Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Examination Of Lifetime Traumatic Brain Injury And Anti-Inflammatory Medication Use In The Risk For Alzheimer's Disease, Mikaela A. Drewel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in individuals aged 65 years and older. There are a number of lifestyle and genetic factors that affect one’s risk for AD including traumatic brain injury (TBI), and genes such as those for Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study examined sex differences in how TBI history influences risk for AD, exploring genetic variants suspected to play a role in TBI recovery. Additionally, in following an inflammatory mechanism in TBI, the study also determined if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use reduced subsequent risk for AD. The study analyzed …

Annual Quality And Safety Summit Abstract Booklet 2026, Elizabeth A. Saunders, Amanda Jones, Paulette A. Wehner

Marshall Journal of Medicine

The Annual Quality and Safety Summit is a cornerstone event dedicated to advancing excellence in health care delivery, bringing together a diverse community of health care professionals, educators, researchers, and learners. Each year, the summit serves as a dynamic platform to showcase innovative initiatives, evidence-based practices, and transformative ideas that aim to enhance patient care, improve safety, and drive better system-wide outcomes across the health care continuum.

Jointly sponsored by the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Health Network, the Summit features abstracts spanning a wide range of topics, including innovative care delivery models, quality improvement strategies, patient …

Professional Identity Changes During The Covid-19 Era Among Pre-Medical College Students: Insights For Medical Educators, William J. Crump, Jordan Harbin, Lauren Trout, Cierra Woodcock, Kristin Wickham, Craig Ziegler

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Professional identity formation is known to be responsive to outside forces. Previous longitudinal research has shown changes occurred pre-and post-COVID-19 pandemic among medical students. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess changes among pre-medical students.

Methods

With a 100% response rate, 85 Career Eulogies (CE) from 2015 through 2025 recorded a free text response to the prompt: "Imagine that you are ready to retire from medicine in the distant future. In about 50 words, write a short speech outlining what you would like to be said about you at the retirement ceremony."  The responses were coded …

The Effect Of Elevated Blood Pressure And Stage One Hypertension On Perinatal Outcomes In Appalachian Gravidas: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Caroline Briggs, Austin L. Loop, Grace E. Montgomery, David G. Chaffin, Jesse Cottrell

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction:  There is literature in the obstetric population that suggests any degree of hypertension (blood pressures greater than or equal to 120 systolic or 80 diastolic) can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.  We sought to determine if pregnant patients in our Appalachian population with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension have an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who received obstetric care with the Marshall University OB/GYN department and delivered at Cabell Huntington Hospital.  Delivery outcomes were obtained for 233 deliveries from March 30, 2020 to September …

Rare Case Of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma In A Pediatric Patient, Jasmine Kaur, Omar Abdelaal, Ammar Masood, Aaron Mcguffin, Kathleen Martin

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that has clinical overlap with common benign conditions, thus making diagnosis challenging. SPTCL primarily affects younger adults with a female predominance. Pediatric cases are exceedingly rare and often misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, delaying proper clinical diagnosis and treatment.

In this case study, we report on a 9-year-old female who initially presented to an urgent care clinic with two weeks of an itchy, painful nodule on her right buttock and thigh. The nodule was initially misidentified as a skin abscess, and the patient was prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The …

Clinical Perspective On The Timing Of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting In Patients With Nstemi: Commentary On Tran Et Al., Anmol Multani, Sakshi Dixit, Fnu Anamika

Marshall Journal of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Finding And Using Validated Surveys In Health Science Research, Tracy Ashby

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Join us as we introduce techniques for identifying and using validated surveys in health sciences research. Learn strategies for finding reliable, evidence-based measurement tools in the databases and gain tips on how to evaluate their quality and relevance.

Analysis Of Infectious Waste Management In Hospital X Based On The Minister Of Health Regulation Number 02 Of 2023, Carissa Gianika

Cities and Urban Development Journal

Background: Infectious waste management is a crucial aspect in preventing cross-infection and protecting the hospital environment. Hospitals, as healthcare facilities with high levels of medical activity, generate large amounts of infectious waste that can potentially pose health and environmental risks if not managed according to standards. Hospital X, South Jakarta, as a referral hospital with a high patient volume.

Aims: This study aims to analyze the implementation of infectious waste management at Hospital X, South Jakarta based on the provisions of Minister of Health Regulation Number 2 of 2023, and to identify the obstacles faced in its implementation.

Methods: This …

Evaluating Machine Learning Models On Classification Of Novel Cyber Attacks In The Healthcare Domain, Promise Ehimen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The increasing adoption of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has improved healthcare delivery through connected medical devices while simultaneously expanding the cybersecurity risks facing healthcare organizations. Although machine learning based intrusion detection systems have demonstrated high detection accuracy, their ability to respond reliably to previously unseen cyberattacks remains uncertain. This study investigated how a Neural Network model and a Logistic Regression model classified novel cyberattacks within the IoMT environment. The Neural Network and Logistic Regression models were both trained and tested using a subset of the CICIoMT2024 benchmark dataset. The Neural Network achieved 99.82% test accuracy and a 0.94 …

The Impact Of Enhanced Pediatric Asthma Simulation Prebriefing On Perceived Psychological Safety In Associate Degree Nursing Students, Amy G. Burtram

Theses

Background: Simulation is a core teaching strategy in nursing education, yet student anxiety may negatively impact learning outcomes. Psychological safety has been identified as a critical factor in effective simulation-based student learning.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine whether an enhanced simulation prebrief improved perceived psychological safety among second-semester associate degree nursing students during a high-fidelity pediatric asthma scenario at a rural community college in Alabama.

Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design evaluated changes in psychological safety following a structured, evidence-based prebrief grounded in the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Healthcare Simulation Standards …

Ethics Under Siege: The Conflict In Tigray Through The Lens Of Just War Theory, Daniela Widya Purba

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

This research article explains the ethical principles of the conflict in Tigray based on the Just War Theory. By using the descriptive qualitative methodology, this research article draws data from secondary sources which includes; academic journals, news reports, as well as international legal instruments to analyze the moral trajectory of the conflict. This research begins with jus ad bellum, to assess Ethiopia’s government justification in declaring conflict within Tigray. While the government fulfilled the criteria of just cause and legitimate authority, the question stands on the ambiguous political intentions and the failure to enact peaceful alternatives before resulting in waging …

Oral History With John Barry, Dan Royles

History Faculty Scholarship

Oral history interview with John Barry, who has served as Executive Director of the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) since 2008. He was born in Endicott, New York in 1966, grew up in Vestal, and attended high school at Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton before serving in Germany with the United States Army during the early 1980s. When he returned to Broome County in 1987, some of his friends had been affected by HIV/AIDS and, while earning a degree at SUNY Binghamton, Barry became involved in mutual aid efforts to help people affected by the disease. He went to work …

Systematic Review Of The Institutionalization Of Service Learning In Higher Education, Wilmer Hernan Cruz Gutierrez

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

An increasing number of universities are integrating service-learning (SL) to fulfill their social mission. However, sustainable institutionalization of SL remains a persistent challenge. This study identifies and analyzes the factors, actors, and strategies that drive and inhibit SL institutionalization in higher education. Using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic literature review analyzed 52 documents from seven academic databases (including WoS, Scopus, and ERIC). The findings were grouped into three sections: cultural (integration into institutional values/missions), process (articulation within teaching, research, and outreach), and structural dimensions (dedicated support entities). The results obtained reveal a reciprocal relationship where cultural alignment enables processual …

Exploring Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy Among Newly Graduated Nurses In The Labor And Delivery Unit After The Use Of Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice For Obstetric Emergencies, Amber L. Hulsey

Dissertations

Background: The average turnover rate among newly graduated nurses (NGNs) in the United States is 25-30% within their first year, with increased rates in high-stress units like obstetrics and critical care. Many risk factors contribute to the high turnover rate of NGNs, but one modifiable factor is feelings of self-efficacy. Studies have shown that simulation training can increase self-efficacy in obstetric emergencies. This study was conducted to explore feelings of self-efficacy among NGNs working in the labor and delivery unit after a rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) simulation of an OB emergency.

Methods: The study used a descriptive …

A Prospective Study Of Hyperspectral Imaging For Lower Extremity Tissue Assessment In Normative And At-Risk Populations, Jessica Sima, Mariana Rodriguez, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction:  Diabetic foot ulceration and peripheral vascular disease remain major causes of morbidity and limb loss, yet early identification of tissue compromise can be challenging, particularly across diverse skin tones. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive technology that quantifies tissue oxygenation by measuring the absorption and reflection of near-infrared light.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between oxygenation, skin tone, skin temperature, and ambient skin temperature in adults with and without risks of foot ulcers.

Method: This ongoing prospective observational study recruits English- and Spanish-speaking adults aged 18 and over from campus, clinics, and community outreach …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Antiseptic And Antibiotic Irrigation Versus Normal Saline In Infected Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Madelaine Adkins, Yahan Wei, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Acute infections are commonly managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), in which irrigation plays a critical role in reducing bacterial burden. Although irrigation protocols have been investigated in total hip and total knee arthroplasty, evidence specific to infected TAA remains unclear. This systematic review evaluated the available literature regarding irrigation practices in the surgical management of infected TAA.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were search for English-language studies published between December 2005 and …

Select Plasma Oxylipins As Potential Biomarkers Of Effective Indomethacin Treatment Response In Preterm Infants With Patent Ductus Arteriosus., Khanh C K Nguyen, Cindy H T Yeung, Allison Scott, Thomas J. Velenosi, Tamorah Lewis

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVES: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common heart conditions in preterm infants, and indomethacin treatment is used for PDA closure. However, its efficacy varies among patients. This pilot study aimed to identify novel metabolic biomarkers to predict effective indomethacin response in infants with PDA.

METHODS: Preterm infants with PDA <  34 weeks gestational age were recruited and treated with indomethacin. Plasma and urine samples were collected before and 2-7 days after initial treatment. Longitudinal targeted oxylipin and untargeted metabolomics analysis were performed on plasma and urine samples.

RESULTS: Among 17 infants, 12 were responders and 5 non-responders to indomethacin treatment. Before the treatment, four plasma oxylipins: 12,13-DiHOME, 9,10-DiHOME, 15,16-DiHODE, and 9,10-DiHODE were significantly higher in responders compared to non-responders (P <  0.05). Following treatment, these oxylipins decreased in responders but remained stable in non-responders. Urinary 12,13-DiHOME showed an opposite trend, with lower baseline concentrations in the responders.

CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment plasma levels of four oxylipins were associated with effective PDA response to …

The Role Of Mitochondria In The Pathogenesis Of Parkinson’S Disease, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana Lakkasetter, Claudia Biguetti, Reginald Adiele

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra that leads to motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathogenesis. This project aims to investigate the pathophysiology of PD, highlighting the involvement of oxidative stress, and examining current and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar within the 2004-2024 date range. Keywords included “Parkinson’s disease”, “mitochondrial dysfunction", “oxidative stress”, and neurodegeneration”. Data was extracted regarding …

Retrospective Comparison Of Prostate Vmat Boost Plans With Central Versus Offset Isocenter Placement, Carly Shefffield

Masters Projects

This retrospective study evaluated the effects of isocenter placement on dosimetric outcomes for sequential prostate boost planning using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Ten patients previously treated with whole pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) followed by a sequential boost were selected. For each patient, two VMAT boost plans were created using identical planning objectives and beam arrangements. One plan was optimized using the original WPRT isocenter, while the second plan had the isocenter placed at the center of the boost planning target volume (PTV). Target coverage, conformity, and organ-at-risk (OAR) dose metrics were compared between the two planning techniques. Both plans …

Extracorporeal Rescue In Massive Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Unveiled, Kenzo Ramos, Kari Gorder

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare yet curable cause of pulmonary hypertension from unresolved pulmonary emboli. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with progressive dyspnea and leg swelling, who was found to have bilateral pulmonary emboli with right heart strain. He developed cardiac arrest during thrombectomy, requiring emergent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). Further evaluation revealed acute emboli superimposed on CTEPH. After incomplete thrombectomy and persistent instability, he underwent successful pulmonary endarterectomy with ECMO decannulation, leading to recovery of right ventricular function and discharge in stable condition. This case illustrates that previously unrecognized CTEPH may …

The Use Of A Sepsis Escape Room Simulation To Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Student's Clinical Judgment, Alaina Peterson

Dissertations

Background: Less than 10% of new graduate registered nurses meet practice-ready expectations for clinical judgment competencies, and 52% of critical care nurses are unable to adequately define sepsis. Traditional clinical rotations offer inconsistent exposure to high-acuity, low-frequency events such as sepsis, leaving new graduates unprepared for independent practice. Escape room simulations use the proven effectiveness of high-fidelity simulations with gamification to develop clinical judgment through active learning, teamwork and problem-solving.

Objective: The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of a sepsis escape room simulation to improve perceived clinical judgment skills of undergraduate nursing students. The intervention was …

Choledochoduodenostomy For The Treatment Of Extrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinoma In A Cat, Qi Zhang, Chunli Han, Anchi Zhang, Zhiying Wan, Yansong Ge, Zheng Wang, Jiasan Zheng

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This paper reports a case of feline cholangiocarcinoma, a relatively rare condition in veterinary clinical practice. A 4-year-old female British Shorthair cat was presented with a 10-day history of anorexia and lethargy. An irregularly shaped mass was palpable on abdominal palpation. Diagnostic imaging and serum biochemical findings indicated extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Preoperative imaging in this cat indicated that the mass had not invaded major blood vessels such as the portal vein, and no evidence of distant metastasis was detected. The mass was surgically resected, followed by choledochoduodenostomy. The cat …

The Legacy, Importance, & Impact Of Lend: Evidence And Personal Stories, Emily Zalimeni, Emma Stone, Alexa Fortier, Leia Getchell, Nataliya Kloyzner, Asha Abdullahi, Elizabeth Barkoudah, Meghan Chapman, Meredith Close, Heather Engholm, Melissa Levin, Aanchal Sharma, Sarah Sparks, Patricia Rissmiller, Amy Szarkowski, Jason M. Fogler

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) programs offer an interdisciplinary/interprofessional training opportunity for medical and allied health professionals, and individuals impacted by disability, including family members and self-advocates. Toward the aim of advocating for the enduring need of LEND and similar training programs, this article centers the voices of a subset of our alumni who have advanced the rights and improved the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These stories are intended to illustrate the key lessons and principles of LEND training, including attending to disability issues in education, growing skills within and between individuals working …

The Impact Of Age, Health, And Education On Public Attitudes Towards Covid-19 Vaccines In Ireland, Kate Buckley, Aisling Burke, Chloe Holland, Clodagh O'Flynn

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Abstract:

Introduction: Studies have revealed that age, health status and 3^rd level education influence public attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the public’s attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine two years post-pandemic.

Methods: Ethical approval was obtained for the study. A total of 241 participants who provided informed consent were surveyed anonymously using closed-ended, open-ended and Likert Scale questions. Associations between specific demographics and vaccination attitudes were established using SPSS software.

Results: A higher percentage of 25–34-year-olds and 35–44-year-olds regretted receiving COVID-19 vaccines (46.6% and 37.5% …

An Investigation Into The Attitudes Of People Living In Ireland Towards The Legalisation Of Euthanasia, Aoife Crowley, Katie Dwyer, Caoimhe Kelleher

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Euthanasia or assisted dying is currently illegal in Ireland. This research project aimed to investigate the attitudes of people living in Ireland towards the potential legalisation of euthanasia through analysis of results from a survey created on Google forms. This survey was distributed to 294 people, aged 18-75 years old, focusing on factors that could possibly influence an individual’s opinion towards the legalisation of euthanasia such as religious beliefs, age, gender and area of study/work. Upon analysis of the responses, participants who did not have strong religious beliefs were more likely to support the legalisation of euthanasia than those who …

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

The Effects Of Jasmine And Champaca Aromatherapy Combined With Acupressure On Sleep Quality In Older Adults With Non-Communicable Diseases: A Quasi-Experimental Study In Rural Northern Thailand, Sriwan Chutithamniti, Katekaew Seangpraw, Prapaporn Tulwattanakul, Manuchet Manotham, Parichat Ong-Artborirak, Nestor Asiamah, Wannita Sakulwattana, Surangkana Chairinkam, Phatcharee Pimalram, Wichida Larsomsri

Journal of Health Research

Background: Poor sleep is common among older adults and negatively affects physical and mental health. This study evaluated the effects of jasmine and champaca essential oil aromatherapy combined with acupressure on sleep quality and cardiovascular parameters among older adults.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in rural Phayao, Thailand. Older adults aged ≥60 years with non-communicable diseases and poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] > 5) were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 54), receiving aromatherapy and acupressure for 6 weeks, or a control group (n = 54), receiving usual care. Sleep quality, blood pressure (BP), and …

Public Responses About Air Quality In The World’S Ten Most Populous Countries, Noah Lim, Alessandro Del Ponte, Lina Ang, Wei Jie Seow

Political Science Faculty Articles and Research

Understanding how people view and react to outdoor air quality is crucial to effectively managing and responding to air pollution, which is a major threat to global public health. Using a quota sample of 10,618 respondents from 1,372 localities across the world’s ten most populous countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States), we assessed the association between exposure to fine particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and people’s knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, practices, and concern about air quality. Overall, we find an inverse association between air pollution exposure and knowledge about air …

“It’S Not Just Cost”: Barriers To Mammography Screening Access Among Low-Income Women In The United States—A Scoping Review, Julia Messerman, Callia Nickels, Nigel C. James

Health Studies Faculty Publications

Despite the recognized importance of early detection, disparities in mammography access persist among low-income women in the United States. While financial barriers are often emphasized, less is known about how multiple barriers interact to shape access to screening. We conducted a scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines to synthesize evidence on barriers to mammography access among low-income women in the United States. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025, of which 47 met inclusion criteria. Extracted barriers were categorized into …