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Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Journal

Touro College and University System

2013

Articles 1 - 30 of 30

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

A Hole In My Heart, A Hole In My Head, Anonymous Anonymous Jan 2013

A Hole In My Heart, A Hole In My Head, Anonymous Anonymous

Quill & Scope

A call for help and collaboration, told through the experiences of a medical student on his journey towards becoming a physician, in order to eradicate a nationwide trend of student alienation and disempowerment.


Parasitic Poetry, Zachary Loverde Jan 2013

Parasitic Poetry, Zachary Loverde

Quill & Scope

Six short poems about parasites, intended as mnemonics.


Transforming The Medical Psyche, Robert Zheda Jan 2013

Transforming The Medical Psyche, Robert Zheda

Quill & Scope

Due to the multitude of challenges medical students and professionals face, there is a general undercurrent of negativity and a tendency to complain in health care. The purpose of this paper is to 1) discuss whether this negativity is necessary and 2) to advocate a more positive attitude in the medical field.


A Curious Cause Of Strangulation, Nadia Nocera Jan 2013

A Curious Cause Of Strangulation, Nadia Nocera

Quill & Scope

Ludwig’s angina is a rare cellulitis of the floor of the mouth. If it is not swiftly diagnosed, the patient may suffer from death by strangulation. Here, a case of Ludwig’s angina is presented.


Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness: A Look Into Post-Exercise Pain, Christopher Meltsakos Jan 2013

Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness: A Look Into Post-Exercise Pain, Christopher Meltsakos

Quill & Scope

Delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) is a common problem that is experienced by elite athletes and weekend warriors alike. The typical characterization of dull aches, stiffness, and tenderness in one’s muscles 24-72 hours later are a hallmark of this exercise condition that is postulated to result from damage to muscular ultra- structures obtained during eccentric muscle contraction. Because of the prevalence and general lack of awareness for this muscular phenomenon, the purpose of this paper is to provide a definition and summary of DOMS, to discuss the various theories regarding the mechanism of action resulting in muscular damage, and to …


Behind The Man In The Suit: Interview With The Chancellor, Julia Cooperman, Bailey Fitzgerald, Eric Routen, Joanne Liu Jan 2013

Behind The Man In The Suit: Interview With The Chancellor, Julia Cooperman, Bailey Fitzgerald, Eric Routen, Joanne Liu

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.


The Doctor And The Person, Charles Volk Jan 2013

The Doctor And The Person, Charles Volk

Quill & Scope

Physicians are inundated with information, making a life of study inevitable. But where does one draw the line? It’s difficult to justify not spending every available moment studying, as one never knows when some bit of information will save someone’s life. However, living the life of a monk is just not possible for most and personal desires to have experiences outside of medicine actually make a physician more well rounded and better able to connect with the patients in their care.


Is There A Role For A Traditional Herbal Formula In The Treatment Of Hepatitis C?, Jenny Lam Jan 2013

Is There A Role For A Traditional Herbal Formula In The Treatment Of Hepatitis C?, Jenny Lam

Quill & Scope

Perspectives on the role of traditional and alternative treatments for hepatitis C, and the challenges facing practicing physicians on its relationship to established guidelines.


The Need For An Automated Acuity Tool For Children With Special Health Care Needs, Kartik Telukuntla, Lee M. Sanders Jan 2013

The Need For An Automated Acuity Tool For Children With Special Health Care Needs, Kartik Telukuntla, Lee M. Sanders

Quill & Scope

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) often require extended and continuous contact with health care professionals due to their chronic conditions. Additionally, some of these children have other non-health burdens, including multiple problems with access to care, that make it even more difficult to treat their medical illness. These extra obstacles illustrate that effective care for CSHCN requires proper care coordination among a network of doctors, nurses, and care coordinators. Unfortunately, care coordination has been inadequate due to large caseload assignments. An automated acuity tool that reassesses the child’s acuity (low, medium or high) regularly would help balance the …


Balancing Change, Ramsey Saba, Jordan Whatley, Amin Esfahani, Michael Rahimi Jan 2013

Balancing Change, Ramsey Saba, Jordan Whatley, Amin Esfahani, Michael Rahimi

Quill & Scope

A series of photographic essays


Efficacy Of Probiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg And Saccharomyces Boulardii In The Treatment Of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Diffiicile-Associated Disease, Estie Klugmann Jan 2013

Efficacy Of Probiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg And Saccharomyces Boulardii In The Treatment Of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Diffiicile-Associated Disease, Estie Klugmann

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Antibiotic therapy may cause serious side effects. Two disturbing effects of antibiotic administration are antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated disorder. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs as a direct result of the normal flora destruction due to the antibiotics - which do not discriminate against pathogens or healthy forms of bacteria. C. diff disorder also occurs as an indirect result of antibiotic administration, because the destruction of the normal flora prevents people from having healthy bacteria to prevent disease. There have been studies conducted to determine if replacing the destroyed normal flora with probiotics, or beneficial microorganisms will prevent or treat these conditions. …


Huntington's Disease And Its Effect On The Brain, Shaina Rivkin-Drizin Jan 2013

Huntington's Disease And Its Effect On The Brain, Shaina Rivkin-Drizin

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to gradual extensive brain damage, especially in the striatum and the cerebral cortex. Initial symptoms are cognitive difficulties, loss of motor contra and sudden mood imbalances. Cognitive function slowly declines into dementia, coupled with behavioral and psychiatric problems. Sufferers die within 20 years due to illness complications: a fall, pneumonia, or heart disease (Walker, 2007). This paper reviews the principle biological cause of the disease, its effect on the brain, diagnosis, and treatment.


What Is The Role Of Incretin Mimetics In The Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes?, Isaac Silberstein Jan 2013

What Is The Role Of Incretin Mimetics In The Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes?, Isaac Silberstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is an intricate disorder defined by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, hyperglycemia, and both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Standard antidiabetic agents like metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones are often insufficient at glucoregulation and do not address the decline in beta cell function that characterizes type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the adverse effects of some of these pharmaceuticals, such as hypoglycemia and weight gain, are disappointing and further limit their clinical utility. Research demonstrates that the actions of two potent incretins. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), address these concerns as they stimulate beta …


Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig Jan 2013

Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Cytoplasmic actin plays a crucial role in cellular structure, cell motility, intracellular transportation, and the cell cycle. Two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have been identified, β and γ. Although their amino acid sequence is nearly identical, these two isoforms are encoded by different genes located on different chromosomes. Recent research has found that, despite their similarities, the two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have distinct functions. This paper will review the structural and functional differences between the two isoforms, concluding with a discussion of some mutations that have been linked to disease.


The Effects Of Emotional Experiences On Memory Processing, Naomi Berkowitz Jan 2013

The Effects Of Emotional Experiences On Memory Processing, Naomi Berkowitz

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Neural regions, specifically the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex overlap in functions of emotion and memory, indicating a degree of interrelatedness between the two functions. Lesions in medial temporal lobe regions result in an impairment of memory processes specific to emotional stimuli. Additionally, amygdala activity is increased for all valence memory as opposed to neutral. Arousal levels of high and low valence memories affect the pathway for encoding in the brain, and determine the vividness and episodic detail with which a memory will be recorded. The amygdala-hippocampal network is involved in high arousal memory, while a prefrontal cortex-hippocampal network is …


Is There An Alternative Way Of Treating Drug Resistant Epilepsy? The Effects Of The Ketogenic Diet In Children With Intractable Epilepsy, Chaya M. Weinberg Jan 2013

Is There An Alternative Way Of Treating Drug Resistant Epilepsy? The Effects Of The Ketogenic Diet In Children With Intractable Epilepsy, Chaya M. Weinberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Many children with epilepsy experience seizures that cannot be resolved with medication. Since surgical intervention is not always an option, the ketogenic diet (KD). a high fat, low carbohydrate and protein diet, offers a chance for seizure reduction and in some cases freedom from seizures and medication. Side effects do exist, although none are serious. Efficacy has been proven through many studies. The mechanism of the KD's effectiveness is still unknown, although several hypotheses exist, including the theory that ketone bodies themselves are anticonvulsant, and the hypothesis that glucose restriction stops seizures. Adenosine A1 receptors are also thought to have …


Are Oncolytic Viruses A Cure For Cancer? A Look At Reovirus, Adenovirus, And Hsv-1 In Cancer Treatment, Yehuda Rosenberg Jan 2013

Are Oncolytic Viruses A Cure For Cancer? A Look At Reovirus, Adenovirus, And Hsv-1 In Cancer Treatment, Yehuda Rosenberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper aims to evaluate the option of utilizing Oncolytic Viruses as a viable treatment in fighting cancer. However, due to the broad nature of the subject, a more limited purview is necessary. With that in mind, the focus will be on a few of the more researched ones: Reovirus, Adenovirus, and HSV-1. In each case, we will examine what makes each of these potential options. This will include an examination of each one's tumor-specificity. Cancer and viral physiology will be discussed as necessary to examine the distinct protein expressions in tumor cells, so that the virus's method of battling …


Microparticle Function, Leorra Kohen Jan 2013

Microparticle Function, Leorra Kohen

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Microparticles are emerging as an integral part of the vascular system. The microparticles are derived from stimulated or apoptotic endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes. They are involved in coagulation and regular cell function. Excessive numbers of microparticles contribute to artherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, and metabolic syndrome. Microparticle levels may be reduced by medications, relieving symptoms for awhile. Studies are being done to predict disease by counting microparticles. Further research must be done to understand and make use of microparticles.


The Common Allergic Mechanism Of Rhinitis And Asthma, Esther Feinstein Jan 2013

The Common Allergic Mechanism Of Rhinitis And Asthma, Esther Feinstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked diseases which are very prevalent within the population, affecting millions. They are both characterized by chronic airway inflammation. They are often present in the same patients and rhinitis is even considered an independent risk factor for asthma. Treating allergic rhinitis can reduce the severity of asthma. Mechanisms connecting the two have been researched for many years. Studies show that they have a similar allergic mechanism that is mediated by the same cells. The allergic inflammation is characterized by the presence of eosinophils and is mediated by T-helper type 2 lymphocytes. The circulation of …


Are Epidermal Barrier Defects Responsible For The Underlying Pathology Of Atopic Dermatitis?, Naomi Davis Jan 2013

Are Epidermal Barrier Defects Responsible For The Underlying Pathology Of Atopic Dermatitis?, Naomi Davis

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Atopic dermatitis, often referred to as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition frequently seen in young children. It is a complex disease involving environmental factors, genetics and immune dysregulation. There is currently no cure with conflicting opinions from physicians regarding treatment and management. A clearer understanding of pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis can hopefully lead to new and improved treatment options for patients. Current evidence seems to support epidermal skin barrier defects as the cause of this disease. This paper seeks to investigate if this out-in hypothesis can be responsible as the sole pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. To write this …


Can Marijuana Be Harmful When Used Prenatally Or During Adolescence?, Penninah Dean Jan 2013

Can Marijuana Be Harmful When Used Prenatally Or During Adolescence?, Penninah Dean

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Marijuana is a popular recreational drug with a strong following campaigning to legalize it for both medicinal and recreational use. This paper serves to illustrate the harmful effects of marijuana use as it pertains to prenatal, adolescent and adult use. By understanding the methods of absorption and mechanism of interaction in the body, we can see a correlation between the effects of marijuana and its toxicity. Through extensive research of case studies on marijuana use we were able to determine marijuana’s harmful effects physically, developmentally and cognitively. Through these methods of research, it can be concluded that marijuana has detrimental …


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Review Of Current Treatments, Yosef Lewis Jan 2013

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Review Of Current Treatments, Yosef Lewis

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a syndrome that develops infrequently in patients that experience a minor or severe trauma to a bodily extremity. CRPS has two subtypes; Type-I and II, both are clinically characterized by hyperalgesia. During its acute stage, CRPS hyperalgesia is clinically characterized by edema in the subcutaneous tissues of the epidermis, allodynia, and localized bone resorption. In the later chronic stage, hyperalgesia is aroused by the disregulation of blood flow to the extremity and permanent dystonic and trophic changes to the skin. Because the epidemiology and central causation of CRPS remains unknown until today, health professionals …


The Scientific Evidence Validating The Use Of Honey As A Medicinal Agent, Raitzel Chemda Bernstein Jan 2013

The Scientific Evidence Validating The Use Of Honey As A Medicinal Agent, Raitzel Chemda Bernstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Honey has been used to treat wounds, infections, and other diseases since ancient times. Due to the widespread bacterial resistance to antibiotics, scientists have investigated the healing power of honey. Numerous studies have documented the broad-spectrum antibacterial effect of honey and its success in inhibiting MRSA. The use of honey as a wound dressing has proven to successfully heal chronic wounds in short amounts of time by inhibiting pathogens, reducing inflammation, rebuilding damaged tissue, and minimizing scarring. The mechanisms of action are directly related to the high hydrogen peroxide and rich polyphenol content present in honey. These two components account …


Cancer Immunotherapy Treatments, Shifra Sadowsky Jan 2013

Cancer Immunotherapy Treatments, Shifra Sadowsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in American, with over half a million deaths from cancer reported in 2009. Cancer chemotherapy treatments were developed in the nineteen hundreds and remain the backbone of current treatments; however, they have some limitations. New immunotherapy cancer treatments, where biologic agents are given to patients to influence the body’s natural immune response, are being researched. Among these immunotherapy treatments are co-inhibition blockade of T cells, and combination blockade treatments together with chemotherapy treatment. This review will discuss T cell activation and the role of T cell coinhibitors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 …


Alopecia Areata: An Overview, Chaya Gestetner Jan 2013

Alopecia Areata: An Overview, Chaya Gestetner

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This review seeks to find the most efficient treatment for alopecia areata. Alopecia is not very well understood as demonstrated by the unsatisfactory treatment options. The author reviewed many studies with different treatment options and concluded that treatment with Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), a topical sensitizer, has the best results and that extensive research into the pathogenesis of alopecia areata is still necessary and may result in better treatment options for those afflicted with the disease.


The Carcinogenic Effects Of Aspartame, Devora Sara Gelbfish Jan 2013

The Carcinogenic Effects Of Aspartame, Devora Sara Gelbfish

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, is used as a food additive worldwide. Because of early experimentation with rats linking aspartame to higher risk of cancer, there is much concern regarding the safety of aspartame. However, analytical review and numerous subsequent studies have disproven previous experimentation and reaffirmed that aspartame consumption in humans does not increase the risk of cancers. At the current time there is no credible evidence to support the idea that aspartame is carcinogenic. The evidence confirms that at current levels of consumption aspartame is a safe alternative to sucrose.


The Pathogenesis And Treatment Of Gout, Daniel Silberstein Jan 2013

The Pathogenesis And Treatment Of Gout, Daniel Silberstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

In the past, the etiology of gout was simplistically believed to be based in the generous indulgence of rich foods and alcohol. However, research has revealed that gout has complex environmental and genetic origins. Specifically, researchers have begun to focus attention on the molecular basis of gout and its related features. These features include hyperuricemia, the stages of gout, and the decreased solubility of uric acid. Furthermore, with epidemiologic evidence indicating that the prevalence of gout is consistently rising, it is imperative that medical providers understand the research-based guidelines for treatment. This includes what medications to administer, monitoring for drug-induced …


Can Healthy Transplanted Tissue Be Used To Restore Motor Function In Patients With Parkinson's Disease?, Aliza Erlbaum Jan 2013

Can Healthy Transplanted Tissue Be Used To Restore Motor Function In Patients With Parkinson's Disease?, Aliza Erlbaum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that disrupts the lives the many people. The disease is characterized by a loss of dopamine producing neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra of the ventral midbrain, and symptoms include a lack of motor control and rigidity in motion. Currently, there are many treatments available to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, each treatment involves many adverse side effects that most wish to avoid. Science is discovering possible innovative, alternative options to treat Parkinson’s disease such as the transplantation of healthy dopaminergic neurons directly into the striatum of the patient. Methods include …


Convocation Of Thanks, Nina Beizer, Julia Cooperman, Ali-Reza Force, Matthew Garofalo, Andrew Silapaswan, Oded Tal Jan 2013

Convocation Of Thanks, Nina Beizer, Julia Cooperman, Ali-Reza Force, Matthew Garofalo, Andrew Silapaswan, Oded Tal

Quill & Scope

The text of speeches delivered at the annual Convocation of Thanks ceremony, in remembrance of those who donated their bodies to the NYMC gross anatomy program.


My White Coat, Shmuel Golfeyz Jan 2013

My White Coat, Shmuel Golfeyz

Quill & Scope

A student’s view on the responsibilities and changes inherent in donning a medical student’s white coat for the first time.