Digital Commons Network^™

Aerosolized Transmissible Diseases Guidance Document, J. David Miller, John P. (Jack) Springston Jr., Cheryl L. Marcham, J. David Krause, Ling-Ling Hung, Wane A. Baker

Publications

Prior to COVID-19, pandemic influenza viruses have emerged four times in the previous one hundred years. This includes “Spanish” influenza (H1N1) in 1918, “Asian” influenza (H2N2) in 1957, “Hong Kong” influenza (H3N2) in 1968, and H1N1 “swine” influenza in 2009 (Saunders-Hastings & Krewski, 2016; Taubenberger, 2005). In early May 2024, the first reported human case of avian flu (H5N1) that had also infected cows in the US appeared in the literature (Uyeki et al., 2024). In late August 2024, OSHA released a hazard alert providing information for dairy workers on avian influenza in dairy cattle, together with personal protective equipment …

Prevalence Of Psychiatric And Sleep Disorders And Their Impact On Quality Of Life In Children With Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: An Observational Study., Amanda K. Hertel, Jordan T. Jones, Ashley Lytch, Emily Cramer, Ariana Schroeder, William R. Black

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common connective tissue disorder. However, few studies exist on psychiatric and sleep disorders in pediatric patients with hEDS. This study aims to describe psychiatric and sleep disorders and evaluate their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with hEDS. As part of a longitudinal study, a convenience sample of 123 pediatric patients with hEDS, were recruited at a hEDS multidisciplinary clinic in sequential order over a seven-month period. Patient-reported outcomes were completed (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pediatric Profile Version 2 [PROMIS], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], Adolescent Sleep Wake …

Sexual Health In The Era Of Artificial Intelligence: A Scoping Review Of The Literature, Elia Abou Chawareb, Brian H. Im, Sherry Lu, Muhammed A.M. Hammad, Tiffany R. Huang, Henry Chen, Faysal A. Yafi

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

INTRODUCTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has witnessed significant growth in the field of medicine, leveraging machine learning, artificial neuron networks, and large language models. These technologies are effective in disease diagnosis, education, and prevention, while raising ethical concerns and potential challenges. However, their utility in sexual medicine remains relatively unexplored.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the status of AI in the field of sexual medicine.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using MeSH keywords, including "artificial intelligence," "sexual medicine," "sexual health," and "machine learning." Two investigators screened articles for eligibility within the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, with …

Evaluation Of The Distress Thermometer In Older Patients With Cancer, Charlotte Zuber, Kristine Swartz, Andrew Chapman, Lora Rhodes, Tingting Zhan, Kuang-Yi Wen

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: The Geriatric Depression Scale is a useful tool in screening for depression in older adults, a particularly vulnerable population in oncology. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT) has been validated as a fast and effective screening tool for psychological distress in general oncology populations, and it could possibly be used as a surrogate for the longer Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) test in older adults with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study in older adults prior to starting cancer treatment, we evaluated the relationship between the DT and GDS by comparing 242 older adults …

Using The 5ms Framework To Advance Aging-Responsive Care For Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Abigail Latimer, Debra K. Moser, Jia-Rong Wu, Kim K. Birtcher, Malachy J. Clancy, Jennifer D. Portz, Joanna Paladino, Daniel D. Matlock, Christopher E. Knoepke

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Complexity of care is the inevitable consequence of an aging population and is particularly true in instances where patients are managing chronic conditions such as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HFrEF itself is complex, with an undulating course of illness, increased risk of sudden cardiac death, and myriad accompanying treatment considerations. Generalist management of HFrEF among older patients is further complicated by competing comorbidities, potential for financial toxicity, potential for mental health symptoms, and risk of care with does not align with goals and preferences. The 5Ms (multicomplexity, mind, mobility, medications, and matters most) is a holistic conceptualization …

Persistent Barriers To Implementation Of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy, Jessica Hack, Adati Tarfa, Harlan Sayles, Nada Fadul

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Reliability And Validity Of Simple And Complex Reaction Speed Tests In Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Using The Blazepod System, Jacek Polechoński, Jan Pilch, Alan Langer, Magdalena Prończuk, Jarosław Markowski, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The main aim of the research was to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurements of simple and complex reaction speed using the BlazePod system in MMA athletes. Additionally, these motor skills for the right and left hands of the studied athletes were compared. The study involved 34 male professional MMA practitioners (training experience 7.0±4.0 years, age 26.5±5.3 years, body mass 76.9±9.8 kg, height 178.5±5.7 cm). The evaluation of reaction speed utilized the BlazePod^TM system and classic computer tests. The time from the activation of a light stimulus to the hand striking a glowing target in front of the …

Exploring Profiles Of Fathers Integrating Food And Physical Activity Parenting Practices, John A Jimenez-Garcia, Louise C Mâsse, Robert L Newton, Salma M Musaad, Alicia Beltran, Teresia M O'Connor

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: This study aims to identify fathers' profiles integrating food parenting practices (FPP) and physical activity parenting practices (PAPP).

Design: We analysed cross-sectional data. The fathers completed the reduced FPP and PAPP item banks and socio-demographic and family dynamics (co-parenting and household responsibility) questionnaires. We identified fathers' profiles via latent profile analysis. We explored the influence of social determinants, child characteristics and family dynamics on fathers' profiles using multinomial logistic regression.

Setting: Online survey in the USA.

Participants: Fathers of 5-11-year-old children.

Results: We analysed data from 606 fathers (age = 38 ± 8·0; Hispanic = 37·5 %). Most fathers …

Effect Of Testosterone Treatment During Puberty In Boys With Klinefelter Syndrome (The Tipy Study): Protocol For A Nationwide Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study, Ida Dyhr Caspersen, Andrés Felipe Østergaard Fritzbøger, Jørgen Holm Petersen, Niels Birkebæk, Ann-Margrethe Rønholt Christensen, Anders Jørgen Schou, Kurt Kristensen, Judith L. Ross, Shanlee Davis, Gary Butler, Sophie Van Rijn, Anders Juul, Lise Aksglaede

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic condition characterised by the presence of an extra X chromosome in males (47,XXY). KS is associated with various phenotypic characteristics in adult life, including infertility, hypogonadism and increased risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals with KS often experience mental health challenges and functional impairments that significantly impact their quality of life. Currently, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in adolescence is considered the first-line treatment by some physicians for patients with KS and biochemical signs of hypogonadism. However, comprehensive evidence on its effectiveness in preventing typical phenotypic traits associated with …

Effects Of Social Isolation On Locus Coeruleus Opioid Receptor Expression And Affective Behavior, John Tkaczynski, Jordan Riser, Maya Patel, Nicole Shellenbarger, Jin Park, Daniel Manvich, Daniel J Chandler

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Social isolation is a stressor that impairs homeostatic neuroendocrine functions and is associated with the development of several mood disorders characterized by persistent negative affect. Persistent feelings of loneliness have been growing public health concerns for several years and were greatly exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem has grown so severe the U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness to be an epidemic health concern that is associated with poor mental and somatic health outcomes. Therefore, identifying mechanisms of neuroadaptation that contribute to the development of persistent negative affect is a critical step in the identifying better …

Parent Feedback On The Reducing Emotional Distress For Childhood Hypoglycemia In Parents (Redchip) Intervention: A Qualitative Analysis., Nicole A. Kahhan, Maryjane S. Campbell, Mark A. Clements, Kimberly A. Driscoll, Amy I. Milkes, Holly K. O'Donnell, Susana R. Patton

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVES: Severe hypoglycemia is more common among young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) than older youth, and parents report significant hypoglycemia fear (HF). Parents experiencing HF describe constant and extreme worry about the occurrence of hypoglycemia and may engage in potentially risky behaviors to avoid hypoglycemia. Our team developed and tested a behavioral intervention, Reducing Emotional Distress for Childhood Hypoglycemia in Parents (REDCHiP), to decrease HF in parents of young children with T1DM. Here, we qualitatively analyzed parent feedback to refine and optimize future intervention iterations.

METHODS: The randomized pilot study included parents (n = 73) of …

Body Composition And Its Outcomes And Management In Multiple Sclerosis: Narrative Review, Ariel Kidwell-Chandler, Justin Jackson, Brenda Jeng, Stephanie L Silveira, Lara A Pilutti, Paul R Hibbing, Robert W Motl

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: There is emerging interest in obesity and its prevalence, outcomes, and management in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Body mass index (BMI) is the traditional marker of obesity in MS, whereas body composition, inclusive of specific body tissue compartments (e.g., fat, bone, and muscle), is often overlooked despite its relevance.

Objective: This narrative review (a) underscored the use and utility of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as an accurate and reliable measure of body composition; (b) thematically analyzed and synthesized the current evidence regarding body composition (using DEXA); and (c) determined gaps to be addressed in future research. Methods: …

Preoperative Brain Volume Loss Is Associated With Postoperative Delirium In Advanced Heart Failure Patients Supported By Left Ventricular Assist Device, Iván Murrieta-Álvarez, Jacob P Scioscia, José M Benítez-Salazar, Jason Uwaeze, Zicheng Xu, Guangyao Zheng, Shiyi Li, Vladimir Braverman, Carl P Walther, Alexis E Shafii, Camila Hochman-Mendez, Todd K Rosengart, Kenneth K Liao, Nandan K Mondal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Delirium is a common neurological complication in patients with advanced heart failure (ADHF) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, significantly impacting recovery. This study aimed to analyze non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain in ADHF patients undergoing LVAD implantation to determine the association between pre-existing brain atrophy and postoperative delirium. A study involving 166 ADHF patients was conducted from March 2020 to July 2023. Non-contrast CT scans were analyzed using advanced quantitative neuroimaging techniques before implantation. The primary marker assessed was the lateral ventricle fraction (LVF), with secondary markers including cortical gray matter fraction (cGMF), white matter …

The Supporting Role Of Physical Exercise In The Prevention And Treatment Of Neurodegenerative And Mental Diseases, Celestyna Grzywniak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the article is to draw attention to the possibility of using physical exercises in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia as well as mental disorders, particularly depression. This article emphasizes the significance of physical exercise in stimulating the nervous system, including the glial cells, as well as their role in the production of proteins called myokines and myostatins belonging to cytokines. It briefly characterizes the most common neurotrophins in the human body including the BDNF and their role in stabilizing and treating neurodegenerative and mental diseases. It presents the secretory functions of skeletal …

Understanding The Coping Mechanisms Used By Older Formerly Incarcerated Persons During Reentry, Sayla Victores

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated the coping mechanisms employed by older formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry. While there is research on the reentry experiences of older formerly incarcerated individuals, less is known about how they cope with the strains of reentry. As such, this study fills this gap in the literature by exploring both adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms employed by this population during reentry. Using in-depth interviews with 20 older, formerly incarcerated individuals, I found that older formerly incarcerated persons experienced challenges related to securing stable housing, finding employment and economic security, community supervision, stigma and judgment, and overall reintegration. …

Exploration Of Working Memory Retrieval Stage For Mild Cognitive Impairment: Time-Varying Causality Analysis Of Electroencephalogram Based On Dynamic Brain Networks, Yi Jiang, Zhiwei Guo, Xiaobo Zhou, Ning Jiang, Jiayuan He

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its management is crucial for it helps intervene and slow the progression of cognitive decline to AD. However, the understanding of the MCI mechanism is not completely clear. As working memory (WM) damage is a common symptom of MCI, this study focused on the core stage of WM, i.e., the memory retrieval stage, to investigate information processing and the causality relationships among brain regions based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.

Method: 21 MCI and 20 normal cognitive control (NC) participants …

Protocol And Design Of The Repose Study: A Double-Blinded, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Suvorexant To Improve Postoperative Sleep And Reduce Delirium Severity In Older Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery, John Michael Fallon, Mona Hashemaghaie, Christy E. Peterson, Dieplinh Tran, Sophie R. Wu, Jonathan M. Valdes, Nicole M. Pedicini, Melissa E. Adams, Marjorie Soltis, Wissam Mansour, Mary Cooter Wright, Karthik Raghunathan, Miriam M. Treggiari, Cina Sasannejad, Michael J. Devinney

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative delirium occurs in up to 40% of older surgical patients and has been associated with prolonged hospital stays, long-term cognitive impairment and increased 1-year postoperative mortality. Postoperative sleep disturbances may increase the risk of delirium, but studies investigating pharmacotherapies to improve postoperative sleep to prevent delirium remain limited. Suvorexant is a selective antagonist of orexin 1 and 2 receptors and is approved for insomnia pharmacotherapy by the Food and Drug Administration. It has the potential to improve postoperative sleep and reduce postoperative delirium rates, but randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to determine the efficacy of postoperative suvorexant …

A Scoping Review Of Sleep Disturbances In Children And Adolescents With Abdominal Pain Disorders., Hunter J. Friesen, Neha Singh, Jennifer Verrill Schurman, Amanda D. Deacy, Craig A. Friesen, Jennifer Colombo

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE/AIM: Sleep disturbances have been implicated as contributors to chronic pain. We undertook this review to assess the current literature regarding sleep disturbances in youth with chronic abdominal pain. We assessed studies evaluating prevalence, pathophysiology, and/or outcomes to identify gaps in knowledge and to determine whether there is an evidential basis for sleep interventions in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing Google Scholar, Pub Med, SCOPUS, and Embase, we searched using the terms "sleep disturbances" AND ("abdominal pain"/exp OR "abdominal pain") AND ([adolescent]/lim OR [school]/lim). Articles were included if they contained data regarding sleep disturbance prevalence, pathophysiology, or relationships to …

Influence Of Marching Band Experience On Eating Disorder Risk And Perceived Stress In Collegiate Marching Artists, Kalor Greve, Jaclyn B. Caccese, Matthew P. Brancaleone

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Collegiate marching artists face severe and prevalent stressors that may contribute to poor mental health and unhealthy habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sex and years of participation in collegiate marching band on the relationship between eating disorder risk and perceived stress levels. Methods: Marching artists from an NCAA Division I university completed the Eating Disorder Questionnaire-6 (EDEQ-6) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to obtain disordered eating behaviors and perceived stress levels, respectively. Spearman rank correlations were used to determine the relationship between PSS-10 scores and global and subscale EDEQ-6 scores, …

Identifying Factors Associated With Sleep Disorders And Treatment Avoidance Among Collegiate Student-Athletes, Allie Ziniti, Andrew W. Froehle, Brian A. Edwards

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Mental health concerns among collegiate students-athletes are exacerbated by poor sleep, and this population experiences elevated risk for irregular sleep patterns and associated sleep disorders. Interventions aimed at early identification of student-athletes experiencing sleep disorders and guiding them to treatment can contribute to improved mental health in this group. The present study’s objective was to clarify risk-factors associated with increased likelihood of sleep disorders and treatment avoidance in student-athletes. Methods: Data were self-reported survey responses related to sleep disorders, from US college/university varsity athletes (n=51,882) completing the 2011-2019 National College Health Assessments (NCHA). Outcomes: The primary outcomes that we …

Access To Outreach Athletic Trainers Improves Orthopedic Specialty Appointment Adherence, Katie Sniffen, Katie Smith, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Leslie Hinyard

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Background: Adolescent sports participation carries an inherent risk of musculoskeletal injury, with an estimated 2 million injuries occurring annually among high school athletes. Navigating the healthcare system to receive appropriate care can be challenging, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes. Athletic trainers (ATs) may play a crucial role in facilitating timely access to specialized care. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between referral pathways (outreach athletic trainers (OATs), non-outreach athletic trainers (ATs), urgent care (UC), and emergency department (ED)) and appointment adherence while controlling for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Methods: Using electronic medical …

Relationship Between E-Sports And Physical Activity Participation: Validation Of The E-Sports Addiction Scale (Esas), Olivér Szabella, Lili Kassay, Attila Szabo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: E-sports are becoming increasingly popular. Considering the addictive potential of video games, e-sports might be more addictive than traditional sports. This study assessed the addiction risk in regular e-sports players and its relationship with other physical exercise habits. Method: A sample of 116 (93.1% males; mean age = 23.91±4.47) e-sports players answered questions online on play and exercise habits and completed the E-sports Addiction Scale (ESAS) derived from the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-R). Results: The ESAS showed excellent model fit, allowing researchers to assess the risk of e-sports addiction in future studies. The risk rate of e-sports addiction …

Alpha-Frequency Stimulation Strengthens Coupling Between Temporal Fluctuations In Alpha Oscillation Power And Default Mode Network Connectivity, Yijia Ma, Joshua A Brown, Chaowen Chen, Mingzhou Ding, Wei Wu, Wen Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Alpha (8–12 Hz) oscillations and default mode network (DMN) activity dominate the brain's intrinsic activity in the temporal and spatial domains, respectively. They are thought to play crucial roles in the spatiotemporal organization of the complex brain system. Relatedly, both have been implicated, often concurrently, in diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, with accruing electroencephalogram (EEG)/magnetoencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data linking these two neural activities both at rest and during key cognitive operations. Prominent theories and extant findings thus converge to suggest a mechanistic relationship between alpha oscillations and the DMN. Here, we leveraged simultaneous EEG–fMRI data acquired before and …

A Phase I/Ii Trial Of Avelumab Combinations With Ivuxolimab, Utomilumab, And Radiation Therapy In Patients With Advanced Gastrointestinal Malignancies, Jibran Ahmed, Anne Knisely, Carlos Torrado, Bettzy Stephen, Yali Yang, Juhee Song, Anas Alshawa, Abdulrazzak Zarifa, Anuja Jhingran, Eugene J Koay, Van Karlyle Morris, Milind Javle, Robert A Wolff, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Shubham Pant, Jordi Rodon, Aung Naing

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Checkpoint agonists utomilumab (4-1BB agonist) and ivuxolimab (OX40 agonist) enhance Teffector cell function. Preclinical studies suggest that combining these drugs with avelumab (anti-PD-L1 antibody) can potentially synergize this effect. In addition, tissue abscopal effects of radiation therapy may improve antigen presentation, complementing PD-L1 blockade. We conducted a single institution, open-label, multi-arm, non-randomized, phase 1/2 clinical trial of avelumab in combination with ivuxolimab, with or without utomilumab, and radiation therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. Herein, we present a subgroup analysis in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (pancreatic, colon, gastric, and hepatocellular).

Methods: The primary objectives of this study …

Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes With Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide: A Quality-Of-Life Evaluation And 2-Year Outcomes Of Bmt Ctn 1703., Shernan G Holtan, Javier Bolaños-Meade, Monzr M Al Malki, Juan Wu, Carrie L Kitko, Ran Reshef, Andrew R Rezvani, Brian C Shaffer, Melhem M Solh, Janny M Yao, Lyndsey Runaas, Hany Elmariah, Karilyn T Larkin, Najla El Jurdi, Mahasweta Gooptu, Alison W Loren, Aric C Hall, Amin M Alousi, Omer Jamy, William Clark, Leslie Kean, Ami S Bhatt, Miguel-Angel Perales, Kristy Applegate, Yvonne Adeduni Efebera, Eric Leifer, Richard J Jones, Mary M Horowitz, Deborah Mattila, Wael Saber, Mehdi Hamadani, Michael J Martens

Oncology Articles

The BMT CTN 1703 phase III trial confirmed that graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), tacrolimus (Tac), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) results in superior GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) compared with Tac/methotrexate (MTX) prophylaxis. This companion study assesses the effect of these regimens on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Using the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Score and PROMIS subscales (physical function, GI symptoms, social role satisfaction) as primary end points and hemorrhagic cystitis symptoms and Lee subscales as secondary end points, responses from English and Spanish speakers were analyzed at baseline and days 100, 180, and 365 after transplant. PRO scores …

Exercise And Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Risks, Benefits, And Safety - A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Arif Albulushi, Qasim Al Abri, Ahmed Tawfek, Ahmed Reza Bagheri, Said Al-Hinai

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often associated with conservative exercise recommendations due to the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, emerging evidence suggests that tailored exercise programs may provide significant benefits to HCM patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of different types and intensities of exercise on clinical outcomes and quality of life in HCM patients, assessed the role of exercise in preventing disease progression and arrhythmias, and determined the safety and efficacy of structured exercise programs tailored to individual risk profiles.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and relevant cardiology journals. …

Changes In Brain Functional Connectivity Associated With Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation In Healthy Controls, Daniel A. Monti, Nancy Wintering, Faezeh Vedaei, Alicia Steinmetz, Feroze Mohamed, Andrew B. Newberg

Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: A growing number of research studies have explored the potential effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on brain physiology as well as clinical effects particularly related to stress and anxiety. However, there currently are limited studies showing functional changes during different frequencies of stimulation and laterality effects transcutaneous auricular VNS (TaVNS). In this study, we evaluated whether TaVNS alters functional connectivity in the brain of healthy controls. We hypothesized that TaVNS would significantly alter connectivity in areas involved with emotional processing and regulation including the limbic areas, insula, frontal lobe regions, and cerebellum.

METHODS: We enrolled 50 healthy controls. …

A Bland–Altman Comparison Of The Lead Care® System And Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry For Detecting Low-Level Lead In Child Whole Blood Samples, Christina Sobin, Tanner Schaub, Natali Parisi, Eva De La Riva

Departmental Papers (PH)

Chronic childhood lead exposure, yielding blood lead levels consistently below 10 μg/dL, remains a major public health concern. Low neurotoxic effect thresholds have not yet been established. Progress requires accurate, efficient, and cost-effective methods for testing large numbers of children. The LeadCare® System (LCS) may provide one ready option. The comparability of this system to the “gold standard” method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the purpose of detecting blood lead levels below 10 μg/dL has not yet been examined. Paired blood samples from 177 children ages 5.2–12.8 years were tested with LCS and ICP-MS. Triplicate repeat tests …

Cultivating A Trauma-Informed Lens Into Outpatient Supportive Oncology Via The Interdisciplinary Team, Ramona Sitko, Msw, Lcsw

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Background
A cancer diagnosis often brings with it a profound sense of existential threat. For individuals with a history of trauma, it can activate a trauma response, manifesting as anxiety, depression, difficulty processing information, and challenges in adhering to a medical treatment plan. Health care providers in oncology settings should strive to recognize these responses to more effectively address patient concerns and help minimize potential barriers to care. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a framework developed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) which can help providers realize, recognize, respond, and resist retraumatization of patients.

Objectives
Examine the …

Exploring Social Impairment In Those With Opioid Use Disorder: Linking Impulsivity, Childhood Trauma, And The Prefrontal Cortex, Thais Costa Macedo De Arruda, Laura Sinko, Paul Regier, Altona Tufanoglu, Adrian Curtin, Anne M. Teitelman, Hasan Ayaz, Peter F. Cronholm, Anna Rose Childress

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Challenges with social functioning, which is a hallmark of opioid use disorder (OUD), are a drawback in treatment adherence and maintenance. Yet, little research has explored the underlying mechanisms of this impairment. Impulsivity and corresponding neural alterations may be at the center of this issue. Childhood adversity, which has been linked to both impulsivity and poorer treatment outcomes, could also affect this relationship. This study explores the relationship between impulsivity, social functioning, and their neural correlates in the prefrontal cortex, while examining the potential moderating effects of childhood trauma in individuals recovering from OUD.

METHODS: Participants with (N = …