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Disparities In Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Related Postpartum Readmissions, Curisa M. Tucker, Peiyin Hung, Yunqing Ma, Jihong Liu, Berry A. Campbell, Xiaoming Li, Jiajia Zhang Sep 2025

Disparities In Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Related Postpartum Readmissions, Curisa M. Tucker, Peiyin Hung, Yunqing Ma, Jihong Liu, Berry A. Campbell, Xiaoming Li, Jiajia Zhang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Importance: Postpartum readmission (PPR) affects up to 3% of all births in the U.S.1,2 PPR is often avoidable, especially for psychiatric disease and substance use disorders.3,4 Many mothers experience challenges accessing mental health and substance use treatment during perinatal periods. Nursing science prioritizes equitable care5 highlighting the critical need to address this public health issue.

Aim: To investigate the intersections of residential rurality and race/ethnicity on all-cause, mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) PPR throughout 1-year postpartum.

Methods: A statewide retrospective cohort study using birth certificates linked to all-payer hospital data for mothers …


Patient And Provider Perspectives On Participation In Hemodialysis, Chava Kurtz, Efrat Shadmi, Karl Skorecki, Alon Antebi, Tatyana Tsehovsky, Sivan Spitzer Sep 2025

Patient And Provider Perspectives On Participation In Hemodialysis, Chava Kurtz, Efrat Shadmi, Karl Skorecki, Alon Antebi, Tatyana Tsehovsky, Sivan Spitzer

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often remain passive, with providers performing most treatment tasks. While patient participation can improve safety and care quality, its implementation is limited. This study explores patient and provider perspectives on participation, focusing on organizational factors influencing adoption. Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, we examined barriers and facilitators to shifting from a provider-dominant model to a shared-care approach.

Methods: A mixed-methods study followed a sequential design. First, a cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 339 patients across two hospital- and two community-based units. It assessed patient interest and participation in care tasks, examining associations with …


Effects Of Working From Home Job Satisfaction, Productivity, Employee Retention: A Systematic Review, Tricia Nwokocha, Emmanuella Anucha Sep 2025

Effects Of Working From Home Job Satisfaction, Productivity, Employee Retention: A Systematic Review, Tricia Nwokocha, Emmanuella Anucha

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

PICO Question: Does working from home, as opposed to traditional office-based work, affect employees’ job satisfaction, productivity, and retention globally?

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this review is to align SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)/SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) to examine the impact of working from home on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.

Background: Telecommuting across industries has become a prevalent practice, driven by changing dynamics of the workplace and technological advancement of the office. While telecommuteing offers work-life balance and flexibility, its effects on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention remain unexplored, especially in relation …


The Influence Of Sdoh On Symptoms, Symptom Management, And Outcomes In Cardio-Oncology Patients, Cheongin Rachel Im, Julie A. Zuniga, Kavita Radhakrishnan Sep 2025

The Influence Of Sdoh On Symptoms, Symptom Management, And Outcomes In Cardio-Oncology Patients, Cheongin Rachel Im, Julie A. Zuniga, Kavita Radhakrishnan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Cardio-oncology focuses on comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout their cancer journey1. When cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) coexist in the same individual, the overlapping symptoms intensify the challenges in managing cardio-oncology symptoms and impacting health outcomes2,3. Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in influencing cancer and CVD symptoms, symptom management, and outcomes4. Health outcomes across cancer and CVD are substantially impacted by disparities in environment and healthcare systems5. Notably, gaps in utilization and access to cardio-oncology care services are especially pressing in regions where essential healthcare systems are limited, contributing …


A Scoping Review On Childhood Immunization Reminder Strategies Available To Parents In North America, Matilda Anim-Larbi, Vivian Puplampu, Sithokozile Maposa, Akram Mahani, Mary Chipanshi Sep 2025

A Scoping Review On Childhood Immunization Reminder Strategies Available To Parents In North America, Matilda Anim-Larbi, Vivian Puplampu, Sithokozile Maposa, Akram Mahani, Mary Chipanshi

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: The scoping review protocol will be used to map out the immunization reminder strategies for parents’ literature to identify the effectiveness of these approaches in improving childhood vaccination uptake.

Introduction: Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to cause morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of childhood immunizations1,2, with recent media alerts showing a surge of common childhood vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles3. Parents can play a pivotal role in ensuring their children receive vaccinations when due4,5,6. However, effective immunization reminders could assist parents who forget or miss the immunization schedules for their children.

Inclusion criteria: The review …


Assessing And Addressing Distress For Informal Caregivers Caring For Oncology Patients, Megan Bridget Murphy Sep 2025

Assessing And Addressing Distress For Informal Caregivers Caring For Oncology Patients, Megan Bridget Murphy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Distress clearly impacts cancer patients, but it also impacts their loved ones, their informal caregivers (ICG). Not only do these ICGs experience distress, but ICGs often experience even more distress than patients receiving treatment (Amonoo et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Despite the prevalence of ICG distress, they are often not screened for distress or provided resources to help them cope (Nightingale et al., 2024).

Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of implementing a distress screening tool for informal caregivers in an outpatient regional cancer system. Distress levels of ICGs will be noted in …


The Focus Of Emotional Intelligence For Educators And Staff Within Professional Development, Meagan Hardy, Noelle Taylor, Jennifer Goodman Sep 2025

The Focus Of Emotional Intelligence For Educators And Staff Within Professional Development, Meagan Hardy, Noelle Taylor, Jennifer Goodman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been defined as having the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage emotions (Bru-Luna et al., 2021). Research suggests that by incorporating EI into professional development for nurse educators, nurses, and staff, will influence the health and wellness advances in both patient care and nurse wellness. An increase in EI increases the ability to cope, prevent burnout, maintain nurse retention, increase job satisfaction, and deliver quality care with improved patient outcomes (Chikobvu & Harunavamwe, 2022; Maillet & Read, 2024). Burnout has been a common, longtime problem in nursing. From new graduate nurses entering the field to …


Using Ai To Demonstrate Difficult Conversations With Patients, Family Members, And Nursing Students, Jacqueline Patricia Johnston, Edwin-Nikko Roxas Kabigting, Kattiria M. Rosario-Gonzalez Sep 2025

Using Ai To Demonstrate Difficult Conversations With Patients, Family Members, And Nursing Students, Jacqueline Patricia Johnston, Edwin-Nikko Roxas Kabigting, Kattiria M. Rosario-Gonzalez

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 's rapid growth in higher education generates excitement and concerns among educators (Lane et al., 2024). This shift towards AI is pervasive in healthcare (Glauberman et al., 2023), allowing educators to develop innovative methods throughout the curriculum (Buchanan et al., 2021). The introduction and implementation of AI within undergraduate education can be engaging and a new pedagogical approach to capturing an audience that emerged with technology. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the use of an AI platform to interact with students in virtual reality on how to conduct difficult conversations with patients and/or …


The Experience Of A Medicalized Hotel Due To Covid-19, Ariadna Barta, Marta Cervera, Joan Escarrabill, Eva Palou, Anna Carbonell, Georgia Narsavage, Faust Feu, Carmen Hernandez Sep 2025

The Experience Of A Medicalized Hotel Due To Covid-19, Ariadna Barta, Marta Cervera, Joan Escarrabill, Eva Palou, Anna Carbonell, Georgia Narsavage, Faust Feu, Carmen Hernandez

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The emerging pandemic(1) caused by the rapid spread of the new coronavirus Covid-19 required urgent reorganization to respond to care demands of patients with this new disease(2-4). In Spain, nurses were key contributors to providing out of hospital care. Transforming a hotel into a medical setting was an innovative idea that was able to provide integrated nursing and quality health care for patients recovering from Covid-19(5,8,9).

Purpose: To examine the experiences and perceived care of patients admitted to a Medicalized Hotel (MH) for Covid-19, from March 25 and May 15, 2020, by asking them …


Creating Impact Through Training: A Train-The-Trainer Model For Nurse Preceptor Education, Elizabeth L. Woods, Desiree Mullis Clement, Jeannie Weston, Quyen Phan Sep 2025

Creating Impact Through Training: A Train-The-Trainer Model For Nurse Preceptor Education, Elizabeth L. Woods, Desiree Mullis Clement, Jeannie Weston, Quyen Phan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The Academy for Clinical Instructor and Preceptor Excellence in the Southeast (CAPES), funded by a $3.9 million HRSA grant, addresses critical gaps in nursing education by training clinical nursing faculty and preceptors to support nurse education among nurses in underserved areas. CAPES is an innovative approach to workforce development, targeting health professional shortage areas in HHS Region IV. This presentation will showcase the creation of a train-the-trainer (TTT) program designed to offer an evidence-based curriculum that trained nurse preceptors can use to educate others within their organizations.

A Train the Trainer (TTT) program is an educational approach where experienced instructors …


Developing A Diverse Mindfulness Course For The Elderly In The Community- A Modified Delphi Study, Yu-Rung Wang, Chia-Hsiu Chang Sep 2025

Developing A Diverse Mindfulness Course For The Elderly In The Community- A Modified Delphi Study, Yu-Rung Wang, Chia-Hsiu Chang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: As Taiwan is about to enter a super-aged society, the research team has found in previous studies that improving the psychological aspects of older people will contribute to promoting healthy aging. There is existing evidence indicating that interventional mindfulness courses are effective in enhancing self-awareness and well-being among older adults. However, there are still no relevant theory-based mindfulness courses for older people in Taiwan. Therefore, this study aims to use the modified Delphi method to develop mindfulness courses for older adults in the community.

Methods: We developed the mindfulness curriculum through literature review, combine a course outline by integrating …


Effects Of An App-Based Walking Program On Weight Management In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Youngjin Lee, Da-In Park, Saemi Kang, Da Bit Lee Sep 2025

Effects Of An App-Based Walking Program On Weight Management In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Youngjin Lee, Da-In Park, Saemi Kang, Da Bit Lee

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The global rise in obesity, driven by high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles, has become a significant public health issue. Simultaneously, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing. Obesity in IBD patients exacerbates symptoms, interferes with treatment and leads to additional complications. As a result, managing weight loss and preventing obesity are crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile app-based walking program for obese IBD patients at a clinical IBD center. The primary outcomes measured were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass.

Methods: This study was …


Effects Of Continuing Nursing Care For Patients With Total Laryngectomy: Rct, Kumiko Kotake, Kaori Haba, Mami Kurita, Kazuyo Iwanaga, Yoko Ishibashi, Aya Takahashi, Ichiro Kai, Yoshimi Suzukamo, Yoriko Hara, Ichiro Ota, Hiroyuki Uemura Sep 2025

Effects Of Continuing Nursing Care For Patients With Total Laryngectomy: Rct, Kumiko Kotake, Kaori Haba, Mami Kurita, Kazuyo Iwanaga, Yoko Ishibashi, Aya Takahashi, Ichiro Kai, Yoshimi Suzukamo, Yoriko Hara, Ichiro Ota, Hiroyuki Uemura

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: The objective of the study was to clarify whether informational/psychological nursing intervention could improve the quality of life of laryngectomized patients 3 months after hospital discharge compared to the provision of information only, and to examine whether the nursing intervention could continue to improve the quality of life at twelve months after discharge.

Methods: Randomization was performed according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Hospitalized pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients who underwent laryngectomy had agreed to participate in the study.
They were randomly assigned to two groups: we offered relevant information including the distribution and conducted interviews on …


Enhancing Pediatric Nurses' Competency In Assessing Difficult Intravenous Access In Central Taiwan, Chieh Yu Lin, Wan Ting Wu Sep 2025

Enhancing Pediatric Nurses' Competency In Assessing Difficult Intravenous Access In Central Taiwan, Chieh Yu Lin, Wan Ting Wu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: Peripheral intravenous (IV) access is a routine yet challenging procedure in pediatric settings, as children are particularly prone to difficult venous access. Multiple puncture attempts can elevate a child’s pain and fear and increase family anxiety, potentially leading to mistrust in nursing staff. In central Taiwan, this study evaluated the effectiveness of the Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) scale in enhancing pediatric nurses' ability to assess and manage difficult IV access. We aimed to improve insertion success rates, reduce family complaints, and foster family trust.

Methods: From February 2023 to September 2024, the “DIVA Scale Execution Accuracy” was set as …


Network Analysis Of Behavioral Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia Among Older Adults With Dementia, Eunhee Cho, Sanga Lee, Sinwoo Hwang, Jungwon Cho, Minhee Yang, Eunkyo Kim Sep 2025

Network Analysis Of Behavioral Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia Among Older Adults With Dementia, Eunhee Cho, Sanga Lee, Sinwoo Hwang, Jungwon Cho, Minhee Yang, Eunkyo Kim

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and objectives: Older adults with dementia frequently experience a variety of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which significantly diminish their quality of life, impose a heavy burden on their caregivers, and present major challenges for healthcare professionals in managing them. This study aimed to investigate BPSD in older adults with dementia through network analysis and to explore gender differences in symptom manifestation.

Research design and Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using datasets from two previous studies by the research team. This study included data from 213 older adults with dementia aged 60 and older. BPSD …


Public Views On Violence Towards Clinicians, Ilya Kagan, Gillie Gabay, Sigal Shafran Tikva Sep 2025

Public Views On Violence Towards Clinicians, Ilya Kagan, Gillie Gabay, Sigal Shafran Tikva

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patient-perpetrated violence (PPV) against clinicians is a significant global concern that affects both the safety and well-being of clinicians. Despite abundant research into the negative impact on safety and quality of care, studies exploring public perceptions of PPV remain scarce. This study aimed to examine public perceptions of PPV against clinicians, focusing on the perceived prevalence of the phenomenon and public support for preventive and punitive measures.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey collected data from 1,375 Israelis, who rated the frequency of PPV incidents and their support for intervention strategies. Descriptive statistics were used to test the distribution of …


”I Want You To Be Superior To Others!” - Parents’ Experience Of Using Tcm Remedies For Their Teenagers, Ching-Yu Chan, Jun-Dai Lin Sep 2025

”I Want You To Be Superior To Others!” - Parents’ Experience Of Using Tcm Remedies For Their Teenagers, Ching-Yu Chan, Jun-Dai Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of parents in regarding providing the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies that promotes the height growth for adolescent children.

Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach, interviewed parents of children aged 10–20 who were in pre-adolescence or adolescence and have experience using " TCM growth-promoting remedies." One-on-one, in-depth interviews were conducted to capture their experiences. The interview content was transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: A total of 10 parents were interviewed in this study, with an average age of 45±4 years, and the age at …


Service Skills And Needs Of Older Volunteers In The Community Care Centers, Li-Ching Yang, Kuei-Min Chen Sep 2025

Service Skills And Needs Of Older Volunteers In The Community Care Centers, Li-Ching Yang, Kuei-Min Chen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Considering Taiwan’s impending shift toward becoming a super aged society (National Development Council, 2020), active involvement in volunteer work is identified as a means to facilitate active aging (Hsu et al., 2019; Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2021), enhance social participation, and sustain the mental and physical well-being of older adults (Hsu et al., 2019; Li & Hsieh, 2020; Wu & Tsai, 2021). However, Existing volunteer training programs lack pretraining assessments to gauge preparedness for the challenges faced by frontline care providers.

Purpose: To identify the demographic characteristics, service skills and needs of older volunteers and investigate the influences …


Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa Sep 2025

Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally and is marked by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, decreased brain pH, disrupted metabolism, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and are critically involved in the progression of AD. While microglia can initiate protective immune responses to injury and disease, dysregulated microglial metabolism may contribute to the exacerbation of Alzheimer's pathology. To investigate potential therapeutic strategies, we developed an agent-based model simulating the effects of exercise and metabolic enhancement on dysfunctional microglia. Our findings suggest that …


Slc1a5 As A Prognostic Biomarker: Insights From Transcriptomic And Clinical Data In Cervical Cancer, Veronica O'Brien, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Murali Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chauhan Sep 2025

Slc1a5 As A Prognostic Biomarker: Insights From Transcriptomic And Clinical Data In Cervical Cancer, Veronica O'Brien, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Murali Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Cervical cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by high-risk strains of the HPV virus. HPV upregulates oncoproteins E6 and E7, disrupting p53 and pRb functions. Several databases, including the Human Genome Atlas, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, and COSMIC show increased SLC1A5 expression in cervical cancer. SLC1A5, also known as the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter, is a major transporter of glutamine and is found on the cell membrane. Our goal is to investigate the role of SLC1A5 in cervical cancer.

Methods: SLC1A5 mRNA expression in cervical cancer was examined using the …


The Interplay Of Cytokine Expression, Cardiac Phenotype, And Heritability In Cardiovascular Health In Mexican Americans., Veronica O'Brien, Ana Leandro, Marcio Almeida, John Blangero, Joanne Curran Sep 2025

The Interplay Of Cytokine Expression, Cardiac Phenotype, And Heritability In Cardiovascular Health In Mexican Americans., Veronica O'Brien, Ana Leandro, Marcio Almeida, John Blangero, Joanne Curran

Research Colloquium

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the Hispanic population has a significantly higher risk of developing CVD. In this study, we measured plasma cytokine levels, lipidomic data, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in individuals from the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS). Statistical analysis was implemented to determine the heritability, the correlation between cytokine expression and cardiac phenotype and lipid and cardiac phenotype.

Methods: We analyzed frozen plasma samples from 254 participants using the MILLIPLEX Human Cytokine/Chemokine/Growth Factor Panel A Magnetic Bead Panel. The panel included GM-CSF, IFNg, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, …


Ybx1-Mediated Activation Of Srebp2 Drives Sorafenib Resistance Via Cholesterol Biosynthesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Shaibir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Manish Tripathi Sep 2025

Ybx1-Mediated Activation Of Srebp2 Drives Sorafenib Resistance Via Cholesterol Biosynthesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Shaibir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Manish Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive, largely chemo-resistant cancer with a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, there is no effective systemic chemotherapy for HCC. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor commonly used as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, acquired drug resistance significantly limits its clinical effectiveness. The Y-box binding protein (YBX1) is an oncogenic RNA-binding protein found to be upregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues.

Methods: HCC model SK Hep1, YBX1 overexpression, and knockdown cells were prepared by transient transfection with puromycin selection, and stable cell lines were established through …


Ocular Blood Flow And Retinal Vascular Reactivity In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review Of Retinal Images, Tori Sayers, Alexa Nichols, Amin Ibrahim, Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo Sep 2025

Ocular Blood Flow And Retinal Vascular Reactivity In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review Of Retinal Images, Tori Sayers, Alexa Nichols, Amin Ibrahim, Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo

Research Colloquium

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States1. Research efforts aim to identify pathological changes that may help support earlier detection of AD and lead to more accessible tools for monitoring disease progression2. The retina is being explored as a potential non-invasive marker of AD, reflecting the shared embryology and microvasculature features between the retina and the brain. Although research has focused on structural changes in retinal vessel diameters and density, few studies have evaluated functional markers of retinal …


The Role Of Exosomes In Diagnosis And Therapy Of Pancreatic Cancer, Theresa M. Biju, Anika Doppalapudi, Daniel Zubieta, Rajasekhar Baru, Fnu Shabnam, Murali M. Yallapu, Mohammed Sikander, Subhash C. Chauhan Sep 2025

The Role Of Exosomes In Diagnosis And Therapy Of Pancreatic Cancer, Theresa M. Biju, Anika Doppalapudi, Daniel Zubieta, Rajasekhar Baru, Fnu Shabnam, Murali M. Yallapu, Mohammed Sikander, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer and is predicted to affect 67,440 people globally in 2025. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is almost synonymous with mortality due to late diagnosis. CA 19-9, the only FDA approved biomarker currently used to diagnose pancreatic cancer, has low sensitivity and specificity at the earlier stage of cancer presentation. Due to the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer in combination with the lack of identifiable markers, the need to develop new markers specific to pancreatic cancer is highly pertinent. Exosomes are extracellular vehicles that have been utilized by cancer cells …


Evaluating Sglt2-Inhibitor Prescribing In Hospitalized Congestive Heart Failure Patients At A Community Teaching Hospital, Duc Khiem Ngo, Tejaswini Swamy, Carlos Alejos Aguero, Sobia Hassan Memon, Laura E. Garcia, Carlos Ramos Sep 2025

Evaluating Sglt2-Inhibitor Prescribing In Hospitalized Congestive Heart Failure Patients At A Community Teaching Hospital, Duc Khiem Ngo, Tejaswini Swamy, Carlos Alejos Aguero, Sobia Hassan Memon, Laura E. Garcia, Carlos Ramos

Research Colloquium

Background: Heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide, particularly in underserved populations. Effective, evidence-based management is crucial to halting disease progression, reducing hospital readmissions, and enhancing quality of life. SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefit in heart failure with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction, regardless of diabetes status. Despite strong guideline support, real-world prescription rates remain suboptimal. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate current prescribing patterns of SGLT2 inhibitors in hospitalized CHF patients at Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC), identify documentation gaps and barriers, and assess internal medicine residents’ …


Segmenting The Flour Beetle: Rnai Probes Into Embryonic Gene Function In Tribolium Castaneum, Sydney Do, J. Garcia, Ezzat El-Sherif Sep 2025

Segmenting The Flour Beetle: Rnai Probes Into Embryonic Gene Function In Tribolium Castaneum, Sydney Do, J. Garcia, Ezzat El-Sherif

Research Colloquium

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) silences specific gene expression through the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In Tribolium castaneum, RNAi enables precise manipulation of gene activity, allowing researchers to study developmental processes and genetic interactions across all life stages. dsRNA is processed by ribonucleases into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs), which are recruited by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which targets and degrades specific mRNA molecules, allowing the observation of loss-of-function phenotypes.

T. castaneum offers advantages as a model for RNAi studies, including a fully annotated genome, a strong RNAi response, ease of application, and gene expression dynamics …


Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis In A Non-Asian Male: A Case Report, Stephen M. Garcia, Ruben Martinez Meza, Aun A. Bangash, Blake C. Martin, Jose Campo Maldonado Sep 2025

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis In A Non-Asian Male: A Case Report, Stephen M. Garcia, Ruben Martinez Meza, Aun A. Bangash, Blake C. Martin, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, typically affecting adult males of Asian descent. Excess thyroid hormone increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity in skeletal muscle, resulting in a sudden and profound intracellular shift of potassium that leads to acute muscle weakness. Although uncommon in other populations, early recognition of TPP in atypical demographics is crucial to prevent serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Simple, albeit careful, management for these patients includes IV or oral potassium supplementation with nonselective beta-blockers, which rapidly improves patients' clinical status and resolves hypokalemia. Definitive therapy/prevention of TTP is maintaining a …


Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Masquerading As Refractory Community-Acquired Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Adult: A Diagnostic Imperative, Stephen M. Garcia, Blake C. Martin, Aun A. Bangash, Gesler Madhere, Mathew Peynado, Jose Campo Maldonado Sep 2025

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Masquerading As Refractory Community-Acquired Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Adult: A Diagnostic Imperative, Stephen M. Garcia, Blake C. Martin, Aun A. Bangash, Gesler Madhere, Mathew Peynado, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent and often treatable cause of respiratory failure. However, in cases where patients fail to demonstrate clinical improvement, clinicians must reevaluate the initial diagnosis. A key diagnostic pitfall is the failure to identify noninfectious mimics such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), which presents with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), which also manifests in other etiologies such as microscopic polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Prompt recognition and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy is critical for improving clinical outcomes and ultimately decreasing mortality or long-term pulmonary sequelae.

Case Presentation: A previously healthy 35-year-old male …


Interlink Between Genomics By Gtex Portal And Gut Microbiome In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sriya Gullapalli, Nina Mourao, Tori Sayers, Lois Baldado, Megan W. Szobody, Arjun Bellamkonda, Blake C. Martin, Kory D. Punch, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Miguel Quintanilla, Bethany Woolman, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad Sep 2025

Interlink Between Genomics By Gtex Portal And Gut Microbiome In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sriya Gullapalli, Nina Mourao, Tori Sayers, Lois Baldado, Megan W. Szobody, Arjun Bellamkonda, Blake C. Martin, Kory D. Punch, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Miguel Quintanilla, Bethany Woolman, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors, social deficits, and highly restrictive sensory patterns which results from aberrant early-life central nervous system functioning. While ASD has been traditionally associated with molecular genetic alterations, emerging evidence underscores the role of environmental elements. In fact, pathologic genetic variations of key regulator genes coupled with environmental factors, such as: advanced maternal age, poor maternal health during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and altered gut microbiome and/or secondary environmental challenges to the offspring in early childhood have all been attributed to increased risk of developing ASD. In efforts to …


Improving Outcomes In Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: The Integration Of Wearable Technology And Ai-Driven Analysis, Sophia Moon, Melissa Cruz, Pad Renga Sep 2025

Improving Outcomes In Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: The Integration Of Wearable Technology And Ai-Driven Analysis, Sophia Moon, Melissa Cruz, Pad Renga

Research Colloquium

Background: Wearable devices such as biosensors and smartwatches have demonstrated clinical utility in arrhythmia detection in adult populations, but their integration into pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) care remains limited. Despite advances in CHD management, challenges persist in the timely identification of arrhythmias in children. The use of wearables in pediatrics is constrained by research gaps, adherence issues, and complex data interpretation. Traditional tools like Holter monitors and event recorders face limitations in detecting intermittent arrhythmias and ensuring compliance. These devices cannot leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance ECG interpretation. This study analysis evaluates the potential …