Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Nursing Faculty Competency In Dimensional Analysis: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Kimberly Mcdonald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Medication dosage calculation errors remain a persistent concern in nursing education and practice, often tied to inconsistent teaching methods that leave students unsure and underprepared. Dimensional analysis (DA) has been shown to improve accuracy and confidence in solving dosage problems, yet many faculty have not received structured training in this method. To address that gap, a quality improvement (QI) project introduced a six-week DA training program for nursing faculty in a pre-licensure program. The initiative was guided by the Roy Adaptation Model and Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, with change supported through Kotter’s 8-Step Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. Using a quasi-experimental, …

09.22.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
• MIG Application Opportunity
• 10th Annual Advancing MS Conference

Retracted: Idea Density And Grammatical Complexity As Neurocognitive Markers, Diego Iacono, Gloria Feltis

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Language, a uniquely human cognitive faculty, is fundamentally characterized by its capacity for complex thoughts and structured expressions. This review examines two critical measures of linguistic performance: idea density (ID) and grammatical complexity (GC). ID quantifies the richness of information conveyed per unit of language, reflecting semantic efficiency and conceptual processing. GC, conversely, measures the structural sophistication of syntax, indicative of hierarchical organization and rule-based operations. We explore the neurobiological underpinnings of these measures, identifying key brain regions and white matter pathways involved in their generation and comprehension. This includes linking ID to a distributed network of semantic hubs, like …

Neurofilament Light (Nfl) Chain Levels Predict Clinical Decline In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Kim Thomas, Paul Spin, Nikita Sir, Kevin Hou, Nicholas J. Ashton, Henrik Zetterberg, Sonya Miller, Carol Pringle, Richard G. Stefanacci, Claude M. Wischik, Serge Gauthier

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Regulatory approval of new investigational Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies could be accelerated if reasonably likely surrogate endpoints could be used. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has potential utility as a prognostic biomarker of neurodegeneration in AD.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize available evidence on the relationship between baseline NfL levels and longitudinal clinical decline.

METHODS: A systematic literature review identified 19 eligible studies, contributing 37 longitudinal statistical models evaluating the association between baseline NfL (plasma or cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) with subsequent clinical decline based on validated clinical scales including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, and Clinical Dementia Rating. …

Eczema Coxsackium As An Atypical Presentation Of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, Omar A. Ceballos, Mónica Gómez-Manzanares, Víctor H. Gónzalez-Vico, Marina Montero-García

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project Integration Of Mentoring Into A Registered Nurse Transition To Practice Program, Sherry L. Roberson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate nurses (NGNs), who constitute the majority of the nursing workforce, face significant challenges due to high patient acuity, staffing shortages, and long shifts, resulting in risks of burnout, turnover, and impaired patient care. Transition to practice programs, or nurse residency programs (NRPs), are evidence-based solutions designed to support NGNs effectively in their transition to the profession. A key component of NRPs is mentoring, which provides longitudinal support to ease this transition. Research shows that mentorship is associated with increased feelings of support, self-confidence, resilience, and competence among NGNs, while also reducing stress. A needs assessment at the project …

Ask Me 3® In Action Advancing Health Literacy In Pediatric Acute Care, Yaseming Medina

EBP Fellowship

Background: Parents and caregivers’ understanding of how to provide safe and effective care at home is vital. However, elevated levels of stress and limited health literacy face significant challenges in understanding discharge instructions.

For parents of pediatric patients seen in an acute perioperative setting, how will the use of the Ask Me 3® health literacy tool impact understanding of medical information and communication with healthcare providers?

Literature Evidence: Patients who understand heath instructions make fewer mistakes when they take their medicine, follow treatment plans, and prepare for medical appointments (Six-Means, Amy, et al, May 2012). Patients have reported …

Empowering Nurses: A Training Initiative On Essential Oils For Pediatric Neurosurgery Patients, Sheri Sacks

EBP Fellowship

PICO Question: In pediatric neurosurgical bedside nurses, does education on lavender essential oil, compared to no education, improve knowledge, confidence and intent to integrateit as a complementary therapy for TBI patients?

Literature Review: Pediatric neurosurgery patients often face increased anxiety and agitation. Nurses may lack knowledge of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce agitation and anxiety in their patients. Literature review used MeSH Headings and keywords to find recent English articles. Evidence shows EO reduces anxiety. Lavender inhalation lowers anxiety, pain, and vital signs in pediatric dental patients. In adults, aromatherapy decreases anxiety, pain, blood pressure, and improves sleep, also …

Fierce And Focused - Virtual Reality Support For Pediatric Oncology Patients, Javarius Barber-Esparza

EBP Fellowship

Practice Problem: Pediatric oncology patients often experience anxiety during needle procedures. Even with anesthetic pain management in place, visually encountering the needle can be more distressing than the procedure itself. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a nonpharmacological tool that provides immersive distraction, effectively lowering pain perception and anxiety. Studies show VR reduces anxiety during medical procedures, including accessing Implanted venous access devices (IVAD). Yet, its adoption in pediatric oncology settings remains limited.

Literature/Evidence: Search strategy in the CINAHL (EBSCOhost) database used MeSH headings and keywords, including English articles published within the last five years. Studies show that …

Improving Confidence And Competence In Treating Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Extravasation, Ann Gosdin

EBP Fellowship

Practice Problem: Peripheral Intravenous Infiltrations and Extravasation (PIVIE) can cause severe skin and tissue damage. Prompt intervention helps prevent moderate or severe skin tissue damage. In the U.S. PIVIE complications can cost $10,895 versus $7,009 per patient without PIVIE. An Australian ED estimated the annual cost of PIV occlusion/infiltration and dislodgement of $14.01 million Australian dollars.

Quality event reviews demonstrated a staff knowledge deficit of treating extravasations per guidelines. Treatment could be delayed if the Vascular Access Team (VAT) was not available. Education on treatment of IV extravasation was needed to address this practice gap.

PICO(T) Question: In …

Benefit Of Icosapent Ethyl Across Types And Sizes Of Myocardial Infarction In Reduce-It, Chen Gurevitz, Deepak L Bhatt, Robert P Giugliano, Ph Gabriel Steg, Michael Miller, Eliot A Brinton, Terry A Jacobson, Steven B Ketchum, Armando Lira Pineda, Ralph T Doyle, Gabriella Giugliano, R Preston Mason, Jean-Claude Tardif, Fabrice M A C Martens, Christie M Ballantyne, Matthew J Budoff, C Michael Gibson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aims: We studied the efficacy and safety of icosapent ethyl (IPE) 4g daily in reducing the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) across different MI subtypes and sizes, among REDUCE-IT high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

Methods: REDUCE-IT was a phase 3b, double-blind multicenter trial. Patients with established CVD or diabetes who were treated with statins and had moderate hypertriglyceridemia were randomized to receive IPE 4g daily or placebo. The current analysis focused on MI subtypes (fatal MI, nonfatal MI, ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI)), as well as MI size (measured by multiples of troponin upper limit of normal) and MI-related complications. …

Repeat Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy For Residual Spasticity: Illustrative Case, Elizabeth Ledbetter, Aloysia L Schwabe, Heather Sgro, Sarah Slocum, Nisha Gadgil

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is typically a one-time surgical procedure supported by intense rehabilitation to improve ambulatory capability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Observations: The authors present the unique case of a teenager with spastic diplegic CP who had undergone L2-S1 SDR as a child and presented with residual focal spasticity in the right plantar flexors. He underwent revision SDR at the right L5 and S1 levels in addition to decompression of canal stenosis. Postoperatively, he had notable improvement in his gait with relief of preoperative right knee and foot pain, improved ease of ambulation, and improved …

Immunotherapy For Precision Medicine In Colorectal Cancer, Miao Cao, Michael Xu, Zinah Bairmani, Babar Bashir, Scott A. Waldman, Adam E. Snook

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The implementation of CRC screening has decreased CRC incidence in adults older than 65 years. However, among young adults who experience more aggressive disease progression, CRC incidence has been increasing for decades. Immunotherapy represents a collection of innovative and promising approaches with greater efficacy and safety. In this review, we discuss modalities and selected targets of immunotherapies for CRCs that are guided by precision medicine.

AREAS COVERED: The following review focuses on immunological approaches for CRCs, including therapeutic monoclonal …

Associations Between Individual And Structural Level Discrimination And Psychological And Physiological Stress Indicators During Pregnancy, Özlü Aran, Melissa Nevarez-Brewster, Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez, Julia Dmitrieva, Curt A. Sandman, Laura M. Glynn, Elysia Poggi Davis

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In the United States (U.S.) pervasive health disparities in prenatal care disproportionately impact marginalized individuals. The present study investigates whether discrimination at the individual and structural levels are associated with indicators of psychological and physiological stress among pregnant Latinx people living in the U.S., including both U.S. and foreign-born individuals. Pregnant participants (n = 109) reported on birthplace, lifetime experiences of racial and ethnic discrimination, perceived levels of stress, acculturation, social support, and provided residential address data and hair samples for cortisol analysis. Regression analysis revealed that individual level discrimination was linked to higher psychological stress during pregnancy ( …

Cerebellar Dysfunction In A Mouse Model Of Childhood-Onset Manganese-Induced Dystonia Parkinsonism, Alexander N Rodichkin, Amanda M Brown, Pavani Devabathini, Jennifer L Mcglothan, Si Chen, Ajith Pattammattel, Yong S Chu, Tao Lin, Daniel D Pontow, Karam Abilmouna, Ritishka Kapoor, Sarah E Hardin, Yulia Pushkar, Roy V Sillitoe, Tomás R Guilarte

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Humans with pathogenic variants of the manganese (Mn) transporter gene SLC39A14 exhibit highly elevated brain Mn concentrations and childhood-onset dystonia-parkinsonism. Here we show that Slc39a14-knockout (KO) mice, a preclinical model of the disease with elevated Mn concentrations in the CB, express deficits in physiological tremor implicating cerebellar (CB) dysfunction. Imaging of intracellular Mn in Purkinje cells (PCs) using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy confirmed highly elevated Mn concentrations in the PCs of Slc39a14-KO mice. To determine biological pathways altered in the CB of Slc39a14-KO mice relative to wildtype (WT), we performed RNA sequencing and discovered significant upregulation of pathways and genes …

Bridging The Cost-Effectiveness Gap In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention For Statin-Intolerant Patients, Jerrin S Philip, Christie M Ballantyne

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Robust Detection Of Watermarks For Large Language Models Under Human Edits, Xiang Li, Feng Ruan, Huiyuan Wang, Qi Long, Weijie J Su

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Watermarking has offered an effective approach to distinguishing text generated by large language models (LLMs) from human-written text. However, the pervasive presence of human edits on LLM-generated text dilutes watermark signals, thereby significantly degrading detection performance of existing methods. In this paper, by modeling human edits through mixture model detection, we introduce a new method in the form of a truncated goodness-of-fit test for detecting watermarked text under human edits, which we refer to as Tr-GoF. We prove that the Tr-GoF test achieves optimality in robust detection of the Gumbel-max watermark in a certain asymptotic regime of substantial text modifications …

Impacts Of The Conductive Networks On Solid-State Battery Operation, Shimao Deng, Yixian Wang, Tianxiao Sun, Wenlong Li, Mingyuan Ge, Jian Wang, Peter Cloetens, Piero Pianetta, David Mitlin, Yijin Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The micromorphology of composite cathodes is known to play a vital role in determining all‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) performance. However, much of our current understanding is derived from empirical observations, lacking a deeper mechanistic foundation. The “rocking chair” concept of battery chemistry requires maintaining charge neutrality, emphasizing the necessity of examining electrode micromorphology from the perspective of conductive networks. This study systematically investigates the microscopic electrochemical impacts of conductive network micromorphology by varying the Li+‐to‐e− channel ratio in cathodes comprising LiNbO3‐coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, Li6PS5Cl, and carbon fibers. Utilizing multiscale synchrotron‐based spectro‐microscopy, we unravel that unbalanced Li+ and e− conducting channels intensify charge …

Anticonvulsant Use In Older Age Bipolar Disorder In A Global Sample From The Global Aging And Geriatric Experiments In Bipolar Disorder Project: Utilisation D'Anticonvulsivants Pour Le Traitement Des Troubles Bipolaires Du Sujet Âgé Auprès D'Un Échantillon Mondial Provenant Du Projet Gage-Bd, Katie C Bodenstein, Myriam Lesage, Paola Lavin, Sigfried Schouws, Melis Orhan, Alexandra Beunders, Osvaldo P Almeida, Kursat Altinbas, Vicent Balanzá-Martínez, Izabela G Barbosa, Hilary P Blumberg, Farren B S Briggs, Cynthia V Calkin, Orestes V Forlenza, Brent Forester, Ariel G Gildengers, Benno C M Haarman, Tomas Hajek, Beny Lafer, Paula V Nunes, Benoit Mulsant, Andrew T Olagunju, Regan E Patrick, Joquim Radua, Kaylee Sarna, Christian Simhandl, Jair C Soares, Ashley N Sutherland, Nicole Fiorelli, Antonio L Teixeira, Shangying Tsai, Eduard Vieta, Joy Yala, Lisa Eyler, Annemiek Dols, Martha Sajatovic, Soham Rej

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background:

Anticonvulsants are an essential treatment for bipolar disorder; however, there is relatively little known about their use in older age bipolar disorder (OABD). In this paper, which leverages a large international dataset, we aim to 1) describe the use of anticonvulsants in OABD compared to younger age bipolar disorder (YABD; ages < 50 years old) and 2) explore any demographic/clinical correlates.

Methods:

A secondary analysis was conducted on the international data from the Global Aging and Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder project. The main objective was to report the prevalence of anticonvulsant use in OABD over 50 years old (mean age = 62.27) and the most prescribed anticonvulsant. Additional …

Annals Journal Club: Pharmacy Technicians In An Underserved Health System, Kevin T Gulley, Michael E Johansen

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

No abstract provided.

Use Of Amplified Lewy Body Dementia Fibrils And Autoradiography To Characterize Binding Of Radioligand Tg-1-90b To Alpha-Synuclein Fibrils In Postmortem Brain Tissue, Jennifer Y O'Shea, Dhruva D Dhavale, Helen Hwang, Zachary Smith, Thomas J A Graham, Robert H Mach, Paul T Kotzbauer

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Parkinson's disease (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) are defined by accumulation of alpha-synuclein (Asyn) fibrils within Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs). The development of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer for quantifying Asyn fibrils would improve diagnostic accuracy and provide a biomarker for disease progression. We previously described radioligand [

Global Variations In Surgical Techniques For Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction At Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Clinical Trials, Sina Tartibi, Derrick M Knapik, S Ryan Pierson, Christopher K Bozorgmehr, Daniel C Touhey, Matthew J Matava, Matthew V Smith, Robert H Brophy

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) remain largely unknown.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature examining Level 1 and Level 2 studies to identify global differences in surgical techniques associated with primary ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using keywords and Boolean phrases in Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed on October 25, 2024. A total of 741 articles were identified. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Level 1 and Level 2 human studies reporting …

Enhancing Students’ Self-Confidence From Disharmonious Families Through Group Guidance With Sociodrama Technique, Drajat Edy Kurniawan, Almadia Qosita Janah Saputri

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Adolescence is a developmental phase full of challenges, particularly for students from disharmonious family backgrounds who are vulnerable to low self-confidence. This study aims to enhance students’ self-confidence through group guidance services using the sociodrama technique at a public junior high school in Yogyakarta. The research employed a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest design. The subjects consisted of six eighth-grade students identified as coming from disharmonious families and having low self-confidence. The instrument used was a self-confidence scale that included indicators of belief in one’s abilities, courage to express opinions, and ability to face challenges. Data were analyzed using …

Quality Improvement Project Diabetes Self-Management Education Training Program, Guylene Lucien

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Diabetes is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States; therefore, effective Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is vital in improving patient outcomes. A needs assessment of the Practice site identified gaps in provider confidence and frequency and consistency of delivering DSME that correlated with poor patient adherence and readmissions. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a structured, evidence-based DSME training program to improve healthcare provider self-efficacy to provide DSME. The project utilized Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and the ADKAR change model and employed a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design. Ten providers (six …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Artificial Intelligence In The Management Of Leukemia, Stephanie Koo, Austin P. Runde, Melvin Speisman

School of Medicine

BACKGROUND: Recently, given the demonstrated ability of AI to accurately characterize complex pathologies, AI has been proposed to be of use in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of leukemias given their genetic complexity and subtype heterogeneity, array of treatments, and need for relapse detection. AI has several potential applications in the management of leukemia. First, it can be used to detect leukemia; using AI to detect nuances in lab values can ensure these deadly cancers are never missed. Second, AI can be used to risk-stratify patients and personalize treatments; leukemias are among the most genetically complex cancers with well-characterized risk …

Quality Improvement Project Optimizing Opioid Screening: The Impact Of Staff Education In A Pain Management Clinic., Khairunnisa Khan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Chronic pain is a complex condition that often requires long-term opioid therapy, creating challenges for safe prescribing and patient monitoring. Inadequate screening for opioid misuse risk can contribute to unsafe practices, regulatory noncompliance, and patient harm. Validated instruments such as the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) and the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) are available to guide risk assessment, yet their use in everyday practice remains inconsistent. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate whether targeted staff education improved compliance with opioid risk assessment documentation in a rural pain management clinic. A pre-/post-intervention design was …

Prevalence Of Helmet Use In Skateboarders: A Systematic Review And Narrative Synthesis, Katherine Hunzinger, Ricker Adkins, Stevie Chen, Thomas Li, Lujie Chen

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

Introduction: Helmet adoption remains low among skateboarders, but the specific prevalence remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to summarize available evidence on helmet-use prevalence among skateboarders. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted using the search terms: skateboard, skateboarding, protective gear, protective equipment, pads, or helmet. Articles were included if they were in English with specific data on helmet use among skateboarders. Articles excluded were those representing reviews or conference abstracts/presentations; or if helmet use prevalence for skateboarders could not be ascertained. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, …

Mesalamine As A Suspected Cause Of Drug-Induced Pancreatitis: A Case Report And Review Of Diagnostic Considerations, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Miguel Lopez, Alhasan Asaad, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

School of Medicine Publications

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common cause of gastrointestinal-related hospitalizations in the United States. It is characterized by pancreatic inflammation and necrosis, with diagnosis based on elevated pancreatic enzymes, characteristic imaging, and epigastric pain radiating to the back. While gallstones and alcohol are the predominant etiologies, drug-induced pancreatitis (DIP) accounts for up to 5% of cases and remains a diagnostic challenge. Over 500 medications, including mesalamine, have been implicated. Proposed mechanisms of DIP include pancreatic duct obstruction, toxic metabolite accumulation, hypersensitivity reactions, and localized angioedema. Prompt recognition and withdrawal of the offending agent are critical to prevent complications.

We report …

An Open Trial For Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy For Primary Care (Tbt-Pc) In Veterans With Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety, Daniel F Gros, Stephanie Hart, Michelle Pompei, Ron Acierno

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Transdiagnostic psychotherapies were developed to address multiple diagnostic presentations via a single, easier-to-implement protocol. However, despite advances, these protocols are largely limited to longer formats designed for mental health settings. The present study investigated a version of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT-PC) that was adapted for primary care settings. Forty-one participants with emotional disorders received 6 sessions of TBT-PC, with symptoms of depression and anxiety assessed at baseline, immediate post-treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Medium treatment effects for symptoms of depression and anxiety were evidenced at post-treatment and sustained at follow-up. Treatment feasibility was supported by excellent attendance, treatment completion, and …