Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Gastric Residual: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Brandon Quinn, Kaitlyn Gray

Doctoral Projects

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable tool in modern medical practice offering real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance for anesthesia providers. POCUS is a non-invasive assessment tool that gives anesthesia insight into a quantitative assessment of gastric residuals. Furthermore, POCUS assessments are useful in preventing anesthetic complications that can cause major morbidity and mortality such as aspiration pneumonia. Despite the growing relevance, formalized training on POCUS for assessing gastric residuals remains limited in many nurse anesthesia programs. The University of Southern Mississippi currently lacks a standardized curriculum for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists how to utilize gastric ultrasound …

Twitchview(C) Monitor Use For Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring: An Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation, Brady Brian, Lovel Bruney

Doctoral Projects

Neuromuscular paralysis is an integral aspect of anesthesia. Muscle relaxation is implemented to provide a suitable surgical environment, aid in intubation, and enhance respiratory compliance (Cook & Simons, 2022). Neuromuscular monitoring is often used for patients undergoing general anesthesia. Proper neuromuscular monitoring is essential when managing a surgical patient undergoing general anesthesia. Anesthesia providers are responsible for knowing the theory behind neuromuscular monitoring and the appropriate execution of placement, monitoring, and interpretation of monitoring devices. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring is a newer technology that can provide definitive numerical data regarding neuromuscular blockade. Implementing the quantitative neuromuscular monitor can potentially reduce the …

Reducing Congestive Heart Failure Readmissions Through Discharge Planning And Education, Coewonda Burse

Doctoral Projects

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a widespread problem among individuals, which, at the same time, consumes a considerable share of global healthcare demand. CHF management poses a persistent issue mainly due to the short interval of hospital readmissions four weeks after discharge, which indicates deficiencies in care transitions and patient education. This doctoral project addresses this topic and evaluates whether implementing patient-specific education and discharge planning programs can decrease CHF-associated hospital readmissions. To investigate the phenomenon, the DNP student completed a retrospective chart review, found an intervention, implemented said intervention, and then evaluated the intervention's effectiveness versus interventions already in …

Investigation Of Healthcare Providers' Receptiveness To Aromatherapy As An Adjunctive Intervention For The Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Gynecological Procedures, Hannah May, Lauren Sherrill

Doctoral Projects

There is a knowledge deficit concerning healthcare providers' understanding of the use of aromatherapy as an intervention for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in clinical settings. Postoperative nausea and vomiting continues to exist despite using common pharmacological treatments to block receptors that stimulate the vomiting center (DiLustro, 2017). Postoperative nausea and vomiting leads to adverse effects that decrease patient satisfaction and prolong hospital stays. Healthcare providers need an adjunct therapy that minimizes risks and improves outcomes (Weibel et al., 2017). Through this project, provider understanding, and preferences were obtained and educational content delivered to potentially improve patient PONV outcomes. Using …

Prescription For Change: Tackling Inappropriate Antibiotic Use In Urgent Care Settings, Lachundra Mosley

Doctoral Projects

A pressing global health issue that significantly contributes to antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for Upper Respiratory Infections (URI’s) in urgent care settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The purpose of this doctoral project was to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for URI at an urgent care in D’Iberville, Mississippi through the implementation of an educational pamphlet.

A pre-post intervention project was conducted, collecting data on antibiotic prescribing practices via retrospective chart reviews before and after the educational intervention. Data was collected using a researcher developed screening tool based on Evidence based guidelines to distinguish viral vs bacterial infections. …

Investigating The Effects Of Workload Management Strategies On Nurse Practitioner Burnout And Job Satisfaction, Erica G. Smith

Doctoral Projects

Burnout is a critical issue among psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worsened by excessive workloads, productivity demands, and the emotional intensity of patient care (Chi et al., 2024). The negative effects of burnout included diminished job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased turnover (Chi et al., 2024). As the demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) grew, addressing these challenges was essential for maintaining a sustainable workforce and ensuring quality patient care.

This doctoral project aimed to assess the impact of a workload management strategy on reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among PMHNPs in a hospital …

Improving Hypertension Outcomes Through Biweekly Text Message Interventions, Patricia Thompson

Doctoral Projects

Improving medication adherence and blood pressure control is challenging in the management of hypertension. Hypertension is a risk factor for severe health complications such as kidney failure, premature death, stroke, and heart disease. Even though effective hypertensive medications are available, patients have a challenging time adhering to taking the medication as instructed.

There are several reasons patients do not adhere to taking their medication such as lack of understanding, forgetfulness, negative beliefs, inadequate communication, complex dosing regimen, cost, and access to healthcare. Ensuring patients take their blood pressure medication decreases the risk of uncontrolled hypertension complications. The plan to improve …

Everyone Brings Something To The Table: A Culturally Sustaining Analysis Of Teacher Candidates’ Mixed Reality Teaching Simulations, Erin Scott

Faculty Publications

Discussions of HBCU students’ content knowledge have centered around developing high impact, asset-based approaches to learning (Williams et al, 2022). So, HBCU teacher preparation providers (TPPs) can also focus efforts on culturally sustaining approaches to developing candidates’ content knowledge and researching how high impact practices, like teaching simulations, can help prepare candidates for classrooms. This exploratory case study uses critical cases (n=2); findings suggest candidates have a developing understanding of content, which forms a solid basis for increasing their knowledge. MRTSs are addressed as a potential high impact, culturally sustaining practice for building candidates’ content knowledge. Further, HBCU TPPs can …

The Impact Of Physical Exercise On Stress Reduction Among College Students, Natalie Luna

Honors College Theses

Stress is a prevalent issue among college students, often contributing to mental healthchallenges such as anxiety and depression. While physical exercise is recognized as a beneficial strategyfor stress reduction, there is limited understanding of the specific exercise factors that influence stresslevels, including type, duration, and intensity. This study aimed to explore these factors, identify barriersand facilitators to regular exercise, and evaluate students' perceptions of physical exercise as a stressmanagement tool. Insights from this research aim to inform strategies for promoting physical activity toenhance student well-being.

A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the relationshipbetween exercise habits and stress …

Influences Of Social Media On Nutrition Perceptions And Body Image Among Female College Students: A Study Of Health Impacts And Behavioral Responses, Kerri Mcclanahan

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media use is increasing among young adults with an average use of over four hours per day. The validity of dietary content on social media is questionable and can cause impacts on several factors. This research focused on exploring how female college students' social media use impacts their nutrition knowledge, diet choices, and body image. Through the use of a survey, 332 participants completed this research. It was found that social media can cause changes in body image, both positive and negative. Additionally, the results showed that social media impacted the participants’ dietary decisions. It was also found that …

Predictors Of Mystical Experiences In The Electronic Dance Music Scene, Cody Edward Lesniak

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the nature and frequency of reported mystical experiences within the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene and the roles psychedelic and psychedelic-like substances, set, and setting play in facilitating these experiences. Participants were recruited using posts on a variety of EDM-related Facebook groups (EDM, EDM Universal, EDM Festivals and Raves, etc.) and Reddit threads (bonaroo, electricdaisycarnival, RavesAndRavers, etc.). Participants completed a self-report survey consisting of questions pertaining to their involvement in the EDM scene, motives for attendance at EDM events, motives for drug use, importance of the values of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR), the proportion …

Brushing Up On Antibiotic Stewardship: Pharmacy Students Survey And Educate Dentists On Antibiotic Prescribing Guidelines And Practices, Niyaz Pordel, Kamaladdin Saei, Feifei Jia, Kaitlin Meyer, Lisa M. Avery

Doctoral External Publications

To evaluate dentists’ knowledge of ABX stewardship tools and to determine the likelihood of incorporating various antibiotic stewardship principles into practice after receiving a pharmacy school generated newsletter.

An Occupational Therapy Educational Guidebook For Participating In African American Hair Care, Kyra Mann, Lakeisa Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This educational guidebook offers resources for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to support African American hair care during Activity of Daily Living (ADL) interventions. The materials aim to enhance OTPs' awareness, knowledge, and confidence, fostering inclusive and effective approaches to improve participation and success in these tasks.

Understanding Ai Literacy: Implications For Practice, Sara Westall, Janet Anderson, Devon Olson

Librarian Publications

A presentation developed for the fall 2024 University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Medical Curriculum Advance, exploring the connections between information literacy, artificial intelligence literacy, and algorithmic literacy and their relevance to health education from the perspective of research and instruction librarians.

Crushability Analysis Of Immediate-Release Oral Tablets And Capsules Among Novel Fda Approvals In 2023, Kamaladdin Saei, Anne Schweighardt, Fang Zhao

Doctoral External Publications

Many newly approved immediate-release (IR) solid oral drugs are accompanied by broad "do-not-crush" warnings, often without specific explanations. Building on our recent publication of crushability analysis of novel drugs approved between 2020 and 2022, this research extends the assessment to the approvals of 2023. Our goal is to provide healthcare providers with timely recommendations for the safe manipulation of immediate-release tablets and capsules for patients who cannot swallow them whole.

Investigating Impacts Of The Mycothiazole Chemotype As A Chemical Probe For The Study Of Mitochondrial Function And Aging., Naibedya Dutta, Joe A Gerke, Sofia F. Odron, Joseph D. Morris, Adam Hruby, Juri Kim, Toni Castro Torres, Sarah J. Shemtov, Jacqueline G. Clarke, Michelle C. Chang, Hooriya Shaghasi, Marissa N. Ray, Maxim Averbukh, Sally Hoang, Maria Oorloff, Athena Alcala, Matthew Vega, Hemal H Mehta, Max A Thorwald, Phillip Crews, Marc Vermulst, Gilberto Garcia, Tyler A. Johnson, Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Faculty Scholarship

Small molecule inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) hold significant promise to provide valuable insights to the field of mitochondrial research and aging biology. In this study, we investigated two molecules: mycothiazole (MTZ) - from the marine sponge C. mycofijiensis and its more stable semisynthetic analog 8-O-acetylmycothiazole (8-OAc) as potent and selective chemical probes based on their high efficiency to inhibit ETC complex I function. Similar to rotenone (Rote), MTZ, a newly employed ETC complex I inhibitor, exhibited higher cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines compared to certain non-cancer cell lines. Interestingly, 8-OAc demonstrated greater selectivity for cancer cells …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Elucidating The Mechanism Of Interleukin-17a Signaling In The Pathogenesis Of West Nile Virus, Farzana Nazneen

Dissertations

West Nile Virus (WNV), a neurotropic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in the United States and remains a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, no vaccine or therapeutic intervention is available against WNV infection. Previous studies, including ours, demonstrated that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) signaling increases the cytotoxic potential of CD8⁺ T cells to facilitate WNV and parasite clearance; however, the molecular mechanism is not understood. IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC) is an obligatory co-receptor with IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) for signaling induced by IL-17A, IL-17A/F, and IL-17F. In this study, we found that IL-17RC deficient ( …

Know Your Birth: Improving Knowledge And Confidence Through Education On Childbirth In Rural Kenya, Stephanie Cortez, Jasmine Ochoa, Manvi Pal, Carol Xiong

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

No abstract provided.

Association Between Teaching Clinic Structure And The Readiness Of Ophthalmology Residents To Enter Independent Practice, T. Michael Kashner, Marjorie A. Bowman, Catherine P. Kaminetzky, Andrea D. Birnbaum, John M. Byrne, Paul B. Greenberg, Steven S. Henley, Karen M. Sanders

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Our objective is to determine if the structure of Graduate Medical Education teaching clinics is associated with how well ophthalmology residents are prepared to meet the workload demands of independent clinical practice. Resident preparedness to enter independent practice was measured by the Readiness Index. Part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ new Workload-based Resident Academic Performance measures (WRAP), resident readiness is computed from electronic health records for residents by clinic and service-date. The index compares resident productivity net of supervision and adjusted for care quality to the average productivity of non-supervising ophthalmologists. Readiness comprises a Workload component (ratio of resident …

Efficacy Of M-Health Solution On The Paternal Postpartum Depression Affecting The Relationship Of The Couple: A Pilot Study In Four Hospitals Of Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Sakina Mehdi, Naghma Rizvi, Saleema A. Gulzar, Nuruddin Badruddin Mohammed, Vardah Bharuchi, Syeda Aleena Abbas, Mehak Barolia

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts mothers and fathers, with paternal PPD (PPPD) affecting 28.3% of fathers in Pakistan. PPPD exacerbates maternal symptoms and disrupts family dynamics but remains underdiagnosed due to cultural stigmas and gender-specific presentations, such as aggression and stress. Socio-economic challenges, marital dissatisfaction, and limited support further heighten PPPD risks. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer accessible, stigma-free solutions for mental health support. This study explores PPPD health needs and evaluates an mHealth intervention for improving detection, support, and relationship outcomes among postpartum couples in Pakistan.
Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study will be conducted in two phases. …

Beyond Tradition: Exploring The Underlying Factors Of Delayed Cord Clamping, Sehar Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) benefits mothers and infants by improving iron levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes while reducing neonatal complications. It is a crucial intervention, especially where iron-rich foods are scarce. Despite its advantages, DCC is often neglected due to medical complications, inconsistent policies, and clinical time constraints. Promoting DCC requires comprehensive education, clear protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adequate skilled staffing. This paper emphasizes the importance of consistent DCC practices to enhance maternal and infant health and urges healthcare providers and parents to prioritize DCC in birth plans.

Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Pubertal Changes Among Adolescent Males In Karachi: A Study Protocol, Sabah Muhammad Nazim, Saleema A. Gulzar, Hussain Maqbool Ahmed Khuwaja, Zohra Lassi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Adolescence (the period between childhood and adulthood) is characterized by significant changes in bodily functions, along with psychological and cognitive growth, which lays the foundation for future health. The unanticipated changes in that phase (especially related to sexuality) can cause adolescents embarrassment and distress, thus impacting their well-being and development. Despite the critical role of puberty in adolescents’ physical, psychological, and social development, research focusing on the knowledge and experiences of male adolescents going through puberty is limited, especially in urban Karachi, Pakistan. Several Pakistani studies have mainly focused on female adolescents and their experiences with puberty, leaving a …

“Time To Rebuild The Healthcare Workforce”: Addressing Socio-Cultural And Psychological Perspectives Of Men’S Presence In Nursing And Midwifery, Sarmad Muhammad Soomar, Salima Farooq, Sarosh Tahar Khymani, Nargis Asad

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: There is a global scarcity of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives, who make up more than half of the current workforce associated with “care”, which is the essence of nursing and midwifery in patient and family care. This is always considered as a profession for women in most of the global workforce. In a patriarchal society, nursing and midwifery limits the choice to be adopted by men. Based on male nurses and midwives’ experiences and stories, it was aimed to explore the present literature to see the citations related to this area, which have been cited to address …

Indications And Outcomes Of Emergency And Elective Cesarean Section Deliveries In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan: A Retrospective Study, Bakhtawar Muhammad Hanif Khowaja Bk, Sabahat Naz, Komal Valliani, Aqsa Nizar Maknojia, Asfa Anwer Ali, Mahek Zaheer Maknojia, Tabish Ali Shalwani, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed, Farida Mughal

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: This study identified major determinants of Cesarean-sections and the outcomes in one referral center.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility and all women who had cesarean section between January 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled. A chi-square or independent t-test was used to compare maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and neonatal outcomes between emergency c-sections (EmCS) and elective c-sections (ElCS) groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis compared indications and outcomes between the two groups.
Results: Among 767 women, there were 417 (54.4%) emergency and 350 (45.6%) elective cesarean sections. A multivariable logistic regression revealed that …

Impact Of Climate Change On Maternal Health In Pakistan: A Review Paper, Ihsan Ullah, Kiran Mubeen, Dilshad Begum, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Pakistan is one of the country’s most susceptible to the effects of climate change. Recent floods, heavy snowfall and rain have significantly impacted maternal and infant health. Indigenous women of child-bearing age especially those in rural areas are among the most vulnerable, facing food insecurity, disruptive food systems, rising food prices, and disrupted food production due to climate change. This review highlights a critical gap in research on indigenous women's maternal nutrition in the context of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It emphasized the necessity for culturally responsive approaches and a deeper understanding of how climate change …

Maternal Care Providers’ Perspectives Of Selective Vs Routine Episiotomy, Uzma Akhtar, Salma Rattani, Rahila Meghani, Nadeem F. Zuberi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Normal Vaginal delivery is considered the favorable mode of delivery, but perineal trauma due to episiotomy is a significant concern in obstetric care nowadays. Although, routine episiotomy practice is discouraged because there is no evidence regarding its benefits, the rate of episiotomy is very high especially in lower-middle-income countries as compared to recommended rate given by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is 10% of all normal vaginal deliveries.
Method: Utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. (PRISMA) guidelines, the study searched for appropriate literature on Investigating Healthcare Professionals' Views on Selective versus Routine Episiotomy. Significant databases: …

Epidemiology Of Stroke And Risk Factors In Punjab, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Hospital-Based Study, Saima Ahmad, Adnan Khan, Fatima Gul Chaudhary, Haseeb Manzoor, Hira Jamil, Hamid Mahmood, Kausar Tayyab, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Stroke is a significant global health challenge, particularly burdening low- and middle-income countries where it leads to substantial mortality and disability-adjusted life years. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of stroke and its subtypes among adults in Pakistan's Punjab region.

Methods

This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital in Punjab, Pakistan, serving as the primary referral center for stroke cases. Medical records from January 2019 to December 2020 were reviewed using the International Classification of Diseases. A structured data collection form captured demographics, stroke types, risk factors, medical histories, and …

Electrodiagnostic Patterns In Neuromuscular Disorders: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Ayisha Farooq Khan, Sajid Hameed, Dureshahwar Kanwar, Sara Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are essential for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders and differentiating various peripheral nervous system conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and trends of neuromuscular disorders based on EMG/NCS findings in a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the neurophysiology laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. A total of 961 EMG/NCS records were analyzed, including both inpatient and outpatient cases. Data was extracted from the EMG registry, and findings were categorized into mononeuropathy, …

Clinical And Radiological Profile Of Patients Presenting With Neurolisteriosis: A Retrospective Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Zainab Memon, Muhammad Abdullah, Fatima Mubarak

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Neurolisteriosis, a central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological data from the patients of this disease presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This retrospective review analyzed clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data from 12 patients diagnosed with neurolisteriosis at Aga Khan University Hospital between September 2018 and March 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed through blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid cultures or polymerase chain reaction assays. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for …