Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Safe And Effective Injection Practices For Insulin And Glp-1 Users, Lydia A. Anderson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Improper insulin and GLP-1 injection techniques can reduce treatment effectiveness in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This quality improvement project aimed to improve patients' knowledge and safety regarding insulin and GLP-1 medications by conducting an educational session and demonstration of proper injection techniques. The project took place at a community senior center where individuals reported not receiving instruction or education on correct injection practices when prescribed these medications. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed changes in patient knowledge, confidence, and understanding of proper injection methods. Results demonstrated clear improvements in patient knowledge, confidence, and technique. This project highlights the significance of …

Enhancing Uncontrolled Hypertension Compliance And Self-Management In A Senior Center, Kimberly D. Strickland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hypertension is a complicated, chronic condition that affects individuals worldwide. The prevalence of this condition has increased nearly 48% in the last decade in America. This project served to determine if participants in a targeted area/community would show increased knowledge and awareness of hypertension after implementation of educational sessions. A post-session survey was provided to determine if the educational sessions were effective. Data was collected and analyzed that showed an increase in awareness and knowledge regarding the prevalence of hypertension, diet modification, lifestyle, and compliance.

Increasing Awareness Of Obesity And Its Associated Risks In Adults, Esther E. Bayode

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Obesity is a significant and growing public health concern in a metropolitan area of North Carolina, reflecting statewide and national trends. With 36% of adults in North Carolina classified as obese, the condition contributes to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This project targeted adults aged 18 and older within a local faith-based community, where preliminary findings showed a strong association between elevated body mass and increased chronic disease burden. To address this issue, a two-session educational intervention was implemented in partnership with a religious organization to increase knowledge about obesity, its causes, associated risks, …

The Essentials Of Heart Failure Management, Emily W. Greene

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Heart failure remains a leading cause of hospitalization among older adult women, often due to delayed recognition of symptom exacerbation and limited knowledge of self-management strategies. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a brief educational intervention could improve knowledge of heart failure management among older adult women at a community senior center. The DNP project leader conducted two educational sessions focusing on early recognition of heart failure symptoms, heart-healthy diet, and when to contact a healthcare provider. Participants completed a pre- and post-test survey containing four knowledge questions and one Likert-scale question on perceived knowledge …

Spreading Awareness To College Athletes About Skin Cancer And Improving Sun Protection Habits, Baylee B. Whiteside

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: The intention of this Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based project was to provide education on improving awareness of skin cancer to potentially improve sun protection habits. A total of 100 college athletes participated in this project. The goal was to increase educational knowledge and practice intentional sun protection habits.

Background: One in 5 people will develop a type of skin cancer by age 70 (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2024). Several studies have proven that young adults, ages 15-25, are at an increased risk of sun exposure due to decreased knowledge about skin cancer. Teaching and improving the knowledge in this …

Increasing Teens' Knowledge On The Health-Related Effects Of Vaping, Anteja Gore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Vaping in teens has become an increasing public health issue related to the growth in the number of teens who are using vapes. Many teens are not aware of the potential associated risk of using vapes, as they perceive them to be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. The purpose of this project was to increase the middle school teens’ knowledge of the potential health risks associated with vaping through an educational awareness session. This project was implemented in the middle school setting, targeting students aged 12-14 years. The students who participated completed anonymous pre- and post- questionnaires that evaluated …

Spreading Awareness To Adults About Cardiovascular Disease And Improving Healthy Lifestyle Habits, Madison L. Eldridge

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: The intention of this Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based project was to evaluate if providing education to the target community would increase awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease and healthy lifestyle habits. The goal was to increase educational knowledge and promote awareness of cardiovascular disease and healthy lifestyle habits.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical health issue that prevails across the state of North Carolina, while continuing to remain one of the leading causes of death across the south-center Piedmont area of North Carolina. Several studies have proven that increasing knowledge on cardiovascular risks, promoting healthy exercise, and …

Effects Of Educational Programs On Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates, Phierica D. Gardin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health concern in the United States, with increasing rates reported in many states, including North Carolina. Limited sexual health education, stigma surrounding sexual health discussions, and lack of awareness regarding prevention and screening contribute to ongoing transmission, delayed diagnosis, and potential long-term complications associated with untreated STIs. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement a sexual health education program aimed at increasing knowledge of STI transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of screening among adults aged 18 years and older. Two educational sessions were completed within …

Combating Pressure Injuries In Critical Care: A Dnp Project On Nursing Education And Prevention Strategies In The Icu, Tijuana M. Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are preventable complications that significantly increase patient morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). At a rural 146-bed hospital, the ICU pressure injury rate of 1.17 per 1,000 discharges exceeded the national benchmark of 0.58 per 1.000 discharges, identifying a critical gap in prevention practices. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to improve ICU nurses' knowledge of pressure injury prevention and reduce unit-based educational intervention grounded in Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory and implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement framework.

A pre-and post-intervention design was …

Building Clinical Competency In Central Line Care: A Nurse-Focused Initiative To Prevent Clabsis, Glenda A. Robbins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant yet preventable source of increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in acute care settings. Despite established evidence-based prevention bundles, inconsistent nursing adherence remains a primary contributor to elevated CLABSI rates. A 241-bed acute care hospital reported CLABSI rates above the national benchmark. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project utilized Neuman’s Systems Model. The intervention consisted of a structured educational module on central line care and maintenance, including pre- and post- knowledge assessments. Additionally, standardized daily central line visual audits were reinforced by the Vascular Access Team. A total of 363 bedside …

Diabetes Education In Buncombe County, Deonna Nicole Blount

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The growing number of Americans living with diabetes has reached an all-time high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2026), there are 40.1 million people diagnosed with or underdiagnosed with diabetes. Evidence has shown that with education tailored to the patient's lifestyle, changes can be made and healthier lifestyles exhibited. Understanding the why of the patients can assist in changes that are feasible and can be implemented for the now and the future. Several studies outlined by Alonso-Carril et al. (2024), Lander et al. (2022), and Hodges et al. (2019) showed that education was implemented and …

Mental Health First Aid Training In The Community, Vester Agbley Gideon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Mental health issues impact one in five adults in the United States; however, many individuals lack the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively respond to mental health crises. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training empowers individuals to recognize and address mental health concerns, thereby fostering early intervention and support. This review analyses the efficacy of MHFA training, best practices for its implementation, and its influence on mental health outcomes. Empirical evidence indicates that MHFA training enhances mental health literacy, diminishes stigma, and encourages supportive behaviors. Customized approaches for targeted populations, such as youth and older adults, have also shown significant …

Improving Timeliness Of Extubation Post-Cabg: An Educational Intervention Utilizing A Nurse-Driven Checklist, Christy Scott

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Timely extubation following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with improved patient outcomes. In a rural six-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) in North Carolina, extubation times were previously reported at approximately 15 hours. A lack of a standardized nurse-driven process and inconsistent familiarity with extubation readiness criteria contributed to variation in practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to implement and evaluate an educational intervention using a nurse-driven extubation checklist to improve nurses' knowledge, confidence, communication, and role clarity related to post-CABG extubation readiness in the CVICU.

Methods: The staff education …

Musical Measures: Nurse Education On Music-Based Interventions To Reduce Patient Restraints, Crystal D. Tucker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The use of physical restraints in acute psychiatric settings poses significant risks to patient safety, including physical injury and psychological distress. Evidence supports the need for alternative, non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce reliance on restraints. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge and confidence in implementing music-based interventions, specifically binaural beats, to manage patient anxiety and agitation.

The project was conducted on a medical observation and behavioral health holding unit and utilized a pre- and post-intervention design. Registered nurses participated in educational sessions on music-based interventions and were …

Identification Of Culturable Moulds, Audrey Bernèche-D'Amours, Thi Thanh Tam Nguyen, Delphine Lanoie

Microbiologiques

Cette méthode est utilisée pour identifier au genre ou à l’espèce des moisissures cultivées à partir d’échantillons d’air, de surface ou de matrices solides ou liquides. Après avoir isolé une souche de moisissure en culture pure, différentes techniques peuvent être utilisées : l’observation des caractères macroscopiques et microscopiques des colonies et leur comparaison à des clés d’identification de référence, la spectrométrie de masse utilisant la technologie MALDI-TOF et le séquençage de type Sanger ciblant différents loci génétiques. Les identifications obtenues par l’une, plusieurs ou l’ensemble de ces techniques sont ensuite interprétées pour rapporter une identification finale.

Abstract

This method is …

A Novel Tyrosine Kinase Axis In Innate Immune Signaling, Santanu Das, Pracheta Sengupta, Manoj Veleeparambil, Saurabh Chattopadhyay

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Tyrosine phosphorylation has emerged as a central regulatory mechanism in innate immunity. Building on our recent studies that Syk and EGFR sequentially phosphorylate TLR9 to fully activate it, we discuss how similar mechanisms operate across other Toll-like receptors and the cytosolic DNA sensor STING. Evidence from complementary systems reveals that receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, including Src-family kinases, Syk, BTK, and EGFR, form an integrated signaling network that triggers receptor activation, trafficking, and downstream gene expression. Scavenger receptors such as SR-A further drive this kinase cascade by coordinating viral recognition to TLR activation. These observations reveal a novel ‘tyrosine kinase …

Maternal Opioid Use Disorder And Hepatitis C Infection In Pregnancy Reshape The Peripheral Immune Landscape At Term, Brianna M. Doratt, Heather E. True, Sheridan B. Wagner, Delphine C. Malherbe, Zachary M. Reynolds, Cynthia Cockerham, John O'Brien, Ilhem Messaoudi

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Background: Pregnancy requires precisely timed immune adaptations to maintain foetal tolerance while enabling timely initiation of labour, a process often conceptualised as the ‘immune clock’ of pregnancy. Disruption of this immune clock contributes to adverse obstetric outcomes. While maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) is a recognised risk factor for poor maternal and neonatal health, its impact on maternal immune landscape at delivery remains poorly understood.

Methods: We analysed peripheral blood collected from pregnant individuals with and without OUD at time of admission for delivery before the onset of active labour. We employed multiparameter flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, and single-cell-RNA sequencing …

An Environmentally Relevant Phthalate Mixture Impairs Ovulatory Prostaglandin And Progesterone Receptor Pathways In Human Granulosa Cells In Vitro, Katie L. Land, Hong Xu, James W. Akin, Patrick R. Hannon

Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Publications

Ovulatory defects are the leading cause of female infertility. Widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, may contribute to the high prevalence of failed ovulation among infertile women. Using primary ovarian granulosa cells obtained from women, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to an environmentally relevant mixture of phthalate metabolites (MPTmix) impairs essential mediators of the ovulatory process, including progesterone (P4), progesterone receptor (PGR), and prostaglandins (PGs). The composition of the MPTmix was derived from urinary phthalate levels in women. Ovarian granulosa cells, obtained from in vitro fertilization patients, were acclimated in culture to regain responsiveness to hCG (human …

Animal Models Of Aortic Aneurysm And Dissection: A Comparative Guide For Mechanism, Therapeutic Testing, And Translational Readouts, Shayan Mohammadmoradi, Sidney W. Whiteheart

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Aortic aneurysms and dissections are devastating vascular diseases with high mortality, yet no pharmacological therapy has proven effective in halting growth or preventing rupture. Surgical and endovascular repair remain the only treatment options for advanced disease. Animal models have been indispensable in defining mechanisms and testing candidate therapies, but the diversity of protocols, strain-dependent variability, and heterogeneous endpoints complicate interpretation and translation. This review provides an update focused on how to match models to specific research questions. We critically compare commonly used abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models (angiotensin II ± hyperlipidemia, elastase, calcium chloride, β-aminopropionitrile BAPN hybrids, and mineralocorticoid agonist/fludrocortisone …

Affordability And Serving Accuracy Of A Publicly Available Dash Meal Plan For Women Using Snap Benefits, Kendra Oonorasak, Mansura Shahad Bawa, Nadia Ayesha Sesay, Emma Smith, Taylor Emerson, Jayden Brewer, Brandi M. White

Health and Clinical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: This regional case study evaluated the affordability and serving accuracy of a publicly available one-week DASH meal plan for single-woman households using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in central Kentucky.

Methods: For each food item in the one-week plan, total grocery costs and per-serving costs were calculated using January 2025 prices from two national grocery chains commonly patronized in an urban area in central Kentucky. Calculated costs were compared to the average weekly food cost for women aged 20–50 years in a single household based on the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Servings for food groups and categories were …

Growing South Dakota (Winter 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists: South Dakota rangelands take center stage
[Page] 4 The professor and the soil
[Page] 8 Range ready: Helping students bridge the gap between conservation and agriculture
[Page] 9 Resilient rangelands: Native Plant Initiative’s role in reviving South Dakota’s prairies
[Page] 10 Jackrabbits lead the charge in bison research and education
[Page] 12 Agricultural and biosystems engineering celebrates century of education
[Page] 16 SDSU Quarter Scale Tractor Club: An impact beyond awards
[Page] 18 Building a legacy of opportunity: Karen D. Stuck Endowment strengthens agricultural communication program at South Dakota State University
[Page] …

The Chironian 2026, New York Medical College

The Chironian

The Chironian is distributed to a readership of 16,000 faculty, alumni and employees of New York Medical College, government and community leaders, affiliated hospitals and selected media. Each issue is carefully crafted to provide a balance of articles on cutting-edge research, personality profiles, student accomplishments and alumni news from all five schools on the NYMC campus. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

Is Being A Shareholder ‘In Name Only’ A Problem?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses the legal risks for Michigan dentists entering "shareholder in name only" agreements with non-dentist entities. Michigan law requires dental practices to be owned by licensed dentists to ensure professional control over public healthcare. Arrangements where management companies or manufacturers can reclaim stock for a nominal fee effectively strip the dentist of true ownership. This lack of control can lead to ethical conflicts, such as pressure to sell specific appliances regardless of professional judgment. Engaging in such schemes may endanger a dentist's license by thwarting state laws intended to protect clinical independence.

Does The Mda Still Offer A Staff Compensation Study?, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A section clarifies that the MDA no longer distributes staff compensation surveys due to 2023 FTC enforcement policy changes. However, members can access UCR fee analysis reports at a discount through PPO Negotiation Solutions. For dentists nearing retirement, the MDA offers retired and retired life membership categories, which provide dues discounts or exemptions for those no longer earning income from dentistry. The source also recommends Best Card for credit card processing to save an average of $6,496 annually. Finally, practitioners are reminded that licensure renewal must be completed through the MiPLUS platform, which primarily issues electronic licenses.

Feasibility Study Of A Screening Decision Tool For Allocating Adults Into Food Is Medicine Programs As An Effective Approach To Target Clinical And Dietary Outcomes Among Rural And Urban Adults, Alison Gustafson, Carolyn Lauckner, Joshua L. Bush, Emily Dimond, Carolina Morales Serrano, Christa Mayfield, Elizabeth T. Anderson Steeves

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Objective: Evaluate feasibility (primary), clinical, and cost outcomes (secondary) associated with the use of a screening decision tool for allocating rural and urban adults with hypertension into in a food is medicine (FIM) program.

Design: Participants were allocated to receive either medically tailored meals or grocery prescription (Rx), based on a user-centered designed screening decision tool. Medically tailored meals (MTM) provided 5 meals per week for 12 weeks. The grocery Rx program provided $100 each month for 3 months to purchase food consistent with guidelines for hypertension. Feasibility outcomes included engagement, dose, and program acceptability. Semi-structured interviews were completed with …

Psycinfo Platforms: A Tale Of Two Interfaces (Ovid Vs Ebsco), Sandra Yvette Desjardins, Jamie Quinn

Library Staff Publications

PsycInfo is a foundational database for evidence-based behavioral health literature, which makes it an essential tool for health sciences librarians. This column provides a comprehensive comparison of PsycInfo on Ovid and EBSCO platforms. It offers a foundational overview for new librarians, guiding them through essential functionalities and navigation. The article also helps librarians evaluate potential database acquisitions by highlighting the distinct features and search capabilities of each interface. This comparison aims to equip health sciences librarians with the knowledge to optimize search strategies and inform strategic purchasing decisions.

Behavioral And Psychological Financial Hardship Among Caregivers Of Pediatric Cancer Patients, Josiane Kabayundo, Cheng Zheng, Edward S. Peters, Don W. Coulter, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Financial hardship encompasses material, behavioral, and psychological domains; however, most research among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients has focused on material hardship. This study examined factors associated with behavioral and psychological financial hardship among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Nebraska.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children diagnosed within the past 5 years and treated at two pediatric oncology specialty clinics. Behavioral hardship was defined as delaying medical or mental healthcare due to cost, while psychological hardship was measured by worry about ability to pay medical bills. Descriptive statistics and poisson regression with robust variance …

Voices Of Change: Nurses Advocating For Progress, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Sally Derrick, Latieia Key

Podcasts

On this episode, we're discussing the importance of nurses involvement in professional advocacy - within your profession, within your practice for your patients, within your community.

Chatbot Therapy - Help Or Hindrance, Kadi Rae Smith

Anthós

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots are complex computer programs designed to mimic human conversations using programming that incorporates large language models (LLM) and natural language models (NLM) to simulate human interactions that are being rapidly integrated into everyday life across an increasing amount of online platforms. This article explores the applications and efficacy of chatbots for mental healthcare, from self-directed chatbot interactions to clinician-supervised implementation of chatbot-based therapeutic tools, weighing the benefits and limitations of this ever-expanding technology.

Methodology/Taxonomy

A literature review was conducted primarily using Web of Science, accessed through Portland State University, and Google Scholar, with specifications …

Predicting Off-Track Development In Infants Aged 0–6 Months In Low-Resource Settings Using Machine Learning, Faith Benson, Rachel Odhiambo, Anthony Ngugi, Willie Brink, Akbar Waljee, Cheryl Moyer, Ji Zhu, Felix Agoi, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background This study aimed to address the critical gap in the limited application of machine learning (ML) for identifying developmental delays in low-resource settings by developing models to predict off-track development in infants aged 0 to 6 months and identify key predictors.

Methods A cross-sectional study involving 1,995 singleton infants aged 0 to 6 months was conducted in Kaloleni and Rabai sub-counties, Kilifi, Kenya, between March 2023 and March 2024. Development was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Indicators of Infant and Young Child Development tool, with Development-for-Age Z-scores used to classify infants as on- or off-track. Ridge logistic regression …