Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Early Life Exposure To Deltamethrin Impairs Synaptic Function By Altering The Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Proteome, Leandra Koff, Jessica Di Re, Subhash Chand, Yosef Avchalumov, Nghi M. Nguyen, Timothy J. Baumgartner, Aditya K. Singh, Nana A. Goode, Mate Marosi, Lance M. Hallberg, Bill T. Ameredes, Thomas A. Green, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Gurudutt Pendyala, Fernanda Laezza

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Pyrethroid pesticides have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While behavioral effects of pyrethroid exposure have been previously reported, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that exposure to deltamethrin (DM), a widely used pyrethroid pesticide known for its neurotoxicity during early developmental stages, induces brain dysfunction through alterations in brain-derived extracellular vesicle (BDEV) signaling. Using a well-established rodent model of early life DM exposure within the recommended no observable effect level, we isolated BDEVs from postnatal 30-day-old vehicle-exposed (control) and DM-exposed mice using a differential sucrose density gradient. Following …

Research News, Grants, 2024, Volume 1, Soumyajit Majumdar

Grants (2015-)

Grants and contract awarded during January - March 2024

Research News, Grants, 2024, Volume 2, Soumyajit Majumdar

Grants (2015-)

Grants and contracts awarded during April - June 2024

Impact Of Blue Wavelength Light From Mobile Devices On Sleep And Quality Of Life In Belmont University Undergraduates, Amanda A. Parente, Christian Williams, Frecia Gonzalez

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Introduction: Previous studies have documented an association of excessive blue wavelength light exposure with negative health consequences including reduced sleep time, lower sleep quality, and emotional symptoms. The increased use and ubiquity of mobile blue wavelength light-emitting devices raises the possibility of prevalent negative effects on sleep and quality of life, particularly among college-aged individuals where use of these devices is especially frequent.

Methods: In 2024, cross-sectional, internet survey-based study designed to examine the relationship between self-reported exposure to mobile devices and measures of sleepiness and quality of life. Eligible participants were undergraduate students at Belmont University, aged 18+ years …

Biomedical Versus Ayurvedic Traditions: The Triumph Of Indian Medicine In A Postcolonial World, Emma Jones

BYU Asian Studies Student Journal

The importance of a full understanding of Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional practices. By recognizing how Ayurvedic medicine was disparaged during the colonial period by the Western world, explaining the significance of social determinants of health within the context of Ayurvedic medicine, and acknowledging the importance of spiritual and mental health on physical health as understood today. During the colonial period in India, changes came in many forms, not the least of which was the dismissal of a century’s old medical tradition that had contributed to the health of millions of South Asians. This health tradition is focused on prevention …

The Complex Protein Analysis Of Purified Extracellular Vesicles In The Study Of Colorectal Cancer, Renee Boone, Cecilia Osthoff

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Proteomics, the study of complex protein mixtures in which liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is used to analyze peptide sequences, is commonly utilized to study the double membrane, cell-derived vesicles known as exosomes. Exosomes are double membrane, cell-derived vesicles that contain cell components such as DNA, lipids, and proteins. They function to transport proteins and cellular materials between cells and are involved in the progression and metastasis of cancer. The impact of these extracellular vesicles on cancer spread can be analyzed using proteomics, through the purification of the proteins isolated from the vesicles. The purpose of our research is to analyze …

Effects Of Pugnac Treatment On Lysosomal And Mitochondrial Function In N27a Neurons, Mariam M. Salib, Emily A. Tadros

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. This disease is prevalent in children at a young age. The gene that affects Sanfilippo is the HGSNAT gene which normally breaks down and recycles heparan sulfate, a large sugar molecule. Heparan sulfate accumulates and causes damage to the cells of the body, particularly in the brain and spinal cord by blocking normal lysosomal function. The buildup of heparan sulfate in brain and spinal cord cells leads to progressive neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline, movement disorders, and behavioral issues.

Previous work done in our lab showed that when we …

Tracheostomy Decision Making And Counseling: Comparing Providers' And Caregivers' Perspectives And Perceptions, Andy Liu, Catherine Hammack-Aviran, Jessica Turnbull

Law Faculty Scholarship

Background: The decision to place a tracheostomy in children is complex and involves factors beyond the medical procedure, including quality of life, values, and goals. Providers play an important role in counseling caregivers and guiding them through the decision-making process. There are no established guidelines for tracheostomy counseling, leading to variations in practice. Additionally, how caregivers receive information differs from how providers believe they deliver it. Although studies have explored caregivers’ and providers’ viewpoints, none have examined them concurrently.

Background: The primary aim of this exploratory study is to investigate differences between providers’ and caregivers’ perceptions …

Advancing Genomics To Improve Health Equity, Ebony B. Madden, Lucia Hindorff, Vence Bonham, Tabia Akintobi, Esteban Gonzalez Burchard, Kellen E. Baker, Rene L. Begay, John D. Carpten, Nancy J. Cox, Valentina Di Francesco, Denise Dillard, Faith Fletcher, S. Malia Fullerton, Nanibaa' Garrison, Catherine Hammack-Aviran, Vanessa Hiratsuka, James E.K. Hildreth, Carol Horowitz, Chanita A. Hughes-Halbert, Michael Inouye, Amber Jackson, Latrice Landry, Rick Kittles, Jeff T. Leek, Nita A. Limdi, Nicole Lockhart, Elizabeth Ofili, Eliseo Perez-Stable, Maya Sabatello, Lorjetta Schools, Jennifer Troyer, Ben Wilfond, Genevieve Wojcik, Judy Cho, Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Eric Green

Law Faculty Scholarship

This perspective article examines the relationship between human genomics research and health equity, highlighting persistent disparities in the design, participation, and implementation of genomic science. Although genomics has substantial potential to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the benefits of genomic advances have not been equitably distributed across populations. Historically, genomic research has disproportionately relied on datasets derived from individuals of European ancestry, resulting in limited generalizability of findings and the risk of exacerbating existing health disparities. Drawing on insights from a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) workshop and a targeted literature review, the authors identify key challenges and …

Athletic Trainers' Perceptions Of Salary Negotiation Decision-Making During The Hiring Process, Julie M. Cavallario, Kim Detwiler, Leanne Jones, Indigo White, Cailee E. Welch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Appropriate salaries for athletic trainers (ATs) have been a contentious topic for decades. While professional advocacy efforts to increase ATs' salaries have gained traction, little is known about ATs' experiences with negotiation during the hiring process.

Objective: To explore the reasons, influences, and factors influencing ATs' negotiation decisions.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Individual video interviews.

Patients or other participants: 28 ATs who participated in a previous study and indicated a willingness to participate in the qualitative follow-up were interviewed (17 women, 10 men, 1 non-binary individual; age = 37.8±8.9 years; athletic training experience = 15.1±8.3 years). Of the 28 …

Assessments Used By Athletic Trainers To Decide Return-To-Activity Readiness In Patients With An Ankle Sprain, Ryan S. Mccann, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Ashley M. B. Suttmiller, Phillip A. Gribble, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) often care for patients with ankle sprains. Expert consensus has been established for rehabilitation-oriented assessments (ROASTs) that should be included in ankle-sprain evaluations. However, the methods ATs use to determine return-to-activity readiness after an ankle sprain are unknown.

Objectives: To identify ATs' methods for determining patients' return-to-activity readiness after an ankle sprain and demographic characteristics of the ATs and their methods.

Setting: Online survey.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Patients or Other Participants: We recruited 10 000 clinically practicing ATs. A total of 676 accessed the survey, 574 submitted responses (85% completion rate), and 541 respondents met the …

Effect Of Family-Centered Care Interventions On Well-Being Of Caregivers Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review, Deepalaxmi Paresh Poojari, Shashikiran Umakanth, G. Arun Maiya, Bhamini Krishna Rao, Sonia Khurana, Senthil Kumaran D., Radhika Attal, Marie Brien

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Caring for a child with long-term functional limitations can have a negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the caregiver. Family-centered care (FCC) interventions have the potential to empower caregivers and contribute to their well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of FCC interventions in improving the well-being of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the key components of such interventions that are most commonly practiced and deemed effective.

Methods: This review systematically searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of any FCC intervention on …

Disparities In Low Birthweight And The Influence Of Access To Food, Maternity Care, And Medicaid Coverage Of Doula Services, Marissa Ann Beldon

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the ways in which access acts as both a barrier and facilitator to healthy birth outcomes. In particular, access to food, maternity care, and Medicaid coverage of doula services are explored alongside low birthweight in this dissertation through both population health and health disparity lenses. Low birthweight is a leading cause of infant mortality and thought to reflect nations’ long-term public health problems such as maternal malnutrition and inadequate receipt of maternity care. As such, sufficient access to healthy food and maternity care is essential for healthy birth outcomes.

Chapter 1 of this dissertation contains an introduction …

Effect Of Relationship Motivation On Cnm Relationship Satisfaction, Keigan Clark

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This paper explored the impact relationship formation motivation had on the satisfaction of consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. Using the Self Determination Theory (SDT) concept of autonomy this study tested if more intrinsically motivated open and polyamorous relationships had higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to more extrinsically motivated relationships. A total of 564 participants completed a web survey distributed through social media and snowball sampling. Participants filled out basic demographical data as well as completing the Couples Satisfaction Index and the Couples Motivation Questionnaire. There was no difference found in relationship satisfaction in polyamorous or open relationships based on intrinsic …

A Sampling Strategy For Longitudinal And Cross-Sectional Analyses Using A Large National Claims Database, Timothy L. Mcmurry, Jennifer M. Lobo, Soyoun Kim, Hyojung Kang, Min-Woong Sohn

Health Management and Policy Faculty Publications

Importance: The United States (US) Medicare claims files are valuable sources of national healthcare utilization data with over 45 million beneficiaries each year. Due to their massive sizes and costs involved in obtaining the data, a method of randomly drawing a representative sample for retrospective cohort studies with multi-year follow-up is not well-documented.

Objective: To present a method to construct longitudinal patient samples from Medicare claims files that are representative of Medicare populations each year.

Design: Retrospective cohort and cross-sectional designs.

Participants: US Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes over a 10-year period.

Methods: Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary Files were used to …

When Brain Meets Artificial Intelligence, Lu Zhang

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

When we review the history of development of artificial intelligence (AI), we will find that brain science plays a pivotal role in fostering breakthroughs in AI, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). Today, AI has made remarkable strides, particularly with the emergence of large language models (LLMs), surpassing expectations and achieving human-level performance in certain tasks. Nonetheless, an insurmountable gap remains between AI and human intelligence. It is urgent to establish a bridge between brain science and AI, promoting their mutual enhancement and collaborations. This involve establishing connections from brain science to AI (brain-inspired AI), and reversely, from AI to …

Step Squad Bundle In Older Adults With Multiple Myeloma Hospitalized For An Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, Nadya Panjwani

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy with demographic disparities. MM is a debilitating cancer mainly affecting older adults, with 66% over the age of 70. Additionally, 33% of older patients with MM are frail with weakness, fatigue, slow gait, weight loss, and malnutrition.

PICOTS: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) scholarly project is to implement an evidence-based practice (EBP) change consisting of a Step Squad Bundle that will identify frailty in older patients with MM hospitalized for an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) to reduce morbidity and mortality and increase the chances of a quality of …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer (Crc) Screening In Hispanic Adults Using An Evidence-Based Social Determinants Of Health-Oriented Guide For Patient Navigation, Joyce A. Acquah Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It affects over 140,000 individuals and results in over 50,000 deaths per year. It is estimated that increasing screening to 80% could potentially prevent approximately 300,000 new cases and over 200,000 deaths by 2030. Screening disparity among the Hispanic population is influenced by socio-economic and socio-cultural factors. The aim of this project was to develop a balanced scorecard (BSC), using publicly available data and research files from three databases (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System [BRFSS], Texas Health Care Information Collection [THCIC], and Healthy North Texas …

A Clabsi Guideline For Healthcare Personnel During A Pandemic, Abiodun O. Adejumobi Dr

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Objective: The purpose of the guideline is to recommend and implement the new guidelines to the standard central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) guidelines for use during a pandemic.

Method: Articles from three different databases was conducted: PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL. One hundred articles were retrieved, and 74 articles were reviewed and evaluated. The articles were categorized based on the Johns Hopkins Hospital/Johns Hopkins University (2017) hierarchy level of evidence. Four new guidelines were created and added to the ten standard guidelines. Eleven stakeholders rated the recommendations. The stakeholder rates were sent to a statistician for analysis. Most of the ratings …

Guideline For Sbhc Provider Education To Start The Hpv Vaccine At Nine Years Old, Jasmine K. Serrano

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

It is estimated that 80% of people worldwide, regardless of gender, will contract human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. The HPV vaccine series prevents high-risk strains that are known to cause cancer and genital warts (Osaghae et al., 2022). School-based health clinics (SBHC) can increase access to and completion of the HPV vaccine series, which remains low throughout the United States (Javaid et al., 2017; Rane et al., 2021; Shah et al., 2020). This guideline was created to increase SBH provider education to start the HPV vaccine at nine years old. The project lead conducted a systematic …

Guideline For Breastfeeding Difficulty, Collin Naugher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for all infants until six months of age. In the United States, the exclusive breastfeeding rate is 52%, with a goal of 73% by Healthy People 2030 at six weeks of age. Breastfeeding difficulty will occur 70% of the time in mother-baby dyads, requiring some intervention by the primary care provider during the breastfeeding course. This study aims to build a clinical practice guideline that can guide interventions to improve successful breastfeeding rates in a birthing center.

Methods

The literature search was performed and condensed to an evidence table where studies …

Evaluation Of A Simulation-Based, E-Learning Intervention To Develop Prelicensure Nursing Students' Clinical Competency To Recognize Tracheostomy Airway Complications, Ruth Bargainer Tobin

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Tracheostomy airway patient safety errors are a global, yet preventable problem. Unrecognized tracheostomy airway complications lead to patient deterioration, resulting in hypoxic brain damage and death or permanent disability. The majority of preventable tracheostomy events occur after patient discharge from the intensive care setting. These catastrophic events are attributed to deficiencies in competent and safe nursing care. Prelicensure nursing students have few clinical opportunities to learn tracheostomy management and may enter nursing practice lacking the clinical competency (CC) to recognize a tracheostomy airway problem. Simulation is a modality for learning high-risk skills such as tracheostomy care (TC) in a setting …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Differentially Unwell: On Mimi Khúc's "Dear Elia", Seo-Young J. Chu

Publications and Research

[...] Inviting readers to reclaim the stigma of unwellness and collectively to "tend to our unwellness, together," Khúc approaches unwellness as a crucial resource for subverting the "wellness and unwellness" dichotomy entirely. After all, the opposite of "wellness" is not "unwellness"; the opposite of "wellness" does not exist. The opposition itself is an artificial framework, one that reductively harms more than it dialogically helps. We need to move away from these simplistic dualisms, Khúc suggests, and towards more generous, trauma-informed epistemologies. [...]

Quantifying Non-Primary Dna Formations Through Mechanical And Geometric Models, Sonia E. Teodorescu

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

In this article, mechanical and geometric models for DNA strains (regarded as a helical structure in 3 dimensions, embedded into surfaces of various shapes (straight or curved cylinders, spheres, or projected into planes), are analyzed in order to obtain parameter estimates for DNA characteristics which can be used to detect the formation of secondary and tertiary formations in the presence of disorder. The models allow for the explicit representation of the DNA shape on constrained geometries and can therefore be implemented directly into {\it{ab initio}} or synthetic simulation studies.

Applying The Evidence: Taste Manipulation As A Dysphagia Management Strategy, Ross M. Westemeyer, Angela M. Dietsch, Rachel W. Mulheren

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize the evidence regarding taste manipulation as a dysphagia management strategy within the evidence-based practice framework, with a focus on clinical application for speech-language pathologists.

Method: First, we present background information on the physiology of taste and swallowing. A summary of research evidence on the effect of taste on swallowing is presented, followed by suggested methods for incorporating taste into swallowing evaluation and intervention. An overview of individual factors that can impact taste perception is provided. Finally, we discuss methods of clinical application and future directions for clinicians.

Conclusions: Although taste …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Predictive Medicine: Review, Rizwanullah, Fardin Akbar Hyderi, Gifty E. Obadan, Samah Badr Hamad, Hashem Elessawy, Tahera Ahmadi

Transitional Year Resident Research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, especially in the field of predictive medicine. AI is used in predictive medicine to foresee the development of diseases, enhance treatment planning, and boost patient outcomes by enabling early intervention. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a vital component of contemporary healthcare.

AI-powered algorithms and applications are increasingly being utilized to assist medical professionals in clinical environments and to support ongoing research efforts. Given the enormous volume of data produced in healthcare, AI systems can identify patterns, forecast outcomes, and provide tailored interventions. This review delves into the various ways AI is applied in predictive …

Feeding The Future: Reducing Food Insecurity In Southeast Dc, Kimaya Davis, Brooke Oliver, Noam Procunier, Kateryn Rivera, Anthony Ventura

DC Health and Academic Prep Program (DC HAPP)

A food desert is a region where people have limited access to healthful or affordable food usually due to low income and low vehicle access. Food insecurity also has to do with food deserts as food insecurity is a lack of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development to live a healthy life. Food deserts are relevant because without access to healthy foods people living in food deserts might be at a higher risk of diet related conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Research from the American Board of Physician Specialities suggests that eating local can help …

The Experiences Of Religious Students In Counseling Theories Courses, Brian A. Mesimer, Matthew Lyons, Candace Park

Journal of Faith Integration Counseling (JFIC)

We explored the experiences of 10 religious counseling students in their theories course. Analysis using transcendental phenomenology showed that the theory acquisition process is multifaceted, consisting of a variety of affective and cognitive experiences which further student growth.

Predicting The Need For Cardiovascular Surgery: A Comparative Study Of Machine Learning Models, Arman Ghavidel, Pilar Pazos, Rolando Del Aguila Suarez, Alireza Atashi

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

This research examines the efficacy of ensemble Machine Learning (ML) models, mainly focusing on Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), in predicting the need for cardiovascular surgery, a critical aspect of clinical decision-making. It addresses key challenges such as class imbalance, which is pivotal in healthcare settings. The research involved a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of the performance of previously published ML methods against a new Deep Learning (DL) model. This comparison utilized a dataset encompassing 50,000 patient records from a large hospital between 2015-2022. The study proposes enhancing the efficacy of these models through feature selection and hyperparameter optimization, employing techniques …