Digital Commons Network^™

Plasma Vegf-A, Vegfr-2, And Asprosin Levels In Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes, Safaa Shehab Ahmed, Ishtar Imad Majeed, Muhammad Talib Hussein, Amany Lotfy Omar, Dhuha Khaled Hadid, Maha Radam Lateef

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is marked by endothelial dysfunction and disrupted glucose metabolism. VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 drive vascular repair, while asprosin contributes to insulin resistance.

Objectives: This study explored the association of these biomarkers in individuals with poorly controlled T2DM.

Methods: The study included 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 60 age-matched healthy controls (45–65 years). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured using a Roche Cobas Integra 400 Plus analyzer. Serum levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, and asprosin were quantified using ELISA.

Results: T2DM patients exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of VEGF-A, …

Molecular Characterization And Genotyping Of Candida Species Isolated From The Nasal Cavity Of Patients With Nasal Infections In Iraq, Amran M. Al-Erjan, Hind Tahseen Ibrahim

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Nasal infections are commonly associated with opportunistic microorganisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species.

Objectives: This study aimed to molecularly characterize Candida species isolated from the nasal cavity of patients with nasal infections and to determine their phylogenetic relationships using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

Methods: A total of 88 nasal swab samples were collected from patients aged 1–80 years in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, between December 2023 and March 2024. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar. Yeast isolates were identified phenotypically using CHROMagar Candida and germ tube tests. Molecular identification and genotyping were …

Artificial Intelligence Empowered Biological Research: Paradigm Shifts, Application Scenarios, And Strategic Layout, Xinguang Zhu, Yiming Bao, Zhenong Jin, Xin Li, Sijia Wang, Yueming Wang, Yungui Yang, Cao Xu, Yan Xiong, Bin Han

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Life related processes are characterized by high dimensionality and multi-scale properties. Understanding mechanisms underpinning life processes helps promote national healthcare, agricultural development, sustainable ecological civilization, and national security. Current life science research is confronted with an enormous challenge of dimensionality stemming from data explosion and data fragmentation, for which the recent rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) provides novel solutions. AI will catalyze a paradigm shift in life science research from the current experiment based empirical induction to a new closed-loop knowledge acquisition including large scale data collection, model building, model prediction, experimental validation, and iterative of these procedures. Life …

Service Providers' Descriptions Of Survivors' Experiences With Mental Health Treatment, Melanie Gonzales Puente

Theses and Dissertations

Human trafficking survivors experience significant mental health challenges and barriers that limit their engagement towards treatment. A qualitative study was conducted that included semi-structured interviews of 33 professionals working with survivors of human trafficking in the United States. Findings indicate that survivors' engagement in treatment is limited by mistrust of providers, stigma, and a lack of access to services. Providers emphasize that addressing basic needs (e.g., safety and housing) must occur before engaging in trauma-focused therapy. Positive outcomes are associated with strong therapeutic relationships, autonomy, trauma-informed, individualized care, and offering comprehensive services. Furthermore, mental health providers should have certain abilities …

Meal Provision Strategies For People Experiencing Homelessness: A Qualitative Study, Alexcia Carr, Rachel A. Vincent, Leticia R. Moczygemba

Posters

INTRODUCTION: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) often rely on community based meal service organizations (MSOs) for consistent food access. Given the high burden of diet related chronic illness among PEH and the role of therapeutic lifestyle changes in disease management, MSOs represent a key setting for improving nutritional quality. However, little is known about how MSOs resource and sustain meal services or how nutrition is considered within their meal provision processes. This study examined (1) meal provision strategies, (2) meal planning and food acquisition practices, and (3) the role of nutrition-related knowledge in service delivery.   METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with …

Hormonal Shifts And Structural Strain: A Literature Review Of Menopause And Perimenopause In Relation To Overuse Injuries And Stress Fractures, Mustafa Ansari, Faisal Hussain, Mutasem Shopon, Hanfa Ajmal, Mueez Asif, Sharon David

Student Publications

Musculoskeletal injury risk in midlife women has traditionally been attributed to estrogen decline, but this narrow focus overlooks the broader biomechanical, neuromuscular, and structural changes associated with menopause. Estrogen plays a multisystem role in maintaining trabecular bone integrity, collagen turnover, and neuromuscular coordination. Its abrupt loss causes bone demineralization (2%-5% annually in early menopause), impairs tendon repair, and contributes to sarcopenia. Fluctuating estradiol levels during perimenopause may transiently increase ligament laxity, further destabilizing joints. Common injuries such as Achilles and rotator cuff tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures are amplified by low bone mineral density, prior fracture history, aromatase inhibitor …

Across Borders, Across Cultures: A Quest For Health And Well-Being Portfolio, Carrington Connor

UN SDG Open Pedagogy Faculty Fellowship: Renewable Assignments

No abstract provided.

Social Media And Health Information Sharing In Nigeria: Trends In Weight Loss And Cosmetic Procedures, Victoria Ochanya Agbo

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the role of social media in facilitating (mis)information on weight loss and cosmetic surgeries in Nigeria. Utilizing the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), the study examines information shared by influencers, audience engagements with such messages, and the factors influencing audience receptivity of the messages. Using a qualitative design, a thematic analysis was conducted on influencer posts and audience responses to such posts across major social media platforms. The findings show that influencers frequently framed cosmetic surgery and weight loss as aspirational lifestyle choices and downplayed the medical risks using means such as testimonials, visual transformations, and authenticity cues. …

The Transitional Liver Clinic: Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial, Lindsay Yoder, Elliot B. Tapper, Richard S. Kalman, Mary Rinella, Nicole Bendin, Manisha Verma, Francis Pike, Naga Chalasani, Neha Nalumasu, Eric S. Orman

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Patients with complications of advanced liver disease experience high rates of hospital readmission after discharge. Transitional care models have improved outcomes in other chronic conditions, but their efficacy in liver disease care remains uncertain. This randomized trial evaluates the effectiveness of a tailored transitional care model-the Transitional Liver Clinic (TLC)-in reducing readmissions, improving quality of life, and enhancing patient satisfaction for patients with advanced liver disease.

METHODS: This is a 45-month, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial enrolling up to 1000 patients with advanced liver disease across 4 academic medical centers. Each site transitions from usual care to the TLC intervention …

Natural Behavior Vs. Subjective Experience In Fish Welfare Assessments, Ronald G. Oldfield

Animal Sentience

Several commentaries on the Oldfield & Bonano (2024) target article proposed that natural behavior should play a larger role in assessing the welfare of fishes in zoos and aquariums. However, the natural-behavior concept of animal welfare has been widely criticized because natural behaviors do not necessarily improve welfare, and unnatural behaviors do not necessarily reduce it. I review the three major concepts of animal welfare — physical health, natural behavior, and affect/feelings — and argue that behavior patterns, whether natural or otherwise, should be evaluated according to their effects on health and subjective experience. Using the affect/feelings concept and the …

Assessing Rural Homelessness: A Mixed-Methods Case Study, Matthew J. Lyons

Faculty Articles

Rural homelessness represents a significant public health and human rights challenge, but research on homelessness in the United States has predominantly focused on urban settings. This case study describes a mixed-methods assessment of the prevalence, causes, and consequences of homelessness in a rural county. Through both surveys and interviews with stakeholders from multiple sectors (including both service providers and those experiencing homelessness), we built a rich picture of the scale and experiential dimensions of homelessness within the county. Here, we present our research methods, the main findings of each primary data collection arm, and the actionable conclusions drawn from the …

Fear Of Negative Evaluation And Intrinsic Motivation In Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Comparison Of Novice And Experienced Lifters, Karter Bokker

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and intrinsic motivation in resistance-trained individuals and compared FNE levels between novice and experienced lifters. Twenty-two male participants (n = 8 novices, n = 14 experienced) completed questionnaires assessing FNE and intrinsic motivation. A Pearson correlation and independent-samples t-test were conducted. Results indicated no significant relationship between FNE and intrinsic motivation (r = -.144, p = .523). However, novice lifters reported significantly higher FNE scores than experienced lifters, (t20) = 2.71, p = .014, with a large effect size (d = 1.20). These findings suggest that while FNE may …

Lived Experiences Of Competency-Based Grading: Implementation In The Secondary Public School Setting, Andrew Robbins Gillespie

Student Theses and Dissertations

The implementation of non-traditional grading systems is a current theme in American public school education. Competency-Based Grading (CBG) is a system that many school districts are considering. CBG is based on essential learning objectives and streamlines the grading of those objectives. CBG also removes high stakes assessment by allowing reassessment. However, studies have shown implementation efforts are often met with obstacles for either a lack of preparation or understanding. This dissertation seeks to understand the lived experiences of educational staff with the CBG implementation process through a phenomenological study. Data was gathered through interviews, observations, and document review. The themes …

Bridging Cultural Gaps In Enhancing Mental Health Support For The Bhutanese Community, Subash Chandra Majhi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence In Hospital Pharmacy Practice: Effectiveness, Internal Validity, And Translational Readiness: A Systematic Review, Kwanchai Rattanamanee, Parnupong Kiewsiri, Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into hospital pharmacy, offering potential to enhance medication safety, therapeutic decision-making, and operational efficiency. However, the internal validity and translational readiness of current interventions remain uncertain.
Objectives: The objective of the study was to systematically review AI applications in hospital pharmacy and evaluate their effectiveness, internal validity, and readiness for clinical integration.
Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251067936), We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and ThaiJO (2000–June 2025). for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, quasi-experimental, and case–control studies …

Contribution Of Animals To Biomedical Advancements In The Current Era: A Narrative Review, Leena Rajathy Port Louis, Mani Rajarathinam, Prithiviraj Nagarajan, Divya Sekar, Nisha Perumal

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Animal research has played a major role in the development of vaccinations and therapies for illnesses such as tetanus, polio, meningitis, hepatitis, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. For every prescription drug available today, animal testing and research have contributed immensely. This narrative review aims to explore the contribution of animals to biomedical advancements in the current era, which involved a search of peer-reviewed literature using electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. In current biomedical research, animals help develop new treatments for long-term illnesses such as cancer, HIV, and Alzheimer’s. Animals also aid in the …

Using Phenomenology To Investigate Digital Experience: An Empathic-Somatic Approach, Bismark Wiafe Bimpong, William Kesse Bimpong, Mercy Egyir Kwakye

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This conceptual paper proposes the Empathic-Somatic Approach as a methodological contribution for conducting phenomenological research on digital technology experiences. The Empathic-Somatic Approach does not replace existing phenomenological methods but enriches them by operationalizing the insight that we understand others through our own bodies as instruments of empathy. The paper first establishes the essential philosophical and methodological foundations of phenomenology needed to situate this contribution, then develops the Empathic-Somatic Approach in detail, and finally provides practical guidance for its implementation in digital technology research. This approach offers researchers in fields such as human-computer interaction, digital health, and information systems a principled …

When The Weeds Strike Back: Rethinking Aphis's Regulation Of Genetically Engineered Plants Post-National Family Farm Coalition V. Vilsack, Reagan Powers

Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Racial Justice And The Image Of Public Health, Marilyn Fischer

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Regarding Vitamin D Among Adults In Western Libya: Assessment And Socio-Demographic Influences, Abdounasser Albasher Omar, Kawther Adaila, Mofida M. Alfaid, Abdurrahman M Sweidan, Ruqayah Kasheem, Samia Emhemmed Abadi, Abdulnabi Ali Abushita, Hafsa A. Alemam

Al-Bahir

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health concern, necessitating a clear understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among populations. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Libyan citizens' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding vitamin D in the western region of Libya. This study was carried out between June and September of 2021. A questionnaire was distributed across the study area and the complete responses were 314, with 62.7% were females and 37.3% were males.  The scores were calculated as percentages and statistically tested. Additionally, the impact of some socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education level, job, and salary) …

Ozonated Water Delays The Microbial Growth And Sensory Quality Loss Of Capia Pepper Fruit During Cold Storage, Yasi̇n Şi̇mşek, Mehmet Ali̇ Koyuncu, Derya Erbaş

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The aim of the present research was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of ozonated water treatments on the postharvest quality of capia pepper (Capsicum annuum L. ‘Kaptan’). The peppers were harvested at the optimum time and transported to the laboratory immediately. Uniform and quality fruit was selected and precooled. After precooling, the fruit was divided into four groups. The first three groups were immersed in ozonated water at three different concentrations (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 ppm) for 15 min. The last group (control) was immersed in distilled water for 15 min. The peppers were kept at room …

An Untapped Resource: Exploring The Role Of Spirituality In The Psychological Healing Of African Asylum-Seekers From A Counselor’S Perspective, Brittany A. Duncan

Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how counselors perceive and integrate spirituality into the psychological healing of African asylum-seekers, a population facing compounded cultural, legal, and existential challenges. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study examined the lived experiences of eight counselors working with this population. Findings revealed that counselors’ personal sense of religion influenced their comfort and approach in broaching spiritual topics, with both positive (e.g., spirituality as a source of support and community) and negative (e.g., religion as a source of suffering) associations shaping clinical engagement. Many participants reported limited access to trainings geared towards increasing their cultural competence related to …

Ameliorating Chromium-Induced Stress In Maize Through Phosphorus And Melatonin Application, Zunaira Zafar, Shoaib Ahmad, Muhammad Akhtar, Shafaqat Ali, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Muhammad Ali Alshehri

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Chromium (Cr+6)  toxicity is a significant environmental stress factor that severely hampers plant growth and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate whether the combined application of phosphorus fertilizer and melatonin could alleviate chromium induced stress in maize  (Zea mays L.).  A foliar spray of melatonin (50 µM) was applied alongside two phosphorus sources—phosphoric acid (PA) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), each at 60% of the recommended rate. Two maize cultivars (FH-1046 and YH-1898) were grown under chromium stress (0, 15, and 30 mg kg–1) to assess treatment effects. The results demonstrated that FH-1046 plants treated with PA + melatonin under noncontaminated …

A Pilot Study Of The Acute Effects Of Isometric Exercise And Aerobic Exercise For Improving Blood Pressure And Vascular Hemodynamics In Hypertensive Adults, Ayih Cedric Edoh

ETDs from 2020-2029

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent and modifiable risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aerobic exercise is a well-known method to lower blood pressure (BP), but recently, isometric exercise has been purported to lower BP to a similar or greater extent. There is little known about the effects of isometric exercise on acute BP and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effects of isometric and aerobic exercise on improving vascular hemodynamics and 24-hour ABP in hypertensive adults. METHODS: Seven participants (age 25-65 years) with a diagnosis of …

Epidemiology And Outcomes Of Geriatric Trauma At Uab, Lindy Reynolds

ETDs from 2020-2029

Adults over the age of 65 are the fastest growing portion of the population and account for a growing percentage of the trauma patient volume at trauma centers around the country. Older adults experience longer length of stays, higher mortality and complication rates than their younger counterparts. As a result, there has recently been an increased focus on models of geriatric trauma care, one of which is the addition of geriatric medicine consults for older trauma patients. The primary objectives of this dissertation were to examine the effect of the consult policy on outcomes using an interrupted time series approach, …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Dental Needs Identified By Intraoral Videography In Elderly Patients With Mild To Moderate Dementia In Long-Term Care Facilities: Feasibility Of A Novel Screening Mechanism For Oral Health, Kevin Hahn

ETDs from 2020-2029

This retrospective analysis explores the viability of employing intraoral videography to identify dental needs among long-term care (LTC) facility residents with cognitive impairment and/or mild to moderate dementia. Inadequate oral hygiene in these individuals can lead to dental plaque buildup, oral dysbiosis, gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Such conditions can impact both oral and systemic health. However, delivering oral hygiene in LTC facilities faces challenges due to care-resistant behavior triggered during mouth care. And many individuals in residential LTC facilities do not have access to dental care outside of severe emergencies due to cost, reimbursement patterns, lack of access to …

Statistical Methods For Mendelian Randomization Under Nonlinearity And Non-Normality, Mary Appah

ETDs from 2020-2029

Instrumental variable (IV) methods are widely used for estimating causal effects in observational studies where unmeasured confounding may bias traditional regression estimates. The core idea is to use a variable referred to as an instrument that is associated with the exposure of interest, independent of unmeasured confounders, and influences the outcome only through the exposure. While originally developed in econometrics, IV methods have been increasingly adopted in epidemiology and genetic research under the framework of Mendelian Randomization (MR), where genetic variants, most commonly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serve as instruments. MR provides a powerful tool for investigating causal relationships between …

Bone Marrow Adiposity, Obesity, And Tumor Burden In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Ananya Deshpande

ETDs from 2020-2029

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. It is characterized by the accumulation of clonally expanded plasma cells in the bone marrow, which leads to end organ damage and myeloma-defining events requiring treatment. The only modifiable risk factor for MM is obesity. However, associations between obesity, bone marrow adipocytes, and tumor burden at MM diagnosis remain unclear. We evaluated associations of bone marrow adipocytes, body mass index (BMI), and clinical features of tumor burden among 168 patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) enrolled in the Integrative Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology …

Individual Responsibility And The Limits Of U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Addressing Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Through Structural Policy, Malika Al Kattan, Lynne Alexandra Kennedy

All Works

No abstract provided.

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

No abstract provided.