Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Expedited Partner Therapy, Sutha M. Fernando

Cohort X

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, have reached record high rates in the United States. Sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect reproductive-aged males and females 15–44 years of age, who account for 65% and 42% of the total reported C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae cases, respectively. These infections are the most common treatable sexually transmitted infections in the United States. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to decrease the rates of recurrence of STIs in males and females older than 17 years at a private family practice clinic in Carrollton, Texas, in the Dallas metropolitan …

Silver Alloy-Coated Urinary Catheters: Preventing Urinary Tract Infection, Assumpta I. Iwe

Cohort X

Background: A urinary tract infection (UTI) involves any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, ureter, kidney, and bladder. Urinary tract infections are the most common healthcare-associated infection reported to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). A UTI is also the second most frequent infection in long-term care (LTAC) facilities, making it the most common cause of bacterial infection or sepsis and hospitalization. Patients with urinary catheters are at an increased risk of infection, and standard catheters reduce the body’s natural ability to cleanse the urinary tract of microorganisms. Bacteria can colonize into biofilms that attach themselves to the catheter …

Type 2 Diabetes: Motivational Interviewing Improving Clients’ Dieting And Exercise, Azeb Lema

Cohort X

Background: Type 2 diabetes continues to be a prevalent chronic disease in the world, leading to increased rates of mortality and morbidity. In context of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, patient empowerment is broadly investigated in the medical literature to date. This concept emphasizes patient autonomy and an individual approach to patient care. In turn, motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered approach that aims to modify patients’ behaviors. The effectiveness of MI in modifying patients’ behaviors diagnosed with T2D has been documented in many sources. MI aims to reduce patients’ internal resistance to change health and lifestyle habits and provide …

Basal-Plus Insulin Regimen: Helping Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 To Maintain Blood Glucose Levels During Hospitalization, Marcia Watts Hammons

Cohort X

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) patients are at risk of episodes of fluctuating blood glucose levels when in the hospital. On admission at the target practice site, the home dose of oral hypoglycemic medication is typically stopped and replaced with sliding-scale insulin therapy. Hyperglycemia among the hospital population of DM2 patients is common, causing delayed healing times, increased length of stay, increased costs, and other medical detrimental factors. A doctor of nursing practice project was based on the findings from a randomized controlled trial of a basal-plus insulin protocol that lowered the mean blood glucose level for noncritically ill hospitalized …

Management Of Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Combination Therapy With Metformin And/Or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists/ Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors, Bertha L. Contreras

Cohort X

The management of chronic medical conditions in a primary care practice requires knowledge and commitment, particularly when providing services for the underserved. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and difficult condition that can result in complications that affect multiple organ systems. Numerous studies have described GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is as complementary agents that can be used to prevent the multi-organ complications associated with T2DM. The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) Project is to introduce combination therapy with metformin and GLP-1RAs or SGLT-2is as part of an overall effort to address hyperglycemia in patients with uncontrolled T2DM. The foundations …

The Use Of Valium In Alcohol Withdrawal, Holly Powers

Cohort X

Background: Benzodiazepines are the primary medical intervention used in the hospital for inpatients suspected of acute alcohol withdrawal during their admission. Per Shu et al. (2015) a study completed in the 1960 compared Librium with placebo as well as other drugs which showed the therapeutic efficacy of benzodiazepines in alcohol withdrawal. “Alcoholism has been reported in 20% to 50% of hospitalized medical patients” (Maldonado, 2012), moreover, the data indicate that 39% of ICU admission are alcohol-related (Muzyk et al., 2011). This is noted in an inpatient unit where alcohol withdrawal is common, Ativan is the benzodiazepine of choice along with …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Screening And Treatment Algorithm For Chronic Constipation In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Lucia Belleza De La Paz

Cohort X

This quality improvement (QI) project was an evidence-based screening and treatment algorithm for chronic constipation at a skilled nursing facility. The project aimed to decrease the occurrence of constipation using an evidence-based screening tool, Rome IV criteria for chronic constipation, and a modified algorithm for managing chronic constipation in a skilled nursing facility population setting. The project will provide skilled nursing facilities with a practical and straightforward management algorithm for patients with chronic constipation as described by Rome IV criteria.

Background During a review of bowel movement records from a 129-bed capacity nursing home with post-acute care subspecialty hospital, the …

Prophylactic Bioimpedance Spectroscopy For Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Maria M. Marquez

Cohort X

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement the standardized use of Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) for the early detection and management of breast cancerrelated lymphedema (BCRL). BCRL is a common complication of breast cancer treatments resulting from damage to the lymphatic system. While three of every four patients that develop lymphedema typically do so within the first three years after treatment, this complication can develop at any time during or after therapeutic intervention. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Clinical Practice Guidelines and others suggest that bilateral baseline limb measurements should be performed on patients at high risk for …

Use Of A Structured Clinical Interview To Eliminate Unspecified Psychiatric Diagnoses, Gabriela Mimbela

Cohort X

Background: A definitive psychiatric diagnosis can provide significant direction to patient treatment strategies and will facilitate the identification of potential risks and qualification for supportive resources. Psychiatric research programs that were initiated in the 1950s led to the classification framework known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders. These guidelines provide physicians with the information that they need for the appropriate diagnosis of major psychiatric conditions. While the DSM has had a large impact on the practice of psychiatry, there are still no biological markers of these diseases. This has led to the development of diverse assessment …

The Relationship Between Screen Time, Weight Status, And Fatty Liver Disease In U.S. Adolescents, A Cross-Sectional Study Using Nhanes, 2017-2018, Becky J. Thomas

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess if screen time in U.S. adolescents is positively associated with evidence of fatty liver disease (steatosis and/or fibrosis) on FibroScan technology and to test the hypothesis that being overweight or obese mediates this relationship.

Methods: The analysis used cross-sectional data from 12–17-year-old participants (n = 612) in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to evaluate the association between self-reported average daily screen time and the presence of liver steatosis and/or fibrosis using FibroScan. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to describe the independent association between screen time and …

Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections At A Rural Midwestern Hospital Through An Evidence-Based Nurse-Led Practice Change Intervention, Crystal B. Lavalley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are responsible for increased patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, despite being a preventable harm (Barnes et al., 2015; Furuya et al., 2016). Evidence-based (EB) research suggests that the use of central line bundles is the most effective way to reduce CLABSIs in hospitals (Barnes et al., 2015; Furuya et al., 2016). Researchers have also found a statistically significant correlation between nurse compliance with bundle components and CLABSI rates (Aloush & Alsaraireh, 2018; Furuya et al., 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine if a nurse-led collaborative that focused on CLABSI reduction using …

The Ethics Surrounding Do-It-Yourself Hormone Replacement Therapy, Ted Studt

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

Healthcare is often a complicated issue to navigate, and sadly it gets no easier for those who are transgender. Gender-affirming healthcare can be incredibly tough to attain, both within and outside the United States. Research found that trans citizens in the US were less likely to be insured and more likely to experience barriers to access than cis citizens. In April and May 2021, laws were signed into effect in Arkansas and Tennessee targeting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and puberty blockers, specifically banning such medicines being given to individuals under 18. As a result, many transgender citizens turn to online …

College Of Nursing, Spring 2022, Matt Schmidt, Colette Gannon, Dave Graves, Micayla Standish

College of Nursing Magazine

COLLEGE NEWS
[Page] 2 Healthcare Simulation Center opens
[Page] 6 Naming event honors alumna
[Page] 8 Warne receives honor
[Page] 10 Rapid City site offers accelerated program
[Page] 11 Changes coming to Rapid City site
[Page] 12 Engineering students continue work
[Page] 14 Welcome new hires
[Page] 16 Scholarly work
[Page] 18 Mitchell honored
[Page] 19 Grant helps NANEC work
[Page] 20 Ray receives DAISY
[Page] 21 Distinguished Service winner
[Page] 22 Teacher of the Year
[Page] 24 IMPACT RNS
[Page] 26 Want to be a Nurse? winner graduates
ALUMNI NEWS
[Page] 28 Monument Health employees awarded
[Page] 29 From …

Library & Knowledge Services Newsletter - Spring 2022, Baystate Health Sciences Library

Library Newsletters

Baystate Library & Knowledge Services Newsletter - Spring 2022

Contact Point Spring 2022, Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Contact Point

No abstract provided.

A Scaffolded Simulation Curriculum: Trnaslating Simulation With Standardized Patient Encounters Into Clinical Practice, Amy Graham, Andrea Knopp, Sarah Stowell, Carolyn Schubert

School of Nursing - Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Community Accessibility For Individuals With Disabilities, Marshall Dumas

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of individuals with disabilities and to identify what accessibility barriers may exist in community settings. Individuals with disabilities may face increased environmental barriers that influence their ability to successfully access and fully participate in community settings. This project attempts to provide community accessibility resources for individuals with disabilities in order to make community outings as successful as possible for all persons.

Fungal Burden Of Disease In Central And South America, Urmimala Chaudhuri

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Serious fungal infections are associated with an increase in mortality. Globally, fungal infections affect high-risk groups such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, asthma, transplant recipients, and those on immunosuppression. The most common fungal diseases include Histoplasmosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Candidiasis, and Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Epidemiological information on the prevalence of fungal diseases has been limited, particularly in Central and South America due to inadequate surveillance. Purpose: The aim of this review was to evaluate the burden of common fungal diseases in Central and South America and discuss strategies of national surveillance. Methods: PubMed searches were conducted from the years …

Resilience In Healthcare During Covid-19: Provider And Associate Well-Being At Ohiohealth, Rachel Dosch

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Organization: OhioHealth Department: Provider and Associate Well-Being Site Supervisors: Laurie Hommema, M.D. Kristi McClure Lois Sallee Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Paul Longenecker Dr. Erica Van Dop

Targeting Notch3 With Crispr-Cas9 Technology In Zebrafish Retinal Degeneration Models, Emily Januck

Celebration of Scholarship 2022

Teleost fish such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) have shown the ability to regenerate damaged photoreceptors due to the robust activity of Müller glia [1]. Interestingly, the Müller glia in retinal disease model zebrafish such as bbs2, cep290, and eys do not respond like those in normal zebrafish, making these genotypes a good model to study treatment options in humans [2, 3, 4]. The Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved cell signaling pathway in many organisms that plays a role in determining cell fates in developmental processes [5]. Specifically, the notch3 gene has been studied and shown to have effects …

Ethics Of Euthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide, Kathryn Halloran

Honors Senior Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Caregiver Experiences Of Feeding Instruction For Infants Born With Cleft Lip And/Or Palate, Clare Huang

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to learn what feeding education was provided to caregivers of infants with cleft lip and/or palate and how they view the feeding experience. Method: Participants (n=5) were recruited from two Facebook support groups, Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group :*) and Cleft Mom Support. The data were collected using Qualtrics™ software. The questionnaire consisted of eight demographic questions and seven topic-specific questions. The demographic questions included the exclusion and inclusion criteria. The participants of this study were required to be an English-speaking parent or a caregiver of a child under one year of …

Valuating The Evidence Base Of Physician Reported Assessment Measures Used In Childhood Adhd Diagnosis, Sarah Ewen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

An accurate Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis is essential as there are substantial social and functional costs associated with misdiagnosis. Data collected from a 2014 National Survey suggested that one-half of the children diagnosed with ADHD were diagnosed by a pediatrician or family health provider through unstructured behavioral observations or using a checklist that may not adhere to diagnostic guidelines. Additionally, clinicians providing ADHD diagnoses have admitted to possessing limited knowledge on the disorder itself and denied attending continuing education courses on ADHD. The current study sought to answer two research questions: 1) are measures reported for diagnosis by pediatricians evidence-based …

Investigating If Changes In Cannabis Expectancies Mediate Driving After Cannabis Use Intervention Outcomes, Sarah Nicole Elder

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Driving after cannabis use (DACU) has become an increasing public health concern specifically for the states that have legalized cannabis use. In a 2018 survey, 4.7% of U.S. residents reported driving while impaired by cannabis (Azofeifa et al., 2019). Previous research suggests that several skills are impaired following cannabis use, such as increased lane weaving, slowed reaction time, and distorted perceptions about external stimuli. This effect was seen to extend to frequent cannabis users who also demonstrated driving impairments despite heightened cannabis tolerance (Hartman & Huestis, 2013). With the increase in DACU it is crucial to understand the factors that …

Epistemic Beliefs: Relationship To Future Expectancies And Quality Of Life In Cancer Patients., Paul K J Han, Elizabeth Scharnetzki, Eric Anderson, John Dipalazzo, Tania D Strout, Caitlin Gutheil, F Lee Lucas, Emily A Edelman, Jens Rueter

Faculty Research 2022

CONTEXT: Expectations about the future (future expectancies) are important determinants of psychological well-being among cancer patients, but the strategies patients use to maintain positive and cope with negative expectancies are incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain preliminary evidence on the potential role of one strategy for managing future expectancies: the adoption of "epistemic beliefs" in fundamental limits to medical knowledge.

METHODS: A sample of 1307 primarily advanced-stage cancer patients participating in a genomic tumor testing study in community oncology practices completed measures of epistemic beliefs, positive future expectancies, and mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Descriptive and linear regression …

Extracellular Matrix In Cancer Progression And Therapy, Xiuxiu He, Byoungkoo Lee, Yi Jiang

Faculty Research 2022

The tumor ecosystem with heterogeneous cellular compositions and the tumor microenvironment has increasingly become the focus of cancer research in recent years. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the major component of the tumor microenvironment, and its interactions with the tumor cells and stromal cells have also enjoyed tremendously increased attention. Like the other components of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM in solid tumors differs significantly from that in normal organs and tissues. We review recent studies of the complex roles the tumor ECM plays in cancer progression, from tumor initiation, growth to angiogenesis and invasion. We highlight that the biomolecular, biophysical, …

Auriculocondylar Syndrome 2 Results From The Dominant-Negative Action Of Plcb4 Variants., Stanley M Kanai, Caleb Heffner, Timothy C Cox, Michael L Cunningham, Francisco A Perez, Aaron M Bauer, Philip Reigan, Cristan Carter, Stephen A Murray, David E Clouthier

Faculty Research 2022

Auriculocondylar syndrome 2 (ARCND2) is a rare autosomal dominant craniofacial malformation syndrome linked to multiple genetic variants in the coding sequence of phospholipase C β4 (PLCB4). PLCB4 is a direct signaling effector of the endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA)-Gq/11 pathway, which establishes the identity of neural crest cells (NCCs) that form lower jaw and middle ear structures. However, the functional consequences of PLCB4 variants on EDNRA signaling is not known. Here, we show, using multiple signaling reporter assays, that known PLCB4 variants resulting from missense mutations exert a dominant-negative interference over EDNRA signaling. In addition, using CRISPR/Cas9, we find that …

Ua3/10 President's Messages - Spring Semester, Wku President's Office - Caboni

WKU Administration Documents

President's Message emails sent by Timothy Caboni to faculty & staff during spring semester, 2022.

• Budget
• Commencement
• Commons at Helm Library
• Compensation Analysis
• COVID-19
• COVID-19 – Masks
• End of Semester
• Enrollment / Recruitment
• Scholarship Celebration
• Semester Kickoff
• Student Retention

House: Homeless Opioid User Service Engagement Program. Year 1 Report, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Katharine Knight Mph, Evelyn Ali Bs, Thomas Chalmers Mclaughlin Msw, Phd, Katie Rosingana Ba, Tyler Egeland Ba, Mark Richards Bs, Karen Pearson Mlis, Ma

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

Homelessness and lack of stable housing is often a barrier to achieving stability for individuals who are experiencing homelessness (IWAEH) with an OUD. In order to meet the complex needs of IWAEH with OUD, the Department of Health and Human Services funded a pilot program in 2021, the Homeless Opioid Users Service Engagement (HOUSE) Program; clinicians at Greater Portland Health provide clients with low-barrier Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), while staff at Preble Street provide casework support and rapid housing assistance to individuals who have been identified as being at high risk of overdose, are experiencing homelessness, and are diagnosed with …

Parental Perspectives On The Transfer Process For Critically Ill Children, Saoirse Cameron, Anna C. Gunz

Paediatrics Publications

Objective: To understand parental stressors and identify potential stress-mitigators during interfacility transfer of critically ill children. Methods: Descriptive qualitative multi-case study using semi-structured interviews. This study involved caregivers of patients admitted to the Paediatric Critical Care Unit at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre transported from outlying hospitals. Study participants were recruited through purposeful sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and manually de-identified. Coding was performed by two independent coders using a standard method of content analysis to identify common themes. Results: Themes were identified and reached saturation after twelve interviews were completed. Children were admitted primarily from Northwestern and …