Digital Commons Network^™

Association Of Hospitals’ Organizational Characteristics And Market Factors Offering Integrative Medicine Services To Adult Cancer Patients, Sanober Ajani

All ETDs from UAB

Integrative medicine (IM) plays an important role in cancer symptom management by providing patients with a range of non-pharmacological options to help manage the physical and emotional symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. More patients are seeking IM services due in part to a more holistic or patient-centered approach to cancer care, alleviating side effects from cancer treatments, improving quality of life, and enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness. Although the demand for IM services is increasing, there is a gap in our knowledge regarding which cancer hospitals are providing IM programs and what services are offered within these programs. Therefore, …

Couple-Based Lifestyle Intervention For Minority Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Feasibility Trial, Dalnim Cho, Yisheng Li, Karen Basen-Engquist, Chiara Acquati, Nga T T Nguyen, Hilary Ma, Curtis A Pettaway, Lorna H Mcneill

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Black and Hispanic prostate cancer (PCa) survivors, who face a high burden of comorbid conditions and often engage in low levels of physical activity and healthy eating, remain significantly underrepresented in lifestyle intervention studies.

Purpose: Given the significance of spousal influence, we developed a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention for these survivors and their spouses and assessed its feasibility, acceptability, and impact on behavioral change.

Methods: Survivor-spouse couples were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 22), which received 12 health-coaching calls over 6 months, or a usual-care control group (n = 9). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T1), …

Rethinking The Rise Of Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Call To Action, Benjamin A Weinberg, Caitlin C Murphy, David R Freyer, K Leigh Greathouse, Jan K Blancato, Elena M Stoffel, Julia L Drewes, Anne Blaes, John M Salsman, Y Nancy You, Hannah Arem, Reetu Mukherji, Priyanka Kanth, Xin Hu, Anne Fabrizio, Marion L Hartley, Marios Giannakis, John L Marshall

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Since the early 1990s, there has been a dramatic rise in gastrointestinal cancers diagnosed in patients under age 50 for reasons that remain poorly understood. The most significant change has been the increase in incidence rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, especially rates of left-sided colon and rectal cancers. Increases in gastric, pancreatic, and other gastrointestinal cancer diagnoses have further contributed to this trend. We formed a multidisciplinary Think Tank to develop a strategic, coordinated approach to studying early-onset gastrointestinal cancers. This area of research is challenging given multifactorial etiologies. We focused on epidemiology and the environment, the microbiome, and survivorship …

Beyond The Numbers: A Qualitative Exploration Of Patient Perspectives On Postpartum Care And Maternal Mortality, Kristen A. Waters

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction

Montgomery County faces one of Ohio's highest maternal mortality rates, with notable disparities by race. Despite their importance in reducing maternal deaths, up to 40% of women nationwide do not attend a postpartum care (PPC) visit. While well researched guidelines exist regarding the content and timing of PPC visits, there is a lack of patient perspective on this topic, specifically in the Black-identifying population in an area with a significant burden of maternal mortality.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions were conducted with 31 participants of maternal health community events in Dayton, OH. Participants were asked their opinions …

Validation Of The Distress Thermometer In A Mexican Population With Brain Tumors: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Dan Morgenstern-Kaplan, Sergio Moreno-Jiménez, Fernanda Páez-Plascencia, Angel Ruiz-Chow, Fabiola Flores-Vázquez

Archives of Neurosurgery

Objective: Mental health in cancer patients must be addressed. This study's main objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the DT in a population of patients with brain tumors and determine the optimal cut-off point for the DT. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Mexico City, in a cohort of 110 patients. Results: Of the 108 participants with brain tumors that were included in the analysis (2 patients excluded by incomplete DT), 40 had gliomas, 31 had pituitary adenomas, 21 had meningiomas, and 16 had other types of tumors. …

Microendoscopic Versus Open Discectomy For The Treatment Of Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Cohort Study, Juan Guapo Mendoza, Antonio Guapo Mendoza, Juan Arturo Muciño Mercado, Sonia Melisa Juarez, Arturo Gonzalez, Vianney Guapo Ortiz

Archives of Neurosurgery

Background: Lumbosciatica syndrome affects millions of people worldwide, usually caused by a herniated disc. Most patients with extruded herniated discs are highly symptomatic, and they respond better to surgical treatment. Several studies have tried to compare the efficacy and benefits of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and open discectomy (OD).

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the results and complications of our MED experience versus standard OD in patients with lumbar disc extrusion.

Material and methods: We included patients from 18 to 60 years with radicular pain syndrome and single-level extruded disc herniation between January 2015 and December 2020. …

Transformative Experiences, Anticipatory Regret, And Informed Consent, Elizabeth Lanphier, Shannon Fyfe

Scholarly Articles

Regret risk is not consistently part of information sharing within informed consent. Yet two kinds of decisions that often invoke concerns about future regret, abortion and sterilization, raise considerations for the role of regret in clinical decision-making and informed consent, particularly regarding decisions about potentially transformative experiences. We distinguish between first-personal and second-personal anticipatory regret and argue that first-personal anticipatory regret can play a productive role, but second-personal anticipatory regret can function in ways that are pernicious. Introducing second-personal anticipatory regret into medical informed consent processes is, we argue, not only not required for informed medical decision-making, but impermissible within …

Arts In Medicine: Created To Heal, Gbemisola Johnson, Dusk Gosney, Jessica Klingensmith, Akil Augustus

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Stigma As A Barrier To Care, Whitney Grant

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Abstract

Mental health stigma is a major barrier to care. The mental health stigma as a problem is relevant due to its influence on increasing the burden of mental health issues due to a lack of help-seeking, contributing to increased healthcare costs, and increasing adverse health outcomes. Currently there is no action consistently taken to assess or address this stigma in the primary care setting. Healthcare professionals can help to reduce the perceptions of stigma and lessen stigma as a barrier to care. A quality improvement project was implemented to evaluate if an education intervention by a primary care provider …

Reproductive Autonomy In Immunological Intervention: Ethical Boundaries In Maternal-Fetal Immune Therapy, Marium Z. Rizvi

Journal of Health Ethics

Recent advances in immunology have broken barriers in reproductive medicine through immune-modulating therapies that support fertility and pregnancy. Treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and intralipid infusions are increasingly offered to patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) or Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), conditions that result in miscarriages and failed IVF treatments (Pillarysetti et al., 2023). Maternal-fetal immunology reveals a delicate interplay between immune tolerance and defense: the maternal system must accept a genetically foreign fetus while preserving immunological protection. Disruptions in this balance are implicated in implantation disorders and pregnancy failure. As a result, immune-based therapies have emerged as promising …

Burnout In The Emergency Room: Corrective Measures Vs. The Absence Of Solutions, Zane Walters, Zachary Woodall

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Physician burnout has become an increasingly prevalent and critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly among emergency room physicians who face high-stress, high-demand working conditions. Burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, leading to negative outcomes for physicians’ mental health, job satisfaction, and overall career longevity. This phenomenon not only threatens the well-being of physicians but also compromises patient care quality and contributes to costly turnover within healthcare organizations.

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the impact of burnout interventions on emergency room physicians. …

Understanding Injury Risk In Female College Dancers: The Interplay Of Mobility And Strength, Audrey Clark

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

INTRODUCTION: Female college dancers present a unique set of demands that contribute to a risk of injury different from other sports. Two of the primary physical demands of dance, mobility and strength, are also known risk factors for non contact injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility, strength, and non contact injuries in female college dancers and add to the current gap in literature. METHODS: Participants (n=10) completed an injury history, hand-grip assessment, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and monthly follow up injury surveys during the duration of the study. Means, standard deviations, correlations, and …

Effective Communication In The Pronunciation Of Brain Death, Sumanth Reddy, Artur Amirkhanyan, Jeremiah Avarana, Praneetha Arge, Alicia Lay

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Clinical brain death determination requires both technical proficiency and sensitive communication with families. However, residents often report inadequate training and confidence in performing and discussing these examinations. This study evaluated an educational intervention combining didactic training and simulation to improve residents’ competence in brain death protocols and family communication. Methods: A mixed-methods cohort study was conducted with resident physicians. Participants completed a pre-intervention questionnaire assessing baseline knowledge, experience, and confidence in brain death determination and communication. An educational session reviewed clinical criteria, examination protocols, and communication strategies. Residents then engaged in an in-person simulation with standardized actors portraying grieving …

Efficacy Of Pharmacotherapy Vs Psychotherapy For Insomnia: A Clinical Review, Logan Lovell

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder with significant impacts on public health, economics, and vulnerable populations including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. This review examines current literature comparing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for insomnia.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed using the keywords “insomnia,” “cognitive behavioral therapy,” and “pharmacotherapeutics” which was refined using MeSH terms, Boolean operators, and specific parameters (English, free full-text, published between 2019 and 2024). Six articles were selected for an in-depth review of pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic treatments for insomnia.

Results: The selected articles from the PubMed search were …

Barbiturates Versus Benzodiazepines For Adults With Severe Alcohol Withdrawal, Frank Schaefer, Alexandra Doan, Jarratt Lark, Scott Gutovitz

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

Effect Of A Durable Medical Equipment Template On A Family Medicine Clinic, Zara Soomro, Ali Al-Nahi, Neil Bhangoo, Yi Lei, John Nguyen, Sahar Elchehabi, Austin Driskill, Priyanka Reddy, Dylan Huynh, Jonathan Choi, Dante Paredes, Tasaduq H. Mir

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background Patients rely on durable medical equipment (DME) to maintain their independence, however supplying and ordering DME for patients is challenging due to lack of a clear workflow, inadequate documentation, and differing coverage criteria, which has led to delays in patients receiving their DME. Current criteria to order DME include the following items: equipment description, quantity, length of need (estimate), diagnosis, recent height and weight, name, date of birth, home address, insurance company and member ID. The objective of this quality improvement project is to provide a clear and concise template for providers to use in ordering DME. Methods The …

P.C.U. (Please Cut Unnecessary Use): Making Room For Better Care And Costs, Taylor Croteau, Emmanuella Gomez Martinez, Jafaar Abou-Ghaida, Nelson Reyes Perez, Katya Grovac, Shamol Williams, Olga Karasik

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Qi Project On Depression Screening Phq2 And Phq9 In Kingwood Im Clinic, Anam Zara, Sara Shahid, Anusha Putta

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Practice Patterns In Pediatric And Adult Dysphagia: Implications For Clinical Training, Jane Grothaus, Kaitlyn Hill, Marlee Nebesniak, Anastasia Raymer

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Objective: Most speech language pathologists (SLPs) receive training to work with patients with swallowing disorders in graduate school, focusing primarily on adult dysphagia. Although SLPs share common foundational knowledge and skills for adult and pediatric dysphagia populations, there are considerable differences in these two specialized areas of practice. We aimed to query SLPs’ practice patterns for dysphagia assessment and management for adults and pediatric populations to consider differences and guide training efforts.

Methods: We distributed two comprehensive anonymous surveys to explore practice patterns of SLPs who provide assessment and management of dysphagia for adult or pediatric populations. The 118 respondents, …

Excitation And Polarization Of Isolated Neurons By High-Frequency Sine Waves For Temporal Interference Stimulation, Iurii Semenov, Vitalii Kim, Giedre Silkuniene, Andrei G. Pakhomov

Bioelectrics Publications

The capacity of temporal interference (TI) stimulation to target deep brain regions without affecting nearby surface electrodes remains uncertain. Using artifact-free optical recording, we compare excitation patterns and thresholds in hippocampal neurons stimulated by “pure” and amplitude-modulated sine waves, representing TI waveforms near electrodes and at the target, respectively. We show that pure 2- and 20-kHz sine waves induce repetitive firing at rates that increase up to 60–90 Hz with stronger electric fields. Beyond this limit, action potentials merge into sustained depolarization, resulting in an excitation block. Modulating the sine waves at 20 Hz aligns firing with amplitude “beats” and …

Enhancing The Accuracy Of Image Classification For Degenerative Brain Diseases With Cnn Ensemble Models Using Mel-Spectrograms, Sang-Ha Sung, Michael Pokojovy, Do-Young Kang, Woo-Yong Bae, Yeon-Jae Hong, Sangjin Kim

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are prevalent neurodegenerative disorders among the elderly, leading to cognitive decline and motor impairments. As the population ages, the prevalence of these neurodegenerative disorders is increasing, providing motivation for active research in this area. However, most studies are conducted using brain imaging, with relatively few studies utilizing voice data. Using voice data offers advantages in accessibility compared to brain imaging analysis. This study introduces a novel ensemble-based classification model that utilizes Mel spectrograms and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to distinguish between healthy individuals (NM), AD, and PD patients. A total of 700 voice …

Autism Prevalence And Appropriate Care Analytics, Brittany Bare, Final Patel, Peyton Dekle, Jessica Donaldson

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Hemifacial Spasm Due To Dolichoectasia Of Vertebral And Basilar Arteries, Meena Iyer, Shasthara Paneyala Dr.

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Dolichoectasia refers to the non-focal dilatation and tortuosity of arteries, primarily affecting the vertebral and basilar arteries due to severe tunica intima degeneration. It is associated with genetic predisposition and atherosclerosis, leading to vessel wall weakening. Patients may remain asymptomatic or develop neurological deficits due to mass effect. We report a case of a 60-year-old male presenting with hemifacial spasm secondary to vertebral artery dolichoectasia. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) revealed ectatic and tortuous basilar and vertebral arteries, with the left vertebral artery compressing the left facial nerve complex. Using Smoker’s criteria, a diagnosis of dolichoectasia was confirmed. Dolichoectasia-induced hemifacial spasm …

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Preoperative Dexmedetomidine Nebulization Versus Lignocaine Nebulization In Attenuation Of Stress Response During Direct Laryngoscopy And Endotracheal Intubation In Elective Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Control Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya, Sumayya E., Kiran A V., Santhosh M C B., Shivakumar G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are known to provoke harmful stimuli that can lead to transient, unpredictable, and variable hemodynamic alterations, primarily due to heightened sympathoadrenal activity.¹ Various pharmacological agents have been explored to mitigate this stress response; however, none have emerged as optimal.²

Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of nebulized dexmedetomidine in comparison to nebulized lignocaine on the hemodynamic stress response during direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, including any adverse effects in patients undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods: Informed consent was obtained from 60 patients aged 18 to …

Felt Need For Psychiatry Clubs In Medical Colleges To Enhance Teaching-Learning, Aditya Rao, Sheryl Agarwal, Sharanya Bose, M Kishor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Mental health competence is critical for medical graduates, yet in India the treatment gap for common mental disorders remains substantial, with prevalence estimates indicating up to 80.4% of unmet need. Recent reforms under the Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum have expanded psychiatry training; however, deficiencies in applied skills, preventive psychiatry, and communication remain. Psychiatry clubs have been proposed as supplementary, student-led platforms to address these limitations. This cross-sectional study assessed the perceived need for psychiatry clubs among undergraduate medical students and explored their potential role in enhancing teaching–learning. A structured online survey was administered to 94 students across different phases …

Prevalence Of Depression Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients In Urban Mysuru – A Cross-Sectional Study, Jesymol Joy, Renuka M, Chiranjeevi G S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Depression is a significant comorbidity among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) adversely affecting disease management and overall quality of life. Diabetes and depression have a bidirectional relationship, where poorly managed diabetes increases the risk of depression, and depression exacerbates diabetes-related complications. Depression contributes to poor glycemic control, decreased adherence to treatment, increased risk of diabetes-related complications, and higher healthcare utilization.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in urban Mysuru.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients >18 years of …

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis In Pediatric Asthma : A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Tuberculosis, Praveen Das, Santosh Kondekar, Surbhi Rathi

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, more commonly observed in adults and patients with cystic fibrosis. It can, however, present in pediatric asthmatics with refractory symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features with other pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis. ABPA should be considered in children with uncontrolled asthma and atypical radiologic features, especially when unresponsive to standard therapies. Early recognition and appropriate management are critical to prevent irreversible lung damage and improve quality of life.

Pregnancy-Related Delusional Beliefs In Midlife And Late-Life Women: A Case Series, Dyuksha Arora, Ashita Adarsh, Kishor M. Manohar Rao, Anand R, Soumya Rajshekar Patil, Akshatha Cj

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy represent rare but clinically significant presentations across psychiatric practice. While pseudocyesis involves a false belief of pregnancy accompanied by physical manifestations, delusion of pregnancy refers to a fixed belief of being pregnant despite clear contrary evidence. Both conditions pose considerable challenges as they involve close consultation and liaison between Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Psychiatry. There are a few studies from tertiary care general hospitals in India. Here we report two case series.

Case 1: A 43-year-old married woman from a rural background with an 8-year history of recurrent depressive disorder and dysthymia, presented with 3 months …

One Airway, One Disease In Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study On The Correlation Between Upper And Lower Airway Inflammation In Pregnant Women, Durga K, Yuvarajan S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: The well-established "One Airway, One Disease" concept recognizes the deep physiological and pathological connections between conditions affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, most notably allergic rhinitis and asthma. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant immunological, hormonal, and physiological changes, which can profoundly influence and modulate existing or emerging airway inflammation.

Objective: This prospective observational study was designed with the primary objective of meticulously evaluating the correlation between upper and lower airway inflammation in pregnant women. We aimed to achieve this by assessing a range of clinical symptoms, objective functional parameters, and specific inflammatory markers.

Methods: We …