Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Atypical Presentation Of Moyamoya Disease Presenting With Severe Headache: A Case Report, Nilay Bhatt, Tirth Vyas

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Research Priotitization In Hernia Surgery: A Modified Delphi Achqc And Vhoc Expert Consensus, Rachel Wright, Daphne Remulla, Mazen R. Al-Mansour, Christopher Schneider, Sharon Phillips, William W. Hope

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

The Gut Feeling: Diagnosing The Unexpected Ogilvie’S Syndrome, Sakina Haider, Jenny Cherenfant, Supritha Chintamaneni, Rama Laxman

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Micra-Scopic Hero: Rare Unroofed Cornoary Sinus Complicating Pacemaker Placement, Suhas Tatapudi, E Castillo, Jeby Kalathoor, Zuhair Ali, Hytham Rashid, R Cargioli

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Incidental Discovery Of Bilateral Pheochromocytoma In A Patient With Lifelong Hypertension, Umema Irfan, Sara Shahid, Anam Zara

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Advance Care Planning: Leveraging An Electronic Medical Record Prompt To Impact Advance Directive Documentation, Annette L. Meares

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Advance Directives (ADs) support patient-centered care by documenting preferences for future medical treatment. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) incentivizes AD documentation through billing codes, national adoption remains low.

Local Problem: A rural Northern Illinois primary care practice had electronic referral capabilities for ACP; however, referrals remained low and inconsistent during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs), limiting opportunities for AD completion.

Methods: This quality improvement project targeted Medicare AWV patients without ADs documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). During a 10-week pre-intervention period, baseline data were collected. In the subsequent 10-week intervention phase, an …

Evaluation Of Disulfiram And Derivatives As Antimicrobial Adjuvants, Surya Bhaskar Karuturi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an oral drug used for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Previous studies showed that disulfiram has antibiotic activity on multidrug-resistant bacteria. Here disulfiram was further evaluated for its ability to increase the potency of existing antimicrobials against the bacteria and yeast by acting as a drug adjuvant. Microbial cultures were treated with antibiotic or antifungal drugs in combination with disulfiram and its derivatives to determine whether potency is increased. The structure activity relationship (SAR) of disulfiram analogs was assessed against a triazole resistant Aspergillus panel. It showed that the shorter chained analogs of disulfiram are more potent …

Transitioning To Graduate Level Academics: A Preparation Program For An Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, Sergio Garcia

OT Doctoral Capstones

The objective of the capstone project was to create an online preparation program for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Department of Occupational Therapy’s-Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program that would ease the transition experience into the program and would help increase their early academic success. The capstone project involved the planning, creation, and implementation of the program. The finalized program consists of four interactive, self-led, and self-paced modules. Interactive elements include activities, questions, opportunities for reflection, and hyperlinks. The finalized program will be implemented with incoming UTEP OTD students on a yearly basis.

Colostomy Care: Ep, Michelle Ramirez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: This capstone project aimed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in colostomy care through a structured educational booklet.

Methods: Six adult inpatient participants at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus received the booklet and completed pre- and post-surveys.

Results: Participants had a 7.37% increase in scores, with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence (p < .001). Patients reported the material was easy to understand and helpful.

Discussion: The project highlights the OT's role in education and emotional support during post-operative recovery. The booklet is a sustainable, low-cost tool that can be replicated across diverse clinical settings.

Empowering Caregivers Through An Occupation-Based Approach To Physical And Mental Health, Maria Duarte

OT Doctoral Capstones

Problem Statement: The informal caregivers at Fundación Integra A.C., primarily family members providing daily, unpaid care to loved ones with significant physical and cognitive needs, often lack the training and support necessary to safely mange the physical and mental demands of caregiving, increasing their risk of injury, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

Methods: 5-module caregiver education course over 8 weeks in person/via Zoom and all material was delivered in Spanish.

Results: Increased confidence, knowledge, and reduced stress.

Discussion: Small sample size, limited statistical significance however, still showed meaningful gains.

Conclusion: Physical and mental health focused program is effective among …

Exploring The Impact Of Yoga On Self-Perception In People With Aphasia, Meta Riley Hurm

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Instances of complex diagnoses and acquired language loss, such as aphasia, are often accompanied by a variety of deficits in quality of life. Most notably, individuals’ self-perceptions can be altered by these diagnoses, as new life complications bring about the necessity for major adjustments. This study utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyze the effects of participation in an adapted yoga program on self-perception, specifically evoking change in identity, emotional health, sense of community, and self-acceptance. Through interviews with six individuals with a primary aphasia diagnosis, findings revealed three major superordinate themes of self-perception: identity, self-care, and attunement. Participants' answers …

Determining Localization Of Surf-4 In Drosophila Melanogaster In The Secretory Pathway, Jada Scott

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The purpose of this research is to determine the role of the Surfeit-4 gene, or Surf-4 locus protein, during Drosophila melanogaster development. Surf-4 was identified in the Srivastava lab in a biochemical screen for proteins that associate with the basement membrane (BM): a structure needed and required for normal development and its degradation is a hallmark of tumor metastasis. Surf-4 has been predicted to function within intracellular compartments and is known to be expressed in many parts of the developing fly. We are currently determining why Surf-4 is important in development and what role, if any, it could play during …

Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening At An Underserved Clinic, Aseiya Begum

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Cervical cancer remains a preventable disease when detected early through routine screenings, yet national screening rates continue to fall short, particularly among underserved populations. Increasing engagement in preventive care is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality.

Local Problem: At the project site, cervical cancer screening rates were below national benchmarks at only 58%, with many eligible patients overdue for screening.

Methods: A quality improvement project was used to identify eligible patients through chart reviews. Screening completion rates were monitored before and after implementation to assess impact.

Interventions: The project implemented targeted outreach strategies, including personalized MyChart electronic messages and …

A Quality Improvement Project On Risk Stratification And Screening For Sleep Apnea In Cardiology Outpatient Setting, Ma Vanessa S. Mabazza

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep disorder and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but remains widely underdiagnosed due to inconsistent and non-standardized screening practices in outpatient settings.

Local Problem: Patients with CVD were reported to be diagnosed with OSA following sleep studies at an outpatient cardiology clinic. The need for a consistent, evidence-based approach to risk-stratification and screening was recognized.

Aim: The aim of this project was to increase the OSA risk stratification rate among new adult cardiology patients from 53% to at least 85% over a 16-week implementation period by incorporating the …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

The Influence Of The Residency Interview Format On Future Interviewing Models And Use Of Preference Signals, John E. Snellings, Hanwen Miao, Daniel L. Meyer, Miranda A. Moore

Department of Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the format of residency recruitment, leading to the widespread adoption of virtual interviews, followed by the adoption of preference signaling. This study examines how the structure of the 2023-2024 interview season influenced family medicine residency program directors' intentions for future interview formats and their preferences regarding the number of preference signals.

Methods: A Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance survey, including demographic questions, was distributed to all family medicine residency program directors in the United States in spring 2024. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, χ² tests, and multivariable logistic …

Gallium Β-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles Containing Both Gallium Protoporphyrin And Gallium Nitrate Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity Against Nontuberculous Mycobacteria In Vitro And In Vivo, Seoung-Ryoung Choi, Bradley E. Britigan, Prabagaran Narayanasamy

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

Effective and safe antibiotics active against pathogenic mycobacterial species are needed. Iron is an essential element for bacterial survival. Ga(NO₃)₃ (GN) and Ga protoporphyrin (GP) as iron mimetics have each been shown to inhibit the iron metabolism and growth of various mycobacterial species. In this study, the dual cyclodextrin nanoparticle (CDGPGN) is prepared that carries GP and GN using a sonication homogenization technique to increase the efficacy of the combination therapy. CDGPGN shows a long-acting antimicrobial activity against Mycobacteroides abscessus residing in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). A murine pulmonary study showed that the CDGPGN also inhibited the growth …

A Rare Case Of Anterior Coccyx Dislocation Causing Coccydynia, Syed Sameer Ahmad, Brian J. Tollefson

Emergency Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Hpv Vaccination In The U.S. Midwest: Barriers And Facilitators Of Initiation And Completion In Adolescents And Young Adults, Kristyne D. Mansilla Dubon, Edward S. Peters, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Abraham Degarege

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background/Objectives: HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the US remains low, and coverage in the Midwest falls short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents and young adults was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the Midwest. Results: Out of 1306 individuals aged 13-26 years, 397 (30.4%) were fully vaccinated (2-3 doses), 124 (9.5%) had received one dose, 324 (24.8%) were unvaccinated, and 461 (35.3%) were unsure of their vaccination status. Awareness of HPV vaccines (OR: 2.4, …

Radiation Dose Reduction Strategies In Interventional Radiology, Breanna Fluhr

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explains the importance of radiation dose reduction in Interventional Radiology (IR) and the strategies that help protect both patients and healthcare staff. General factors that influence exposure, challenges associated with extended fluoroscopy times, sources of scatter radiation, and the role of proper training and protective equipment are discussed. IR procedures often involve long imaging times and complex patient anatomy, which can significantly increase radiation dose if not carefully managed. Traditional safety practices such as pulsed fluoroscopy, last image hold, collimation, increased distance, and appropriate shielding are essential in minimizing unnecessary exposure. New advancements, including patient dose management software, …

Radiation Dose In Computed Tomography (Ct), Helen Minnick

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Computed Tomography (CT) is a critical diagnostic tool that delivers rapid, detailed cross-sectional imaging but remains a major contributor to medical radiation exposure. Increasing use of CT has led to concerns about excessive or low-value exams, including repeat scans that do not often change patient management and may increase long-term cancer risk. Evidence shows that only a small percentage of repeat head CTs reveal clinically significant findings, underscoring the importance of justification and reducing unnecessary imaging. Pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable due to increased tissue radiosensitivity and longer lifespans, making dose optimization essential. National initiatives such as Image Gently and …

Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy For Treatment Of Various Cancers, Taylor J. Windheim

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is a newly advancing technology in radiation therapy that improves the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy treatments. SGRT utilizes three-dimensional images of the patient’s surface in real-time, which improves patient setup accuracy and allows for continuous patient monitoring, while decreasing the need for additional imaging in comparison to the traditional laser setup method. The project discusses the advantages of SGRT and the utilization of the technology for breast and lung radiation treatments. In breast cancer treatments, SGRT improves positioning accuracy and reproducibility, as well as decreases radiation dose to the heart and lungs while using …

Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri), Madison Woodhead

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explains fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its role in prenatal diagnosis. It discusses various aspects, including types of prenatal imaging, clinical applications, the imaging procedures, safety considerations, and technical challenges. Understanding the benefits and limitations of fetal MRI allows for earlier and more accurate detection of fetal abnormalities. Fetal MRI serves as a secondary imaging modality that complements ultrasound by providing detailed imaging of fetal anatomy. Several congenital anomalies including those involving the central nervous system (CNS), as well as the abdominal and thoracic regions, can be thoroughly evaluated to provide additional information and confirm diagnoses made …

Ai In Mammography, Samantha Lorenzo, Gina Capitano

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This Research explores the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammography and its role in cancer diagnosis. It examines statistical data related to AI-assisted diagnostics, highlights AI’s ability to detect early signs of cancer that may be imperceptible to the human eye, and discusses the growing adoption of AI among breast radiologists. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. Approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. The integration of AI in mammography represents a promising advancement in early detection and …

A Case Study: Alzheimer’S Progression In Mri, Lacey E. Sorber

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many individuals know a person who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s or has lost their life due to the disease. Alzheimer’s can be described as early-onset or late-onset. Early-onset Alzheimer's occurs before the age of 65, and late-onset occurs after the age of 65. This research demonstrates a case study of a 63 year old male with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and language problems. The patient in this case study’s symptoms began with memory loss and began to regress into cognitive decline. …

Utilizing Shockwave Therapy For Cardiac Catheterization, Nadja E. Hartmann

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This project explores the role of cardiac catheterization and the use of intravascular shockwave therapy (IVL) in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to visualize coronary and peripheral vessels, assess heart function, and intervene on obstructed arteries. The poster outlines the fundamental steps of catheterization, including the use of specialized catheters, contrast imaging, and tools such as balloons and stents to restore blood flow. The main topic of this project is Shockwave therapy, a newer technique designed to treat heavily calcified lesions that are resistant to other methods, …

Basics Of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography, Megan A. Lasher

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) is an advanced diagnostic technique that combines anatomical and functional breast imaging with the use of iodinated contrast to enhance potential malignant lesion visualization. This capstone presents the fundamental principles of mammography, clinical indications and contraindications, and diagnostic capabilities of CESM compared to traditional mammography. CESM has improved the detection of malignancies, especially in dense breast tissue, as contrast highlights vascular changes associated with tumor angiogenesis. The imaging involves a dual-energy image acquisition, as low-energy is required for structure and high-energy for contrast enhancement. The dual imaging provides a thorough insight into lesion morphology and perfusion. …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy, Ainsley Derck

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples that look suspicious on a breast MRI. Because MRI has high soft tissue contrast, subtle abnormalities can be detected that may not be seen well in other breast imaging modalities, like mammography or ultrasound. This makes MRI-guided breast biopsy a valuable option in evaluating suspicious breast tissue abnormalities. The MRI-guided breast biopsy uses MR imaging to accurately locate suspicious tissue and perform a minimally invasive biopsy procedure. During the procedure, MRI is used to position a needle in the breast at the location …

Measures Of General Intelligence And Risk For Alcohol Use Disorder, Ananya Aengula

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that involves an individual having an impaired ability to control their alcohol usage. To understand the factors that contribute to this disorder, researchers wanted to investigate the relationships among General Intelligence (IQ), Educational Attainment (EA), and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They arranged an observational cohort to assess IQ levels and the development of AUD in 573,855 Swedish men and 5,424 individuals from the United States. Ultimately, their results indicate that lower IQ levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing AUD later in life. They concluded that low IQ and …

Navigating The Way To Colonoscopy Completion: A Quality Improvement Study, Jessica Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Colonoscopies are a highly effective method of colorectal cancer screening, yet their value is hindered by frequent last-minute cancellations and patient no-shows. The absence of a consistent, evidence-based pre-procedural education tool to address patient-level barriers remains a critical gap in healthcare delivery.

Local Problem: At a hospital-based medical practice in Kane County, Illinois, 7% of colonoscopy cancellations occur last minute, primarily due to preventable factors.

Methods: This quality improvement project compared last-minute cancellation and no-show rates between a control group receiving standard care and an intervention group provided with enhanced education and regularly scheduled follow-up contact through patient …