Digital Commons Network^™

Suspected Tirzepatide-Associated Pancreatitis And Concurrent Nstemi: A Diagnostic Pitfall For Hospitalists, John R. Stevenson, Meklit Hunde, Kidus Kebede

Aurora GME

No abstract provided.

Characterizing Global Dermatologic Engagement And Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study From 83 Countries, Alexis G. Strahan, Christine Li, Maud Guérin, Tom Allison, Gene Colón, Jehireh Peraza-Williams, Olyvia Zarchin, Morvarid Zehtab, Ann M. Pacheco, Jadesola Akinwuntan, Shivani Jain, Marlous L. Grijsen, Wendemagegn Enbiale, Wingfield Rehmus, L. Claire Fuller, Karolyn Wanat, Esther E. Freeman

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Associations Between Meniscus Tear Location And The Prevalence And Severity Of Cartilage Wear In Different Knee Compartments Using An Arthroscopic Grading System, Tara Korbal, Claudia Leonardi, Amy Bronstone, Vinod Dasa

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Meniscus tears are associated with progressive cartilage degeneration and worsening osteoarthritis. Although several previous studies have explored the relationship between meniscus tears and cartilage damage, few have examined the relationship between tear location and cartilage wear in all knee compartments using an arthroscopic grading system. Objectives: Evaluate the association between meniscus tear location and the prevalence and severity of high-grade cartilage wear in knee compartments. Methods: A total of 210 patients were categorized into groups based on meniscus tear location: medial meniscus tear (MMT, n = 106), lateral meniscus tear (LMT, n = 41), and medial-lateral meniscus tear (MLMT, …

Destination Branding Strategies In The Hospitality And Tourism Industry, Mary Ann Richey

Senior Honors Theses

Within the last few decades, destination branding has gained significant traction in the hospitality and tourism industry. Therefore, it is essential that marketers within the industry pursue destination branding and analyze both successful and unsuccessful destination marketing campaigns. Successful campaigns cultivate positive consumer perceptions of destinations for both tourists and residents. Unsuccessful campaigns showcase that differentiation and a lack of residential support negatively impact national tourism. In order to successfully conduct destination branding campaigns, industry leaders must partake and acknowledge current industry trends. In 2025, the most impactful way to successfully market tourism destinations is through the use of online …

Household Food Insecurity And Its Impact On Feeding Practices In Hispanic Families Of Young Children: A Scoping Review, Miriam Alvarez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Household Food Insecurity and Its Impact on Feeding Practices in Hispanic Families of Young Children: A Scoping Review Abstract: Household food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic families in the United States and may influence parental feeding practices associated with early childhood obesity. While existing research suggests a relationship between food insecurity and non-responsive feeding practices, the specific impact within Hispanic households is limited. This scoping review explores this gap in the literature and synthesizes current evidence on how current food insecurity impacts the feeding practices among Hispanic parents of children aged 0-5 years old in the United States. Following the PRISMA-ScR …

Perception Of Emotion In Autism With Controlled Elicitation (Peace), Austin Gillespie, Rachel E. Dewald

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

It is possible that autistic people find it easier to socialize within their own peer group (Beaupré & Hess, 2006), by recognizing socio-emotional nonverbal cues, due to a shared neurodivergence. To assess this, it would be helpful for researchers to have a database of emotional stimuli, validated for use with autistic individuals. Unfortunately, this does not exist. This current study’s objective is to create such a database that evokes natural emotion, rated by autistic individuals to be used in future research. All participants completed the Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) which measures the participants’ ability to identify and describe their own emotions …

The Emotional Climate Crisis: An Integrative Review Of Mental Health Outcomes From Climate-Related Disasters, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Introduction: Climate change is a planetary and public health crisis. Between 2000 and 2019, over 1.2 million deaths and 4 billion individuals were affected by climate-related disasters. These events often impact mental health. This integrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health outcomes particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and eco-anxiety among populations affected by climate disasters. Methods: Using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage framework, this integrative review is in the preliminary analysis stage. A systematic search will be conducted for peer-reviewed studies published globally from January 1995 to March 2024. Eligible studies include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research on mental health …

Inflammaging And Cognitive Decline: A Brief Review Of The Chronic Low-Grade Neural Inflammation Hypothesis, Gage Pompa

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

This presentation reviews the chronic low‑grade neural inflammation hypothesis as a mechanism linking aging to cognitive decline. Inflammaging refers to persistent, low‑level inflammation that develops with age due to immune dysregulation in the absence of infection. In the brain, this process is often triggered by the accumulation of beta‑amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau tangles. Microglia attempt to clear these proteins, but their prolonged activation releases inflammatory mediators that damage surrounding neurons. Over time, this sustained neural inflammation contributes to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and major depression. Imaging markers …

Immigrant Population Inthe Mountain West, 2023, Maisoon Faris, Yiselle Olivas Ruiz, Kian Parikh

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Our presentation, based on research conducted with Brookings Mountain West here at UNLV, will focus on the economic and workforce contribution of immigrants and international students. We will present data from our recently published fact sheet, “Immigrant Population in the Mountain West, 2023”, which derives data from the 2025 American Immigration Council (AIC) report “Map the Impact.” Our presentation will include state-level data on immigrant population, labor force participation, and economic contributions as of 2023. We will present three data tables that highlight data on each Mountain West State: Table 1 provides the number of Immigrant Residents, Immigrant Share of …

Relationship Between Caffeine Use And Eating Disorders, Hannah Segura, Maegan Nation

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Eating disorders are a spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms related to eating and compensatory weight management behaviors. Body image concerns can be a significant risk factor for various disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Additionally, eating disorders are commonly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Supplement usage such as performance enhancing supplements is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger populations. Using different supplements has been shown to put adolescents at an increased risk for body dysmorphia, disordered eating behaviors, as well as other potentially harmful health effects, like electrolyte complications, heart issues, or even death. Across the …

Examining County-Level Barriers To Midwife-Attended Births Among Black Women In The United States, Asia Miles

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and Objectives: In 2011, the American Public Health Association (APHA) passed legislation aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity by addressing shortages in maternity care providers and facilities. The purpose of this study was to examine county-level characteristics that influence Black women’s access to midwife-attended births across the U.S. Methods and Approach: Data on midwife-attended births were obtained from CDC WONDER for U.S. counties with populations of 100,000 or greater, and county-level characteristics were gathered from the Area Health Resources File. The dependent variable was the change in nurse-midwife-attended births from 2011 to 2023. Independent variables included changes in …

Associations Between Gad-7 And Phq-9 Scores And Willingness To Seek Treatment, Josephine Shaw

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In recent years, mental health concerns among college students have increased significantly. This study aims to analyze data on student willingness and frequency to seek counseling services, such as UNLV CAPS (Student Counseling and Psychological Services), and the appeal of utilizing alternative interventions such as exercise and meditation. This study collected data from UNLV students, faculty, and staff through distribution of a scannable QR code. It included whether they were in therapy, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, their respective functional impairment questions, and willingness to consider therapy alternatives. Based on respondents’ answers to the PHQ-9, the highest proportion peaked at 36% …

Real-Time Ai-Enabled Therapeutic Device For Improving Peripheral Perfusion And Glucose Regulation In Type 2 Diabetes, Torryana Tanis

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is frequently accompanied by peripheral microvascular disease, leading to impaired lower limb perfusion, impaired healing, and vulnerability to ulcers and amputation. The existing medical devices are predominantly aimed at systemic glucose control and do not have local therapeutic intervention to improve circulation or allow muscular glucose delivery. To meet this crucial demand, we have developed a portable, two-in-one biofeedback device that combines non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) therapy for the calf muscle. The glucose monitoring subsystem implements near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure skin light absorptance on the index finger. Real-time blood glucose …

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of Uneven Terrain Gait Training In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Gabriel Bacani, Dawn Ruby, Sara Hazen, Katie Bricarell

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Lower limb prosthesis users (LLPUs) often feel less confident walking in their day-to-day lives. Even with rehabilitation, some individuals do not develop the skills and confidence needed to walk across different terrains. Walking practice on varied terrains may be a method for increasing skill and confidence. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing an uneven terrain training program for LLPUs. Three LLPUs completed a series of 12 training sessions on an uneven terrain treadmill. Participants walked for up to 12 trials per session with each bout lasting up to 2 minutes. The terrain increased in …

Supplement Use And Ed Self-Assessment Accuracy, Darin Beasley-Williams

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The widespread availability of dietary supplements has contributed to their increased use, with over half of U.S. adults reporting regular consumption. Prior research suggests that supplement use is associated with better overall health, and regulatory legislation has been implemented to mitigate potential adverse effects. One motivation for supplement use may be self-diagnosed health issues; however, incorrect self-diagnoses could lead to inappropriate supplement consumption and potentially contribute to disordered eating patterns. This study examined whether regular supplement users are more accurate in self-identifying an eating disorder. A sample of 511 undergraduate students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing supplement use and eating …

Women’S Lived Experiences With Harassment In Gaming, Angelo Cordero, Alejandra Santos, Claudia Q. Luu

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and objectives: Women in gaming communities face discrimination due to their gender; however, gaps exist in the literature in understanding how allyship helps mitigate harassment’s harmful effects. To address this, we conducted a qualitative study exploring women’s lived experiences of sexual harassment in gaming and how women perceive allyship in gaming communities. Methods and approach: We used an inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns in participants’ experiences. Our sample (N = 165) included adult women who identified as gamers, recruited from a university and various Discord gaming communities. Results: We uncovered six main themes regarding women’s harassment experiences in …

Assessing How Early Vs. Late Exercise Influences Whole Body Glucose Tolerance And Insulin Signaling Pathways In Quadriceps During Social Jetlag, Ariana Khzarjyan, Austin Cooper, Paula Martinez, Joshua Corpuz, Srushti Wagh, Elias Malek, Todd Schrubb

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms regulate our physiological and metabolic processes throughout a 24-hour cycle. Disruptions to this rhythm with modern lifestyles creates irregular patterns. One of the most common forms of circadian rhythm disruptions amongst humans happens during the weekends, when people tend to stay up later and sleep in later compared to weekdays. This phenomenon is referred to as social jetlag (SJL).

PURPOSE: To determine whether timed exercise (early vs. late) can reduce the negative effects of social jetlag in mice. More specifically, determining whether exercise conducted in the early or late active phase of mice will impact the effects …

Effectiveness Of Educational Interventions To Develop Patient Safety Knowledge In Nursing Students, Manana Machitidze, Nato Durglishvili, Maia Gogashvili, Vazha Nebieridze, Jaana Sepp

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Competent and qualified nursing staff are essential to the patient's recovery process. Getting a comprehensive education contributes to the formation of skilled staff. Educational institutions must promote the development of programs corresponding to the competencies developed by the World Health Organization [1], [2]]. Nursing involves the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of the sick, disabled, and dying. Nurses who provide direct patient care must have quality education in identifying patient safety risks to prevent errors and incidents. Nurses are central to patient safety and safe care planning [3]. Nurses have been considered an auxiliary part …

Museums In Public Libraries: An Ethnographic Case Study Of The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Yadira Y. Quintero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Access to information is a human right, and this thesis explores the benefits and challenges of integrating museums into public libraries by conducting an ethnographic case study of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The study's findings highlight the complexities of integration. The biggest benefit is the increased access to museum collections, information, and resources. However, challenges arise from the lack of cohesion within the museum and library disciplines, as well as strained community relations. Engaging the community is crucial for successful collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a bottom-up approach that allows for active participation. Integrating museums into public libraries …

Doughnut Economics And Strong Sustainability: Rethinking The Role Of Financial Investment, Isabelle Pierotti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how private investment could align doughnut economic framework. Doughnut economics is a strong sustainability economic framework where the economy operates within planetary boundaries while ensuring social equity. Theories of sustainable development, weak sustainability, and strong sustainability are discussed to provide theoretical context for doughnut economics and mainstream economics. The analysis concludes that conventional, profit maximizing private investment does not support a doughnut economics system by supporting the depletion of natural resources and exacerbating social issues. Sustainable mainstream investment also fails to support a doughnut framework. Lastly, while impact investment is theoretically committed to social and financial returns, …

An Auto-Criticism: Exploration Of Professional Development For Secondary Science Educators, Mellissa Ann Pfaff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This auto-criticism investigates the benefits of experiential professional development for science educators by examining the reflective journey of one teacher-researcher—me—through multiple immersive learning experiences. Using narrative journaling and qualitative analysis, this study captures the influence of these experiences on my identity, instructional design, and ability to create experiential learning opportunities for students.

Rather than approaching professional development as a checklist of strategies, this research seeks to illuminate how deeply engaged, hands-on learning can transform teaching from routine delivery to embodied practice. Thematic coding revealed shifts in curriculum planning, increased responsiveness to student inquiry, and renewed clarity around the purpose of …

Capacity, Allocation And Update Dynamics Of Human Memory Systems, Shaoying Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Information is encoded and stored in three types of memory: sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). SM has a large capacity but retains information for only a brief period. When information transfers to STM, only a limited amount can be stored. Information in STM can then be transferred to LTM, which has a much larger capacity and longer retention time. STM is often conceptualized as working memory (WM) to highlight its role in active information processing. Due to the limited capacity of STM, it is commonly believed that STM serves as the bottleneck for information processing. …

The Time-Dependent Association Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome And All-Cause And Cause-Specific Mortality In The Nih-Aarp Cohort Study, Daniela S Gutiérrez-Torres, Fangyu Li, Linda M Liao, Carrie R Daniel, Shreela V Sharma, Ruosha Li, Eric L Brown, Qing Lan, Maki Inoue-Choi, Baharak Moshiree, Paul Albert, Rashmi Sinha, Emily Vogtmann

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Evidence on the association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mortality is conflicting. In this study, we estimated the association between IBS and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.

Methods: IBS diagnoses between 1994 and 2008 were identified from Medicare claims data, and mortality outcomes through 2019 were obtained through linkage to the National Death Index. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality within partitioned follow-up time categories (>2-5, >5-8, >8-11, >11-14, >14-17, and >17 years) with adjustment …

“Ready, Set, Prepared!” Promoting Household Emergency Preparedness Of Older Adults, Lavonne M. Adams, Charleen Mcneill, William Ellery Samuels, Tara Heagele

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Abstract Text: Introduction Older adults are at-risk for injury, illness, or death following a disaster or public health emergency, especially if they have chronic health conditions or other functional needs. Understanding their unique perspectives may inform education efforts to improve their household emergency preparedness (HEP) and safety.

Purpose This study investigated self-reported levels of HEP among community-dwelling older adults, exploring feasibility and effectiveness of offering group education virtually and in-person. It built on previous studies of the Nurses Taking on Readiness Measures intervention that examined short-term effectiveness of one-on-one HEP education.

Methods The design was a non-randomized before-after feasibility study …

Virtual Reality Across Three Different Learning Environments: Outcomes, Challenges, Successes, Nancy L. Raschke Deichstetter, Joanne O. Dunderdale, Carol T. Kostovich, Donna Quinones, Anne Cahill

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Simulation is widely used in nursing education where students are provided opportunities to experience a variety of clinical encounters ranging from performing a procedural skill to assuming the nurse role in a high-fidelity simulation. Virtual reality (VR) simulations use a variety of immersive, highly visual, 3D characteristics to replicate real-life situations and/or health care procedures (Lioce et al., 2020).
VR has gained increased attention in nursing education and has been used to teach many nursing concepts such as safety, psychomotor skills, health assessment, communication, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and inclusivity. It enables students to practice patient care in …

Overcoming Stigma Of Mental Health And Promoting Well-Being With The 4ws Framework ...Nursing Role, Sharon M. Weinstein, Marianne E. Hess

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Nursing plays a pivotal role in addressing global health priorities. Mental health nursing is pivotal in the worldwide effort to overcome stigma, promote well-being, and address the complex landscape of mental health. By applying the 4Ws framework—What is, What if, What wows, and What works—nurses can strategically enhance their role in advocating for health equity and advancing mental health as a global priority.

Assess the current global mental health crisis presents challenges like stigma, discrimination, and inadequate access to care. Reimagine the role by asking questions, brainstorming new strategies, and considering how mental health services can be integrated into primary …

Raising The Bar With Bsr: Bedside Shift Report, Tanya F. Lott, Marissa Jamarik

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The purpose of this initiative was to engage clinical nurses through professional governance to increase consistency across the hospital system in completing bedside shift report to improve overall patient safety and satisfaction. A four-hospital system established bedside shift report (BSR) in the early 2000s. In 2022, there was an increase in patient safety events that could have been avoided had BSR been conducted appropriately, identifying it was no longer a standardized nursing practice. In 2023, the Quality and Practice Council created a BSR Task Force (TF) to implement new best practices in BSR, aligning with the goal to examine the …

Electronic Screening In Outpatient Clinics To Reduce Clinician Administrative Time, Thu Nguyet Sanadi, Rita Annette Leddy, Patricia Francis

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Primary care clinics often dedicate significant time reviewing screening questionnaires completed by patients to assess preventive care needs and identify possible health conditions. This process not only reduces the time patients spend directly with primary care providers but also increases the documentation burden on nursing staff, detracting from other critical patient care tasks.

Objective: The quality improvement projects aim to reduce the time patients spend with nursing staff collecting information from screening during primary care appointments. This will be accomplished by sending the patient electronic screening (eScreening) that will be completed by patients prior to the appointment.

Methods: …

Stigma Toward Mental Illness And Substance Use Disorder In A Regional Health Care System, Gwendolyn Rook, Jan Mcmillan, Elizabeth Anne Goldsby, James A. Jones, Eric Lester, Patricia Avila, Jamie Maxymuik, Carey Anne Brunswick, Kathryn Renee Twibell

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Stigma toward persons with mental illness (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) exists worldwide, in both general populations and health care settings. Stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes can negatively impact patient experiences, quality of care, work environments, and patient safety.1,2,3 Little research has explored stigma toward persons with MI and SUD in acute care settings in the midwestern United States. To embrace equitable practice, a better understanding of stigma among personnel employed in a regional health care system may guide initiatives to reduce stigma and improve patient-centered care for vulnerable populations.

This descriptive research study aimed to examine stigmatizing attitudes and …

November 21, 2025 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.