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Using Arts-Based Learning To Teach Clinical Judgement In An Undergraduate Nursing Leadership Course, Ashley Roach, Patricia Kingsbury, Ryan Chandler Sep 2025

Using Arts-Based Learning To Teach Clinical Judgement In An Undergraduate Nursing Leadership Course, Ashley Roach, Patricia Kingsbury, Ryan Chandler

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Arts-based learning is a pedagogy that uses art, literature, and writing to enhance listening and observation skills and can be used in nursing education (Lovell, et al., 2021; Raber, & Vermeesch, 2022; Reiger et al., 2016). A core competency of baccalaureate nursing education to apply knowledge from arts and humanities to their nursing practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021). However, there is still little known about how this can be practically done in undergraduate nursing curricula to teach clinical judgment and leadership concepts.

Methods: In an undergraduate nursing leadership course, art, poetry, short stories, and creative writing …


“I Would’Ve Froze”- A Multi-Patient Simulation With Diverse Patients In A Rural Setting, Allison Sadowsky, Kathy Roth, Joanie Weigel, Ashlee Fettig Sep 2025

“I Would’Ve Froze”- A Multi-Patient Simulation With Diverse Patients In A Rural Setting, Allison Sadowsky, Kathy Roth, Joanie Weigel, Ashlee Fettig

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Nine percent of new graduate nurses meet entry-level expectations for clinical judgement skills (4). The 2021 Essentials called for a transition to competency-based education to better prepare nursing graduates. Simulation allows an opportunity to care for multiple diverse patients in unique settings to develop clinical judgement and communication skills necessary for delivering quality care while being immersed in real-life system process limitations. “Exposure to clinical scenarios including rural concepts helps students develop a broader understanding of rural healthcare disparities and cultural competence. Integrating rural simulation into nursing education can boost students' confidence in their clinical abilities" (6). A gap was …


A Feminist Analysis Of Kenyan Women’S Use Of Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis During Pregnancy, Marin Strong, Tessa Concepcion, Felix Abuna, Eunita Akim, Helen Aketch, Lauren Gomez, Bih Moki Suh, Emma Mukenyi, Nancy Ngumbau, Jerusha Nyabiage Mogaka, Sarah Obatsa, Ben Ochieng Odhiambo, Caroline Omom, Salphine Watoyi, Kenneth Ngure, Kristin M. Beima-Sofie, Grace C. John-Stewart, John Kinuthia, Jillian Pintye Sep 2025

A Feminist Analysis Of Kenyan Women’S Use Of Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis During Pregnancy, Marin Strong, Tessa Concepcion, Felix Abuna, Eunita Akim, Helen Aketch, Lauren Gomez, Bih Moki Suh, Emma Mukenyi, Nancy Ngumbau, Jerusha Nyabiage Mogaka, Sarah Obatsa, Ben Ochieng Odhiambo, Caroline Omom, Salphine Watoyi, Kenneth Ngure, Kristin M. Beima-Sofie, Grace C. John-Stewart, John Kinuthia, Jillian Pintye

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: HIV incidence remains high among pregnant and postpartum women in Kenya despite access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).1–4 Male partners influence women’s individual PrEP decisions,5–7 yet few studies evaluate community-level gender and power dynamics. Aligned with calls for feminist global health research,8,9 we explored gender-based determinants and structural challenges of pregnant women’s PrEP use through a feminist lens.

Methods: We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) in English, Dholuo, and Swahili with healthcare workers (HCW) and community advisory board (CAB) members of a randomized trial (NCT04472884) that enrolled pregnant women initiating PrEP at antenatal clinics in western Kenya.10 FGD …


Ethics In Practice: Exploring Ethics And Values With Newly Licensed Nurses, Kimberly Hodges, Kayla Dunagan Sep 2025

Ethics In Practice: Exploring Ethics And Values With Newly Licensed Nurses, Kimberly Hodges, Kayla Dunagan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Exploring ethics and moral values with newly licensed nurses (NLN) is a novel approach to addressing the application of healthcare ethics in ethical dilemmas across healthcare environments. Recent data trends and the literature indicates ethical and moral distress impacts the profession’s emotional stability (Berhie et al., 2020).

Background & Significance: Historically, the organization’s Registered Nurse Residency program covered ethics content during one session. An objective of the project was to increase opportunities for NLNs to explore their role in ethical dilemmas (American Nurses Association, 2015). A gap analysis including previous evaluation data revealed a need for frequent ethics discussions. …


"With So Much Trauma In The World, It's A No-Brainer": Dissociative Disorders In Nursing Education, Briana Lynn Snyder, Mary Sharon Curran, Caroline Cooney Sep 2025

"With So Much Trauma In The World, It's A No-Brainer": Dissociative Disorders In Nursing Education, Briana Lynn Snyder, Mary Sharon Curran, Caroline Cooney

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: According to the World Health Organization (2024), about 70% of people worldwide will experience trauma at some point in their lives. Dissociative disorders (DDs) can result from experiencing and witnessing trauma, including child maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and more, and although the prevalence of DDs is up to 10% of the general population (American Psychiatric Association, 2022), psychiatric-mental health (PMH) registered nurses lack training and education on how to treat individuals diagnosed with these disorders (Snyder & Keepers, 2023).

Methods: Sixty-two PMH nurse educators completed an anonymous online survey that included quantitative (yes/no and multiple choice-style) and qualitative (free-text) questions …


Outpatient Transfusion For Oncology Patients: Development And Evaluation Of Staff Education, Madison Kaylie Strebel, Christine Rae Platt, Michael Scott Robinson, Taylor Russell, Sheri Tesseyman, Jeanette Drake, Marie Prothero Sep 2025

Outpatient Transfusion For Oncology Patients: Development And Evaluation Of Staff Education, Madison Kaylie Strebel, Christine Rae Platt, Michael Scott Robinson, Taylor Russell, Sheri Tesseyman, Jeanette Drake, Marie Prothero

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: An estimated 30% of oncology patients receiving chemotherapy will require a blood transfusion at least once for survival. At our designated infusion clinic, blood transfusions are not provided, forcing patients into emergency departments for treatment. Clinic staff expressed the desire to administer transfusions on-site, but nurses lacked the necessary training and support. This QI project aimed to create and evaluate an educational module to ensure staff competency and aid in administering blood transfusions in the clinic.

Methods: The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and the Practice Evidence Translation process were utilized to identify key stakeholders and address barriers. …


Investigation Of The Influences Of Planned Exercise On Food Choices In School-Age Children, Carol Frances Holt, Dan Cooper, Gwen Van Servellen, Lynn Doering, Andria Pontello Sep 2025

Investigation Of The Influences Of Planned Exercise On Food Choices In School-Age Children, Carol Frances Holt, Dan Cooper, Gwen Van Servellen, Lynn Doering, Andria Pontello

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This investigation explored the influence of a single bout of planned intense exercise on food choices (calories and macronutrients) in a controlled laboratory setting, in normal-weight school-age children. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022) reports that 1 in 5 children have obesity. Yet, research on the effect of exercise on children is limited. Studies often lack controls for environmental, social, or behavioral influences that may impact food choices. Also, studies often provide limited food options to identify macronutrient choices. (Donnelley et al., 2014) (Fearnbach, et al., 2016) (Kristina, et al., 2021) (Noll, et al., 2017).

A quasi-experimental …


Mental Health Awareness For Carers And Parents Of Young People With Migrant Backgrounds In Australia, Bindu Anna Joseph, Robeena Emmanuel Sep 2025

Mental Health Awareness For Carers And Parents Of Young People With Migrant Backgrounds In Australia, Bindu Anna Joseph, Robeena Emmanuel

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Australia is a multicultural nation with 30% of people born overseas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Mental illness is highly prevalent among migrants with delayed help-seeking (World Health Organisation, 2021). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. ). Indian – born population is the second largest migrant community in Australia (Department of Health and Aged Care). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. The current phase of this research focused on Indian migrants.

This …


Substance Use In Nursing: Barriers And Facilitators In Returning To Work Under Monitoring, Jordan Ferris, Marian Wilson, Janessa M. Graves, Victoria Sattler Sep 2025

Substance Use In Nursing: Barriers And Facilitators In Returning To Work Under Monitoring, Jordan Ferris, Marian Wilson, Janessa M. Graves, Victoria Sattler

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The US is currently experiencing a substance use epidemic, with overdose deaths rising significantly. Substance use disorders (SUD) affect 17.3% of individuals aged 12 or older, including nurses (RNs) who face unique occupational stressors. RNs with SUD pose risks to both personal & patient safety. Regulatory bodies often impose monitoring & disciplinary actions on RNs with SUD, creating challenges for their return-to-work (RTW). Little is known about what supports & hinders successful return-to-work for RNs after substance use discipline

Methods: This study used Group Concept Mapping (GCM) to identify & prioritize facilitators and barriers in the RTW process for …


Navigating Interpersonal Connections: Relationships Of Pregnant Women Following Hiv Diagnosis, Andile Glodin Mokoena-De Beer, Sister Vanessa Mahlangu, Eugene Musiiwa Makhavhu Sep 2025

Navigating Interpersonal Connections: Relationships Of Pregnant Women Following Hiv Diagnosis, Andile Glodin Mokoena-De Beer, Sister Vanessa Mahlangu, Eugene Musiiwa Makhavhu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

HIV remains a complex and public health concern in South Africa. The country’s population by mid-year 2024 was 63,02 million with 8,0 million estimated to be living with HIV. The prevalence rate of HIV in the country is approximately 12,7% with 4 900 00 women living with HIV by 2023, of these women 257 171 were pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) to prevent mother to child transmission1,2. Pregnancy is a complex phenomenon linked to heighted anxiety about the birth processes and safety of the unborn baby. An HIV diagnosis at this time could worsen the mental wellbeing …


Losing All Faith In Women’S Healthcare: Women’S Experience With Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Pain, Sarah E. Patel, Sarah Mary George, Mercedez Dowah Boateng, Mei R. Fu Sep 2025

Losing All Faith In Women’S Healthcare: Women’S Experience With Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Pain, Sarah E. Patel, Sarah Mary George, Mercedez Dowah Boateng, Mei R. Fu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain, which accounts for nearly 30% of gynecological visits. Chronic pelvic pain due to PCS is often exacerbated from long periods of standing or walking, sexual intercourse, and menstruation. Research on PCS mainly uses quantitative approaches that focused on evaluating the effects of pharmacological or medical procedures for PCS and associated pain and symptoms. There is limited evidence that provides deep understanding of the experiences of chronic pelvic pain from the women’s perspectives. Using a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design, the purpose of this study was to describe …


Experience Of Bowel Dysfunction In Rectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review And Mmeta-Synthesis, Min Jeong Kim, Eun Young Kim, Young Man Kim Sep 2025

Experience Of Bowel Dysfunction In Rectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review And Mmeta-Synthesis, Min Jeong Kim, Eun Young Kim, Young Man Kim

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common and distressing outcome for many rectal cancer patients following low anterior resection (LAR), significantly affecting their quality of life. Numerous studies have explored patient experiences with bowel dysfunction; however, due to varying results, there are limitations to understanding these experiences comprehensively. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize diverse qualitative research findings to reveal a more comprehensive perspective.

Methods: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was performed through a rigorous and thorough systematic review, encompassing databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Additional studies were identified …


Effects Of Digital Interventions On Sleep Among College Students And Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Yi-An Lu, Pei-Shan Tsai Sep 2025

Effects Of Digital Interventions On Sleep Among College Students And Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Yi-An Lu, Pei-Shan Tsai

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: College students and young adults (aged 18 to 25) frequently experience poor sleep quality, with insomnia being particularly prevalent in this population. Given the widespread use of digital devices, electronic device-based sleep interventions may provide a promising solution for improving sleep outcomes. However, the effects of these digital interventions on sleep in this group have not been fully evaluated. This study aims to review the current evidence on the effectiveness of electronic device-based interventions in enhancing sleep outcomes among college students and young adults.

Methods: A comprehensive search of five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of …


The Art Of Nursing, A Retention And Recognition Program Evaluation, Nadine Rosenblum, Heather Watson Sep 2025

The Art Of Nursing, A Retention And Recognition Program Evaluation, Nadine Rosenblum, Heather Watson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: This presentation will describe an evaluation of a nurse retention and rewards program using a mixed methods research design.

Introduction: Recognition and reward programs may support retention and engagement while encouraging staff investment in hospital outcomes1, 2, 3. Hospital leaders developed an innovative strategy; The Achieving Professionally, Recognizing Contributions and Talent Sharing (ARTs) program to recognize clinical nurses for work beyond their defined job duties, while encouraging professional investment in the organization. Participants are matched with a coach to complete an annual portfolio and obtain a monetary reward.

Design: This study used a convergent mixed methods design supported by …


Interventions To Optimize Dietary Patterns In Black Pregnant Individuals: An Integrative Review, Katherine Erbe, Anne Thorndike, Melissa Nelson, Melis Lydston, Sara Looby Sep 2025

Interventions To Optimize Dietary Patterns In Black Pregnant Individuals: An Integrative Review, Katherine Erbe, Anne Thorndike, Melissa Nelson, Melis Lydston, Sara Looby

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Black pregnant individuals bear an inequitable burden of maternal morbidity and mortality and adverse fetal outcomes.1 Behavioral factors including dietary patterns2 and adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) influence these disparities. Nutrition and diet quality are modifiable risk factors that can reduce pregnancy-related complications including cardiometabolic disease.1 The objective of this integrative review is to identify and evaluate research exploring interventions to optimize dietary patterns in Black pregnant individuals.

This review was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted. Inclusion criteria: full-text articles on intervention …


Primary Care Dietary Program To Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk In South Asian Americans, Saranya Elena Wallooppillai, Amy Giles Sep 2025

Primary Care Dietary Program To Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk In South Asian Americans, Saranya Elena Wallooppillai, Amy Giles

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: South Asian Americans (SAAs) living in the United States face a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)-related events compared to their European counterparts due to genetic, epigenetic, and lifestyle factors. While community-level lifestyle and dietary interventions show promise in ASCVD risk reduction, specific dietary guidelines for SAAs are not established in primary care settings. This quality improvement project aimed to assess the impact of SAA-specific dietary counseling on weight and self-perceptions of diet and health quality, with the goal of improving eating habits and lowering ASCVD risk.

Methodology: Data were collected pre- and post-intervention through surveys and physical …


Leveraging Resources For A Safety Net Hospital Through Academic Practice Partnerships, Sharon Stahl Wexler, Kathleen Karsten, Susan Iovino, Lin J. Drury, Vivekanand Singh, Robert Pryce Sep 2025

Leveraging Resources For A Safety Net Hospital Through Academic Practice Partnerships, Sharon Stahl Wexler, Kathleen Karsten, Susan Iovino, Lin J. Drury, Vivekanand Singh, Robert Pryce

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This project describes the collaboration of a safety net hospital with two academic partners (a private University and a Community College). Safety net hospitals strive to provide high quality care and achieve positive patient outcomes in a resource constrained environment.

This innovative model, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing/American Organization of Nurse Leaders statement on Academic Practice Partnerships assists in achieving this goal. Nurse scientists are registered nurses with advanced education and expertise in nursing research, who advance nursing practice. Two PhD prepared Nurse Scientists, who are employed by both the hospital and their respective universities, collaborate …


Impact Of Advanced Beginner Nurses’ Self-Monitoring While Multitasking, Chihiro Mizuhiki, Yasuko Hosoda Sep 2025

Impact Of Advanced Beginner Nurses’ Self-Monitoring While Multitasking, Chihiro Mizuhiki, Yasuko Hosoda

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Self-monitoring refers to recognizing and evaluating one’s situation in relation to available information and assessing personal limitations (Mizuhiki et al., 2021). This is particularly important for advanced beginner nurses in their first and second years, as they need to develop the foundation for multitasking, and require support to do so (Mizuhiki & Hosoda, 2024). This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the improvement of clinical nursing competence through self-monitoring while multitasking, using a conceptual framework where self-monitoring impacts clinical nursing competence via self-regulated learning strategies.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 3,191 first- and second-year nurses in Japanese healthcare …


Factors Affecting Korean Nursing Students’ Perception Of Family-Centered Care, A-Young Jo, Sujeong Kim, Haeyoung Min Sep 2025

Factors Affecting Korean Nursing Students’ Perception Of Family-Centered Care, A-Young Jo, Sujeong Kim, Haeyoung Min

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Family-centered care is a core philosophy in pediatric nursing that emphasizes recognizing family individuality, facilitating family involvement, building partnerships and sharing information. There is evidence of several benefits of family-centered care, such as improved parent-child bonding, enhanced infant brain development, and reduced length of hospital stays. Despite the emphasis on the importance of family-centered care in undergraduate pediatric nursing education in Korea, there is a lack of research on nursing students' perceptions of it. The aim of this study was to assess nursing students' perceptions of family-centered care and to examine the factors affecting these perceptions in Korea.

Methods …


Family Understanding Of Intensive Care Unit Rounds: A Qualitative Research Study, Mary E. Lough, Linda Ottoboni Sep 2025

Family Understanding Of Intensive Care Unit Rounds: A Qualitative Research Study, Mary E. Lough, Linda Ottoboni

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

PURPOSE: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore whether families who attended rounds in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) understood the daily plan of care. National ICU societies support family attendance at ICU-rounds so families are fully informed.(Allum et al., 2022; Au et al., 2021; Calderone et al., 2022) Family satisfaction imay increase by attending rounds.(Blakeney et al., 2023; Debay et al., 2023) Yet little is known about how families use the information they hear.

PARTICIPANTS: Family surrogate decision makers were invited. The setting was a medical-surgical ICU in a university-affiliated hospital in the United States. Local …


Using The Introduce-Present-Reinforce-Debrief Model In International Nursing Leadership Education, Lu-Yen Anny Chen, Michelle King-Okoye, Cheng-Pei Lin Sep 2025

Using The Introduce-Present-Reinforce-Debrief Model In International Nursing Leadership Education, Lu-Yen Anny Chen, Michelle King-Okoye, Cheng-Pei Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Introduction: Taiwanese Students have found it challenging to engage in English-Medium Instruction (EMI) course, due to English not being their native language, particularly in leadership courses. Many students experience difficulties in comprehending the course content thoroughly before participating in discussions, which affects their ability to express themselves clearly. To address this, the I(ntroduce)-P(resent)-R(einforce)-D(ebrief) teaching model, as proposed by Lai (2023), was implemented in an international leadership course. This four-stage cyclic model incorporates multimodal inputs and interactive activities to enhance students' understanding and application of nursing leadership.

Methods: This study employed semi-structured face-to-face interviews to explore students' experiences pre- and post-the …


The Impact Of Removing Concepts Of Health Equity From Us Nursing Education: A Scoping Review, Michael Mosley, Felesia Bowen Sep 2025

The Impact Of Removing Concepts Of Health Equity From Us Nursing Education: A Scoping Review, Michael Mosley, Felesia Bowen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Racial bias contributes to health disparities. Efforts to increase awareness of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are needed to reduce health disparities. Increasing diversity of the U.S. population highlights an imperative that student nurses graduate with the skills necessary to care for all patients. Proliferation of anti-DEI laws has meant that in some states, faculty are not able to teach about diversity and the root causes of health disparities. Some faculty have reported they are removing content related to social determinants of health from their lectures and readings for fear of losing their jobs. The purpose of …


Combating Bedside Burnout With Research For Retention: An Innovative Fellowship Model, Morgan Tallo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kathryn Shady, Hannah Rackie, Briana Abernathy, Kati Patel, Susan Smith Birkhoff Sep 2025

Combating Bedside Burnout With Research For Retention: An Innovative Fellowship Model, Morgan Tallo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Kathryn Shady, Hannah Rackie, Briana Abernathy, Kati Patel, Susan Smith Birkhoff

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Burnout is a pervasive and international “occupational phenomenon” in nursing, negatively impacting patient safety, quality of care, provider wellbeing, and nurse retention. A 2022 survey revealed nearly half of surveyed nurses experienced burnout, with over 600,000 expected to leave the workforce by 2027 due to stress and burnout (NCSBN).

A nursing research fellowship in robotics and innovation was built as an investment in the growth, creativity, and professional development of clinical nurses, enhancing bedside retention and satisfaction.

Launched mid-2024, the fellowship has promoted networking opportunities, interdisciplinary partnerships, and professional development for clinical nurses. Fellows spend 4 hours per week away …


Impacts Of Covid-19 Pandemics On Hiv Care Delivery In Thailand: Healthcare Providers Perspectives, Natawan Khumsaen Sep 2025

Impacts Of Covid-19 Pandemics On Hiv Care Delivery In Thailand: Healthcare Providers Perspectives, Natawan Khumsaen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, with particularly significant implications for healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Thailand, pandemic restrictions have disrupted HIV health services. This study aimed to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care delivery in rural areas of Thailand.

Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews focusing on the shifts in HIV care in response to the pandemic. Twenty healthcare providers (14 nurses and 6 physicians) were interviewed. Participants were primarily selected from ART clinics housed in hospitals of the 5th health service …


Prairie Soundscape, Rebecca J. Romsdahl Sep 2025

Prairie Soundscape, Rebecca J. Romsdahl

The Cicadian

This series of soundscapes represents dawn and dusk. Morning Cacophony was recorded at 6:00 AM, May 2023 on the Tympanuchus Reserve near Crookston, MN — a rare remnant prairie never plowed. Voices of the prairie: sedge wren, bobolink, greater prairie chicken, sandhill crane, red-winged blackbird, clay-colored sparrow. Night Chorus was captured at 2:00 AM, June 2024 on restored grassland at Bluestem Preserve near Moorhead, MN — once farmland, now thriving prairie. Nocturnal symphony: whip-poor-will (song + warning call), coyotes, treefrogs, grasshopper sparrow, soft wind, gentle rain.


Matrescence, Erin Kunz Sep 2025

Matrescence, Erin Kunz

The Cicadian

Kunz reflects on her transformation into motherhood, describing the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts that accompany the process known as matrescence. Through vivid memories of childhood and early parenting, she explores the complexities of maternal love, especially for women who did not receive unconditional love themselves. Her rocking chair becomes a symbol of nurturing and endurance, where she gave everything to her children while grappling with her own identity. Erin also highlights the supportive role of her partner, challenging traditional gender norms and celebrating shared caregiving. As her children grow, she mourns the environmental changes that have altered the …


Cicadian Rhythms: The 2024 Cicada Emergence, Farah Davis Sep 2025

Cicadian Rhythms: The 2024 Cicada Emergence, Farah Davis

The Cicadian

In Cicadian Rhythms, Farah Davis recounts the rare 2024 dual emergence of cicada broods XIII and XIX, which appeared weeks early due to climate change. She explains how cicadas use tree sap and soil temperature to time their emergence, and how warming trends are disrupting these ancient cycles. The essay blends personal observation with scientific insight, showing how even backyard phenomena reflect broader environmental shifts. Davis emphasizes the ecological importance of cicadas and the cascading effects of climate disruption on ecosystems. Ultimately, she calls for greater awareness and stewardship in the face of accelerating climate change.


The Role Of Ceramides As Biomarkers And Therapeutic Targets For Cardiometabolic Disease And Its Intersection With Cellular Aging, Youssef Moustafa Shalaby Sep 2025

The Role Of Ceramides As Biomarkers And Therapeutic Targets For Cardiometabolic Disease And Its Intersection With Cellular Aging, Youssef Moustafa Shalaby

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Ceramides (Cer), a subclass of sphingolipids with potent bioactive properties, have gained recognition as key players in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). They modulate critical cellular functions such as apoptosis, inflammation, insulin signaling, and oxidative stress. This dissertation explores the dual role of Cer as both early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, bridging clinical insights with mechanistic understanding through a combination of human and experimental studies.

A highly sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify intracellular levels of specific Cer species, including CerC16:0, CerC18:0, CerC22:0, CerC24:0, and CerC24:1. This method was translated into …


The Effect Of A Kn95 Mask On High-Intensity Interval Training Performance, Physiological Response, And Perception, David Kenny, Payton Stanziani, Holly Chambers, Madison Vinovrski, Isabel Allocco, Jack Fisher, Morgan Raley, Kyle S. Beyer Sep 2025

The Effect Of A Kn95 Mask On High-Intensity Interval Training Performance, Physiological Response, And Perception, David Kenny, Payton Stanziani, Holly Chambers, Madison Vinovrski, Isabel Allocco, Jack Fisher, Morgan Raley, Kyle S. Beyer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 984-994, 2025. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a KN95 mask on the performance, physiological response, and perception of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty college-aged participants (Male: 10, Female: 10) completed a two-visit, crossover, counterbalanced study. The HIIT workout included four 1-minute “all-out” intervals at 3.5% of body mass with 4-minute rest intervals, performed with or without a KN95 mask. Following HIIT, participants remained on the cycle ergometer for a 15-minute recovery period. For each interval, peak power and average power were recorded. Throughout the HIIT workout and recovery, …


Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio Sep 2025

Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study evaluates the effects of ZOA Energy Drink, a commercially available energy beverage, on muscular strength, sustained attention, and mood in exercise-trained individuals. Using a randomized, blinded, two-arm design, 24 participants (15 males, 9 females; age = 31.8 ± 8.4 years) were assigned to consume either ZOA Energy Drink or a caffeine-matched placebo. The primary outcomes included psychomotor vigilance (PVT), mood state (POMS), handgrip strength, and push-up performance. Baseline body composition was also assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the ZOA and the caffeine matched control groups in psychomotor vigilance (p = 0.155), mood …