Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Relationship Between Traumatic Brain Injury And Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: A Review, Alayna Nelson

PCOM Capstone Projects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered a major public health problem in the United States. Each year, 2.53 million Americans, including 812,000 children, document a TBI-related emergency room visit (CDC, 2020). TBI is a disruption in the brain’s normal function, caused by a bump or blow to the head or by penetrating head injury (CDC, 2020). These injuries range in severity and can cause damage to one or multiple areas of the brain (Oleksii et al., 2019). Mild TBI, often used synonymously with concussion, comprises more than 90% of TBI …

Incorporating Adverse Childhood Experiences In Medical Student Trauma-Informed Training, Mary Catherine Minke

PCOM Capstone Projects

One of the emerging fields in public health has become how behavior and personal experiences shape the health experience. Particularly, there is interest in understanding how the environment that one lives in changes one’s biology, causing disease, and how interventions can combat this change. A 1998 study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Health first characterized negative household environments that suffered from dysfunction or abuse and showed how this could be a leading cause of death in adults (Vincent, et al., 1998). Researchers termed these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Since that time, additional studies have found that those who suffered …

Analysis Of Gene Transcription Changes Following Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection Of Thpl Monocytes May Have Relevance To Alzheimer's Disease, Desiré Guthier

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

There is increasing evidence that neuroinflammation caused by infectious agents is an important etiologic factor in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). One infectious agent that has been associated with AD is Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn). Cpn DNA can be detected within peripherally circulating mononuclear cells and there is evidence that infected mononuclear cells could be involved in chronic infection and contribute to inflammation at numerous anatomical sites, including the brain. Understanding Cpn genetic changes progressing from an acute to a chronic infection within monocytes may help to further elucidate. the role of Cpn infected monocytes with regard to …

The Effects Of Resveratrol On Dbc1 & Cadherin Expression In Prostate Cancer, Micah Bower-Kaiser

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an incredibly common disease in the United States, with approximately 170,000 new diagnoses and 30,000 deaths occurring on an annual basis. The current mainstay of treatment for PCa is known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which has proven to be an effective short-term option in earlier stages of the disease. Unfortunately, longer periods of ADT risk accelerating progression of the cancer to the point where 25% of all treated patients relapse to an incurable, metastatic, and highly lethal form known as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In approximately 60% of CRPC cases, a splice variant of androgen …

Does Light Therapy Improve The Quality Of Life For People With Acne?, Montana W. Banks

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does light therapy improve the quality of life for people with acne?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies published between the years of 2016 and 2018. All articles were published in the English language and in peer-reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: One pilot study, one multicenter, randomized, split-face control study and one single-blind, randomized, split-face study evaluating if light therapy can improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with acne. Sources were selected from PubMed and Cochrane based off of the relevance …

Does Stem Cell Injection Improve Quality Of Life In Patients With Cardiopathy Patients?, Shoua Shue Casillas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not stem cell injections improve the quality of life in patients with cardiopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles. All articles were published between 2012 – 2017 and were all printed in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: All three RCT articles were found through PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: One of the outcomes measured in each of the articles were improvement in quality of life in patients with cardiopathy. Among the three review articles, quality of life was measured using either the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy …

Is Apremilast 30mg Effective In Lowering Dlgi Scores In Patients With Plaque Psoriasis In 16 Weeks Of Therapy?, Hunter N. Dennard

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Apremilast 30 mg effective in lowering DLQI scores in patients with plaque psoriasis in 16 weeks of therapy?”

Study Design: Review of three randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials published between the years 2013 and 2016.

Data Sources: All studies were published in peer-reviewed journals that were located using PubMed database searches.

Outcome Measured: The DLQI is a 10-item questionnaire that assesses the impact of skin disease on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over the previous week. Scores for each item range from 0 (not at …

Does Adalimumab Improve Symptoms In Patients With Moderate To Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa?, Eric A. Eck

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Adalimumab improve symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2016 which present patient oriented evidence.

DATA SOURCES: Review incorporated analysis of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one open label prospective trial. Studies were selected based upon the relevance to the clinical question, does adalimumab usage improve symptoms in individuals with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured focused on patient reported reduction in hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. …

Does The Ligasure Vessel Sealing System Provide Benefit In Mortality In Regards To Hepatic Resections?, Samantha M. Kleiber

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not using the LigaSure device provides any benefit in morality in patients undergoing hepatic resection surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized control trials published in 2007, 2009 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review primary studies published in peerreviewed journals, found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patient mortality, defined as death within 30 days of the surgical procedure.

RESULTS: The study done by Doklestic and et al had 3 patient mortalities occur. The deaths occurred on post op days three, four and …

Is Music Therapy Intervention Effective In Decreasing Pain After Standard Wound Care In Hospitalized Burn Patients?, Lindsay King

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not music therapy intervention is effective in decreasing pain after standard wound care in hospitalized burn patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review compiling data from three randomized controlled trials in 2016, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: After a thorough search of PubMed and Cochrane, three pertinent studies were found to include in this review. The selected studies were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of music therapy in decreasing pain after wound care in hospitalized burn patients.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in pain symptoms were measured …

Is Electroacupuncture Effective In Improving Quality Of Life For Women With Urinary Incontinence?, Shelby Kaminsky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not “Is electroacupuncture effective in improving quality of life for women with urinary incontinence?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of 3 peer-reviewed studies published between the years of 2014 and 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized placebo-controlled studies and one comparative study evaluating if electroacupuncture (EA) and/or the use of tolterodine improves the quality of life and therapeutic effects of those with urinary incontinence (UI). Sources were selected from PubMed and Cochrane Library based off of their relevance to the clinical question and the outcomes …

Is Cannabis Effective In Reducing Muscle Spasticity And Body Pain Amongst Patients With Multiple Sclerosis?, William E. Johnson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cannabis is effective in reducing muscle spasticity and body pain amongst patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed studies published between the years of 2003 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating if cannabis can reduce muscle spasticity and body pain for patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. All three sources were selected from PubMed and examined for outcomes that were patient oriented.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The two primary outcomes measured include: muscle spasticity measured by the Ashworth scale, …

Is Intranasal Oxytocin An Effective Treatment For Reducing Disruptive Behavior In Individuals With Prader-Willi Syndrome?, Anna C. Maraia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intranasal oxytocin is an effective treatment for reducing disruptive behavior in individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of two randomized controlled crossover trials and one randomized controlled pilot study, all of which were double-blind and placebo-controlled. All articles were peer-reviewed, written in English and published between 2011 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: The three articles used in this systematic review were found in PubMed based on their relevance to the objective of the study, the inclusion of patient-oriented problems and published within …

Does Aerobic And Resistance Exercise Reduce Fatigue In Men With Prostate Cancer?, Rachel L. Metz

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aerobic and resistance exercise reduces fatigue in men with prostate cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) published in peer reviewed journals between 2013-2017.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review were found in using PubMed and Cochrane Library and chosen based on their relevance to the clinical question and if they included patient oriented evidence that matters (POEMS).

OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three studies measured the effect aerobic and resistance exercise has on fatigue in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen …

Is The Combined Oral Contraceptive Treatment Of 150 Mcg Levonorgestrel And 30 Mcg Ethinyl Estradiol Effective In Preventing Bothersome Unscheduled Uterine Bleeding?, Brandi L. Parker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not the combined oral contraceptive treatment of 150 mcg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol is effective in preventing unscheduled uterine bleeding.

Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one post hoc analysis, published after 2014 all in the English language.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one post hoc analysis, all of which evaluate the efficacy of the combined oral contraceptive (COC) treatment of 150 mcg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol in preventing bothersome unscheduled uterine bleeding. In …

Is The Use Of Methylcobalamin Alone Or In Combination With Lidocaine Clinically More Effective Than Lidocaine Alone In Relieving Herpes Zoster Related Neuropathic Pain With Subcutaneous Injections?, Rachel N. Todd

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Methylcobalamin alone or in combination with Lidocaine is clinically more effective than Lidocaine alone in relieving Herpes Zoster related neuropathic pain with subcutaneous injections.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies. All were randomized, controlled trials published between the years of 2014 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review were published in peer reviewed journals and selected from PubMed Database.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The outcomes measured reflected the effectiveness of incorporating subcutaneous Methylcobalamin in the treatment regimen for neuropathic …

Is Radioembolization A Safer Treatment Than Chemoembolization In Patients With Primary Liver Cancer (Hcc)?, Tram Vu

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not radioembolization is safer treatment comparing to chemoembolization in patients with primary liver cancer (HCC)

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published between 2014 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found using PubMed and Medline database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Eligible patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups: one group received radioembolization with Y-90 (TARE Y-90) while the other group received chemoembolization (TACE). Adverse events after post treatment were recorded and compared between TARE Y-90 and TACE.

RESULTS: …

Is Music Therapy Effective At Reducing Pain In Fibromyalgia Patients?, Amanda M. Vicznesky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not music therapy is effective at treating pain in fibromyalgia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three primary studies that were peer-reviewed published between the years of 2013-2016.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one cross-control study evaluating if music therapy is affective at treating pain in fibromyalgia patients. Data sources obtained for this review were found using PubMed Database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured was the effectiveness of music therapy at reducing pain in fibromyalgia patients. Outcomes were measured via …

Is Virtual Reality For Acute Pain Reduction In Adolescents Undergoing Burn Wound Care Effective?, Michelle Wood

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of virtual reality (VR) is an effective method of pain reduction in adolescents undergoing burn wound care.

STUDY DESIGN: Includes a review of two English based randomized controlled trials, and one English based descriptive exploratory study. These studies were published in 2007-2014.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials (RCT’s) and one exploratory study were found searching PubMed database. Both the random control trials and the exploratory study compare the use of virtual reality interventions against either medical management only or a combination of medical …

Does Secukinumab Improve Self-Reported Quality Of Life In Patients With Moderate-To-Severe Ankylosing Spondylitis When Taken Regularly?, Ryan Yenovkian

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not secukinumab improves self-reported quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis when taken regularly.

Study design: A systematic review of three randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs), published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2015, all in the English language. Data sources: All three studies were found and accessed on PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Patient quality of life was assessed in all three studies using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire and reported as mean change from baseline. ASQoL is scored from 0-18 with a higher …

Is Tribulus Terrestris Effective At Increasing Sexual Desire In Adult Women Suffering From Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?, Trevene T. Bell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not Tribulus terrestris is effective at increasing sexual desire in adult women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2014, 2016, and 2017; selection was based on their relevance to the clinical question and on their patient-oriented outcomes.

Data Sources: Three peer-reviewed primary studies comparing the use of Tribulus terrestris to placebo in the treatment of HSDD were found on PubMed. Outcome(s) Measured: For each trial, patients were divided into either Tribulus terrestris treatment or …

Are Anti-Pd-1/Pd-L1 Monoclonal Antibodies Effective In Prolonging Overall Survival In Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?, Sara Bintner

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies are effective in prolonging overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Study Design: A systematic review and data analysis of three randomized control trials (RCTs) published after 2010. The studies were located in English written peer reviewed journals.

Data sources: Three RCTs, which evaluated the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab, as first and second or consecutive line therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC compared to cytotoxic agents. The studies utilized were found in EBSCO host …

Is Sinupret (Bno 1016- Herbal Combination) An Effective Treatment For The Symptoms Of Acute And Chronic Rhinosinusitis Compared To Non-Treatment In Male And Female Adults Ages 18-75?, Sarah K. Boyle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Sinupret (BNO 1016- herbal combination) is an effective treatment for the symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis compared to non-treatment in male and female adults ages 18-75? Study Design: This is a systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding Sinupret treatment for sinonasal symptoms. All RCTs were published in the English language in peer-reviewed journals in 2011, 2015, and 2017. Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials were found using PubMED and CINAHL databases. Outcomes Measured: Symptom relief of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis was measured …

Does Whole Body Vibration Therapy Improve Balance In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?, Samantha L. Aksu

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not whole body vibration (WBV) therapy improves balance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one case series. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, studies were selected if they assessed the effects of whole body vibration therapy on improving balance in diabetic patients, and whether the outcomes were patient oriented.

UTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured in this study was balance, which was assessed using the Timed Up …

Is The Use Of A Fresh-Frozen Allograft More Effective Than A Hamstring Autograft In Preserving Functional Knee Ability Post-Surgery In Acl Reconstruction?, Carly E. Black

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is the use of fresh-frozen allograft more effective than a hamstring autograft in preserving functional knee ability post-surgery in ACL reconstruction?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized control trials (RCTs) and one prospective randomized study published between 2011 and 2016, all in English language. The articles compared allograft tendon versus autograft tendon when undergoing ACL reconstructive surgery.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials (RCTs) and one prospective randomized study were found using PubMed, NCBI, and Cochrane databases. All articles were published in reviewed journals and selected …

Does Botulinum Toxin A Injections Into The Pelvic Floor Muscles Of Women With Chronic Genitopelvic Pain And Vaginal Spasm Improve Pain And Sexual Functioning?, Emily R. Broadbent

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evidenced based medicine review is to determine whether or not botulinum toxin A injections into the pelvic floor muscles of women with chronic genitopelvic pain and vaginal spasm improve pain and sexual functioning.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double blind randomized controlled trials and one case series from peer reviewed journals published between 2006-2011.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one case series were found using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three studies measured pain and sexual functioning using selfreported surveys including the visual analog scale for pain, Female Sexual …

Is There A Greater Statistically Significant Difference In The Clearance Or Partial Clearance Of Anogenital/Genital Warts When It Comes To Combination Therapies That Include Cryotherapy Versus Cryotherapy Alone?, Erika Burbano

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in using combination therapies that include cryotherapy vs. cryotherapy alone in the clearance of genital/anogenital warts.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three peer reviewed primary studies that were published between 2009-2014.

DATA SOURCES: Review of a double-blind placebo-controlled study, a single-blinded randomized controlled study, and a randomized clinical comparative study from 2011. All sources were selected from PubMed based on the applicability to the clinical question and how accurately they answered the question regarding the patient population

OUTCOMES: The outcomes of investigation …

Does Sertraline Decrease Depression In Patients Who Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi)?, Christina Costantino

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does sertraline decrease depression in patients who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: One RCT and two double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs found via PubMed evaluated the benefit of the antidepressant drug, sertraline (Zoloft), in decreasing depression in patients who suffered a TBI.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes were measured using the DSM-IV, Hamilton Rating Score for Depression (HAM-D)6 , Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)6 , and the Life-3 quality of life (QOL)6 , …

Is Hyaluronic Acid Intra-Articular Injection Better Than Corticosteroid Intra Articular Injection At Reducing Pain In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis?, Madison Cohen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Hyaluronic Acid intra articular injection is better than Corticosteroid intra articular injection at reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind, randomized control trials published between 2014 and 2016. All studies were published in English language in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: All three randomized control trials were found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcomes measured by the patient and investigator being improvement of knee pain severity, knee function, and range of motion after hyaluronic acid intra articular (IA) injection …

Do Adults Undergoing Minimally Invasive Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Arthroplasty Have Less Of A Risk Of Developing A Postoperative Deep Venous Thrombosis As Compared To Patients Undergoing A Standard Medial Parapatellar Total Knee Arthroplasty?, Jessica Cataldo-Ramirez

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Do adults undergoing minimally invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee arthroplasty have less of a risk of developing a postoperative deep venous thrombosis as compared to patients undergoing a standard medial parapatellar total knee arthroplasty?”

STUDY DESIGN: A review of one case series published in 2007 and two randomized controlled trials published in 2014.

DATA SOURCES: Primary literature found in PubMed that compared the surgical outcomes of minimally invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee arthroplasty to standard medial parapatellar total knee arthroplasty.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Postoperative deep venous thrombosis development.

RESULTS: …