Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Overdose Response Training For Volunteers In A Homeless Shelter, Heather Lynne Smallwood

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The opioid overdose epidemic is a critical health crisis across the country. The homeless population is substantially more at risk of overdose death compared to the general public. Naloxone is a life-saving medication for reversing opioid overdose and is available to ambulance and emergency care services, but support persons are also in regular contact with opioid users and training (Fine et al., 2022). This DNP Project was created to educate volunteers at a homeless shelter in the event of an opioid overdose. The objective of the project was to increase the knowledge of opioid overdose signs and symptoms and naloxone …

Pantry To Plate: Using Local Food Pantries To Improve Diabetes Self-Care Deficits, Rachelle Zielazienski

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to improve food pantry participants’ diabetes self-management and understanding of diabetes nutrition education through a collaborative approach. Over the course of 2 months, the project provided educational resources on diabetes nutrition at a food pantry. The target population included individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and those responsible for preparing meals for diabetic individuals. A certified diabetes specialist was enlisted to ensure the delivery of culturally sensitive, evidence-based educational support tailored to participants’ diabetes health goals. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory served as a framework for this project. A mixed-methods approach was utilized through pre-and post-test design to gather qualitative …

Addressing Physical Inactivity In Cabarrus County, Amy S. Hicks

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: 21% of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, residents report complete physical inactivity during their leisure time, contributing to various health problems affecting 29% to 33% of Cabarrus County residents aged 40 to 84.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement and evaluate a 3-week community walking challenge (Trim Before the Turkey Walking Challenge) to increase physical activity and social connectedness among Cabarrus County residents aged 50 and older.

Methods: A pre- and post-program survey design was used to evaluate participant-reported physical activity levels and sense of social engagement. Participants were recruited through the …

Hand Hygiene Education For Personal Care Staff In Congregated Care Settings: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Saunders Noel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

For many years, proper hand hygiene has been emphasized as one of the most important defenses in helping to prevent illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) is a major organization that stresses the importance of proper hand hygiene and disease prevention. However, hand hygiene education and knowledge must be acquired to successfully utilize the correct steps in combating illnesses and diseases. Hand hygiene is a learned behavior and emphasizing education and awareness is important to successful adoption. This DNP project was implemented to personal care staff in a congregated care setting located in the southeastern part of Virginia. The project …

Practice Patterns In Pediatric And Adult Dysphagia: Implications For Clinical Training, Jane Grothaus, Kaitlyn Hill, Marlee Nebesniak, Anastasia Raymer

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Objective: Most speech language pathologists (SLPs) receive training to work with patients with swallowing disorders in graduate school, focusing primarily on adult dysphagia. Although SLPs share common foundational knowledge and skills for adult and pediatric dysphagia populations, there are considerable differences in these two specialized areas of practice. We aimed to query SLPs’ practice patterns for dysphagia assessment and management for adults and pediatric populations to consider differences and guide training efforts.

Methods: We distributed two comprehensive anonymous surveys to explore practice patterns of SLPs who provide assessment and management of dysphagia for adult or pediatric populations. The 118 respondents, …

An Observational Study Of Discourse Tasks And Running Speech Sampling In The Assessment Of Paediatric Voice Quality, Victoria Reynolds, Kristin Scavo-Smith, Kate Oteng-Bediako, Sophie Scanlon

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Introduction

Running speech sampling is an essential component of a paediatric voice evaluation, in that it should provide the examiner with a representative vocal sample of the child's everyday voice use outside of the clinic setting. Current speech sampling practices, consisting of reading tasks, informal conversation sampling and the voice question ('Tell me about your voice problem'), may not elicit consistent samples or samples of sufficient length to allow the examiner to make a reliable and valid judgement about vocal quality. The aim of this study is to compare the voice quality of children produced in response to existing running …

On The Frontline: Stop The Bleed© Training For School Staff, Mary Michaela Hinson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed© course was introduced in 2015 following an outcry from the community surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The Stop the Bleed© course was developed as a tool for training that any person could participate in, despite their medical background or knowledge. The course is comprised of a 30-minute didactic portion followed by a 30-minute hands-on portion where participants can practice applying tourniquets, packing a wound, and applying manual pressure. This DNP project aimed to educate school staff in a high school located in North Carolina on Stop the Bleed© in an …

Epigenetic Regulation In Fibrosis, Qingping Wei, Xiaoru Hu, Yan Sanders

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Fibrosis is one of the pathological conditions underlying the progression of numerous chronic diseases, and it contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing amounts of evidence indicate that epigenetic mechanisms—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs—play pivotal roles in epithelial cell injury and maladaptive tissue repair, inflammatory cell and fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling and accumulation. Compared to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes are relatively reversible, positioning them as promising therapeutic targets. The articles collected in this Research Topic highlight recent advances in understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes fibrotic processes across multiple organ systems and …

Exploring The Clinical Profiles And Management Of Juvenile Dermatomyositis In Africa: A Survey Of African Rheumatology Care Providers, Jessica Perfetto, Laura B. Lewandowski, Dawn M. Wahezi, Vanessa Ogega, Joan Ahimbisibwe, Kate Webb, Christiaan Scott, Angela Migowa

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: There are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical. Our objectives are to understand the burden of JDM in Africa and provider access to diagnostic tools and therapy through survey methodology.

Methods: A survey (available in English and French) was distributed via WhatsApp to 363 total members of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR; n = 233) and Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism …

Facility-Based Uptake Of Colorectal Cancer Screening In 45-49-Year-Olds After U.S. Guideline Changes, Alyssa H. Harris, Hannah Murphy, Madeleine Mcdowell, Margaret E. Wright, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Understanding Food Insecurity Among International Students At Ohio University, Kyle Butler, Joshua Osondu

Sustainable Living Hub Reports and Publications

Recently, food insecurity has emerged as a concern among the student body of Ohio University (OHIO), particularly among its international graduate students. This survey study was undertaken to provide data to inform OHIO’s response to food insecurity among its international graduate students.

Exploring Approaches To Address Racial Discrimination, Stigma, And Provider Communication In Sickle Cell Disease Pain Management Through Interprofessional Education And Collaboration, Ronisha Edwards-Elliott

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents research across three publishable manuscripts that investigate why structural and systemic racism persist among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) seeking pain management, and how interprofessional collaboration and education can help reduce disparities through shared learning, accountability, and standardized care (Chapters Two through Four). A scoping review identifies current interventions and strategies aimed at sharing the pain experiences and feelings of being unheard by SCD patients (Chapter Two). Findings of the scoping review revealed that although interventions and strategies exist and have been tested, the lack of implementation or buy-in from healthcare professionals has allowed racial discrimination …

Contract To Kill: Gnas Mutation, Pratima Raut, Poompozhil Mathivanan, Surinder K. Batra, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The mutation in Gsα-coding GNAS exons, popular as gsp oncogene, is the most frequent mutation across all heterotrimeric G proteins involved in oncogenesis. GNAS R201, the most frequently mutated, followed by Q227, are found predominantly across various neoplasms and cancers such as IPMN, pituitary, thyroid, appendiceal, colorectal, etc. This review emphasizes the pivotal significance of the gsp oncogene and its ramifications underpinning the sustained addiction to GNAS mutation. Recent studies delineating the mechanistic intricacies that provide solid evidence of the profound impact of oncogenic GNAS on tumor formation, progression, and maintenance are highlighted. We have leveraged the discoveries of Gsα …

Staphylococcus Aureus Encodes Four Differentially Regulated Pyruvate Transporters, Jennifer L. Endres, Cleofes Sarmiento, William Xiao, Marat R. Sadykov, Kenneth W. Bayles, Mckenzie K. Lehman

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

The success of Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogen is attributable, in part, to its ability to exploit the diverse nutrient sources available during infection. Critical to this success are the pathways involving pyruvate that serve as a nexus for energy production, oxidative metabolism, and biosynthetic processes. When available, bacteria acquire pyruvate from the environment to fuel growth. Recently, LrgAB was identified as a pyruvate transporter under microaerobic conditions, leading us to speculate that S. aureus encodes other pyruvate transporters that are active during aerobic growth. In this study, we used the toxic pyruvate analog, 3-fluoropyruvic acid (3-FP), to isolate mutants …

Comprehensive Characterization Of Chronic Midazolam Exposure On Neonates And Long-Term Neurodevelopment, Nghi M. Nguyen, Pranavi Athota, Adrian Flores, Andrew Trease, Daniel Meyer, Vamsi K. Singu, Chandan Krishnamoorthy, Victoria L. Schaal, Reeyan Bhakat, Kunal Sualy, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Kelly L. Stauch, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Gurudutt Pendyala

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Approximately 1 in 10 U.S. newborns are born preterm (< 37 weeks of gestation), facing risks of low birth weight, respiratory and birth deficits often requiring surgery, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged sedation. Such long-term exposure to sedatives in these babies can potentially pose neurodevelopmental risks and can further impact changes later in life. The present study focused on midazolam (MDZ), a benzodiazepine class drug commonly used as sedative in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Using a robust preclinical rodent model mimicking chronic MDZ exposure, we did a comprehensive characterization on the phenotypic, molecular, biochemical, and behavioral outcomes in these exposed neonates across key developmental milestones. Our findings indicate that long-term MDZ exposure during the neonatal period negatively affects physical attributes in early childhood. While adult bodyweights between control and MDZ-exposed rats remain comparable, the MDZ rats exhibit accelerated and robust weight gain, potentially indicating a predisposition for binge eating behavior. Additionally, dopamine release in MDZ-exposed rats is markedly reduced in adulthood. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the brain during adulthood suggest a shift in development due to early MDZ exposure. Further, trends of heightened anxiety-like behavior and reduced social interaction during early adolescence compared to other stages were observed. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive assessment of how long-term MDZ exposure during neonatal stages impacts outcomes throughout life, laying the foundation for understanding mechanisms that contribute to neurodevelopmental complications associated with long-term MDZ use in neonates.

Performance Of Urine Reagent Test Strips In Detecting Schistosoma Haematobium Infection In Individual And Pooled Urine Samples, Abraham Degarege, Berhanu Erko, David Brett-Major, Bruno Levecke, Abebe Animut, Yohannes Negash, M. Jana Broadhurst, Tzeyu L. Michaud, Christopher R. Bilder

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

This study evaluated the performance of urine reagent strips (URSs) in detecting Schistosoma haematobium infection in individual and pooled urine samples. Between June 2022 and April 2023, 2634 urine samples (10 mL each) from school-age children (5-15 years) in 15 villages across Ethiopia's Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Gambella regions were tested using urine filtration microscopy (UFM) and URSs for blood, a marker of S. haematobium eggs. Pooled samples from 5, 10, 20, and 40 individuals (one positive, others negative) were examined with both methods. UFM results were used to calculate URSs' sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for detecting infection. A total …

Quantifying The Public Health Impact Of Lyme Disease In Minnesota: A Simulation Analysis Of Reported And Unreported Cases, Kathleen Angell, M. Jana Broadhurst, Jianghu James Dong, Tzeyu L. Michaud, Abraham Degarege, Roberto Cortinas, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background: Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in Minnesota, is estimated to be underreported by a factor of 10. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis may lead to health complications and increased personal and societal costs. Environmental factors can help to predict high disease years, allowing for early intervention to decrease disease burden. Objective: To estimate the health and cost burdens of Lyme disease and the extent to which they could be diminished by public health intervention when high-incidence Lyme disease years are forecasted. Methods: We used 5 two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations to estimate (1) average annual expected burden of Lyme …

The Distinctive Role Of Atp In Hsp110’S “Holdase” Chaperone Activity, Justin M. Kidd, Cancan Sun, Mitchell Keplinger, Alissa Garay, Colin Ritcher, Qinglian Liu

Physiology and Biophysics Publications and Presentations

Hsp110s are a unique class of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and distant homologs of Hsp70s. They act not only as nucleotide exchange factor co-chaperones for Hsp70s (i.e., NEF activity) but also as independent chaperones capable of preventing the aggregation of proteins exposed to cellular stresses (i.e., ”holdase” activity). While Hsp110 NEF activity is well characterized, the mechanisms of holdase activity are less clear. In particular, the role of ATP-binding in regulating holdase activity is poorly understood and has been disputed. In this study, we discovered an undocumented divalent cation inhibitory effect that is reversed by ATP. This finding led us …

An Exploration Of Desired Abstinent And Non- Abstinent Recovery Outcomes Among People Who Use Methamphetamine, Alex Elswick, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Karen L. Roper, Evan Batty, Christopher J. Mclouth, William W. Stoops, Hilary L. Surratt, Carrie B. Oser

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background In the United States, complete abstinence persists as the standard for demonstrating recovery success from substance use disorders (SUDs), apart from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although the FDA has recently indicated openness for non-abstinence outcomes as treatment targets, the traditional benchmark of complete abstinence for new medications to treat SUDs remains a hurdle and overshadows other non-abstinent outcomes desired by people with SUDs (e.g., improved sleep, employment, family reunification). This study sought to expand the definition of recovery to include non-abstinent pathways by exploring non-abstinence-based outcomes desired by people who use methamphetamine (PWUM).

Methods Participants (n = 100) were …

Covid-19 Risk And Crisis Communication Challenges And Opportunities: Qualitative Insights From Rural Wastewater Surveillance Partners, Savannah Tucker, Beverly May, Matthew Liversedge, Scott M. Berry, James W. Keck, Anna G. Hoover

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Objectives: Understand perceptions of COVID-19 messages and information sources among rural wastewater treatment plant operators to inform context-specific communication strategies for implementing wastewater surveillance methodologies locally.

Methods: Eight employees from 7 Eastern Kentucky facilities involved in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance participated in semi-structured interviews. Respondents shared perceptions of traditional and social media COVID-19 information channels in their communities, as well as factors influencing trustworthiness of sources. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) framework, 3 investigators conducted iterative, thematic coding of interview transcripts.

Results: Respondents’ statements most frequently related to “Be Credible,” “Be …

Language In The Teaching Or: Expressing Confidence Versus Community, Aarya Ramprasad, Imaima Casubhoy, Melanie Meister, Brenda Bethman, Austin Bachar, Gary Sutkin

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Isolated Unilateral Medial Rectus Palsy Due To Acute Pontine Infarction, Miranda Bingham, Shterna Frand, Charley Meadows, Sanjay Sharma

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Isolated unilateral medial rectus palsy is a rare but significant clinical manifestation of acute pontine infarction, often presenting without the typical neurological deficits seen in brainstem strokes. This case report highlights a 61-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes who presented with four days of double vision, with no other significant neurological symptoms such as headache, speech disturbances, or focal weakness. On examination, the patient exhibited an isolated inability to adduct his left eye, without any visual deficits or abnormalities in other cranial nerve functions. Neuroimaging, specifically MRI, confirmed the diagnosis of an acute left pontine infarction. The …

Culture Negative Endocarditis Masquerading As Idiopathic Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, Sania Moonnumackel, Manish Pandey, Randy Nguyen, Reuben Abreu, Seline Haci, Neelima Paladugu, Machaiah Madhrira

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a challenging disease to diagnose often presenting with heterogeneous features. Blood cultures are the gold standard for diagnosing endocarditis, but it is important to know that up to 20 % of cases of infective endocarditis have negative blood cultures. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a small vessel vasculitis and is idiopathic in 50% of cases. LCV is a rare but possible presentation of Infective endocarditis. Hence IE should be part of the differential diagnosis when LCV is diagnosed. Case summary: A 53-year-old male patient presenting right lower extremity pain and vesiculobullous lesions over bilateral upper and …

Heterotopic Ossification (Ho) Prophylaxis In Total Hip Arthroplasty (Tha): A Systematic Review Of Level I And Level Ii Evidence Since 2000, Troy Puga, Mckenna Box, Vincent Dieu, Charles Marchese, John T. Riehl

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a somewhat common occurrence after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly with certain approaches. This complication can be detrimental to the success of the surgical outcome. Indomethacin and radiotherapy remain common treatment modalities; however, no true gold-standard treatment is universally agreed upon. This study aims to evaluate Level I and Level II evidence for treatment practices of HO prophylaxis since 2000. Methods: To evaluate HO prophylaxis in total hip arthroplasty, a search was conducted across MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility for …

Unmasking Multicentric Reticulonodular Histiocytoma: A Rare Impostor Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Neil Maithel, Annmary Behanan, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Covid-19-Induced Activation Of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome In A 40-Year-Old Woman With A Family History Of Ahus, Neil Maithel, Ibrahim Musa, Rabia Mahfooz, Ali Asghar, Jorge Garza, Aftab Mahmood

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Effective Managment Of Relapsing Henoch-Schonlein Purpura With Nephropathy In An Adult With Long-Term Use Of Azathioprine, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Neil Maithel, Loiacono Agostina, Minha Aslam, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Unveiling The Mystery: Infected Endocarditis Masquerading As Right Atrial Thrombus In A Port-A-Catheter Patient, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Annmary Behanan, Babivigasan Gunasegaran, Srikrishnan Pichuthirumalai, Hannan Chaugle

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Necrotic Pancreatitis Due To Cronobacter Sakazakii Infection, Daler Kudratov, Jehidy Batista Michelena, David Benitez, Meghan Myppala, Adam Gomez, Oswaldo Renteria, Juan Rodriguez, Kuljot Bansi

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Low Thyroglobulin Levels And Negative Whole Body Scan: A Double Hit, Leading To The Suggested Papillary Thyroid Cancer Remission, Karen Valadez-Cuen, Nikita Patel, Huy Vuong, Sergio Rovner, Cesar Abbud

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.