Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Documentation Compliance And Patient Mobility Using The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool, Hayley M. Bernard

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Patient immobility during hospitalization contributes to avoidable complications including increased length of stay, pressure injuries, thromboembolic events, reduced functional capacity, and increased rates of discharge to rehabilitation facilities. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) was developed to empower Registered Nurses to safely assess and mobilize patients without a physical therapy evaluation. Aim: This quality improvement projects aims to enhance nurse compliance with BMAT documentation by 10% in three medical-surgical units of a 244-bed Northern California Hospital. Preliminary findings indicate an average daily patient census of 23.7 of which only 31.3% are assessed using the BMAT. Methods: Across a six-week …

Optimizing Peripartum Bedside Reports Through Patient-Centered Communication, Harpreet Kaur

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background Effective patient-centered communication (PCC) during bedside shift reports (BSR) is crucial in peripartum care, where patients face physical recovery and emotional adjustment. However, communication gaps during transitions from labor and delivery (L&D) to postpartum (PP) units can lead to patient dissatisfaction and misinterpretation of care instructions. Hospital A, an urban tertiary care medical center in San Francisco, operates a peripartum mesosystem across two floors with 35 dedicated beds. Aim The project aims to increase patient satisfaction by implementing patient-centered language in bedside reports for peripartum units from 70% to 80% for a three-week period. Methods Stakeholder engagement, a …

Improving Food Security To Decrease Hypertension At An Urban Community Clinic, Christine S. Villalta

Master's Projects and Capstones

Diet and lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and a key dietary approach aligned with this recommendation is the DASH diet, which includes consuming fruits and vegetables. Food insecurity, defined as lacking enough safe, nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life, is a growing crisis in the United States, affecting 13.5% of U.S. households in 2023. This is especially significant for those whose chronic disease management depends on the accessibility of healthy food. An urban community clinic implemented a Food Security Program to decrease food insecurity and reduce hypertension among their …

Implementing The Donna Wright Competency Model In Pediatric Perioperative Units For Nursing Professional Development, Benjamin Amezcua

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background Each year, preventable adverse events in hospitals lead to numerous deaths. Research consistently indicates a strong correlation between nurse competency and improved patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of healthcare organizations prioritizing the continuous development of their staff's skills. Bay Area Children’s Hospital A is taking a proactive step by adopting the Donna Wright Competency Model (DWCM), changing from the traditional approach competencies to a collaborative, shared governance model that incorporates the input and perspectives of the nursing staff. Objectives The project aims to utilize the DWCM to enhance the competencies of 90 nurses in the pediatric perioperative units at …

Food Security And Its Impact On Hypertension In Urban Communities, Lauren M. Nobriga

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Quality Improvement Team proposed an intervention to increase enrollment in the Food Security Program, a six-month initiative that provides vouchers redeemable for fruits and vegetables. Long-term impacts of this Program include an improved food economy and enhanced patient disease management autonomy. This project aimed to increase the percentage of eligible adult medicine clinic patients enrolled in the Food Security Program by 25%, or 11 patients per month, based on the mean enrollment for the first four months of the Program (May to August) of nine patients. The intervention was based on bi-monthly performance reports, making the goal include enrolling …

Reducing The Incidence Of Nosocomial Aspiration Pneumonia In The Adult Oncology Population Through Improved Compliance With Oral Hygiene Protocols, Kenneth R. Brown

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective

Oncology patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of complications such as mucosal barrier injuries (MBI) and aspiration pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia rates are higher than desired. Improved oral hygiene protocols and compliance in this population reduces the incidence of these complications.

Context and Background

The microsystem assessed includes six oncology units at Hospital A, a large California academic hospital. Aspiration pneumonia, commonly associated with MBI, is a life-threatening challenge that increases costs and complications in oncological treatment settings. An aspiration pneumonia task force focused on six oncology acute care units is committed to reducing the incidence of hospital acquired …

Utilizing Pupper, A Social Robot Dog, To Increase Happiness And Improve Mood In Pediatric Patients Of A Cardiac Step-Down Unit, Angela Feng Wu

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective The usage of social robots in pediatrics is an emerging field of study. Preliminary research shows that they are effective at improving the psychosocial well-being of pediatric patients. This quality improvement project focuses on Pupper, a newly developed quadruped social robot dog, and its ability in improving mood and happiness in pediatric patients of a cardiac step-down unit. Aim The aim of this project is to increase average mood scores of pediatric cardiac patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from their baseline of 3.75 to 5.63 on a six-point scale within a one-month time frame. Methods Before intervention and …

A Kinetic Model For Compound Heterozygous Pathogenic Variants In Tyrosyl-Trna Synthetase Gene Yars2-Associated Neonatal Phenotype, Thomas W Christian, Sunita Maharjan, Sitao Yin, Yuka Yamaki, Isao Masuda, Fenglin Li, Colleen Muraresku, Sheila Clever, Rebecca Ganetzky, Ya-Ming Hou

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Human genetic disorders are often caused by mutations of compound heterozygosity, where each allele of the mutant gene harbors a different genetic lesion. However, studies of such mutations are hampered due to the lack of an appropriate model. Here we describe a kinetic model of compound heterozygous variants in an obligate enzyme dimer that contains one mutation in one monomer and the other mutation in the second monomer. This enzyme is encoded by human YARS2 for mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (mt-TyrRS), which aminoacylates tyrosine to mt-tRNA^Tyr. YARS2 is a member of the genes for mt-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, where pathogenic mutations …

Implementing The Brief Confusion Assessment Method (Bcam) Delirium Screening Tool In An Emergency Department, Carolina Van Dalen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Persons with delirium have an elevated risk of falls. Thus, falls and delirium are inextricably linked. Both should be routinely screened for older adults.

Context: A 40-bed Emergency Department (ED) in the East San Francisco Bay area of Northern California and the first site among all acute care hospitals in the organization to implement the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) delirium scoring tool within the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Interventions: An EHR toolkit for delirium screening using bCAM was developed, tested, and implemented in the ED.

Measures: The outcome measure was the percentage of patients with a reported fall …

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Becoming Baby-Friendly Designated, Krystal Angelique Mora

Master's Projects and Capstones

Section I: Abstract

Problem Despite efforts to increase breastfeeding rates, the influence of formula companies has contributed to the decrease in rates, affecting the health outcomes of infants. In response, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) introduced standardized education for nursing staff to support infant growth and development. Context Hospital A Birth Center is a 33-bed culturally diverse unit that provides care to mothers in Northern California, delivering approximately 7,400 babies each year and helping patients transition into motherhood. Aim The quality improvement project aims to enhance the retention of BFHI-aligned education provided during hospitalization by 26.2%, raising retention rates among …

Optimizing Fall Prevention: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Documentation And Intervention Accuracy Using The Hester Davis Scale In Medical-Surgical Units, Kiana Conn, Brooklin Hunter-Johnson, Jashan Kahlon, Adrian Paz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Falls among hospitalized patients remain a critical safety concern, particularly in medical-surgical units caring for geriatric and oncology patients. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate and address gaps in adherence to fall prevention protocols by utilizing the Hester Davis Scale (HDS) in two medical-surgical units at a large metropolitan hospital in Southern California. The project focused on auditing current practices to identify inconsistencies in documentation and intervention implementation, emphasizing areas such as bed alarm activation, fall risk signage placement, and armband use. Weekly audits were conducted from October 3 to October 29, 2024, to establish baseline data and inform …

Impact Of Supply Organizational Culture Within A Surgical Unit, Irene T. Peng

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: This quality improvement project aims to propose an intervention that helps anesthesia technicians improve communication efforts, reduce delays in care, and reduce medical waste. Aim: At least 80% of the anesthesia technicians are educated on properly stocking the pediatric anesthesia medical lockers utilizing the standardized checklist and handoff report tool to reduce waste and increase timely patient care after three months of implementation. Methods: Assessment surveys were used to identify the surgical unit’s current issues and Hospital A’s staff's opinions of pediatric medical anesthesia C-lockers. Resources such as the GANTT Chart, Fishbone Analysis, Budget Analysis, SWOT Analysis, and PDSA …

The Donna Wright Competency Model In Pediatric Perioperative Nursing Development, Nadia Hamid

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background Preventable adverse patient events occur daily in hospitals across the United States which can be significantly decreased by effective nurse competency assessment. Bay Area Children’s Hospital X has adopted the Donna Wright Competency Model (DWCM) to support their institutional goal of Magnet status for excellent nursing care. With the goal of changing the traditional approach of competency achievements by engaging nurses through shared governance. Objective The project seeks to attain a higher level of performance for 90 nurses employed on the perioperative unit (PPU) to provide a safer environment to support patient centered care. Aim By December 1, …

Retrieving The Information Stored In The Donated Organ May Cause The Patient’S Personality To Change After The Transplant Operation, Jamal Al-Karaki, Muhammad Al-Zafar Khan, Phoka Rathebe, Raul Valverde, Alireza Sepehri, Massimo Fioranelli

All Works

The results of some scientific research show that organ transplantation, especially heart transplantation, causes changes in the patient’s personality and even memory. These changes can be due to the recovery of information stored in the donor’s molecules and cells. In fact, as in the orchestrated objective reduction model, information in the form of polarization or spin of molecules, electrons, and photons is stored in microtubules due to the connection between the brain and the heart through blood vessels and nerves, and waves. A copy of the information is stored in molecules and heart cells and possibly through the induction of …

Ni Reprimir, Ni Rezar, Ni Traducir: Latinos En Nueva York Piden Cuidados De Salud Mental Incluyentes, Laura Rojas Aponte

Capstones

In New York City, only three out of ten Latinos diagnosed with depression receive treatment, compared to over half of white adults with the same condition, according to the latest Department of Health report. Despite the clear need for mental health care, access remains limited, with a lack of culturally competent services further widening the gap.

While mental health has become a more open topic in recent years, many Latinos still face significant barriers to therapy, including high costs, limited insurance coverage, cultural stigma, and disconnects between patients and providers. However, there are ongoing efforts to address these challenges, ranging …

The Evidence Is In: Breast Implants Are Making People Sick Increasingly Women Find When They Have Their Implants Removed, Their Symptoms Improve—Or Disappear., Pamela J. Appea

Capstones

Over the years, breast implants have been associated with a wide range of health issues, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, but surprisingly these issues are not well known to the public. In 1992, health concerns led the FDA to halt the use of silicone gel breast implants for cosmetic surgeries, although implants containing saline remained available (it was during this period that the Oprah segment that Gmitro remembered ran on TV). In 2006, after more research, which some experts believe was insufficient, the FDA re-approved the use of silicone implants. In 2019, a novel “textured” breast implant manufactured …

Cardiac Effects And Comorbidities Of Neurological Diseases, Bi̇lgi̇n Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Neurological disorders encompass a complex and heterogeneous spectrum of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system, each presenting unique challenges that extend well beyond primary neurological symptoms. These disorders profoundly impact cardiovascular health, prompting an intensified exploration into the intricate interconnections between the neurological and cardiovascular systems. This review synthesizes current insights and research on cardiovascular comorbidities associated with major neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s disease.The cardiovascular sequelae of these neurological disorders are multifactorial. For instance, strokes not only predispose individuals to arrhythmia and heart failure but also exacerbate pre-existing …

Transcriptomic Landscape Of Mammalian Ventral Pallidum At Single-Cell Resolution, Lite Yang, Lisa Z Fang, Michelle R Lynch, Chang S Xu, Hannah J Hahm, Yufen Zhang, Monique R Heitmeier, Vincent D Costa, Vijay K Samineni, Meaghan C Creed

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The ventral pallidum (VP) is critical for motivated behaviors. While contemporary work has begun to elucidate the functional diversity of VP neurons, the molecular heterogeneity underlying this functional diversity remains incompletely understood. We used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization to define the transcriptional taxonomy of VP cell types in mice, macaques, and baboons. We found transcriptional conservation between all three species, within the broader neurochemical cell types. Unique dopaminoceptive and cholinergic subclusters were identified and conserved across both primate species but had no homolog in mice. This harmonized consensus VP cellular atlas will pave the way for understanding …

Assessing The Reach Of Health Access Resources In Indianapolis For Populations With Low Income, Kyler A. Casbon, Kai J. Gatting, Simran Nadig, Isabella K. Peckinpaugh, Alexandre A. Sauquet, Kourtney A. D. Byrd, Megan E. Conklin, Gicella Garcia, Mitchell L. Struewing, Omolola A. Adeoye-Olatunde

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Two public health crises that the United States are contending with are diabetes and the prevalence of opioid overdoses, both of which have a significant impact on communities nationwide. Inequities in social conditions contribute to health disparities amidst these diabetes and opioid overdose public health crises nationally and locally. To address these health inequities in Indianapolis, Indiana, the the Purdue University Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation (CHEQI) shaped relationships through their CHAMP (Community Health Access Model Partnerships) services with local food pantries and homeless shelters, providing Indianapolis residents pre-diabetes screening and resources and convenient access to and education …

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …

Comparison Of Efficacy Between Thai Herbal Anti-Hemorrhoid Formula And Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction In Patients With Internal Hemorrhoids, Darunee Rattanawongsamathakul, Varut Lohsiriwat, Suksalin Booranasubkajorn, Angkana Apichartvorakit, Pravit Akarasereenont

Journal of Health Research

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition. In Thai traditional medicine, the Bantaoridsidwangthawan formula (BRF) has been used to treat hemorrhoids. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and satisfaction of BRF versus Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in patients with internal hemorrhoids grades 1 and 2.

Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized control noninferiority trial. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to BRF (n=13) or MPFF (n=14). The BRF group received 5 pills 3 times daily for 14 days. The MPFF group received 2 tablets 3 times daily for 4 days, and then 2 tablets 2 times daily …

Biomarkers Of Formaldehyde Exposure For Health Surveillance, Songkran Deeruen, Vorakamol Boonyayothin, Urai Chaisri, Songsak Petmitr, Aronrag Cooper Meeyai, Manee Chanama, Natkamol Chansatitporn, Wantanee Phanprasit

Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to identify suitable biomarkers of formaldehyde exposure to conduct health surveillance among embalmers. Micronucleus frequency, DNA damage, and genetic polymorphisms were studied.

Methods: Ninety-eight staff in 13 hospitals were recruited and categorized into high or low formaldehyde exposure groups (n=49 for each group). For each participant, personal air sampling was taken and analyzed using the NIOSH method 2016. On the same day of air sampling, participants’ buccal tissue was collected and analyzed for micronucleus frequency by staining, DNA damage using the Comet assay, and polymorphism of Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) by polymerase chain …

The Abusive Effects Of Trauma On Leadership Styles And Performance, Robert Kraft

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Major Applied Project (MAP) investigates the relationship between toxic leadership in the military and trauma, particular how trauma can have negative, abusive effects on leadership style and performance. Most research in this area addresses trauma in postvention. This MAP addresses trauma’s potential effect on leadership style and explores the use of a pre-emptive, preventative training. Leadership theory is explored as well as trauma in the form of mental disorders, such as PTSD and narcissism. The author’s experience as an ordained pastor of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, serving as an Army Chaplain, revealed the value of …

Nursing Home Staff Perspectives Of The Benefits And Challenges Of Providing Dementia Care, Carin M. Wong, Dominique H. Como, Cara Lekovitch, Felicia Chew, Natalie E. Leland

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To capture nursing home staff perspectives on the benefits and challenges related to caring for residents living with Alzheimer disease and other related dementias. These perspectives will inform the initial development of strategies to help with staff retention.

DESIGN: A secondary qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews conducted with nursing home staff, which was embedded within a pragmatic clinical trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Purposive sampling was used to capture perspectives of staff spanning across job roles from 23 nursing homes.

METHODS: During the parent study primary analysis, staff experiences providing dementia care were consistently described. In response, this study completed …

Small Molecule With Big Impact: Metarrestin Targets The Perinucleolar Compartment In Cancer Metastasis, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Divya Pandey, Ajay K. Singh, Godwin Peasah-Darkwah, Bhupesh Singh, Kuldeep K. Roy, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

School of Medicine Publications

Metarrestin (ML246) is a first-in-class pyrrole-pyrimidine-derived small molecule that selectively targets the perinucleolar compartment (PNC). PNC is a distinct subnuclear structure predominantly found in solid tumor cells. The occurrence of PNC demonstrates a positive correlation with malignancy, serving as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness, progression, and metastasis. Various promising preclinical results have led to the clinical translation of metarrestin into a first-in-human trial. This review aims to summarize (i) the current understanding of the structure and function of PNC and its role in cancer progression and metastasis, (ii) key findings from studies examining the effect of metarrestin on various cancers …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - December 12, 2024, Lindsay Hughes

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the Thursday, December 12, 2024 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter -- Watercooler.

Contents include:

• Mbaka first in area to implant breathing device in patient with quadriplegia
• Faculty, medical student publish article on neonatal birth fractures in academic journal
• Doc Rock band spotlight: The Grey Scrubs
• Neonatologist Ikeri selected for national award
• Medical student presents research on peer-led academic support at national conference
• Help fulfill Ronald McDonald House wish list
• Cardiologist Manoharan joins internal medicine faculty
• USA Health expands neurointensive care with addition of Chalela

​​Living With Parkinson’S During Covid-19: A Survey Of Parkinson’S Patients During Covid-19​, Sia Shaila Pilgaonkar

Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), raising concerns about exacerbation of symptoms and vulnerability of the patients. This project first reviews existing literature on the interconnections between COVID-19 and PD, focusing on the physiological, psychological, and treatment-related challenges faced by patients. Then it analyzes survey data examining increased severity of COVID-19 in individuals with PD, alongside the literature researching potential mechanisms linking the two, such as inflammation and neurodegeneration. The survey’s key areas of focus included symptom management, treatment satisfaction, the impact of PD on daily living, and the impact of COVID-19 on motor and …

A Conjugate Of An Egfr-Binding Peptide And Doxorubicin Shows Selective Toxicity To Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Phi-Phung Than, Shih-Jing Yao, Emad Althagafi, Kamaljit Kaur

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Selective targeting of cancer cells via overexpressed cell-surface receptors is a promising strategy to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and minimize off-target side effects. In this study, we designed peptide 31 (YHWYGYTPERVI) to target the overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Peptide 31 is internalized by TNBC cells through EGFR-mediated endocytosis and shares sequence and structural similarities with human EGF (hEGF), a natural EGFR ligand. Unlike hEGF, peptide 31 does not induce cell migration in TNBC cells. A novel conjugate of peptide 31 with doxorubicin (Dox) retains selectivity for TNBC cells and exhibits significant toxicity comparable …

12.02.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email Address Matters

All of Us Researcher Symposium

Welcome Anya Goldman

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 3Α1'S Role In Promoting Iron Loading, Tumorigenesis, And Metastasis In Colorectal Cancer, Luke B. Villareal

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The interplay between hypoxia and iron metabolism drives colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. This dissertation investigates hypoxia-inducible factor 3α1 (HIF-3α1), a protein linked to poor CRC outcomes, focusing on its roles in metastasis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and iron loading via transferrin receptor (TFRC). HIF-3α1 promotes CRC cell migration by upregulating zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) and suppressing N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), while TFRC-mediated iron accumulation supports tumor growth and survival. Iron chelation reduced EMT markers, migration, and tumor growth, highlighting iron's critical role. Additionally, HIF-3α1-induced TFRC expression altered nucleotide synthesis enzymes carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoylase-dihydroorotase (CAD) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate …