Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Outcomes And Costs Of Robotic Assisted, Laparoscopic, And Open Partial Nephrectomy: A Contemporary Analysis Of National Inpatient Sample Data., Manisha Lin, Elizabeth Sottung, Vietbao H. Phan, Mumbi E. Kimani, Costas D. Lallas, Raegan M Davis, Scott W. Keith, Patrick Moeller, Vittorio Maio

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy is increasingly favored for small renal masses due to its renal function-preserving benefits. This study compared contemporary utilization patterns, perioperative outcomes, and hospital costs of robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LAPN), and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among U.S. patients with renal cancer.

METHODS: Using the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample, renal cancer patients undergoing RAPN, LAPN, or OPN based on ICD-10-CM/PCS codes were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications, and hospital costs, were summarized by surgical approach. Regression analyses adjusted for patient- and hospital-level covariates were used to compare perioperative outcomes, LOS, and costs …

Longitudinal Patterns Of Dental Health Care Utilization 18 Months Before And 36 Months After Initiation Of Index Medications For Opioid Use Disorder, Payel Jhoom Roy, Nalingna Yuan, Yaming Li, Anne Mobley Butler, Katelin B. Nickel, Gretchen Gibson, Colin C. Hubbard, Taylor L. Boyer, Katie J. Suda, Michael J. Durkin

Faculty and Staff Publications

Objectives: In 2022, the FDA issued a drug safety communication based on case studies that transmucosal buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), may contribute to dental disease. We sought to assess longitudinal dental care utilization patterns among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the 18 months before and 36 months after MOUD initiation.

Methods: Using data from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse (2003-2020), we created a cohort of patients coded for OUD and prescribed MOUD. Outcomes included preventive and therapeutic dental visits and oral infections within 18 months before and up to 36 months after index …

Three Butterfly Genera Across The Central Texas Suture Zone, Qian Cong, Jing Zhang, Jinhui Shen, Leina Song, Nick V. Grishin

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Genome-scale analyses of butterfly specimens across the Central Texas Suture Zone revealed that several taxa currently treated as subspecies exhibit genomic differentiation similar to that observed between species. Further investigation and genomic sequencing of additional specimens from across the ranges of these taxa support this conclusion and result in the following changes to nomenclature and taxonomy. Two new subspecies of Nymphalidae Rafinesque, 1815 are described: Asterocampa louisa monterra Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in Mexico: Nuevo León) and Asterocampa clyton plana Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in USA: Texas, Denton Co.). The following taxa are recognized as species, not subspecies: …

Quality Of Robotic Segmentectomy Vs. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Sneha S. Alaparthi, Anurag Ishwar, Isheeta Madeka, Annie Ho, Tyler Grenda, Nathaniel R. Evans Iii, Olugbenga T. Okusanya

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Background & Methods

• Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Sub lobar resection (segmentectomy) has proved to be a safe and effective alternative to lobectomy in recent literature.
• Our objective is to compare quality of resection between robotic assisted (RVATS) and video assisted (VATS) thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Our hypothesis is that robotic segmentectomy will allow for an improved oncologic resection.
• Retrospective cohort study of National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients >18 undergoing RVATS or VATS segmentectomy for clinical N0M0, ≤ 2 cm between 2010-2020.
• Quality of oncologic resection assessed with presence and number of nodes examined, margin positivity, upstaging, …

Longitudinal Profiles Of Executive Function In Autistic And Non-Autistic Children At High Likelihood Of Autism, Tanya St John, Neva M Corrigan, Ariel Rokem, Annette M Estes, Heather C Hazlett, Juhi Pandey, Robert T Schultz, Natasha Marrus, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Chimei M Lee, Stephen R Dager, Joseph Piven, Ibis Network

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Executive functioning (EF) difficulties are common in autistic children and may aggregate in families. Longitudinal studies examining EF development in autistic children and their siblings are limited. In the current study, we characterized EF development from later infancy through school-age in autistic and non-autistic high likelihood (HL; with an older autistic sibling) and low likelihood (LL; without older autistic sibling) children. METHODS: Participants were 83 autistic and 235 non-autistic HL children, and 132 LL children from the Infant Brain Imaging Study. EF was assessed at ages 12 and 24 months using the A-not-B task and ages 5–14 years (school-age) …

Costumes, Connections, And Community: An In-Depth Exploration Of The Dynamics Within The Cosplaying Community, Carlo L. Ortiz, Gabriel Louie Fil Limpin Darang, Danial Mendoza Shomalzadeh, Rodnae Lu Palmito Cayat, Jorge Carle Fontanilla Dacaimat, Carl Rangel Buslayan Dangsi, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Cosplay is a fun way to express oneself through costumes and roleplay that has given rise to a vibrant global community. While various studies have explored certain elements of this phenomenon, the cosplay community remains partially unexplored. This research aims to further investigate the dynamics of the cosplay community, providing meaningful insights into the identity processes, motivations, sense of belonging, and creativity that define it. Using in-depth interviews and online questionnaires, the research employs an inductive thematic analysis to examine how cosplayers interact with community-building, creativity, identity, and self-expression. Findings reveal that cosplayers actively engage with these aspects as they …

Addressing Maternal Cardiovascular Mortality: The Role Of Policy In Reducing Preventable Deaths And Disparities, Matthew Mitts, Alexandra H. Latham, Christina Ackerman-Banks

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Maternal cardiovascular conditions now surpass hemorrhage and infection as the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, accounting for roughly one-third of preventable maternal fatalities. Unfortunately, stark racial and geographic inequities persist, with Black and Indigenous mothers dying at two to four times the rate of their White peers. Additionally, geography affects the risk, with rural residents facing a significantly higher risk than pregnant patients who deliver in urban centers. The physiologic changes of pregnancy function as a vascular stress test; therefore, pregnancy and postpartum offer a critical window of opportunity to identify women with a high lifetime …

Rethinking Legal Education: Demystifying Neurodiversity And Building An Inclusive Future, Jennifer Kindred Mitchell, Charlie Amiot

The Journal of Law Teaching and Learning

This article contributes significantly to the discourse on legal education by arguing that embracing neurodiversity not only enhances the learning environment for all students but also cultivates a legal profession that is truly reflective of societal diversity. Ultimately, neurodiversity should be embraced as an asset. By adopting inclusive practices, legal education can nurture the promise of ND students and improve outcomes for all. This article seeks to inspire a new paradigm that celebrates neurocognitive diversity’s contributions to the legal profession.

Neurodivergent (ND) students comprise approximately a quarter of the law school population, yet traditional legal education often fails to meet …

Multi-Dimensional Research Appraisal: A Holistic Approach To Evidence-Informed Practice, John Damiao

Translational Science in Occupation

The field of occupational therapy (OT) and healthcare in general have made great strides in enhancing their scientific rigor through study methodologies that prioritize internal validity. However, concerns regarding reproducibility and replicability in research have cast doubt on traditional evidence-based models. This paper critically examines the limitations of an over-reliance on internal validity in evidence reviews and advocates for a multi-dimensional approach to evidence-based practice. By integrating methodological holism, contextual analysis, and a critical appraisal of external validity, this approach provides practitioners with a more nuanced and applicable framework for decision-making. The implications for research credibility and clinical confidence are …

Development And Validation Of A Life Participation Self-Assessment Tool For People Living With Obesity: The Life Participation Impact Questionnaire (Lpiq-O), Marie-Claude Touchette

Translational Science in Occupation

Purpose: Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over 40% of adults in the U.S. Given the well-documented impact of obesity on life participation, a comprehensive, population-specific assessment tool is needed. We aimed to establish the face and content validity of the Life Participation Impact Questionnaire for People with Obesity (LPIQ-O), an occupation-focused assessment tool measuring the impact of obesity on areas of life participation.

Method: This study included seven iterative phases: (a) literature review, (b) interviews, (c) synthesis of the literature review and interviews, (d) item development, (e) expert validation, (f) face validation, and (g) final expert review. Six participants …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part Ii: Mixed Methods, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Introduction: Effective healthcare delivery requires clinicians to function within high-performing, collaborative teams. To support this, interprofessional education (IPE) must provide opportunities that move beyond siloed training. This paper details the clinical application of a team science-informed educational intervention designed to prepare students for interprofessional practice (IPP) through a university-based head injury head injury clinic. Methods: The research team conducted a mixed methods case study with a convergent design to evaluate student outcomes. Eighteen graduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in a 10-week clinic. Faculty delivered training in IPEC competencies, TeamSTEPPS® tools, and clinical processes before …

Editors' State Of The Journal: Making Academic Writing Accessible, Nicole Martino, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Insecure Attachment Predicts Poor Sexual Communication Among Emerging Adults, Carson T. O'Leary

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Sexual communication significantly predicts sexual satisfaction within adult romantic relationships (Byers, 2011). Further, research has demonstrated that relationship satisfaction and relationship outcomes are positively influenced by sexual satisfaction (Anderson, 2012). Research regarding interest in promoting long-term romantic relationships should target sexuality-related concerns in romantic partners. Sexuality research grounded in attachment theory has provided promising results. Attachment theory hypothesizes that individuals develop an attachment style based on early life experiences with their caregiver(s). These styles strongly predict how individuals respond to loved ones, including romantic partners (Bell & Ainsworth, 2023). Research also suggests insecurely attached individuals struggle with effective communication in …

Pedaling Through Discomfort: A Feasibility Study Of Faculty-Led Spin Classes And Their Impact On Student Engagement, Resilience, And Faculty-Student Relationships, Gabriela Baza, Elizabeth Hathaway

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This study explored the feasibility and impact of faculty-led Spin classes on college students’ engagement, well-being, and connection with faculty. Offered twice weekly at 7 AM during Fall 2024, the classes aimed to promote physical activity, resilience, and faculty-student relationships. Twenty-six students attended at least one class, with a median attendance of 4.5 sessions. Post-semester surveys (88% response rate) assessed perceived exertion, interest, enjoyment, challenge, improvement, and instructor encouragement. Students reported high levels of engagement and positive challenge (RPE = 15.3; challenge = 6.4/7). Those attending 7 or more sessions reported significantly greater perceived improvement than those attending fewer sessions …

Conjoined Twins And Abortion Restrictions: Navigating 'Ban State' Challenges, A Case Report, Beau Morgan Nrp

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This case report highlights an unusual scenario of a conjoined twin pregnancy resulting from intrauterine insemination in a state with restrictive abortion laws. Despite a diagnosis deemed not compatible with life, the patient faced legal barriers preventing termination within their home state. Forced to seek care out-of-state, the patient underwent a successful termination at ten weeks and three days after lengthy and expensive travel. This case stresses the complex challenges posed by restrictive abortion laws, impacting patient access to essential medical interventions. The case demonstrates the critical intersections between medical care, medical ethics, legal constraints, and patient outcomes in managing …

Investigating Corollaries Between Streptococcus Gallolyticus Subsp. Gallolyticus Virulence And Colorectal Cancer, Tyler G. Myers

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg) is a gram-positive, non-beta-hemolytic bacterium that belongs to the Lancefield group D of streptococcal pathogens. For the past several decades, associations between Sgg bacteremia and colorectal cancer (CRC) have been apparent, with gastroenterologists routinely recommending colonoscopies for positive cases of Sgg in either blood or stool samples. However, current research has not wholly established whether Sgg acts as a causative agent of CRC or if pre-existing cancers make the lumen of the colon more hospitable to its colonization. Regardless, Sgg has been implicated in the modulation of host inflammatory pathways and subsequent remodeling …

Front Matter, Presley Nichols, Elizabeth A. Gillespie, Natalie G. Aldrich, Anila Fariab, Henry D. Humble, Janna Harvey

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

No abstract provided.

The Eichmann Case In The American Press, The Institute Of Human Relations Press

Hannah Arendt Marginalia - All

New York : Institute of Human Relations Press, the American Jewish Committee, 1962. Call # : D804.G43 E54   Contains underlining, marginal lining and endpaper notes   PDF Information: 7.9 MB, 20 Pages

Using Ngc 2168 To Calibrate Ages For Individual Stars, Skylar G. Butler

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

This research investigates the precision and accuracy of age determination in open star clusters using BASE-9 software. The project is divided into two parts, with the first being the determination of the age of the entire cluster and the second being the age determination of the individual stars within the NGC 2168 cluster. Part one involves analyzing the collective properties of the cluster to derive its age. Part two involves assessing the age of individual stars within the selected star clusters using BASE-9 software. We will evaluate the reliability and validity of the age determinations obtained by analyzing individual stars …

Full Issue

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

No abstract provided.

Jbs Board Meeting In Washington Dc Leads To New Marketing Project, Janel E. Lundgren

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Board members of JBS-USA, plus special guest Maija Budow, enjoyed a weekend in Washington, D.C., March 9-12, 2024, mixing Society business with musical and culinary pleasure.

On arriving, we joined the Saturday evening revelers to enjoy a feast at Il Piatto, a stylish Italian restaurant near our Club Quarters Hotel. Following the Sunday board meeting, we had a late, delightful brunch at the historic Tabard Inn, operating as an inn and restaurant since 1922 in historic Dupont Circle, and offering sumptuous French and Southern cuisine.

Roger Pines To Speak On, Janel E. Lundgren

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

JBS-USA is privileged to present Chicago’s nationally acclaimed opera expert in a special Zoom presentation for the Society on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 7:30 pm EDT, which will be repeated on Saturday, August 10 at 12 noon EDT. JBS board member John Haley will serve as moderator.

Mr. Pines will celebrate with audio clips and videos, multiple sopranos who partnered with Jussi over the years, but who were not as utterly identified with him as Milanov, de los Angeles, or Tebaldi. Included in his impressive list are Helga Görlin, Stella Andreva, Gina Cigna, Jarmila Novotná, Brita Hertzberg, Maria Németh, …

Analysing Numeracy Demands In Alberta Curriculum: A Focus On High School Mathematics, Asia Majeed, Kwesi Yaro

Numeracy

In recent years, numeracy has been recognized as a key educational priority across the curriculum in many international jurisdictions, including almost all Canadian provinces. In Alberta province, Canada, for example, the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) #3 explicitly states that all teachers are responsible for fostering literacy and numeracy skills, regardless of the specific subject areas they teach. This expanded focus reflects a broader understanding of numeracy not merely as a subset of mathematical skills, but as a fundamental competency that supports informed participation in civic, economic, and personal life. This paper applies the 21st Century Numeracy Model (Goos et al., …

Perioperative Fluid Management In Cardiac Surgery: Contemporary Evidence And Clinical Controversies, Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Hchaimi, Hussein Alkhfaji, Majid Fakhir Al-Hamaidah, Mohammad Ali Hassan Jassim, Ammar Hoom Mahdi, Fatima Al-Sharwood, Sunder Etta

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Perioperative fluid therapy is a cornerstone of anesthetic management in cardiac surgery, where both hypovolemia and hypervolemia are associated with increased morbidity, forming a ``U-shaped'' relationship with outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature (2000–2024) identified via PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database, focusing on randomized trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines for adult cardiac surgery. A central debate persists regarding fluid choice. Current evidence supports the preferential use of balanced crystalloids over normal saline, as large-volume saline is linked to hyperchloremic acidosis and reduced renal perfusion. Colloids like albumin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) offer efficient volume expansion but require …

Interdisciplinary Management Of Severe Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis: A Case Report Of Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Under Shared Airway Conditions, Margaretha Gunawan, Syahrial Marsintha Hutauruk, Fauziah Fardizza, Christopher Kapuangan, Mikhael Yosia

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Pediatric acquired subglottic stenosis is a high-risk airway condition that requires close coordination between anesthesiology and otorhinolaryngology teams, particularly during endoscopic interventions performed under shared-airway conditions. This report describes the interdisciplinary management and anesthetic–surgical coordination in a child with severe acquired subglottic stenosis undergoing endoscopic balloon dilation, highlighting key decision points and airway management strategies. A 2-year-old boy with a history of prolonged and repeated endotracheal intubations presented with persistent dyspnea and noisy breathing, consistent with fixed extrathoracic airway obstruction. The case was reviewed in a multidisciplinary pediatric difficult-airway meeting, and operative management consisted of endoscopic airway evaluation and balloon …

Evolution Of Surface Roughness And Hardness For Iraqi Flint-Bauxite Refractory Bricks, Zainab Kassim Hassan, Enas Muhy Hadi, Huda Jabbar Abdulalhussin

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

This research aimed to assess how coarse bauxite affects the microstructure and surface-related characteristics of refractory made using Iraqi flint, bauxite and kaolin raw materials. The study focused on determining how porosity, mullite morphological features and grain packing occur with the addition of coarse bauxite (≤ 1.18 mm) to flint refractories and what effect those features have on the mechanical properties of hardness and surface roughness. The originality of this research lay in the deliberate introduction of coarse bauxite as an alumina source. As such, the addition resulted in a poorly bonded mullite phase; a microstructural characteristic not examined in …

Development And Evaluation Of A Folic Acid-Targeted, Ph-Responsive Superparamagnetic Nanocomposite For Selective Camptothecin Delivery In Antibacterial Applications, Musaab Mohammed Kadhim, Qasim Najim Thewaini, Sharafaldin Al-Musawi

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

This study addresses the critical need for improved therapeutic strategies to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments, particularly systemic toxicity and poor bioavailability of potent agents such as camptothecin (CPT). This research was designed to fabricate and characterize a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocomposite (SPION-DEX-CPT-FA) used for the selective delivery of CPT and to evaluate its effectiveness in antibacterial applications against bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae from the urinary tract. Studies involving the synthesis and evaluation of nanocomposites are being considered for the targeted delivery of a particular drug. The method used a …

Effect Of Crushed Brick Waste Addition On The Physical, Mechanical, And Thermal Properties Of Fired Zurbatiya Clay For Environmentally Friendly Brick Production, Mervit Mahdi Hanoos, Shihab Ahmed Zaidan, Hanaa Areer Al-Kasiy

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

This study investigates the addition of 10%, 20%, and 30% crushed brick waste (CBW) to Zurbatiya clay and firing the mixture at 1000°C for 8 hours to produce sustainable and energy-efficient bricks. The results showed that the overall density increased to 1.85 g/cm³ at 10% CBW, yet decreased to 1.4 g/cm³ at 30% due to the increase in porosity from 18% to over 30%. Consequently, thermal conductivity decreased from 0.5 to less than 0.3 W/m· K, enhancing thermal insulation. Also, Shear strength decreased from 15 MPa to 5 MPa but remained acceptable at the 10–20% ratios. Shrinkage improved …

Formulation Of Vegetable Oils Loaded Nanoemulsions For Photoprotection Against Uvb And Uva Radiation: In Vitro Study, Kawther Ali Hussein, Randa Mohammed Dhahi

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

The objective of this study is the development of bio-based nanoemulsions that were derived from natural sources, including olive, coconut, red raspberry, and tomato seed oils, to produce safe and effective UV- protective agents. The nanoemulsions were produced at the nanoscale with uniform droplets by employing ultrasonic emulsification utilizing deionized water and Tween 80. According to Dynamic light scattering (DLS), the oil nanoemulsification from red raspberry exhibited the smallest droplet size of (148.5 nm), low polydispersity index of (0.218) and high zeta potential of (–35.6 mV). The spherical shape of the droplets was confirmed via Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as …

Studying The Compressive Strength And Thermal Conductivity Properties Of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete By Using Natural Perlite, Aya Nahedh Mohsin, Hanaa A. Al-Kaisy, Jamal J. Dawood

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

The building industry must investigate sustainable alternatives due to the environmental impact of traditional construction methods and the growing depletion of natural resources. Using perlite (3–5 mm) to partially replace natural coarse aggregates in concrete production is one possible strategy. However, concerns remain regarding the performance of perlite in structural applications, particularly its effect on mechanical behavior and durability. This study examines the structural performance of concrete incorporating graphene and partially substituting perlite for coarse aggregates. Perlite was used at replacement levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%, and graphene was added at 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% by cement mass. Cubic …