Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Bridging The Gap: Evaluating The Impact Of Buprenorphine-Based Prenatal Care On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome And Maternal Health, Whitney-Lanae Crofcheck-Glenn, Jennifer Nethercutt

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), now known as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) by government authorities, is a severe postnatal withdrawal condition caused by opioid exposure during pregnancy. NAS is diagnosed every 25 minutes in the United States. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine was used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and NAS. The MOTHER trial found that utilizing buprenorphine to treat mother OUD during pregnancy led to significant decreases in LOS and length of therapy.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a prenatal care program that integrates buprenorphine-based Medication-Assisted Treatment …

Burnout For General Surgeons, Luke Edwards, Lindsay Mckelvey

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: In the healthcare sector, burnout among surgeons has emerged as a critical issue, impacting both the well-being of medical professionals and the quality outcomes of patient care. Research has consistently shown that long hours, high workloads, demanding results, and mental fatigue make physicians more vulnerable to experiencing burnout than others. Studies have revealed alarming statistical rates, with a significant percentage of surgeons reporting physical exhaustion and mental health repercussions. This trend is further enhanced by the demanding nature of the medical environment, where work-related stress and burnout have become common concerns.

Purpose of the Study: The negative effects of …

The Benefits Of Medical Tetrahydrocannabinol On Glaucoma, Hunter Kane

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: This paper explores the potential therapeutic benefits of medical Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on glaucoma management, particularly in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, ocular blood flow, and symptom management. Glaucoma, characterized by increased IOP and progressive optic nerve damage, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Current treatments focus on IOP control but may have inadequate efficacy or intolerable side effects, necessitating alternative approaches such as medical THC.

Methods: The study hypothesis posited that medical THC could significantly reduce IOP, enhance ocular blood flow, and improve symptom management in glaucoma patients. To test this hypothesis, a literature review supplemented by …

Increasing The Efficacy Of Actinomycin D With Resveratrol In Aerodigestive Tract Cancers, Lukmon Morenikeji Raji

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Chemotherapy poses a significant challenge for cancer patients due to drug-associated toxicity, which often results from their effects on both healthy (normal) and cancerous cells. While various options aim to reduce toxicity and optimize beneficial effects, a comprehensive solution remains elusive. Cyclotherapy is one such approach developed to protect normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. The basic principle underlying cyclotherapy is p53- dependent cell cycle arrest of normal cells while killing cancer cells via a p53-independent mechanism using a second drug. In our research, we investigated the inhibitory effects of a combination of two low-dose anticancer drugs, …

The Measure Of Efficiency And Effectiveness When Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Radiology, Jordan Watts

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The use of artificial intelligence in radiology has helped radiologists identify patterns and abnormalities in medical images to diagnose and treat patients. Deep learning and machine learning algorithms have been used to assist physicians in detecting features that are not noticeable to the human eye. The FDA has approved almost 400 AI algorithms for radiology and estimated that the market for AI in medical imaging would grow from $21.48 billion in 2018 to $264.85 billion in 2028.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in radiology to determine its …

The Impact Of Telestroke Services On Diagnosis, Patient Outcomes, And Treatment, Dustin Baum

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: In 2011, an estimated 20% of U.S. residents lacked timely access to stroke care. As of 2019, that number plummeted to 4% of patients. A reason for this improved access was the implementation of telestroke services. Telestroke services have utilized remote stroke specialists to help guide local emergency department physicians in reviewing imaging, diagnosing, treating, or transferring patients appropriately.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of telestroke implementation in the hospital setting. The study hypothesized the implementation of telestroke services in the hospital setting maintained an accurate stroke diagnosis, decreased inappropriate hospital transfers, reduced …

Childhood Obesity And Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Role Of Medicaid Expansion, Sonya Dunlap

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Obesity was defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) over the 95th percentile as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Childhood obesity has been a worldwide concern, but has disproportionately affected the socioeconomically disadvantaged, racial/ethical minorities, and rural children. The presence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) contributed to social and health problems. ACEs included the areas of domestic violence, mental illness, neighborhood violence, parent or guardian death, divorce or separation, parent or guardian incarceration, and substance misuse.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research was to compare the ACEs scores with childhood …

Current And Novel Neuroregenerative Therapies, Arrin Brooks

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Underlying the physical and cognitive deficits consequent of many neuropathologies is one common factor, the loss of neurons. While neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and traumatic brain injury arise from a variety of etiologies, they all ultimately result in injury and/or death of neuronal cells and concomitant functional deficits. In the present work we primarily focus on current and potential treatments for localized lesions, particularly those in the striatum of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or the cortex as in stroke. First, we discuss a new surgical technique for deep brain stimulator (DBS) placement, as DBS is a mainstay treatment for movement disorders including …

Crippling Rapid Evolution Of Metastasis And Drug Resistance In A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells With The Clinically Relevant Hsp90 Inhibitor Auy922, Nickolas Anthony Bacon

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The ability for species to evolve new features in response to changing circumstances in order to survive and propagate is a ubiquitous observation on both the macroscopic and microscopic levels of living systems. It should be no surprise, then, that diseases such as cancer utilize their own forms of adaptation to perpetuate themselves when exposed to external threats. Indeed, concepts drawn from Darwinian evolution are now widely accepted to help explain certain aspects of carcinogenesis and malignant progression, the sum of which have come to be known as the theory of tumor evolution. Since metastasis and drug resistance are features …

The U-Net-Based Active Learning Framework For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy, Vishwanshi Joshi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. According to the U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, about 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2021 (Smith et al., 2019). The death rate of breast cancer is higher than any other cancer type. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer have been challenging over the last few decades. Meanwhile, deep learning algorithms using Convolutional Neural Networks to segment images have achieved considerable success in recent years. These algorithms have continued to assist in exploring the quantitative measurement of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. …

Potential Counter Regulatory Effects Of A Gut Microbiota Metabolite In Alleviating Down-Regulation Krüppel-Like Factor 4 In Intestinal Inflammation, Ylva Forslund

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a medical condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal epithelium. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc finger transcription factor, is vital for maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis. KLF4 promotes differentiation of goblet cells that generate the protective mucus layer. Reduced goblet cell number and defective mucus layer are associated with IBD. Shortchain fatty acids (SCFA) are known to play an important role in the maintenance of a strong and healthy intestinal epithelial layer and also in goblet cell differentiation. However, whether the positive effects of SCFAs on goblet cells are mediated, at least partly, via …

The Epigenetic Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Tanner Jeffrey Bakhshi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphoma. It is an aggressive cancer, with 50-70% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage and 30-50% of patients not cured by chemoimmunotherapy. DLBCL is almost always caused by genetic damage sustained during the germinal center (GC) reaction. The mechanisms that govern the GC reaction bear a striking resemblance to those that drive DLBCL. Genomic studies have shown that some of its most common mutations occur in genes that encode epigenetic modifiers, including the lysine (histone) acetyltransferases CREBBP and p300. These mutations prevent the acetylation of multiple histone residues, …

Mechanisms Of Apoptosis Induced By Actinomycin D In Aerodigestive Tract Cancers, Adeoluwa Ayodeji Adeluola

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Upper aerodigestive tract cancers including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and lungs are the most prevalent cancers and leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Collectively, over 300,000 new cases and 146,500 deaths are projected within the US in the year 2021. Drug-associated toxicities, as well as resistance to therapy (intrinsic and acquired), are big challenges for successfully treating these cancers. Recent studies have shown that combining low-dose actinomycin D with existing therapies is a promising strategy to reduce toxicity (cyclotherapy) and to overcome resistance. The development of these treatment strategies however requires an understanding of the molecular mechanisms …

Potential Applications Of Capsaicinoids In Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy, Jamie Rae Friedman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Lung cancer is not a single disease but an umbrella that encompasses two major classifications, nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC represents about 15- 20% of all lung cancer cases and is almost exclusively diagnosed in smokers. Typically, patients will respond very well to first line treatment, but face inevitable relapse. The fact that SCLC still carries a grim 5-year survival rate of less than 5% highlights the lack of advancement in treatment options to effectively improve patient response and survival. …

The Utilization Of Telehealth/ Telemedicine In Cardiology In Rural Areas, Sophia Noplis, Jocelyn Stout

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Telecardiology has been defined as a way of practicing cardiology through the utilization of telecommunications and a more cost-effective way to deliver cardiac care. As a subset of telemedicine, telecardiology has functioned to bring providers to underserved communities through technological mechanisms. Rural regions have turned to telemedicine and tapped into a network of clinical institutions exchanging practitioners and patients to emphasize value-based instead of volume-based care.

Methodology: The methodology of this qualitative study was a literature review having used mixed methodologies. Five electronic databases and government websites were utilized, and one semi-structured interview with an expert in …

Effectiveness Of Tranexamic Acid Administration On Intraoperative Blood Loss In Elective Craniofacial Surgery, Kimberly Marie Vance

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if intraoperative use of tranexamic acid (TXA) was associated with estimated blood loss in patients who underwent elective craniofacial surgery.

Introduction: Intraoperative blood loss has been shown to significantly contribute to postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical procedures. It is the responsibility of the anesthesia clinician to accurately assess and actively replace ongoing blood loss, as well as employ strategies to curtail perioperative hemorrhage. While numerous methods exist to minimize surgical blood loss, such as mild hypothermia and controlled hypotensive techniques, these interventions can prove hazardous in pediatric patients …

Is Preoperative Administration Of Celecoxib And Pregabalin Associated With Decreased Intraoperative And Postoperative Opioid Consumption In Patients Undergoing Total Hip Or Knee Arthroplasty?, Cierra Treadway

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a preoperative dose of celecoxib and pregabalin in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was associated with less opioid consumption intraoperatively and postoperatively compared to those who did not receive this regimen.

Introduction: THA and TKA have been associated with a high incidence of postoperative pain. Historically, this pain has been managed with opioids; however, these drugs have negative side effects associated with their use. Consequently, anesthesia providers have begun utilizing multimodal non-opioid analgesics. Recently, a specific combination has been utilized, which includes a …

Preparedness Of School Psychologists To Provide Services For Students Diagnosed With Cancer, Lauren Mckenzie Blevins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Children who survive cancer face many challenges when reintegrating into the school system. School psychologists are among the school support professionals who may aid in providing support and identifying appropriate interventions and accommodations for the academic and mental health needs of these students. This study identifies whether school psychologists in West Virginia perceive themselves to be adequately prepared to assist students who have survived cancer upon returning to school. A survey containing fourteen questions regarding the individual’s experience, training, and knowledge was distributed to school psychologists in attendance at the Fall 2016 West Virginia School Psychologists’ Association conference. Of the …

Exploring The Regulatory Mechanism Of The Notch Ligand Receptor Jagged1 Via The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor In Breast Cancer, Sean Alan Piwarski

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds pollutants, therapeutic drugs and endogenous ligands. AHR is of particular interest in cancer and has been shown to play roles in both tumor progression and tumor suppression. As a result, it has received growing attention as a possible chemotherapeutic target. AHR is expressed in all breast cancer subtypes and can promote or inhibit breast cancer depending on the ligand it binds. The Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays extremely vital roles during development by regulating cell fate and differentiation. Notch signaling has increasingly …

Does Prophylactic Administration Of Ondansetron Prior To Spinal Anesthesia Decrease Spinal-Anesthesia Induced Hypotension In Obstetric And Non-Obstetric Patients?: A Literature Review, Quinnton Rees

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neuraxial (spinal) anesthesia is a favored modality in the care of obstetric patients undergoing a cesarean-section (C-section). Spinal anesthesia is additionally popular as an alternative method for various surgical procedures in non-obstetric patients allowing practitioners to avoid potential risks associated with the use of general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) is a common side effect that presents status post-initiation of spinal anesthesia. The source of the hypotension produced after the initiation of spinal anesthesia is due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system (sympathectomy) and bradycardia caused by stimulation of the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex. A relatively new intervention that …

Does Perioperative Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy Correlate With Increased Use Of Vasopressors During Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Those Not Receiving Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy: A Retrospective Study, Joshua Ross

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients who took Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors the morning of surgery for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) required more treatment for intraoperative hypotension.

Introduction: PLIF is a surgical procedure used to correct spinal disorders that include compression, instability, pathological lesions, deformities, and pain. PLIF is completed utilizing the prone position for optimal access to the lumbar spine. Complications associated with prone position have included Post-Operative Vision Loss (POVL), compression of abdominal vessels, and head and neck venous compression resulting in neurologic injury. Currently, there are no set recommendations …

Intraoperative Administration Of Intravenous Acetaminophen At Induction Or End Of Surgery And Its Relationship With Opioid Consumption And Pain Scores, Spencer Davis Greenwood

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in the United States. Bariatric surgeries have increased as the prevalence of obesity has risen, providing an effective alternative to weight loss. Intravenous acetaminophen (IVA) is a safe and effective non-opioid medication that can be given without the risk of respiratory or cardiac complications. Research has shown that the use of IVA during surgery can improve postoperative pain scores, reduce opioid requirements, and improve patient satisfaction.

A retrospective cohort study of 200 patients (100 per group) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS) was performed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the relationship between those who received …

The Association Between Intraoperative Single-Dose Dexamethasone And Postoperative Pain In Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Sara Hatfield

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a single dose of intraoperative dexamethasone in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery and postoperative pain scores and the amount of postoperative opioid administration.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most common complaints in the postoperative period and the days following a patient’s procedure. While opioids are commonly used for treating intraoperative and postoperative pain, anesthesia providers can lessen their use by adopting multimodal analgesia techniques. This study attempts to fill the research gap related to the association of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone intraoperatively …

The Influence On Morbidity And Mortality When Blood Products Are Transfused Using Conventional Coagulation Tests Versus Teg Or Rotem In Trauma Patients Perioperatively, Teresa Diana Kelley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: Coagulopathy in trauma patients occurs due to tissue injury, hemodilution (dilution of hematocrit and clotting factors), infusion of hypo-coagulable blood products (e.g., packed red blood cells), acidosis, hypothermia, continued blood loss, and depletion of clotting factors. The onset of coagulopathy begins with the initial tissue injury and evolves rapidly. Many factors need consideration when determining resuscitative treatment for the trauma victim. These factors include the amount of time for extraction from the field, transport time to a trauma center, associated weather, and treatment provided in route. This study compared two clinical laboratory pathways (Conventional Coagulation test and Rotational Thromboelastometry …

What Is The Relationship Of Increased Intraocular Pressure And Body Mass Index In Patients Undergoing Robotic Prostatectomy In Sleep Trendelenburg Position?, Seth Parsons

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Robotic Prostatectomy is a common procedure performed in surgery centers all over the world, but these procedures can be long and difficult to manage for Anesthesia providers. This study examined the relationship between increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and Body Mass Index (BMI) during Robotic Prostatectomies in Steep Trendelenburg (ST) position. Other variables studied were length of procedure, age, and ASA physical classification.

Methodology: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional design of 100 patients with a BMI over 30 and 100 patients with a BMI under 30 who have undergone Robotic Prostatectomies at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) between …

Does Rotem-Guided Therapy Influence Postoperative Chest Tube Output In On-Pump Cabg?, Preston Franklin Woodburn-Camp

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the association between ROTEM-guided therapy and chest tube output in patients who have undergone elective on-pump CABG.

Introduction: In open heart surgery, there are a variety of ways that coagulation disturbances occur, such as hemodilution of coagulation factors and platelets, a reduction in coagulation factors due to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass the administration of the anticoagulant heparin, and altered temperature. Severe bleeding is frequently associated with open-heart surgery, especially on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Thromboelastometry using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a point-of-care testing that can show specific defects in …

The Assessment Of Medial Stability Of The Elbow Using Sonography And Three Clinical Tests, Andrew Michael Demoss

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Injuries to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the elbow are a common occurrence in overhead throwing athletes. Clinical assessment of the medial elbow can be assisted using Sonography. Ultrasound imaging can be used to determine the width of the medial joint space. This study will determine whether altering the joint angle in the elbow during various clinical tests has an effect on the width of the medial joint space.

Methods: Ultrasound images of the non-dominant elbow were collected during three clinical tests of medial elbow stability; valgus stress test, weighted valgus test and the milking maneuver. The …

Employing The Enzyme Cofactor Function Of Ascorbic Acid To Affect Oncogenic Pathways In Human Melanoma: Modulating Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1Α And Dna Demethylation To Reduce Malignant Potential, Adam Patrick Fischer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Dioxygenase enzymes such as the HIF hydroxylases (PHD1-3, FIH) and the Ten-eleven translocation (TET1-3) enzymes regulate the activity of the hypoxia inducible factor-1_a (HIF1_a) transcription factor and the DNA methylation status of cells, respectively. Aberrant accumulation and activation of HIF-1_a can allow malignant cells to acquire attributes that promote progression, chemotherapy resistance, and survival, while aberrant hypermethylation of gene promoters can silence the expression of tumor suppressor genes essential to preventing tumorigenesis. Inadequate levels of intracellular ascorbic acid (AA), a necessary cofactor for optimal dioxygenase enzyme function, could potentiate these tumorigenic conditions. In fact, plasma levels …

Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity In A Human Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cell Line Was Attenuated By The Natural Product Resveratrol, Morghan Schuyler Getty

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The cancer chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX), Adriamycin, is part of the treatment regimen for breast, ovarian, small cell lung cancer and acute/chronic lymphoid leukemia. Adverse effects associated with DOX are cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Interventions are needed to reduce DOX nephrotoxicity. Resveratrol (RES) is a phytochemical contained in grapes, berries and nuts, which possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties. This study tested the hypothesis that RES will attenuate DOX renal cytotoxicity in human noncancerous renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and that RES will reduce DOX mediated changes in mitochondrial function. HK-2 cells were plated and grown for 48 hours (h). Cells …

Uncovering New Roles For The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) In Breast Cancer, Justin Kirk Tomblin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is responsive to many exogenous and endogenous ligands. AHR is of particular interest in cancer, and has been shown to play roles in tumor progression. As such, it has received growing attention as a possible chemotherapeutic target. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, complicates treatment of breast cancer, and stimulates the growth of larger, more aggressive mammary tumors. Many breast tumors in obese women are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and, while targeting hormone receptors like ER is beneficial, many obese women see a recurrence of their cancer after standard …