Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Characterization Of Lipid-Anchored Inhibitor Rulers As A Measure Of Enzyme Topography In Coagulation Enzyme Factor Xa, Robin C. Conley

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

The blood coagulation cascade is activated under various circumstances such as an injury. This system involves a tightly regulated series of events. The enzymes involved assemble with their respective cofactors on lipid membranes to reach their full procoagulant complex potential. The coagulation cascade is divided into intrinsic and extrinsic portions, both of which converge into a common pathway with the activation of factor X (FX_a). FX_a is a very important part of the blood coagulation cascade because its activation is primarily responsible for thrombin generation. Activation of FX_a alone is, however, insufficient to produce a fully …

Cyclic Nucleotide-Dependent Phosphorylation Regulates Bk-Ca Channel Activity In Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells, Raeonda Williams

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can induce dysfunction in organ systems by attenuating normal blood flow. Gonadal steroids are vasoactive hormones, but their role in contributing to cardiovascular function remains controversial. We have demonstrated that gonadal steroids can relax coronary arteries by opening the large-conductance, calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BKca) channel in smooth muscle cells by increasing cyclic nucleotide levels; however, the signaling pathways involved remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to identify how phosphorylation (via cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases) I dephosphorylation (via phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, PP2A) regulates BKca channel activity in human coronary artery smooth muscle …

The Effects Of Dihydrobiopterin And Tetrahydrobiopterin On Hydrogen Peroxide And Nitric Oxide Release During Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (Eswl), Brittany Deiling

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

ESWL is an effective, non-invasive therapy utilized to fragment stones in the kidney and subsequently be cleared in the urinary tract. Although lithotripsy provides a safer alternative to invasive treatments for removing stones, ESWL may cause vasoconstriction after ESWL treatment, reducing renal blood flow, which can cause kidney damage leading to acute to chronic hypertension clinically. This may be due to kidney vascular endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized as increased oxidative stress and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. We hypothesized that ESWL would decrease NO and increase hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in …

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (Omm) And Reduction Of Nsaid Use In Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study, Kristopher Kelly

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

This randomized controlled pilot study is to determine if a combination of muscle energy and soft tissue techniques can reduce the amount of daily NSAID use in patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Osteopathic manipulative treatment has been shown to be useful in treating low back pain. However, its role in reducing daily NSAID use in CNSLBP patients is unclear. This study was conducted at PCOM from January 2014 to April 2014. By design, patients were to be randomized into either a treatment group consisting of OMT or a control group consisting of a sham OMT. Of …

Chemopreventive Effects Of Pterostilbene In Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells, Phillip A. Zook

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Recent studies find that pterostilbene (PTS) exhibits more favorable drug properties and similar chemopreventive effects to its structural analogue resveratrol (RSV). However, few studies describe the activity of PTS in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we conducted cell count experiments to assess the effects of PTS on metastatic PCa cell viability and to compare the potency of PTS to RSV in this respect. We also performed experiments to assess the effects of PTS on the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-mediated events. We used qPCR to measure the mRNA levels of the androgenresponsive gene (ARG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and Western blots to …

Effect Of Tumor Necrosis Factorα On Expression Of Heme-Oxgenase1 In Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Jay Patel

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by activation of gingival fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to destruction of tissues surrounding the teeth. In the United States, 22% of adults have a mild form of periodontal disease and 13% suffer from a severe form of the disease. In addition to tooth loss, periodontitis is associated with increased risk of several conditions, including diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is activated by a wide variety of stressful stimuli and levels are increased in inflamed tissues. HO-1 degrades free heme, …

Effect Of Heme Oxygenase-1 On Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Expression In Human Fibroblasts, Theresa A. Stangl

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) is an enzyme that plays a very important role in the resolution of inflammation. HO-1-based therapies are effective in a number of disease conditions. However, HO-1 also increases tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is an enzyme involved in physiological and pathophysiological tissue remodeling. Unbalanced expression of MMPs is a key feature of connective tissue destruction in chronic inflammatory conditions. Previously shown in this laboratory, the HO-1 inducer, hemin, increased MMP-3 mRNA expression in some HGF cultures. To assess whether HO-1 and/or its products regulate expression of MMP-3 in human fibroblasts, the effect of HO-1 …

An Analysis Of Abnormal Electrocardiograms In First And Second Year Medical School Students, Molly Anne Kalish

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

The high stress level placed upon medical school students, particularly during their first and second didactic years, may have a negative effect on their health. Although surveys and subjective questionnaires have been used to evaluate the effects medical school has upon a student’s cardiovascular health, there has been little clinical data obtained to confirm this notion. The aim of this longitudinal study was to demonstrate whether any abnormal cardiovascular parameters, specifically QTc wave interval, cardiac axis vector and blood pressure abnormalities, could be documented to occur in two different classes of medical students during their first two years. Such information …

Educators' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Concussions And The New Jersey Concussion Law, Einat Katz-Delong

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Recent media attention, lawsuits from retiring athletes, and the early retirement of famous athletes have increased public awareness of sports-related head injuries. High school student athletes are more susceptible to concussions than older athletes. Athletes suffering from concussions may experience long-lasting effects on their lives, particularly in cognitive, emotional, and school functioning. Given the increased rates of concussions and their ramifications, state governments and the federal government have taken action. Beginning with the start of the 2011–2012 school year, the state of New Jersey has implemented legislation that requires all school districts with interscholastic sports programs to develop a written …

Visual Efficiency And The Relationship Between Reading And Behaviors Indicating Difficulties In The Classroom In Elementary School-Age Children, Patricia A. Broadbent

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between visual efficiency, reading levels and behaviors indicating difficulties in the classroom. The sample consisted of thirty–three school-aged children, from four elementary schools. Visual efficiency was measured through a multi-step vision screening process, the Visual Efficiency Rating (VERA) software program. Behaviors indicating difficulties in the classroom were measured using the Behavioral Indicator Checklist, Indicators of Visual Performance Difficulties. This behavior checklist is part of the VERA process and is completed by the classroom teachers. The students’ reading levels were reported by the participating schools. The students were …

In Adult Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Are Intravetrial Bevacizumab Injections More Effective Than Laser Therapy At Improving Best-Corrected Visual Acuity?, Heather Bladek

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not in adult patients with diabetic macular edema intravetrial bevacizumab injections are more effective than laser therapy at improving best-corrected visual acuity.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language non-blinded randomized control trials from 2010 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Non-blinded randomized control trials comparing intravetrial bevacizumab injections to macular laser therapy found using Pubmed and EBSCOhost web databases. All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic …

Is Magnetic Stimulation Effective In Treating Urinary Incontinence?, Sydney Brandtomies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Magnetic stimulation is an effective treatment for women with urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (two double-blind and one single blinded), all English language.

DATA SOURCES: The three randomized controlled trials that were used for this review were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost. Articles were selected based on relevance and that the outcomes of the studies mattered to patients.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Improvement of urinary incontinence measured by pad-tests and questionnaires.

RESULTS: The results of the But …

Is Topical Clonazepam More Effective Than Oral Clonazepam In Treatment Of Burning Mouth Syndrome (Bms)?, Sherley Casseus

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Abstract not available.

Does Vibration Training Increase Stability In Functionally Unstable Ankles?, Nicole Bryan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not vibration training increases stability in functionally unstable ankles.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three non-blind randomized control trials found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Efficacy was measured with one (experimental) group receiving vibration training and the other (control) group using either non-vibration exercise techniques or no exercise. Increased stability was measured with electromyography (EMG), balance testing or an isokinetic dynamometer.

RESULTS: Vibration training is a useful tool to …

Do N3 Fatty Acid Supplements Effect Depressive Symptoms Post Cardiovascular Event In Men And Women Ages 40 And Older?, Lindsey G. Caton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not n-3 fatty acids have an effect on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event in men and women ages 40 and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language random controlled trials published between 2011-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials published after 2011 comparing the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event and one randomized controlled trial comparing n-3 fatty acid supplementation effects on depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diagnosed depression. The studies were obtained using the …

Is 30 Ml Cerebrolysin A Safe And Effective Drug For Improving Global And Cognitive Function In Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Aged 50 Years And Older With No Significant Comorbidities?, Anthony Champion

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of 30 mL Cerebrolysin is a safe and effective drug for improving global and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease aged 50 years and older with no significant comorbidities.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2001-2006, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of cerebrolysin to placebo in the treatment of individuals ages 50 and over with AD related cognitive and global functioning decline. All articles found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED …

Is Arginine Oral Supplement Effective On Wound Healing In Adult Patients With Stage Ii, Iii And Iv Pressure Ulcers?, Camilla Chou

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the addition of arginine protein supplementation is effective in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies. One observation controlled study and two randomized controlled studies all published between 2010- 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two double blind randomized controlled trials and one observational controlled trial comparing the efficacy of arginine supplementation in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers. All research articles were …

Is Animal Assisted Therapy Using Dogs An Effective Treatment For Positive And Negative Symptoms For Adult Inpatient Schizophrenics?, Brian Davidson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) using dogs is an effective treatment for positive and negative symptoms for adult inpatient schizophrenics.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of 3 articles published in English in peer reviewed journals between 2005-2009

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one allocation by minimization controlled trial comparing the effects of AAT using dogs on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia to control groups. All articles were found using PubMed and PROQuest

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Focused questionnaires were given before and after …

Is Propranolol Administration Following A Traumatic Event Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?, Timothy J. Goulet

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not propranolol administration following a traumatic event is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials published in 2002, 2007, and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials found using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The incidence of PTSD symptoms was measured in patients following traumatic events after the administration of propranolol. This was done using The Screening Tool for Early Predictors of PTSD, the Clinician …

Does Prophylacitc Medication Reduce Intrauterin Device (Iud) Insertion Pain In Women Of Childbearing Age?, Mariel M. Deshaies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not prophylactic medication reduces intrauterine device (IUD) insertion pain in women of childbearing age.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language trials: a randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial.

DATA SOURCES: A randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial comparing the prophylactic medications: lidocaine and mistoprostol or placebo group. All articles were found using Medline, PubMed, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reduction of pain with IUD insertion was compared …

Is Massage Therapy An Effective Treatment For Improving Sleep Quality In Women Age 50-80 Diagnosed With Cancer?, Alexander M. Chase

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not massage therapy is an effective treatment in improving sleep quality among women age 50-80 diagnosed with cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized control trials published in 2004 and 2011 and one English language quasiexperimental pretest-posttest comparison study publishEd in 2002.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Sleep quality was measured using the Verran and Snyder-Halpem Sleep Scale and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Soden et al …

Is Ramelteon Effective In Improving Sleep Quality In Adult Patients With Mild To Moderate Obstructive Breathing Disorders?, Alison L. Fife

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ramelteon is effective in improving sleep quality in adult patients with mild to moderate obstructive breathing disorders.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English studies published from 2007 to 2010; two randomized controlled studies and one randomized crossover study.

DATA SOURCES: The double blind randomized placebo controlled crossover trial, randomized double blind placebo controlled two way crossover study and double blind placebo controlled randomized controlled trial were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the studies measured the sleep quality in patients with …

Is Bevacizumab (Avastin) Safe And Effective As Adjuvant Chemotherapy For Adult Patients With Stage Iiib Or Iv Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (Nsclc)?, Ashley R. De Kleine

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not bevacizumab (avastin) is safe and effective as adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients with stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in 2006, 2009, and 2011, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing bevacizumab to placebo as adjunctive chemotherapy, and one RCT comparing bevacizumab as adjunctive chemotherapy versus the use of no adjunctive chemotherapy. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Overall …

Is Famciclovir Superior To Valacyclovir As A Treatment For Recurrent Gential Herpes In Reducing Outbreak Duration And Frequency?, Snow Feng

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Is famciclovir superior to valacyclovir as a treatment for recurrent genital herpes in reducing outbreak duration and frequency?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2006, 2008, and 2009. The studies compared the efficacy and safety of famciclovir (FCV) vs. valacyclovir (VCV) in the treatment of genital herpes.

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

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The effectiveness of famciclovir and valacyclovir was evaluated based on the …

The Effects Of Cocoa Flavanol Consumption On Cognitive Function, Jessica Judge

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine the effect of cocoa flavanol consumption on cognitive behavior.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trials published in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three double blind randomized controlled trials comparing cognitive function after consumption of drinks with high cocoa flavanol level were found using PedMed and Ovid.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Cognitive function was measured by various tests: a Cognitive Demand Battery composed of two serial subtraction tasks, a Rapid Visual Information processing task, a mental fatigue scale over …

Is A Parent-Focused Intervention More Effective Than A Child-Focused Approach In Treating Childhood Obesity?, Jessica E. Jankowski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not a parent-focused intervention is more effective than a child-focused approach in treating childhood obesity.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of three randomized controlled trials published in the English language between the years 2004 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer reviewed journals comparing parent-focused intervention as a treatment of childhood obesity compared to a child-focused approach found using Cochrane and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were the child’s obesity status and quality of life. These outcomes …

Is Riboflavin Effective As Prophylaxis For Reducing The Frequency Of Migraine Headaches In The Pediatric Population?, Megan Haines

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not riboflavin is effective as prophylaxis for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches in the pediatric population.

Study Design: Systematic review of the three English language primary studies, published between 2008-2010.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study published after 1996 comparing migraine frequency before and after administration of riboflavin were obtained using PubMed and EBSCO databases.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in migraine frequency, determined by child-parent collaborated headache diary while using prophylactic intervention, was the primary outcome measured. This outcome …

Is Oral Dexamethasone Safe And Effective For Treating Asthma Exacerbations In Pediatric Patients?, Benhamin J. Kunze

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not a one or two dose regimen of dexamethasone (DEX) is a safe and effective treatment for asthma exacerbations in the pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, primary randomized controlled trials (RCT) published from 2001-2008.

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs examining the efficacy of DEX either in a single dose or one dose for two days, compared to a traditional five day regimen of prednisone (PRED).

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The studies examined the number of relapses within 10 days of …

Does Electroanalgesic Therapy Decrease Neuropathic Pain In Diabetic Patients?, Michelle A. Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not use of electroanalgesic therapy decreases neuropathic pain symptoms in diabetic patients

STUDY DESIGN: Review of a 2 randomized control trial published in 2013 and 2011 published in the English language and an observational study published in 2010 in the German language translated into English.

DATA SOURCES: One randomized, double-blind control trial comparing frequency-modulated electromagnetic stimulation vs placebo in reduction of diabetic neuropathic pain, one randomized, control trial comparing microcurrent transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation vs placebo in reduction of painful diabetic neuropathy and a observational …

Is The Use Of The Drug Buprenorphine And Naloxone (Suboxone) As Effective In Suppressing Opioid Dependency And Its Withdrawal Symptoms, Or Is It Simply A Surrogate For The Opiate With The Addictive Results?, Christina T. Lekas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of the drug Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) is effective in suppressing opioid dependency and its withdrawal symptoms, or is it simply a surrogate for the opiate with the same addictive results.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three primary studies in the English language published in 2010 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled and double blind clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of Suboxone in signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal were found using the EBSCO Host and Lexi-Comp databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Likability …