Harnessing Team Science In Dementia Research: Insights From The Alzheimer’S Disease Research Group In South Carolina, Sayema Akter, Eric Mishio Bawa, Nicholas Riccardi, Daniel A. Amoatika, Margaret C. Miller Ms, Ph.D., Otis L. Owens Mph, Ph.D., Caps, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, E Angela Murphy, Daping Fan, Melissa Moss, Mihyun Lim Waugh, Sue E. Levkoff Scd, Msw, Sm, Freda Allyson Hucek, Jean Neils-Strunjas Ph.D, Ccc-Slp, Swann Arp Adams Ph.D., Ms, Face, Roger Newman-Norlund, Sarah Newman-Norlund Ph.D., James Hardin Ph.D., John Absher, Bankole A. Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Lumi Bakos Ph.D., Quentin Mccollum, Chris Rorden, Leonardo Bonilha, Daniela B. Friedman

Publications

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are complex and rapidly growing public health challenges that require integrative, collaborative approaches. To meet this need, the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) of South Carolina, a state-funded partnership across multiple institutions, has embraced a team science model that brings together expertise from four key disciplines: neuroimaging-neurology, health sciences, molecular biology, and engineering. This paper highlights the work at the University of South Carolina (USC) and how each discipline contributes uniquely yet collaboratively within a recurring loop model framework. Extending from USC's Cancer Prevention and Control Program, the framework guides scientific growth through four …

Variations In Postpartum Readmission By Individual Race, Ethnicity, And Rurality In South Carolina, Curisa M. Tucker Phd, Rn, Yunqing Ma, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Md Utba Rashid, Jihong Liu Sc.D., Berry Campbell, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Peiyin Hung Ph.D, Msph

Publications

Importance Racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum readmission (PPR) remain a critical public health concern, with non-Hispanic Black individuals experiencing rates up to 3 times as high as non-Hispanic White individuals. PPR is often associated with mental health disorders (MHDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs), and barriers to care are particularly acute in rural communities. Objective To investigate intersections in the associations of individual residential rurality and race and ethnicity with all-cause, MHD-, and SUD-related PPR throughout 1 year post partum. Design, Setting, and Participants This statewide retrospective cohort study used data from birth certificates linked to all-payer hospital data …

The Relationship Between Motor Abilities And Cultural Factors In Autistic Children, Lindsey Marie Anderson

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Autism and motor abilities have been found to be closely related. Culture affects motor development as well as the various diagnostic criteria for an autism diagnosis, yet it is rarely considered in research and in diagnostics. This study aimed to explore the relationship between cultural factors, the social characteristics of autism, and motor abilities in autistic and non-autistic children by utilizing a demographic survey, the SRS-2, and the MABC-2 Balance subtest. The information and scores were analyzed to determine if the relationship between autism characteristics still stands when cultural factors are considered, and to determine which cultural factors mediate the …

Forecasting Covid-19 Cases, Hospital Admissions, And Deaths Based On Wastewater Sars-Cov-2 Surveillance Using Gaussian Copula Time Series Marginal Regression Model, Hueiwang Anna Jeng, Norou Diawara, Cynthia Jackson, Rekha Singh, Kyle Curtis, Raul Gonzalez, David Jurgens, Sasanka Adikari

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Modeling efforts are needed to predict trends in COVID-19 cases and related health outcomes, aiding in the development of management strategies and adaptation measures. This study was conducted to assess whether the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater could serve as a predictor for forecasting COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths using copula-based time series modeling. SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in wastewater in Chesapeake, VA, was measured using the RT-qPCR method. A Gaussian copula time series (CTS) marginal regression model, incorporating an autoregressive moving average model and Gaussian copula function, was used as a forecasting model. Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads were correlated with …

Groundbreaking Insights On Trauma And Justice: A Review Of Sexual Violence, Dissociation, And Inequality: A Guide To Understanding Traumatic Memory By Muriel Salmona, Kate Rose

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of An Electronic Medication Management System To Increase Medication Safety, Sierra R. Brown

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: Medication errors compromise medication safety by increasing patient harm. This quality improvement project aimed to increase medication safety through the implementation of an electronic medication management system (EMMS) at a residential treatment center for women with substance use disorders.

Background: The facility previously relied on paper-based systems and was overseen by unlicensed personnel, which contributed to the frequent medication and documentation errors, delayed refills, inconsistent audits, and limited oversight. These challenges posed a significant risk to client safety and treatment outcomes.

Methodology: The Model for Improvement guided the intervention, which involved three Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Customized EMMS was developed …

Bone Mineral Density In Female Runners, Swimmers, And Water Polo Athletes: Comparisons Across Sports With Different Impacts, Elizabeth M. Krauss, Kayla Stuckenberg, Hawley C. Almstedt

Health and Human Sciences Faculty Works

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of bone health which reflects risk for osteoporosis. Different types of exercise induce divergent impact on the skeleton influencing accrual of BMD. Previous research reported that female collegiate athletes in aquatic sports had lower BMD than other athletes and controls. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to conduct a modern comparison of BMD of athletes in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing sports with normally active controls. METHODS: Height, weight, and calcium intake was assessed in collegiate females (20.0 ± 1.3 years); 39 runners, 9 swimmers, 16 water polo players, and 24 controls. BMD and …

An Aphasia Friendly Questionnaire For Post-Stroke Fatigue, Abigail Best

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A stroke is when there is lack of blood flow to part of the brain. It can cause permanent damage, such as paralysis, sensory changes, difficulty with speech and language (such as aphasia), and decreased memory. Within this project, we will discuss individuals post-stroke who are diagnosed with aphasia, which is the inability to understand and express language. Currently, there are minimal resources available to help a healthcare worker define and assess the fatigue level of a patient post-stroke who is also diagnosed with aphasia. The first objective of this research is to discuss stroke and aphasia. The second objective …

Deep Learning-Assisted Diagnostic System: Apices And Odontogenic Sinus Floor Level Analysis In Dental Panoramic Radiographs, Pei Yi Wu, Yuan-Jin Lin, Yu-Jen Chang, Sung-Tsun Wei, Chiung An Chen, Kuo-Chen Li, Wei-Chen Tu, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

Odontogenic sinusitis is a type of sinusitis caused by apical lesions of teeth near the maxillary sinus floor. Its clinical symptoms are highly like other types of sinusitis, often leading to misdiagnosis as general sinusitis by dentists in the early stages. This misdiagnosis delays treatment and may be accompanied by toothache. Therefore, using artificial intelligence to assist dentists in accurately diagnosing odontogenic sinusitis is crucial. This study introduces an innovative odontogenic sinusitis image processing technique, which is fused with common contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization, Min-Max normalization, and the RGB mapping method. Moreover, this study combined various deep learning models …

Electronic Health Records In Non-Hospital Settings Of Developing Economies: A Systematic Review On Enablers And Barriers, Bejie Rodriguez, Joenelyn Kaye Demoral, Jan Jacob Carpio, Alan Napoleon Gultia, Gloria Shiela Coyoca, Cecilio Garciano, Lemuel Clark Velasco

Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC)

In recent years, rapid advancements in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have greatly transformed the healthcare landscape by streamlining health data management and providing decision-makers with secure and convenient access to health records. In developing economies, limited resources hinder healthcare access. Implementing EHRs in non-hospital settings is essential for enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility. While existing literature supports EHR use, further research is needed to pinpoint specific barriers and enablers. Using PRISMA guidelines, 18 relevant articles were systematically analyzed with the Human, Organization, and Technology Fit (HOT-fit) framework to examine these factors in non-hospital settings within developing economies. This study …

Professional Development Workshop: Strategy To Increase Registered Nurse (Rn) Retention, Diane Hegedus Msn, Rn, Phrn, Cen, Npd-Bc

Department of Education

(c) Lehigh Valley Health Network

All items are copyright to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Implementation Of A Nurse Preceptor Online Toolkit, Kortney Welles Msn, Rn, Cmsrn

Department of Education

No abstract provided.

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …

A Governance-Centric Framework For Strengthening Healthcare Cybersecurity: A Systems Perspective, Sujatha Alla, Sai Gireesh Komaragiri, Teresa Duvall, Satluk Karahan, Nagesh Bheesetty, Vijay Kumar Chattu

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Healthcare systems face unprecedented security and privacy challenges due to increasing digitization and interconnectedness. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of these challenges by examining various cyberattacks, defensive mechanisms, and governance frameworks within modern healthcare infrastructure. The research systematically categorizes prevalent security threats, such as ransomware, insider threats, and data breaches, identifying vulnerabilities specific to healthcare systems. Furthermore, the study evaluates current defensive strategies, including encryption techniques, access control systems, and intrusion detection tools, assessing their effectiveness against complex cyber threats. A key focus is placed on governance structures and their role in cybersecurity resilience. The research explores how regulatory …

The Diseased Extracellular Matrix In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Modeling, Leigh-Ann M. Antczak

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world, with an increasing prevalence as the world’s population ages. In the distal regions of the lungs, COPD is characterized by progressive emphysema due to an imbalance of proteases that continuously degrade essential extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the alveolar walls, causing fatal tissue impairment. This dissertation examines the unique properties of this diseased lung ECM in two parts: (1) As a key constituent in inflammatory signaling that leads to increased inflammation and progression of COPD, and (2) as a tool in three-dimensional (3D) in …

Llm-Driven Fmea For Safe Human-Robot Collaboration In Disassembly, Morteza Jalali Alenjareghi, Samira Keivanpour, Yuvin Adnarain Chinniah, Sabrina Jocelyn

Articles dans des actes de congrès

Disassembly operations often present unstructured and unpredictable scenarios, such as handling hazardous materials, addressing ergonomic strain, and managing dynamic robot interactions that pose safety risks. To tackle these challenges, we propose an innovative use of large language models (LLMs) to enhance failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in the context of human-robot collaboration (HRC) for disassembly tasks. We developed an LLM system leveraging retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for real-time risk analysis and recommendation generation. RAG retrieves domain-specific information from the FMEA knowledge database, enabling accurate risk analysis, contextual understanding, and relevant recommendations based on user input and operational data. Evaluation of …

Effect Of Ventilation And Wearing A Facemask In Reducing Indoor Aerosol Transmission, Clothilde Brochot, Ali Bahloul

Articles dans des actes de congrès

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted research in respiratory protection and transmission routes. Indeed, the pandemic has highlighted a number of issues, including those related to the performance and use of respiratory protective equipment such as masks and ventilation. A plethora of commercial and homemade masks have widely appeared during the pandemic, although they are not yet fully regulated in performance and fit test. However, with regard to the source reduction process, testing facemasks not at the inhalation, but at the source (exhalation) offers a new perspective on how to prevent particle emissions. Different means of transmission reduction are measured …

Smear Layer Removal By Irrigation Adjuncts: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study, Triet D. Vuong

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the intracanal smear layer removal ability of two adjunctive irrigation modalities: the AdvErL EVO laser, the GentleWave^® Procedure, and their combination, after minimally invasive canal instrumentation.

Methods: Forty molars were accessed, the mesiobuccal canals of maxillary and mandibular molars were prepared up to apical size 25.04 using rotary instrumentation, then irrigated using: conventional needle irrigation (CNI), laser-assisted irrigation (LAI), the GentleWave^® Procedure (GWP), and LAI followed by GWP (LAI+GWP). The teeth were then decoronated and split longitudinally. One-half of each root was selected for preparation and analysis under scanning electron microscope. Blinded …

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm, Amanda Terrell

2025 Research Poster Competition

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Implications And Pathophysiology Of Neuroinflammation In Pediatric Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: An Updated Review, Shalin S Shah, Arya J Shetty, David T Johnston, Caroline L Hanan, Brendan T O'Reilly, Max A Skibber, Ahmed T Massoud, Banghe Zhu, Eva M Sevick-Muraca, Jenifer Juranek, Charles S Cox, Manish N Shah

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in children is a profound public health issue with the potential to disrupt cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial development significantly. This review provides an updated examination of the role of neuroinflammation in pediatric TBI, emphasizing its dual impact on injury progression and recovery. Highlighted is the complex interplay of primary and secondary injury mechanisms, including the critical contributions of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by central and peripheral immune cells. Advances in biomarker identification and imaging techniques are discussed, showcasing how tools like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and positron emission tomography (PET) enhance our understanding of neuroinflammatory processes. The …

Understanding Oncology Physician Movement And Its Implications On Cancer Care Teams And Patients, Sarah L. Cornelius

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Nearly 20% of oncology physicians planned to move to new practices or leave practice altogether in 2023, with common stressors related to limited staffing and increased clinical burden. This combination of movement and departures is collectively referred to as turnover. High-quality cancer care relies on access to well-staffed and coordinated clinical teams, and thus, turnover within these teams can compromise care access, delivery, and quality. Prior research within primary care has demonstrated that turnover can result in delayed or worsened care and higher health care spending. However, there are limited studies of turnover within the oncology workforce. Understanding how oncology …

The Scoop, Vol. 11 Issue 10, January 2025, Health Sciences Library

Volume 11

Latest news and updates from the Health Sciences Library in our monthly newsletter for January 2025. Please see page 2 for a text-only version of this issue!

Financial Health Literacy Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Qualitative Research Study, Kimberly Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Financial health literacy (FHL) is an emerging concept with unique application to older adults. Multiple complexities converge in older age that create increased financial vulnerability (e.g., retirement, chronic disease). However, low financial and health literacy are common in older adults, impacting their ability to self-manage. The AWV’s focus on prevention offers an opportunity to incorporate a proactive approach to financial-related assessment. This study will explore the perceived value of assessing FHL in primary care settings and the financial-related barriers and facilitators to implementing the personalized prevention plan.

Methods: The conceptual framework was guided by the Individual and Family Self-Management …

How Can We Go Far Together In Healthcare Education And Training?, Nader Nadershahi

Journal of the American College of Dentists

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation to achieve long-term success and impact. This sentiment applies to many aspects of life, and it certainly applies to our reflection on the importance of breaking down the silos that have developed in healthcare. Our healthcare system has been siloed in all aspects, including delivery models, payment systems, education, and training.

Taking The Temperature: What The Acd 2025 Survey Reveals, Mike Graham, Suzan Pitman

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The American College of Dentists surveyed its Fellows to help leadership better understand how our Fellows perceive and interact with the College. The results will be used to determine organizational priorities and help guide the continued implementation of the strategic plan. The key takeaways of the survey were that (1) the 2023 Strategic Plan implementation is on the right track, (2) Fellows value their connection to the ACD, (3) communication between the organization and Fellows has improved, and (4) leadership and staff must continue to develop a better-defined knowledge base to support local leaders.

Risk Analysis Of Radiosurgery For Vestibular Schwannoma: Systematic Review And Comparative Study Of 10-Year Outcomes, Kevin M. Guy, April A. Pace, Derek S. Tsang, Peter G. Volsky

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Background: Determine the benefit of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) compared to no treatment for sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) by calculating epidemiologic risk using 10-year data; apply the analysis to VS that have demonstrated linear growth.

Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library are systematically reviewed for VS tumor control 10 years after SRS and compared to an historical cohort of untreated VS (primary risk analysis). Subgroups of VS limited by size and observed growth are compared to the untreated cohort (secondary analysis).

Results: Twenty-four studies of 4,079 SRS-treated VS exhibited tumor control in 90.93% (87.0%-100%; SD 4.1%), while …

Opioid Usage And Non-Opioid Alternatives In Septorhinoplasty: A Narrative Review, Robert M. Frederick, Eric Dobratz

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Background and Objective: Opioids are routinely prescribed following septorhinoplasty and oftentimes surgeons prescribe a larger number of tablets than patients require. Considering the high risk of developing opioid dependence and risk of diversion, it is imperative that surgeons practice safer, evidence-based prescribing habits. This review is intended to detail the current state of opioid usage after septorhinoplasty, focusing on articles that show pertinent and practice-altering findings. This will allow surgeons to reflect on their prescribing patterns and make evidence-based decisions to improve them.

Methods: A literature search was performed in November 20, 2024 via PubMed using keywords such as ‘opioid …

Categorizing Clinical Response To Mepolizumab For Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: Synapse Trial, Claire Hopkins, Larry Borish, Jared Silver, Peter Howarth, Robert Chan, Priya Dsilva, Joseph K. Han

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) can substantially affect quality of life (QoL), and is often challenging to manage.¹ First-line treatment for the management of CRSwNP involves intranasal corticosteroids, with short courses of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) for exacerbations, and sinus surgery for uncontrolled disease.² Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation (eg, dupilumab, omalizumab, and mepolizumab) have become a treatment option for refractory CRSwNP. With the advent of disease-modifying treatments such as biologics, control, defined as patients reporting no/low-symptom levels, has increasingly become the treatment goal for CRSwNP.³ However, the optimal use of biologics for symptom control in individual patients remains …

Acute Exacerbations Of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Robert M. Frederick, Kent Lam, Joseph K. Han

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Purpose of Review

We aim to highlight recent advancements on the evolving chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) phenotype: acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS). We focused on studies that expanded the current understanding of its pathophysiology, patient characteristics, and disease burden.

Recent findings

Defining AECRS has been a topic of discussion for many years. A recent regulatory definition of AECRS in the literature incorporates a > 3 day requirement of worsened symptoms and an escalation of treatment. It is important not to rely on patient-reported rescue medication frequency as it was recently demonstrated these are only obtained for 1/3 of reported AECRS episodes. …

Technol-Ot And Creativity: Implementing Occupational Therapy (Ot) And Assistive Technology (At) Into Art And Music For Adults With Disabilities, Camille Alexandra Aquino, Aarti Subramanian, Austin Yee, Joshua Darrin Montano, Angelica-Kjristen Antonio

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Assistive technology (AT) holds the potential to enhance independence and participation among individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) and physical disabilities. AT supports for adults with these disabilities remain limited in community settings after they transition out of the K–12 educational system. Addressing this gap requires collaborative, client-centered approaches to implementing effective AT solutions.

Purpose: This project aims to assess and address the AT needs of Marin Ventures (MV), an adult engagement day program, and seeks to develop and implement sustainable AT applications to enhance creative expression and communication for MV clients.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted …