Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions On Patient Experience, Opioid Use, And Healthcare Utilization In Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Mixed Methods Trial, Julie R. Piazza, Alexander A. Brescia, Jessica N. Jenkins, Alexander J. Ivacko, Xiaoting Wu, Sara M. Jafri, Christopher J. Varlamos, James C. Piazza, Lindsay K. Heering, Stefanie L. Peters, Molly Dwyer-White, Bailey H. Brown, Faraz N. Longi, Katelyn P. Monaghan, Frederick W. Bauer, Varun G. Kathawate, Melissa C. Webster, Amanda M. Kasperek, Nickole L. Garvey, Claudia Schwenzer, Kiran H. Lagisetty, Michelle Riba, Donald S. Likosky, Jennifer F. Waljee, Nicholas H. Osborne, Mary E. Byrnes, G. Michael Deeb

Patient Experience Journal

Non-pharmacological techniques designed to reduce anxiety, pain, and healthcare utilization have shown effectiveness in pediatric and non-surgical adult populations; however, their application has not been widely evaluated among adult surgical patients. This study randomized opioid-naive adults undergoing first-time, elective cardiac surgery to receive either targeted interventions from a trained “comfort coach” or usual care. The primary outcome assessed was healthcare utilization, specifically measured as the number of days at home within the first 30 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid use and patient-reported outcomes, collected via validated surveys. Additionally, 50 participants in the intervention group completed semi-structured qualitative interviews …

Perceived Social Support And Its Associated Factors In Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hosna Karami, Parvin Abbasi

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: Hemodialysis is a vital, lifelong therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Due to various physiological and psychosocial challenges, it is often perceived as traumatic. Social support is recognized as an essential coping strategy for managing chronic illnesses, including advanced kidney failure. This study aimed to assess perceived social support and its related factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 at two major hemodialysis centers in Kermanshah, a city in western Iran. A total of 230 patients were selected through convenience sampling based on predefined criteria. Data were …

Correlation Between Resident Physician And Patient Perceptions Of Empathy In The Emergency Department, Austin Porter, James Christian, Meryll E. Bouldin, Erin Willard, Stefan Graw, Sarah House, Sofie Morgan, Kristin Parker, Carly Eastin

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Empathy is essential for emergency medicine physicians, impacting patient outcomes and experiences, especially in the fast-paced emergency department (ED). However, empathy often declines during medical training, negatively affecting care. Little is known about how emergency medicine trainees perceive their empathy compared to their patients. Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between patient perceptions of resident physician empathy and residents’ self-perceptions during ED visits. Methods: This was a prospective observational study was conducted at a Level 1 Trauma and Tertiary Care Center in the south-central U.S., using the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure. At patient disposition, ED …

Patients’ Experiences Of Triage And Waiting In Emergency Departments: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Carrie Janerka, Leslie D Gavin, Fenella J Gill, Pcc Ed Triage Group

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: Patient experience is a core aspect of care quality. Patient experiences of emergency departments (EDs) have been examined, but there has been less focus on ED triage and waiting areas, often patients’ initial point of contact with a health service. This study aimed to understand patients’ experiences of ED triage and waiting room. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across five Australian EDs to understand experiences of patients 14 years and over before, during and after triage. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and explored for correlations. Qualitative responses for suggested improvements were analysed using a conventional content analysis approach. …

Narrative Medicine Skills For End-Of-Life, Elizabeth Summerfield

Patient Experience Journal

This paper looks at the potential of applying the skills of narrative medicine to end-of-life and palliative care as a means of enabling its spiritual and existential dimensions often overlooked in clinical practice. It tells the story of a family navigating the complex problem of managing the ending of a beloved mother’s life. It reflects on how the World Medical Association’s 2022 list of essential elements of care may be enacted. Amidst the dominant daily physical regime of medication and physical care, it captures the rare, unscripted moments of meaning and purpose of a lived life. It shows why these …

The Hand We Hold: Reflections On Empathetic Practice In Medicine, Aravind Sreeram

Patient Experience Journal

In this narrative, I reflect on an early clinical encounter that reshaped my understanding of what it means to provide patient-centered care. As a medical student, I entered the exam room with a preset algorithm of what to say and how to act. Yet, when faced with a patient whose suffering could not be measured or addressed by any checklist, I realized the limitations of my scripted approach. I began to understand that some of the most meaningful contributions we offer in healthcare come not from solutions, but from presence. This experience helped me see that patient partnership is not …

Changing Myths Into Truths: Dispelling Physician Misconceptions On Patient Experience, Amit Singh, Syed Ahmed, James Castellone, Michael H Kanter, Mikelle Key-Solle, Sherry Kroll, Paul A Lansdowne, Winnie Lee, Swati Mehta, Sofie Morgan, Sephora Morrison, Susan N Nathan, Sachin Patel, Alexie Puran, Donald Wickline, Liza Dileo Thomas

Patient Experience Journal

Patient experience work can be viewed by some physicians as outside their scope of practice and therefore the responsibility of non-medical providers. Assumptions may also be made by providers about what patient experience work is and is not. These myths can make it difficult to pursue meaningful patient experience related work that is in fact rooted in evidence showing improved outcomes. Moreover, these myths can downplay the importance of patient experience improvement work discouraging physicians who may be interested from pursuing it. In order to combat common myths that can be propagated about patient experience, the authors will cite research …

Beyond The Numbers: Elevating Meaning Through Metrics In Patient Experience, Geoffrey A. Silvera

Patient Experience Journal

This commentary submitted by Patient Experience Journal (PXJ) Associate Editor begins with a simple observation: sometimes, in our effort to measure everything, we miss what’s right in front of us. We look up at the data but fail to notice the larger shape taking form above it, something tall, quiet, and graceful that changes how we see the landscape. Patient experience work demands that we hold both the precision of metrics and the wonder of narrative to truly understand of patients’ experiences of care. Numbers tell us how we are performing and stories remind us why it matters. When we …

We Are Not There Yet! Why The Journey For Experience Excellence Must Persist, Jason A. Wolf

Patient Experience Journal

I am concerned, that many in healthcare think they have gotten to a “THERE” in experience excellence. That the survey scores they received are good enough, that the outcomes they are achieving reflect what they sought to accomplish. And with this in the face of today’s tumultuous healthcare landscape, decisions are being made to sustain efforts at best and in more cases now to reduce investment with the belief that things are ok. Now is NOT the time to cut short our efforts for experience excellence, or to believe there is a “there” to which we have arrived. It must …

In Vitro Antiviral Activity Of Cat’S Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) Bark Extract Against Human Influenza A Virus, Juliann N. Makau, Keith K. Talaam, Mike Odiwuor, Janet M. Majanja, Sophia Musenjeri, Ratika Rahmasari, Samoel A. Khamadi, Ken Watanabe

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Influenza A viruses mutate very fast and this leads to the development of resistance to antivirals, hence the need to find new therapeutics. Due to their extensive traditional use, natural products are crucial resources for the discovery of drugs. Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), is a tropical vine known for various health benefits and in this study we evaluated its anti-influenza activity. Pulverized material of the stem bark was extracted using 80% ethanol, hot water, and 1% sodium bicarbonate. The extracts were dried and dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide before testing for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity using crystal violet assay. The …

Exploring The Vitronectin Binding Affinity And Cell Viability Effect Of Small Molecule Metabolites From Medicinal Plants For Neuroblastoma, Stephenie C. A Alaribe, Sofia Granados-Aparici, Akolade R. Oladipupo, Isaac Vieco-Marti, Blessing E. Titilayo, Gordon Allen, Rosa Noguera

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

High-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is an aggressive form of childhood cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than 50%, underscoring the need for more efficacious and less toxic treatments. The glycoprotein vitronectin (VN) has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with HR-NB, thus inhibitors of VN function represent a promising avenue for molecular mechanotherapy. This study investigated the binding affinity between the somatomedin B (SMB) domain of VN and natural compounds from the medicinal plant, Olax subscorpioidea, targeting the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The therapeutic potential of α-amyrin (AMY), lupeol (LUP), and olax chalcone A (olax CHA) was tested …

People Living With Hiv Became Influencers On Social Media: Breaking The Stigma, Charisma Asri Fitrananda, Yogi Muhammad Yusuf, Qisthy Rabathy, Yusuf Bahtiar

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This study examines the differences in stigma experienced by people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) on social media and in broader Indonesian society. When PLHIV disclose their HIV-positive status on social media and attempt to break the stigma by becoming social media influencers, they receive both supportive and critical responses. Negative reactions arise when they are perceived as promoting risky activities, as burdens to the state, or when they face challenges securing sponsorship for their initiatives. This research employs a case study approach to explore the experiences of PLHIV use social media influence as a means to counter HIV-related …

Mitigating Screen Addiction In Early Childhood Using Value-Based Family Counseling In Ancient Javanese Texts, Fifi Khoirul Fitriyah, M. Ramli, Nanda Alfan Kurniawan, Baraka Manjale Ngussa, Nordin Bin Mamat

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Gadget addiction is often associated with poor social interaction skills, anxiety, and physical health. However, few studies have addressed the issue of gadget addiction in early childhood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a family counseling model that internalizes values from ancient Javanese texts to reduce gadget addiction in early childhood. The ancient Javanese text used was Kakawin Sutasoma, which describes the meaningful journey of Prince Sutasoma. This study was an experiment with a single-subject ABA design. The results showed positive developments in all three cases. In Case 1, reducing gadget time resulted in improved social skills in …

Cerebral Malaria And Multi-Organ Dysfunction Caused By Plasmodium Vivax In An Adult: A Case From Oman With A Literature Review, Saba M. Al Kindi, Shabnam Chhetri, Zahrah Z. Al Aamri, Suchata D. Dhuri, Zakariya Y. Al Balushi, Faryal Khamis

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Cerebral malaria is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with Plasmodium falciparum. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case in Oman of a previously healthy 38-year-old Pakistani male who presented to the Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in 2025 with cerebral malaria and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) caused by Plasmodium vivax, confirmed by peripheral blood smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) artesunate and supportive intensive care, resulting in full neurological recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering P. vivax as a potential …

Blue Light Therapy Improves Sleep Quality And Or Sleep Disturbances In Those With Concussions: A Critically Appraised Topic, Bradlee Wells, Audrey Meche, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that cause problems such as headaches, dizziness, dazed or confusion, difficulty remembering or concentrating, but one of the most common complications that can occur from concussions are sleep disturbances/disorders. About 90% of those affected by TBI reported some type of sleep disturbance that include insomnia, frequent wakefulness after onset sleep, poor sleep quality, increased need for sleep, and/or daytime sleepiness that may possibly interfere with daily living activities. Previous evidence suggests that daily blue wavelength light therapy (BLT) may be effective at reducing fatigue and improving sleep in patients recovering …

Differences In Dieting Behavior In Athletic Trainers, Emily Madrak, Ki L. Cole, Bridget M. Miller, Jennifer L. Volberding

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) have a foundational knowledge in many facets of health, including optimization of wellness. Though ATs may be actively trying to improve their own health, societal pressure can have a large impact on behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify differences between gender and years-certified in diet patterns in ATs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 2500 National Athletic Training Association members, It included a demographics section and five-item researcher-created questions regarding diet. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine the relationship. Results: Significance was determined for gender and question 2, “Have …

Comparing Lower Extremity Kinematics Using Trazer And Inertial Motion Capture Systems, Gabriella Juoza-Clark Spt, Joellen Carter Spt, Nikki Stam Spt, Kevin Robinson Pt, Dsc, Ocs

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: This study assessed the validity of a non-immersive body motion tracking system (TRAZER) as an alternative to using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based motion capture (MyoMotion) for lower extremity kinematic analysis. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 24.03 years (range: 20-33 years) and a mean BMI of 25.15 kg/m² (range: 18.45-32.23 kg/m²) performed double and single-leg squats. Data Analysis: Kinematic data from TRAZER and MyoMotion IMUs were compared using a mixed two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were observed in knee flexion data across all movements (p > 0.05) and knee abduction during the …

Parameters Of Suspension Training On Core Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sara Stiltner, Andrea Cripps

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Clinical Scenario: The core is a functional unit connecting the upper and lower extremities consisting of abdominal, back, and hip musculature. A highly functional core is essential within the kinetic chain and aids in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Traditional means of core stability training are performed on a stable surface. An emerging mode of core training is suspension training (ST), which utilizes a movement paired with instability to challenge the core stabilizers and increase motor unit recruitment.The purpose of suspension training is to increase muscle activation in core stabilizer’s, while mimicking functional movements.It was the purpose of this research to …

Using External Visual Feedback Techniques To Improve Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paxtyn Watkins, Bradlee Wells, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are among the most common musculoskeletal injury in physically active populations posing a substantial health burden. Individuals who sustain ankle sprains often have a diminished quality of life with prolonged symptoms, decreased levels of physical activity, and the propensity to develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). It is estimated that up to 40% of people who sustain an initial lateral ankle sprain will develop CAI. Many therapeutic interventions exist to help alleviate symptoms and the feeling of “giving out.” This critically appraised topic will examine multiple interventions that involve using external visual feedback methods to improve …

The Impact Of Athletic Retirement On Anxiety In Elite Athletes, A Critically Appraised Topic, Jordan Gorham, Emily Madrak

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Though there is growing interest in athletic mental health, this interest appears to diminish significantly once an athlete enters athletic retirement. The abrupt transition can precipitate mental health struggles, exacerbated by the lack of adequate preparation for lifestyle after retirement and the attachment of athletic identity to their sport. Consequently, these circumstances may increase symptoms associated with poor mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety. As the athlete retires and moves into different stages of life, research notes that athletes with stronger athletic identities have poorer mental health than those who had weaker athletic identity^. While the scrutiny …

Targeted Injection Therapies For Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Comparative Review Of Hyaluronic Acid And Botox Techniques, Timothy Alexander, Marissa Siegel, Noah Schnoor, Elizabeth A. Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different injection therapies for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and answer the research question: how do botulinum toxin (onabotulinumtoxinA, Botox) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections affect symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)? Methods: An electronic search of three databases was performed using the search terms “Treatment of TMD or TMJ” and one of the following: 1) “Hyaluronic Acid Injection” or 2) “Intramuscular Botox Injection”. Based on studies done with human patients, the effects of both hyaluronic acid and Botox injections as treatments for TMD were observed and analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: full …

Comparing Position Specific Gps Normative Data In Professional Female Club Soccer, Andy Seraphin, Christi Edson, Cory Price, Barrett Jones, Amanda Jagielo, Justin Mullner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Objective: To establish normative ranges in common performance tests for professional women’s club soccer. Setting:1^st division professional women’s soccer club in the United States

Participants: Twenty-eight healthy professional women’s soccer players (Age: 27.8 ± 5.1 years; Body Mass: 66.2 ± 6.7 kg). Main Outcome Measures: Season GPS data was analyzed and metrics included minutes, total distance, high speed running, total accelerations, total decelerations, and maximum speed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between positions. Results: Statistically significant differences were found across all metrics in comparison to overall mean. Differences in each metric may be due to a …

Development Of A Longitudinal, Small-Group Pocus Curriculum For Internal Medicine Residents, Shah N. Mahmud Do, Ammar W. Bhatti Do, Ariq Rahman Md, Omar Al Qassab Md, Fraser Mackay Md

The Lahey Journal

Development of a Longitudinal, Small-Group POCUS Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Introduction

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is integral for clinicians to enhance their diagnostic and procedural skills. Unlike Emergency Medicine or Anesthesia training programs, Internal Medicine programs often lack a structured and standardized curriculum. We thus developed a longitudinal and multi-pronged POCUS curriculum aimed at building trainee competency when utilizing ultrasound for diagnostic and procedural work-up.

Methods

The curriculum encompasses the following: basics of ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, thoracic ultrasound/Bed Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE), and cardiac ultrasound/Focus-Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE). These modules were integrated into the residents’ clinic blocks. We utilized …

Formulation And In Vitro Evaluation Of Kaffir Lime Fruit Peel Extract-Containing Gel For Sunscreen, Antioxidant, And Moisturizing Activity, Farida Lanawati Darsono, Lisa Soegianto

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Kaffir lime peel waste (Citrus hystrix) has antioxidant effects that have the potential to protect the skin from exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as moisturize the skin. This study aims to determine the effect of increasing the concentration of condensed extract of kaffir lime fruit peel on its effectiveness as an antioxidant, sunscreen activity, and moisturizer. The condensed extract was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. In this study, we tested hydrophilic gels consisting of 4 extract concentrations in their formula: F1 (7.5%), F2 (10%), F3 (15%), and F4 (20%). The research phase begins with …

Effect Of Feeding A Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentationderived Postbiotics On Growth Performance And Intestinal Health In The Crossbred Broiler Chickens Under A Low Biosecurity Production System, Ho Thi Dung, Pham Hoang Son Hung, Le Duc Thao, Nguyen Van Chao, Bui Thi Hien, Nguyen Thi Hoa, Le Thi Thu Hang, Anjan Mondal, Victor Nsereko, Le Dinh Phung

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Open farming systems with low biosecurity conditions are very common in developing countries. In the context that many countries in the world have issued regulations prohibiting the use of antibiotics for disease prevention, finding effective alternatives becomes more important, especially for farms with low biosecurity. This study aimed to explore the effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotics (SCFP) on growth performance and intestinal health of crossbred broiler chickens raised in a low bio-security production system. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old chickens were assigned to 2 treatments. Dietary treatments were: 1) a standard basal diet and 2) a standard basal diet …

Dental Faculty Shortage- Call For Action, Mary Pettiette Dds, Awab Abdulmajeed Dds, Carol Caudill Dds, Rodney Mcdaniel Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Citrobacter Sedlakii As A Rare Cause Of Brain Abscess In A Late-Preterm Omani Infant: Case Report And Literature Review, Mohammed S. Al Reesi, Moza Al Mamari, Sara Magzoub, Yasser Abdulrazek

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Brain abscess in neonates is rare but remains a severe, life-threatening complication of meningitis with significant morbidity and mortality. While Citrobacter koseri and Citrobacter freundii are commonly implicated in brain-abscess formation, Citrobacter sedlakii is an uncommon causative pathogen. To date, only two cases of neonatal brain abscess caused by C. sedlakii have been reported in the literature. Early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention and prompt antibiotic therapy are critical to achieving a favourable outcome. A third case of a C. sedlakii brain abscess in a preterm infant, presenting in 2024 to a tertiary-care hospital in Oman, is reported together with a …

Ergonomic Stretches

New Orleans Dental Association News

This resource from the ADA illustrates different stretches to prevent work-related pain and injuries for oral health professionals.

Noda News November 2025

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Volume 8 (2025) The Spanish Language, Language Variations, Cultures And Responsibility

International Journal on Responsibility

This issue reflects an intentional and profound commitment to linguistic inclusion, cultural diversity, and the shared responsibility of scholars to broaden the scope of academic dialogue beyond the boundaries of English. The essays collected here invite us to reimagine bilingualism not only as a communicative skill but also as a moral, social, and institutional responsibility.

Esta edición representa un compromiso intencional y profundo con la inclusión lingüística, la diversidad cultural y la responsabilidad compartida de ampliar los horizontes del diálogo académico más allá de los límites del inglés. Los ensayos aquí reunidos nos invitan a reimaginar el bilingüismo no solo …