Büyüm, Gülşah Kocaali̇, Safi̇ye Tarakçi, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan, Mehmet Serhat Bi̇rengel, Kemal Osman Memi̇koğlu, Alpay Azap

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face increased risks of COVID-19 infection due to occupational exposure. Understanding infection sources, risk factors, and workforce losses is crucial for mitigating these impacts in future pandemics. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors, infection sources, and sickness absenteeism among HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing insights to enhance infection control strategies.

Materials and methods: The study included 2153 HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and February 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye. Demographic, clinical, and professional characteristics, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, infection sources, and vaccination data were analyzed. Statistical analyses …

Involvement Of Swap-70 In Proteolipid Protein-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Canan Ulusoy, Gi̇zem Koral, Fatma Akpunar Salman, Meli̇s Şen, Emi̇ne Şekerdağ Kiliç, Recai̇ Türkoğlu, Cem İsmai̇l Küçükali̇, Yasemi̇n Gürsoy Özdemi̇r, Vuslat Yilmaz, Erdem Tüzün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that B cells may play an important role in the induction and progression of MS. Switch-associated protein 70 (SWAP-70) is a signal transduction molecule abundantly expressed in B cells and involved in B-cell polarization, directed migration, endothelial cell adhesion, and tissue homing. B-cell stimuli increase its expression. SWAP-70 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including MS. This study aims to investigate the effects of acquired SWAP-70 inhibition on immune cell subsets in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Materials and methods: …

Oleanolic Acid–Chitosan Compound Inhibits Mitochondrial Autophagy And Malignant Transformation Of Lung Cancer Through The Pten/Akt Pathway, Abuli̇mi̇ti̇ Abulai̇ti̇, Xi̇aohong Sun, Waresijiang Yibulayin, Dan He, Kemi̇ng Xu, Xi̇ayi̇mai̇erdan Yi̇bulayi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Oleanolic acid–chitosan compound (OAC) shows potent antinonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activity, but its mechanisms remain unclear. This study elucidates how OAC modulates autophagy and apoptosis via the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Protein Kinase B (PTEN/AKT) signaling pathway.

Materials and methods: Oleanolic acid was coupled with chitosan to synthesize OAC. A549 and MRC-5 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and Minimum Essential Medium, respectively, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and penicillin–streptomycin. Cells were pretreated with chloroquine before OAC treatment. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK- 8 assay, while 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and colony formation tests were employed …

The Prevalence And Impact Of Workplace Violence In Community Pharmacies: A Mixed-Methods Study, Hi̇lal İlbars, Berna Terzi̇oğlu Bebi̇toğlu, Seyhan Hidiroğlu, Fatma Burcu Doğanç, Yağiz Varol

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed in community pharmacies face a considerable risk of workplace violence, which can negatively influence their job satisfaction, productivity, and mental well-being. This study examined the prevalence and consequences of workplace violence in community pharmacies in Ankara through a mixed-methods design integrating cross-sectional survey data with qualitative insights.

Materials and methods: The target population included pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. We examined demographic factors, psychological outcomes, and the nature of violent incidents. Data were obtained from a random sample of 355 community pharmacies using a 39-item survey and the depression anxiety stress scales (DASS-21), complemented by …

Preventing Spinal Muscular Atrophy Through The National Premarital Screening Program In Türkiye: An Economic Comparison With Treatment Costs, Gamze Dur, Gülcan Teci̇rli̇, Nurullah Okumuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder with high treatment costs and significant psychosocial burden. In 2021, Türkiye launched a national premarital SMA carrier screening program integrated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) services for couples identified as carriers. This study aimed to compare the costs associated with the carrier screening and prevention program versus a no-screening (treatment-only) scenario.

Materials and methods: A cost comparison model was developed using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the Ministry of Health, and the Social Security Institution. The annual costs of SMA treatment (with nusinersen and …

Contribution Of Adenosine A2a Receptor Agonist And Antagonist On Ovarian Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury In Rats, Azad Mammadov, Abdullah Tuncay Demi̇ryürek, Ahmet Saracaloğlu, Cahi̇t Demi̇rkiran, İsmai̇l Tuncer Deği̇m, Ömer Eronat, Şeni̇z Demi̇ryürek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To determine the effects of an A2A receptor agonist regadenoson, an A2A receptor antagonist istradefylline, and istradefylline nanosuspension on ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.

Materials and methods: A total of 80 female rats were divided into 10 groups: sham, ovarian I/R, blank nanosuspension + ovarian I/R, regadenoson (3 μg/kg) + ovarian I/R, regadenoson (30 μg/kg) + ovarian I/R, istradefylline (0.3 mg/kg) + ovarian I/R, istradefylline (3 mg/kg) + ovarian I/R, istradefylline-loaded nanosuspension (3 mg/kg) + ovarian I/R, istradefylline (3 mg/kg) + regadenoson (30 μg/kg) + ovarian I/R, and istradefylline-loaded nanosuspension (3 mg/kg) + regadenoson (30 μg/kg) + ovarian …

Staff Education To Decrease Polypharmacy And Improve Medication Adherence In Older Adults In Primary Healthcare Settings, Nadine Pean Noel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a staff education initiative to address polypharmacy and increase medication adherence among older adults in a primary care setting. Polypharmacy is a prevalent and significant safety concern in older adults, increasing the risk for adverse drug events, medication nonadherence, hospitalizations, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of the project was to implement and evaluate a structured staff education focused on evidence-based strategies for medication review, deprescribing, and the integration of smartphone-based adherence tools. The practice-focused question guiding this project was as follows: Will an evidence-based staff education program focused on polypharmacy …

Genetic Analysis And Clinical Effect Of Ace2 Gene Variants (Rs2285666 And Rs4646188) On Coronary Syndrome In Dyslipidaemia Patients, Shaimaa Y. Abdulfattah, Sumaya Saady

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association of two intronic polymorphisms of the ACE2 gene (rs2285666 and rs4646188) with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iraqi patients with dyslipidaemia. Methods: This case-control study was conducted from March to September 2023 at the Iraqi Center of Heart Disease, Baghdad, Iraq, and included patients with CAD and dyslipidaemia. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes and real-time qPCR. Results: A total of 170 participants were included in this study. Demographic, echocardiographic, and lipid profile data were analysed, revealing significant differences in age, left ventricular ejection fraction %, LV systolic diameter, LV diastolic diameter …

February 12, 2026, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Community Or Commodity? Nurse Perceptions Of Support From Healthcare Institutions And The Community, Jacqueline Christianson, Madaline Mccarthy, Bonnie Sommers-Olson, Jill Guttormson, Norah Louise Johnson

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Purpose: High stress, moral distress, and burnout are common in nursing workplaces and are associated with poorer patient and nurse outcomes. Research showed that excessive work-related stress was a growing problem for the nursing workforce prior to the Covid-19 pandemic (Bakhamis et al., 2019). However, working conditions became considerably more stressful because pandemic-related workplace changes made previous methods of caring, connecting empathetically with patients, and behaving altruistically difficult to impossible for nurses to achieve (Foli et al., 2021; McAndrew et al., 2023). Community connectedness and mutual social support may be buffers against the harmful effects of chronic occupational stress and …

The Enduring Legacy Of Nuclear Tests: Barriers To Managing Type 2 Diabetes Among Marshallese Pacific Islanders In The United States, Bernard A. Muriithi

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Introduction / Rationale: Nuclear tests conducted by the United States caused significant damage to the environment and traditional food sources in the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islanders began to depend on imported processed food, but the change of diet resulted in significant increases in chronic diseases, in addition to cancers and birth defects associated with nuclear radiation. Since the 1986 Compact of Free Association, over 15,000 Marshallese have relocated to the United States, and the majority live in one U.S. state. This community of Marshallese has the highest prevalence rate for type 2 diabetes in the world.

Objectives: identify the …

Defense Distributed V. Attorney General New Jersey

2026 Decisions

USDC for the District of New Jersey

A Rare And Challenging Polymicrobial Pleural Infection Involving Cupriavidus Pauculus In A Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Multiple Complications, Moiz Ahmed Khan, Syeda Samiya Kamal, Muhammad Muneeb, Summaya Zafar

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

A 58-year-old female with a 15-year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a history of treatment consisting of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and chronic prednisolone therapy, presented with fever, productive cough, dyspnea, and left leg cellulitis. She developed septic shock complicated by tension pneumothorax requiring emergency thoracostomy and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Pleural fluid culture grew Cupriavidus pauculus, a rare environmental gram-negative bacillus, alongside Burkholderia cepacia and Candida parapsilosis, indicating polymicrobial infection which was most likely predisposed by patient's immunosuppressed state from RA and prolonged steroid use. Treatment consisted of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, meropenem, fluconazole, and cardiopulmonary support, and culminated in …

Staff Education To Nurses To Lmprove Routine Foot Examinations For Diabetic Patients, Sarah Abrefi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diabetes-related foot complications remain a significant cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and lower-extremity amputation, despite strong evidence supporting routine preventive assessments. In many outpatient settings, variability in nursing knowledge, skill, and documentation practices contributes to inconsistent implementation of comprehensive diabetic foot examinations. The purpose of this practice-focused quality improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured staff education program designed to improve nurses’ knowledge and competency in performing comprehensive diabetic foot assessments in an outpatient diabetes clinic.A pretest–posttest evaluative design was used to measure changes in knowledge following the educational intervention. Ten registered nurses participated in a structured educational …

Strategies To Engage Physicians In Reforming Healthcare Administrative Policies And Processes, Sara Hunt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of physician engagement in healthcare reform initiatives is a persistent problem that can negatively affect hospital performance and patient care outcomes. Hospital leaders and healthcare administrators are concerned with low levels of physician engagement because of its association with reduced organizational effectiveness and quality of care. Grounded in the distributed leadership framework, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies hospital leaders used to engage physicians in reforming administrative policies and processes to improve patient service delivery. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five hospital leaders from one hospital in the southeastern United States who …

Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers: That Is The Sound Of Inevitability: Legislatures And Regulators Step In, Cliff Mckinney

Arkansas Law Notes

In The Matrix, the evil artificial intelligence entity, Agent Smith, corners the human hero, Neo, on the subway tracks. Agent Smith says, “You hear that Mr. Anderson? . . . That is the sound of inevitability. . . .” And if there is one thing that is inevitable, it is that regulations will quickly develop around the way that we interact with and utilize artificial intelligence.

No matter how innovative or disruptive artificial intelligence may be, lawmakers and regulators will not allow it to operate unchecked. Congress recently elected not to impose a moratorium on state regulation, and California has …

Sting Activation Induces Cytotoxic And Immune Responses In Meningiomas Via Inflammatory Cell Death Pathways, Mark W Youngblood, Alexander H Stegh, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Meningiomas are common tumors of the central nervous system that are typically treated with surgery or radiation, but lack established systemic therapies. Activation of the stimulator of interferon genes pathway with an agonist such as 8803 can trigger anti-tumor immune responses. Using integrated molecular approaches, here we show that this pathway is targetable in both neoplastic and immune populations within the meningioma microenvironment. Meningioma tumor cells exhibit promoter hypomethylation and increased chromatin accessibility of the STING genomic locus, associated with robust expression of this gene. Treatment of diverse patient meningiomas ex vivo with 8803 induces direct tumor cytotoxicity through inflammatory …