Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genetic Mutations And Prognostic Indicators In Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Molecular Perspective, Hali̇m Özçevi̇k, Müge Öner Tamam, Gündüzalp Buğrahan Babacan, Selma Şengi̇z Erhan, Merve Nur Acar Tayyar, Bi̇ray Ertürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of BRAF, HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS gene mutations and the development of dedifferentiation (iodine-refractory disease) and extrathyroidal disease in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).Materials and methods: Seventy-seven adult patients classified as intermediate and high-risk according to the ATA 2015 guidelines, who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine I-131(RAI) therapy between June 2014 and December 2022, were included. Clinical data were collected via the hospital information system, including the number of surgeries, RAI treatments, and levels of thyroglobulin(Tg), anti-thyroglobulin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Histopathological subtypes of DTC were re-evaluated, and …

Empagliflozin Effects On Cyclophosphamide-Induced Neurotoxicity In Rats Without Diabetes, Şeri̇fe Ezgi̇ Doğan, Şeri̇fe Mehli̇ka Kuşkonmaz, Pinar Celepli̇, Mehmet Şenes, Sema Hücümenoğlu, Cavi̇t Çulha

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on cyclophosphamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats.Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups as 8 rats each: control group, cyclophosphamide group, empagliflozin group and the cyclophosphamide plus empagliflozin group. At the end of the experiment rats' brains were removed for biochemical analysis of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl, total oxidant status and total antioxidant capacity) and histopathological analysis.Results: Total sulfhydryl levels were increased in group empagliflozin and group empagliflozin and cyclophosphamide compared to the cyclophosphamide group but did not improve …

Impact Of Concurrent Parathyroid Adenoma On The Recurrence Of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study, Derya Çayir, Alev Çinar, Mehmet Bozkurt, Bahadir Külah

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The impact of concurrent parathyroid adenoma in differentiated thyroid carcinoma remains unclear. This study was performed to compare the recurrence rates of patients operated on for differentiated thyroid carcinoma with concomitant parathyroid adenoma and those operated on for thyroid carcinoma without detected parathyroid adenoma.Materials and methods: This retrospective study examined 340 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma at our institution. We compared the patients with concurrent parathyroid adenoma to those without, assessing clinical, laboratory, surgical, and histopathological findings and thyroid carcinoma recurrence over a 6-year postoperative period.Results: Among all patients, 53/340 (16%) were identified with parathyroid adenoma, …

New Index For Distinguishing Between Critical Illness Myopathy And Neuromyopathy: Cmap Amplitude/Duration Index, Handan Uzunçakmak Uyanik, Fatma Gökçem Yildiz, Çağri Mesut Temuçi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/Aim: Critical illness-associated weakness (CIAW) is a common neuromuscular syndrome that may manifest as critical illness myopathy (CIM), critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), or an overlap syndrome known as critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPM). Distinguishing between these subtypes can be challenging due to technical issues, patient-related factors such as insufficient cooperation with needle electromyography (EMG) and edema, and the need for sophisticated, time-consuming electrophysiological methods and invasive procedures such as biopsy. This study aims to contribute to the electrophysiological distinction between CIM and CIPM. Materials and methods: A new index was calculated based on distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and …

The Use Of Antiepileptic Drugs And Their Effects In Pregnancy, Pinar Öztürk, Ali̇ Turhan Çağlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/Aim: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases. Epilepsy can affect the entire life, including childbearing age. It is estimated that epileptic women give three to five births per thousand births. Although the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy has been associated with major congenital malformations in the fetus, many patients cannot discontinue the drugs before pregnancy due to the risk of seizures that may harm the mother as well as the children. In this study, our aim is to examine the follow-up findings of pregnant women who are epileptic and use AEDs during pregnancy and …

Evaluation Of Nonmotor Symptoms In Myasthenia Gravis Patients, Aysel Tekeşi̇n, Çağla Şi̇şman, Ufuk Emre Toprak, Alena Sar, Burcu Akalin, Goncagül Koşargeli̇r, Meli̇h Tütüncü, Enes Yi̇ği̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is chronic autoimmune disorder characterized primarily by muscle weakness and fatigue, due to autoantibodies targeting acetylcholine receptor at neuromuscular junction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate non-motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients and compare them with disease duration, severity and clinical features.Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted with thirty-five myasthenia gravis patients and thirty-five healthy volunteers. Total of 35 patients, 17 women and 18 men with mean age of 52.9±13.6 years constituted patient group. Control group consisted of total of 35 participants, 23 women and 12 men with mean age of 46.9±12.2 years. …

Novel Nonmagnetic Abutment Designs For Facial Prostheses: An Experimental Study, İrem Sozen Yani̇k, Ufuk Adali̇, Jamila Yassine, Fransizka Schmidt, Wolfgang Hannak, Bahadir Ersu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the retentive forces of novel nonmagnetic abutment designs developed as an alternative to conventional magnetic abutments for facial prostheses.Materials and methods: A plexiglass model was constructed and two extraoral implants were placed in these blocks in a parallel position. Nonmagnetic abutments made of titanium were fabricated and screwed onto the implants. The nonmagnetic systems represent a novel design and include two different abutment designs (Type 1 and Type 2) with silicone attachments. Retentive force values for three abutment types: Conventional Magnetic System (CMS), Nonmagnetic abutment Type 1 System (NMS1), and …

Duple-Mondnet: Duple Deep Learning-Based Mobile Net For Motor Neuron Disease Identification, Sony Helen, Joseph Jawhar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devastating neuron ailment that affects the motor neurons that regulate muscular voluntary actions. It is a rare disorder that gradually destroys aspects of neurological function. In general, MND arises as a result of a combination of natural, behavioral, and genetic influences. However, early detection of MND is a challenging task and manual identification is time-consuming. To overcome this, a novel deep learning-based duple feature extraction framework is proposed for the early detection of MND.Materials and methods: Diffusion tensor imaging tractography (DTI) images were initially analyzed for color and textural features using dual feature …

Integrated Convolutional Neural Network For Skin Cancer Classification With Hair And Noise Restoration, Ni̇dhi̇ Bansal, Sri̇dhar Sundaramurthy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Skin lesions are commonly diagnosed and classified using dermoscopic images. There are many artifacts visible in dermoscopic images, including hair strands, noise, bubbles, blood vessels, poor illumination, and moles. These artifacts can obscure crucial information about lesions, which limits the ability to diagnose lesions automatically. This study investigated how hair and noise artifacts in lesion images affect classifier performance and how they can be removed to improve diagnostic accuracy.Materials and methods: A synthetic dataset created using hair simulation and noise simulation was used in conjunction with the HAM10000 benchmark dataset. Moreover, integrated convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were proposed for …

A New Approach In The Treatment Of Ultrasound-Guided Synovial Hypertrophy, Emel Güler, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimKnee osteoarthritis (OA) causes pain, limited movement, and negatively impacts daily life in older adults. Hypertrophy and changes in the synovial tissue significantly contribute to the pain. While intra-articular injections are common in OA treatment, specific therapies for hypertrophic tissue are rarely mentioned. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of local anesthetic and steroid injections in the knee's intra-articular space and hypertrophic synovial tissue.Materials and methodsOur retrospective study included patients with grade 3-4 kne OA diagnosed with ultrasound-guided suprapatellar effusion and synovial hypertrophy. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale (NRS), and functional capacity was evaluated …

Relationship Between Bleeding Risk And Arterial Stiffness In Patients With Cerebral Aneurysms, Mehmet Seli̇m Gel, Hasan Çağri Postuk, İskender Samet Daltaban, Savaş Özer, Ercan Aydin, Emrah Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimA risk factor assessment evaluating the susceptibility of cerebral aneurysms (CA) to rupture has not yet been established. Therefore, the clinical management of unruptured CA remains uncertain. Our aim was to assess whether arterial stiffness is associated with the development of rupture in patients with cerebral aneurysms.Materials and methodsAfter magnetic resonance angiography, 49 patients with cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid haemorrhage and ruptured cerebral aneurysm detected by digital substraction angiography were included in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured using the VaSera VS-1000 vascular scanning system, expressed as cardio-ankle brachial index (CAVI). CAVI values were compared between patient groups.ResultsThe mean age …

Relationship Between The Density Of Degenerated Neurons In The Carotid Body And Changes In Blood Ph, Hakan Kina, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimCarotid artery is the majority artery for brain feeding. Carotid Bodies (CBs) are located in carotid bifurcation and regulate body fluid pH. We aimed to evaluate the changes in CB-related pH levels as a consequence of degeneration induced by the ligation of both Common Carotid Arteries (BCCAL).Materials and methodsWe included 23 adult male New Zealand rabbits. A control group (n= 5); a sham group (0.5 mL saline injected n=5) and the main study group (subjected to the BCCAL procedure, n = 13). We monitored and recorded pH levels, and cardiac rhythms before, during, and after the experiments at two-day intervals. …

Predictors Of Gleason Score Upgrading In Patients With Biopsy Diagnosis Of Grade Group 1 Prostate Cancer, Bariş Esen, Bengi̇ Gürses, Ari̇f Özkan, Mert Kiliç, Yakup Kordan, Tarik Esen, Di̇lek Ertoy Baydar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimTransrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy is the most commonly employed method in the diagnostic pathway of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Gleason score of the tumor is the critical tissue-based determinant of patient management after diagnosis, and main approach for low risk patients with grade group (GG) 1 disease is active surveillance rather than definitive interventions. However, a fair proportion of these cases is upgraded following radical prostatectomy (RP) if performed. We aimed to investigate the significance of clinicopathological parameters including PTEN protein in the prediction of higher final grade at radical prostatectomy in patients with biopsy diagnosis of GG1 prostatic carcinoma. Materials and methods33 …

Inflammatory Changes In The Prepuce And Clinical Findings According To The Stages Of Phimosis, Gül Doğan, Di̇lek Yilmaz, Hülya İpek, Mehmet Meti̇n, Hande Afşarlar, Çağatay Evri̇m Afşarlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of all or part of the prepuce. Circumcision is commonly performed on males in childhood to prevent urinary tract infections and for religious reasons. This study was designed to investigate the inflammatory processes in the prepuce according to the degree of phimosis in patients who underwent circumcision.Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study on 173 male children under the age of 18 who underwent circumcision between June and September 2024. A comprehensive physical examination of the genitourinary system was performed. Foreskin retraction was assessed and recorded using the Kikiros grading score, and …

Relationship Between Hand Osteoarthritis Severity And Serum Resistin Levels In Women With Metabolic Syndrome: A Case-Control Study, Eki̇n Başak Doğanci, Berna İmge Aydoğan, Ni̇lgün Başkal, Safi̇ye Tuncer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimWe aimed to determine the relationship between clinical and radiological severity of hand osteoarthritis and serum resistin levels in women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.Materials and methodsThe study was designed as a case-control study. A total of 87 women aged 50-65 years were evaluated; 29 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and hand osteoarthritis (MetS (+), hand OA (+); Group 1), 29 patients without metabolic syndrome but with hand osteoarthritis (MetS (-), hand OA (+); Group 2) and 29 healthy controls (MetS (-), hand OA (-); Group 3). The diagnostic criteria of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for hand osteoarthritis and National …

Does Femoral Tunnel Location Have An Effect On Functional And Clinical Results In Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction?, İbrahi̇m Kaya, Murat Çi̇çekli̇dağ, Resul Bi̇rcan, Mustafa Odluyurt, Abdurrahman Vural, İnci̇ Hazal Ayas, Muhammet Baybars Ataoğlu, Ulunay Kanatli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimMultiple reconstruction techniques have been described to mimic the normal anatomy and physiology of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL). The success of the MPFL depends on various factors such as graft selection, the location of the patellar tunnel and femoral tunnel (FT), and graft fixation methods. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship of femoral tunnel location with functional and clinical outcomes after MPFL reconstruction.Materials and methodsIn this study, the mid-term clinical results of patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability in a single institution between 2013 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. If the FT was …

Relationship Between Menstrual Cycle And Cognitive Functions In Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea, Ufuk Atlihan, Meltem Durakli Ulukök, Onur Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the relationship between the change in pain intensity over days in the menstrual-cycle and cognitive functions in females having primary dysmenorrhea.Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-four females with primary dysmenorrhea who were admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to November 2023 were assessed. Of these participants, 46 individuals who subjectively stated that their cognitive functions were affected, for whom neurology consultation was requested, and for whom patient data were available, were included in the study.Results: Significant decrease was seen in phonemic fluency and semantic fluency in patients who were evaluated on the 3rd day of menstrual …

Outbreak Of Bacteremia Caused By Ralstonia Insidiosa Isolated From Contaminated Blood Gas Syringe, Eli̇f Ayça Şahi̇n, Özge Özgen Top, Pınar Aysert Yildiz, Eli̇f Seren Tanriverdi̇, Hasan Selçuk Özger, Bariş Otlu, Özlem Güzel Tunçcan, Murat Di̇zbay, Ayşe Kalkanci, Kayhan Çağlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ralstonia species are opportunistic, waterborne microorganisms known for their ability to survive and proliferate in a wide range of water-based environments. They can contaminate solutions used for patient care and cause hospital outbreaks due to contaminated solutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the source and clonal relationship of Ralstonia insidiosa bacteremia detected in 28 patients between August and December 2021, as part of an unusual outbreak.Materials and methods: Active prospective surveillance studies were conducted, and environmental samples, including saline, antiseptic, and antibiotic solutions, injectors, arterial blood gas syringes, tap water, and hand soap, were collected from …

Efficiency Of Cervical Cerclage And Pessary In Addition To Vaginal Progesterone To Prevent Preterm Birth In Twin Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study From A Tertiary Center, Göksun İpek, Atakan Tanaçan, Ilim Demet, Zahi̇d Ağaoğlu, Ezgi̇ Başaran, Özgür Kara, Di̇lek Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the efficiency of cervical cerclage and pessary in addition to vaginal progesterone to prevent preterm birth in twin pregnanciesMaterials and methods: The presented retrospective case-control study was conducted on 46 twin pregnancies with cervical insufficiency and delivered at the xxx Hospital, January 2022-2024. Patients were grouped as the cervical cerclage in addition to vaginal progesterone (n=10), cervical pessary in addition to vaginal progesterone (n=11), and only vaginal progesterone (n=25). Patients’ data were obtained from the hospital database. Obstetrical parameters (gravidity, parity, abortion, artificial reproductive technologies, second-trimester abortion) and ultrasound parameters (cervical length, intra-amniotic sludge) were recorded. Gestational …

The Abdominal Compliance Index And Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Preliminary Observational Cohort Study, Ebru Akgün Şarer, Mustafa Tahtaci, Umut Cahi̇t Ersoy, Mehtap Honca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimLaparoscopic surgery in gynecology has advantages of reduced scarring, less postoperative pain, faster recovery and lower risk of complications. Despite these adavantages, shoulder pain still remains a major concern affecting upto 90% of patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The use of Abdominal compliance index (ACI) may offer the benefits of gaining work space for safer surgery and may prevent the drawbacks of applying higher insuflation pressures.We investigated the relation of shoulder pain and abdominal pain and analgesic use with the recently advised ACI which is a surrogate index of abdominal expansion in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.Materials and methodsThirty one …

In Vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant And Chelating Activities Of Natural Organosulfur Compounds Originated From Türkiye: An Investigation On Breast And Colorectal Cancer Cells, Ümmügülsüm Polat Korkunç, Hi̇lal Çalik, Leyla Polat Köse, Rabi̇a Çakir Koç, Emi̇ne Karakuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim:Taşköprü garlic, cultivated in the Taşköprü region of Kastamonu province, is a very famous in Türkiye.This study aimed to determine the anticancer and antioxidant effects of extracts from Kastamonu Taşköprü garlic on human breast cancer and colorectal cancer cells.Materials and methods:Taşköprü garlic, which contains natural organosulfur compounds, has a geographical registration. Taşköprü garlic, which contains natural organosulfur compounds (OSCs), has a geographical registration.Garlic contains oil- and water-soluble OSCs known to exhibit anticancer activity by interfering with MCF-7 and Caco-2 proliferation and tumor metastasis. In this study, the antiproliferative activity of oil- and water-soluble garlic extracts with and without glutathione at …

Impact Of Ivermectin On Nerve Regeneration Following Sciatic Injury In Mice: The Consequences Of Dietary High Fructose, Ezgi̇ Deni̇z Arikan, Barişcan Çi̇men, Ayşe Ece Gezen Yilmaz, Eli̇f Akaydin, Berkay Alpay, Deni̇z Eki̇n Erbaş, Erblina Nikshiqi, Sevda Müftüoğlu, Yildirim Sara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimPeripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are debilitating disorders affecting predominantly the younger generation, often leading to significant disabilities. Current treatment strategies are inadequate in addressing the complex nature of these injuries. Peripheral nerve healing and functional recovery are crucial components of both pathophysiology and therapeutic approach. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a frequently used sweetener in several beverages and foods. And it is associated with several metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and may impair nerve healing. This study investigates the therapeutic role of ivermectin on nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury and evaluates motor and sensorial functions together with histopathological …

Are Cinnamon Derivatives Effective And Safe For Diabetes?, Methi̇ye Mancak, Ufuk Koca Çalişkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimCinnamon spice is obtained by drying the tree bark of the Cinnamomum Schaeff genus. Cinnamomum genus belongs to the Lauraceae family and there are approximately 250 different species around the world. The most common species in the market are Cinnamomum verum J. S. Presl, C. cassia (L.) J. Presl, C. burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume and C. loureiroi Nees. Cinnamon and its by-products are used for many years for their antidiabetic effect. In this research, the major chemical content and in vitro antidiabetic activities of different commercially available cinnamon samples were evaluated to conclude whether they are safe to …

Association Of Certain Biochemical Parameters Related To Bone Cycle With Genotype In Mps Iii-B Patients, Seda Gökkurt, İrem Peker Eyüboğlu, Banu Nur Güzel, Ercan Mihçi, Ayşe Özer, Mustafa Akki̇pri̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation in Sanfilippo type B patients in terms of bone formation/resorption parameters, and to determine the release/inhibition of biomarkers accompanying osteoporosis.Materials and Methods: Plasma levels of Osteoprotegerin, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9), TIMP-1, TIMP-2, BALP, Cathepsin K, and TRACP-5b were examined by ELISA method in MPS IIIB patients. At the same time, mutations in the NAGLU gene causing this disease were detected by whole exome sequencing, and their correlation with biochemical parameters was investigated.Results: Based on the enzyme analysis results, MMP-9, TIMP1, TIMP-2, and MMP-2 were significantly high, while Cathepsin-K …

Ascorbic Acid Exhibits More Of A Protective Effect Than Estradiol Against Nephrotoxicity Induced By Malathion In Rats: A Histopathological And Molecular Docking Study, Mohammad Alhilal, Mahmoud Salem, Ahmed Albakoush, Suzan Alhilal, Basant Farag, Sobhi M. Gomha

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/Aim: Despite the known harmful effects associated with malathion toxicity in various organs, it continues to be widely used for plant protection and insect control. This study is the first to compare the protective effects of estradiol and ascorbic acid against malathion-induced nephrotoxicity through histopathological assessment and molecular docking analyses.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using 20 female albino rats that were distributed into sham, malathion, malathion + estradiol, and malathion + ascorbic acid groups. Nephrotoxicity was induced by daily treatment with malathion, and the effects of estradiol and ascorbic acid on nephrotoxicity were evaluated. After 4 weeks …

Impact Of Voluntary Exercise On Systemic Inflammation In A 2? Hit Model Of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction., Heather Quiriarte, Eunhan Cho, Youyoung Kim, Jake E. Doiron, Gregory Davis, James Stampley, Robert C. Noland, Zhen Li, Sanjiv J. Shah, Brian A. Irving, Guillaume Spielmann, David J. Lefer, Timothy D. Allerton

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

How Do Gender And Marital Status Impact High-Risk Polysubstance Use?, Kira England, Alexander Chapman

Population Health Research Brief Series

Drug overdose deaths in the United States increasingly include the use of multiple drugs, known as polysubstance use. These include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, tranquilizers, and sedatives. Polysubstance use is considered high risk because it can cause dangerous synergistic effects and result in the ingestion of higher amounts of drugs. This brief summarizes findings from a study that used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health on U.S. adults from 2002 through 2019 to examine gender and marital status differences in high-risk polysubstance use among U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The authors find that polysubstance use is …

Predicting Diabetes Self-Management Education Engagement: Machine Learning Algorithms And Models, Xiangxiang Jiang, Gang Lv, Minghui Li, Jing Yuan, Z Kevin Lu

Faculty Publications

Introduction Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as an essential component of diabetes management. However, the utilization of DSME remains limited in the USA. This study aimed to investigate current DSME participation among the older population and to identify comprehensive factors of DSME engagement through employing various machine learning (ML) models based on a US nationally representative survey linked to claims data.

Research design and methods Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey were employed, and this study included data on US Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes from 2017 to 2019. Comprehensive variables following the …

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (Gad-7) Tool For Anxiety Screening, Nicholas Tindong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The staff education project aimed to address the gap in practice regarding the use of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) screening tool at a psychiatric clinic. Approximately 40% of the clinic’s patients exhibited symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), yet the nurses did not consistently use validated tools to assess anxiety severity, relying instead on unstructured clinical interviews. This inconsistency has resulted in delayed diagnoses and suboptimal patient care. The project sought to improve nursing staff's knowledge and confidence in using the GAD-7 tool through a structured education program guided by the following practice-focused question: Among nurses at a …

Reducing Disparities In Breastfeeding Among African American Women Through Professional Support, Latonia Feagin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project involved developing a toolkit and implementing a staff education program to increase provider self-efficacy and knowledge concerning breastfeeding, increase provider understanding of the importance of a toolkit for addressing the gap in breastfeeding among African American women, and increase the intention of providers to use the toolkit by a minimum of 20%. The clinic reported breastfeeding in only 21% of African American patients, attributing this mainly to provider lack of breastfeeding self-efficacy and knowledge. It is essential for providers to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive breastfeeding information. This project involved evaluating provider self-efficacy, knowledge, understanding the importance of a …