Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Addressing Critical Care Nurse Burnout, Julie Suarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Critical care nurses are at higher risk for developing burnout than nurses from other areas of clinical practice. If not addressed promptly, the problem of burnout can worsen, negatively affecting the healthcare provider, organization, and patient outcomes.

Context: Increased stress and burnout observed in the microsystem with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted consideration of ways to address the well-being of critical care nursing staff with targeted interventions that could be implemented quickly with readily available resources.

Interventions: The project aim was to reduce critical care nurse burnout scores through implementation of evidence-based strategies addressing participative management, camaraderie …

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-Ssrs) Inpatient Perinatal Clinical Pathway, Kristin M. Schoen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: The potential harm to women and infants due to untreated perinatal anxiety and mood disorders is both a patient safety and a public health concern. Studies show that mental health decline during the postpartum period is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both the mother and infant. The project aim was to utilize the initial screening of perinatal patients using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) as the baseline screening tool. The tool will help implement a standardized workflow for patients who screen low, moderate, or high, as this workflow had yet to be developed.

Context: In July …

Macrocyclic Immunoproteasome Inhibitors As A Potential Therapy For Alzheimer's Disease, Min Jae Lee, Deepak Bhattarai, Hyeryung Jang, Ahreum Baek, In Jun Yeo, Seongsoo Lee, Zachary Miller, Sukyeong Lee, Jin Tae Hong, Dong-Eun Kim, Wooin Lee, Kyung Bo Kim

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Previously, we reported that immunoproteasome (iP)-targeting linear peptide epoxyketones improve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a manner independent of amyloid β. However, these compounds' clinical prospect for AD is limited due to potential issues, such as poor brain penetration and metabolic instability. Here, we report the development of iP-selective macrocyclic peptide epoxyketones prepared by a ring-closing metathesis reaction between two terminal alkenes attached at the P2 and P3/P4 positions of linear counterparts. We show that a lead macrocyclic compound DB-60 (

Population Sequencing Data Reveal A Compendium Of Mutational Processes In Human Germline, Vladimir B. Seplyarskiy, Ruslan A. Soldatov, Evan Koch, Ryan J. Mcginty, Jakob M. Goldmann, Ryan D. Hernandez, Kathleen Barnes, Adolfo Correa, Esteban G. Burchard, John Blangero

School of Medicine Publications

Mechanistic processes underlying human germline mutations remain largely unknown.Variation in mutation rate and spectra along the genome is informative about the biological mechanisms. We statistically decompose this variation into separate processes using a blind source separation technique. The analysis of a large-scale whole genome sequencing dataset (TOPMed) reveals nine processes that explain the variation in mutation properties between loci. Seven of these processes lend themselves to a biological interpretation. One process is driven by bulky DNA lesions that resolve asymmetrically with respect to transcription and replication. Two processes independently track direction of replication fork and replication timing. We identify a …

Reporting Adherence To Resistance Training In Cancer Survivors And Their Partners: A Comparison Between Prescribed And Received Training Dose, Oliver Lumbad, Kerri Winters-Stone

McNair Symposium

Resistance training is increasingly recognized as a behavioral strategy that can negate the adverse effects of cancer treatment. The exercise prescriptions were derived from trial method reports which may not reflect the actual dose of exercise in relation to study outcomes. It is possible, therefore, that the dose of exercise necessary to evoke a particular benefit may differ from published recommendations. Purpose: To report exercise adherence and dose in a resistance training program for cancer survivors and their partners. Furthermore, we aim to assess tolerability, compliance, and strength outcomes by comparing received training volume. Methods: Preliminary data from 25 participants …

The Social Determinants Of Human Milk Banking: Impacts Of Demographic And Geographical Factors On Human Milk Donor Behavior, Zayba Z. Afshar, Claire Wheeler

McNair Symposium

Human milk banking is a vital source of milk for infants for a multitude of reasons. Many of which go to medically fragile infants in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The purpose of this study is to learn about how the social determinants of health and graphical factors affect human milk donor behavior through GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping to provide recommendations on how to improve overall donor participation. This research was conducted through a partnership with a local human milk bank accredited by HMBANA called Northwest Mothers Milk Bank (NWMMB) located in Tigard, OR. Demographic and geographic data was …

Exploring How Gentrification-Related Effects Impact The Health Of Older Black Adults, Ann Wachana, Holly Hinson

McNair Symposium

Black adults living in gentrifying neighborhoods experience cultural incongruence with new, often younger, high SES and White residents. In addition, older Black adults are losing deep ties to their neighborhood. This is a major loss to their social network and their sense of belonging within their own neighborhoods. Disruption of long-standing social ties can cause changes in mental health and raises concerns about gentrification’s potentially disruptive impact on cognitive health and the brain aging process. In order to learn more about the experience of older Black adults within a rapidly changing city, focus group discussions from the Sharing History through …

The Role Of Neighborhood And Social Determinants Of Health: Investigating Health-Related Social Needs Among The Portland Metropolitan Area In Oregon, Roselie Agulto, Bruce Goldberg

McNair Symposium

Intersecting factors of social determinants of health have a significant impact on both individual and community well-being, however, a growing body of research highlights disproportionate disparities among neighborhood locations. Accessible resources, clinics, programs, and other community infrastructure are some characteristics that promote a healthy local economy. Locations lacking these aspects are where concentrated areas of poverty are inclined to exist, which often, correlate to higher rates of basic needs and adverse health outcomes. As part of the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) project—a 5-year research study to bridge the gap between clinical and social providers to lower hospitalization and total cost …

Using Blood Biomarkers To Predict Traumatic Brain Injury, Rosol Hatim Mikail, Martin Schreiber

McNair Symposium

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical condition that needs a diagnosis to be treated. The neurological exam used for diagnosis is not able to detect all TBIs. Without a TBI diagnosis, a patient is not able to get the necessary medical care in time which could potentially lead to long-term brain damage and mortality. Some blood biomarkers have been investigated and found to have a correlation with TBI. Testing the blood is more accessible to diagnose TBI; this could connect the patient with further medical treatment when a TBI is suspected through the test. In this experiment, the …

Exploring The Impact Of Interpersonal Trust On Health Outcomes In Rapidly Gentrifying Neighborhoods In Portland, Oregon, Julie Ha, Yves Labissiere

McNair Symposium

Social determinants have been recognized to be significant factors contributing to the overall health outcomes of individuals. However, there is limited research on how these factors have directly impacted the mental and physical wellness of people in neighborhoods who are experiencing rapid gentrification. The objective of this study is to determine whether the level of interpersonal trust present between individuals in neighborhoods is associated with the mental and physical health outcomes among its residents. This quantitative study uses the Albina-Rockwood Neighborhood Promise Survey, which uses data from a random sample of families living in two rapidly gentrified neighborhoods in Portland, …

Efficacy Of Curcumin In Asthma: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis, Tabitha Grow, Adam Sadowski

McNair Symposium

Over 23 million people are affected by asthma in the United States and 262 million individuals globally. Asthma, if poorly controlled, is associated with significant morbidity as well as increased risk for mortality. Asthma involves several complex inflammatory pathways and processes including an increase in immune cell activation. Curcumin, the active constituent found in turmeric, has been studied in numerous in-vivo and in-vitro studies to generate anti-inflammatory effects in pulmonary diseases and, more recently, an increase in clinical data has become available. Since the most recent review assessing the role of curcumin in pulmonary disorders, additional clinical trials have been …

Ronald E. Mcnair Scholars Program Profiles And Abstracts 2021, Mcnair Scholars Program

McNair Symposium

This is the complete event program and provides presentation abstracts and biographies of McNair scholars and their mentors.

Triangulation And Finite Element Method For A Variational Problem Inspired By Medical Imaging, Tim Komperda, Enrico Au-Yeung

DePaul Discoveries

We implement the finite element method to solve a variational problem that is inspired by medical imaging. In our application, the domain of the image does not need to be a rectangle and can contain a cavity in the middle. The standard approach to solve a variational problem involves formulating the problem as a partial differential equation. Instead, we solve the variational problem directly, using only techniques available to anyone familiar with vector calculus. As part of the computation, we also explore how triangulation is a useful tool in the process.

Small Molecule Inhibitors Of Inflammatory Caspases-1, -4, And -5, Christopher D. Ahlers

DePaul Discoveries

Inflammatory caspases-1, -4, and -5 play critical roles in mediating the innate immune response to pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns. Caspase-1 produces the cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while caspases-4 and -5 activate the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome via the non-canonical pathway. Overactivation of these enzymes is associated with an increased risk for inflammatory diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) have been developed to attenuate the production of IL-1β, but unfavorable bioavailability and toxicity have provided an insurmountable barrier in clinical trials. This work is concerned with delivering an overview of current progress in the …

Correlation Effects On Intramolecular C-H...Oh And O-H...O Hydrogen Bond Interactions In Azelaic Acid: An Ab Initio Study, Sabina Kalata, Alina Huang, Ruben Parra

DePaul Discoveries

Electron correlation effects on both conventional, O-H…O, and nonconventional, C-H…O, intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in a selected azelaic acid folded conformation were evaluated ab initio using HF and MP2 methodologies. The relative strength of the hydrogen bonds was examined through different indicators derived from geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electron density along the hydrogen bond path. The HF method results in weaker O-H…O and C-H…O hydrogen bonds when compared with the corresponding results using the MP2 method. Additionally, the stability of the folded azelaic conformation is found to depend on the level of theory used. Accordingly, the zero-point corrected energies of …

Assessing Instrumental Weapons Violence Against Teachers, Elena Gonzalez Molina, Kailyn Bare, Kayleigh Zinter, Susan D. Mcmahon

DePaul Discoveries

Violence against teachers is a critical issue for learning communities. Among the most serious forms of harm include weapon violence. While there has been extensive research on weapon carrying and traditional weapon use within schools, there has been little investigation into instrumental weapon violence against teachers. The current study utilizes qualitative survey data to investigate contributing conditions related to teacher’s experiences of instrumental weapon’s violence through direct content analysis. Results from this study aim to expand our understanding of the nature and nuance of teacher-directed instrumental weapon violence.

Voices Of Change: Drivers Of Career Dedication To Health Equity Among Chicago-Area Health Professionals, Claire Sagartz, Elizabeth Bruce, Jessica Jerome

DePaul Discoveries

This study analyzed interviews with accomplished health equity advocates in the Chicagoland area, in order to determine the trends and relationships that influenced these health professionals to become involved in health equity. Early involvement with social justice and significant mentorship opportunities were both mentioned by the majority of participants as informing their career involvement in health equity. Prior studies of health professional’s involvement in health equity have advocated that one way to increase interest in health equity would be to increase medical school offerings in social justice issues. Our findings suggest that interventions introducing health equity at an early developmental …

Insignificant Impacts Of Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders On Chicago Air Quality, Adam W.T. Steffeck

DePaul Discoveries

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of air quality improvements around the world resulting from the stay-at-home orders were widespread. However, for Chicago, no significant air quality improvements occurred despite large reductions in private vehicle transportation due to the lack of commuters. The city of Chicago is a nexus for long-haul transportation by trucks and trains, which did not decrease during the pandemic. These transportation sources use mostly diesel fuel engines and emit NO_X, a precursor to tropospheric ozone, and PM_2.5, both of which are harmful air pollutants. Using open access EPA air quality …

Depaul Discoveries Volume 10 Cover Art, Nicolette Listenbee

DePaul Discoveries

No abstract provided.

Type 2 Diabetes And A Plant Based Diet, Adrian Brown

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic a few years ago when I was living in South Korea working as an English teacher. I, like many of the diabetics that I now take care of, said many of the same excuses that they tell me:

Patient: I heard that I might be pre-diabetic.

Nurse: You are on metformin and your morning glucose is in the 180s.

Patient: I’m not diabetic.

Nurse: You have peripheral neuropathy.

Patient: I watch what I eat. I’m ok.

Nurse: You have hypertension high cholesterol and don’t exercise.

I've said all over those things. But …

Current And Future Implications Of Covid-19 Among Youth Wheelchair Users: 24-Hour Activity Behavior, Ryan T. Conners, Lauren C. Bates, Patricia Pagan Lassalle, Gabriel Zieff, Paul N. Whitehead, Sandra Stevens, Lauren Killen, Robert Cochrum, Kathryn L. Rodebaugh, Mark Faghy, Lee Stoner

Human Performance and Sport Sciences faculty Research

Preventative measures taken worldwide to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 have had a tremendous impact on youth. Following social restrictions, youth with and without physical disabilities are engaging in less physical activity, more increased sedentary behavior, and poor sleep habits. Specifically, youth wheelchair users (YWU) are likely disproportionately affected by COVID- 19 and have a higher risk of contraction due to underlying comorbidities. While we cannot control all of the negative long-term implications of COVID-19 for YWU, participation in positive 24-h activity behaviors can decrease chronic disease risk and the likelihood of long-term complications resulting from infection. This commentary is …

Associations Of Hair Dye And Relaxer Use With Breast Tumor Clinicopathologic Features: Findings From The Women’S Circle Of Health Study, Rohan Rao, Jasmine A. Mcdonald, Emily Barrett, Patricia Greenberg, Dede K. Teteh, Susanne B. Montgomery, Bo Qin, Yong Lin, Chi-Chen Hong, Christine B. Ambrosone, Kitaw Demissie, Elisa V. Bandera, Adana A.M. Llanos

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Background

Building upon our earlier findings of significant associations between hair dye and relaxer use with increased breast cancer risk, we evaluated associations of select characteristics of use with breast tumor clinicopathology.

Methods

Using multivariable-adjusted models we examined the associations of interest in a case-only study of 2998 women with breast cancer, overall and stratified by race and estrogen receptor (ER) status, addressing multiple comparisons using Bonferroni correction.

Results

Compared to salon application of permanent hair dye, home kit and combination application (both salon and home kit application) were associated with increased odds of poorly differentiated tumors in the overall …

2021-08-11_Michigandaily_Covidmap, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Daily Michigan COVID-19 Update

The "WHERE WE STAND WITH COVID-19" map was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. Data was compiled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The information was updated daily at 3p.m., Monday - Saturday.

The State of Michigan is working around the clock to test and treat COVID-19 patients. Below is the most recent data healthcare experts across the state have compiled.

The image contained a map, indicating total cases by county, and also provides statistics on Total Confirmed Cases, Total COVID-19 Deaths, Daily Confirmed Cases, and Daily COVID-19 Deaths. There …

2021-08-11_Michiganoverview_Covidstats, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Cumulative Michigan COVID-19 Data

The COVID Overview page was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https:/www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-520743--,00.html.

The State of Michigan is working around the clock to test and treat COVID-19 patients. Below is the most recent data healthcare experts across the state have compiled. COVID case and testing data will be posted three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
This report is provisional and subject to change. City of Detroit and Wayne County are reported separately. MDHHS began tracking probable cases April 5, 2020. FCI indicates federal correctional institute. MDOC indicates Michigan Department of Corrections. Diagnostic tests, including nucleic acid amplification/real-time …

Environmental Influences On Pediatric Asthma: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health In Costa Rica, Katherine Huber

Theses and Graduate Projects

Pediatric asthma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. In Costa Rica, rates of childhood asthma are among the highest in the world. Many factors contribute to the rising prevalence of asthma, including increasing urbanization and westernization, indoor and outdoor air pollution, diet, and lifestyle. According to the WHO, air quality in Costa Rica is considered moderately unsafe, with a disproportionate exposure to air pollution in low-income urban areas. Social inequalities further contribute to the development and progression of asthma in Costa Rica. Children living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods have greater exposures to air …

The Art Of Emotional Intelligence: Decreasing Lateral Violence Among Nurses, Cheryl Ann Brugger

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nurses work in stressful and complex work environments and, unfortunately, can be subjected to lateral violence. Lateral violence is described as repetitive actions and behaviors of verbal and emotional abuse or acts of incivility from one nurse(s) to another on equal levels of the organizational structure; the behaviors are meant to threaten, harm, or intimidate. Nurses will not stay in an environment that is negative, hostile, and demoralizing; lateral violence can decrease nursing retention rates and increase turnover and job dissatisfaction. Nurses leaving the profession contributing to shortages, poor patient outcomes, and safety concerns. Enhancing nurses’ emotional intelligence may assist …

What Treatment And Prevention Options Are The Most Effective For Elbow, Knee, And Plantar Tendinopathies?, Cody Lawson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Objective: Tendinopathies of the upper and lower extremity are one of the most common injuries in athletes and non-athletes in the United States. This literature review aimed to determine the most effective preventions and treatments for patients with tendinopathies.

Methods: A literature search was conducted primarily through Google Scholar and PubMed, for articles related to effective preventions and treatments for tendinopathies.

Discussion: Based on the literature review, there were multiple effective treatments and preventative measures for tendinopathies in the upper and lower extremity. The most effective preventative measures consisted of risk factors, dynamic warmups, and prevention programs. Treatments were broken …

The Increasing Role Of Pragmatic Clinical Trials And Real-World Data In Healthcare Research, Julio A. Ramirez, Ruth Carrico

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Decoding The Roles Of Astrocytes And Hedgehog Signaling In Medulloblastoma, Terence Teixeira Duarte, Silvia Aparecida Teixeira, Luis Gonzalez-Reyes, Rui Manuel Reis

Publications and Research

The molecular evolution of medulloblastoma is more complex than previously imagined, as emerging evidence suggests that multiple interactions between the tumor cells and components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are important for tumor promotion and progression. The identification of several molecular networks within the TME, which interact with tumoral cells, has provided new clues to understand the tumorigenic roles of many TME components as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the most recent studies regarding the roles of astrocytes in supporting sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup medulloblastoma (MB) and provide an overview of MB progression through SHH …

2021-08-11_Michiganoverview_Covidbedppe, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Hospital Data

Contains the tables Statewide Hospital Capacity Report for COVID-19, COVID-19 Metrics, Statewide Hospital Available PPE Tracking for COVID-19, as well as the tables PPE Days On Hand and Patient Census.