Digital Commons Network^™

Are Tart Cherry Supplements Effective On Reducing Muscle Soreness And Perception Of Pain In Young, Healthy Males Following High Intensity Resistance Training?, Alyssa Davis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not tart cherry supplements are effective at alleviating muscle soreness and pain following high resistance training.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double blind randomized control trials, and one crossover randomized control trial. All three studies were published in English between 2006-2015.

DATA SOURCES: Two double blind randomized control trials and one crossover randomized control trial found using Cochrane and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were muscle soreness and perception of pain. They were measured using a pressure-pain threshold and 10 point pain …

Are Hylan Injections More Effective In Reducing Stiffness In Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Compared To Hyaluronic Acid Derivative Injections?, Jordan S. Hood

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Does Music Therapy Intervention Have An Effect On The Emotional Behavior Of Alzheimer Patients?, Alexandra P. Lahurd

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy intervention have an effect on emotional behavior of Alzheimer patients. Behavior variables measuring are agitation and anxiety.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of two randomized, controlled trials published in 2009 and 2014, respectively, and one randomized control case study published in 2006.

DATA SOURCE: Three published studies comparing music therapy intervention on behavioral modifications with Alzheimer patients were found using PubMed and Medline

OUTCOMES MEASURES: All three studies measure behavior in Alzheimer patients based on a variety of well validated …

Is Oral Aloe Vera Effective In Reducing Symptoms In Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Ibs)?, Chelsey J. Gebhardt

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is oral aloe vera effective in reducing symptoms in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms?”

Study Design: Systematic review of three English, randomized, controlled, double-blind studies, including one cross-over study, were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question. The studies were published in 2006, 2011, and 2015.

Data Sources: Three RCTs analyzing the effects on IBS symptoms of drinking aloe vera daily compared to a placebo drink were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Various patient-reported IBS symptom questionnaires were utilized …

Is Mdma-Assisted Psychotherapy An Effective Treatment For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)?, Joey Rudd

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Study Design: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (double-blind, placebo-controlled) between 2008-2013.

Data Sources: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Review databases.

Outcomes Measured: The primary outcome measure in all three studies was the severity of PTSD symptoms. The primary outcome measure was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Severity of Symptoms Scale for PTSD (SSSPTSD). …

Is Weight Loss An Effective Treatment Of Pain Symptoms Related To Knee Joint Osteoarthritis In Obese Adults?, Samantha Sokol

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight loss is an effective treatment of pain symptoms related to knee joint osteoarthritis in obese adults.

Study Design: Systematic review of 2 randomized-controlled trials and 1 cohort study. All three articles were published in English between 2011-2015.

Data Sources: Two randomized, un-blinded, controlled studies and one cohort found using Pubmed.

Outcomes Measured: Each study evaluated change in pain symptoms related to knee osteoarthritis in obese adults as compared to weight loss.

Results: Studies showed that weight loss lead to a …

Does Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Cause Clinical Remission In Patients With Ulcerative Colitis?, Amandeep Singh

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Fecal Microbiota Transplantation cause Clinical Remission in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis?”

Study Design: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2015.

Data Sources: Two randomized control trials and a cohort study determining if fecal microbiota transplantation does lead to clinical remission of Ulcerative Colitis were found by using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcome(s) Measured: The outcomes measured in all three studies were patient oriented evidence that matters which is clinical remission. The outcomes in the Moayyedi et al. was …

Novel Anti-Obesity Effects Of Beer Hops Compound Xanthohumol: Role Of Ampk Signaling Pathway, Janaiya S Samuels

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Obesity, a chronic disease, is a global epidemic that affects millions of lives and increases the risk of several comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity is the leading cause of death globally, and is associated with an excessive accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT). Although obesity is a serious condition, safe, long-term drug therapies are limited. A second type of adipose tissue is known as brown adipose tissue (BAT), which functions as an energy dissipater in the form of heat, as opposed to energy storing WAT. Previous research has shown that the mitochondrial …

Reduction Of Opioid Medication Use In Chronic Pain Patients By Adding Memantine: A Pilot Study, Adam J. Bertino

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

An investigational clinical research pilot study is being conducted at a nursing facility and an academic primary care office to evaluate memantine as an adjunct to opioid therapy for treatment of chronic pain. Memantine can be beneficial in reducing pain because it is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antagonist with a pivotal action in the hippocampus: it initiates long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex and forebrain. These areas of action have a high probability for reducing the affective quality of pain.

This open-label, non-randomized pilot study is designed to observe any effects which may occur during addition of memantine to …

Is Apremilast (Otezla) Effective In Reducing Pruritus In Adults Over 18 Years Old With Plaque Psoriasis?, Stephanie N. Carnes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not apremilast (Otezla) is effective in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2012, and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of apremilast to a placebo in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis, found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome studied was improvement of the psoriatic plaques based on reduction in pruritus measured by the Pruritus …

Are Soy-Based Proteins, Meals, And Diets An Effective Treatment In Reducing Waist Circumference In Overweight And Obese Adults Ages 20-75 Years?, Lisa Lin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not soy-based proteins, meals, and diets are effective treatments in reducing waist circumference in overweight and obese adults ages 20-75 years.

Study design: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2003, 2007, and 2011. All English language.

Data Source: The three randomized controlled trials that used in this review were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: The outcomes measured were improvement of patient’s overweight and obesity status and their overall quality of life through the indication of reduced waist circumference. …

Executive Functions And Word Reading Fluency: A Brief Intervention With Economically Disadvantaged Secondary Students, Vanessa Kim

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This study evaluated the use of a brief intervention that was designed to assist economically disadvantaged secondary students increase their capacity for attention to orthography and increase their ability to shift between rapid sight word recognition and decoding of unknown words in order to improve their word reading accuracy and fluency. The participants (N = 14) were eighth and ninth grade students enrolled in an urban public high school and receiving special education services. The study used analysis of variance for repeated measures and paired measures t-tests to analyze pre- and post-test data. The results indicated significant findings (p < 0.5) in the students’ improvements in their sight word reading fluency and their ability to inhibit impulses and shift cognitive sets with accuracy and speed following the 8-week reading intervention. The findings suggest that exposure to repeated word fluency drills that target attention to orthography and shifting from sight word recognition to decoding may have influenced the students’ self-monitoring skills and offer further support regarding the hypothesized role of executive functions in the act of reading.

Exploring The Predictive Values Of Self-Evaluations And Cognitive Distortions In Relation To Childhood Anxiety Among Hispanic/Latino Youth, Cristina J. Sperrazza

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-evaluation and cognitive distortions are predictors of anxiety in Hispanic/Latino youth. Hispanic/Latino elementary- and middle-school students (n = 84) from Grades 4 through 8 (42.9% female; average age = 11.80 years) attending a bilingual inner-city public charter school completed self-reports of anxiety, self-evaluation, and cognitive distortions in their school setting. The selected measure of cognitive distortions, Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (Yurica & DiTomasso, 2005), was revised and factor analyzed for the current child sample. Findings demonstrated that, while taking grade and gender into account, different domains of self-evaluation and cognitive distortions …

Self-Compassion, Body Image Dissatisfaction, And Negative Social Comparisons In Adolescents Utilizing Social Networking Sites, Brian Moran

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This quantitative survey study implemented a cross-sectional, correlational design. The present study explored the relationship between self-compassion, body image, and negative social comparisons in a sample consisting of adolescents who use social networking sites. Despite noteworthy limitations, this study elucidates the benefits associated with higher levels of self-compassion in adolescence. In line with previous studies, adolescents reported frequent use of social networking sites, primarily facilitated by smartphones. Although the constant accessibility of social networking sites via smartphones has been associated with negative outcomes, an important finding in this study was the lack of significant relationship between overall time spent on …

The Relationship Between Campus Climate, Perceived Stigma, Perceived Social Support, And Students’ Decisions To Disclose Their Mental-Health Problems On Campus, Erin M. Potts

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between the overall campus climate with regard to mental-health problems, students’ perceptions of stigma, students’ perceived social support, and their decisions to disclose their mental-health problems on their college or university campuses. Data were collected from 223 participants between the ages of 18 and 59 years who identified as being currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and who had engaged in disclosure and/or concealment in the 6 months prior to the study. The findings of the current study suggest that positive perceptions of campus climate are associated …

Availability For Learning:Effects Of Mindfulness Meditation On Student Cognitive Abilities, Alexander Harne

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Patient-Practitioner Orientation On Practitioners’ Self-Perception Of Adhering To A Motivational Interviewing Style Of Communication In Medical Settings, Brian Ashenfelter

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

As of 2012, approximately 117 million adults have experienced at least one chronic illness (CDC; 2014). Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the probability of developing particular chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and specific forms of cancer (CDC; 2014). Individuals with chronic conditions may continue engaging in unhealthy lifestyle choices, despite having knowledge of the adverse ramifications. This includes nicotine use, dieting, and a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity. There are various manners in which primary care practitioners can address lifestyle choices with their patients. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patientcentered approach, which is used to facilitate readiness …

Therapist Knowledge, Attitudes Toward, And Experiences With Social Media Use In Treating Adolescent Females, Kristin Hess

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Recent research on social media use suggest that over 90% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years use the Internet and 73% spend time on social networking sites (Cingel, Lauricella, Wartella, & Conway, 2013). This makes it increasingly important for therapists to be aware of the current social media applications, as well as the risks and benefits that may accompany use. Although there is much literature on the possible benefits and risks to social media use, there is minimal research on how therapists use this information to treat an adolescent population effectively. The present study utilized a cross-sectional web-survey design …

The Effects Of Coping Styles And Perceived Stress On Clinical Outcomes In Individuals With Moderate To Severe Brain Injury In A Post-Acute Rehabilitation Program, Leslie Perez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study investigated the effects of different coping styles used by individuals with moderate to severe brain injury on their clinical outcomes. Specifically, using self-report measures, this study evaluated the use of task-oriented, avoidance, and emotion-oriented coping and how these different styles influenced patients’ perceived stress and depression levels. In addition, task-oriented coping style has previously been deemed as a more adaptive way of dealing with life challenges. Hence, through a retrospective examination of archival records, this study also evaluated patients’ adjustment (i.e., observed mood lability and social contact), participation (i.e., observed ability to initiate tasks, interact with others, …

The Impact Of Treatment Beliefs, Caregiver Participation, And Treatment Adherence On Treatment Outcome In Childhood Mental Illness, Alexandra Gallagher

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

One in five children in the United States is diagnosed with a mental health disorder; however, not all of them receive the appropriate services (NAMI, 2015). When services are accessible, lack of engagement in treatment can contribute to high dropout and to limited treatment success (Staudt, 2007). In literature on adults, one well studied factor that contributes to participation and engagement in treatment is an individual’s treatment beliefs and expectations. In the case of children, however, it is important to consider not only their treatment beliefs and expectations, but also the beliefs and expectations of their primary caregivers, because they …

Differences Between Trauma Experience, Perceived Stress, And Effort Testing In Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Epilepsy, Anthony Fatzinger Jr.

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study attempted to identify predictors that would differentiate psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) from epilepsy, examine individual strength of predictors, and, in a separate analysis, examine the relationship between perceived stress and effort testing. A common experience that differentiates PNES patients from epilepsy patients is a traumatic experience, specifically childhood sexual abuse. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale has never been used to see if it differentiates PNES and epilepsy samples, despite its focus on abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. The ACE was combined with other previously researched predictors. Results of the logistical regression were insignificant and the model …

Therapists' Attitudes To Using Spiritual And Religious Interventions With Orthodox Jewish Clients, Schmuel Brachfeld

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Literature on Orthodox Jews and their needs in therapy is limited. However, research on approaching therapy with highly religious, or spiritual clients, shows that addressing R/S in therapy is highly recommended. Studies have shown that although acknowledging the importance of addressing R/S is important, therapists may be hesitant to bring it up with clients. Therapists’ attitudes have been shown to have impact not only if R/S is addressed in therapy, but also how and when it is addressed. One of the factors that impacts if therapists address R/S is therapists’ own religious identity and attitudes to R/S in general. This …

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Impairment: A Qualitative Study Of The Caregiving Experience, Michelle Dube

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and difficult experience that necessitates numerous lifestyle changes for the patient and caregiver. Although ALS was previously regarded as a disease that primarily affects the motor system and spares non-motor functions, it is now recognized that a sizable proportion of the ALS population demonstrates frontotemporal impairment (ALS+FTI), with a subset of the population meeting criteria for frontotemporal dementia. Clinically, ALS and FTI differ in many respects; however, both diseases are progressive and necessitate dependence on caregivers for assistance with activities of daily living and beyond. Although the relationship between ALS and …

The Role And Implications Of Executive Functions On Learning And Performing Math In High School Algebra I Students, Heather Lynn Rickmers Tacovsky

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Current research is largely lacking in the areas of math, math learning deficits, and math-specific interventions. Even less available is research and interventions specific to high school learners. Some research addresses these areas with a specific focus on executive functions and how they may relate to student learning and performance. The present study sought to determine the relationship between three specific executive functions, Shift, Inhibit, and Working Memory, on learning and performance in math. Other executive functions, as measured by BRIEF rating scales and including Planning and Organization, Initiate, and Monitor, were also reviewed. Results of the present study found …

An Analysis Of The Self-Disclosure Practices Of School-Based Mental Health Practitioners, Kristen Rudiger

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The study presented in this document examined school-based mental health practitioners’ views regarding the use of self-disclosure (the sharing of personal information or thoughts with their clients) in their current practice. This study also collected school-based mental health practitioners’ opinions concerning their graduate-level training and other preparation related to the use of self-disclosure. Research questions investigated whether school-based mental health practitioners engaged in self-disclosure, whether participants viewed self-disclosure to be ethical, and if participants had utilized self-disclosure, did they believe their graduate-level training adequately prepared them to do so. Sixty-five school-based mental health practitioners, self-identifying as school psychologists, school counselors, …

The Role Of Nadph Oxidase Isoform 1 (Nox1) In L-Name-Induced Leukocyte-Endothelial Interactions In Rat Mesenteric Postcapillary Venules, Alita Zabrecky

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a component of many chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. This dysfunction is initiated by an inflammatory response triggering an increase in leukocyte endothelial interactions. It is characterized by increased oxidative stress often associated with reduced endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Activation of NADPH oxidase is a major source of oxidative stress. NADPH oxidase has five NOX and two Doux isoforms. NOX1 is expressed on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, but is not expressed on neutrophils. Therefore, the role of NOX1 in inflammation is not completely clear. A NOX1 selective inhibitor, 2-acetylphenothiazine …

Is The Use Of Triamcinolone (Tac) In Combination With 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) More Effective Than Tac Alone In The Treatment Of Keloid Scars?, Jenna A. Barreto

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is the use of triamcinolone (TAC) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is more effective than TAC alone in the treatment of keloid scars?”

Study Design: Review of two (2) published, randomized control trials (RCT) and one (1) published, observational case control study (OCCS) in 2009 and 2014. All are in English.

Data Sources: The two (2) RCTs and the OCCS. Both were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in scar height and evolution of symptoms, specifically pain and pruritus. Other outcomes measured …

Is Oral Vitamin D Supplementation Safe And Effective For Adults As Therapy To Improve Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) During Wintertime?, James Berking

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not oral vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective for adults as therapy to improve symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during wintertime.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were published in 2006, 2012, 2014. Two of the studies were double blind and placebo controlled. The studies evaluated the efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation for improvement of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms. One of the studies also evaluated safety.

Data Sources: All articles used were …

Is L-Theanine An Effective Treatment For Reducing Anxiety In Patients Ages 18-25?, Nicole Bubes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not L-theanine, an amino acid analogue found in green tea leaves, is an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in patients ages 18-25.

Study design: Review of two double-blind, randomized controlled studies and one single-blind, randomized controlled study published in 2007, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Data sources: PubMed

Outcome(s) measured: Each study measured L-theanine’s ability to reduce acute anxiety with a series of self-report measures assessing acute anxiety and stress, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the visual analogue scales (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety …

Does Belatacept Improve Patient/Graft Survival After 1 Year Versus Calcineurin Inhibitor Based Regimens?, Ashlie Burns

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not belatacept improves patient/graft survival after 1 year versus calcineurin inhibitors based regimens.

Study Design: Review of one randomized controlled trial published in 2010 and two randomized controlled trials published in 2011 were used for this review and selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Sources: Studies were found using PubMed, and Medline Plus. Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured patient/graft survival after 12 months as either a primary or secondary outcome.

Results: Vincenti et al (2010) showed belatacept to …