Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Antimicrobial Resistance Trends And Sccmec Typing Among Mrsa-Infected Diabetic Foot Cases In The Al-Najaf Community, Zahraa Hashim Abd Zaid Al-Sharoofi, Majida Malik Alshammari, Mohammed Abdzaid Akool

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, often linked to multidrug resistance and limited treatment options. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of MRSA isolates recovered from diabetic foot ulcers in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. A total of 76 S. aureus isolates were collected from patients attending three major hospitals. Identification was conducted using conventional microbiological methods, and methicillin resistance was confirmed phenotypically via cefoxitin disc diffusion and genotypically through PCR amplification of the mecA gene. SCCmec typing was performed using multiplex PCR. The findings revealed that 92.1% of …

Developing Nlp-Based Open-Source Tools To Improve Titratable Infusion Order Interpretation In Ehr Systems, Benjamin Brewer, Jay Dorris

Student Scholar Symposium

This study evaluates the feasibility of using natural language processing (NLP) tools to identify errors in titratable infusion orders for Joint Commission readiness. Titratable infusions are adjusted at the bedside by nurses based on predefined parameters, such as monitoring goals, titration rate, conditions for adjustment, and maximum dose. These parameters are often documented as free text within order sets but can be inadvertently removed during the verification process. Some electronic health records (EHRs) may not prominently display this critical information, leading to potential Joint Commission violations. A synthetic dataset was generated using artificial intelligence to simulate one year’s worth of …

From Incomplete To Impactful—Finalizing Unfinished Nursing Projects In Nart And Polypharmacy For Lasting Improvement, Paula Thanh Nhat Pham, Armine Lianna Chamichyan, Anastasia Yerofeyeva, Stelene Alexis Tragus

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project addressed the problem of incomplete or unsustained clinical initiatives at a long-term care facility by introducing Kotter’s Change Model, an evidence-based framework designed to support and sustain lasting improvements in clinical practice. Within the context of a religious-based residential community for older adults with complex chronic needs, the objective was to strengthen the facility’s capacity to implement and sustain change more effectively. By using two previously unfinished initiatives, the NaRT triage tool and Polypharmacy management process, the project applied Kotter’s model to evaluate how structured change strategies can improve staff engagement, leadership alignment, and long-term project …

Impact Of Multimodal Analgesia In Comparison To Conventional Analgesia In Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patient With Implementation Of An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Order-Set, Rhoda Musyoka, Radhan Gopalani, Maura Falli, Maria Ruiz, Cathleen Charles, Yanija Zhang, Esty Trimino, Laura Dominguez Vasquez, Tom Nguyen

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pilot program was implemented for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures under a single cardiothoracic surgeon in May 2024 across two community hospitals. We assessed the impact of multimodal analgesia facilitated through the ERAS CABG order-set compared to the non-ERAS (conventional) CABG order-set.

Methods: This study was an Institutional Review Board-approved, multi-site, retrospective chart review of participants admitted to two community hospitals for a CABG procedure from June 2024 to January 2025. Participants who utilized the preand post-ERAS or the pre- and post-conventional CABG order-sets were included. The primary outcome was the opioid …

Breastfeeding Safety Following Maternal Anesthesia: A Guideline Development, Megan Honea, Mary Johnson

Doctoral Projects

Recommendations regarding breastfeeding following maternal anesthesia are inconsistent and often not up to date with current best practice guidelines. Previous recommendations have led to mothers unnecessarily “pumping and dumping” breast milk has benefits for both mother and baby. These benefits include (a) increasing the infant’s access to colostrum, (b) encouraging mother-baby bonding, (c) improving the mother’s breastfeeding experience, (d) and providing significant health benefits to the infant. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a set of evidence-based recommendations that focus on mothers who desire to breastfeed following general anesthesia. These recommendations will highlight maternal- fetal transfer of …

Evaluating Perceptions Of Clinical Sports Pharmacists: Insights From An Orthopedic Clinic Survey, Brandon K. Welch, Sara Panella, Michael Swartzon, Eli Friedman, Samantha Cossin

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Athletes have unique pharmaceutical needs due to injury risk, supplement use, and anti-doping regulations. Despite this, pharmacists remain underutilized in sports medicine. This quality improvement project evaluated clinician and staff perceptions of clinical sports pharmacists at Baptist Health, a large healthcare system in South Florida.

Methods: A 12-question REDCap survey was distributed to 19 staff and clinicians— including physicians, athletic trainers, and medical assistants—across five Baptist Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine clinics. Responses were measured using a Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results: The survey achieved a 100% response rate. Most participants had over …

Biological Impact Of Chemical-Based Medications On Human Dna: Mechanisms, Clinical Consequences, And Research Gaps, Israa M. Ali Alameen, Sumayah Mahmood Rafid, Baqer Khaled Hothefa

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Not long ago DNA has become the subject of interest for the pharmaceutical companies, that because its proven by medical and scientifical fields, that it’s the fundamental sources of proteins, which is the basic element in the cell, therefore, the interaction between the Drug and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is very important to therapeutic regimens success but in other side it has a dangerous effect like toxicity, and long-term genomic instability. Objective: The aim of this review is to focus on the different studies which examines the effect of different drug like the chemotherapy, antivirals, antibiotics, and immune-suppressants on …

Assessing The Role Of Social Media As A Complementary Source In Pharmacovigilance: Insights From Faers, X (Formerly Twitter), And Askapatient Data Across Multiple Drug Classes, Nwanneka Okere

Dissertations

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose significant public health challenges yet remain substantially underreported in traditional pharmacovigilance systems. Social media platforms and patient-reported outcome forums have emerged as potential complementary sources for capturing real-time patient experiences with medications, but their integration with established surveillance systems remains underexplored.

Purpose: This study examined ADR reporting patterns across FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), X (formerly Twitter), and Askapatient to evaluate whether patient-generated digital data can complement traditional pharmacovigilance systems for enhanced drug safety monitoring.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design analyzed 107,753 reports representing 289,740 individual ADR occurrences for …

A Workplace Posture Initiative To Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Carrie Isaac

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a leading cause of occupational injury and discomfort in industrial workplaces. Although an ergonomic program existed at the project site, a formalized process to detect postural misalignments early had not been established. Relying on employee self-reporting, delayed intervention, and limited opportunities to prevent injuries before they progress.

Aim of the Project: A proactive posture screening program using PostureScreen® was implemented to identify postural deviations that could contribute to WRMSDs. Emphasis was placed on supporting employees through early awareness of posture-related issues and evaluation of alignment improvements following individualized intervention.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence …

Uses Of Digital Technologies For Maxillofacial Prosthesis Manufacturing, Reem Abdulrahim Alobaidy

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Digital technologies play a great role in prosthodontics generally and specifically in maxillofacial prosthetics, this revolutionary approach has become an important way for rehabilitation of different modalities in maxillofacial prosthetic field. In this article we will summarize many contents of dental researches, web researches, on-line data bases, discussions of experts and clinicians with the most recent publications and new products releases and evaluate them. Describing the techniques in designing and fabrication for facial prosthesis applying computer aided method and manufacturing (CADCAM). As the development of digital dentistry took apart to overcome complexity of prosthesis construction and the limited expertise in …

Distribution Of Secretor Status In A Sample Of Iraqi Population Based On Their Gender, Blood Groups And Body Mass Index, Ola Amer Jasim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The ABO blood group system was divided into four phenotypes i.e., A, B, AB, and O following its discovery by Karl Landsteiner in 1990. Antigens of the ABO blood group can be found in bodily fluids such as the salivary and digestive fluids. Furthermore, People are classified as ``secretors'' or ``non-secretors'' based on their ability to secrete (ABO blood group) antigens in body fluids. The control-based study was conducted on 342 Iraqi adults who were presented at educational institutions. The study lasted from October 2022 to February 2023 and aimed to determine the relationship between secretor status with (gender, blood …

Synthesis Of A New Composite Nanomaterial Consisting Of Bentonite-Polyethylene Glycolphthalate, Tariq Yassin Mahmoud

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

In this study, a new composite material was characterized and prepared by polymerizing ethylene glycol located among bentonite layers with phthalic anhydride. The results showed that the polymer bonds with the clay structure through hydrogen bonding. The polymerization process led to the destruction of the three-dimensional crystal structure of the clay and the isolation of its layers in the form of two-dimensional nanoscale shells. The growth of the polymer around the isolated clay layers increased the total particle size at the microscopic scale.

Comparative Study Between Attendance Patients To Babylon Teaching Hospital In Babylon And Al-Alawiyah Teaching Hospital In Baghdad Infected With Intestinal Parasites, I. M. Al-Saqur, E. M. Abdul Ameer, A. N. Al-Thwani, S. S. Hassan, Z. J. Mazher, A. A. Abd Al-Hussein, R. A. Aziz, N. M. Butrus

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

This study included detecting the rate of human infection with intestinal parasites on patients arriving the laboratories of Babylon Teaching Hospital and Al-Alawiya Children's Hospital In Baghdad for the period from beginning of January 2023 to the end of December 2023. The total number of examined people in the former hospital was 796, infected patients were (384 with 48.49%), The highest percentage of parasites recorded were Endameba coli (85.47%) followed by E. histolytica (63.44%) then Trichuris trichura (45.9%) the others parasites were Giardia lambelia (39.09%) Enterobius vermicularis (34.71%), Chilomastix mesnili (31.5%), Ancylostoma duodenale (19.04%), Hymenolpis nana (18.48%), Ascaris lunmbricoides …

Study Of Urinary Tract Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Al Elywiah Maternity Hospital In Baghdad/Iraq, Abass T. Al-Joudi, Randa Abdal Jaleel Habeeb, Ali Dawoud Ramadan, Hussein Ibrahim Aliwi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Urinary tract infection is a vary series symptom that pregnant women must be looking for treat as it effects in pregnant woman health baby for a long of 9 months of pregnant, this symptoms effect in different way on baby and mother health. The study on pregnant women carried out by examination of fresh samples taken from registered mothers in Maternity hospital and then carried varies analysis, physical, chemical and microscopic tests with bacterial and antibiotic sensitivity tests About 70 Urine sample taken from pregnant women that follow up their health in Al Elywiah maternity Hospital, the rested women …

Evaluation Of Phytotoxicity Of Greenly Treated Domestic Wastewater By Spent Plant Leaf Powders, Adnan Ahmad Ali-Nizam, Magdi Amin, Isam Shaker Hemza

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Health and ecosystems face widespread, impactful problems. Untreated wastewater is discharged into waterways and lands in most developing countries, containing harmful substances and pathogens. WHO estimates that nearly 1.7 billion people drink contaminated water in developing countries, and that contamination leads to nearly 500,000 diarrheal deaths each year. However, existing treatment methods are insufficient to remove dissolved substances and specific pollutants; they are very expensive, energy-intensive, require advanced technologies, and high operational skills. The process of removing pollutants from wastewater using plant waste powders involves a combination of mechanisms, including adsorption, complexation, and ion exchange. These processes are characterized by …

Identification Of Milk And Milk Product Adulteration By Molecular Methods, Isam Shaker Haza, Saad Sabah Fakhry

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS-PAGE) has been extensively used to separate native and denaturalized proteins. In various countries this has been useful to detect milk adulteration with whey, which is a fraud according to the current legal standards. The presence of glycomacropeptide (GMP) constitutes a marker of adulteration. It is released to the serum due to the hydrolysis of --casein peptide catalyzed by rennin incheese elaboration. In this work, the GMP detection was standardized as a pasteurized milk adulteration index, by means of GMP isolation with sequential precipitation in trichloroacetic acid at 24% and 50%, treatment with ethanol-ether …

Impact Of Hypocalcemia On Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 And Hmgb1 In Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients, Haneen Azeez Falih

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is associated with various symptoms including anaemia and bone problems. There is a need for more biomarkers of calcium disorders in TDT patients. In the present study, DKK 1 and HMGB1 are studied in TDT patients with hypocalcemia (TDT+Hypocalcemia) and normocalcemia (TDT+Normocalcemia) as a function of inflammation. Methods: TDT patients were classified according to the cut-off value (2.12 mM) of the adjusted serum calcium (Adj.T.Ca) into TDT+Normocalcemia (n = 54) and TDT+Hypocalcemia (n = 41) groups. Forty healthy controls have participated in the present study. DKK1 and HMGB1 were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Both …

The Impact Of Utilizing Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin And Collagen Plugs For Maintaining The Tooth Extraction Socket: A Review Study, Esraa Hameed Hassan, Ali H. Abbas Alhussaini

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Tooth extraction initiates a cascade of biological changes that result in alveolar bone resorption, compromising both the esthetic and functional outcomes of future dental rehabilitations, particularly implant placement. Socket preservation strategies have emerged as crucial interventions aimed at minimizing post-extraction ridge collapse. This review explores the synergistic effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) and collagen plugs in enhancing socket preservation outcomes. Collagen plugs serve as biocompatible scaffolds, promoting hemostasis, cellular migration, and angiogenesis, while supporting soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. Concurrently, I-PRF-an autologous, growth factor-rich biomaterial-provides a dynamic reservoir of platelets, leukocytes, and key cytokines such as Platelet-Derived Growth …

Impact Of Insulin Resistance In Pcos (Lh/Fsh) In A Group Of Woman In Baghdad City, Roua Shehab-Aldeen Ahmed, Fatima Amer Abd Aljabar, Nadia Mohammed Mahdi Al-Shakir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrinological disorder influencing ladies, and it is the foremost common cause of menstrual unsettling influence amid the regenerative age. Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOS) is in fact a chronic form of anovulation that is usually observed besides a large spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. Objectives: The study's main goal is to evaluate the hormonal indicators of ``PCOS'' and insulin resistance and determine how insulin resistance affects these hormones. Materials and methods: This study included 130 women, aged 19--38, who were separated into three bunches: 40 women with ``PCOs'' who were treated with metformin and …

Exploring The Role Of Hepcidin And Some Biochemical Indicators In Β-Thalassemia Major Patients With Negative And Positive Entamoeba Histolytica, Jafar Jamal Abdullah, Mohammed Mezher Hussain, Abdul Rasool Kh. Saeed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Thalassemia syndromes encompass a wide range of hemoglobin disorders characterized by either the absence or diminished production of normal globin chains. Hepcidin, a peptide produced by the liver with antimicrobial properties, is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes situated near the portal veins, which are responsible for transporting dietary iron, as well as by Kupffer cells. Before blood transfusions, increased erythropoietic activity leads to a reduction in hepcidin, resulting in lower hepcidin levels that enhance the absorption of dietary iron. Parasite protozoa depend on iron for their survival, as it plays a crucial role in the growth and enzymatic functions of E. …

Correlation Between Drug-Related Problems And The Treatment Cost For Geriatric Ischemic Stroke Patients In Tulungagung, Dhanang Prawira Nugraha, Martanty Aditya

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

Ischemic stroke was one of the diseases that frequently occurred in geriatric patients, while hemorrhagic stroke had a higher prevalence. Geriatric patients who experienced a stroke were not exempt from drug-related problems (DRP) due to the complexity of treatment and comorbid factors they encountered. This study aimed to determine the correlation between DRP and the cost of care for ischemic stroke patients, particularly in the geriatric population. The study design was cross-sectional, with data collected retrospectively, and the sample comprised 53 geriatric stroke patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. DRP was assessed using the PCNE 6.2 criteria, and …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …

The Influence Of Perioperative Education On Postoperative Digestive Restoration, Christian Cedeno

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The human body often needs encouragement to return to its natural state of functioning following intraoperative and postoperative drug therapy. Anesthesia can sedate the gastrointestinal tract and frequently requires medical and physical interventions to allow the body to return to full functionality. There are several methods thought to be beneficial in overcoming of this condition, and some have proven their significance more so than other methods. This project seeks to measure the power-of-knowledge methodology via a chart review of individuals specifically educated on what they can expect in the postoperative phase of care compared to those that receive routine education. …

Respect Rx Remedy: Dosage Of Decency, Decreasing Bullying And Incivility, Sophia Corso, Olivia Edwards, Elise Kimball, Lillie Le, Hannah Sauer

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

Burnout At University: Cross-Sectional Study Among Dental Students, Manal Elhijazi, Hajar Nafia, Ihsane Benyahya

Health Sciences

Context: The university constitutes a demanding and competitive learning environment which can impact the well-being of students. The objective of this survey is to assess the burnout of students at the faculty of dentistry.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via an anonymous questionnaire with 3 sections: socio-demographic data, lifestyle and habit, and burnout through the Maslach burnout inventory-student survey (MBI-SS) . Continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviations,categorical variables as numbers and percentages. The variables were tested in univariate analysis to assess predictive factors related to burnout using the Khi-2 test. The significance level was …

Undergraduate Nursing Students' Perceptions Of A Screen-Based Virtual Simulation And Self-Debriefing: A Qualitative Study., Fatima Zahra Mahou, Guillaume Decormeille, Asmae Khattabi

Health Sciences

The integration of virtual simulation and self-debriefing in nursing education offers promising approaches for enhancing students' competency in medication administration and dosage calculation. This study aims to explore undergraduate nursing students' perceptions and experiences with virtual simulation and self-debriefing, building on findings from a previously published RCT that demonstrated improved learning outcomes through these approaches. In the first phase (self-debriefing), 153 students answered five open-ended questions, followed by a focus group with six students in the second phase.The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis by two independent coders to ensure consistency and credibility. The study highlights the benefits of …

Medical-Grade Honey And Standard Dressings In Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, And Patient Outcomes, Chloe Shin, Andrew Golonka

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound healing, improved outcomes from patient reports, and better cost effectiveness through shorter hospital stays and reduced medical treatments compared to SSD. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence comparing MGH and SSD across economic, clinical, and patient centered outcomes. If our hypothesis aligns with the results, MGH could be a new evidence based standard in burn care as it offers many advantages over SSD in patient comfort, healing efficiency, and medical costs. The findings will provide areas for future research, especially long term outcome and a bigger patient population.

Optimizing Endogenous Glp-1 Holistically: A Nursing Led Approach To Sustainable Weight Loss Without Glp-1 Agonist Use, Taylee A. Carscadden

Nursing | Senior Theses

The increase in off-label Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), for weight loss has sparked concern in regards to the not fully understood drug outcomes and safety. GLP-1 agonists were originally developed to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but have been widely prescribed for obesity management despite minimal research on prolonged use in non-diabetic patients. This study explores how off-label use of GLP-1 agonist drugs exacerbate various adverse health outcomes, highlighting gastrointestinal complications, and the very possible dependency on drugs for weight management. It will also examine the efficacy of nursing-led education on the implementation of …

Medical-Grade Honey And Standard Dressings In Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, And Patient Outcomes, Andrew Golonka, Chloe Shin

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods:A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound …