Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Environmental Impacts Of Contact Lens Waste, Abigail Wilhelmi

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Contact lenses have been used for decades to correct vision, and over 150 million people use contact lenses today. The materials used to make contact lenses have evolved drastically, but ultimately resulted in a specific plastic, silicone-derived hydrogel, which provides maximal comfort and clear vision, while also maintaining the eye health of the user. Contact lenses have enhanced the lives of many people, but a topic that is often left out of contact lens discussions is that of plastic waste. Single-use plastic and increased plastic pollution have recently been areas of concern and expanded research. Contact lenses are often forgotten …

The Role Of The Gut Microbiome In Autoimmune Disorders, Sierra Baxter

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), it is estimated that over 24 million Americans are diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, and the cases are increasing (2005). A significant risk factor that has been linked to the formation of these diseases is the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome of the adult plays a vital role in the efficacy of the immune system. The purpose of this research and systematic literature review is to determine how the gut microbiome can influence autoimmune disorders. In this review, five databases were searched including PubMed, DynaMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Clinical Key. A variety …

Effects Of Phototherapy In Patients With Atopic Dermatitis, Stephanie Krogen

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic remitting problem faced by many people in our communities of all ages. Atopic dermatitis (AD) presents as an erythematous and pruritic rash. There is no cure, only treatments that help alleviate symptoms. The purpose of this literature review is to help determine the best course of action for treatment for patients who suffer from AD. Phototherapy has been growing in popularity and research as an alternate treatment to systemic and pharmacologic therapies. This review was done using PubMed, Clinical Key, DynaMed, and Cochrane. Studies were included that reviewed the side effects and efficacy of each …

Effect Of A Ketogenic Diet On Glycemic Control In Type 2 Diabetics, Steven Moore

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

With the increasing rate of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the serious complications associated with this disease, there continues to be controversy surrounding the most effective way to manage glycemic control in this population. The intention of this meta-analysis is to determine the effect of a ketogenic diet as a first-line treatment option on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Effectiveness was determined by comparing the ketogenic diet to other popular diets recommended to diabetics by practitioners following guidelines set forth by the American Diabetes Association. Several high-quality studies were selected utilizing PubMed, Dynamed plus, …

Comparative Research Of Effective Treatment Measures For Postpartum Depression, Aunica Novacek

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that includes depressive symptoms during the time period following childbirth. There are various possibilities for what may cause this disorder, but the drastic change in hormones after delivery can play a role. With the chance this disorder may be fatal to both the mother and child, an appropriate, effective, and safe treatment is necessary to control depressive symptoms. The standard, first line pharmacotherapeutic option is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. SSRI antidepressants are well understood, but these medications may take time to become effective. Knowing this, medical professionals can find a more …

Integration Of Palliative Care In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management, Christina Rasanen

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this scholarly project is to determine if the integration of palliative care (PC) into COPD management provides an improvement in symptom burden associated with quality of life and end of life care when compared to the standard of care. A review of the literature was performed using the following electronic databases, and the use of keywords and mesh terms were used to define the set of literature that would be critically analyzed. A total of 16 articles achieved the necessary criteria for review and critical assessment. The literature reviewed various aspects related to symptom burden and symptom …

Comparing Outcomes Of Online Application Therapy Versus Standard Psychotherapy In Patients Suffering From Mental Illness, Jenna Zwiers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in comparison to standard cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The quality, safety, therapist-response, and cost of internetdelivered cognitive behavioral therapy was also studied. This review utilized multiple databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Clinical Key, Cochrane Review, and PsychINFO from 2015 to 2020. The literature reviewed consisted of peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews. Sources that were excluded from the study included those prior to 2015, studies with small sample sizes, and those that involved children. Thirteen resources were …

Comparison Of Oral Glucose Tolerance And Hemoglobin A1c As An Initial Indicator Of Type 2 Diabetes, Shelby Knox

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Databases ClinicalKey, PubMed, Dynamed, and CINAHL withdrew a total of 17 peer-reviewed cross-sectional and retrospective studies, secondary and pooled data analyses, and meta-analyses. Inclusion criteria included human studies, studies < 10 years old, individuals > 15 years of age, fasting plasma glucose in conjunction with OGTT, and subjects without known diabetes. Exclusion criteria included alternative forms of diabetes, screening and diagnosis of prediabetes, comparisons in relation to specific medical conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy, and gestational diabetes, …

P.M. Dosing Outcomes Of Ace Inhibitors Or Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers In Hypertension Versus P.M. Dosing In Hypertension With Comorbidities, Savana Kramer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Introduction: The purpose of this research is to compare P.M. dosing outcomes of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in those with hypertension and hypertension plus chronic kidney disease or diabetes.

• Research Methods: Three databases were searched including PubMed, ClinicalKey, and DynaMed with a time frame of 15 years. Studies chosen for review were peer reviewed, and included randomized control trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and a preclinical animal trial.

• Discussion: The research shows evidence of reduced blood pressures throughout the night and into the next day, decreased proteinuria, and decreased cardiovascular events when …

Comparison Of Conjunctive Probiotic Use Versus No Probiotic Use In Outcomes Of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, Samantha Simley

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Antibiotics are utilized in the medical community for the treatment of bacterial infections. Consequently, the use of antibiotics may result in certain gastrointestinal side effects. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is one side effect that can be seen in patient populations that are on an antibiotic regimen. Due to this side effect profile, patient compliance on an antibiotic regimen may be compromised. This lack in patient compliance led to increased interest to determine if there are treatment options available to prevent or reduce instances of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. One treatment option of interest includes the use of probiotics. The purpose of this literature review …

The Impact Of Hormone Therapy On Cardiovascular And Bone Health In Women With Premature Or Early Menopause, Traci L. Leitheiser

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Objective: • The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies were a catalyst for the dramatic decline in the number of postmenopausal women being prescribed hormone therapy (HT). • The WHI published the largest randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial regarding the use of HT in postmenopausal women with a mean age of 63 years. • One group of women thought to benefit from HT but have often been denied HT based on the WHI studies’ results is premature and early menopausal women. • The purpose of this literature review was to compare the WHI studies’ results to studies that reviewed coronary heart disease …

Efficacy Of Pharmacologic Treatment For Orthostatic Hypotension In The Elderly Population, Abigail Moeller

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic treatments for orthostatic hypotension (OH), with an emphasis on researching the elderly population. In this review, three electronic search databases were utilized including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Dynamed from the years 1997 to 2019. Several keywords were used during the search. The specific pharmacologic agents researched for the treatment of OH included midodrine, droxidopa, pyridostigmine, and fludrocortisone. Although midodrine is the most researched and utilized pharmacologic treatment of OH, this drug may not be the best option when it comes to treatment in the elderly …

Ketamine In Refractory Asthma Exacerbations, Stephanie Frentzel

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Asthma is a chronic, non-curable respiratory disease that has multi-factorial effects on the bronchial mucosa. Despite optimal prevention and standardized first line asthma care the symptoms can deteriorate leading into an asthma exacerbation which is a medical emergency. Purpose:

• To determine the efficacy of ketamine use as an adjunctive medication for acutes severe asthma exacerbations that had failed standard guideline directed treatments. Methods: • Relevant databases were searched looking for ketamine use in asthma exacerbations.

• The inclusion material consists of pediatric and adult populations in available systematic reviews, randomized control trials, meta-analysis, pilot studies, case reports, and peer-reviewed …

Active Therapies In The Management Of Concussion And Post-Concussion Syndrome, Breanna R. Krueger

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this research and literature review is to evaluate the recently completed literature to provide guidance to medical providers in the safest and most efficacious treatment options for adolescent patients with concussion and post-concussion syndrome. The literature was searched for studies directly related to adolescents and active therapies such as physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, exertional therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The search time frame implemented was studies completed within the last ten years. Ten studies met the final criteria. The research shows a substantial benefit for immediate cognitive and physical rest following a mTBI. The research suggests that …

Effect Of Cftr Modulators On Respiratory Function In Adults With Cystic Fibrosis, Melissa Severson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

CysticFibrosis(CF)isanautosomalrecessivedisorderthatshortensone’slifeduetoitseffectonthecysticfibrosistransmembraneregulator(CFTR)gene.CFTRmodulatormedicationscancorrecttheCFTRgeneandconsistofapotentiator(ivacaftor),andcorrector(lumacaftor,tezacaftorandelexacaftor).ThisresearchandliteraturereviewsoughttoevaluateiflungfunctionimprovedinanindividualwithgeneticallyconfirmedCFafterbeingstartedonCFTRmodulatormedications.Tocompletethereview,sixdatabasesweresearched:CINAHL,PubMed,ClinicalKey,CochraneLibrary,EmbaseandDynamedPlus.BothkeywordandmeshtermswereusedtodefineasetoftheliteraturediscussingCFandCFTRmodulatoruse.Atotalof24studieswereincludedandmettheinclusioncriteriaof:peerreviewed,publishedwithinthepastsixyears,greaterthan20studyparticipants,andwerenotlimitedcasereports.Phase2studieswereincludedforelexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftorandtezacaftor-ivacaftor,duetolimitedresearchinthisarea.Researchindicatedthativacaftorimprovedpercentpredictedforcedexpiratoryvolumeinonesecond(ppFEV1)inindividualswithG551D,non-G551Dgatingmutations,Gly-Asp-CFTRandARG117HISmutations.Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftorimprovedppFEV1inheterozygousandhomozygousPhe508delgreaterthanivacaftororlumacaftor-ivacaftor.Ivacaftorandlumacaftor-ivacaftormayhaveagedependentchangesonppFEV1.IndividualswithppFEV1<40%appeartohaveapositiveresponsetotreatment,howevertheymayhaveincreasedsideeffectsandresponsemaybedelayed.Additionalresearchisneededonagedependent,longitudinalresponse,andefficacyoftreatment.

Cholinergic Antagonist Use And The Risk Of Developing Dementia In Persons Aged 65 Years And Olders, Heidi N. Artz Schmaltz

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Anticholinergic medications cause a therapeutic or negative effect in the human body by blocking neuronal cholinergic receptors, thereby inhibiting the binding of acetylcholine in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. These medications have short-term side effects including dry mouth, constipation, visual impairments, or delirium; however, research regarding the long-term side effects is limited. The purpose of this systemic literature review is to determine the correlation between prolonged exposure to anticholinergic medications and the development of dementia. The literature databases PubMed, Cochrane Review, Science Direct (Elsevier), and DynaMed were utilized in this review. Journal articles published within the …

Decreasing Suicidal Risks Among Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Or Major Depression, Manpreet K. Sheabat

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Suicide is a major cause of death in US. Military personnel are at a higher risk of committing suicide compared to the general population. The risk is exacerbated by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression.

• Few reviews have explored the effects of the recommended psychotherapeutic interventions on suicidal ideations and suicide rates for these two disorders, focusing on the veteran population. To address this, a literature search was performed through electronic databases to identify appropriate journal articles.

• Treatment with CPT and PE for PTSD has been found effective in decreasing suicidal thoughts, intents, and attempts. On the …

Buprenorphine Versus Methadone For Opioid Use Disorder, Ben Devries

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the use of Buprenorphine and Methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Comparison of overall safety, efficacy, morbidity and mortality between the two treatment options is accomplished throughout this article. The literature review was performed using databases: PubMed, Clinical Key, Cochane and Uptodate. Results were limited to studies completed within the past 7 years. Methadone has been the treatment mainstay of opioid use disorder for decades. Buprenorphine has increased in popularity and prevalence for treatment of opioid use disorder, especially after receiving FDA approval for such use in 2002. Several …

Treatment Of Mosh And The Effects On Fertility, Julie Harmon

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Male obesity-related secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) is often underdiagnosed in the young male population.

The current standard of care for hypogonadism in the older male population typically includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

• The purpose of this study is to highlight available treatment options for MOSH in the younger population and the various effects on fertility.

• The method utilized was a systematic review of the current literature that targeted studies of obese males below the age of 65 treated for secondary hypogonadism.

• This review highlights some of the current recommendations, including lifestyle changes, and compares the use of TRT …

A Comparison Of Sglt2 Inhibitors To Current Guideline Directed Medical Therapy For The Treatment Of Heart Failure In Non-Diabetic Patients, Rebecca R. Beyer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Heart failure remains a complex disease that affects an increasing number of patients annually. For heart failure, most of the research has focused on the hemodynamic changes of the heart chambers and the medications that slow the disease progression. Recent studies have investigated treatment options that may disrupt the neuro-hormonal and pathophysiologic cell changes that lead to further progression of heart failure. Although the mechanisms by which the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are not entirely understood, they are believed to directly affect the cardiac electrolyte imbalances that trigger the cellular changes which contribute to the altered contractility, adrenergic receptor …

Comparison Of Traditional Management Of Heart Failure With Cardiomems, Quinn Jacobs

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this research and literature review is to compare the efficacy of the implantable pulmonary artery pressure monitoring device, CardioMEMS, to traditional heart failure management in terms of reducing hospital readmissions. The data bases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Clinical Key, and DynaMed Plus were utilized. Because the CardioMEMS device is relatively novel in the treatment of heart failure, the time frame of search results was expanded to 10 years to include research from the original clinical trials. A total of 17 peer reviewed works were chosen for this review which included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and …

Invasive Needling Therapy For Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Katelyn Krueger

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions characterized by tight bands of fascia and muscle fibers known as myofascial trigger points (MTrP’s). Empirical evidence suggests that deactivation of MTrP’s is best accomplished with invasive needling therapy such as dry needling, trigger point injections (TPI’s), and botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections. The objective of this systemic review is to compare the efficacy of various needling therapies on pain intensity and additionally determine if ultrasound guidance and obtaining an LTR improves clinical outcomes. A comprehensive search of five databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Cochran, and CINHAL …

Effectiveness Of Diet/Exercise In Prevention Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Associated Cesarean Section Delivery, Jonathyn Marx

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming a more common diagnosis during pregnancy. GDM is defined as glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. Women diagnosed with GDM during pregnancy are at an increased risk for emergent or planned cesarean section delivery and the development of overt diabetes mellitus post pregnancy. Complications related to GDM include eclampsia, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, stillbirth, and cesarean section delivery. Initial treatment consists of diet and exercise and if glucose can not be controlled then pharmacotherapy is introduced. A literature review was performed utilizing scientific databases, mesh terms, and keywords to gather statistically relevant research to analyze the …

Comparison Of Functional Capacity And Outcomes Of Patients With Rotator Cuff Injury: Surgery Versus Non-Invasive Methods, Brian Schiller

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Rotator cuff tears are acute or chronic tears of one or more of four specific muscles that encompass the glenohumeral joint. These tears can cause pain, decrease range of motion, and affect an individual for many years if not treated appropriately. The purpose of this literature review is to assess the most appropriate means of treatment between surgery, physical therapy, and injection therapies. The literature review was performed using electronic search databases CINAHL, PubMed, Clinical Key, Cochrane Library, Embase, SPORTDiscus and Research Gate.Studies were included if they directly evaluated the efficacy of surgical rotator cuff methods, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, …

Childhood Obesity: Adding Metformin To Lifestyle Modification For Weight Reduction, Kelli Strege

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

One of the most challenging health conditions primary care providers face is combating the ever-rising incidence of obesity, especially among children. The objective of this literature review is to determine the effects of metformin implemented in addition to lifestyle modification for the treatment of childhood obesity. Efficacy, to include change in weight, BMI, insulin resistance, and overall safety of metformin was studied. The online databases searched in this review were PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL. Literature chosen for review included randomized control trials, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2020. Much of the studied research indicates positive …

Cannabidiol: An Adjunctive Therapy To Risperidone For Autistic Children Experiencing Behavioral Outbursts, Cherie Dowell

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this systemic literature review was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of medical cannabis in the treatment of aggression, irritability, and self-injurious behaviors in autistic children that are currently receiving risperidone. For this literature review, DynaMed, Cochrane, PubMed, ClinicalKey, and CINAHL were searched using various keywords and phrases. Studies that were included in this review were published after 2005, were peer-reviewed, and included systemic reviews, journal articles, clinical trials, randomized control trials, and meta-analyses. Studies that did not directly discuss autism and behavioral issues; autism treatment with risperidone, medical cannabis, or cannabidiol; that did not specifically …