Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Integrating Pathogenic Variants, Polygenic Risk Score, And Family History For Prostate Cancer Risk Estimation In Men Of African Ancestry, Fei Chen, Xin Sheng, Anqi Wang, Yili Xu, Raymond Hughley, Wei Xiong, Loreall Pooler, Peggy Wan, Susan M Gundell, Godfrey Kigozi, Gertrude Nakigozi, Fred Nalugoda, Joseph Kagaayi, Grace Nalwoga Kigozi, Stephen Mugamba, Emmanuel Kyasanku, James Nkale, Vitalis Ofumbi Olwa, Alexander Lubwama, Alex Daama, Resty Nakajugo, Ben Adusei, Mohamed Jalloh, Serigne Magueye Gueye, Andrew A Adjei, James Mensah, Pedro W Fernandez, Akindele Olupelumi Adebiyi, J Olufemi Ogunbiyi, Oseremen Inokhoife Aisuodionoe-Shadrach, Lindsay Petersen, Wenlong Carl Chen, Jo Mcbride, Jeannette T Bensen, James L Mohler, Jack A Taylor, Caroline Andrews, Mbaaga Kigongo, Amanya Colline, Vicky Kiddu, Juliet Namugambe, Shallot Owamaani, Kuteesa Job, Benon Joseph Masaba, Frank Asiimwe, Proscovia Muwanga, Joy Namulondo, Florence Nagawa, Charity Kayiraba, Martin Ogwang, Ronald Okidi, David Oweka, Elio Kitara, James Obonyo, Daniel Lajul, Paul Matovu, Precious Arinda Muheki, Johnson Natumanya, Emmanuel Agaba, Emmanuel Aculokin, Amos Twongyeirwe, George Mutema, Denis Bitamazire, Eboneé N Butler, Sue Ann Ingles, Benjamin A Rybicki, Janet L Stanford, Wei Zheng, Sonja I Berndt, Stephen J Chanock, Chad D Huff, Joseph Lachance, Luc Multigner, Burcu F Darst, Timothy R Rebbeck, Laurent Brureau, Stephen Watya, David V Conti, Christopher A Haiman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The impact of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer predisposition genes on risk of prostate cancer (PCa) remains understudied in large populations of African ancestry. This study aims to characterize the range of genetic risk of PCa and aggressive disease phenotypes in men of African ancestry.

METHODS: We analyzed 7176 PCa cases and 4873 controls from seven countries across North America and Africa to assess the association between PVs in 37 cancer predisposition genes and the risk of overall, aggressive, and metastatic PCa. Genes significantly associated with PCa risk were used to estimate lifetime absolute risk based …

Outcomes Of Relapse After Teclistamab Therapy In Multiple Myeloma, Kyle L. Yu, Matthew Ho, Luca Paruzzo, Federico Stella, Heta Patel, Zainul S Hasanali, Shivani Kapur, Adam J. Waxman, Dan T. Vogl, Edward A. Stadtmauer, Joseph A. Fraietta, Marco Ruella, Adam D. Cohen, Alfred L. Garfall, Sandra Susanibar-Adaniya

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

Mutant P53 Variants Differentially Impact Replication Initiation And Activate Cgas-Sting To Affect Immune Checkpoint Inhibition, Kang Liu, Lidija A Wilhelms Garan, Fang-Tsyr Lin, Weei-Chin Lin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Prior research shows that Akt-dependent phosphorylation of TopBP1 in S phase results in the switch of TopBP1/Treslin binding to TopBP1/E2F1 binding, which is important to prevent replication re-initiation in late S and G2 phases. Here, we demonstrate that contact, but not conformational, mutant p53 can override this switch by binding to both TopBP1 and Treslin, thereby facilitating persistent TopBP1/Treslin interaction in late S and G2 phases, which ultimately leads to over-firing of replication initiation. This increases micronuclei formation, which is further enhanced by genotoxic stressors such as doxorubicin, PARP inhibitors, or ATR inhibitors. Consequently, contact mutant p53 increases the sensitivity …

Prolonged Dysregulation Of Gene Expression And Biomarkers Of Coagulation, Fibrinolysis, And Endothelium In Pediatric Central Nervous System Malaria, Arlene E Dent, Bruce A Rosa, Katherine R Dobbs, Sidney Ogolla, David Midem, Paula Embury, Yelenna Skomorovska-Prokvolit, Emily R Hannon, Emmily Koech, Alvin H Schmaier, Walter Otieno, Makedonka Mitreva, James W Kazura

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Children with central nervous system malaria (CNS-M) have gene expression profiles and plasma biomarkers of malaria pathogenesis that differ from children with uncomplicated malaria (UM, malaria infection with fever and no systemic organ dysfunction) or acute febrile non-malaria illness (AFN). However, there is scant knowledge of the temporal dynamics of gene expression and plasma biomarkers during recovery from CNS-M.

METHODS: We compared serial changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptomes at 6 weeks after recovery and plasma biomarkers of malaria pathogenesis at 6 weeks and 6 months after recovery in cohorts of Kenyan children who presented with CNS-M ( …

Translational Framework For Implementation Evaluation And Research: A Critical Approach To Patient-Centred Equity Design, Carl R May, Elvin Geng, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The field of implementation research has recently seen much interest in equity, with a strong emphasis on recognising and responding to disparities in care. Recent studies highlight the role of macro-level processes that translate meso-level institutional behaviours to micro-level healthcare practices, and that are generative of health and care inequities. They emphasise challenges patient-centredness and underscore the need for justice-oriented intervention design to address disparities and promote equitable care.

AIM: To develop a patient-centred and justice-informed approach to the design of complex healthcare interventions and innovations in service delivery.

METHOD: Patient-centred Equity Design was developed in five stages. Sociological, …

Learning And Satisfaction, Ainsley Smith

Scholars Week

Learning and Satisfaction

Motivation, especially in the world of psychology, is quite the broad and overarching term that relates to various aspects of life. Whether it be motivation in the workplace, classroom, sports, or relationships, our intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive us to do our best on what we set forth to accomplish. Although there is extensive research on methods of learning in correlation to motivation as well as levels of satisfaction impacting these levels, there has yet to be much exploration into the impact an emotional component or personal connection may have on these factors. The purpose of this …

Planning For Prevention: Implementing Pressure Injury Bundles In Hospice Settings, Ellie M. Martin, Mckenzie Pool

Scholars Week

There is an increased prevalence of pressure-related injuries in the hospice setting. This can be due to age, diagnosis, comorbidities, inadequate nutrition or hydration, lack of mobility, or inadequate care due to lack of education. Prevention bundles and policies are at every facility, but are not as effective as needed. This looks at the theoretical framework and ways to prevent pressure injuries as effectively as possible. Pulling information from multiple other research studies to put the best care bundle together to decrease the amount of pressure injuries.

Improved Patient Outcomes With Continuous Video Monitoring, Ethan Morrison, Drake May, Jack L. Rideout

Scholars Week

Improved Patient Outcomes with Continuous Video Monitoring

Objective

The use of human sitters has been the normal policy in hospitals across the United States for years. Recently, there has been an introduction to remote video monitoring systems that are aimed at replacing the need for human sitters. Our goal is to change the policy of a local hospital in our area to adjust their stance on human sitters and implement remote video monitoring.

Methods/Results

Our method of accomplishing this involved a PowerPoint presentation and an evidence-based practice paper with three different scholarly research articles that have been peer-reviewed. We presented …

Antibiotic Stewardship And The Prevention Of Healthcare-Associated C.Diff, Nevaeh Tyson, Angel Pearson

Scholars Week

Healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile (C.difficile) infections remain a significant burden to many healthcare facilities across North America. This infection is often linked to long-term antibiotic use and ineffective infection control methods. This presentation addresses current evidence-based practice protocols on the prevention of C.difficile, emphasizing the need for increased monitoring of antibiotic therapy and improved infection control strategies.

Implementing Evidence-Based Cluster Care To Improve Preterm Infant Stability, Kendal B. Hargrove, Mattie C. Kent

Scholars Week

Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are frequently exposed to excessive handling, light, and noise, which can disrupt sleep and hinder growth. This project investigates whether current caregiving schedules at Deaconess Henderson Hospital’s NICU support adequate rest and development in preterm neonates. Analysis revealed an absence of clear policies regarding clustered care, inconsistent implementation, and limited staff understanding of its evidence-based benefits. Guided by the Roy Adaptation Model, this project proposes the development and implementation of a standardized clustered care policy to promote neonatal adaptation and stability. Evidence from multiple studies (Wang et al., 2021; Hendy et al., …

The Importance Of Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis In Post-Surgical Patients, Abigail N. Nelson, Madison R. Holmen

Scholars Week

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a preventable postoperative complication that poses significant risks to patient safety. This evidence-based practice project applies the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to implement a mandatory DVT prophylaxis training module for newly hired surgical nurses. The training includes interactive instruction on pharmacologic and mechanical prevention methods, such as anticoagulant use, sequential compression devices, and early ambulation. Effectiveness will be evaluated through post-training assessments, observation of nursing practice, and manager feedback. By standardizing DVT prevention education and promoting consistent use of evidence-based interventions, this project seeks to improve nurse competency, reduce postoperative DVT incidence, and enhance …

Preventing Falls On Trauma Units: A Nurse-Led Initiative For New Graduates, Callie Brown, Erin Mytt

Scholars Week

Patient falls are a leading cause of preventable injury in hospital trauma units. This nurse-led initiative introduces a structured educational program based on Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory to strengthen new nurses' skills and act as reinforcement for veteran nurses in fall prevention. The program includes risk assessment, envrionmental safety checks, patient education, nurse education and safe transfer training. Evidence from recent studies supports edcuation based, multidisciplinary interventions as the most effective strategy to reduce hospital falls. Implemented in phases, the intiative requires all new graduate trauma nurses to complete fall prevention training within six months of hire. Expected outcomes …

Psych Assessment In The Er, Bailey J. Thompson, Addie Cowger, Hailie Hollis

Scholars Week

An immense amount of patients who enter the emergency department, whether for a psychiatric illness or not, struggle with mental health challenges. By creating a standardized routine and checklists for the care of high-risk psychiatric patients, the new quality and consistency can enhance patient experiences. This process will start at the triage stage and continue throughout their stay. Presenting the supportive research to the emergency department staff and introducing these changes gradually will help with staff buy-in and become a more sustainable process. Finally, with a structured approach, psychiatric patient outcomes will benefit significantly.

Implementing Diabetes Education And Prevention Protocol, Lilyanna B. Conkle, Alyssa M. Woodall

Scholars Week

This Evidence-Based Practice project proposes the implementation of a diabetes education and prevention protocol in school systems to address the rising prevalence of diabetes among students. The initiative includes mandatory pre-academic year training for school staff to improve recognition and response to diabetes related emergencies. To support school nurses, often the sole healthcare provider on campus; a mobile app will be introduced to alert personnel during emergencies and provide evidence-based intervention steps. This approach aims to enhance student safety, improve health outcomes, and ensure timely, coordinated care.

Implementation Of No Wake Times, Chloe Martin, Drew Mullinax

Scholars Week

Hospitalized patients frequently experience poor sleep quality due to clinical activities that occur during typical sleeping hours such as vital sign checks and medication administration. These nighttime disruptions negatively impact patient recovery times and decrease patient satisfaction. This evidence-based practice evaluated if restructuring nighttime clinical activities would minimize sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality in hospitalized patients. Patient surveys were used to assess the frequency of nighttime awakenings as well as the different sources of these awakenings. Interventions included moving nighttime clinical activities (blood pressure checks and medication administrations) to not be done during the hours of 10pm to 5am …

Post Discharge Phone Calls Improve Compliance And Reduce Return Visits, Carley Dowdy, Avery Greer

Scholars Week

This evidence based practice project evaluated the effectiveness of implementing a policy of post-discharge phone calls within 24 hours of the first phone call and 72 of the second phone call by a nurse. The nurse provides assessment and education for the patient as well as answers any questions by the patient. Implementing the policy improves patient compliance, enhances satisfaction, and reduces unnecessary emergency department return visits. Evidence from multiple studies demonstrated that post-discharge phone calls significantly decrease return rates and improve patient compliance and satisfaction. Implementing this policy can have the potential to improve this facility's patient outcomes, improve …

Advancing Children's Mental Health In Nevada, Kelliann Beavers, Christopher Kearney

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada ranks 51st nationally in youth mental health access and services, underscoring persistent shortages and disparities across the state. Nearly one in four youths aged 12–17 (23.5%) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, and 73% did not receive treatment. Approximately 34,000 Nevada youths have reported suicidal thoughts—an urgent call for prevention and coordinated support.

During the 2024–2025 school year, 31.3% of Clark County School District students were chronically absent (missing 10% or more of school days), a challenge closely linked to mental health struggles and socioeconomic barriers.

This community forum provided an opportunity to generate dialogue and …

Recent Advances In Vagus Nerve Stimulation For Stroke Rehabilitation, Alicia Bernhardt, Daniel Hahn, Naresh Jadav, Thomas Kelly, Kristin Camardo, Kristin Beltz, Davis Berzins, Mijail Serruya

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Purpose of Review: This review synthesizes recent developments in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for stroke rehabilitation from 2021–2025, emphasizing the transition from experimental approaches to clinical implementation following FDA approval of implantable VNS. Recent Findings: The 2021 FDA approval of the Vivistim Paired VNS System marked a watershed moment in stroke neuromodulation, providing the first regulatory-approved VNS therapy for upper extremity motor recovery. Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate sustained benefits at one year, with 66% of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvements. Concurrently, investigational transcutaneous approaches continue to evolve, though they remain limited by protocol heterogeneity and anatomical specificity concerns. Summary: Implantable …

Improving Empathy And Reducing Stigmatization In Pre-Clinical Physician Assistant Students Towards Patient Taking Opioids For Chronic Pain: The Feasibility Of A Perspective-Taking Peer Role-Play Intervention, Barbie Ann Seton Stephen

Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences Dissertations

Background: Empathy has been identified as a crucial skill for all healthcare providers who treat patients with chronic pain. It has been directly linked to higher patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes. It has also been linked to reduced burnout, fewer medical errors, and improved job satisfaction among healthcare providers. Despite the many interventions that have been developed to promote empathy, the decline of empathy in healthcare providers and trainees continues to be of great concern, especially in pain management and opioid prescribing, thus affecting the quality of care given to these patients. In physician assistant students, this decline has …

Family Planning Interventions Across The League Of Arab States: A Regional Scoping Review, Basil H. Aboul-Enein, Suha Ballout, Patricia J. Kelly

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Family planning is crucial in improving maternal and child health, reducing fertility rates and promoting gender equity. Despite global advancements in contraceptive access, disparities persist across the League of Arab States due to sociocultural, economic and policy barriers. Understanding the effectiveness of existing family planning interventions in this region is essential for addressing unmet needs and guiding policy improvements. This scoping review aims to identify and appraise family planning interventions conducted across the League of Arab States. A comprehensive search of 14 databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines, focusing …

Improving Cpr Confidence And Competence Of Medical-Surgical Nurse Residents, Anthony Joseph Alvarado

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Novice nurses often lack cardiac arrest training, jeopardizing patient outcomes and staff confidence. This pilot project addressed gaps in CPR preparedness, early recognition, timely response, and confidence among nurse residents. The goal was to develop, implement, and evaluate a competency-based code blue simulation to strengthen the residents’ knowledge and skills. Professional Development Specialists will learn strategies for integrating a code blue simulation experience into a nurse residency curriculum to enhance patient safety.

Association Of Acute Kidney Injury Risk And Same-Day Discharge Practices After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention., Anezi Uzendu, Rayan El Zein, Jennifer A Rymer, Dan D Nguyen, R Angel Garcia, Nobuhiro Ikemura, Neel Butala, Howard M Julien, Saket Girotra, Dharam J Kumbhani, Oladipupo Olafiranye, Rebecca Young, Leo Brothers, John A Spertus

Heart and Vascular Articles

BACKGROUND: Same-day discharge (SDD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be altered when complications occur. We sought to determine whether risk of the most common complication, acute kidney injury (AKI), is associated with SDD in practice.

METHODS: Using the NCDR (National Cardiovascular Data Registry) CathPCI registry, we calculated the AKI risk for elective PCIs from 2018 to 2022 using the NCDR prediction model. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed to predict SDD with AKI risk and procedural variables as fixed effects, and site as a random effect. Trends in SDD rate across AKI risk categories were described and variability across …

Pacific Rxtracts - November 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

This issue features updates on the FDA approval of Papzimeos, the first immunotherapy for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; the early success of stem cell-derived islet therapy in type 1 diabetes; and the use of oral Palonsify in the management of acromegaly.

You will also find additional highlights across several specialties such as endocrinology, oncology, neuropsychology, and infectious disease. Each article provides valuable insights to help you stay informed on the latest developments in pharmacy, and we encourage you to give them a read.

Conformational Transitions Enabling Interkingdom Transfer Of Effector Multitudes, Peter J Christie

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Color Stability Of Enamel Exposed To Chlorinated Water After Remineralization, Sara Adel Botros, Mohamed Samy Salama, Mahmoud Al Ankily, Nora Alzayyat

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Remineralization Effect On Enamel Physicochemical Properties After Chlorine-Induced Erosion, Sara Adel Botros, Mohamed Samy Salama, Mahmoud Al Ankily, Nora Ahmed Alzayyat

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

In Situ-Generated Volumetric Dried Plasma Spots For The Analysis Of Edaravone And Metabolites In Animal Models, Michele Protti, Roberta Di Lecce, Jiri Adamec, Luca G. Regazzoni, Valeria Valsecchi, Claudia Volpi, Roberto Mandrioli, Laura Mercolini

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

In this study, for the first time rat plasma microsampling was carried out by means of in situ-generated volumetric dried plasma spot (vDPS) technology and applied to the determination of the neuroprotective agent edaravone and its sulphate and glucuronide metabolites. Sampling was performed using Telimmune® plasma separation cards (vPSC), which allow the formation of volumetrically accurate dried plasma spots (3 µL) from blood drops deposited on them. After accelerated forced drying and solvent extraction in methanol, drying and redissolution, analytes were baseline separated and quantified through an original HPLC-MS/MS analytical method. Validation assays provided excellent results, with detection limits between …

Enhancing Diabetes Self-Management Education And Support Knowledge And Awareness Among Nurses, Tamba Sam-Manimoi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects 12% of the United States population at an annual cost of $412.9 billion. In the local clinic, 20% of the patient population has a diagnosis of DM. Despite the importance of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in managing DM, patients are often not educated on this important strategy. Leadership identified that patients were reporting a lack of knowledge regarding DSMES practices and that the nurses lacked the necessary knowledge and awareness to educate patients in DSMES. Thus, the purpose of this DNP project was to determine if an educational intervention focused on DM and DSMES …

Examining Longitudinal Associations Between Polysubstance Use And Firearm-Related Risk Behaviors From Adolescence Into Emerging Adulthood: A Group-Based Multi-Trajectory Modeling Approach, Mike Henson-Garcia, Sitara M Weerakoon, Melissa Peskin, Elizabeth Baumler, Alexander Testa, Lauren Malthaner, Yu Lu, Jeff R Temple

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Firearm access and associated risk behaviors (i.e., firearm storage and carriage) are established factors that increase the risk of firearm-related injuries. While extant research has demonstrated associations between singular substance use and these risks, little is known regarding the impact of polysubstance use on these outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the relationships between polysubstance use in adolescence and four specific firearm-related risks manifesting in emerging adulthood.

Methods: Ten years of annual data from a cohort of 1,042 adolescents initially aged 13-18 years were analyzed to identify polysubstance use trajectories and their associations with firearm-related behaviors in emerging …

Situational Confidence And Recovery Capital Among Justice-Involved Adults Receiving Medications For Opioid Use Disorder In A Jail-Based Setting, Elizabeth O Obekpa, Xulei He, Alejandro Betancur, Kathryn R Gallardo, Serena A Rodriguez, Sheryl A Mccurdy, J Michael Wilkerson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Justice-involved individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) face heightened relapse risks during the reentry period. While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are effective, long-term recovery also depends on psychological and structural supports, including situational confidence (perceived ability to resist substance use in high-risk situations) and recovery capital (the internal and external resources that support recovery).

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined situational confidence and its association with recovery capital among 107 justice-involved adults receiving MOUD in an urban jail in Texas. Participants completed the Brief Situational Confidence Questionnaire (BSCQ) and the 10-item Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital (BARC-10). Mental …