Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Fellowship Training On Peer-Reviewed Publication Productivity In Academic Anesthesiologists As Evaluated By The H-Index, Acsa M. Zavala, Jagtar Singh Heir, Juan P. Cata, Lei Feng, Jose M. Soliz

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: The effect of anesthesiology fellowships on scholarly contributions has been minimally studied. In this study we analyzed differences in h-index between fellowship-trained and non–fellowship-trained anesthesiologists, as well as by type of fellowship, academic rank, and years in practice.

Methods: All anesthesiologists on staff between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, were included in this study. The variables collected were fellowship training status, h-index, total number of publications, years in practice, academic rank, and years at the institution. For analysis, the anesthesiologists were divided into 2 groups: those with fellowship training and those without.

Results: Among 78 anesthesiologists, 40 …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Novel Derivatives Of Imides 1,2,4-Triazole Polymers Via Microwave And Study Biological Activities, Bahaa Fadhil Hamzah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

New derivatives of imides 1,2,4-triazole polymers as pharmaceutical compounds were prepared from the synthesis of amic acid compounds (1A-E) by reacted of benzocaine with different cyclic anhydrides. Then cyclic imide compounds (2A-E), which prepared from converted amic acid compounds by using acetic anhydrate (CH₃CO)₂O and anhydrous sodium acetate CH₃COONa as a water drawer agent. Compounds (2A-E) were react with nucleophilic addition of hydrazine hydrate to ester cyclic imide compound to produce acid hydrazide cyclic imide compounds. Thereafter, cyclization of compounds (4A-E) and (5A-E) were prepared from react of acid hydrazide cyclic imide compounds with …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Family-Focused Program On The Physical Health Domain Of Children With Congenital Heart Defects, Maha Abdul Hussein Mutasher Al-Barki, Wameedh Hamid Shaker Alzubeidi

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Assessing the effectiveness of a nurse-led family-focused program on the physical health domain of children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) is a critical area of research. CHDs are among the most common congenital anomalies, affecting nearly 1 in 100 live births. physical activity plays an important role in overall health and recovery congenital heart disease. Quality of life educational include specific directions to increase level of physical activity, such as walking daily or exercising regularly. Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led family-focused program in improving the physical health outcomes of children with CHDs. Methods …

Evaluation Of Rbc Indices And Significance Of Mentzer Index For Differentiation Between Iron Deficiency Anemia And Beta Thalassemia Trait, Raghda Hameed Jasim, Rasha Hussain Aouda

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting developed and adversely affecting developing countries. About 1.62 billion peoples are affected worldwide, currently pregnant women are the most vulnerable population corresponding to 24.8%. Objective: To evaluate RBC indices and significance of Mentzer index for differentiation between Iron deficiency anemia and Beta thalassemia trait. Patients and methods: Cross sectional study was conducted in Babylon Maternity and Pediatrics Teaching Hospital for a period of 4 months. Data was collected prospectively after approval of the research proposal was gained, the study involved 114 patients that were referred to the Babylon Maternity and Pediatrics …

Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome Resulting In Hepatotoxicity And Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation Following Initiation Of Levetiracetam, Zechariah Jung, Xavier Zonna, Samuel J. Wlasowicz, Conor Banta, Lawrence Canale, Joseph Bielecki

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

A 28-year-old male with a past medical history of alcohol abuse had new-onset seizures suspected to be caused by alcohol use. Twelve days after starting levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis, he began to develop a pruritic rash, darkening of his urine, periods of jaundice, and hot flashes that correlated with the timing of his levetiracetam dosing. He was subsequently found to have lymphocyte-predominant leukocytosis, elevated aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase. Following discontinuation of his levetiracetam, he was found to have positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology suggestive of reactivation. This case demonstrates levetiracetam as a rare cause of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) along …

Neighborhood Change As A Social Determinant Of Health: Assessing Associations With Mental Health And Psychosocial Attitudes Among Resident Clusters, Christopher Williams, Nathaniel Woodard, Charlene Kuo

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Neighborhood change (NC) can be understood as a social determinant of health with direct psychosocial and economic impacts. Our objective was to define resident groups’ perceptions of NC and self-rated mental health in a community experiencing an intense form of NC known as gentrification. We conducted a cross-sectional study using random and convenience sampling. Our measures included a combination of scales and indexes that were used for conducting bivariate and cluster analyses. Our study included 143 responses from Phase II. Two of the three groups or clusters were statistically different in mental health and perceptions of NC impacts on community …

Rapidly Developing Bilateral Loculated Streptococcus Pyogenes Empyema In An Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report, Anish K Shrestha, Matthew Dwumah-Agyen, Boniface Mensah, Yvette Yeboah-Kordieh, Marcos A Wolff, Jennifer A Evans

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Streptococcus pyogenes is a rare cause of empyema, especially in immunocompetent individuals. The organism expresses various virulence factors leading to rapid progression of the disease. We report a case of rapidly progressing bilateral loculated empyema caused by streptococcus pyogenes in an immunocompetent host without additional risk factors.

Wild-Type Cardiac Amyloidosis Due To Transthyretin Protein — A Review, Mustafa Shehzad, Muhammad Hasan, Dawood Shehzad, Muhammad Shariq Akram, Muhammad Faiq Akram, Dawlat Khan, Maham Maqsood, Mamoon Ahmed, Humna Younis

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) arises from the accumulation of transthyretin amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, a consequence of instability and misfolding in wild-type or variant transthyretin protein. ATTR-CM should be suspected in older heart failure patients with raised myocardial wall thickness and diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography in the absence of hypertension or other known causes. This diagnosis can be further supported with late gadolinium enhancement on Cardiac MRI which indicates raised myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) hinting at the expansion of interstitial space by amyloid deposits. Diagnostic work up starts with blood and urine tests to rule out AL amyloidosis and …

Tnf-Α-Driven Changes In Polarized Egf Receptor Trafficking Facilitate Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling From The Apical Surface Of Mdck Epithelial Cells, Syntyche Ngalula, Cathleen R. Carlin

Faculty Scholarship

This manuscript describes a novel unconventional secretory pathway that facilitates EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling from apical membranes in polarized epithelial cells responding to immune cell mediators. Epithelial tissues provide a physical barrier between our bodies and the external environment and share an intimate relationship with circulating and local immune cells. Our studies describe an unexpected connection between the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and EGFR typically localized to basolateral membranes in polarized epithelial cells. These two molecules sit atop complex biological networks with a long history of shared investigative interest from the vantage point of signaling pathway interactions. We …

Integrating Nature And Creativity: Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Expressive Arts Therapy In Eco-Retreats, Concetta Codding

Expressive Therapies Theses

This capstone examines the therapeutic potential of integrating expressive arts therapy and eco-therapy in immersive retreat settings. It highlights how combining creative expression with nature-based practices can holistically address emotional well-being, promote self-discovery, and foster communal support. Drawing on current research and insights from both brief and extended retreats, the study emphasizes the synergistic benefits of practices such as somatic movement, yoga, art-making, journaling, and guided engagement with the natural environment. Qualitative research and observations indicate that participants experience enhanced creativity, emotional release, a deeper connection to nature, and increased mindfulness. These outcomes are linked to trauma-informed approaches and an …

The Role Of The Jester: The Subversive Power Of Humor And Performance In Challenging Misogyny, Sarah E. Price

Expressive Therapies Theses

Humor has long occupied a complicated place in systems of power, sometimes reinforcing oppressive norms and other times offering a way to push back against them. This thesis explores how the archetype of the jester can be used in drama therapy to help individuals reclaim agency within misogynistic structures. Drawing from role theory, feminist performance studies, and Theatre of the Oppressed, the project examines how jestering, through satire, parody, and play, can act as a vehicle for resistance, healing, and empowerment. A review of existing literature shows that while humor has historically been used to uphold patriarchal norms, it has …

Exploring Dance/Movement Therapy Through An Existential-Feminist Lens For Perimenopausal Individuals In The Post-Covid Digital Age: A Literature Review, Karen Schmitz

Expressive Therapies Theses

The goal of this thesis was to understand the impact that perimenopause and the COVID-19 pandemic have on individuals and how existential theory and dance/movement therapy can be applied to enhance quality of life. The literature review first explores historical and current contexts of perimenopause. The second section covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregiving individuals, particularly women. Subsequent sections introduce existential theory and dance/movement therapy frameworks, with a concentration on relevant concepts for the specified population. Research shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, external pressures around appearance, reproductive value, and the societal expectations of women intensified. Overall, …

Using Expressive Arts Therapy With Autistic Children To Help Regulate And Build Coping Skills: A Literature Review, Swara Swaminathan

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review is about whether we can use Expressive Arts Therapy with autistic children to regulate and build coping skills. The author could not find articles that covers the entire topic, but she split the topic in terms of autism in India and various application of Expressive Arts Therapy globally. She was able to find Expressive Arts Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy was helpful to autistic children, or children with trauma. She could also notice the stigma of autism in India in some of the articles.

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Potential Complimentary Treatment For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Literature Review, Ashley H. Marsden

Expressive Therapies Theses

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition predominantly affecting younger individuals, marked by extreme heart rate fluctuations, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. This literature review explores the multifaceted nature of POTS, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies that incorporate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. It highlights the promising role of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a complementary treatment, which fosters emotional expression and enhances physical well-being. By synthesizing current research on POTS, pharmacological options, and innovative non-pharmacological therapies like DMT, this review advocates for a holistic approach to POTS management that recognizes the complexities of the disorder and addresses …

The Effects Of A Helmet Cooling Fan On Productivity In Healthy Males During A Simulated Work Task In The Heat, Siya Patel, Douglas Casa, Monique Marcelino

Honors Scholar Theses

Rising global temperatures and heatwaves are forcing labor workers to work in hot indoor and outdoor environments that can lead to life-threatening heat-related injuries. These injuries impair physical and cognitive performance, negatively affecting worker performance and efficiency. To help manage the adverse effects of heat stress on workers, cooling strategies have been implemented to prevent increase in body temperature and improve work performance. These strategies include heat acclimation, proper hydration, cooling garments, cooling helmets and more. However, research on helmet cooling fans on mannequins shows conflicting results regarding its effectiveness in improving work performance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate …

Novel Combination Therapies For Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Driven By Rational Molecular Mechanisms, Anneka Lila Johnson

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-keratinocyte cancer diagnosed in women in the United States with approximately 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite a myriad of treatment options, BC remains the second-most deadly cancer. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC comprises 60-70% of BC diagnoses and is treated with endocrine therapies that limit ER signaling. Despite endocrine therapy options, ~1/3 of patients experience recurrence within 10-20 years of diagnosis. Novel therapeutic strategies are required to limit BC recurrence-related morbidity and mortality.

Radiotherapy is used as an adjuvant treatment for ER+ BC patients prior to the use of endocrine therapy. Radiation …

Antiamyloid Monoclonal Antibodies In Alzheimer’S Disease, Part 1: Patient Selection, James R. Bateman, Tara C. Carlisle, Yanghong Yang, Christian Lachner, Melissa D. Stockbridge, Laura A. Flashman, Zeina Chemali, Nasir Alzbeidi, Peter S. Pressman, Carlos J. Martinez-Menendez

School of Medicine Publications

The availability of monoclonal antibodies directed against amyloid beta, for use as disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), represented a major shift in the field of AD research and treatment. U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals for the monoclonal antibody–based medications lecanemab and, more recently, donanemab provide clinicians with two antiamyloid therapy (AAT) options for targeting early symptomatic AD. The emergence of AAT has made careful biomarker-informed diagnosis of AD paramount, which was once reserved for highly specialized centers and research settings. Patient selection is complex, and although appropriate-use recommendations have been published, clinicians caring for patients with AD across …

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia-Linked Ryanodine Receptor Variants Exhibit Domain-Specific Calcium Leak And Calmodulin Affinity Properties, Hitoshi Uchinoumi, Xiaoqiong Dong, Ivanita Stefanon, Yi Yang, Eduardo Hertel Ribeiro, Bengt Svensson, Xander H T Wehrens, Takeshi Yamamoto, Razvan L Cornea, Robyn T Rebbeck, Masafumi Yano, Donald M Bers

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited stress-induced arrhythmogenic disease often caused by point variants in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) that enhance diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak. These RyR2 variants cluster in three hot-spots (N-terminal, central and C-terminal domains). We previously demonstrated a pathologic diastolic RyR2 conformation in heart failure, oxidative stress and CaMKII phosphorylation exhibiting a trilogy of effects: (1) reduced calmodulin (CaM)-RyR2 affinity, (2) enhanced unzipping peptide (DPc10) binding and (3) elevated diastolic SR Ca2+ leak that are dantrolene-sensitive. Here we test whether this pathological trilogy occurs in CPVT knock-in (KI) mice bearing N-terminal (R176Q/+), …

Gut Dysbiosis Patterns In Cvid Patients With Noninfectious Complications Observed In A Germ-Free Mouse Model Through Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, Joud Hajjar, Anita Y Voigt, Margaret E Conner, Alton G Swennes, Stephanie Fowler, Chadi Calarge, Danielle D Mendonca, Dominique Armstrong, Chen-Yen Chang, Jolan E Walter, Manish J Butte, Tor Savidge, Julia Oh, Farrah Kheradmand, Joseph F Petrosino

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who develop noninfectious complications (NIC) have worse clinical outcomes than those with infections only (INF). While gut microbiome aberrations have been linked to NIC, reductionist animal models that accurately recapitulate CVID are lacking. Our aim in this study was to uncover potential microbiome roles in the development of NIC in CVID. We performed whole-genome shotgun sequencing on fecal samples from CVID patients with NIC, INF, and their household controls. We also performed fecal microbiota transplants from CVID patients to germ-free mice. We found potentially pathogenic microbes

Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial To Determine If Biomarkers Predict Response To A Pediatric Chronic Pain Symptom Management Program, Rona L Levy, Tasha B Murphy, Margaret M Heitkemper, Miranda A L Van Tilburg, Ann R Mcmeans, Jocelyn Chang, Cynthia Boutte, Katherine Lamparyk, Bruno P Chumpitazi, Robert J Shulman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), characterized by chronic abdominal pain and significant disability, affect 15-20% of children and adults and continue into adulthood in ~60% of cases. Costs for adults reach USD 30 billion per year, yet effective management strategies are elusive. Studies support using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but abdominal pain only improves in ~40% of patients. Dietary management (low FODMAP diet; LFD) has also shown promise but it is effective in only a similar percentage of patients. Studies suggest that biologic factors (biomarkers) contribute to CBT response. Similarly, gut microbiome composition appears to influence abdominal pain …

Rescue Of The First Mitochondrial Membrane Carrier, The Mpic, By Tat-Mediated Protein Replacement Treatment, Samar Zabit, Orly Melloul, Michal Lichtenstein, Erin L. Seifert, Haya Lorberboum-Galski

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

The mitochondrial phosphate carrier (mPiC), encoded by the nuclear gene SLC25A3, is synthesized with an N-terminus mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS), enabling its import into the mitochondria. mPiC imports inorganic phosphate (P_i) into the mitochondrial matrix for ATP production and other matrix phosphorylation reactions, as well as regulates mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and buffering of matrix Ca²⁺. PiC also imports copper (Cu), crucial to COX subunit holoenzyme assembly. Variants in SLC25A3 exist and lead to mPiC deficiency (MPCD), cause a rare autosomal recessive disease with no current cure; patients with MPCD usually die within the first …

Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial To Determine If Biomarkers Predict Response To A Pediatric Chronic Pain Symptom Management Program, Rona L Levy, Tasha B Murphy, Margaret M Heitkemper, Miranda A L Van Tilburg, Ann R Mcmeans, Jocelyn Chang, Cynthia Boutte, Katherine Lamparyk, Bruno P Chumpitazi, Robert J Shulman

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), characterized by chronic abdominal pain and significant disability, affect 15-20% of children and adults and continue into adulthood in ~60% of cases. Costs for adults reach USD 30 billion per year, yet effective management strategies are elusive. Studies support using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but abdominal pain only improves in ~40% of patients. Dietary management (low FODMAP diet; LFD) has also shown promise but it is effective in only a similar percentage of patients. Studies suggest that biologic factors (biomarkers) contribute to CBT response. Similarly, gut microbiome composition appears to influence abdominal pain …

Identifying Genetic Errors Of Immunity Due To Mosaicism, Elizabeth G Schmitz, Malachi Griffith, Obi L Griffith, Megan A Cooper

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Inborn errors of immunity are monogenic disorders of the immune system that lead to immune deficiency and/or dysregulation in patients. Identification of precise genetic causes of disease aids diagnosis and advances our understanding of the human immune system; however, a significant portion of patients lack a molecular diagnosis. Somatic mosaicism, genetic changes in a subset of cells, is emerging as an important mechanism of immune disease in both young and older patients. Here, we review the current landscape of somatic genetic errors of immunity and methods for the detection and validation of somatic variants.

Speech Stigma: Exploring Predictors Of Attitudes Toward Nonspeaking Autistic Individuals, Kate Herrmann

Honors College Theses

Roughly 30% of autistic individuals are nonspeaking, meaning they do not (or very minimally) communicate with speech. Many nonspeaking individuals have the ability to communicate with others by using augmentative and alternative communication, such as speech-generating devices or communication boards. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of speaking individuals toward nonspeaking autistic people through a survey measuring attitudes and stigma toward nonspeaking people, autistic people, and disabled people, respectively. Predictors of attitudes, such as contact, knowledge, gender, and psychological inflexibility were examined. It was hypothesized that participants who have more contact with and knowledge of nonspeaking, …

Final Scholarly Project: Development And Initial Validation Of An Evidence-Based Guideline For Presurgical Medication Hold Times, Alyscia Defrancisco

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Presurgical testing is a critical component for preventing surgery delays and postsurgical complications. A major focus of presurgical testing is educating patients on hold times of medications prior to surgery. Medication guidelines vary across ambulatory surgery centers.

Methods: Creating a standardized evidence-based medication guideline could improve some surgical complications. This project is the creation and pilot evaluation of an evidence-based medication guideline. After the development of the guideline participants attended an educational session. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the guideline, used a preintervention and postintervention questionnaire. The participants of the project are presurgical testing practitioners at …

Using The Bispectral Index Monitor To Decrease The Incidence Of Unintended Intraoperative Awareness In The High-Risk Population, Bridget Hayes

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Unintended intraoperative awareness is a traumatizing complication of general anesthesia. This negative outcome affects 0.1-0.2% of all patients undergoing general anesthesia. Patients at higher risk for this experience include those undergoing emergency surgery, traumas, cesarian sections, those on cardiopulmonary bypass, those with substance use disorder, and those undergoing total-intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). This high-risk population is affected by unintended intraoperative awareness 1% of the time. The bispectral index (BIS) monitor has been proposed as a tool to decrease the incidence of unintended intraoperative awareness. There are several large, randomized controlled trials that demonstrate that using a BIS monitor decreases the incidence …

In A Healthy D-Iii Population, Is Blood Flow Restriction More Effective For Increasing Quadriceps Strength Compared To Concentric Resistance Training?, Conner R. Ruff

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Strength is an important factor in the prevention of injuries. However, strength can decrease for numerous reasons, such as age, chronic injuries, or acute injuries. In recent years, Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been used as a modality to increase a patient’s strength gain while utilizing a low load of weight. However, in most research, BFR has been used concurrently with conventional strength training or compared to concentric training in the treatment of an injured population. This study looked at the effect of BFR on a healthy Division III (DIII) collegiate student population and its effectiveness in increasing quadriceps strength …

An Educational Intervention: Knowledge Acquisition Of Perimenopausal Mental Health Symptoms And Treatment Options For Women Aged 35 Years Plus, Allison M. Hopps

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Perimenopause is a span of four to six years preceding menopause when estrogen levels decline. Up to 40% of women experience depression during the perimenopause transition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for depressive symptoms during perimenopause, but many healthcare practitioners prescribe antidepressants instead of HRT for the management of mood-related symptoms. Perimenopausal depression is associated with the progression of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The general population, including women and healthcare providers, lacks the education and awareness surrounding perimenopause symptoms and treatment. This project educated women between ages 35 to 55 on …

Validating Biomarkers Of Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders Through Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques, Julia S. Evans, Michael Fishman

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

No abstract provided.

Examination Of Eating Disorder Risks And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division Iii Student-Athletes, Maddie Wisener

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Eating disorders (ED) and pathogenic behaviors are prevalent concerns among collegiate athletes due to performance pressures and body image expectations. This cross-sectional study examined the risk of ED among 243 student-athletes (Males: 54.9%, Females: 44.3%, Non-Binary: 0.4%) at a private institution in the Midwest. The convenience sample included student-athletes from baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling teams. The participants were given a demographic survey, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes to assess eating behaviors and perceived and desired body images. Overall, 22.1% of participants were at risk for …