Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hyperoxia During Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Bypass Is Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes: A Multi-Institutional Study, Asaad G Beshish, David M Kwiatkowski, Nathaniel Sznycer-Taub, John M Costello, Andrew Jergel, Scott Gillespie, Katherine Cashen, Ahmed Asfari, Maria Batsis, Jason R Buckley, Meghan M Chlebowski, Saul Flores, Nimrod Goldshtrom, Karl Migally, Kimberly I Mills, Monique R Radman, Chetana Reddy, Brittany Shutes, Christine M Riley, Sukumar Suguna Narasimhulu, Dana Mueller, Venugopal Amula, Raji Venkitachalam, Brian F Joy, Karan B Karki, Scott M Leopold, Jennifer E Schramm, Christine A Capone, Scott I Aydin, Adnan M Bakar, Kieran Leong, Agnieszka Kulikowska, Sarah Wing, Christopher W Mastropietro, Collaborative Research From The Pediatric Intensive Care Society (Core‐Pcics) Investigators

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Exposure to supraphysiologic oxygen concentrations, or hyperoxia, during neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been associated with worse outcomes in single-center studies. We aimed to describe variation in oxygen exposure during CPB and determine if hyperoxia is associated with worse outcomes in a multicenter cohort of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of neonates who underwent surgery with CPB between January 2021 and December 2022 at 29 centers. Primary outcomes were operative mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which included CPR, extracorporeal support, stroke, and mortality. Logistic regression assessed the associations between median PaO2 during …

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists And The Clinical Outcomes Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ahmed B Bayoumy, Lindsay M Clarke, Parakkal Deepak, Aakash Desai, Priya Sehgal, Uri Gorelik, Haggai Bar-Yoseph, Marie Villumsen, Chris J J Mulder, Dirk J Stenvers, Maarten E Tushuizen, Nanne K H De Boer

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Prior studies showed worse outcomes in obese inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, especially those related to hospitalizations, surgery, and steroid-free remission. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have demonstrated significant metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Hence, GLP1-RAs may improve clinical outcomes in patients with IBD, especially those with obesity. The objective was to systematically evaluate the impact of GLP1-RAs on clinical outcomes in patients with IBD.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 15, 2025. Studies reporting outcomes …

Parameter Estimation And Simulation In Pollution-Induced Asthma Disease Model Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks, Aadi Gannavaram

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Modeling Sickle Cell Disease Using A Sleep-Pain-Inflammation Cycle, Milan Marsh

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

The Impacts Of Metapopulation Structure On Infectious Disease Dynamics, Éowyn M. Poplawski, David Brown

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Dental Faculty Shortage- Call For Action, Mary Pettiette Dds, Awab Abdulmajeed Dds, Carol Caudill Dds, Rodney Mcdaniel Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Environmental Modulation Of Jak3-Mediated Immune Dysregulation In Alopecia Areata, Rylee Davis

Sustainability Conference

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss resulting from T-cell–driven destruction of hair follicles. Central to this process is the dysregulation of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase selectively expressed in hematopoietic cells that mediates γc cytokine receptor signaling. Aberrant JAK3 activity disrupts follicular immune privilege and amplifies pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades, sustaining a chronic autoimmune state. While genetic susceptibility contributes to JAK3 overactivation, converging evidence highlights a pivotal role for environmental exposures in modulating its expression and signaling dynamics. In this framework, we focus on urban air pollutants like particularly fine particulate matter, …

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge On Self-Care Management Of Hypertension, Zainab Kebbie Turay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This DNP staff education project focused on improving staff knowledge on self-care management of hypertension. The overarching patient care problem at the project site was uncontrolled hypertension among adult patients with lack of staff knowledge and confidence in delivering related patient education. Addressing uncontrolled hypertension is vital within nursing practice due to its impact on public health and the opportunity for a nurse-led evidence-based intervention to improve patient outcomes. The practice-focused question for this project was: “In adults with uncontrolled hypertension, does staff education program on hypertension self-care management improve staff knowledge on how to educate patients on self-care …

Evaluating The Compliance Of A Patient-Centered Daily Care Plan In An Acute Care Setting, Abigale Tzu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement evaluation project addressed inconsistent use of the Patient-Centered Daily Care Plan at a local acute care hospital. The problem was a gap in compliance with California Title 22 requirements, creating risk for survey deficiencies and limiting interdisciplinary communication. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether the revised daily care plan improved individualized documentation and organizational compliance. De-identified aggregate data from pre-implementation (August–October 2023) and post-implementation (June–August 2024) periods were analyzed descriptively. Results showed a meaningful improvement in checklist completion, with compliance increasing from 94.8% to 97.3%. These findings demonstrated stronger …

Executive Summary: Quality Improvement Initiative Enhancing Early Identification Of Adolescent Depression And Anxiety, Delphine Sirri

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Universal staff training to increase the validity and reliability of adolescent mental health screening was implemented in this quality improvement (QI) initiative. Depression and anxiety disorders often emerge between ages 12 and 17, yet evidence-based screening measures such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9/PHQ-9M) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) are underutilized due to provider knowledge gaps, workflow inefficiencies, and cultural barriers. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) model, the project evaluated whether structured staff education improved early identification and diagnosis of adolescent depression and anxiety compared to routine practice. In workshops, web-based learning modules, case simulations, and …

Executive Summary: Organization Change Process Initiative Usability And Integration Of A Nutrition Screening Tool In Outpatient Mental Health Care, Jennifer Marie Ross

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This doctoral, practice-focused quality improvement project used a mixed-methods design to evaluate the usability, acceptability, and clinical integration of a nutrition screening tool in a mental health outpatient clinic. The project addresses a key practice gap, the lack of evaluation of the implementation of a systematic nutrition screening for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), which contributes to worsening psychiatric symptoms and delayed recovery. Aligning with nursing’s holistic and patient-centered framework, the initiative aimed to strengthen interprofessional collaboration and preventive care. The guiding practice-focused questions addressed: How usable and acceptable is the clinical practice guideline (CPG) tool among clinic …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Pharmaceutical Formulation And Dosage Calculations., Sameer Joshi, Sandeep Sheth

PCOM Scholarly Works

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reforming pharmaceutical sciences by renovating traditional drug formulation and dosage calculation approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how AI technologies, such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP), are currently being used in pharmaceutical calculations to improve accuracy, efficiency, and personalization. We have explored the role of AI in predicting drug properties, excipient optimization, and formulation design, as well as its applications in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, real-time dose adjustment, and precision medicine. Despite significant progress, data quality, interpretability, regulatory acceptance, and ethical considerations persist. Therefore, this review examines the …

Brief Report: Lung Cancer Diagnoses Among Lung Cancer Screening Program Participants With Family History Of Lung Cancer, Julia G. Katcher, Christine S. Shusted, Padmanabh Bhatt, Brooke M. Ruane, Jenna Markle, Gregory C. Kane, Kuang-Yi Wen, Hee-Soon Juon, Julie A. Barta

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

Clinical Practice Points

• Among screening-eligible adults, lung cancer is diagnosed more often in those with family history of lung cancer
• Patients with family history had higher frequency of stage IV disease
• Considering family history in risk assessment could improve lung cancer screening strategies

Perceived Risks, Reasons For Use, And Barriers To Cessation Among Youth Who Use Multiple Tobacco Products, Sierra L. Patterson, Isabellle Duguid, Sonia A. Clark, Seth M. Noar, Allison J. Lazard, Jim F. Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Adam O. Goldstein, Sarah D. Kowitt

Faculty Publications

Background

Many interventions aim to reduce youth tobacco use, but few have focused on youth who use multiple tobacco products (MTPs). This qualitative study sought to understand how youth who use MTPs view tobacco product risks, describe reasons for MTP use, and perceive barriers and facilitators to cessation.

Methods

We conducted seven virtual focus groups with 30 US youth ages 14–20 years who reported using e-cigarettes and smoking a combustible tobacco product in the past 30 days. We used a semi-structured focus group guide to ask youth about perceived health risks of tobacco products, reasons for MTP use, and thoughts …

Finding Solutions: Meeting Essential Needs To Overcome Health And Educational Inequities Among College Students, Nicholas Freudenberg, Rashida Crutchfield

Publications and Research

Many economic, academic, and social factors influence college completion, and scholars have documented that a significant cause of students leaving school before graduation is that many do not have their basic needs for food, housing, and health care met. These barriers undermine their academic success by forcing students to reduce the time spent on their studies, work more hours, or stop out of school to support themselves or their families. Unmet essential needs jeopardize academic and life success for students in higher education across the United States and widen racial/ethnic and class inequities in college completion and health. Our review …

Standardizing And Scaffolding Health Care Ai-Chatbot Evaluation: Systematic Review., Yining Hua, Winna Xia, David Bates, George Hartstein, Hyungjin Tom Kim, Michael Li, Benjamin Nelson, Charles Stromeyer Iv, Darlene King, Jina Suh, Li Zhou, John Torous

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Health care chatbots are rapidly proliferating, while generative artificial intelligence (AI) outpaces existing evaluation standards.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a structured, stakeholder-informed framework to standardize evaluation of health care chatbots.

METHODS: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses)-guided searches across multiple databases identified 266 records; 152 were screened, 21 full texts were assessed, and 11 frameworks were included. We extracted 356 questions (refined to 271 by deduplication and relevance review), mapped items to Coalition for Health AI constructs, and organized them with iterative input from clinicians, patients, developers, epidemiologists, and policymakers.

RESULTS: We developed the Health …

The Association Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, And Sleep With Risk Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Patients With Cirrhosis, Samuel Ma, Yossef Alsabawi, Fasiha Kanwal, Hao Duong, Laith Elserag, Amit G. Singal, Nicole E. Rich, Saira Khaderi, Sumeet K. Asrani, Hashem B. El-Serag, Aaron P. Thrift

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases arise in patients with cirrhosis, with known major risk factors of hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) infection, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). However, the impact of additional risk factors that act independently or jointly on the pathogenesis of HCC in cirrhosis patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether sleep, sedentariness, or physical activity levels play a role in the progression of cirrhosis to HCC.

Methods: We systematically collected data on sleep, sedentary time, and physical activity from the ongoing prospective …

Executive Leadership System Improvement: System- Level Program To Improve Care For Type-Ii Diabetic Patients, Jane Chukwura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The DNP Scholarly Project presents the Diabetes Interprofessional Management Program, an organization-wide, logic-model–driven initiative to improve glycemic control, empower self-management, and advance health equity for adults with type II diabetes. The project leverages an interprofessional team, targeted training, culturally tailored education, health technology tools, and community partnerships to translate resources into team-based care, personalized plans, self-management support, and continuous education, with outputs including trained staff, engaged patients, and standardized care protocols. Short-term outcomes center on reduced mean HbA1c, more patients achieving HbA1c <7%, and widespread adoption of evidence-based pathways with standardized testing cadences. Long-term outcomes focus on fewer complications, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced disparities through the expansion of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and culturally appropriate resources, underpinned by robust data governance. The evaluation and implementation plan measures clinical outcomes, patient experience, and equity over 0–24 months, using formative metrics (workflow deployment, training, testing timeliness, DSME referrals, portal use) and summative metrics (HbA1c changes, HbA1c <7% at 12 months, hospitalizations, complications, knowledge and quality of life, equity indicators, and ROI). Governance features a Data Steering Subcommittee and quarterly dashboards. Deliverables include standardized protocols, DSME curricula, EHR workflows, training, and a scalable, sustainable model for broader deployment.

Executive Summary: Clinical Practice Guideline Guideline For Identifying Patients At Risk For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Doris Chinazo Dibia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, I developed a clinical practice guideline to address the absence of a standardized process for identifying adult outpatients at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a community-based mental health clinic. Without such a process, delays in trauma-focused care and inconsistent referrals may occur. The evidence base supports the use of brief, validated screening tools, such as the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5, for accurate risk identification in routine practice. The practice-focused question that I used to guide this project was: Will an evidence-based guideline for PTSD risk identification be approved …

Staff Education To Improve Provider Knowledge On Antibiotic Prescribing, Jessica Nicole Jaimez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project addressed a gap in guideline-based antibiotic prescribing among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in an urgent care setting. The practice problem identified at the local project site was inconsistent adherence to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outpatient stewardship expectations, resulting in unnecessary antibiotic use for viral conditions and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. The practice-focused question for this project was as follows: In urgent care APRNs, does implementing a staff education program on guideline-based antibiotic prescribing improve provider-reported knowledge on antibiotic prescribing use? The purpose of this doctoral project …

Depression Screening In Veterans And Active-Duty Service Members With Chronic Pain, Lynelle Marie Endsley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project addressed the absence of evidence-based depression screening among military members and veterans with chronic pain. Contrary to national guidelines, no standardized depression screening process was in place. This gap in practice was attributed to inadequate staff knowledge and understanding in using such tools. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether staff education on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) improved knowledge and confidence, in evaluating for and identifying depression in a high-risk population. The practice-focused question asked: Will staff education on the importance and consistent use PHQ-9 increase knowledge and confidence in depression …

Personalized Resistance Exercise With Peer Support For Women With Pcos Using A Smart Home Video Device: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Guided By Self-Determination Theory, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Kesheng Wang

Faculty Publications

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) report exercise barriers as stigma-related stress, lack of peer support, and facility issues. “Resistance exercise (RE) with peer support and bands/ball and digitally-based supervision” (REPS w/BANDS) was designed to help mitigate exercise barriers. Underscored by self-determination theory (SDT), the 12-week intervention was remotely delivered via digital technology and inclusive of peer support.

Purpose

The purposes of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) were to test the feasibility and acceptability of REPS w/BANDS and explore signals of within- and between-group differences on outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms and fitness).

Methods

Participants (N = 25) …

Development And Implementation Of A Treatment History And Authorization Checklist To Improve Access To Spravato Therapy For Treatment-Resistant Depression, Margaret Mae Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) presents a significant clinical and administrative challenge, delaying access to evidence-based therapies such as intranasal esketamine (Spravato). Inconsistent documentation and lack of standardized clinical pathways contribute to insurance authorization delays, exacerbating health inequities and care fragmentation. Purpose: This DNP project aimed to develop and implement a standardized Treatment History Checklist and Clinical Practice Guideline to streamline documentation, support timely insurance authorization, and promote equitable access to Spravato therapy for patients with TRD. Methods: Using a systems change framework, the project employed gap analysis, stakeholder engagement, and iterative validation to design tools aligned with payer requirements and …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention To Advance Nurse Knowledge In Comprehensive Care Of Patients With Congestive Heart Failure, Jessica Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a staff education intervention to increase nursing staff knowledge. Congestive heart failure (CHF) remains one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and has the highest readmission rates within 30 days of a previous admission. Consistent evidence reveals improving nursing knowledge reduces complications, improves self-management support, lowers readmission rates in this particular patient population. The DNP project was developed as a staff education intervention and focused on 30 nurses working on a telemetry unit in an acute care hospital. The project question was whether an educational intervention would increase general nursing knowledge caring …

Pathways And Challenges In The Clinical Translational Of Radiopharmaceuticals For Pediatric Investigations, Erik Stauff, Hanieh Karimi, Heidi H. Kecskemethy, Thomas H. Shaffer, Reza Vali, Lauren W. Averill, Xuyi Yue

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

Radiopharmaceutical development and clinical translation face numerous scientific, ethical, and regulatory challenges, particularly within the pediatric population. Although molecular imaging holds significant promise for improving diagnosis and treatment across a spectrum of diseases, including pediatric-specific conditions like Kawasaki disease, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and neuroblastoma, the path from discovery to clinical application remains problematic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides three primary pathways-traditional Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, exploratory Investigational New Drug application (eIND), and the Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC) mechanism-to facilitate clinical translation of radiotracers. However, these frameworks are not specifically tailored to pediatric needs. …

Beyond Distraction: Music Therapy For Chronic Pain Management In People With Advanced Cancer, Joke Bradt, Lynn Gumert, Carrie Cottone, Ming Yuan Low, Clarissa Lacson, Kate Myers-Coffman, Karolina Bryl, Preethi Selvan, Jacelyn Biondo, Allison Millstein, Anna Cephas, Stephenie Sofield, Brooke Worster, Amy Leader

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Effective, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management for people with advanced cancer that can enhance quality of life while minimizing adverse effects are urgently needed. While music therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing pain and improving pain-related outcomes across various patient populations, it has not been specifically examined in addressing chronic pain among people with advanced cancer. This study aims to enhance understanding of how people with advanced cancer experience music therapy for pain management.

METHODS: As part of a mixed methods intervention trial, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 25 outpatients with advanced cancer …

Nanodiamonds In Advancing Biomedical Sciences, Ebenezer Owusu, Sofia Lerma, Jinhyeong Jang, Deepa Roy, Shizue Mito, Upal Roy, Elena A. Rozhkova

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Nanodiamonds (NDs), tetrahedral carbon structures with a size ranging from 1 to 100 nm, have gained growing attention in recent years due to their distinct optical, thermal, and mechanical properties compared to other carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots). Combined with a high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable and chemically versatile surfaces, these support broad applications across catalysis, electronics, and life sciences. Moreover, the biocompatible characteristics of NDs enable their controllable interfacial interactions with biological systems, positioning them as excellent candidates for advancing cutting-edge biomedical sciences, particularly through the engineering of efficient material biointerfaces that facilitate optimal interactions with …

Citrobacter Sedlakii As A Rare Cause Of Brain Abscess In A Late-Preterm Omani Infant: Case Report And Literature Review, Mohammed S. Al Reesi, Moza Al Mamari, Sara Magzoub, Yasser Abdulrazek

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Brain abscess in neonates is rare but remains a severe, life-threatening complication of meningitis with significant morbidity and mortality. While Citrobacter koseri and Citrobacter freundii are commonly implicated in brain-abscess formation, Citrobacter sedlakii is an uncommon causative pathogen. To date, only two cases of neonatal brain abscess caused by C. sedlakii have been reported in the literature. Early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention and prompt antibiotic therapy are critical to achieving a favourable outcome. A third case of a C. sedlakii brain abscess in a preterm infant, presenting in 2024 to a tertiary-care hospital in Oman, is reported together with a …

A High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography Dataset Of Naturalistic Viewing, Arefeh Sherafati, Aahana Bajracharya, Michael S Jones, Emma Speh, Monalisa Munsi, Chen-Hao P Lin, Andrew K Fishell, Tamara Hershey, Adam T Eggebrecht, Joseph P Culver, Jonathan E Peelle

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Traditional laboratory tasks offer tight experimental control but lack the richness of our everyday human experience. As a result, many cognitive neuroscientists have been motivated to adopt experimental paradigms that are more natural, such as stories and movies. Here we describe data collected from 58 healthy adult participants (aged 18-76 years) who viewed 10 minutes of a movie (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, 1966). Most (36) participants viewed the clip more than once, resulting in 106 sessions of data. Cortical responses were mapped using high-density diffuse optical tomography (first- through fourth nearest neighbor separations of 1.3, 3.0, 3.9, …

Ezhip Boosts Neuronal-Like Synaptic Gene Programs And Depresses Polyamine Metabolism, Elham Hasheminasabgorji, Huey-Miin Chen, Taylor A Gatesman, Subhi Talal Younes, Gabrielle A Nobles, Farhang Jaryani, Heather Mao, Kwanha Yu, Benjamin Deneen, Wee Yong, Michael D Taylor, Sameer Agnihotri, Marco Gallo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

It is currently understood that the characteristic loss of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 in PFA ependymoma and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) are caused by complementary mechanisms mediated by EZHIP and the oncohistone H3K27M, respectively. To support the complementarity of these mechanisms, rare H3K27M-negative DMGs express EZHIP. Interestingly, EZHIP is one of the few genes recurrently mutated in PFA. The significance of EZHIP mutations in PFA, and whether EZHIP has wider functions in addition to repression of H3K27me3 deposition, are not known. Here, we investigated the mutational landscape of EZHIP in pediatric brain tumors. We found that EZHIP mutations occur …