Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Measurement Models Of Problematization: Connections With Identity Empowerment And Community Connectedness, Angel Long

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Consistent with Liberation theory, problematization is the process of creating critical reflection, a means by which critical consciousness occurs. It is a method for understanding issues faced by oppressed populations, while centering the perspective of these populations. Within Liberation spaces, problematization is critical for fostering critical consciousness, disrupting oppression, and promoting strength. However, problematization is a theoretical concept frame from narrative responses and lived experiences of marginalized individuals. There are few resources highlighting depictions of problematizing/critical consciousness and cultural strengths captured by measures of BIPOC community functioning. Therefore, there is a need to empirically evaluate major tenets of the concept …

Turning To The Sacred: The Role Of Religious/Spiritual Coping In Psychological Outcomes Of Childhood Interpersonal Trauma, Vanessa S. Tomasik

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are widespread and associated with significant and lasting psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and dissociation. Much of the existing literature has focused on adult trauma or narrowly examined childhood abuse and neglect, with comparatively limited attention given to other forms of childhood adversity such as witnessing intimate partner violence, parental separation, or household dysfunction. As a result, the differential psychological impact of distinct types of ACE exposure (i.e., maltreatment vs. household dysfunction) remains insufficiently understood. Emerging literature on coping identifies religious and spiritual (R/S) coping as an important factor in trauma adaptation. Positive R/S …

How Traditional And Social Media Shapes Public Perception Of United States Surpeme Court Decisions On Civil Liberties, Leila P. Martin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This study examines how traditional and social medai shape public perception of U.S. Supreme Court decisions on Civil liberties, focusing on four landmark cases: Dobbs v. Jackson, District of Columbia v. Heller, Materpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, and Obergfell v. Hodges. Using Entmans framing theory, the research analyzes how tone, language, emphasis, and ideological slant differ across media platofrms and how these frames infleunce public attitudes, insitutional trust, and civic understanding. A mixed-methods design combines archival media analysis, national polling data from Pew Rsearch Center and gallup, and an independent survery to asses how media narratives, rather than …

Effects Of Varying Biochar Concentrations On The Growth Of Lactuca Sativa (Newham Bibb Lettuce), Lauren Holler

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objective of this research experiment was to investigate the effectiveness of using biochar in potting soil in terms of plant growth and soil quality. This experiment was carried out using varying amounts (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) of biochar in the soil to see its effect on seed germination, plant growth, and soil quality such as pH, water retention, and soil temperature. The aim of the experiment was to identify whether biochar can be used in soil to promote healthier and stronger plants. There were four treatments which included 0% (Control), 5% (Treatment 1), 10% (Treatment 2), and 20% …

The Effect Of Hormone Replacement Therapy On Osteoporosis And Osteoporotic Fracture Risk In Postmenopausal Women: A Clinical Review, Keeley E. Benfield

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a silent yet devastating skeletal disease disproportionately affecting postmenopausal women, increasing risk for debilitating fractures, loss of independence, and premature mortality. After menopause, estrogen declines causing rapid acceleration of bone loss, making early intervention critical. This clinical review evaluates whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduces the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women compared to no HRT.

Methods: PubMed was searched using terms including “Hormone Replacement Therapy,” “postmenopausal women,” “osteoporosis,” “bone mineral density,” and “fractures,” combined with MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Filters limited results to English, free full text randomized controlled trials …

Efficacy Of Ultrasound In Diagnosing Pneumothorax, Lydia C. Hunt

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Pneumothorax is the presence of air or gas within the pleural space, disrupting normal lung expansion and potentially compromising ventilation and oxygenation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of using ultrasound to diagnose pneumothorax as opposed to chest radiography.

Methods: PubMed was searched using key terms such as “radiography”, “ultrasonography” and “pneumothorax”. Operators and filters were placed, and 5 articles were ultimately selected for review.

Results: Three articles were directly comparing the diagnostic ability of ultrasound versus chest radiograph in diagnosing pneumothorax, while the other two articles were assessing the accuracy of ultrasound alone with …

Whole Blood Versus Component Therapy In Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock: A Comparative Review Of Survival Outcomes, Hadyn Thynne

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Importance: Hemorrhage remains one of the leading preventable causes of trauma mortality, yet the optimal resuscitation strategy, using whole blood vs component therapy, remains debated. While component therapy has been standard in civilian trauma centers since the 2015 PROPPR trial, renewed interest in whole blood resuscitation, largely driven by military experience, has sparked reevaluation of its role in civilian trauma care.

Objective: This review aims to compare survival outcomes, transfusion volumes, coagulopathy correction, and complication rates between whole blood and component therapy resuscitation in adult trauma patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock.

Evidence Review: A PICO-guided PubMed/MEDLINE search with …

The Role Of Probiotics In Metabolic Syndrome: A Clinical Review, Ariel Rios

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

BACKGROUND

           Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. First-line treatment consists of lifestyle modifications, followed by guideline-directed pharmacologic therapy. Growing evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota through probiotic supplementation may improve metabolic outcomes, although its clinical role remains uncertain. This clinical review evaluates whether the use of probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may serve as adjunctive therapy for metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

          PubMed was searched using terms including “metabolic syndrome” and “probiotics,” yielding 195 articles. Abstracts and full texts were screened to identify randomized …

Incidence Of Breast Cancer In Menopausal And Post-Menopausal Women With The Use Of Different Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapies, Morgan L. Moorer

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a widely used treatment for common symptoms that women experience through menopause and post-menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, low libido, night sweats, and weight fluctuations. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the association between MHT use and breast cancer risk.

Methods: A search was conducted through PubMed using the following key terms: “estrogen”, “progesterone”, “breast cancer”, and “menopause”. After filters were applied, the search was narrowed down to 33 final results. Of those results, 3 total articles were utilized in this literature review.

Results: Two articles directly …

Comparing Monoclonal Antibodies Targeted At Amyloid-Beta Plaques’ Efficacy To Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors In Alzheimer’S Disease Management, Megan B. Hardy

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Alzheimer’s disease is a detrimental neurodegenerative disorder that is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Without a cure, this disease slowly robs patients of their dignity and livelihoods. Traditionally, pharmacologic management has relied on symptomatic relief with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). However, new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting amyloid-beta plaques may be the first disease modifying therapy. The purpose of this clinical review was to compare the efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of mAbs and AChEIs in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted through June 2026 using terms related to monoclonal antibodies, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and Alzheimer’s disease. …

The Effects Of Non-Pharmacologic Interventions On Glycemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes And Anxiety: A Clinical Review, Samuel Merr

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) carries significant psychological burden, including elevated rates of anxiety and diabetes-related distress. Both of these have been linked to worse glycemic control and outcomes. The purpose of this clinical review is to evaluate the current evidence on whether non-pharmacologic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), are associated with meaningful reductions in HbA1c in adults with T1D and elevated anxiety.

Methods: PubMed was searched using key terms including “type 1 diabetes,” “anxiety,” “non-pharmacologic interventions,” and “glycemic control,” with MeSH terms and Boolean operators applied. …

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Evaluating Targeted Hypothermia And Targeted Normothermia, Lexie Johnston

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Targeted temperature management plays an important role in post-cardiac arrest care and is aimed at reducing neurologic injury and improving survival following ROSC. While therapeutic hypothermia was once considered the standard of care, recent studies have questioned whether it provides additional benefit over targeted normothermia. This review evaluated current evidence comparing targeted hypothermia with targeted normothermia in adult patients following cardiac arrest.

Methods: A PubMed search was performed using key terms related to cardiac arrest, temperature management, mortality, and neurologic outcomes. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses published within this past …

Biologic Therapies Versus Methotrexate In Psoriatic Arthritis Management: A Literature Review, Yisel Ramos

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause progressive joint damage, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a systemic therapy, while biologic therapies target specific inflammatory pathways. This review evaluated the efficacy and safety of biologic therapies compared with MTX in adults with PsA.

Methods: A PubMed/MEDLINE search identified studies evaluating biologic therapies and MTX in adults with PsA. Four publications were included based on methodological quality, clinical relevance, and applicability to the PICO question. Outcomes included joint symptoms, disease activity, physical function, radiographic progression, and adverse …

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation For Recurrent Clostridioides Difficile Infection: A Clinical Review, Benjamin H. Drinkwalter

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common healthcare-associated infection that frequently recurs after standard antibiotic treatment due to persistent disruption of the intestinal microbiome. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a microbiota-based therapy that may reduce recurrence by restoring normal intestinal bacterial diversity.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify English randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2021 and 2026. Four studies that directly compared FMT with standard antibiotic treatment were included. A fifth randomized controlled trial was added with a second targeted search because the initial search not contain enough randomized …

Prescribing Prevention: The Impact Of Non-Pharmacological Intervention Versus Medication On Maternal Mortality, Sheris Cox

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, are one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the world. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions, including supervised exercise, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and mindfulness-based therapies, in reducing and preventing HDPs and maternal mortality overall. A review of the current literature was conducted using PubMed, with a final search using the terms “preeclampsia,” “exercise,” “stress reduction,” and “maternal mortality.” With the use of certain filters applied to the search, results were condensed to 10 articles for review. Of the articles reviewed, it was found …

Laparoscopic Excision Versus Laparoscopic Ablation For Treatment Of Symptomatic Endometriosis, Jordan Kaplan

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity.¹ This disorder affects 6% to 10% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with chronic pain, infertility, and menstrual irregularities.³ Laparoscopy is the gold standard for surgical management of symptomatic disease; however, uncertainty exists regarding whether laparoscopic excision provides better clinical outcomes compared to laparoscopic ablation.⁴

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database with MeSH terms and Boolean operators related to endometriosis, laparoscopy, excision, and ablation. Filters were applied to include English-language, full-free text, randomized controlled trials, …

Pharmacologic Pain Management During Intrauterine Device Insertion, Taylor M. Long

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Intrauterine devices provide long-acting reversible contraception for women wanting to prevent pregnancy, but pain during insertion is a major concern for many patients. This clinical review compared nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetic options for pain control during and shortly following IUD insertion.

Methods: PubMed was searched using terms “intrauterine device insertion”, “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”, “lidocaine”, “local anesthetics”, “pain”, and “analgesia”. The search returned 135 articles. After filters were applied, eleven articles remained, and five articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the clinical review.

Results: The review included four randomized controlled trials and one network meta-analysis. …

Efficacy Of Sglt2 Inhibitors In The Management Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Paige N. Curtis-Campbell

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), recently proposed to be termed polyendocrine metabolic syndrome (PMOS), is a complex multifactorial disorder commonly associated with obesity, hyperandrogenism, infertility, and insulin resistance. First-line treatments for metabolic characteristics include lifestyle modifications and metformin; however, metabolic abnormalities may persist. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic agent due to their effects on insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and body weight.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed identified studies examining SGLT2 inhibitors in women with PCOS compared to metformin, standard therapies, or placebo. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available …

Effect Of Intramedullary Nailing Vs Plate Fixation On Bone Union Time In Distal Tibial Fractures, Madeline Wasmund

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Distal tibia fractures are complex fractures due to the intricate anatomy and minimal soft-tissue protection. There are currently two techniques that are mainstays for repairing a distal tibia fracture: intramedullary nailing and plate fixation. This study explores the bone union time between these two different techniques. PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using the terms “intramedullary rod”, “plate/screw fixation”, “tibial fractures”, and “time to bone union.” Filters were applied to find articles that were most relevant, which resulted in 4 articles, each of which was appraised. Three articles were systematic reviews/meta-analyses comparing intramedullary nail fixation and plate fixation …

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis Vs Anticoagulant Therapy For The Management Of Pulmonary Embolisms, Kelsey A. Strawser

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that develops within a blood vessel and travels to the lungs, leading to a blockage of blood flow where it can cause life threatening complications.¹ Currently, there is not one standard treatment for pulmonary embolisms. Treatment depends on the size and location of the emboli, as well as the risk it has to the patients’ health.⁹ While systemic anticoagulation is one of the most common treatment methods for pulmonary embolisms, catheter directed thrombolysis rapidly dissolves the clot, which can lead to quicker symptom relief and decreased strain on the heart.^{11 …}

Vitamin D And The Expression Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Sle), Sonephet S. Phoumsavath

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women and minority populations, carrying significant morbidity. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in reducing disease activity in SLE patients, compared with none.

Methods: PubMed was searched using a specific strategy with key terms including "vitamin D," "systemic lupus erythematosus," and "disease activity." Boolean operators and filters included a five-year publication limit and restriction to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. This narrowed the results to five quality articles for review.

Results: Two meta-analyses and …

The Role Of Probiotics As Adjunctive Therapy In The Treatment Of Depressive Disorders, Maritza Lopez

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder that remains difficult to treat for many patients despite available therapies. The purpose of this clinical review was to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive probiotic supplementation for adults with major depressive disorder. PubMed was searched using key terms including major depressive disorder, probiotics, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and gut-brain axis. Search filters and eligibility criteria narrowed the results to six relevant articles for review, including one randomized clinical trial, four systematic reviews, and one clinical practice guideline. Overall, the included studies generally reported reductions in depressive symptom severity and favorable safety …

Clomiphene Vs Letrozole For Fertility In Women With Pcos., Lauren Weissenberger

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition associated with ovulatory dysfunction and infertility in women. The purpose of this review is to analyze the efficacy of clomiphene versus letrozole in ovulation induction, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in women with PCOS.

Methods: PubMed was searched strategically using key terms “polycystic ovary syndrome”, “clomiphene”, and “letrozole”. The following filters were applied: randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, free full text, English language, and publication dates restricted to the last five years. Results narrowed down to three relevant, quality articles for review.

Results: One article was an RCT comparing clomiphene …

Orthosis Versus Surgical Repair Outcomes Of Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip In Children, Avery G. Hays

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction:

            Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common orthopedic malformations in children. Late detection of DDH can lead to more invasive treatment, higher risk of treatment related complications, and long-term sequelae like early onset osteoarthritis. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze current treatments for DDH and provide a rationale for individualized treatment decisions and future implications.

Methods:

            A PubMed search was preformed using a specific strategy with key terms “developmental dysplasia of the hip,” “orthosis,” “surgical reduction,” and “complications.” Boolean operators and filters were used to narrow the results to 6 relevant, …

Hydroxyurea Versus Chronic Blood Transfusion Therapy For Reducing Vaso-Occlusive Crises In Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Review Of Current Evidence, Stefanie L. Pertiller

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide and is associated with significant chronic morbidity and early mortality in children, underscoring the need for effective long-term disease-modifying therapies. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current evidence comparing hydroxyurea therapy with chronic blood transfusion therapy in children with sickle cell disease, with particular emphasis on their effectiveness in reducing the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises.

Methods: PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using key terms “children with sickle cell disease”, “chronic blood transfusion therapy”, and “hydroxyurea therapy”. MeSH terms and Boolean …

Rimegepant For Migraine Prevention: A Review Of Current Evidence, Alexi N. Payne

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction:

Migraine is a common neurologic disorder that causes substantial disability and negatively affects quality of life worldwide. This literature review evaluates the current evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of rimegepant for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Methods:

PubMed was searched using the key terms migraine, rimegepant, and prevention. After applying predefined eligibility criteria, five studies were included: two randomized controlled trials, one open-label extension study, one post hoc analysis, and one systematic review.

Results:

Overall, the included studies demonstrated that rimegepant significantly reduced monthly migraine days, improved health-related quality of life and patient-reported outcomes, and was generally …

Prevention Of Chronic Migraine With Injection Medications: Onabotulinumtoxina Vs Monoclonal Antibodies, Jillian Jesser

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Adults diagnosed with chronic migraine (CM) frequently experience severe pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and blurred vision. All of which are not conducive to routine daily functioning. The purpose of this review article is to explore the efficacy of preventative medications for CM such as OnabotulinumtoxinA injections (onabotA) and calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs).

Methods: PubMed was searched using “OnabotulinumtoxinA,” “chronic migraines,” and “monoclonal antibodies”, and related branch terms. The 263 results of this search were reduced to 20 with the following filters: published date 2020-2025, randomized controlled trials (RTCs), systematic review, meta-analysis, free …

Selenium Supplementation For Treatment Of Subclinical Hypothyroidism And Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Lael Smith

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions of the world. It is characterized by autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, chronic inflammation, and progressive thyroid dysfunction. Selenium is an essential trace element involved in antioxidant defense of thyroid tissue and has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy. This review evaluates current evidence regarding the effects of selenium supplementation on thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism. Three peer-reviewed studies, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, were evaluated to examine the primary outcome of thyroid function by measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone …

The Effects Of Low Dose Aspirin And Low Molecular Weight Heparin In Preventing Preeclampsia, Madison A. Deslatte

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a prevalent hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can lead to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to evaluate if low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) combined with low-dose aspirin (LDA) is more efficacious in preventing preeclampsia than the standard therapy of LDA alone.

Methods: PubMed was searched with a precise search strategy using key terms “preeclampsia”, “low-dose aspirin”, and “low-molecular-weight heparin”. Filters and operators narrowed the results to 4 relevant and high-quality articles that were used for the review.

Results: Three articles directly compared the use of LDA and LMWH combined to standard …

Restrictive Fluid Resuscitation With Early Vasopressor Initiation Vs Liberal Fluid Resuscitation In Adults With Septic Shock: A Review Of Mortality And Clinical Outcomes, Gabriel Locke

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction

Septic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by profound hypotension, impaired organ perfusion, and significant risk of mortality. While large fluid resuscitation has been considered the commonplace, emerging evidence of increased adverse outcomes has prompted further investigation into restrictive fluid strategies in combination with early vasopressor use.

Methods

PubMed was searched with key terms “septic shock”, “vasopressors”, “norepinephrine”, “restrictive fluid resuscitation”, “liberal fluid resuscitation”, and “mortality”. Operators and filters were implemented such as randomized control trial, systematic reviews, meta-analyses published between 2021 and 2026. After applying these filters. Of the 39 results, 4 articles were selected based on …