Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ai In Mammography, Samantha Lorenzo, Gina Capitano

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This Research explores the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammography and its role in cancer diagnosis. It examines statistical data related to AI-assisted diagnostics, highlights AI’s ability to detect early signs of cancer that may be imperceptible to the human eye, and discusses the growing adoption of AI among breast radiologists. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. Approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. The integration of AI in mammography represents a promising advancement in early detection and …

A Case Study: Alzheimer’S Progression In Mri, Lacey E. Sorber

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many individuals know a person who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s or has lost their life due to the disease. Alzheimer’s can be described as early-onset or late-onset. Early-onset Alzheimer's occurs before the age of 65, and late-onset occurs after the age of 65. This research demonstrates a case study of a 63 year old male with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and language problems. The patient in this case study’s symptoms began with memory loss and began to regress into cognitive decline. …

Utilizing Shockwave Therapy For Cardiac Catheterization, Nadja E. Hartmann

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This project explores the role of cardiac catheterization and the use of intravascular shockwave therapy (IVL) in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to visualize coronary and peripheral vessels, assess heart function, and intervene on obstructed arteries. The poster outlines the fundamental steps of catheterization, including the use of specialized catheters, contrast imaging, and tools such as balloons and stents to restore blood flow. The main topic of this project is Shockwave therapy, a newer technique designed to treat heavily calcified lesions that are resistant to other methods, …

Basics Of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography, Megan A. Lasher

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) is an advanced diagnostic technique that combines anatomical and functional breast imaging with the use of iodinated contrast to enhance potential malignant lesion visualization. This capstone presents the fundamental principles of mammography, clinical indications and contraindications, and diagnostic capabilities of CESM compared to traditional mammography. CESM has improved the detection of malignancies, especially in dense breast tissue, as contrast highlights vascular changes associated with tumor angiogenesis. The imaging involves a dual-energy image acquisition, as low-energy is required for structure and high-energy for contrast enhancement. The dual imaging provides a thorough insight into lesion morphology and perfusion. …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy, Ainsley Derck

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples that look suspicious on a breast MRI. Because MRI has high soft tissue contrast, subtle abnormalities can be detected that may not be seen well in other breast imaging modalities, like mammography or ultrasound. This makes MRI-guided breast biopsy a valuable option in evaluating suspicious breast tissue abnormalities. The MRI-guided breast biopsy uses MR imaging to accurately locate suspicious tissue and perform a minimally invasive biopsy procedure. During the procedure, MRI is used to position a needle in the breast at the location …

Measures Of General Intelligence And Risk For Alcohol Use Disorder, Ananya Aengula

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that involves an individual having an impaired ability to control their alcohol usage. To understand the factors that contribute to this disorder, researchers wanted to investigate the relationships among General Intelligence (IQ), Educational Attainment (EA), and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They arranged an observational cohort to assess IQ levels and the development of AUD in 573,855 Swedish men and 5,424 individuals from the United States. Ultimately, their results indicate that lower IQ levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing AUD later in life. They concluded that low IQ and …

Navigating The Way To Colonoscopy Completion: A Quality Improvement Study, Jessica Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Colonoscopies are a highly effective method of colorectal cancer screening, yet their value is hindered by frequent last-minute cancellations and patient no-shows. The absence of a consistent, evidence-based pre-procedural education tool to address patient-level barriers remains a critical gap in healthcare delivery.

Local Problem: At a hospital-based medical practice in Kane County, Illinois, 7% of colonoscopy cancellations occur last minute, primarily due to preventable factors.

Methods: This quality improvement project compared last-minute cancellation and no-show rates between a control group receiving standard care and an intervention group provided with enhanced education and regularly scheduled follow-up contact through patient …

The Use Of Music Therapy And Various Mechanisms Of Diversion To Aid Caregivers Of Those With Alzheimer’S Disease And Dementia, Sarah Elizabeth Kane

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia inhabit an increasingly alarming number of individuals within the United States with the majority of their caregivers being loved ones with limited to no healthcare education. This DNP project was designed to specifically educate caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. The goal of this project was to increase the knowledge of the disease while also increasing the ability and confidence to better care for their loved ones. In using the resources outlined in this project, such as music therapy and diversional tools, the caregiver would see a decrease in emotional outbursts and …

Achieving Optimal Wellness: Exploring The Benefits And Impact Of Community Health, Erin Riley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Community health is an essential practice that utilizes non-clinical approaches to reduce health disparities, improve health, and prevent disease through engagement with a population of a certain geographical area. Building on earlier research, this study focused on the members of Alamance County and the increasing numbers of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia cases from year to year. While community resources and health programs have improved over time, they are lacking in certain geographical areas. The aim of this project was to increase the knowledge and conversations around the most common diseases in Alamance County, through health seminars conducted at a …

Human Trafficking In The Er: Will You Recognize The Signs?, Lauren Neff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Current data reveals that 88% of human trafficking (HT) victims seek some form of health care while being trafficked. More specifically, 63% seek care in the emergency department setting (McAmis et al., 2022). A recent literature review indicates that regarding human trafficking and healthcare, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge on the issue. Healthcare team members often have little to no education or knowledge of potential signs and symptoms of a victim in a trafficking situation. The purpose of this DNP project was to increase healthcare staff knowledge of human trafficking (HT) and, more specifically, nurses in an …

Enhancing Sleep Quality: The Interrelationship Between Sleep Hygiene And Comprehensive Well-Being, Marissa Strenkert

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In North Carolina, many adults face sleep loss, negatively impacting cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical well-being. This project aimed to educate the public about sleep hygiene techniques and their benefits. An informational session was conducted on sleep hygiene. The informational session included 31 participants, who then completed a voluntary survey to assess their likelihood of adopting the techniques and their satisfaction with the session. Out of 31 participants, 18 completed the survey. The survey consisted of 10 questions, scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), allowing for total scores between 0 and 50. Higher …

Increasing The Knowledge And Access To Naloxone (Narcan) For High-Risk Populations, Jessica E. Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This study investigated the knowledge and access to Naloxone (Narcan) in high-risk populations in Robeson County, NC. In order to mitigate the rate of overdose in tribal members who are part of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Indigenous populations have had the highest overdose rate of increase since 2019. In collaboration with CORE Pathways, a quality improvement project was implemented at the Harvest Moon Fall Powwow. Opioid overdose education was provided to voluntary participants, free Naloxone was provided to individuals, along with a created video presentation of Naloxone education. Pre- and post-surveys were utilized to gauge participants' knowledge before …

Educational Sessions On Opioid Use Disorder In A Rural Community: A Faith-Based Approach, Tarrelle Reade

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based community education program regarding opioid use disorder (OUD) in a rural area of Person County, North Carolina. Through 4 weekly sessions hosted at Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the program provided education on the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse, associated risks, available treatment options, support resources, and the use of Narcan. A pre- and post-survey design using a Likert scale measured changes in knowledge and confidence across five key domains. Data from participants (n = 54 total) showed statistically significant improvements in awareness and self-efficacy in most areas, …

Sleep Promotion In Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Maelyn G. Cranford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sleep is a fundamental requirement for the human body to achieve and sustain overall health and well-being. In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), sleep is a vital step in an infant’s routine to allow for proper neurodevelopment and growth. Parents of infants in the NICU may be unaware of the critical role sleep plays in their child’s health. Without realizing it, they can unintentionally disrupt their infant’s sleep by speaking loudly, using bright lights, or playing loud sounds from their phone. This DNP project was created to increase NICU parent education on the importance of sleep promotion and involve them …

Complementary And Alternative Therapies To Improve Quality Of Life For People With Chronic Pain And Addictions, Nicole K. Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a known opiate crisis prevalent in the United States. There is similarly an addiction crisis in the United States that saw a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, there are many Americans who experience a connection between chronic pain and the onset of addiction. This project sought to introduce the idea of complementary therapies such as square breathing, mindfulness, and essential oil (EO) aromatherapy that could improve the quality of life for people who have chronic pain and/or addiction. The project consisted of a pre-test prior to education about square breathing, mindfulness, and EO aromatherapy, followed by …

Homelessness: An Emergency For Many, Casey Almond

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP project implemented nursing staff education on the importance of recognizing homeless individuals early during the initial triage process within the emergency department. Nursing staff were educated on community resources available for homeless individuals. This DNP project helped to promote the collaboration of care by nursing staff with the case management team to help provide resources, which can result in a safer and more effective discharge of homeless patients within the emergency department. Participation consisted of 125 nursing staff who reviewed the online training module and attended one of the 15-minute in-person poster educational sessions. About 53 nursing staff …

Research News, Publications, 2025, Volume 1, Joshua Sharp

Publications (2015-)

Publications that appeared during the period of January 1 - March 31, 2025.

Exploring Stress Management Spaces Using Sensory Engagement On College Campuses: A Scoping Review, Karen R. Puckett

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: College students experience high levels of stress, with associated negative outcomes such as poor mental and physical health. In response, colleges and universities have explored the use of stress management spaces designed to address and promote improved mental health and wellbeing, but evidence regarding the most effective design and impact of these spaces is limited.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to conduct a scoping review of the available literature related to stress management in higher education settings. The research questions are: What are the characteristics and design features of these spaces, and how do stress management spaces …

Ozanimod In Patients With Moderate To Severe Ulcerative Colitis Naive To Advanced Therapies, Alisha Mehere

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

The drug studied was Ozanimod which is an oral sphingosine-1 -phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, and was experimented in patient suffering from Ulcerative colitis (UC) who weren’t exposed to biological or Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors previously. The effects of Ozanimod treatment led to promising results such as greater rates of clinical remission, endoscopic movement as well as histologic remission as compared to the placebo group. The safety profile neither improved nor declined with regard to the side effects of previously conducted experiments with Ozanimod, thus had no serious concerns observed. Ozanimod treatment thus could strongly help patients with moderate to severe …

"I Wish I Knew That”: Understanding And Bridging The Gap Between Public Health, Stem, And The Cooperative Extensions National Framework For Health Equity And Well-Being, Brione Lockett, Lisa Krajecki

Extension Publications

In his essay “The Creative Process” writer and activist James Baldwin notes, “It goes without saying . . . that if we understand ourselves better we would damage ourselves less” (Baldwin, 1985). This quotation reflects Baldwin’s viewpoint that often individuals knowing and learning about themselves and what impacts them (e.g., education, employment, social environments, policy) and their quality of life is compromised by the action of seeking to know others instead. This paper meets at the intersection of Baldwin’s profound words and the ways health equity and wellness conversations complement rather than compete with STEM fields. The National Framework for …

Overdose Watch: Educate, Prevent, & Respond, Linsey Atis, Jared Burton, Madison Meade, Elizabeth Oliveira

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A Teacher Preparation Program's Stakeholders' Perceptions Since Campus Closure Due To Covid-19, Laurie J. Mccormick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

COVID-19 closed colleges and forced faculty and students to learn a new way of teaching and learning. Like most institutions, Marshall University’s College of Education and Professional Development struggled to provide the practicum experience required for teacher preparation when most public schools shifted to remote learning. This qualitative study investigated the reactions of, and ongoing impact on, a university’s college of education’s administrators, faculty, undergraduates, the institution’s instructional designers, and the Counseling Center’s director when the campus closed spring of 2020 due to the pandemic. Initial and ongoing challenges faced, and strategies implemented were categorized by the four themes that …

Implementation Of The Nurse-Driven Palliative Care Referral Protocol: A Quality Improvement Project, Khrystyna Lacombe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Implementation of the Nurse-Driven Palliative Care Referral Protocol

Background and Purpose: Palliative care enhances quality of life, symptom management, and patient–family communication for individuals with serious illness. Despite strong evidence and national recommendations for early integration, referrals remain inconsistent and often occur late. At Advocate Sherman Hospital, only 17.9% of eligible oncology inpatients received palliative care consults. The absence of standardized referral criteria, reliance on provider discretion, and misconceptions equating palliative care with hospice contributed to delayed or missed consults. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase palliative care referrals by 20% within eight weeks through …

Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococcus In Urban Communities: Insights Into Human Infection Risks, Sumit Kumar Paudel

Wayne State University Dissertations

The complexity of community risk factors and transmission routes has been a major challenge to the containment of community-acquired antibiotic resistance. Possible factors range from environmental contamination, antibiotic misuse, and human exposure via animals, food, the environment, and human-to-human transmission. What has been missing from previous research is the integration of findings in animal and environmental sectors with bacteria implicated in community infections. To gain a better understanding of antibiotic resistance acquired in the community, a one health approach is clearly needed. Specifically, we aim to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus in wildlife, their gene profiles in comparison with …

Reducing Acute Care Visits In Oncology: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project, Judy Metropulos

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Patients receiving high-toxicity chemotherapy are at risk for post-infusion complications, which can result in unplanned hospital visits or admissions. Structured post-infusion follow-up may improve symptom management and reduce these events.

Local Problem: At North Region hospital, the 30-day post-infusion revisit rate was 31%, substantially exceeding the national average of 14.7%. A pilot program launched in 2021 reduced hospital visits by 7%; however, following its discontinuation due to staffing shortages and inadequate data collection, the rate subsequently increased, underscoring the need for sustainable interventions.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted in two, ten weeks phases. Phase 1 included …

The Role Of Radiation Therapy In Managing Brain Metastases, Kaylie Skovira

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explores brain metastases and the critical role of radiation therapy in managing this condition. It provides an overview of general statistics, radiation therapy types, treatment options, expected outcome and prognosis. Brain metastases rank as the tenth major leading cause of death among men and women, and occur in 20-40% of patients diagnosed with cancer. Radiation therapy for brain metastases primarily involves external radiotherapy, which delivers ionizing radiation from outside of the body to targeted brain regions. Internal radiotherapy is less commonly used due to anatomical constraints.Common treatment options include: CyberKnife stereotactic radiation therapy, whole-brain radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, …

Cardiac Catheterization: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Vs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Ethan Sparrow

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are the two primary revascularization options for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Although advances in PCI technology have led to improved outcomes and increased survival rates, CABG continues to be the preferred option for many patients due to its favorable long-term outcomes. This project examines the key differences between CABG and PCI, including their indications, contraindications, and clinical applications. Quality of life data indicate early benefits with PCI but more sustained improvement with CABG, especially beyond the first year. Findings from the SYNTAX study highlight that PCI is …

Embolization Of Splenic Artery, Xiahna Pm Davis

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project reviews the diagnostic process and intervention leading to the splenic artery embolization (SAE) procedure. SAE is primarily indicated for patients with blunt or traumatic splenic injuries that result in active bleeding or vascular compromise. The procedure is performed by interventional radiologists in an interventional radiology (IR) suite using minimally invasive techniques guided by imaging, most commonly contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and angiography, to accurately identify the site and severity of injury. Causes of splenic injury, including blunt abdominal trauma, iatrogenic injury, and rare spontaneous ruptures, are discussed to provide context for clinical decision-making. The abstract also summarizes embolization …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety And Considerations, Lauren Mosier

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered to be a safe, non-invasive diagnostic modality. However, the presence of a strong magnetic field creates inherent risks when safety protocols are not followed. This project examines MRI safety, with particular focus on the recent fatality in New York, where a person was killed by a projectile accident in the scanner room. Such events highlight the catastrophic consequences that can result from lapses in screening procedures, inadequate staff training, or poor enforcement of zone protocols. By reviewing this incident in the context of MRI safety protocols, this project emphasizes the ongoing need for …

Research Annual Report Fy2025, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Research Annual Reports

Annual report of the research at Children's Mercy Kansas City in Kansas City MO, a pediatric medical center.