Digital Commons Network^™

Onset And Exacerbation Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder In The Perinatal Period, Jack Samuels, Mary Kimmel, Janice Krasnow, Rashelle Musci, Paul S Nestadt, Lauren M Osborne, Eric A Storch, Jonathan S Abramowitz, Gerald Nestadt

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can emerge during pregnancy and the postpartum and may adversely affect mother and newborn. However, little is known about potential risk factors for the onset of OCD in the perinatal period. Therefore, we investigated the onset of diagnosed DSM-5 OCD in women followed from the second trimester of pregnancy to 6-months postpartum.

Methods: We followed 256 women from the 20-24th week of pregnancy to 6-month postpartum. Participants had psychiatric diagnostic interviews at baseline and 6-month postpartum and completed self-report instruments. We compared women with and without incident OCD on sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features.

Results: Of …

Real-World Multicenter Assessment Of Sustained Clinical Outcomes After Digital Deep Brain Stimulation, Alireza Gharabaghi, Sergiu Groppa, Elena Casas, Alfons Schnitzler, Laura Muñoz-Delgado, Vicky L. Marshall, Jessica Karl, Lin Zhang, Ramiro Alvarez, Mary S. Feldman, Michael J. Soileau, Lan Luo, Benjamin L. Walter, Chengyuan Wu, Hong Lei, Damian M. Herz, Devyani Nanduri, Claudia A. Salazar, Corneliu Luca, Daniel Weiss

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Remote, internet-based deep brain stimulation programming for Parkinson's disease accelerates clinical benefits postoperatively by improving access to therapy adjustments compared to in-clinic optimization. After completion of the initial digital programming phase, we show that clinical outcomes, quality of life, and safety remain sustained over at least twelve months under routine care conditions. Embedding a randomized trial within a larger cohort study enables long-term, real-world evaluation, offering a scalable and pragmatic model for assessing complex digital interventions in routine clinical care. (NCT05269862 registered on 2022-03-08 and NCT04071847 registered on 2019-08-28).

Repeated Mild Head Injury Establishes A Senescent Cranial Bone Marrow Niche That Impairs Brain Metabolism, Patrick J Devlin, Romeesa Khan, Trang H Do, Bryce E West, Janelle M Korf, Gary U Guzman, Chunfeng Tan, John Ahn, Rene Flores, Micheal E Maniskas, Sean P Marrelli, Anna Malovannaya, Erica Underwood, Rodney M Ritzel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) of any severity is associated with long-term systemic inflammation and increased risk of peripheral comorbidities, yet the mechanisms driving immune dysregulation and accelerated aging after repeated mild head impacts remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the acute and chronic effects of repeated mild TBI (rmTBI) on distal and proximal bone marrow compartments in the femur and calvaria, respectively. Using a modified weight-drop mouse model delivering rotational and acceleration-deceleration forces (3 hits/week for up to 16 weeks), rmTBI produced no mortality, skull fracture, hemorrhage, or brain leukocyte infiltration. One day after three consecutive impacts, rmTBI induced robust …

Interprofessional Collaboration In Inpatient Rehabilitation For Patient With Thiamine Deficiency-Related Sensorimotor And Cognitive Deficits – Case Report, Christina Thomas, Tahreem Hashmi, Joanne Delgado-Lebron, Rania Massad

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: We aim to describe the clinical presentation, interprofessional management, and functional outcomes of a patient with thiamine deficiency. Problem: Thiamine deficiency can result in peripheral polyneuropathy and cognitive deficits that limit function and participation. Despite deficits that warrant interprofessional neurorehabilitation, previous reports focus narrowly on medical management. Case: A 36-year-old female was admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a diagnosis of Guillain Barre. She underwent evaluation by the interprofessional team that revealed cognitive deficits inconsistent with Guillain Barre. Further medical workup identified a thiamine deficiency. Comprehensive treatment included supplementation managed by the physiatrist; promotion of motor learning and neuroplasticity to …

Alcohol And The Endocrine System: A Critical Review Of Disruptions, Potential Mechanisms, And Health Implications, Patricia E. Molina, Liz Simon

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The endocrine system coordinates and integrates cellular activity throughout the body by regulating cellular and organ function and maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis, the dynamic maintenance of internal balance despite changing external or internal conditions, is essential for proper cellular function. The endocrine system achieves this through a complex regulatory network of hormone-mediated signaling among multiple endocrine organs, relying on precisely regulated synthesis and release of hormones and specific hormone-receptor interactions. Endocrine-mediated actions coordinate critical physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress adaptation, and circadian rhythms throughout the lifespan. Endocrine glands—such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, and …

Grover's Disease: A Review Of The Current Treatment Options, Dustin Ross, Dmsc, Mph, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Grover’s disease, also known as transient acantholytic dermatosis, is an uncommon dermatologic condition characterized by pruritic papulovesicular eruptions that predominantly affect the trunk of older adults. Although the disease is often self-limited, it may significantly impair quality of life. This review summarizes treatment options and emerging therapies for Grover’s disease reported in the literature since 2019. A comprehensive search of PubMed and MEDLINE identified 1,068 records, of which thirteen publications met inclusion criteria, including one systematic review, one narrative review, one nonrandomized controlled study, nine case reports, and one fact sheet, representing a total of 337 patients. The literature demonstrates …

Brief Overview Of Assessment And Prognostication Tools For Palliative Care Oncology Patients, Nicole Schwensow

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Patients with life-threatening illnesses can be at risk for the progression of their disease over time. Consequences of such an illness can include recurrent hospitalizations, poor symptom control, and a lack of understanding by the patient and family of the disease, its usual course, and prognosis. Palliative care is a philosophy of care intended to address these issues. While receiving palliative care, patients can continue to undergo treatments directed at a cure, whereas hospice patients no longer receive treatment for underlying diseases. Both approaches focus on symptom control. To best care for palliative patients over time, several outcome domains should …

Frequency Of Autoimmune Primary Adrenal Insufficiency In Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Randa Mohamed Darwish, Ayat Ibrahim Ghanem, Lamis Safwat Mubarak

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder of autoimmune origin with a predisposition to the development of further autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease). Although uncommon and frequently underdiagnosed, it can coexist with T1DM, causing life-threatening complications if undiagnosed. Aim To assess the frequency of autoimmune adrenal insufficiency in children with T1DM and its association with other autoimmune diseases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent a full clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, including serum cortisol, …

Glycolic Acid (Ga) Peel Versus Dermapen In Management Of Acne Scars Among Egyptian Patients: A Comparative Study, Rania Emam Elbanna

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Aim of the work: To assess and contrast dermapen, glycolic acid (GA) peel, and a combination of the two therapys' safety and effectiveness in treating acne scars. Cases and methods: Thirty cases with acne scars participated in this trial. Ten cases each were divided into three cohorts at random; cohort I had dermapen therapy, whereas cohort II received glycolic peel therapy. Both procedures were administered to Cohort III. Six sessions were given to each case at intervals of two weeks. The quartile grading scale, the degree of case satisfaction, and the qualitative global scar grading system before and after therapy …

The Role Of Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy In Assessment Of Patients With Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy, Zeinab Moustafa Moustafa Metwalli, Mohammed Emadeldeen, Waseem Mohamad Mahmoud El Gendy, Rania Mostafa Mahmoud, Heba Abdelaziz

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: It appears that mild and hidden Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is present in up to 50% of patients with chronic liver disease. Tools that can predict when HE episodes would occur may enable early detection and clinically relevant preventative treatment. The brain's magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is considered a useful technique for providing a range of structural and functional assessments. Objective: To evaluate the role of brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy in assessment of metabolic changes in patients with chronic liver disease and minimal hepatic encephalopathy for better diagnosis and thus prevention of decline in cognitive functions and health related quality …

Ct Chest Findings And Laboratory Investigations Of Covid 19 Patients And Their Relation To The Clinical Outcome, Zeinab Moustafa Moustafa Metwalli, Mohammed Emadeldeen, Heba Abdelaziz, Nagwa M. Salah

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

For both the initial evaluation and follow-up in suspected COVID-19 cases, chest CT is strongly recommended. Additionally, the disease and its severity might be suspected using basic laboratory investigations. Better clinical results and appropriate management may result from all of this. Aim to evaluate the relation between the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients, laboratory data, and the severity of CT chest findings. Methods 90 individuals who were referred to the radiodiagnosis department from the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute's Internal Medicine Department after PCR confirmed that they had COVID-19 were included in this retrospective study. Each patient was …

Exploring The Relationship Between Phonological Awareness And Adhd Symptoms In School-Aged Children, Nihal Hisham Abdelhamid, Mona Abdel-Fattah Hegazi, Dina Ahmed Elsayed Elrefaie

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders which characterized by: inattention and impulsivity as well as apparent deficits in executive functioning and impulse control. Auditory-linguistic areas and primary reading skills as early literacy skills were found to be lower than normal in ADHD. Other researches considered that the reading difficulties are in the areas of fluency, comprehension, and sustained attention during reading tasks. The aim of the study is to evaluate the phonological awareness abilities skills in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), being contributors for early reading acquisition. Phonological awareness (PA) is the precise recognition …

Embedding Interprofessional Education In Pediatric Clerkships: Lessons From Nebraska’S Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (Tips) Program, Grace E. Berentson, Liliana Bronner, Paige Hardy, Neil Kalsi, Brianna Brei, Kerry Miller

Posters and Presentations: Munroe-Meyer Institute

Background: NICU graduates experience disproportionate developmental and health challenges. Their families face barriers to equitable care including access to coordinated follow-up services. Traditional medical education rarely exposes students to authentic interprofessional models of care that address these inequities. The Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (TIPS) program provides developmental, social, and medical follow-up for NICU graduates across Nebraska, bringing together physicians, nurse practitioners, child developmental specialists, and nurses in a single family-centered visit. Embedding third-year medical students into this setting models collaborative practice, builds understanding of interprofessional competencies, and fosters awareness of systemic inequities affecting NICU families. This innovative curricular approach differs …

Association Of Short Interpregnancy Interval Among Multigravid “Pregnant Youth” In A Tertiary Hospital, Eileen Feliz Cortes-Garcia

The Lasallian Journal of Health

Introduction: Pregnancy among the youth is in creasing not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Studies have shown that a short interpregnancy inter val of 18 months or less is associated with an in creased risk of fetal and maternal complications. However, limited data are available regarding fetal and maternal outcomes among pregnant youth with short interpregnancy intervals, particularly in the Philippines. Objectives: The objective of the study was to deter mine the association between a short interpregnancy interval of <18 months and adverse fetomaternal out comes among pregnant youth aged 15 to 24 years who had their first pregnancy at De La Salle Univer sity Medical Center (DLSUMC) from 2017 to 2019. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in volving 130 participants who delivered at DLSUMC from 2017 to 2019 either by vaginal spontaneous delivery, assisted vaginal delivery, or cesarean sec tion. Results: Of these, 84 (66.15%) were 22 to 24 years old and the majority had their first pregnancy at the age of 18 to 21 years (59 [45.38%]). This study demonstrated that preterm delivery, postpartum hem orrhage, and hypertension were significantly associ ated with a short interpregnancy interval. Conclusions: Short interpregnancy interval is associ ated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, hy pertension, and postpartum hemorrhage among mul tiparous pregnant youth. Counseling and proper edu cation, including family planning, are important for both maternal and fetal health. The use of different family planning methods should be discussed and made accessible to young women.

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Music Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Via Telehealth For Anxiety In Survivors Of Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Kevin T. Liou, Joke Bradt, M. Beatriz Currier, Raymond Baser, Katherine Panageas, Jodi Macleod, Desiree Walker, Susan Q. Li, Ana Maria Lopez, Kelly Mcconnell, Jun J. Mao

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Anxiety is prevalent, disruptive, and undertreated among survivors of cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment, but not all individuals have access, respond to treatment, or prefer this option because of stigma. Music therapy is effective for short-term anxiety reduction, but it is unknown whether it is noninferior to first-line CBT for long-term anxiety reduction.

METHODS: This comparative effectiveness trial randomly assigned English- or Spanish-speaking survivors of cancer to seven weekly telehealth sessions of music therapy or CBT. The coprimary end points were changes in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety score at weeks 8 …

Peripheral Nerve Injury Reduces Macrophage Efferocytosis To Facilitate Neuropathic Pain, Vipul K Pandey, Tusar K Acharya, Kendal F Willcox, Sandeep Dembla, Ajeena Ramanujan, Anamaria R Grieco, Younus A Zuberi, Rajasekaran Mahalingam, Andrew J Shepherd, Cobi J Heijnen, Peter M Grace

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

For reasons not fully understood, proresolving immune processes sometimes fail to engage after peripheral nerve injury (PNI), leading to enhanced neuropathic pain and inflammation. Here, we implicate reduced efferocytosis due to proteolytic cleavage of surface MER tyrosine kinase (MERTK) from macrophages at the site of PNI. After PNI, the proportion of macrophages expressing MERTK progressively decreased, while soluble (cleaved) MER increased. Using male and female knock-in mice encoding cleavage-resistant Mertk, we demonstrated that cleavage of MERTK from macrophages at the PNI site led to exaggerated pain-related behaviors. PNI-induced hyperactivity of TRPV1+ sensory neurons and damage to myelin and myelinated …

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation For Patients With Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (Scid): A Pidtc Study, Virdette L Brumm, Sharon A Kidd, Brent R Logan, Farheen Chunara, Jennifer Heimall, Linda M Griffith, Donald B Kohn, Lauren Sanchez, Jeffrey J Bednarski, Caridad Martinez, Mark Vander Lugt, Neena Kapoor, Nicola Wright, Barbara Spitzer, Joseph H Oved, Sharat Chandra, Deepak Chellapandian, Christen L Ebens, Aleks Petrovic, Ahmad Rayes, Hilary L Haines, Hannah Lust, Hannah-Lise Tirado Schofield, Lauren Christopher, Lynnette L Harris, Lisa Forbes Satter, Lauri Burroughs, Christopher C Dvorak, Elie Haddad, Jennifer W Leiding, Rebecca A Marsh, Luigi D Notarangelo, Sung Yun Pai, Michael A Pulsipher, Jennifer M Puck, Morton J Cowan, Ami J Shah

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Since the initiation of newborn screening (NBS), survival rates have improved significantly, but the impact of HCT upon neurodevelopment for patients with SCID requires more investigation. We performed a cross-sectional study of subjects with SCID in North America to assess the impact of NBS, transplant conditioning regimen, and genotype on neurodevelopmental outcomes after HCT. 69 subjects with SCID from 17 PIDTC centers (excluding those with ADA deficiency), ages 6-16 years, received comprehensive standardized neurodevelopmental testing of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional function. Compared with the normative population, …

Deep-Learning Serial Ct Prediction Of Survival In Immunotherapy-Treated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer., Chiharu Sako, Brenda F Kurland, Taly G Schmidt, Jing He, Marius De Groot, Arpan A Patel, Dwight H Owen, Arya Amini, Brendan D Curti, Ronan J Kelly, Ray D Page, Aurelie Swalduz, Jean-Paul Beregi, Jan Chrusciel, Stephane Sanchez, Jakob Weiss, An Liu, Olivier Gevaert, Alma Hart, George R Simon, Ravi B Parikh, Jasper Van Der Aart, Petr Jordan

Oncology Articles

IMPORTANCE: Reliable early response biomarkers for overall survival (OS) are lacking for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Existing imaging-based measures, such as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and tumor volume change (TVC), have limited predictive value for long-term outcomes, and advanced imaging-based biomarkers may enhance decision-making in clinical practice and clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a fully automated deep-learning imaging-based biomarker using pretherapy and 12-week follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prognostic study used retrospectively collected HER data from routine clinical practice (RCP) …

Career Plans Among Graduating Us Emergency Medicine Residents, Dave W. Lu, Bo Gu, D. Mark Courtney, Bryan G. Kane, Michelle D. Lall, Michael Gottlieb, Yvette Calderon, Christopher Bennett

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: The emergency medicine (EM) workforce is undergoing complex change, including a potential projected physician surplus, the volatile and evolving interests of medical students, and the continued high rates of burnout. Understanding the career intentions of graduating residents is critical to inform workforce planning.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the career plans, anticipated career durations, and key factors associated with the career decisions of graduating US EM residents.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional survey study, which sampled graduating residents from all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited categorical EM programs, was conducted after the 2023 American Board of Emergency Medicine In-Training …

Career Plans Among Graduating Us Emergency Medicine Residents, Dave W. Lu, Bo Gu, D. Mark Courtney, Bryan G. Kane, Michelle D. Lall, Michael Gottlieb, Yvette Calderon, Christopher Bennett

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: The emergency medicine (EM) workforce is undergoing complex change, including a potential projected physician surplus, the volatile and evolving interests of medical students, and the continued high rates of burnout. Understanding the career intentions of graduating residents is critical to inform workforce planning.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the career plans, anticipated career durations, and key factors associated with the career decisions of graduating US EM residents.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional survey study, which sampled graduating residents from all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited categorical EM programs, was conducted after the 2023 American Board of Emergency Medicine In-Training …

Racial, Ethnic, And Socioeconomic Survival Disparities In Early-Onset Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Jennifer S Wang, Benny Johnson, Caitlin C Murphy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Rates of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are rising among young adults. Disparities by race and ethnicity and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) among this population are understudied.

Objective: To examine the association of race and ethnicity and neighborhood-level SES with mortality among a community-based sample of young adults with mCRC.

Design, setting, and participants: This cohort study used a large electronic health record-derived database of young adults with cancer treated at 280 community-based US clinics between 2013 and 2021. Eligible patients were young adults aged 18 to 49 years diagnosed with de novo or recurrent mCRC. Patients were followed up …

Enhancing Resilience And Reducing Burnout In Oncology Nurse Practitioners Through The “Three Good Things” Intervention, Ernestine A. Muanya

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Burnout among oncology nurse practitioners (NPs) threatens clinician well-being, care quality, and workforce retention. The World Health Organization (2019) defines burnout as a workplace condition caused by chronic unmanaged stress. Nationally, over half of healthcare professionals report burnout symptoms, with high rates in oncology (Deriglazov et al., 2025). In Texas, nearly 48% of advanced practice providers report emotional exhaustion and job-related stress (Patel et al., 2024). Objective: This single-group pre–post quality improvement project evaluated an eight-week, app-based Three Good Things (3GT) intervention to reduce burnout and enhance resilience among 19 breast medical oncology nurse practitioners at a comprehensive …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence, Albin Abraham

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background

As the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent but highly preventable form of cancer (American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable [ACSNCCR], 2026; Maratt et al., 2024). Screening for CRC is fundamental to prevention and early detection. Despite advances in screening measures, CRC screenings remain suboptimal (Tonini & Zanni, 2024). In the US, more than one in three adults 45 years or older are not screened as recommended (ACSNCCR, 2026).

Purpose

As a safety-net county health network primarily serving the under-resourced population, the organization is uniquely positioned to impact …

Implementing An Anxiety Management Bundle In Long-Term Nursing Facilities, Sundan G. Bryson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

There is currently a gap in accurate screening and treatment of anxiety in Long-Term Care (LTC) nursing facilities. The question for this quality improvement project was: Will implementing interventions for long-term care residents aged 65 and older improve anxiety screening, non-pharmacological interventions, and mental health referrals by 10% compared to current practices? Interventions to enhance anxiety screening included the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-Long Term Care (GAS-LTC) tool to assess and score anxiety. In addition, a Non-Pharmacological Intervention (Non-PI) tool was created to evaluate interventions performed by facility staff. Referrals to the mental health care provider were submitted if a resident scored …

Gritty Residents: Starting Residency With Resiliency, R Levi Sundermeyer, Brock Cardon

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

Advancing Screening For Intimate Partner Violence In Pregnant Individuals Throughout The Perinatal Period To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV …

Neuron-Enriched Extracellular Vesicle Micrornas Reflect Hormonal Suppression Associated With Oral Contraceptive Use In Young Women, Amulya Chowdhory, Rebekah Frye, Roxann Roberson-Nay

UROP Posters

Hormonal contraceptives alter hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) feedback, but their impact on brain-associated molecular communication remains poorly understood. Neuron- enriched extracellular vesicle (nEV) microRNAs (miRNAs), isolated from plasma, provide a minimally invasive window into brain molecular activity. This pilot study examined nEV miRNA expression in young women (ages 18–22) who were either naturally cycling or using a combined monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) pill. To identify hormonally responsive miRNAs, we calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) between the two groups and selected those showing large between-group differences (|d| ≥ 0.8). These miRNAs were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality, and …

Reverse Koebner Phenomenon In Linear Scalp Morphea Following Punch Biopsy: A Rare Therapeutic Response, Suhas C. Gowda, Akshay Samagani, Shreyas C. Gowda

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Morphea is a chronic immune-mediated fibrosing disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin. Linear morphea of the scalp (en coup de sabre) commonly demonstrates the Koebner phenomenon, wherein lesions develop at sites of trauma; however, the reverse Koebner phenomenon—trauma-induced regression—is exceptionally rare. We report an unusual case of linear scalp morphea showing early regression following a diagnostic punch biopsy. A 71-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, indurated linear plaque on the scalp of two months’ duration. Histopathology from a 3.5-mm punch biopsy confirmed morphea, demonstrating dense collagen bundles with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. At follow-up eight days after …