Digital Commons Network^™

Optimization Of Post-Surgical Analgesia After Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy: An Opioid-Sparing, Steroid-Forward Approach, Blake Welker, Daniel Jensen, Aliza Elrod, John Dahl, Elizabeth Edmundson, David Williams, Meghan Tracy

Research Showcase

Problem Statement/Question: Can routine prescription opioid analgesics be safely eliminated from post-tonsillectomy care?

Background/Project Intent (Aim Statement): Safety concerns and abuse potential have led to calls to deemphasize opioids after pediatric adenotonsillectomy. More data is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of these efforts.

Methods (include PDSA cycles): A single-site multi-surgeon QI project involving 3 PDSA cycles. PDSA1 described baseline practice, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and either oxycodone or dexamethasone for patients over 5 years old. In PDSA2, upfront opioid prescriptions were eliminated for all patients under 12 years old. PDSA2 also included provider education and modification of the postoperative electronic …

Identifying Candidates For Field Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (E-Cpr) In Pediatric Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Review, Sherouk A. Abdelmoity, Lindsay Fick, Jenna Miller, Jennifer Flint

Research Showcase

Background

Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a high-mortality event, with survival to discharge consistently below 10%. Although extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) improves outcomes for in-hospital cardiac arrest, its application in the pre-hospital environment is not well defined for pediatrics. Identifying which pediatric patients might benefit from OHCA ECPR activation is essential for developing feasible pre hospital pediatric E-CPR systems. Preliminary analysis of applying  criteria for adult OHCA ECPR activation can provide a crucial next step in establishing feasibility and applicability for the pediatric patient population.

Methods

A single center retrospective review was conducted of pediatric OHCA cases presenting from …

Adults And Adolescents With High Intensity Neurologic Impairment Hospitalized At Children’S Hospitals, Charles Maloy, Matt Hall, Joanna Thomson, Jean-Baptist Lepichon, Hank T. Puls

Research Showcase

Background:

Children with high-intensity neurologic impairment (HINI) account for a sizeable proportion of inpatient resources. As survival into adulthood for children with medical complexity increases, children’s hospitals will likely admit adults with HINI. Understanding adult HINI hospitalization patterns is necessary to develop effective care strategies for this population.

Objective:

Compare characteristics of adults and adolescents with HINI hospitalized at children’s hospitals and describe hospital-level variation in hospitalizations for adults with HINI.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of hospitalizations for patients with HINI aged 12-29 years discharged from 43 children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System during 2022-24. …

Does Variation In Systemic Steroid Use Impact Outcomes In Preschoolers Hospitalized With Viral Respiratory Tract Infection?, Smit Shah, Kathyrn Kyler, Matt Hall, Megan M. Gubichuk, Jessica L. Markham

Research Showcase

Background: Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are a cornerstone of treatment for acute asthma exacerbation. However, the role of SCS in preschool-aged children hospitalized with viral respiratory tract infection (vRTI), including viral induced wheezing, remains uncertain. Clinical trials have reported conflicting results about the benefits of SCS in this population.

Objectives: To evaluate hospital-level variation in inpatient management of preschool-aged children admitted with vRTI and to compare clinical and utilization outcomes based on hospital-level SCS use.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children aged 24-59 months admitted to US children’s hospitals with vRTI from July 2022-July 2024 using the Pediatric …

Does A “True Bovine Arch” Exist? Prenatal Diagnosis Of A Unique Arch Anomaly In A Neonate With Absent Ductus Venosus, Mohamed Aashiq Abdul Ghayum, Jenna Schermerhorn, Laura Kuzava, Sanket Shah, Anmol Goyal

Research Showcase

Background: 

The origin of all head and neck vessels from a single aortic root, “True Bovine Arch” , is an extremely rare arch anomaly that has been rarely reported in literature.  

Objectives/Goal: 

The origin of all head and neck vessels from a single aortic root is an extremely rare arch anomaly that has been seldom reported in literature with no documented prenatal identification. A “true bovine arch” refers to a single arterial trunk off the aortic arch that trifurcates into both subclavian arteries and a common bi-carotid trunk - mirroring the configuration found in cattle. 

Methods/Design: 

A 28-year-old G2P1 woman …

Trend In Outcomes From Protocol Driven Hydration Strategy Following Bariatric Surgery And Potential For Improvement, Efua H. Bolouvi Md, Nadeen Alturki Mbchb, Jieun Lee Md, Shawn St. Peter Md

Research Showcase

Background: Bariatric surgeries are safe and effective in treating severe obesity in adolescents. Adequate hydration is essential for recovery. This study evaluates the efficacy of our institutional oral hydration goal protocol as a criteria for discharge and associated patient outcomes.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted from 2018 to 2025 on adolescents who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity. Our institutional protocol adherence for discharge based on a goal of 64oz of Bariatric diet was evaluated. Patients who had sleeve gastrectomy in combination with another major intra-abdominal procedure were excluded. Analysis was performed using IMB SPSS with …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Pediatric Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Resorption​, Sophia Rosen, Neena Patel, Amy Burleson, Jenna Sparks, Robin Onikul

Research Showcase

Abstract/introduction: Pre- eruptive intracoronal resorption (PEIR), also known as “pre-eruptive caries,” is a dental condition characterized by the resorption of dental tissue prior to the eruption of the tooth.¹ PIER is typically found adjacent to the dentin-enamel junction, within the occlusal dentin of the tooth.² PIER may be referred to as “occult” or hidden caries due to the presence of sound enamel and is often an incidental finding on routine radiographs.³ PEIR is often misinterpreted as traditional caries due to its radiographic appearance,³ however requires careful evaluation for determination of treatment and long term success. Case …

Impact Of Age On Growth, Readmission, And Malnutrition After Pediatric Feeding Tube Weaning, Minh H. Tran, Saiyara Baset, Lindsay R. Groh, Sarah T. Edwards, Kristina Nash, Amy Ricketts, Julianne Brogren, Ryan M. Thompson, Sarah Bullard, Rachel Graham, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Lori A. Erickson, Dana Bakula

Research Showcase

Background:

Feeding tube dependence in medically complex children is associated with feeding aversion, caregiver burden and stress, and increased healthcare utilization. Feeding tube weaning is an essential component of care for children who are tube-fed. The literature indicates that tube weaning protocols are largely successful, and younger children have the highest rate of success. However, there are few long-term studies of how well children can sustain their growth and avoid adverse events like hospitalizations following tube weaning. It is critical to understand long term risk following tube wean and identify which patients may need additional monitoring and support following successful …

Human Metapneumovirus Infection Of The Central Nervous System: In Vitro And In Vivo Models, Gage Greening, Joanna Yuen, Rebecca Mclennan, Eric S. Geanes, Santosh Khanal, Marc L. Herman, Brittany Hauger, Daniel A. Louiselle, Todd Bradley

Research Showcase

Certain respiratory viruses exhibit neurotropism, allowing them to invade the central nervous system (CNS) and induce neuroinflammation. Neurotropic respiratory viruses can lead to a variety of symptoms including encephalitis, seizures, and acute flaccid paralysis, among others. Recent research also suggests that even in non-severe cases, long-term neurological sequelae can persist. Despite the known association of these neurotropic respiratory viruses with short- and long-term neurological manifestations, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the basic mechanisms of neuropathogenesis that, if addressed, could provide a foundation for the development of prevention and treatment interventions. Previously, we established in vitro models of infection of …

Community-Based Participatory Research In Developing Online Nutrition Tools: A Pathway To Relevance And Engagement, Laura Justice, Stacy Phillips

EFNEP

This article explains how Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) can strengthen the design of digital nutrition tools by ensuring they are culturally relevant, accessible, and grounded in community needs. By engaging participants as equal partners, CBPR enhances trust, usability, and long-term impact. The approach aligns with EFNEP’s mission to deliver inclusive, community-driven nutrition education and provides a framework for developing sustainable, adaptable tools that reflect the lived experiences of the families Extension serves.

Note: Antitrust Law In Professional Sports: How Major League Baseball Has Continued Being The Exception To The Rule, Joey Martinez

ConLawNOW

This Note argues that baseball should be put on the same playing field as other professional sports leagues. It explores the legal anomaly of baseball’s antitrust exemption and argues that either the Supreme Court or Congress should remove the exemption to subject Major League Baseball to federal antitrust laws to increase competition in professional baseball and improve conditions in the minor leagues. The article traces the history of baseball’s hundred-year-old antitrust exemption and details how the federal courts and Congress have treated it, including recent attempts by Congress to repeal baseball’s exemption. It then compares baseball to other professional and …

The Intentional Inbox: Strategies For The Mindful Use Of Technology At Work, Joshua Miller

Staff Professional Development Week

CAPS’s Joshua Miller presents an interactive workshop designed to help Gallaudet staff consider how their focus and physical well-being are influenced by screens and technology, and vice versa. We will go through data/statistics regarding screen dependence and the chair-bound “health crisis.”

Through crowd polling/interaction, we will identify common, and often unconscious, tech habits - the “notification reflex,” “overuse,” etc - that drain our mental energy. We will explore potential interventions to achieve mindful (healthy) use of technology - digital/real-life boundaries, mico-breaks/self-care, perspective shifting/re-framing/reminders of “urgent or not,” etc.

The presentation/workshop concludes with an open discussion to share experiences, challenges, and …

Investigating Reactive Metabolite Burden Of Drugs Implicated In Adverse Drug Reactions, Priscilla Flores-Ascencio, Jennifer Goldman, Whitney M. Nolte, Robert T. Tessman, Nina K. Krbachian

Research Showcase

Background:

A commonly prescribed antibiotic, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), is associated with several idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions (IADRs) including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), drug induced liver injury (DILI), and life threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Because the mechanism of these reactions is poorly understood, failure to prevent harmful drug reactions persists. The nature of the reactive metabolite, where it is formed, and what it binds are likely contributing to these tissue specific IADR phenotypes.  The chemical structure of a reactive metabolite is not always predictive of reactivity. Quantitative methods to measure drug and metabolite reactivity are necessary to establish which …

Development Of In Vitro Assays To Study Hla Risk Alleles For Tmp-Smx Induced Iadrs, Nina K. Krbachian, Priscilla Flores-Ascencio, Robert T. Tessman, Whitney M. Nolte, Jennifer Goldman

Research Showcase

Background: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that can cause life-threatening but rare idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions (IADRs). The only identified biomarker is certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk alleles, such as B*07:02 and C*07:02 for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Additionally, B*14:01, B*35:01, and B*13:01 are known to cause tissue-specific reactions to TMP-SMX in certain populations. Other drugs have previously been shown to cause changes to peptides presented by HLAs, leading to T cell activation and immune responses. However, the link between IADR pathophysiology and HLA risk alleles for TMP-SMX or its metabolites is unknown.

Objectives/Goal: We aim …

Scleral Lens For Recurrent Corneal Ulcer In A Pediatric Patient With Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, Hannah Walleck, Christina Twardowski

Research Showcase

Background: A patient with chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) and resulting corneal scarring of the right eye presented for scleral contact lens fitting to aid with recurrent corneal ulcers. BKC is a chronic condition that begins with chalazia and blepharitis, leading to conjunctival hyperemia and corneal inflammation. BKC is considered a bilateral condition that can show asymmetry. The clinical signs can range from meibomian gland dysfunction and meibomitis to corneal infiltrates, vascularization, ulcers, and scarring.

Objectives/Goal: The patient had presented for recurrent BKC flare-ups that lead to repeat corneal ulcers. Previous treatment included prednisolone ophthalmic solution, erythromycin ointment, lid hygiene, warm compresses, …

An Exploration Of Productivity Measurement For Pediatric Inpatient Consultation-Liaison Psychology, Corinne Evans M.A., Casey Lawless Ph.D., Walker S. Mckinney Ph.D., Katherine Schwartzkopf Psyd, Marissa M. Dawson Psyd, Crystal Tracy M.S., Mallory Netz Ph.D., Carisa Parrish Ph.D.

Research Showcase

Background: There is an increasing need for accurate and efficient methods for measuring clinical productivity for psychologists in academic medical centers. Inpatient consultation-liaison (C/L) psychologists experience specific challenges with measuring productivity due to the scope of their job responsibilities and competing demands across patient care, teaching, mentorship/supervision, research, quality improvement, advocacy, and staff education and support. Existing productivity measurement systems, initially developed for medical physicians, are largely reliant on metrics related to billing and reimbursement, providing a poor fit for the work of C/L psychologists. Amid a national mental health crisis, the need for C/L psychologists to demonstrate their productivity …

Clinical Course Of A Previously Healthy Patient With Chronic Active Ebv Infection, Carina H. Perdew, Nikita S. Raje, Thao P. Le, Cody D. Shopper

Research Showcase

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of individuals worldwide. Acute EBV infection results in lifelong latent infection, but rarely causes chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection or immunodeficiency-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disease. There is no standard treatment approach, making the diagnosis and management of CAEBV challenging.

Objectives/Goal: Upon completion of this session, our aim is for audience members be able to discuss a rare complication of EBV infections and to better formulate management approaches for this multifaceted condition.

Methods/Design: Case Report

Results: A 15-year-old female with a history of atopic dermatitis, headaches, and secondary amenorrhea was hospitalized for persistent tachycardia and …

Antibiotic-Pathogen Concordance In Pediatric Complicated Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Makenna Steger Md, Marina Dantas Md, Mscr, Jessica Markham Md, Msc, Berina Karisik Do, Smit Shah Md, Ms, Alaina Burns Pharmd

Research Showcase

Background: Community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged 28 days to 5 years worldwide. A subset of patients develop complicated community-acquired pneumonia (cCAP)- defined as CAP with parapneumonic effusion, empyema, necrotizing pneumonia, or lung abscess.  These infections are associated with more severe illness, prolonged hospitalization, increased ICU utilization, invasive procedures, and broader antimicrobial exposure. Streptococcus pneumoniae, group A Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus (both methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant strains) are traditionally considered the most common bacterial pathogens in CAP. However, there is not comprehensive data on their prevalence in cCAP, as most sources …

Evaluation For Non-Accidental Trauma (Nat) And Bleeding Disorders In Infants Referred To Pediatric Hematology, Abbey Elsbernd, Shannon Carpenter, Lyndsey Hultman, James Anderst

Research Showcase

Background:

The most common presentation for both pediatric non-accidental trauma (NAT) and bleeding disorders is bruising. In non-mobile infants with bruising, NAT evaluation is recommended.

Objectives/Goal:

We aimed to assess complete evaluation for NAT in patients < 9 months of age presenting with bruising and/or bleeding to our pediatric hematology clinic, and frequency of diagnosis of NAT.

Methods/Design:

A single center retrospective chart review was performed on children < 9 months at time of evaluation referred to pediatric hematology from 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2025. Patients were eligible if their visit included ICD-10 diagnosis codes for bleeding and/or bruising, ICD-10 codes for bleeding disorders, ICD-10 codes for non-accidental trauma, or visit reason listed as bleeding and/or bruising. Patients were excluded if asymptomatic but seen due to family history, for follow-up from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or newborn nursery, or if they were presenting for another clinical reason. Demographics, symptoms, family history of bleeding disorders, bleeding disorder and/or NAT evaluation performed, and diagnoses of bleeding disorders and/or NAT were collected. NAT evaluation was deemed complete if the following were obtained: head imaging (computed tomography), skeletal survey, aspartate aminotransferase level (AST), and alanine aminotransferase level (ALT).

Results:

100 patients were identified, with 26 included. Most were excluded due to being asymptomatic with known family history or presenting for follow-up from the newborn nursery or NICU. 11 patients (42.3%) were diagnosed with NAT, and 7 patients (26.9%) were diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. 1 patient was diagnosed with both a …

A Case Of Rare Fetal Tachycardia, Tony Zunica, Maria Kiaffas, Hayley Hancock, Laura Schoeneberg, Emily Backes, Rita France, Zalie Landes

Research Showcase

Background:

Fetal ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an exceptionally rare diagnosis, comprising of 1-2% of fetal arrhythmias, and can precipitate fetal demise via heart failure, polyhydramnios, and nonimmune hydrops fetalis. We present a case of fetal ventricular tachycardia in a structurally normal heart associated with fetal cardiac dysfunction and atrioventricular valve insufficiency.

Case Description:

A 40-year-old G5P2 female was re-referred to fetal cardiology at 31 weeks gestational age (GA) due to concern of pathologic fetal tachycardia.  Family history was negative for cardiac disease or arrhythmias.  The fetus was initially evaluated by fetal echocardiography at 29 weeks GA due to maternal type …

High-Frequency And Conventional Ventilation In Vlbw Neonates During Interfacility Transport, Trevor Cabrera, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Emily Mcnellis

Research Showcase

Background: Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (≤1500 grams) transported across neonatal facilities often require advanced respiratory support, including high-frequency ventilation (HFV). While HFV use in this setting has increased, data evaluating its safety and efficacy in the VLBW population remain limited. We hypothesized that HFV will provide a safe modality to transport sick VLBW infants.

Objectives: To present a comparative experience of safety and efficacy of HFV and CV in VLBW neonates during interfacility transport.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed neonates ≤1500g who received invasive ventilation during interfacility transport by our transport team between January 2019 and December 2022. HFV …

Clonidine Dosing After Acute Pediatric Brain Injury, Bekah Spengler, Kim Hartman, Matt Mclaughlin

Research Showcase

Background: While numerous evidence-based neuropharmacologic treatments exist for managing acquired brain injury in adults, there is a lack of data on the use of medication in pediatric patients. One such medication is Clonidine, an alpha-2 agonist that acts centrally to decrease sympathetic outflow, brain edema, and agitation. There is limited literature on the indications and optimal dosing of Clonidine in pediatric brain injury.

Objectives/Goal: This study aims to explore the frequency of Clonidine use in pediatric patients with acute brain injury and to clarify the starting, therapeutic (maximum), and discharge doses.

Methods/Design: Retrospective chart review at a single pediatric tertiary …

The Impact Of Vanzacaftor/Tezacaftor/Deutivacaftor On Parent And Child Perceived Psychosocial Functioning In People With Cystic Fibrosis: A Single Center Experience, Ashley Severin, Stephanie Duehlmeyer, Ellen Meier, Mallory Netz

Research Showcase

Background:

(ETI) is a highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) for children with cystic fibrosis (CwCF). CwCF who are currently prescribed ETI are eligible to transition to vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor (VTD). While ETI is associated with improvement in health outcomes for most CwCF, there are emerging data regarding neuropsychiatric adverse events (NAEs). VTD is a once daily HEMT shown to be non-inferior to ETI with a similar safety profile, particularly concerning NAEs.

Objectives/Goal:

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of VTD on parent and child perceived psychosocial functioning and sleep for CwCF.

Methods/Design:

The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) is …

Microsoft 365+ Copilot, Adrian Rivera

Staff Professional Development Week

GTS’s Adrian Rivera explains how Microsoft 365 combined with Copilot gives Gallaudet staff powerful tools to work smarter, save time, and improve productivity across daily tasks. This workshop introduces how Copilot enhances familiar Microsoft 365 apps by using AI to simplify work and help staff stay organized.

Staff can also use Copilot to streamline workflows across Microsoft 365—organizing files, improving collaboration, and helping employees stay updated on new features and system changes. Copilot supports accessibility by offering clear explanations, step‐by‐step guidance, and tools that reduce manual work, making technology easier for all experience levels.

Accessible Publishing Assistant Position Description, Emily Hills

The Piedmont Publishing Symposium

No abstract provided.

Alternative Text Guidelines For Authors, Emily Hills

The Piedmont Publishing Symposium

No abstract provided.

Accessibility In Digital Publications, Ana Bichanich, Emily Hills, Corey Parson, Michelle Wallen

The Piedmont Publishing Symposium

Presented at the 2026 Piedmont Publishing Symposium.

May 20-21, 2026

Wofford University

A Quick Guide To Writing Image Descriptions For Comics And Graphic Novels, Emily Hills

The Piedmont Publishing Symposium

No abstract provided.

Intersectionality And Infertility: A Framework For Culturally Responsive Mental Health Counseling, Nouna Jalilzadeh

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Infertility affects approximately 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States, with 41–46% developing symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a prevalence substantially higher than in the general population. Because existing research and clinical literature predominantly focus on female infertility experiences, this article centers women while acknowledging that infertility profoundly impacts individuals across all gender identities. Despite this, mental health counselors frequently lack training in culturally responsive reproductive mental health care, leaving marginalized clients, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and rural residents without adequate support. This theoretical article applies intersectionality theory to …

Considering Consent: What We Can Learn From Bdsm, Jennie Pless, Kate A. Morrissey Stahl, Madison Reeves

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Consent is a pivotal, defining feature of BDSM. As such, much can be learned by examining conceptualizations of consent among those who engage in BDSM. Using a mixed methods approach, this study explores how 92 BDSM practitioners conceptualize and practice consent. Participants defined consent as an ongoing, enthusiastic, and voluntary agreement. We examine how BDSM practitioners ensure consent, educate others about consent, and handle consent violations. Findings include strategies for consent education and sexual assault prevention. This study highlights the importance of greater awareness and understanding of BDSM and consent.