Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reducing Pressure On Pressure Ulcers; A Study To Educate And Improve Skin Ulcers In The Hospital, Jakob Schnell, Victoria Suh, Peng Tang

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Seconds Matter: Rapid Pocus Diagnosis Of Ruptured Type B Aortic Dissection With Left Hemothorax, Jeby Kalathoor, Derrick Huang

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Predictive Tool Using The Society Of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Calculator For Safe Operating Room Extubation After Coronary Bypass Surgery, John G. Byrne, Farhaan Chaugle, Thomas Kessinger, Prince Thommen, Ali Asghar, Shahistha Hyder, Curtis Dickey, Nicole Blatt, Hannan Chaugle

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

High Suspicion Of Congenital Long Qt Syndrome Diagnosis In A Polypharmacy Patient, Alexis Lopez Cruz, Grant Haden, Julianna Vecchio, Hasnan M. Ijaz, Thomas Alexander

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Emergent Tandemheart-Extracorporal Membrane Oxygenation For Refractory Ischemic Ventricular Arrhythmia, Mukhtar Al-Saadi, Aswin Srinivasan, Mohammed Rajab, Alexander Rhodes, Negar Niknam, Pranav Loyalka

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Invasive Aspergillosis In An Immunocompetent Patient, Grant Haden, Alexis Lopez Cruz, Julianna Vecchio, Munanchui Poudel, Sahista Kapadia, Zuhair Ali

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Left Out Of Place: Surgical Revision Of Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery, Guntash Khasria, Salman Islam, Amar Kalidas, Zuhair Ali, Okechukwu Mgbemena

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy In A Patient On Enzalutamide Therapy: A Case Report, Mohamed Mubder, Luay Alalawi, Heriberto Cantu, Hasnan Ijaz, Thomas Alexander

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

How Instructor Engagement Shapes Nursing Students’ Perceptions And Specialty Preference, Marissa M. Sigel

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: As nursing students approach graduation, choosing a specialty becomes a key decision. Although clinical rotations offer exposure to different practice areas, the role of the clinical instructor is equally influential. Instructor engagement extends beyond teaching skills and may shape how students perceive clinical environments. Objective: This study examines how clinical instructor engagement influences senior nursing students’ specialty preferences. Method: A longitudinal cohort design will be used with pre-licensure BSN students at a small private university in Northern California. Students will complete the same survey twice during their program, and paired t-tests will be used to assess changes in specialty …

A Flupirtine Benzyl Carbamate Improves Neurocognitive Deficits And Molecular Pathology In The Cln6nclf Mouse, Victoria Chaoul, Omar Shmoury, Ramy Alam, Sara Saab, Joelle Makoukji, Lynn Al Aridi, Nadine J. Makhoul, Jihane Soueid, Angelica V. Carmona, Princess Simeon, Paul C. Trippier, Rose-Mary Boustany

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 6 (CLN6) is a fatal, autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive/motor impairment, vision loss, as well as neuronal loss and gliosis in the brain, and premature death. Onset typically occurs in childhood. No approved pharmacological treatments exist that halt or reverse disease progression. A novel flupirtine benzyl carbamate was orally administered to male and female Cln6^nclf mice from 4 to 28 weeks of age to evaluate its neuroprotective and antispastic effects. Drug treatment produced significant, sex-dependent phenotypic improvements. Treated mice of both sexes exhibited reduced hindlimb spasticity, but only treated males demonstrated diminution in …

The Relationship Between Registered Nurse Burnout, Organizational Engagement, And Quality Outcomes In Acute Care Hospitals, James E. Parsons

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Registered Nurse (RN) burnout remains a significant challenge in acute care hospitals, with far-reaching consequences for staff well-being, organizational performance, and patient care outcomes. Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, burnout among RNs contributes to decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover, and compromised care quality. Despite extensive research on burnout, few studies have integrated theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) with large-scale, nationally representative data to empirically test how burnout influences organizational engagement and healthcare quality outcomes.

This quantitative, non-experimental study examined relationships among RN burnout, organizational engagement, and patient care …

Cryoablation To Treat Cancer Utilizing Computed Tomography Guidance, Mia D. Ruckle

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

This research examines the effectiveness of cryoablation, a minimally invasive treatment for tumor destruction. Cryoablation works by using freezing temperatures to the targeted tissues, leading to cell damage and eventually cell death. It is being utilized more frequently to treat various cancers, such as: liver, lung, breast, renal, and prostate. This research analyzes current literature and experimental findings to evaluate how cryoablation contributes to improved treatment outcomes and reduced damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Cryoablation offers several advantages over traditional treatment options including, reduced recovery time, lower complication rates, and the ability to precisely target tumors. Imaging guidance through computed …

Low Energy Availability (Lea) And Its Relationship To Nutritional Status And Bone Health In Collegiate Athletes, Anthony Dempsey

UNH URC Open (2026 and after)

This project aims to identify low energy availability in a sample of collegiate athletes and explore the relationship with bone mineral density and nutrient deficiencies. Participants (n=3,407) were recruited from a northeast university and self-reported athlete status and physical activity via online questionnaire. Food records were used to calculate energy and nutrient intake. Anthropometrics including height, weight, body composition and bone mineral status were measured in duplicate. Energy availability (EA) was calculated as (Energy Intake (EI) -Exercising Energy Expenditure) (EEE)) /Fat Free Mass (FFM) (kg) and categorized as optimal (>45 kcal/kg FFM), subclinical, or clinically low (< 30 kcal/kg FFM). Fifteen percent of participants were characterized as athletes (club or division I varsity); mean EA was lower among athletes vs. nonathletes (17.90.7vs.21.90.3, p< .001). Males were more likely to have optimal EA status vs. females (8.8vs4.7%, p< .001). Most females (75.1%) were categorized as clinically LEA; 20.3% had subclinical LEA. Among men, athletes’ EA was similar to nonathletes (21.11.2vs22.20.5, p=.4); among females, athletes had lower EA vs. nonathletes (16.220.9vs21.70.3, p< .001). Males with clinically low EA were most likely to consume inadequate intakes of potassium, fiber, iron, and vitamin D (77.1,94.0,10.4 and 97.3%, respectively); similarly, females with clinically low EA, were most likely to consume inadequate intakes (81.9,87.6,88.3, and 99.5%, respectively). Bone z-scores were higher among athletes vs. non athletes (-.27±.06vs-.67±.02, p< .001) but were not different by EA status. Given the prevalence of LEA within the college athlete and nonathlete populations, further research and tailored nutritional education is needed for this at-risk population.

Your Healthcare Rights & Resources In Ice Detention: A Bilingual (English-Spanish) Resource For Detained People, Vineeth R. Vaidyula B.S.*, Shivani Kulkarni B.A.*, Jai Mehrotra-Varma B.S.*, Elizabeth R. Kolod M.D., M.P.H.

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

This resource provides a concise, practical overview of healthcare rights and medical access for people held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. It outlines basic health, dental, mental health, and reproductive care rights; expected medical processes during the initial period of detention; and common barriers such as delayed care, limited access to specialists, and language challenges. The guide also offers strategies for self-advocacy and documentation, including tracking medications, medical encounters, and requests for care, and identifies legal and advocacy resources for additional support. Designed for use by detained individuals and their advocates, this resource aims to promote informed …

Role Of The Impella Device In Cardiac Catheterization, Madison Adams

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

The Impella device is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support increasingly used in the cardiac catheterization lab to assist patients undergoing high-risk procedures or experiencing severe cardiac dysfunction. This project explores how the Impella functions, when it is to be used, and the role of the radiologic technologist in supporting these procedures. The device is inserted percutaneously, most commonly through the femoral artery, and works by drawing blood from the left ventricle and expelling it into the ascending aorta. Therefore, the device is improving cardiac output and reducing the myocardial workload in total. Careful patient selection, monitoring, and management …

Michigan Oral Health Coalition - A Great Cause, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.

The article enumerates how "timely access to coordinated dental care makes a meaningful difference." In it Dr. Gorecki highlights the ways in which local specialists and the Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) pursue optimal oral health for all Michigan residents—especially those who face barriers to care.

Macomb Dental Society Journal Winter 2026

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Winter 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Young Dentists Event Recap
• MDS Calendar
• December General Meeting: Orofacial Pain Management

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

The Prediction Of All-Cause Mortality In End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients Using Social Determinants Of Health: A Machine Learning Framework, Addy Smith, Maxwell Donelan, Hossein Moradi Rekabdarkolaee, Patti Brooks, Brandon Varilek, Surachat Ngorsuraches, Jerry Schrier, Adam Dell, Semhar Michael

Journal Articles: College of Nursing

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the irreversible final stage of chronic kidney disease in which the kidneys lose their independent function. This study presents a machine learning framework to predict all-cause mortality in ESKD patients by the end of a follow-up period. We combined patient-specific clinical factors with social determinants of health (SDOH) to assess their influence on survival outcomes. Data were obtained from the United States Renal Data System, including patients admitted in 2015 and followed through August 2021. Community-level SDOH data were integrated from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, with variable screening techniques and expert input …

Evolving Trends In Organ Donation, Recovery, And Utilization In The United States: A Decade Of Change And The Impact Of Covid-19, Nirmay H. Rokad, Ohm Tripathi

UROP Posters

Evolving Trends in Organ Donation, Recovery, and Utilization in the United States: A Decade of Change and the Impact of COVID-19 Background: Over the past decade, organ donation and transplantation in the U.S. have undergone substantial changes, influenced by evolving donor practices and the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined national trends in donor types, organ recovery, utilization, and discard rates between 2012 and 2023. Methods: We analyzed SRTR/OPTN registry from 2012–2023, including total deaths, DBD (donation after brain death); DCD( donation after circulatory death); NRP (normothermic regional perfusion), organ authorization, recovery, transplantation, and discard rates. Pre-COVID (2016–2019) was compared with post-COVID …

Neuron-Enriched Extracellular Vesicle Micrornas Reflect Hormonal Suppression Associated With Oral Contraceptive Use In Young Women, Amulya Chowdhory, Rebekah Frye, Roxann Roberson-Nay

UROP Posters

Hormonal contraceptives alter hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) feedback, but their impact on brain-associated molecular communication remains poorly understood. Neuron- enriched extracellular vesicle (nEV) microRNAs (miRNAs), isolated from plasma, provide a minimally invasive window into brain molecular activity. This pilot study examined nEV miRNA expression in young women (ages 18–22) who were either naturally cycling or using a combined monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) pill. To identify hormonally responsive miRNAs, we calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) between the two groups and selected those showing large between-group differences (|d| ≥ 0.8). These miRNAs were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality, and …

Bridging The Gap: Why Circulating Micrornas Have Yet To Become Clinical Biomarkers For Endometriosis, Anisha Addepalli, Mary C. Boyes

UROP Posters

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which endometrial-like tissue grows  outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain, infertility, and diagnostic delays due to the current  reliance on invasive laparoscopy. Although imaging and hormonal assays offer limited accuracy in diagnosing the disease, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in arterial blood have emerged as a  promising alternative method as noninvasive biomarkers because they regulate gene expression,  reflect inflammatory and angiogenic pathways, and remain stable in circulation. I propose  investigating miRNAs such as miR-17-5p, miR-451a, and the let-7 family because of their direct  involvement in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, immune …

Antiestrogens As Bone Protective Therapeutics For Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer In The Presence Of Osteoporosis, Faith E. Parker, Emily K. Zboril, David C. Boyd, Rachel Myrick, J. Chuck Harrell

UROP Posters

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most significant causes of mortality among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The estrogen receptor (ER) is a key oncogenic driver in the majority of breast cancer. ER+ BC is the most common molecular subtype of BC. Management of ER+ breast cancer varies depending on menopausal status. For premenopausal women, the goal is to suppress estradiol production from the ovaries with surgical oophorectomy and/or aromatase inhibitors. In postmenopausal women, endocrine therapy (ET) serves to suppress estradiol production from sources other than the ovaries. During the menopausal transition, estradiol …

The Gendered Heart: Closing The Gender Gap In Heart Disease Diagnosis And Treatment, Aiden Varghese

UROP Posters

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the primary cause of death for both men and women in the United States, being characterized and treated in a historically male-centric manner. This research paper will address the disparities in risk factors for heart disease between genders, gender differences in diagnosis, and gender differences in management/treatment, thereby demonstrating the critical importance of incorporating sex specific factors into the field of cardiology. It has been demonstrated that lifestyle changes such as physical activity and smoking cessation can reduce CVD risk universally. This signifies a necessary shift toward being proactive in the prevention of CVD. …

First-Generation Medical School Applicants: A Quantitative Study Designed To Identify Areas Of Educational Support, Bethsabe Romero, Amanda K. Burbage

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

First-generation (First Gen) students are unique medical school applicants. Due to their lived experience, they approach patient care by prioritizing trust, comfort and understanding. They have proven ability to overcome obstacles and were found to be more resilient than their continuing generation (Cont Gen) peers. Despite these notable attributes, they face unique challenges in gaining medical school acceptance. There are very few quantitative studies examining this student subpopulation, and our study identifies characteristics of first-generation medical school applicants while highlighting areas of needed support. This cross-sectional study used deidentified Application and Matriculating Student Questionnaire survey data that was obtained from …

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained ∼2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS buffer, MNs …

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained similar to 2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS …

Antiviral Activity And Mucosal Safety Of Novel Human-Milk-Inspired Antimicrobial Peptides, Nazita Yousefieh, Louise A. Ouattara, Maimoona Bhutta, Ishita M. Shah, Carolina Herrera, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global health concern, with over one million new curable cases reported daily and limited long-term treatment options. Additionally, there are limited treatment options for women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a dysbiotic condition predisposing them to STIs. Computationally designed human-milk-inspired antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for novel antiviral and antibacterial therapies. This study evaluated the cervicovaginal mucosal safety and antiviral activity of three human-milk-inspired AMPs (MAT-006, UCD-MAT-001, and UCD-MAT-002) previously shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against BV-causing pathogens. Methods: AMP cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses were assessed in relevant genital tract cell lines …

Predicting Oral Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Efficacy In Cisgender Women Across Pregnancy And Postpartum, Yifan Yu, Kristina M. Brooks, Gustavo F. Doncel, Brookie M. Best, Mark A. Marzinke, Mark Mirochnick, Peter L. Anderson, Landon Myer, Connie Celum, Renee Heffron, Jenell Coleman, Dvora L. Joseph Davey, Lanxin Zhang, Max Von Kleist, Craig W. Hendrix, Jeremiah D. Momper, Robert Bies, Rachel K. Scott

CONRAD Publications

Cisgender women face an increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) is recommended in pregnancy despite limited published pharmacokinetic (PK) and efficacy data during pregnancy. Altered PK during pregnancy may reduce prophylactic efficacy and necessitate higher adherence. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a newer tenofovir prodrug with higher tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) exposure in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), but the prophylactic efficacy of F/TAF across different reproductive stages in women is understudied. We adapted a multiscale modeling framework to predict the prophylactic efficacy of F/TDF and F/TAF across …

Integrating Genetic Modifier Genotype With Serum Proteomics In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Trials Links Ltbp4 Genetic Modifier To Il-23/Cd93 Pathways In Muscle, Utkarsh J. Dang, Yuan Fang, Daniele Sabbatini, Elena Pegoraro, Luca Bello, Paula R. Clemens, Michela Guglieri, John Van Den Anker, Jesse Damsker, Laura Hagerty, Yetrib Hathout, Michael Ziemba, Lauren Morgenroth, Surajit Bhattacharya, Kanneboyina Nagaraju, Jyoti K. Jaiswal, Eric P. Hoffman

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Genetic modifiers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) that alter disease severity or response to therapy have been reported using natural history or registry data sets of older corticosteroid-treated patients. We tested associations of genetic modifiers on motor function outcomes in young (4 to <  7 years) steroid naïve clinical trial participants. Participants in clinical trials (VBP15-002/003 [n = 48]; VBP15-004 [n = 121]; DNA available for n = 110) were genotyped for eight published genetic modifier loci, and associations of genotypes with baseline motor function defined via an age-adjusted linear model. Corticosteroid drug response was modeled by genotype-stratified placebo vs. steroid treatment at 12- and 24-weeks posttreatment (mixed model for repeated measures). …