Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Alcohol Use And Alcohol Use Disorder Differ In Their Genetic Relationships With Ptsd: A Genomic Structural Equation Modelling Approach, Tulsi Patel

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

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased alcohol use and increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous literature suggests that the genetic association between PTSD and alcohol use differs from that between PTSD and AUD. Researchers in this study used a genomic Structural Equation Modeling, genomicSEM, to analyze data from a larger genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Participants in the study were of European descent.

Researchers investigated the genetic association between PTSD, alcohol use, and AUD through these large scale statistical analyses. Researchers observed a significant improvement in model fit (p < .001). Genetic correlations (rG) between PTSD and AUD were positive (rG: .36, p < .001), while those between PTSD and alcohol use were negative (rG: -0.17, p < .001). Researchers observed that when specific variables for alcohol use and AUD were isolated, key differences resulted in genetic association with PTSD, which indicated that the genetic makeup of alcohol-related behaviors is different in individuals with PTSD.

Effects Of Dextromethorphan On Mdma-Induced Serotonergic Aberration In The Brains Of Non-Human Primates Using [123i]-Adam/Spect, Sky Evans

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

MDMA, a widely used recreational drug belonging to the entactogen class, acts strongly on serotonin and dopamine receptors, potentially inducing neurotoxicity. In a study on primates, MDMA treatment resulted in reduced serotonin transporter levels, persisting for years. However, co-administration with dextromethorphan (DXM), an antitussive with anti-inflammatory properties, appeared to prevent this decrease, suggesting a protective effect against MDMA-induced serotonergic toxicity. The study employed SPECT scans with [123I]-ADAM radioligand to assess serotonin transporter levels in various brain regions, revealing significant differences between treatment groups.

Modulation Of Diet-Induced Gut Inflammation In Slowing Initiation Of Hematologic Malignancies, Esther Nyarkoa Mensah

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The intestinal tract serves as a host to an extremely complex microbial system. Microbes in the gut regulate their metabolism in response to chemicals generated by other microorganisms as well as nutrition supply from dietary intake. Alterations in gut bacteria have been implicated in the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and the progression of diseases such as Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Although the cause of obesity is multifactorial, the consumption of high-fat or sugar-rich diets (Western diets) has been proposed as a significant contributor to this global epidemic. Obesity is a major public health concern that has been extensively …

Winona State University Alumni Blog: 2011-2022, Winona State University

Winona State University Blogs

The Winona State University (WSU) Alumni Blog includes articles and entries from May 2011- August 2022. Note: there may be format coding in the document.

Judaism And The Transpersonal, B. Les Lancaster

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

The interplay between Judaism, especially its mystical tradition, and transpersonal psychology is examined, focusing on two major aspects. The first concerns stages in the spiritual journey, which are analyzed for their psychological import. The stages are symbolically depicted in the biblical narrative of the Exodus from Egypt, a journey from "slavery" to "freedom." Here the Hebrew term translated as "wilderness" is seen to act as a code word, applying to five successive stages each of which I analyze in psychospiritual terms. The role of the divine feminine, the Shekhinah, is emphasized on account of Her specific role in exile and …

Mothers' Perceptions Of Stigma: Implications For Early Identification And Treatment For Children With A History Of Prenatal Opioid Exposure, Pamela Jane Holland

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

There is a lack of research that specifies the long-term effects on a child’s language development when prenatally exposed to opioids (Fill et al.,2018; Rutherford et al., 2022). Despite this, children prenatally exposed to opioids are more likely to be referred for, qualify for, and receive therapy services secondary to developmental delays and speech/language deficits. (Kaltenbach et al., 2018). Stigma continues to be a barrier to the initiation of early intervention services for children prenatally exposed to opioids (Levickis et al., 2020; Livingston et al., 2011; Peacock-Chambers et al., 2020). This phenomenological study aims to understand the perceptions of the …

Assessing Bodily Location Of The Egocenter: Testing Content Validity Of The Dispositional Self-Location Questionnaire, Marie Sester

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This study reports on preliminary work to develop a questionnaire for identifying self-location and test it against self-location as indicated on a human silhouette. Self-location, also known as the ego-center or the seat of attention, is the sense of where the “I” or subject is experienced relative to the body. Determining the location of the sense of self is of value since variations in self-location have been associated with differences in attitudes, motivations, and behaviors. A 14-item questionnaire was developed based on demonstrated characteristics of head-located self and heart-located self. Results showed greater than 90% congruence between self-location as determined …

The Effects Of Aerobic Exercise To Improve Depression In Overweight Adults, Curtis Lura

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Overweight/obese adults are at an increased risk for both physical and mental comorbidities (CDC, 2019). Depression is a common comorbidity in those that are obese (CDC, 2019) and the standard of care currently to treat depression may increase the risk of physical comorbidities because weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants (Hall-Flavin, 2018). The aim of this capstone research paper is to present evidence that an aerobic exercise regimen can be a valid treatment option for depression.

Library & Knowledge Services Newsletter - Winter 2023/24, Baystate Health Sciences Library

Library Newsletters

Library & Knowledge Services Newsletter - Winter 2023/24

The Influence Of Cultural Factors On Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Prostate Cancer Among African Immigrant Men In The United States., Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Ernest Kaninjing, Rae Walker, M E. Ogunsanya, G Asiedu, A Kokayi, M E. Young, F T. Odedina

Graduate Research Showcase

Background: African immigrants represent a rapidly growing segment of the United States immigrant population reshaping the rich diversity of US Blacks. Despite this growth, there is a dearth of research examining the impact of immigration on this subpopulation, particularly regarding chronic diseases like cancer. Little is published about whether SSAIs adapt to health behaviors more common in their new setting or remain immersed in the values, beliefs, and practices reflective of their culture of origin. To better understand drivers of health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes among Blacks, this study explored cultural factors among SSAIs to illuminate the health …

Active Nursing Research Studies As Of 1-2024 (Study Summaries),, Vicki Babb, Kelly Ray, Breann Taylor, Debbi Bowman, Kaylyn Kistler, Erin Lacross, Naomi Adamski, Brooke Randol Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Cmsrn, Cws, Stacy Greene, Preston Jennings, Jennifer Sorg, Olivia Figura, Rebecca Howard, Kelly Ray, Amber Childers, Kristy Jackson, Christine Fawcett, Lisa Morgan Bsn, Rn, Cnrn, Andrea D. Conley Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Mscrn, Kellie Girardot Msn, Rn, Jennifer Thieman, Stephani Schultz Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Holly Platt, Abby Gaff, Chelsea Tetzlaff, Donna Hitzeman, Latoshia Gilbert, Meghan Winebrenner, Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Andrea Conley, Kristen Emenhiser, Rebecca Havens, Philip Roberts, Jennifer Esslinger Bsn, Rn, Cfrn, Ctrn, Lindy Bilimek Msn, Agcns-Bc

Nursing Active Studies

Nursing Clinical Action Team Chair and Co-Chair Education: Back to Basics in Leading the Unit-Based Team.

PI: Vicki Babb, Kelly Ray, BreAnn Taylor, Debbi Bowman

Project ROSC-O

PI: Kaylyn Kistler

Assessment of Nurse Perceptions Related to Shared Governance Culture.

PI: Erin LaCross, Naomi Adamski, Brooke Randol, Stacy Greene, Preston Jennings, Jennifer Sorg, Olivia Figura, Rebecca Howard Kelly Ray, Amber Childers, Kristy Jackson, Christine Fawcet

Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Survey Assessing Nursing Knowledge.

PI: Lisa Morgan

Custom Machine Learning Model for Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI)

PI: Andrea Conley, Brooke Randol

Exploration of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors of Skin Injury in Intensive Care …

Metaphysical Foundationalist Versus Existentialist Ontologies: Applications For Research On Psychological Energy, Michael Da, Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Theories of psychological energy have a rich history going back to the beginning of the field of psychology, employing concepts such as "libido," "psychic energy," "orgone energy," "bioenergetics," "psycho-energetics," "life energy," "organizing field," and "living-matrix." There has been a recent effort to find neural correlates with these concepts, but these data may not capture the fullness of the phenomenon. Because psychological energy is an elusive concept with many interpretations, research into this phenomenon faces the most basic questions regarding where and how to start. To address these questions, this paper explores several theories of ontology that could apply to psychological …

The Impact Of Permit Concealed Carry And Social Factors On Firearm Fatalities, Witty Kwok, Jacob Weaver

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

A tragic amount of gun fatalities occur in today's world. These fatalities can be from acts of aggression, negligence, or accidental, but nonetheless are taking lives at an alarming rate. There has been a call to action to make changes and begin combating these issues, with the most commonly proposed solution being firearm regulation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of firearm legislation, specifically of concealed carry regulations, on controlling firearm fatalities while also attempting to identify underlying causes or predictors of firearm fatalities. In an attempt to simplify the many regulations implemented differently between states, this study looked …

A Study Into Exercise And Obesity On Diabetes In Ohio, Colorado, And Mississippi, Grace Li, Wafiq Choudhury

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic in the US adult population, with its prevalence increasing every year. The disease is associated with physical inactivity and obesity. Like other lifestyle diseases, type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable. Previous studies have shown that exercise plays an important role in diabetes treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate relationships among obesity rate, access to exercise opportunities, and diabetes prevalence in Ohio, Colorado, and Mississippi by analyzing County Health Rankings data of the three states from 2016 and 2022. Our results showed associations among obesity rate, access to exercise opportunities, and …

Factors Affecting Health Outcomes In Ohio’S Most Populated Rural And Urban Counties, Isaac Stokes, Omar Sarhan

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Citizens of Ohio live in a diverse range of settings, such as urban, metropolitan, and rural counties. Populations living in urban settings may live longer and have more access to healthcare providers (Primary Care and Mental Health). Due to the improved access of care, populations in the urban settings may have less hospital visits and overall, better health compared to rural counties within Ohio. Objective: The objective of this investigation was to examine the urban and rural counties in the state for differences in years of potential life lost, primary care physician ratio, preventable hospitalization stays, and mental health …

Analyzing The Correlation Between Water Violations And Hospitalization Rates, Rebekah Dalton, Jed Speers

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Unsafe water due to violations in water safety can result in illness and ultimately hospitalization. However, there is little data that analyzes regional rates of water violations and their correlation to hospitalization rates. This research aims to analyze the correlation between water violations and hospitalization rates between the Midwest, East and West Coasts, and between Ohio counties that use the Lake Erie water basin and those that use the Ohio River water basin. Methods include the use of data from County Health Rankings and the following statistical tests: paired and unpaired T-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson Correlation test. Results showed that …

In-Vitro Time-Kill Assays And Semi-Mechanistic Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling Of A Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Combination Against Enterococcus Faecalis: Optimizing Dosing Regimens For The Geriatric Population, Zeel Saumin Shah

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling and simulation have emerged as pivotal tools in drug development and usage. Such models characterize typical trends in data and quantify the variability in relationships among dose, concentration, and desired effects. For antibacterial applications, models characterizing bacterial growth and antibiotic-induced bacterial killing offer insight into interactions between antibiotics, bacteria, and the host. Simulations from these models predict outcomes for untested scenarios, refine study designs, and optimize dosing regimens.

Enterococcus faecalis, a significant opportunistic bacterial pathogen with increasing clinical relevance, is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract but can lead to severe infection, such as endocarditis. Treatments for …

Waldorf Education: New Perspectives On A Holistic Approach, Martyn Rawson

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This article outlines some of the core ideas underlying the practices of Waldorf education as re-envisioned by an experienced practitioner, as a contribution to the discussion about the educational implications of transpersonal psychology. It outlines a pedagogical anthropology that takes the spiritual dimension into account. It distinguishes between the lived body, the emergent psyche and the agentic Self as the spiritual core of being in the person. Learning is explained as a transformative process that involves the changing relationships to one’s own body, to others and to the world through which potentialities become abilities. The aim of the transformative education …

Clients In The Driver’S Seat, Not Asleep At The Wheel: A Qualitative Study Of The Client Role In Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Phyllis Alongi, Jenny Wade

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Despite the power of the therapeutic alliance in effective therapy and its larger-thanthe- individuals-comprising-it (transpersonal) qualities, the client’s contribution to the therapeutic process has been largely overlooked in both conventional and transpersonal literatures. This study asked 35 transpersonal practitioners, what is the role of the client in transpersonal psychotherapy? The study examined client traits, attitudes and role demands in Jungian therapy, sandplay therapy, dream analysis, guided imagery, regression and hypnotherapy, nondual psychotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy using inductive thematic analysis. The results distinguish transpersonal therapy clients from conventional ones, indicating that the transpersonal client role characteristics and behaviors are unavoidably more …

Smokable "Vine Of The Dead": Two Case Studies Of Experiencers Of Both Changa And Near-Death Experiences, Pascal Michael, David Luke, Oliver Robinson

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Introduction: Virtually no studies have looked at psychopharmacological combinations as models of the near-death experience (NDE), which is inadequate given the evidently complex neurochemistry occurring near- or at death. An example of such a combination is ‘changa’, a smoked mixture of the psychedelic N,N-DMT and monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)-containing plants, and as such has been referred to as ‘smokable ayahuasca’ (vine of the dead). Only very few studies, yet not systematically, have included experiencers of both NDEs and psychoactive substances. Methods: Two case studies are presented of individuals who have experienced both a near-death experience and a changa experience, making …

Practice Patterns And Medical Provider Perceptions Of Ketamine In The Treatment Of Psychiatric Disorders: A Nationwide Survey, Amna M. Aslam

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) significantly impacts society, with a prevalence of 8.4% in the U.S., highlighting the need for effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Ketamine, while not FDA-approved for TRD, shows promise in treating mental health disorders and is used in specialized clinics, though evidence of effectiveness is scarce. Objectives: This study investigates the use of off-label ketamine for TRD and other disorders, focusing on ketamine clinic operations where the drug is administered, treatment methods, patient characteristics, and ketamine's impact on psychiatric care, from providers' perspectives. Methods: The survey was distributed to over 1,000 ketamine providers across the …

Cartel Del Mes Nacional De La Salud Dental Infantil "¡Hábitos Saludables Para Sonrisas Saludables!" [Spanish Language Version: Healthy Habits For Healthy Smiles] (2024), American Dental Association Foundation

National Children's Dental Health Month

No abstract provided.

Sleep Hygiene Education, Hope Colon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP project was designed to increase awareness of insomnia and sleep hygiene in the target community by providing an in-person educational session on sleep hygiene. The educational session provided information on insomnia, sleep hygiene habits, statistics of those with sleep disorders, and medication use for sleep. The impact of the project implementation was measured using a pre-intervention survey and a post-intervention survey. All survey items had an increase in correct answers post-intervention. In conclusion, the results revealed there was an increase in awareness and knowledge base of insomnia and sleep hygiene after the education was provided.

Identifying Patients Suffering From Housing Instability In The Emergency Department, Jarvis D. Roberts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Homelessness is the most visible form of housing instability in the United States of America. Yet, millions of people across our nation live in unstable housing, which consists of temporary housing, shelters, outside encampments, and vehicles. Many citizens facing these types of insecurities live paycheck to paycheck and are one health crisis or emergency away from financial ruin. The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and slow hourly wage growth have exacerbated this situation. This project aimed to construct a screening tool to identify patients suffering from housing instability in the emergency department setting and provide them with community resources.

Mentorships For New Graduate Nurses, Taylor Leigh Bailey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) represent a crucial segment of the nursing workforce, embodying the future of the profession. Thus, it is imperative that we utilize our resources, knowledge, and experiences to continuously strengthen and grow this generation of nurses. Mentorship is one key method that can be used to support NGRNs. This DNP project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mentorship for NGRNs within their first year of nursing practice and was implemented within an existing residency program at a Level I trauma facility. Experienced nurse volunteers received mentor education, and 40 NGRNs were individually paired with these volunteer …

A Review Of The Effects Of Different Types Of Stigmas On The Retention Rates Of Patients In Medication-Assisted Treatment And How To Combat The Problem, Pamela Cox

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

It is difficult to turn on the news without hearing about the opioid epidemic or a recent opioid overdose. There is hope because there is a treatment to help prevent this epidemic. That treatment is known as medication-assisted therapy (MAT), where patients can present and, if they meet the criteria, can be given a prescription for buprenorphine/naloxone combination medication. Treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone has been shown to be highly effective treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Even though it has been proven that this combination works, less than 20% of patients diagnosed with SUD present for treatment. This study focused on …

The Use Of Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques To Reduce Stress In Pre-Licensure Nursing Students, Amy Naugle

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Research supports the idea that pre-licensure nursing students experience higher levels of stress than their general education-focused peers. This DNP project focused on stress related to nursing exams in the first semester of nursing school and promoted the adoption of diaphragmatic breathing techniques. The use of stress management techniques has been explored in those with intense job experiences and has proven to alleviate stress and promote improved coping. This cohort of pre-licensure nursing students was asked to identify stressors that affected them within the preceding 6 months while attending the first semester of a 2-year nursing program. The cohort was …

Introducing Mental Health Resources To Nurse Practitioner Residents, Tiffanie Bailey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project identified the increased need for mental health resources after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies showed the rate of anxiety, depression, and substance use has also been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to devastate the country mentally and physically, it became quickly apparent that additional resources to provide support for those suffering from mental illness were essential. This project aimed to introduce a Mental Health First Aid course within the Residency Program at the Center for Family Guidance. Participants were asked to complete a pre-test indicating their …

Community Educational Session On Identifying The Signs Of Depression And Resources Available, Desiree Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The DNP Project was designed to educate the community on identifying the signs of depression and the community resources available to them. The intent of the project was to improve the community’s knowledge of depression symptoms and the community resources available that offer assistance to those dealing with these symptoms. There is a great need for education on depression signs, as many in various communities suffer from untreated depression, which often leads to negative outcomes. The impact of the project implementation was measured by using pre- and post-survey data evaluating the participants' overall knowledge of the signs of depression, stigma …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Mental Health Of Transitioning Postsecondary Students, Katie Koxlien, Amorelle Upton, Kiley Washnieski

Critically Appraised Topics

There is an increasing concern for mental health in university students transitioning to postsecondary education. For the purposes of this study, we were concerned with the overall mental health of university students, not specific to diagnosed mental illnesses. Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization, 2022, para. 1). This may impact the individual’s ability to function on a daily basis and interact with others within their educational setting. The role of a student …