Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

What Do Extension And Public Health Educators Need To Address Substance Misuse?, Lisa Washburn, Karen Franck

The Journal of Extension

Limited organizational capacity has hindered Extension’s ability to address substance misuse in communities. To inform capacity-building efforts, we obtained Extension educator and health educator feedback on opportunities, challenges and resource needs using the Delphi technique. Opportunities included collaboration and partnerships with local entities. Stigma, inadequate resources, and limited knowledge and skills of educators were challenges. Top resource needs were updated youth curricula, funding, and clear guidance on what educators can do and what should be referred externally. Findings provide insights to educator perceptions and suggest additional training and resources needed to implement evidence-based approaches to address substance misuse.

A Review Of Current Mrna-Based Cancer Vaccinations With Special Consideration For Future Breast Cancer Prevention Strategies, Alexandra She, Alexa Cornwell, Francis Jenney

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), breast cancer (12.5%) has now topped lung cancer (12.2%) as the most prevalent form of cancer in the world (WCRFI, 2022). While therapeutic advances continue to be made, the current treatment of cancer is widely associated with severe side effects from classic therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Over the last two decades, studies have examined breast cancer vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Here, we present an in-depth review of current mRNA-based cancer vaccine literature to assess the prevalence of this technology in this field of medicine. This includes …

Relationship Between Gut Microbiota And Dementia, Saad Ahmed, Zackary Harris, Russell David Levi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This paper explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota, dietary habits, and dementia, focusing particularly on Alzheimer's disease (AD). Growing evidence suggests a significant link between the composition of gut bacteria, dietary choices, and susceptibility to dementia. Notably, individuals with dementia demonstrate a noticeable reduction in gut bacteria diversity, highlighting the crucial role of a balanced microbiome in maintaining cognitive health. Conversely, dietary preferences characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods and sugars are associated with an increased risk of dementia, emphasizing the critical influence of diet on shaping gut microbiota and subsequent neurocognitive outcomes. Importantly, dietary interventions featuring a …

Ovarian Cancer Prevention And Screening – Where Do We Stand Today?, Cristina Bucur, Irina Balescu, Sorin Petrea, Bogdan Gaspar, Lucian Pop, Valentin Varlas, Adrian Hasegan, Marilena Stoian, Gabriel Petre Gorecki, Nicolae Bacalbasa

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Widely recognized as the most deathful gynecologic malignancy affecting women worldwide, ovarian cancer has reported a significant decline in terms of prevalence and incidence in the last decades. This fact has been especially explained by to the use of menopausal hormonal therapy and of oral contraceptives in association with genetic, oncologic and gynecologic counseling. The aim of the current review is to discuss about actual ovarian cancer prevention and screening tools. For this reason, we reviewed several data related to ovarian cancer, such as: incidence and risk factors, histopathological types (epithelial with high- and low-grade serous carcinomas, clear cell carcinoma, …

Prophylactic Mesh Reinforcement For Non-Midline Incisions: A Systematic Review, Rainna Coelho, Oluwatunmininu Anwoju, Ali Siddiqui, Andrew Youssef, Oscar A. Olavarria, Nalia H. Dhanani, Karla Bernardi, Zuhair Ali, Mike Liang

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Many abdominal-pelvic surgeries utilize incisions not along the linea alba, such as transverse, laparoscopic, ostomy reversal, or ostomy formation incisions. The prevalence of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) at these sites and the efficacy of prophylactic mesh in preventing VIH remains unclear.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed from inception to September 2022. We included published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared prophylactic mesh reinforcement versus no mesh. The primary outcome was the incidence of VIH at postoperative follow-up equal to or greater than 24 months. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical site …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child …

Working Under Pressure: Evidence-Based Risk Assessment And Pressure Injury Prevention In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, James A. Hutcheson Iv, Allyson M. Neal

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Background: The hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) can have physiologic, psychologic, and financial sequelae. Children are at increased risk secondary to immature physiology, developmental differences, and severity of illness. Evidence suggests presence of medical devices exponentiates HAPI risk.

Local Problem: Upward trends in HAPIs revealed nearly 50% are device related in the project setting, an urban Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The Braden QD Scale was identified as best evidence for HAPI risk assessment. This initiative aimed to observe the ability of the Braden QD Scale as a predictor of HAPI risk as compared to current practice utilizing the Braden Q …

Exploring Disparities In Prep Prescriptions For High-Risk Hiv Patients Using Real-World Data, Andrew Murdock, Farah Pathan, Sibyl Munson, Fabian D'Souza

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Healthy Skin Committee And Education On The Number Of Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries, Laura Viana

SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

Abstract

Over the years, hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) have emerged as a significant challenge in the healthcare industry. Despite significant advancements in healthcare, pressure injuries continue to be a persistent global healthcare issue, closely linked to the safety of patients, affecting patient outcomes, and increasing healthcare costs (Gaspar et al., 2019). HAPIs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. HAPIs are likely to experience longer hospital stays, increased risk of infections, higher treatment costs, and potentially more significant health complications. HAPIs commonly occur in the hospitalized patient and are costly and preventable. Given the implications of HAPIs, there is …

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

Zika Virus Prevention Behaviors And Knowledge Among Male Partners Of Pregnant People And Lack Of Condom Use As A Prevention Behavior From The Zika En Embarazadas Y Niños (Zen) Prospective Cohort Study, Colombia, Christina L Sancken, Ayzsa Tannis, Sandra A Amouzou, Veronica Burkel, Jeffrey M Carlson, Suzanne Newton, Suzanne M Gilboa, Maritza Gonzalez, Diana Valencia, Van T Tong, Martha Ospina

Journal Articles

Objective: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy can cause brain and eye abnormalities and neurodevelopmental sequelae. In the absence of medical countermeasures, behavioral interventions were recommended to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of ZIKV. This report uses data from the Zika en Embarazadas y Niños (ZEN) prospective cohort study in Colombia to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) related to ZIKV prevention in male partners compared to those of their pregnant partners at study enrollment during February 2017-2018.

Results: Most male partners reported wearing protective clothing such as long pants (97.6%) and long sleeves (72.8%), as well as …

What Is The Risk Of “Captagon” And Other Pill-Pressed Stimulants In Tennessee?, Jeremy C. Kourvelas Mph

SMART Policy Briefs

• The U.S. is the world’s largest market for amphetamine-type stimulants. While “ice” methamphetamine is the predominant type seized in Tennessee, amphetamine powder, cocaine, designer stimulants like MDMA, and diverted pharmaceuticals are also encountered. In fact, non-medical use of pharmaceutical amphetamines is the most predominant type of amphetamine use in the U.S.

• The ongoing shortage of prescription stimulants like Adderall puts college-aged youth and other vulnerable populations at particular risk of encountering counterfeit prescription stimulants. Fentanyl-laced counterfeit Adderall has already been discovered on college campuses, for example.

• One potential threat is “Captagon,” which was banned in the 1980s but has since …

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Major Stressful Life Events And The Risk Of Pancreatic, Head And Neck Cancers: A Case-Control Study, Arthi Sridhar, Vishaldeep Kaur Sekhon, Chandler Nguyen, Kamelah Abushalha, Amirali Tahanan, Mohammad Hossein Rahbar, Syed Hasan Jafri

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Major stressful life events have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and the development of various chronic illnesses. The stress response generated by our body results in a variety of physiological and metabolic changes which can affect the immune system and have been shown to be associated with tumor progression. In this study, we aim to determine if major stressful life events are associated with the incidence of head and neck or pancreatic cancer (HNPC).

METHODS: This is a matched case-control study. Cases (CAs) were HNPC patients diagnosed within the previous …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within …

Machine Learning As A Tool For Early Detection: A Focus On Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer Across Socioeconomic Spectrums, Hadiza Galadima, Rexford Anson-Dwamena, Ashley Johnson, Ghalib Bello, Georges Adunlin, James Blando

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of various machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses against the backdrop of socio-economic and regional healthcare disparities. Methods: An innovative theoretical framework was developed to integrate individual- and census tract-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with sociodemographic factors. A comparative analysis of the ML models was conducted using key performance metrics such as AUC-ROC to evaluate their predictive accuracy. Spatio-temporal analysis was used to identify disparities in late-stage CRC diagnosis probabilities. Results: Gradient boosting emerged as the superior model, with the top predictors for late-stage CRC diagnosis being anatomic site, …

Health Impacts Of Remote Work, Tin Nhan Nguyen

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Remote work has increased in frequency in the past few years with a notable rise in Connecticut. While working from home has certain benefits, it can also increase the risk of certain physical and mental health issues. An educational pamphlet on the health impacts of remote work with suggestions to reduce negative effects was developed and distributed to community members.

Improving Parental Communication With Adolescents About Sex, Amanda Blanton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In 2018, 68 million people in the United States were infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Of those 68 million, 26 million cases were newly diagnosed, and of that 26 million, half were youth aged 15-24 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). The approaches to educating our youth about sexual health are inconsistent, leading to misconceptions about the dangers associated with risky sexual behavior. However, parents have the upper hand in discussing sexual health information with their children by being the child’s first contact and source of information. Teens who report talking with their parents about sex are …

The Effect Of Calcium Channel Blockers On Digital Ulcers In Systemic Sclerosis: Data From A Prospective Cohort Study, Laura Ross, Dylan Hansen, Nancy Maltez, Kathleen Morrisroe, Kimti Kumar, Jennifer Walker, Wendy Stevens, Joanne Sahhar, Gene-Siew Ngian, Lauren Host, Mandana Nikpour, Susanna Proudman

Journal Articles

Digital ulcers (DU) are a common, severe vascular manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with few effective treatment options. Using data from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS), we sought to evaluate the effect of calcium channel blockers (CCB) on the treatment and prevention of DU.Using data from 1953 participants, with a median of 4.34 years of follow-up, we used generalised estimating equations to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with CCB use and ascertain the risk factors for the presence of DU at subsequent study visits. A time-dependent Cox-proportional hazard model was applied to evaluate the risk of future occurrence of …

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …