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A Long Non-Coding Erna Forms R-Loops To Shape Emotional Experience-Induced Behavioral Adaptations, Rose Marie Akiki

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Emotional experiences often evoke neural plasticity that supports adaptive changes in behavior, including maladaptive plasticity associated with mood and substance use disorders. These adaptations are supported in part by experience-dependent activation of immediate-early response genes, such as Npas4. We discovered that a conserved, long non-coding enhancer RNA (lnc-eRNA) transcribed from an activity-sensitive enhancer produces DNA-RNA hybrid R-loop structures that support 3D chromatin-looping of the enhancer and proximal promoter and stimulus-induced, rapid Npas4 gene induction. We also show that this Npas4 lnceRNA and its R-loops are required for the development of behavioral adaptations produced by chronic psychosocial stress or cocaine exposure, …

Safety And Efficacy Of 112 Mg Intranasal Esketamine In Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Retrospective Observational Study From Outpatient Community Clinics, Kirsten Brinkmeier, Michael Kritzer, Brandon Doan, Cecilia Li, Nicholas Mischel

Medical Student Research Symposium

This retrospective study examined the safety and efficacy of 56, 84, and 112 mg intranasal (IN) esketamine via medical record review of 24 patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Doses ranged from 56 mg to 112 mg and were titrated across sessions to maximize individual response while considering tolerability. Treatment response was defined by reduction in average Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. Tolerability was defined by blood pressures at baseline, 40 minutes after, and 2 hours after drug administration. Patients ranged from 19 to 60 years old (average 38.87), and 15 (62.5%) were female. Patients received an average of 1 …

Externalizing Behavior Problems And Attentional Domains In A Community-Based Adolescent Sample, Kamakashi Sharma

Medical Student Research Symposium

Externalizing behavior problems are characterized by maladaptive behavioral patterns directed toward the external environment, such as poor impulse control, aggression, and inattention. While existing literature suggests that attention may play a critical role in the cognitive profile of externalizing behaviors, the relationship between externalizing problem behaviors and specific attention domains in school-age youth remains understudied. This gap is particularly important as externalizing problems are prevalent during this developmental period and are predictive of adverse outcomes. In this study, we examined the association between externalizing problem behaviors and attentional performance in a community sample of 69 adolescents (M + SD = …

Opioid Vs. Money Choice Preference Patterns In Regular Heroin Users, Amolak S. Jhand, Mark Greenwald

Medical Student Research Symposium

About two-thirds of people treated for opioid use disorder (OUD) return to opioid use within the first-year post-treatment, and about 10% report use while on agonist therapy. Understanding determinants of opioid-seeking is vital to reducing recurrence and its risks. We assessed individual differences in effortful choices between opioid and money amounts, modeling real-world choices.

Our lab conducted studies in which regular heroin-users were stabilized on buprenorphine to suppress withdrawal. Within experimental sessions, the participant could choose repeatedly across 12 trials between units of hydromorphone (HYD, 1 or 2 mg IM) vs. money ($2 or $4); HYD and money amounts differed …

Assessing Middle Eastern American Attitudes Towards Substance Use Disorders, Hazem Alata, Hussein Bazzi, Saleh Al-Juburi, Angie Achkar, Liam Browning, Nicole Oska, Adam Chaban, Arash Javanbakht

Medical Student Research Symposium

Assessing Middle Eastern American Attitudes Towards Substance Use Disorders

Introduction:

Substance use disorders (SUD) among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations remain largely understudied, despite evidence of high prevalence rates and lower rates of treatment engagement. Unique cultural conceptualizations and beliefs surrounding substance use disorders may perpetuate stigma, further contributing to disparities in access to and utilization of treatment services. This study aims to explore the attitudes and perspectives of individuals from MENA communities regarding substance use disorders, with the goal of identifying and addressing barriers to treatment.

Methods:

An anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey was administered, gathering responses from …

The Effect Of Different Surface Treatments On The Roughness, Translucency, And Staining Of 3d-Printed Occlusal Device Materials, Silvia Rojas Rueda, Hanna Sepsick, Mohammed Hammamy, Amir H. Nejat, Edwin Kee, Nathaniel C. Lawson

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: To compare surface treatments (as-printed, optical polish, resin-coated, polished) of two 3D-printed occlusal device materials (KeySplint Soft and NightGuard Flex 2) cured with or without glycerin for surface roughness, translucency, and coffee staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Discs (2 mm thick) from two 3D-printed occlusal resins (KeySplint Soft and NightGuard Flex 2) were printed using a DLP 3D printer (SprintRay Pro 95), cleaned (ProWash S), and cured (ProCure 2) with or without glycerin. Some specimens were printed in an optical polish tank. Specimens were either as-printed, resin-coated, or polished. Reference milled (ProArt CAD Splint) and heat-cured (Excel Formula Heat Cure …

Chronic Alcohol Withdrawal-Associated Increases In Vta Hcrtr1 Expression Are Associated With Heightened Nociception And Anxiety-Like Behavior In Female Rats, Shealan Cruise, Maria E. Secci, Leslie K. Kelley, Nathan M. Sharfman, Keishla Rodriguez-Graciani, Tiffany A. Wills, Nicholas W. Gilpin, Elizabeth M. Avegno

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by various symptoms that include pain and negative affect in the absence of the drug. The neural underpinnings of these behaviors are not entirely understood, but orexin has emerged as a candidate target for the treatment of substance use disorders. Here, we explored changes in orexin system-related gene expression in brain regions important for mediating reward and stress, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and extended amygdala (including the central amygdala, nucleus accumbens shell, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis), in adolescent and adult female Wistar rats following chronic alcohol exposure. We observed higher numbers …

Reevaluating Informed Consent: Integrating Shared Decision-Making Into Spinal Surgery For Better Patient Outcomes., Jeffrey N Wang, Mohamed A Elhakeem, Matthew J Mesimer, Paul G Mastrokostas, Salman Ahmad, Tim Reed, Brandon Klein, Lucas E Bartlett, Adam D Bitterman, Andrew Megas

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Study Design: Narrative review.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to answer the following questions: (1) What is the quality of informed consent in spine surgery, including both neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery? (2) What limitations impede the ability of surgeons to engage in effective shared decision-making (SDM) and obtain adequate informed consent? (3) What strategies and solutions may improve the quality of informed consent and SDM? (4) What factors decrease the incidence of litigation in spine surgery?

Methods: N/A.

Results: SDM is a collaborative process where patients are involved in their treatment choices through open communication about risks, …

Understanding Student Organizations: A Deeper Understanding Of Student Engagement At Bryant University, Kyra Sette

Honors Projects in Psychology

Student life is a critical portion of a student’s college experience. The activities and resources that a college offers can vastly impact the enjoyment a student feels in their college career. Every college and university offer different student life experiences. This study will focus on active registered student organizations (RSOs) on Bryant University’s campus. This study will provide suggestions to Bryant’s student life faculty around how to recruit and retain students in organizations. Twelve Bryant University students were interviewed through a semi-structured interview that was created based off of information gathered during the literature review. They were chosen and categorized …

Development Of A Self-Management Tool For Individuals With Seizure Clusters: Trial Design And Methodological Report, Molly Mcvoy, Eytan Hirsch, Luisa Londono, Kari Colón-Zimmermann, Jin Seok Cho, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Despite advances in anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for people with epilepsy (PWE), adverse outcomes, negative health events (NHEs), and breakthrough seizures remain common. Rescue medication (RM) can better manage repetitive seizures, but barriers to RM use persist. Self-management for PWE and a history of NHEs (SMART) is an evidence-based epilepsy self-management program aimed at reducing barriers and maximizing facilitators to self-care in high-risk PWE. Methods: This 2-phase, ongoing clinical trial adapts SMART to integrate RM support for PWE with repetitive seizures. Phase 1, now completed, used input from an advisory board (AB) of PWE, caregivers, and clinicians to adapt the …

Physiological Indicators Of Social Anxiety In Preschoolers With The Fragile X Premutation, Olivia Cyburt

Senior Theses

The Fragile X premutation (FXpm) is a common genetic disorder often characterized by psychiatric impairments, including anxiety. It results from a trinucleotide repeat expansion (CGG) of 55-200 repeats on the FMR1 gene. Despite its association with psychiatric symptoms, there is limited research regarding the relationship between FXpm and anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Early detection of social anxiety is essential for timely intervention, yet it remains challenging to identify in young individuals with FXpm due to limited research. The present study aimed to bridge this gap by examining social anxiety in preschoolers with the FXpm, utilizing both a physiological and behavioral …

From Theory To Practice: A True-Crime Podcast, Lauren V. Peckham

Senior Honors Projects

The Criminal Element is an innovative, victim-centered podcast that bridges the gap between criminological theory and real-world criminal cases. The podcast is designed as an educational resource for undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice students, alongside general audience members interested in learning more about criminological theory. Through the lens of true crime, this podcast is an engaging exploration of foundational and advanced theories while avoiding sensationalism and exploitation, a prevalent problem among true crime media. Each episode connects criminological theoretical concepts – such as strain, social learning, and social disorganization – to contemporary and historical cases, providing listeners with accessible and …

Let's Grow: Investigating The Relationship Between Houseplants And Mental Health In College Students, Makia G. Adler

Honors Thesis

This literature review explores the potential mental health benefits of houseplants for college students, a population increasingly affected by anxiety and depression. With traditional mental health services strained and often inaccessible, simple and low-cost alternatives are urgently needed. This review examines whether the presence and interaction with houseplants can improve psychological well-being, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drawing from ten peer-reviewed studies, this review finds a generally positive association between houseplants and mental health, though results vary. Notably, the duration of exposure appears to have little effect, while setting and autonomy in plant interaction are more influential. Interactions in …

Self-Rated Pain And Observed Pain Behavior In Black And White Americans With Chronic Low Back Pain, Matthew B. Jennings, John W. Burns, Benita Jackson, Kristine M. Molina, Mark A. Lumley

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Black Americans report more intense and disabling pain than White Americans, but differences in pain behavior have rarely been studied. The Structured Pain Behavior Test (SPBT), a standardized, video-recorded series of pain-inducing movements, assesses the behavioral expression of pain. We conducted the first test of whether Black Americans with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have greater pain behavior and increased self-reported pain intensity during the SPBT, compared to White Americans. Adults (N = 267) with CLBP (174 Black, 93 White; 57% female) rated their clinical pain severity and interference (Multidimensional Pain Inventory; MPI) and their current pain intensity (Numerical Rating …

Psychedelic Psychotherapy And The Mental Health Crisis: A Historical And Scientific Review, Dylan Kunkel, Neil Levens, Charles Schumpert

Senior Theses

The global mental health crisis continues to expose the limitations of traditional psychiatric treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As conventional antidepressants offer modest remission rates and delayed efficacy, interest has grown in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds. This thesis explores psychedelic psychotherapy through both a historical and scientific lens, tracing its roots from ancient ceremonial practices to modern clinical trials. It also provides context behind the neurobiological mechanisms by which psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, MDMA, and DMT affect mood and cognition. These compounds appear to reduce default mode network (DMN) connectivity, increase …

Hbv Transmission Knowledge Among Korean-American Chronic Hepatitis B Patients In The United States, Giyoung Lee, Hee-Soon Juon, Eunji Kim, Katherine C Smith, Hie-Won Hann, Mimi Chang, Ann C. Klassen

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a condition that disproportionately affects Asian Americans in the United States. Knowledge of transmission is crucial for CHB patients to practice prevention methods to limit the spread of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), but also live their lives free from unwarranted fears or restrictions. Among Asian CHB patients, several misperceptions about HBV transmission have been identified. This analysis aims to assess the current state of HBV knowledge among a cohort of Korean-American CHB patients. This mixed-methods study includes 363 respondents who completed a survey in either Korean (N = 298) or English (N = 65) …

Citation Issues In The American Academy Of Pediatrics Policy Statement On Transgender And Gender-Diverse Children And Adolescents (Rafferty, 2018), Kathleen Mcdeavitt

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of Exercise-Related Self-Efficacy Metrics Following A Resistance Training Program In Individuals Treated For Cancer, Kayla S. Adler

Senior Theses

As the number of cancer survivors grows, managing treatment side effects and promoting healthy behaviors like physical activity is crucial. Low exercise self-efficacy, an individual's belief in their capability to perform exercise, is a significant barrier to physical activity adherence. This study assessed if an 8-week supervised resistance training program could improve self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) and outcome expectations of exercise (OEE) in individuals treated for cancer. Participants (n=25) attended twice-weekly, one-hour sessions. SEE and OEE scales were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results indicated a significant increase in SEE scores (mean difference = 8.96 ± 19.87, p = 0.041), demonstrating …

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …

Kendra's Paradox: Redefining The Statutory Approach To Assisted Outpatient Psychiatric Treatment In New York, Matt Donelian

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note critically examines the limitations of Kendra's Law in New York, which provides Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for individuals with severe mental illnesses. While the law aims to balance public safety and individual rights, its strict eligibility criteria often prevent timely intervention, leading to worse outcomes for those in need. The note proposes reforming the law to prioritize clinical assessments over past actions, enabling earlier intervention while respecting individual rights. This reform would address the law's retroactive nature and promote a more proactive, compassionate approach to mental health care.

Effects Of Acute Stress On Executive Functions In Depression, Generalised Anxiety And Borderline Personality Disorder, T. M. Scott, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Acute stress adaptively alters executive functions (EFs) essential for emotion regulation. Emerging systems of psychiatric classification, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) and the Research Domain Criteria, emphasise the underlying mechanisms and dimensional nature of psychopathology. Distress disorders—a subfactor within the HiTOP model including major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder—are characterised by altered stress reactivity, impaired emotion regulation, and modest responsiveness to first-line psychotherapies. This systematic review sought to examine whether distress disorders and their related symptoms confer heightened vulnerability to transient EF impairment under conditions of acute stress. Methods: A comprehensive search …

Otolith And Genomic Data Reveal Temporal Insights Into Stocking Across A Large River Basin In A Mobile, Long-Lived Australian Freshwater Fish Species, Katherine A Harrisson, Luciano B Beheregaray, Christopher M Bice, Emily J Booth, Chris J Brauer, Gavin L Butler, David Dawson, Olga Dudchenko, Benjamin G Fanson, Graeme Hackett, Annique Harris, Matthew J Jones, Parwinder Kaur, Wayne M Koster, Kyne Krusic-Golub, Erez Lieberman Aiden, Jason A Lieschke, Jarod Lyon, John R Morrongiello, Nicholas P Murphy, James O'Dwyer, Scott M C Raymond, Meaghan L Rourke, Arron Strawbridge, Jason D Thiem, Zeb Tonkin, Jian D L Yen, Brenton P Zampatti

Staff and Researcher Publications

Freshwater ecosystems and their biota are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic stressors. In response to declining fish stocks, hatchery and stocking programmes are widely implemented as core components of restoration and management strategies, with positive outcomes for some wild populations. Despite this, stocking remains contentious due to potential genetic and ecological risks to wild populations. Monitoring and evaluation of stocking outcomes are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of wild populations, but identification of stocked individuals post-release remains a key challenge, particularly for mobile species. In this study, we combined otolith (natal origin and age) and genomic data to identify …

Personality Factors Associated With Manner Of Death: A Psychological Autopsy Study, Christopher I Gurguis, Scott D Lane, Edison Leung, Joy M Schmitz, Consuelo Walss-Bass, Thomas D Meyer

Staff and Researcher Publications

Psychological autopsies are a well-established tool for understanding contributing factors in suicide completion. These tools have been used less often to understand personality characteristics of people with other manners of death (e.g. overdose). This study examined personality characteristics related to the manner of death in 83 autopsy cases using the UTHealth Psychological Autopsy Interview Schedule (UTH-PAIS), a psychological autopsy which assesses the presence of mental illness or substance use disorder but also includes items to capture transdiagnostic personality factors. Exploratory factor analysis of the items assessing personality factors was used to examine patterns in personality, and these factors were confirmed …

Correction: Citation Issues In The American Academy Of Pediatrics Policy Statement On Transgender And Gender-Diverse Children And Adolescents (Rafferty, 2018), Kathleen Mcdeavitt

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

A Multipronged Effort To Incorporate Professionalism Into Campuswide Programming Through A Center For Professionalism, Kyler M Godwin, Asma Ali, Larry Laufman, Ellen M Friedman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background Professionalism, a core competency for graduate medical education accreditation, has a clear educational mandate. However, the pathway to successful incorporation of professionalism within organizational culture has not been established. Integration of professionalism within the learning environment requires intentional design and formal education. Objective To describe the integration of professionalism in the learning environment through formal education and programming and report feasibility and acceptability data.

Methods The Center for Professionalism (Center) was developed in 2013 to align with the learning and clinical environments of our academic medical center. Primary drivers of a culture of professionalism were identified through input from …

Psychometric Properties Of The Postpartum Thoughts And Behaviors Checklist, Catherine E Rast, Tracey Dibbs, Caitlin M Pinciotti, Nisha Jagannathan, Jonathan S Abramowitz, Mary C Kimmel, Rashelle Musci, Gerald Nestadt, Paul Nestadt, Lauren M Osborne, Jack Samuels, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has an increased prevalence throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period relative to non-peripartum periods. While some obsessive-compulsive symptoms in this period present in the same manner to those in non-postpartum OCD, others are more specific to the postpartum period (e.g., obsessions related to sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS]). However, there are few validated scales assessing obsessive-compulsive symptoms during the postpartum period. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Postpartum Thoughts and Behaviors Checklist (PTBC), a semi-structured interview of intrusive thoughts and repetitive, neutralizing behaviors developed to address this gap. In a sample of 257 …

Understanding How Family Dynamics Affect Mental Health Communication In Inside Out: A Content Analysis, Kataryna Morton

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This study examines the impact of open communication between family members on mental health and a child’s sense of belonging in the film Inside Out. Previous research has shown the impact of media on children’s socialization, which can influence stigma and make it less likely for vulnerable communication to occur. It is crucial for children to learn to communicate their emotions, and the media can play a key role in shaping these beliefs. Inside Out provides a positive example of mental health communication, which is specifically explored through Riley’s communication with her parents throughout the film. Using a content analysis, …

Quantifying Patient Preferences For Treatments For Refractory Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, Olufemi Babalola, Richard W. Hass, John F Mcana, Manav Segal, Juan Marcos Gonzalez, Olajumoke Fadugba

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has become increasingly common to incorporate the patient perspective into drug development and regulatory decision making.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure and quantify patient preferences (priorities and trade-offs) for attributes that characterize current and emerging refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (rCSU) treatments.

METHODS: Adult patients with self-reported rCSU symptoms completed an online discrete choice experiment survey. The survey included 10 questions that asked respondents to choose between 2 hypothetical rCSU treatment profiles having similar attributes with varying levels. The attributes included the following: chance of control of symptoms, time to symptom control, return of symptoms …

The Consequences Of Alcohol Access Restriction: A Case For Harm Reduction After Intentional Isopropanol Consumption, Alexis Seery, Sara Reibschied, Eduardo D Espiridion

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

The Weekly Assessment Of Child Behavior: Psychometric Properties Of A Behavior Problem Screening Tool, Matthew Young, Michael Moradi, Hans Kersten, David Bennett

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.