Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Automated Capture And Analysis Of Circulating Tumor Cells In Pediatric, Adolescent And Young Adult Patients With Central Nervous System Tumors, Wafik Zaky, Dristhi Ragoonanan, Izhar Batth, Long Dao, Jian Wang, Xueqing Xia, Najat C Daw, Jonathan B Gill, Soumen Khatua, Shulin Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most common and lethal childhood malignancy. Detection of residual disease and longitudinal monitoring of treatment response in patients are challenging and rely on serial imaging. This current standard of care fails to detect microscopic disease or provide molecular characteristics of residual tumors. As such, there is dire need for minimally invasive liquid biopsy techniques. We have previously shown the high specificity of using cell surface vimentin (CSV) to identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients bearing various types of cancers. Here, we describe the first report of CTCs captured from peripheral …

Association Of Delirium And Depression With Respiratory And Outcome Measures In Covid-19 Inpatients, Alessio Simonetti, Cristina Pais, Vezio Savoia, Maria Camilla Cipriani, Matteo Tosato, Delfina Janiri, Evelina Bernardi, Ottavia Marianna Ferrara, Stella Margoni, Georgios D Kotzalidis, Daniela Chieffo, Massimo Fantoni, Rosa Liperoti, Francesco Landi, Roberto Bernabei, Gabriele Sani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Delirium (DEL) and depression (DEP) may impair the course and severity of acute respiratory illness. The impact of such syndromes on respiratory and outcome parameters in inpatients with COVID-19 needs clarification. To clarify the relationship between DEL and DEP and respiratory outcome measures, we enrolled 100 inpatients from COVID-19 units of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS of Rome. Participants were divided into those with DEL, DEP, or absence of either delirium or depression (CONT). Delirium severity was assessed with the Neelson and Champagne Confusion Scale (NEECHAM). Psychopathology was assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the …

Aggressive End-Of-Life Care Across Gradients Of Cognitive Impairment In Nursing Home Patients With Metastatic Cancer, Siran M. Koroukian, Sara L. Douglas, Long Vu, Hannah L. Fein, Nicholas K. Schiltz, Jennifer Cullen, Cynthia Owusu, Martha Sajatovic, Johnie Rose

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Studies examining end-of-life (EOL) care in older cancer patients are scarce, and prior studies have not accounted for gradients of cognitive impairment (COG-I). We examine EOL care patterns across COG-I gradients, hypothesizing that greater COG-I severity is associated with lower odds of receiving aggressive EOL care. Methods: Using data from the linked Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) -Medicare -Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, we identified patients with nursing facility stays (NFS) and who died with metastatic cancer from 2013 to 2017. Markers of aggressive EOL care were: cancer-directed treatment, intensive care unit admission, >1 emergency department visit, or …

A Review On Anatomical And Surgical Importance Of Mammary Gland, Sneha Jm Sneha Jm Dr, Pushpa Nb Dr, Vidya Cs Dr, Manjappa M Dr

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

ABSTRACT

The mammary gland is an exocrine gland present in female mammals responsible for the production and secretion of milk during the process of lactation. It is mainly composed by epithelial cells and adipocytes. The features that make mammary gland unique are 1) its highly plastic properties displayed during pregnancy, lactation and involution (all steps belonging to the lactation cycle) and 2) its requirement to grow in close association with adipocytes which are absolutely necessary to ensure mammary gland development at puberty and remodelling during the lactation cycle. (Georgia colleluori, Jessica perugini, Giorgio barbatelli, and saverio cintr (2021).

Conclusion

The …

Clinical Evidence Of Human Pathogens Implicated In Alzheimer’S Disease Pathology And The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Antimicrobials: An Overview, Celso S G Catumbela, Vijayasree V Giridharan, Tatiana Barichello, Rodrigo Morales

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A wealth of pre-clinical reports and data derived from human subjects and brain autopsies suggest that microbial infections are relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This has inspired the hypothesis that microbial infections increase the risk or even trigger the onset of AD. Multiple models have been developed to explain the increase in pathogenic microbes in AD patients. Although this hypothesis is well accepted in the field, it is not yet clear whether microbial neuroinvasion is a cause of AD or a consequence of the pathological changes experienced by the demented brain. Along the same line, the gut microbiome has also …

Understanding Veteran Perceptions About Mental Health And Its Treatment, Quinn Turner Stoddard

Dissertations and Theses

Mental health illnesses are a growing issue for a large part of the country, and veterans in particular are vulnerable to the numerous negative effects they pose. Despite the high number of people that may benefit from treatment, a variety of issues with trust, stigma, and attitudes may act as barriers to care utilization. In response, this study investigated the perceptions that veterans within the Pacific Northwest hold in regards to mental health treatment as well as their intentions to seek it out should they require it. Using the integrated model of behavioral prediction (IMBP), data was gathered about veterans’ …

Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Interaction With G Proteins In Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Motility, And Calcium Signaling, Murat Oz, Justin R. King, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Sarah Khushaish, Yulia Tchugunova, Maitham A. Khajah, Yunus A. Luqmani, Nadine Kabbani

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Chronic smoking is a primary risk factor for breast cancer due to the presence of various toxins and carcinogens within tobacco products. Nicotine is the primary addictive component of tobacco products and has been shown to promote breast cancer cell proliferation and metastases. Nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are expressed in cancer cell lines. Here, we examine the role of the α7 nAChR in coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins within breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Pharmacological activation of the α7 nAChR using choline or nicotine was found to increase proliferation, motility, and calcium signaling in MCF-7 cells. This effect …

Understanding Athletes’ Experience When Transitioning To Life Beyond Sport, Mary L. Dell'arciprete, M Lauren Dell'arciprete

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Discontinuation may be by choice or may be due to an injury; however most collegiate athletes’ sports engagement ends due to graduation causing them to shift their role in an occupation that played a crucial role in their self-identity. Athletes of all levels are challenged in their transition beyond sport and in the adjustment to the various role changes that occur. A significant life event, such as the end of one’s athletic engagement, can cause a loss of identity, purpose, and mental health decline. Former athletes may experience occupational disruption, a temporary inability to adequately engage in meaningful tasks due …

Memory Rescue And Learning In Synaptic Impaired Neuronal Circuits, Kwan Tung Li, Daoyun Ji, Changsong Zhou

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Neuronal impairment is a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its effect on neural activity dynamics underlying memory deficits is unclear. Here, we studied the effects of synaptic impairment on neural activities associated with memory recall, memory rescue, and learning a new memory, in an integrate-and-fire neuronal network. Our results showed that reducing connectivity decreases the neuronal synchronization of memory neurons and impairs memory recall performance. Although, slow-gamma stimulation rescued memory recall and slow-gamma oscillations, the rescue caused a side effect of activating mixed memories. During the learning of a new memory, reducing connectivity caused impairment in storing the new …

Adaptation And Formative Evaluation Of Online Decision Support To Implement Evidence-Based Strategies To Increase Hpv Vaccination Rates In Pediatric Clinics, Ross Shegog, Lara S Savas, Erica L Frost, Laura C Thormaehlen, Travis Teague, Jack Steffy, Catherine Mary Healy, Laura Aubree Shay, Sharice Preston, Sally W Vernon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination rates remain below national goals in the United States despite the availability of evidence-based strategies to increase rates. The Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP) is a multi-component intervention demonstrated to increase HPV vaccination rates in pediatric clinics through the implementation of six evidence-based strategies. The purpose of this study, conducted in Houston, Texas, from 2019-2021, was to adapt the AVP into an online decision support implementation tool for standalone use and to evaluate its feasibility for use in community clinics. Phase 1 (Adaptation) comprised clinic interviews (

The Impact Of Culture On Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Older Latinos With Co-Occurring Diabetes And Depression: A Literature Review, Alejandra M. Aguirre

McNair Research Journal SJSU

Diabetes is one of the most common health disparities in the United States today and disproportionately affects older Latino populations. Increased recognition of the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and mental health has led to more awareness and treatments for diabetes and depression. Despite high prevalence rates, diabetes and depression are commonly undiagnosed and untreated in older Latinos. Existing literature reports that factors including genetic and behavioral factors, low socioeconomic status (SES), limited healthcare access, and language barriers may prevent this population from seeking professional treatment. Prior research also suggests that culturally based stigma toward these conditions can negatively impact health …

Satisfaction With Participation In The First Steps Behavioral Intervention: Experiences Of Parents Of Young Children With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes, Marissa N Baudino, Hailey Inverso, Christine Wang, Carrie Tully, Wendy Levy, Lauren Clary, Katherine A Gallagher, Maureen Monaghan, Randi Streisand, Marisa E Hilliard

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: Parents of young children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience significant distress and struggle with T1D management during a challenging developmental stage. The First STEPS (Study of Type 1 in Early childhood and Parenting Support) trial evaluated a stepped-care behavioral intervention comprising increasingly intensive intervention steps (peer parent coach, cognitive-behavioral counseling, consultations with diabetes educator and psychologist) based on need. The intervention improved parental depressive symptoms compared to usual care. Subsequently, we examined parent satisfaction with the intervention to guide potential implementation and refinement for future trials.

METHODS: Participants were 157 parents of young children newly diagnosed …

Early Non-Response As A Predictor Of Later Non-Response To Antipsychotics In Schizophrenia: A Randomized Trial, Yujun Long, Qiongqiong Wu, Ye Yang, Jingda Cai, Jingmei Xiao, Zhaoqian Liu, Yifeng Xu, Ying Chen, Manli Huang, Ruiguo Zhang, Xijia Xu, Jian Hu, Zhifen Liu, Fang Liu, Yingjun Zheng, Huaqing Meng, Zhimin Wang, Yanqing Tang, Xueqin Song, Yunchun Chen, Xueyi Wang, Tiebang Liu, Xiaoli Wu, Maosheng Fang, Chunling Wan, Jingping Zhao, Renrong Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: It remains a challenge to predict the long-term response to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia who do not respond at an early stage. This study aimed to investigate the optimal predictive cut-off value for early non-response that would better predict later non-response to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS: This multicenter, 8-week, open-label, randomized trial was conducted at 19 psychiatric centers throughout China. All enrolled participants were assigned to olanzapine, risperidone, amisulpride, or aripiprazole monotherapy for 8 weeks. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was evaluated at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8. The main outcome …

Previous Health Care Experiences’ Influence On Health Care Perceptions Among Residents In Six Homeless Shelters In Seattle, Washington, July–October 2021, Ashley A. Meehan, Sarah N. Cox, Nicholas B. Thuo, Julia H. Rogers, Amy C. Link, Miguel A. Martinez, Natalie K. Lo, Brian J. Manns, Melissa A. Rolfes, Eric J. Chow, Helen Y. Chu, Emily Mosites, Morhaf Al Achkar

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: The study purpose was to learn and describe 1) where homeless shelter residents receive health care, 2) what contributes to positive or negative health care experiences among shelter residents, and 3) shelter resident perceptions toward health care.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews (SSIs) utilizing purposive sampling and focus group discussions (FGDs) utilizing convenience sampling were conducted at 6 homeless shelters in Seattle-King County, Washington, during July–October 2021. All residents (age ≥ 18) were eligible to participate. SSIs were conducted with 25 residents, and 8 FGDs were held. Thematic analysis was conducted using Dedoose.

Results: Participants received health care …

Leveraging The Strength Of Collaboration In Rapidly Changing Times: The 29th Annual Conference Of The Health Care Systems Research Network, Michael A. Horberg, Suzanne Simons

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

On February 21, 2023, the 29th annual conference of the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) kicked off at the Sheraton Downtown Denver with more than 320 participants from 20 HCSRN member institutions. Attendees gathered, in person, to reconnect and network during the 3-day conference, which featured the theme Leveraging the Power of the Network in Rapidly Changing Times. This paper highlights takeaways from the conference’s plenary sessions, panel discussions, and abstract presentations.

Abstracts From The 2023 Health Care Systems Research Network (Hcsrn) Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) is comprised of 20 learning health systems with embedded population-based research units. The network’s annual conference serves as a forum for research teams from member institutions to disseminate project findings, explore scientific collaborations, and share insights about conducting research in real-world care delivery settings. Abstracts presented at HCSRN 2023 are published in this issue supplement of Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the journal of record for HCSRN’s annual conference proceedings.

Psychosocial Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Women With Spinal Cord Injury, Heather B Taylor, Rosemary B Hughes, Diana Gonzalez, Muna Bhattarai, Susan Robinson-Whelen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study represents the first known research addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States. Women in this population face unique barriers that put them at elevated risk for compromised quality of life, risk that was magnified by physical and social restrictions imposed during the pandemic. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of women with SCI and the effect of the pandemic on their lives. The predominantly White and relatively well-educated sample of 105 women with traumatic SCI was diverse in age, injury characteristics, and geographic representation. Recruited across the …

Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (Hpsas) In The Mountain West, Nicole Diaz Del Valle, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

Using data from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)” 2022 report, this fact sheet looks at the mental health care health professional shortage area (HPSA) designations for Mountain West states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Examining Treatment Differences In Anxiety Disorders And Body-Focused Repetitive And Related Disorders In A Pediatric Clinic Sample, Katrina Scarimbolo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health concerns that affect youth. It is estimated about 9.4% of youth have an anxiety disorder such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder or specific phobias (CDC, 2022). The present study includes obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder as a part of the definition of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can be comorbid with many mental health conditions. The focus of this study was on the comorbidity between anxiety disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and related disorders. BFRBs are behaviors that involve repeated picking, …

Temporal Trends And Geographic Variations In Mortality Rates From Tobacco And Firearms In The United States, Sarah A Palumbo, Robert S Levine, Janet D Robishaw, Charles H Hennekens

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We explored temporal trends and geographic variations in United States of America (US) mortality rates from smoking and firearms from 1999 to 2019. To do so, we used the publicly available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) with Multiple Cause of Death files from 1999 to 2019. Using age-specific rates and ArcGIS Pro Advanced software for Optimized Hot Spot Analyses from Esri, we generated maps of statistically significant spatial clusters with 90-99% confidence intervals with the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic for mortality from smoking-related causes and firearms. These data show temporal trends …

Are The Post-Covid-19 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Symptoms Justified By The Effects Of Covid-19 On Brain Structure? A Systematic Review, Georgios D Kotzalidis, Ottavia Marianna Ferrara, Stella Margoni, Valentina Ieritano, Antonio Restaino, Evelina Bernardi, Alessia Fischetti, Antonello Catinari, Laura Monti, Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo, Alessio Simonetti, Gabriele Sani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

COVID-19 affects brain function, as deduced by the "brain fog" that is often encountered in COVID-19 patients and some cognitive impairment that is observed in many a patient in the post-COVID-19 period. Approximately one-third of patients, even when they have recovered from the acute somatic disease, continue to show posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We hypothesized that the persistent changes induced by COVID-19 on brain structure would overlap with those associated with PTSD. We performed a thorough PubMed search on 25 April 2023 using the following strategy: ((posttraumatic OR PTSD) AND COVID-19 AND (neuroimaging OR voxel OR VBM OR freesurfer …

State Oversight Of Polypharmacy And Psychotropic Medication Use Among Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Three State Case Study, James Houseworth, Kami L. Gallus, Tiffany Greene, Steven R. Erickson, Jennifer Lynn Jones, Laura Vegas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are prescribed more medications than the general population, placing them at significantly higher risk for issues due to taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). There are currently no clear national standards for the administration of medications given this risk. The following policy analysis explores state policies related to prescription medication oversight. This analysis pays particular attention to the use of medications that alter one’s mental state (psychotropics) among people with IDD who receive home and community-based services (HCBS) in the United States. The article outlines current efforts implemented to reduce medication-related risks for people with …

Applying The Self-Determined Learning Model Of Instruction To The Psychotherapeutic Context For People With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Richard Chapman, Jessica Schuttler, Karrie Shogren, Sydney Walls, Hannah Adams, Aderonke O. Oyetunji

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Self Determined Learning Model of Instruction is an evidence-based intervention for supporting self-directed goal setting and problem solving. Traditionally, the SDLMI has not been applied in the psychotherapeutic context, however we propose that the SDLMI is an approach that could be integrated into such a context to support self-determination, goal setting, and goal attainment. In this paper, we specifically focus on connections between the SDLMI and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and how the approaches can be used jointly, during psychotherapy to support teens and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to set, work towards, and reach goals. Implications …

Reaching Consensus On The Future Direction Of A Resource Center Within A Ucedd: A Quality Improvement Delphi Project, Emily J. Hickey Phd, Amy D. Whitehead Mpa, Rachel Weingarten Bs, Leann Smith Dawalt Phd

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families need access to timely, quality information and assistance about relevant services and supports. Despite statewide systems of information and assistance for this population, there is a need for “in-the-moment” assistance for individuals and family members who participate in on-site research, training and or service delivery at the Waisman Center. The aim of this quality improvement project was to clarify the role of an internal Resource Center so as to align with the staff resources available and not duplicate statewide systems of support.

The Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison the …

Health And Quality Of Life Among People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And Direct Support Professionals During The Early United States Covid-19 Pandemic, Erin Vinoski Thomas, Bridgette M. Schram, Sombal Bari, Rachel Odunlami, Kristina M. Ormond, Sydnie E. Smith

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the direct support professionals (DSPs) who support them have faced unique risks to their health and quality of life (QoL) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to understand how COVID-19 has influenced QoL and overall well-being among these populations. We conducted a Rapid Qualitative Inquiry study with a sample of people with IDD and DSPs (n = 18) to gain deeper perspectives about QoL and well-being during the pandemic. Participants described that changes in QoL were typically negative and influenced primarily by reduced socialization and impacts on health and independence; however, …

Incorporating Poi As A Therapeutic Modality For Preschool Aged Children In The Care Clinic, Danielle Zirkle

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

A Mini-Review Of What Matters In The Management Of Nas, Is Esc The Best Care?, Enrique Gomez Pomar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

As the use of opioids and polysubstance by pregnant women has increased over the years, there has also been a sharp increase in cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Classically, infants affected by NAS have been cared for in neonatal intensive care units resulting in an increase of healthcare expenditure and resource utilization as well as separation from the families. Consequently, the Eat, Sleep, and Console (ESC) tool was developed and promoted as a novel method that focuses on maternal/infant dyad during hospital stay while decreasing the use of pharmacological interventions and therefore decreasing the length of stay and healthcare …

Can I Count On You? Social Support, Depression And Suicide Risk, Christiana Silva, Christopher Mcgovern, Stephanie Gomez, Eleanor Beale, James Overholser

Student Scholarship

Objectives: Interpersonal factors play an important role in the etiology and treatment of depression. Social support derives from compassionate words and helpful actions provided by family, friends or a significant other. The present study was designed to examine various sources of social support as they relate to the severity of depressive symptoms, hopelessness and suicide risk in adult psychiatric outpatients. Method: Participants were recruited through mental health clinics at a veteran's affairs medical centre. A total of 96 depressed patients were assessed using a diagnostic interview and self-report measures of depression severity, hopelessness and social support. Among these depressed adults, …

Investigating The Longitudinal Relationship Between Social Motivation And Depression In Autistic Adults, Robyn H. Himelstein

Theses and Dissertations

Autism affects individuals across the lifespan, yet there tends to be limited research and services for autistic adults. This is especially concerning given that autistic adults have high mental health needs, with depression being one of the most common and clinically significant co-occurring conditions. We explored the longitudinal relationships between social motivation, social access (i.e., having opportunities for meaningful social interactions), loneliness, and depression in N=303 autistic adults ages 18-65. Participants completed online surveys about social behavior and wellbeing three times over 3–4 months. We hypothesized that an interaction between higher social motivation and lower social access at Time 1 …

How Are Our Athletes Doing? A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Student-Athlete Mental Health In Fall 2022 At A Maine Division Iii University, Emma Cronk, Adriana Isacke, Amy Haskins, Christina Holt, Krystian Bigosinski

Journal of Maine Medical Center

No abstract provided.