Digital Commons Network^™

Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy Effective In Increasing Total Sleep Time In Adults?, Johanna F. Detwiler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not mindfulness-based therapy is effective in increasing total sleep time in adults.

Study design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2011, 2014 and 2015, all English language.

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

Outcomes measured: Total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, time in bed, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were …

Do Submental Deoxycholic Acid Injections Reduce Submental Fat In Adult Patients Enough To Create A Significant Increase In Patient Satisfaction?, Alec W. Curry

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Submental deoxycholic acid injections reduce submental fat in adult patients enough to create a significant increase in patient satisfaction”

Study Design: Review of 3 double blind, randomized control trials that were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Sources: All three peer-reviewed articles were found using PubMed and Cochrane Database. The keywords “ATX-101”, “submental fat”, and “deoxycholic acid” were used.

Outcomes Measured: Satisfaction with appearance in association with face and chin evaluated by a patient reported subject self-rating scale …

Is The Use Of Kinesio Tape (Kt) Effective In Improving Gross Motor Functionality Throughout The Sit-To-Stand Transfer Activity In Children With Cerebral Palsy (Cp)?, Rachel L. Dodies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Kinesio tape (KT) is effective in improving gross motor functionality throughout the sit-to-stand transfer activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Study Design: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2011 and 2015.

Data Sources: One not-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), one single-blind RCT, and one cross-sectional study were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes that were measured were improvement in gross motor function, sitting posture, functional independence, balance, ambulation, and agility from sitting to standing. This …

Is Yoga Effective In Preventing Nicotine Cravings During Smoking Cessation In Adults?, George F. Donohue

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

No abstract

Is Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Safe And Effective In Reducing Adhd Symptoms?, Jordan A. Drelich

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The purpose of this careful EBM review is to determine whether lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is safe and effective in reducing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Study Design: A systematic review of two randomized controlled studies and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011-2014, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011 and 2014 which were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: ADHD global symptomatic improvement was measured using Clinical Global Impressions – Severity of Illness (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement …

Do Pcsk9 Monoclonal Antibodies Plus Soc Prevent Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Adults With Hypercholesterolemia Compared To Placebo Plus Soc?, Amy Doyle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies plus SOC prevent major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with hypercholesterolemia compared to placebo plus SOC.

Study Design: This review is using one double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) and two open-label RCTs investigating alirocumab and evolocumab, published in 2014 and 2015.

Data sources: Articles were found on PubMed, and were published in peer-reviewed journals in English.

Outcome Measured: The outcome measured was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which included death, MI, hospitalization for unstable angina, revascularization, or cerebrovascular event. …

Does Using Music Therapy Improve Levels Of Perceived Dyspnea In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd)?, Jessica Duong

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective systematic review is to determine whether or not “Does using music therapy improve levels of perceived dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three studies published in English between 2003 to 2009. Studies included two randomized controlled trials and one controlled crossover design trial.

DATA SOURCES: Three trials analyzing the utilization of music therapy and the effects on dyspnea in COPD were found via PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: The outcome measured was level of perceived dyspnea via Visual Analogue Dyspnea Scales (VADS), Basal Dyspnea Index, …

Is Rolapitant Effective In Reducing The Incidence Of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea And Vomiting (Cinv) In Patients Receiving Emetogenic Chemotherapy?, Brandon E. Eberts

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not rolapitant is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) all published in 2015. The studies compared the safety and efficacy of rolapitant in decreasing the incidence of CINV.

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

Outcomes Measured: All included studies measured the safety and …

Is Methotrexate (Mtx) An Effective Treatment In Partially Or Totally Reducing The Symptoms Of Myasthenia Gravis (Mg) Patients?, Brandi S. Flyte

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective treatment in partially or totally reducing the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language studies; one Case Series Study following 3 patients with concomitant MG and Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with MTX published in 2014, one Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial (RCT) comparing MTX and AZA (Azathioprine) published in 2011, and one Double-blind, placebo-controlled Randomized Control Trial published in 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three primary research studies published in peer reviewed journals; found on the …

In Patients Over Sixty Years Old With A Primary Hip Fracture, Is Home Based Therapy Effective For Restoring Functional Abilities?, Florence M. Fournier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not homebased therapy is effective for restoring functional abilities in patients over sixty with a primary hip fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of two RCTs and one randomized clinical trial published in the English language between the years 2014 and 20 15.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were published in peer reviewed journals and compared home-based therapy as an intervention following a primary hip fracture to individuals solely documentation of post-surgical care using Cochrane and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The specific outcomes measured varied …

Is 100mg Flibanserin Effective In Increasing The Number Of Sexually Satisfying Events (Sse) In Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Hsdd)?, Bridget M. Frymoyer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not 100mg Flibanserin is effective in increasing the number of sexually satisfying events in women with HSDD.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, placebo-controlled trials in which women > 18 years old with HSDD were treated with either 100mg Flibanserin or a Placebo once daily qhs for 24 weeks

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, placebo-controlled trials found via PubMed searches and published in English peer-reviewed journals between 2011-2014

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured were the number of SSE over 4 weeks and analyzed with Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test. …

Are Ceramide Containing Creams A Safe And Effective Treatment For Patients With Atopic Dermatitis?, Jennifer M. Francis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ceramide containing creams are a safe and effective treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three assessor blind randomized controlled trials found using PubMed and EbscoHOST databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed safety and efficacy of a ceramide containing cream compared with another method in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Outcomes were measured by Eczema Severity Score (ESS), rating of skin dryness on a 0-4 …

Are Five Sessions Of Individual Based Art Therapy Effective In Reducing Emotional Problems In Swedish Women With Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy?, Sarah C. Hayes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Are five sessions of individual based art therapy effective in reducing emotional problems in Swedish women with nonmetastatic breast cancer receiving radiation therapy?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized control studies, two which were published in 2009 and one that was published in 2006.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed, Ebscohost, and Cochrane Review databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, factors pertaining to emotional problems were measured through self-assessment questionnaires.

RESULTS: …

Is Suvorexant (Belsomra) Effective In Reducing Wakefulness After Sleep Onset In Healthy Patients Diagnosed With Insomnia?, Danielle Hart

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine if Suvorexant (Belsomra) is effective in reducing wakefulness after sleep onset in healthy patients diagnosed with insomnia that are 18 years old or older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (doubleblind, placebo-controlled) between 2012-2014, all English.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published between 2012-2014 were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Polysymnography, psychomotor performance test, PSG measurements of sleep, visual scoring, efficacy assessed with an electronic diary, Sheehan Disability Scale, vitals, EKGs, PE, MVAV questionnaire, QIDS-SR to assess mood, Tyler Withdrawal …

Are Antibiotics, Other Than Roxithromycin, An Effective Way To Manage Joint Pain In Rheumatoid Arthritis?, Kelly A. Hoffman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Are antibiotics, other than roxithromycin, an effective way to manage joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind, randomized-controlled studies published in English between 2001-2007.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published between 2001 and 2007 were found using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Clinical outcome for all three studies used American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, which assesses joints for swelling and tenderness.

RESULTS: In the Odell et al.1 study, at 24 months 28 participants did meet the ACR50 …

Is Necitumumab An Effective Addition To Traditional Chemotherapeutic Regiments When Treating Stage Iv Lung And Colon Cancer?, J. Ross Hosford

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Necitumumab is an effective add on treatment to traditional chemotherapy regimes when treating stage IV lung or colon cancer.

Study Designs: Review of two open label, randomized, controlled phase III trials and one single arm multicenter phase II study.

Outcomes Measured: Objective tumor response rate was measured for patients with colon cancer. Overall survival rate and length of survival were measured for patients with lung cancer. This was measured in Kapler Meier Methodology.

Results: For two trials the addition of Necitumumab improved …

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Effective In Treating Barrett’S Esophagus Patients With High-Grade Dysplasia?, Ariana S. Karnado

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency ablation effective in treating Barrett’s esophagus patients with high-grade dysplasia?”

Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study. All three studies were published in English in peer-reviewed journals after 2000.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study found via PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: All three studies measured eradication of dysplasia via biopsy evaluation. Other outcomes measured included progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma based on histology findings, overall cancer risk based on observations of …

Is Tea Tree Oil Preparation An Effective Topical Therapy For Patients With Msra Colonized Wounds?, Mariah A. Gerald

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not tea tree oil preparation an effective topical therapy for patients with MRSA colonized wounds.

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2004,2013, and 2014. These studies compared the efficacy of tea tree oil (TIO) topical preparations in MRSA colonized wounds.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed and Cochrane Review databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The efficacy of tea tree oil preparations on MRSA colonized wounds were evaluated …

Does Lactobacillus Reuteri Dsm 17938 Reduce Daily Crying Times In Infants With Colic?, Taylor Kolle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduce daily crying times in infants with colic?”

Study Design: Review of all English language primary studies published in 2010, 2013, 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Daily average crying times were measured by parents who documented these in a journal.

Results: In all three randomized control studies by Chaeu et al. (2015), Savino et al, (2010), and Szajewska et al. (2013), they found that infants …

Is Aristada (Aripiprazole Lauroxil) A Safe And Effective Treatment For Schizophrenia In Adult Patients?, Kyle J. Knowles

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) a safe and effective treatment for schizophrenia in adult patients?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies. All three trials were conducted between 2014 and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: One randomized, controlled trial and two randomized, controlled, doubleblind trials found via Cochrane Library and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes that were measured include adverse events (pain at injection site, insomnia, headache, toothache, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, akathisia, back pain, dyskinesia, dystonia, nasopharyngitis) measured by vital signs, physical examination, …

Is Phototherapy An Effective Treatment For Herpes Simplex Labialis?, Sarah Landis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine if laser phototherapy is an effective treatment for herpes simplex labialis.

Study Design: Review of one case study published in 2009, and two randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and 2013. All studies were published in English.

Data Source: One case study and two randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed database to write this EBM review

Outcomes measured: Decreases in healing time or size based on patient reporting, scoring systems, or photo documentation.

Results: The study conducted by Marotti et al determined …

Is Povidone-Iodine Safe And Effective In The Treatment Of Children And Adults With Viral Conjunctivitis?, Danielle M. Mazzuca

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is povidone-iodine safe and effective in the treatment of children and adults with viral conjunctivitis?” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2002 and 2015. DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized, prospective, interventional pilot study were found using PubMed and the Cochrane database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each study evaluated the efficacy of povidone-iodine for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis measured by days until cured as determined by patient rating of symptom strength and ophthalmological grading of ocular signs. …

Is Droxidopa Safe And Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension?, Nicholas W. Longo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not droxidopa is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Study Design: Systemic review of three English-language primary studies, conducted in 2014 or later.

Data Sources: Three double-blind, randomized trials comparing the safety and efficacy of droxidopa to placebo in patients with diagnosed neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, found via PubMed in peer-reviewed journals.

Outcomes Measured: Improvement of symptoms was measured utilizing patient responses to the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), which consists of a six item Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OSHA) …

Is Intravenous Peramivir 300mg Effective And Safe In Treating Seasonal Influenza?, Michael P. Phytides

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

A. Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intravenous Peramivir 300mg is effective and safe in treating seasonal influenza.

B. Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one randomized open-label study, all published in 2010, 2011, and 2014, respectively.

C. Data sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one randomized open- label study were all researched through the use of PubMed and belonged to peer reviewed journals.

D. Outcome(s) Measured: Primary efficacy endpoint analyzed was time to alleviation of symptoms measured by influenza symptom severity scale (ISS), …

Can Coloring Pre-Structured Designs That Have Complexity Aid In Reducing Anxiety In Those Greater Than 17 Years Of Age?, Kaitlyn P. Probasco

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not coloring mandalas or designs that have complexity and structure can aid in reducing anxiety in those greater than 17 years of age.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in 2007, 2012, and 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals obtained using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

Outcomes Measured: The Curry and Kasser study and the van dV and Serice7study both used the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) to record anxiety. The Henderson …

Does Increasing Speech Production And Language Acquisition Through Therapies Aimed At Emphasizing Speech Therapy Improve The Verbal Communication Capabilities In Autistic Children?, Jessica Olejnik

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review was to determine if increasing speech production & language acquisition through therapies which emphasized speech therapy, would improve verbal communication skills in autistic individuals.

Study Design: Three RCTs selected due to relevance to the proposed question and fulfillment of the requirement of measuring POEMs.

Data Sources: All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals via PubMed.

Outcome Measures: The Preschool Language Scale 4 and Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language was measured pre-intervention and 12 months later. The verbal production evaluation scale which measured phonology, pragmatics, prosody, and sematic features. The …

Is Cariprazine Effective And Safe In Treating Acute Mania In Bipolar I Disorder?, Evan A. Reaume

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is cariprazine effective and safe in treating acute mania in bipolar I disorder?”

Study Design: This review is based on three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, in 2015. These studies compared both the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cariprazine in the treatment of acute mania in bipolar I disorder.

Data sources: Three double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using Medline, Pubmed, and Cochrane Review databases.

Outcomes Measured: The primary efficacy scale used in all …

Is The Use Of The Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ningdong Granule, A Safe And Effective Alternative To Haloperidol For The Treatment Of Tic Symptoms In Pediatric Patients With Tourette Syndrome (Ts)?, Vincent Russell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether the Chinese herbal supplement, Ningdong granule, is a safe and effective alternative to haloperidol for the treatment of tic symptoms in pediatric patients with Tourette Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2009, 2010, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES Three randomized controlled trials were obtained using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED Efficacy of Ningdong granule (NDG) as compared to control groups based on decrease in tic severity and frequency as reported by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale as well as safety, as evidenced by prevalence of …

Is Radiofrequency Energy A Safe And Effective Treatment For Reducing Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease In Patients 18 Years Or Older?, Kristen L. Schaffer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency energy a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients 18 years or older?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double-blind, randomized control trials and one double-blind, randomized cross-over study published between 2003 and 2012. All studies were published in the English language in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one randomized cross-over study were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured include changes in GERD symptom scores for …

Is Pharmacologic Therapy For Blood Pressure Control Effective At Reducing Symptoms And Improving Quality Of Life In Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots)?, Christopher S. Sokalski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pharmacologic therapy for blood pressure control effective at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Study Design Systematic review of two single blind crossover randomized control trials published in 2009 and 2012 and one retrospective case control study published in 2009.

Data Sources Three studies were obtained using PubMed. Outcomes Measured Self reported symptoms of POTS and the Vanderbilt POTS symptom scoring system as well as quality of life in patients.

Results Raj et al. (2009), Coffin et …