Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Infant Car Seat Safety Education And Confidence Measure For Maternal-Child Nursing Students, Mariah A. Arnett

Honors College Theses

Studies have shown that nursing students experience a greater-than-normal amount of anxiety and decreased clinical confidence when in settings involving infants and children, which is said to have a negative impact on the learning experience (Lassche, 2013; Moscaritolo, 2009). Patient education is a vital aspect of nursing, but one that the student nurse may not feel comfortable taking part in, either because of their lack of nursing experience or because of a lack of experience with infants and infant safety (Potter, 2020; Lassche, 2013). This project attempts to assess for a change in clinical confidence after providing a subject specific …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Epigenetic Clocks Reveals Associations Between Disproportionate Biological Ageing And Hippocampal Volume, Lidija Milicic, Michael Vacher, Tenielle Porter, Vincent Doré, Samantha C. Burnham, Pierrick Bourgeat, Rosita Shishegar, James Doecke, Nicola J. Armstrong, Rick Tankard, Paul Maruff, Colin L. Masters, Christopher C. Rowe, Victor L. Villemagne, Simon M. Laws, Alzheimer’S Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Australian Imaging Biomarkers And Lifestyle (Aibl) Study

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The concept of age acceleration, the difference between biological age and chronological age, is of growing interest, particularly with respect to age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Whilst studies have reported associations with AD risk and related phenotypes, there remains a lack of consensus on these associations. Here we aimed to comprehensively investigate the relationship between five recognised measures of age acceleration, based on DNA methylation patterns (DNAm age), and cross-sectional and longitudinal cognition and AD-related neuroimaging phenotypes (volumetric MRI and Amyloid-β PET) in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Significant …

Sleep Patterns & Sleep Problems Vary By Age In Children With Autism, Charles F Reynolds, Matthew Siegel, Briana Taylor

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2022

Adolescence is a time of increased vulnerability for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).1 • In non-ASD youth, sleep and circadian rhythms demonstrate marked changes during adolescence that delay the biological propensity for sleep.2 • In combination with early school start times, these agerelated changes in sleep and circadian rhythms result in insufficient sleep duration, circadian misalignment, daytime sleepiness, and numerous behavioral and psychiatric problems.3 • Age-related changes in sleep and circadian rhythms, and their relevance for behavioral and psychiatric health have not been examined in youth with ASD.

Promotion Of Covid-19 Va(X)Ccination In The Emergency Department-Procovaxed: Study Protocol For A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial., Robert M Rodriguez, Kelli O'Laughlin, Stephanie A Eucker, Anna Marie Chang, Kristin L. Rising, Graham Nichol, Alena Pauley, Hemal Kanzaria, Alexzandra Gentsch, Cindy Li, Herbie Duber, Jonathan Butler, Vidya Eswaran, Dave Glidden

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

Background: We conducted in-depth interviews to characterize reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in emergency department (ED) patients and developed messaging platforms that may address their concerns. In this trial, we seek to determine whether provision of these COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in EDs will be associated with greater COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in unvaccinated ED patients.

Methods: This is a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating our COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in seven hospital EDs (mix of academic, community, and safety-net EDs) in four US cities. Within each study site, we randomized 30 1-week periods to the intervention and 30 …

When "First, Do No Harm" Fails: A Restorative Justice Approach To Workgroup Harms In Healthcare, Pedro L. Flores

Dissertations

In healthcare, workgroup mistreatment is a pervasive problem that begins during medical education (medical and nursing school) and becomes embedded in the “hidden curriculum of professionalism,” which dissuades and even punishes learners for talking about abuse they witness. Furthermore, the mistreatment of healthcare providers (HCPs) pervades all disciplines in the healthcare delivery chain due to a combination of cultural factors, systemic pressures, dysfunctional hierarchies, and leadership’s tolerance of intimidating and disruptive behaviors. Not surprisingly, 18% of U.S. HCPs have left the medical field since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and burnout, stress, anxiety, and increased workloads have been identified …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Well-Being Of Healthcare Workers, Hannah Meissner

Honors Theses

The development of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, led to the spread of turmoil across the United States and further around the globe. With the virus creating uncertainty among the population, the evidence began to demonstrate that individuals could have devastating health effects, including death. Healthcare workers are among those who were on the frontlines in order to care for the infected, ultimately increasing their own chances of acquiring the virus and putting their health at risk. These workers have experienced a direct impact due to this exposure in the form of isolation, anxiety, depression, suicide, and sleep disturbances. With …

Racial Health And Productivity Inequalities In The United States, Elissia Vecere

Honors Theses

Across America, it is frequently seen that there are may differences by race in economic and social outcomes. This variability can be seen in judicial, social, and economic systems. The breakdown of economic systems presenting racial variability can be displayed via workplace statistics. There is a general discrepancy between the workplace statistics represented with Black and White employees. These differences frequently are blamed on the productivity and background education supplied by the employee upon being hired. However, the levels of variation across these two races varies minutely in comparison to the differences in wages supplied. When all factors are kept …

Food Retailers’ Perspectives On Pilot Program Strategies To Promote Healthy Eating In Snap Participants, Morgan Bahl Szczepaniak, Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, Ruth Litchfield, Sarah L. Francis

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Food retailers are key stakeholders in the development, implementation, and effectiveness of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nutrition pilot programs. Qualitative interviews were conducted to gather insight from food retailers regarding the feasibility of proposed strategies to improve food choices among SNAP participants. Two corporate and six local-level food retailer managers were identified for interviews based on SNAP participation, rural- urban code, and type of food retail settings in the selected counties. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed by four research team members, and themes were identified via consensus. Marketing, incentive, and disincentive program models were well-received, while restriction and stocking …

Evaluating Fidelity To The National Extension Dining With Diabetes Program: Challenges And Opportunities, Laura E. Balis, Bailey Houghtaling, Julie Harker Buck

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The objective of this study was to evaluate fidelity to the Dining with Diabetes (DWD) program. Data were gathered cross-sectionally in 2019 using class profile forms (i.e., checklists) containing items reflecting the core components of DWD: delivery personnel, curriculum, hands-on cooking, and goal setting. Fidelity was calculated as the proportion of core components completed as intended. Educators (N = 9) completed class profile forms for 10 complete DWD programs (i.e., all four classes). Fidelity to components of completed DWD programs and individual DWD classes was high (over 70% in each category). Overall, fidelity was high, and adaptations reported likely did …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 2, Julie Fox, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Meal Timing, Meal Frequency And Metabolic Syndrome, Fatema Alkhulaifi, Charles Darkoh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Individuals with metabolic syndrome have increased risk for developing health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Modifiable risk factors, such as exercise and diet, are key components in the prevention and control of metabolic syndrome. Specifically, dietary patterns and habits are extremely successful in controlling more than one of the metabolic syndrome risk factors. Meal timing and frequency have been associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions. However, there is limited evidence linking metabolic syndrome to meal timing and meal frequency. This review summarizes and discusses how meal timing and frequency impact metabolic outcomes in adults.

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of An On-Site Referral System To Increase Mammography Screening Compliance: Scoping Review, Piper Black, Elizabeth R. Upchurch, Ravina Patel, Vicki Chandler Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Early detection of breast cancer through routine mammography screenings has increased the 5-year survival rate to 99% for women with cancer in the localized stage (American Cancer Society, 2021). However, this survival rate is lessened amongst women in the rural population (Leung et al., 2014). This scoping review investigates health disparities to identify interventions that improve mammography rates for women residing in rural areas.

Methods A scoping review was performed using an exclusive search for peer-reviewed mammography and rural health sources. Search phrases included were, ('Mammogram screening in rural areas'), ('Health care disparities in rural areas'), ('Secondary prevention in …

Implementation Of Staff Training Curriculum Aimed At Improving Mds Coding In A Long-Term Care Setting, Maureen Burns, Emalee Driemeyer, Caitlin O'Toole, Eliana Scheett, Erin Sticha

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Minimum Data Set (MDS) is used in long-term care facilities to document resident’s information and assessments and to determine the resident’s eligibility to receive Medicare or Medicaid insurance coverage for treatment expenses while in the LTC facility. When reviewing the MDS, the facility identified inaccurate documentation of the resident’s functional mobility ambulating on the unit. This quality improvement project was undertaken to improve assessments, resident interventions, and documentation regarding functional mobility. Following literature review and chart audits, an educational intervention was implemented for nursing assistants to promote understanding of the MDS coding system when charting functional mobility on the unit. …

Outcomes Of Covid-19 Infection In Patients With Hematological Malignancies- A Multicenter Analysis From Pakistan, Adeeba Zaki, Salman Muhammad Soomar, Danish Hasan Khan, Hasan Shaharyar Sheikh, Raheel Iftikhar, Ayaz Mir, Zeba Aziz, Khadija Bano, Hafsa Naseer, Qamar Un-Nisa Chaudhry

Section of Haematology/Oncology

Purpose: COVID-19 infection resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to spread across the globe in early 2020. Patients with hematologic malignancies are supposed to have an increased risk of mortality from coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection. From Pakistan, we report the analysis of the outcome and interaction between patient demographics and tumor subtype and COVID-19 infection and hematological malignancy.
Patients and methods: This multicenter, retrospective study included adult patients with a history of histologically proven hematological malignancies who were tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR presented at the oncology department of 5 tertiary care hospitals …

Retrospective Genomics Highlights Changes In Genetic Composition Of Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) And Potential Loss Of A South-Eastern Australia Population, Alice Manuzzi, Belen Jiménez-Mena, Romina Henriques, Bonnie J Holmes, Julian Pepperell, Janette Edson, Mike B Bennett, Charlie Huveneers, Jennifer R Ovenden, Einar E Nielsen

Staff and Researcher Publications

Over the last century, many shark populations have declined, primarily due to overexploitation in commercial, artisanal and recreational fisheries. In addition, in some locations the use of shark control programs also has had an impact on shark numbers. Still, there is a general perception that populations of large ocean predators cover wide areas and therefore their diversity is less susceptible to local anthropogenic disturbance. Here we report on temporal genomic analyses of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) DNA samples that were collected from eastern Australia over the past century. Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci, we documented a significant change in …

Bis-Cinnamamide Derivatives As Ape/Ref-1 Inhibitors For The Treatment Of Human Melanoma, Razan Alhazmi, Shirley Tong, Shaban Darwish, Elina Khanjani, Bharti Khungar, Swati Chawla, Zhonghui Zheng, Richard Chamberlain, Keykavous Parang, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Human malignant melanoma exhibits imbalances in redox status, leading to activation of many redox-sensitive signaling pathways. APE/Ref-1 is a multifunctional protein that serves as a redox chaperone that regulates many nuclear transcription factors and is an important mechanism in cancer cell survival of oxidative stress. Previous studies showed that APE/Ref-1 is a potential druggable target for melanoma therapy. In this study, we synthesized a novel APE/Ref-1 inhibitor, bis-cinnamoyl-1,12-dodecamethylenediamine (2). In a xenograft mouse model, compound 2 treatment (5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the control group, with no significant systemic toxicity observed. We further synthesized compound …

A Combined Conduit-Bioactive Hydrogel Approach For Regeneration Of Transected Sciatic Nerves, Cheuk Sun Edwin Lai, Viridiana Leyva-Aranda, Victoria H Kong, Tania L Lopez-Silva, Adam C Farsheed, Carlo D Cristobal, Joseph W R Swain, Hyun Kyoung Lee, Jeffrey D Hartgerink

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Transected peripheral nerve injury (PNI) affects the quality of life of patients, which leads to socioeconomic burden. Despite the existence of autografts and commercially available nerve guidance conduits (NGCs), the complexity of peripheral nerve regeneration requires further research in bioengineered NGCs to improve surgical outcomes. In this work, we introduce multidomain peptide (MDP) hydrogels, as intraluminal fillers, into electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) conduits to bridge 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defects. The efficacy of treatment groups was evaluated by electromyography and gait analysis to determine their electrical and motor recovery. We then studied the samples' histomorphometry with immunofluorescence staining and automatic …

Clinical Diagnosis Of Metabolic Disorders Using Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling And Disease-Specific Networks Learned From Profiling Data, Lillian R Thistlethwaite, Xiqi Li, Lindsay C Burrage, Kevin Riehle, Joseph G Hacia, Nancy Braverman, Michael F Wangler, Marcus J Miller, Sarah H Elsea, Aleksandar Milosavljevic

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Untargeted metabolomics is a global molecular profiling technology that can be used to screen for inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Metabolite perturbations are evaluated based on current knowledge of specific metabolic pathway deficiencies, a manual diagnostic process that is qualitative, has limited scalability, and is not equipped to learn from accumulating clinical data. Our purpose was to improve upon manual diagnosis of IEMs in the clinic by developing novel computational methods for analyzing untargeted metabolomics data. We employed CTD, an automated computational diagnostic method that "connects the dots" between metabolite perturbations observed in individual metabolomics profiling data and modules identified …

Social Media Engagement Among Individuals With Depression Or Anxiety Disorder, Elizabeth Ayangunna, Gulzar Shah

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Background

With the increasing use of the Internet and its constant shaping of our perception of realities, knowing the consumer’s social media behavior can lead to the development of health interventions based on their preferred engagement pattern. This is particularly important for people with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorder who may have challenges getting support from familiar people due to the stigma associated with these conditions.

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the patterns of social media use and its correlates, including depression or anxiety disorder.

Methods

This study combined data from 4 …

Association Between Smoking And Child Mortality Rate In Georgia Counties., Kingsley A. Kalu, Ho-Jui Tung Dr

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Association between Smoking and Child Mortality Rate in Georgia Counties.

Background:

Despite the major advances in health care, child mortality is still a major concern in the United States and Georgia included. Studies have shown that smoking (especially secondhand smoke) can cause multiple health problems in children, including mortality.

Objective:

The study objective is to examine the association between smoking and child mortality rate in Georgia counties.

Methods:

This study used data from the 2021 County Health Rankings for Georgia State. The total number of counties analyzed in Georgia was 159. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were conducted to …

The Microbial Load On Used Disposable Face Masks: Exploring Sustainable Disinfection Methods, Clara Ray

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Face masks have become common-place in public settings since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with many people choosing to wear masks in order to mitigate the risk of becoming infected with viral or bacterial infections. Two of the most widely-available types of masks are cloth masks, which may be reused if cleaned properly, and disposable surgical masks. Despite the fact that surgical masks are intended for one-time use, many people chose to store and re-wear them. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in biological contamination on surgical face masks after daily wear and overnight …

How Stress Affects Hu Student Study Habits, Jamal Ghazi, Akeisha Belgrave

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

This project is meant to give people an in-depth analysis of

the average HU student's study habits.(Class Project)

Dietary Supplement Used Among Americans, Okiki Adegboro, Akeisha Belgrave

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

This project is to show the intake of vitamins before and after the pandemic among Americans. To get this information, I made a survey with a sample size of 100 people, and the questions that were asked were; "What is your gender?" Do you take vitamins? "How often do you take vitamins?" "Types of vitamins?" Age group? and "Did your use of vitamins grow due to the pandemic?. (Class Project)

Intra-Articular Buprenorphine In Horses, Gabriel Castro-Cuellar Dr

LSU Master's Theses

Opioid drugs have the potential of provide local analgesia in inflamed joints. To date, morphine is the only opioid that has been tested for intra-articular (IA) administration in horses. Having an alternative drug, other than morphine, could widen the therapeutic options, particularly in cases of drug shortages or inaccessibility to specific drugs. The work presented in this dissertation reports the cytotoxic effects of buprenorphine on cultured equine chondrocytes, and the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and analgesic effects, of IA administered buprenorphine in horses with experimentally induced synovitis.

To evaluate the potential cytotoxic effects on equine cartilage, chondrocytes were obtained from normal equine …

Public Health Interventions For Children Of Incarcerated Parents, Daniel Bullman

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

The impact of social and structural determinants of health have lifelong consequences on an individual’s quality of life. Literature focusing on child health and wellbeing of incarcerated parents indicate significant negative health outcomes and adopted detrimental health behaviors. Using a systematic realist review, recent publications were reviewed for their potential discussion or recommendation for interventions in changing health outcomes. This review found that additional research is needed in identifying and testing potential interventions or determining if parallel public health initiatives have had positive impacts in promoting the health behavior change process for children and adolescents of incarcerated parents.

Sickle Cell Anemia, Gabriel Donahoe, Maurice Lopez-Soliz, Bernardo Mesa

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Our project will discuss the genetic causes and effects of Sickle Cell Anemia. (Class Project)

The Use Of Essential Oils Towards The Eradication Of Streptococcus Mutans, Alicia Browne, Akeisha Belgrave

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Essential oils have widely been regarded as a natural and safe alternative to many health issues. With the increased demand for natural remedies to our ailments, essential oils makes the perfect remedy to rid plaque. (Independent Research)

Point Of Care Devices, Oluwatomilola Taiwo, Leena Pattarkine

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

A point of care device is a portable and/or compact device that allows for patient testing by the area of patient care (e.g., bedside) or generally within the proximity of the patient; this allows for decision making that can lead to an improvement of patient health outcomes. (Class Project)

Gene Therapy And Biomedical Applications, Sarah Dundore, Leena Pattarkine

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Gene therapy has many uses today through the new treatment options and its potential to treat uncurable diseases. (Class Project)

Polydactyly In Cats, Rosa Benson, Cassie Morris, Leaha Mancuso, Bernardo Mesa

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Polydactyly is a genetic condition in which a cat is born with more than the typical number of toes. It is a dominant genetic mutation and is fairly common in cats. (Class Project)