Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chronic Antiplatelet Agent Use Is Associated With Decreased 90-Day Morbidity And Mortality In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

The aim of this study is to explore the association between the use of antiplatelets and outcomes of patients with AP using a large multinational database.

Acute Pancreatitis With Acute Kidney Injury Is Associated With Worse 30 And 90-Day Outcomes: A Multinational Multicenter Analysis, Donghyun Ko, Do Han Kim Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Frank J. Lukens Md, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) has been consistently shown to impact clinical outcomes and is a marker of organ dysfunction, being a primary indicator and driver of disease severity. The cornerstone of management of AP is aggressive intravenous fluid administration, and AKI has traditionally been a surrogate measure of the adequacy of volume repletion and is even recommended by the current ACG guidelines to be monitored in 6-hour intervals for 24-48 hours from presentation. While having been proven to be a factor of paramount importance on prior studies, the aim of our study is to …

Evolocumab Is Associated With Lower Mortality When Compared To Statin In Masld/Mash Patients: A Multinational Analysis, Donghyun Ko, Do Han Kim Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Cristina H. Makarian, Luis M. Nieto Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

Evolocumab is typically used as an add-on or replacement therapy for patients with dyslipidemia who are already on the maximum tolerated dose of statins or are intolerant to statins. While statins are effective in lowering lipid levels and have been shown to improve liver-related outcomes and reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), statin intolerance is increasingly encountered with their widespread use. The aim of our study is to compare the benefits of using evolocumab as monotherapy versus statins as monotherapy in patients with metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Rectal Indomethacin Decreases Post-Ercp Pancreatitis In Elderly Patients Without Increasing The Risk Of Acute Kidney Injury, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko Md, Jose A. Porres, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Carlos Eilzondo-Alatorre Md, Luis M. Nieto Md, Miguel Salazar Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

This study examines the association of use of rectal indomethacin with clinical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing ERCP using a large population-based multinational database.

Valproate Use Is Associated With Higher Mortality And Hepatic Decompensationin Patients With Masld/ Mash: A Multinational Analysis, Donghyun Ko, Do Han Kim Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Luis M. Nieto Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

Valproate is a widely used anti-seizure medication for treating epilepsy. However, it significantly impacts lipid metabolism by interfering with the beta-oxidation pathway of fatty acids in mitochondria. This disruption is expected to accelerate the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients on chronic valproate therapy. The aim of this study is to determine whether the chronic use of valproate increases the risk of liver-related and cardiovascular events

History Of Bariatric Surgery Is Not Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes At 5 Years In Patients Who Undergo Liver Transplantation, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Jose A. Porres, Klaus E. Monkemuller, Paul T. Kroner Md

Posters

This study explores and compares outcomes of LT alone with LT in patients with a prior history of RYGB or SG, using a large multinational database.

Sglt-2 Inhibitor Use Is Associated With Lower Mortality In Patients With Alcoholic Cirrhosis And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multinational Analysis, Do Han Kim Md, Donghyun Ko, Jose A. Porres, Wilhelm S. Basegoda Md, Cristina H. Makarian, Luis M. Nieto Md, Pedro Palacios Argueta Md, Paul T. Kroner Md, Frank J. Lukens Md

Posters

In our study, we aimed to investigate whether SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, liver-related events, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and T2DM.

Patient Satisfaction Survey – Every Patient Matters, Stephanie Pigg, Hailey Goulas, Jonathan Ortegon

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

“Call Don’T Fall, Does It Matter At All?” Evaluating Fall Bundle Modalities And Its Effectiveness In Current Practice: A Review Of Literature, Kenn Everard Lachenal, Zandraline Lachenal, Jelly Jacob, Charmaine Capili, Jason Dela Cruz

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Hospital Discharges Before Noon: Implementation Of A Vida (Very Important Discharge Appointment), Nadia Paul

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Delays in hospital discharge can negatively affect hospital throughput and bed capacity, resulting in increased length of stay and boarding of patients in off-unit locations which causes concerns for patient safety and potential harm (Rutherford et al., 2017). The purpose of this DNP project was to determine if the implementation of a very important discharge appointment (VIDA) would increase the number of hospital discharges occurring before noon (DBN) each day. This project was implemented at a 350-bed academic medical center in East Central Indiana. A 25-bed, adult medical unit served as the pilot unit. In total, 538 patients were included …

Excess Fructose In High-Fructose Corn Syrup Reduces Cell Viability & Promotes Nitric Oxide Release In Raw 264.7 Macrophages, Renzo F. Galarza, Edward L. Villegas

Research and Creativity Symposium

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that contains slightly higher concentrations of fructose compared to standard sucrose. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. While both HFCS and sucrose are widely used sweeteners, growing evidence suggests they may differ in their inflammatory potential. We sought to understand the effects of elevated fructose on RAW 264.7 macrophages. To investigate these effects, we treated the cells with either a sucrose solution or a
solution designed to mimic high-fructose corn syrup. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was used to model innate …

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy As An Alternative Intervention For Treatment-Resistant Depression In Healthcare Workers, Aidan Booth, Vegas Casey, Gloria Gufrey, Ian Lawson

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound and 5-HT2A (serotonergic) receptor agonist, has recently gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in individuals with TRD. A landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin reduced depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression, with sustained improvements noted weeks after treatment (Goodwin et al., 2022). Further, recent research involving frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic 3 found psilocybin therapy to be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and burnout (Back et al., 2024). These findings suggest psilocybin therapy may offer a novel and …

Weed Out The Pain: Using Cannabis To Manage Endometriosis, Jamie Calderbank, Holly Goodacre, Claire Mcelroy, Makayla Schmierer

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Those with endometriosis are four times more likely to chronically use opioids than those without the condition, despite the well-known adverse effects and misuse potential of opioids (Farooqi et al., 2023). Due to the risks and costs associated with opioid use, those with endometriosis are turning to other forms of self-medication that are more accessible. One example is the use of cannabis, which has been shown to not only decrease pain but also improve other symptoms like sleep quality and overall mood (Sinclair et al., 2021). Endocannabinoids are a series of complex molecules that naturally exist in the body and …

Impact Of Family Presence During Hospital Rounds, Lucas Bjorklund, Abby Rose-Hupe, Amber Stone, Derek Trinh

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Healthcare team members use multidisciplinary rounds to communicate, clarify, and plan details of the patient’s care. Family-centered rounds, or FCRs, are a type of rounding designed to actively involve family members in these discussions (Woldering et al. 2023). Woldering et al. (2023) propose that family members can participate in rounds by asking questions, providing insight on the patient’s experiences, and engaging in collaborative goal setting. This study shows that FCRs can reduce anxiety, increase family participation, and lower the length of hospitalization, showing benefits to both the patient and their families. Currently, healthcare systems lack an evidence-based, standardized system for …

Longevity And Cardiovascular Health: Lessons From The Mediterranean Blue Zones, Lyndsay Bancroft, Miranda Daley, Hitomi Tanizawa

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and poor diet is a leading risk factor for adverse cardiac events (Ahmed et al., 2023). The Mediterranean diet provides protection against coronary heart disease, regardless of the common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, etc (Legrand et al., 2019). Those living in the blue zones of Greece and Italy have far fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease than populations living in other parts of the world (Legrand et al., 2021). This project aims to investigate how the Mediterranean diet has influenced the rates of cardiovascular disease amongst the …

Pain Management During Intrauterine Device Insertion: A Research Synthesis, Nicole D. Haradisty, Flora V. Maciel Garibay, Dylan D. Renfro

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

The mismatch between expected and actual pain during IUD insertion can negatively impact patients' healthcare experience, satisfaction, and trust in their medical providers (Bayer et al., 2025). Inadequate pain management during IUD insertion serves as a significant barrier for individuals of reproductive age seeking this form of contraception (Bayer et al., 2025). It is essential to address the lack of universal pain management protocols during IUD insertions. Equally important is identifying effective options to manage pain while ensuring that providers set and manage patient expectations appropriately. This study aims to explore the pain experienced during IUD insertion and to identify …

The Effectiveness Of Using Art Therapy In The Treatment Of Individuals With Ptsd, Alexander Jones, Josh Phillips, Jacinto Magallan-Campuzano

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses a creative process to explore

emotions. It has gained recognition as a potential treatment for PTSD. Studies suggest that art therapy can help adults process traumatic experiences by expressing their feelings and reducing symptoms of distress and anxiety (Haeyen & Wanten, 2024). Working in a trauma-informed care environment, one must understand the role of art therapy, as it can be essential in offering holistic, patient-centered care. Investigation of the effectiveness of art therapy could lead to a more inclusive and diverse treatment option for adults with PTSD. In this paper, …

Unraveling The Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Sperm Quality, Nicole Macasa, Olivia Mcmahon, Mónica Vidal-Franco

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

A substantial body of scientific research has identified oxidative stress (OS) as a main culprit in the development of male infertility. OS is mediated by free radicals, which can result from lifestyle, environmental factors, endocrine imbalances, and infection (Skoracka et al., 2020). Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron in their outer shell, making them highly reactive and prone to causing OS damage to other molecules in the body (Łakoma et al., 2023). Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their lack of robust cytoplasmic enzyme systems that repair damaged DNA (Saleh & Agarwal, 2002). This …

Impact Of Microplastics On Male Fertility And Sperm Quality, Maura Blackwell, Yelena Gallagher-Spiegle, Regina Ochoa, Abbi Wong

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Plastic pollution is a global health concern. Microplastics and nanoplastics are the byproducts of plastic deterioration and can be invisible to the naked eye. These ever-present particles have infiltrated our ecosystems, water, food, air, and even the human body (Hunt et al., 2024). In recent years, we are starting to understand the effects of plastic degradation on human health. Researchers have observed ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and other physical deterioration causing microplastics to shed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals (Osman et al., 2023). Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and octylphenol, interfere with normal hormone activity, mimicking natural …

A Scoping Review Of Biosensor Use In Healthcare Professionals And Education: Enhancing Safety, Well-Being, And Learning Through Technology, Olivia Matson, Brittany Brennan, Annisija Hunter

College of Nursing Reviews and Protocols

Background: Advancements in technology continue to transform healthcare and education, with biosensors emerging as innovative tools to monitor physiological and emotional responses. Within healthcare educational environments, these technologies can provide objective data that enhance the safety, well-being, and performance of healthcare professionals and students.
Purpose: The review aims to explore how biosensor monitoring is used among healthcare professionals and students in healthcare and healthcare educational settings.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines across three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect) to identify studies addressing the research question: How is biosensor monitoring used among healthcare professionals and students in …

Efficacy Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Obese Women With Pcos, Ellie Fischer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women. • PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and obesity. • This review looked at studies comparing GLP-1 receptor agonists to metformin on PCOS symptoms. • PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched from April to July 2024 and ten articles made it past inclusion and exclusion criteria for review in this paper. • In this review, GLP-1 RAs effectively reduce weight and improve glucose metabolism in obese women with PCOS. • GLP-1 RAs in combination with metformin showed even more weight loss and improvement …

Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Performance On The National Physical Therapy Examination And Qualitative Feedback Of Dpt Program Administrators About The Covid-19 Pandemic In The Appalachian Region, Timothy Logan Yost

Ed.D. Dissertations

In this qualitative case study, I aimed to discern the presence of a downward trend in the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and receive valuable qualitative feedback from Doctor of Physical Therapy program administrators concerning the effects of COVID-19. I first reviewed the available literature, followed by an examination of first-time scores via publicly available data from the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This was followed by the development of a qualitative research methodology, which included a targeted qualitative questionnaire with Doctor of Physical Therapy program administrators within the Appalachian region to gain …

Influence Of Hearing Loss On Self-Reported Hearing Ability And Listening Fatigue In Persons With Aphasia, Ashlyn Kilgore

Poster Presentations

Aphasia is an acquired disorder, often caused by stroke, that results in language deficits. It can greatly impact a person's ability to communicate with others. Cognitive deficits may accompany aphasia. Additionally, hearing loss is a disability likely to co-occur with aphasia, as they both most commonly impact the same age group. When a person has hearing loss, the quality of the auditory signal is degraded when it reaches the brain. The poor signal quality, compounded with linguistic and possible cognitive deficits that are associated with aphasia, makes it more difficult for persons with aphasia (PWA) to comprehend speech.

For all …

Pancreatic Ascites: Update On Diagnosis And Management, Lefika Bathobakae, Heba Farhan, Derya Mücahit, Dina Rohira, Kashyap Chauhan, Yana Cavanagh, Walid Baddoura, Derick J Christian

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Pancreatic ascites is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of high-amylase ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is often associated with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pseudocyst rupture. Because of its rarity and ill-defined clinical presentation, pancreatic ascites is often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. The current diagnostic criteria include an amylase level >1000 mg/dL, a protein level >3 g/dL, and a serum ascites albumin gradient < 1.1 g/dL. The clinical features vary, but may include progressive abdominal distension, diffuse abdominal pain, weight loss and peritonitis. The management of pancreatic ascites remains controversial, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal approach. Conservative medical management, which includes nutritional support, pain control, therapeutic paracentesis and the use of somatostatin analogs, has been associated with a high failure rate and significant morbidity. Interventional therapies, such as surgery and endoscopic transpapillary stenting, have shown more promising outcomes. However, the choice between these methods is still debated, with some advocating for endoscopic approaches, because of their minimally invasive nature and reduced morbidity compared with surgical options. Endoscopic approaches remain underutilized in practice, probably because of the need for repeated interventions, the potential risks associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or a lack of skilled personnel. Although they show significant perioperative morbidity and mortality, surgical options provide definitive resolution of pancreatic ascites. Herein, we provide an updated review of pancreatic ascites, highlighting advances in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches, and summarizing insights from recent clinical cases and retrospective studies.

Efficacy And Safety Of Angiopoietin-Like 3 Inhibitors In Decreasing Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Paige Fritz

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Hypercholesterolemia is estimated to effect 31.7% of the United States population according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is currently statin therapy. While these medications are often effective in decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to patient’s goal range, there are populations in which they are not sufficient. These populations include those who have genetic predispositions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, or those who experience refractory hypercholesterolemia to statin medications. To combat this issue, a class of medications named Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitors have been created to use as an adjunct to statin …

Thoughts From The Frontline - May 2025, Tennessee Center For Nursing Advancement, East Tennessee State University

Thoughts from the Frontline Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Turmeric In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, Mckenna Taylor

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to debilitating pain and some forms of immobilization. It is a progressive disease, one that comes from persistent use of joints. Factors that may increase the risk for osteoarthritis include age, female gender, joint injury, obesity, and genetics. Additionally, these factors can increase the rate of degeneration of the cartilage and joint space between bones, causing constant bone on bone contact. Currently, treatment or management of this disease has included oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, oral and topical analgesics. However, …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most recommended medication for pain management; however, IUD insertional pain is unrelated to prostaglandin synthesis which is the primary target of NSAIDs. This literature review is to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs …

A Joint Endeavor: Methotrexate Vs. Jak Inhibitors For Joint Inflammation Reduction In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Madeleine Kennedy

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

This paper investigates the comparative efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors versus methotrexate (MTX) in reducing joint inflammation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study addresses the critical research question: In adult patients with RA, does treatment with JAK inhibitors or methotrexate demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing joint inflammation? A literature review was conducted analyzing various clinical trials, including phase II and III studies, that evaluated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors, both as monotherapy and in combination with MTX. The findings indicate that JAK inhibitors, particularly tofacitinib and baricitinib, consistently show superior or equivalent efficacy in achieving American …

A Joint Endeavor: Methotrexate Vs. Jak Inhibitors For Joint Inflammation Reduction In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Madeleine Kennedy

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation and damage. This paper investigates the comparative efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors versus methotrexate (MTX) in reducing joint inflammation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study addresses the critical research question: In adult patients with RA, does treatment with JAK inhibitors or methotrexate demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing joint inflammation? A literature review was conducted analyzing various clinical trials, including phase II and III studies, that evaluated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors, both as monotherapy and in combination with MTX. The findings indicate that JAK …