Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Botlinum Toxin In The Management Of Benign Essential Blepharospasm And Hemifacial Spasm, Amanullah Khan Sarangzal, Noor Ahmed Khosa, Wazir Akbar

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (Adem) Presenting As A Multiphasic Encephalopathy: A Case Report, Tehreem Zahra, Zarmast Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Arsalan Ahmad

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Closing The Rural Mortality Gap? An Examination Of 10-Year Cardiovascular Mortality Trends In Washington And Aroostook Counties, Maine, Christy Daggett

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This study examines a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality1 in two rural, white, low-income counties in Maine over 1999-2009: Washington County and Aroostook County. Two similar counties with similarly high rates of CVD mortality– Penobscot and Piscataquis - were selected as comparators. The study considers different factors known to correlate with CVD mortality, including behavioral risk factors, co-morbid conditions, insurance coverage, and social determinants of health.

An Analysis Of Employment Policies And Their Effect On Work-Life Balance For Caregiving Parents Of Children With Special Needs, Sara Panella

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This capstone addresses the work-­‐life conflict facing employed caregiver parents with special needs children by 1) identifying what employed parents of children with disabilities need from their employer in order to achieve a work-­‐life balance that improves economic security and emotional well-­‐being, and 2) evaluating how well policies address those needs. An investigation of work-­‐family conflict and stress among parents of special needs children is conducted by examining the current literature and conducting interviews with caregivers to explore their work-­‐life balance needs. Policy recommendations are provided, based on an analysis of public and workplace policies currently in use and policy …

Grand Multiparity: Is It Still A Risk In Pregnancy?, Andrew H. Mgaya, Siriel N. Massawe, Hussein Kidanto, Hans N. Mgaya

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The association of grand multiparity and poor pregnancy outcome has not been consistent for decades. Classifying grand multiparous women as a high-risk group without clear evidence of a consistent association with adverse outcomes can lead to socioeconomic burdens to the mother, family and health systems. We compared the maternal and perinatal complications among grand multiparous and other multiparous women in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). A standard questionnaire enquired the following variables: demographic characteristics, antenatal profile and detected obstetric risk factors as well as maternal and neonatal risk …

Racial Differences In Human Platelet Par4 Reactivity Reflect Expression Of Pctp And Mir-376c., Leonard Edelstein, Lukas M Simon, Raúl Teruel Montoya, Michael Holinstat, Edward S Chen, Angela Bergeron, Xianguo Kong, Srikanth Nagalla, Narla Mohandas, David E Cohen, Jing-Fei Dong, Chad Shaw, Paul Bray

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

Racial differences in the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis are poorly understood. We explored the function and transcriptome of platelets in healthy black (n = 70) and white (n = 84) subjects. Platelet aggregation and calcium mobilization induced by the PAR4 thrombin receptor were significantly greater in black subjects. Numerous differentially expressed RNAs were associated with both race and PAR4 reactivity, including PCTP (encoding phosphatidylcholine transfer protein), and platelets from black subjects expressed higher levels of PC-TP protein. PC-TP inhibition or depletion blocked PAR4- but not PAR1-mediated activation of platelets and megakaryocytic cell lines. miR-376c levels were differentially expressed by race and …

Scholarships Awarded To Mcnair Scholars, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Effects Of A Pneumonia Pathway On Hospital Readmission Rates, Melissa Ash, Brian Glynn, Silvana Romeo, Zenobia Black, Ashley Adams, Bridget Dutil, Raymond Malloy, Maribeth Kelly

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

There are inconsistencies in treating inpatients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and providing adequate post discharge follow-up contributing to significant hospital re-admission rates and increased healthcare costs. Will the use of a pneumonia pathway decrease hospital re-admissions and healthcare costs? Our null hypothesis for this study was that the use of a pneumonia care pathway will have no significant effect on hospital readmission rates.

Glucocorticoids Induced Allergic Reaction, Emad Uddin Siddiqui, Shakeel Ahmed

Department of Emergency Medicine

Glucocorticoids can cause allergic reaction in rare cases. A ten year old boy, known asthmatic, was treated with intramuscular injection of glucocorticoids, followed by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. His lips turned pale along with palpitation and light headache. His right eye lid and lower lip were swollen. Heart rate was 177/min, and BP was 66/46 mmHg,. Patient spontaneously improved and symptoms resolved. IV fluids bolus, antihistamines or epinephrine were not required. The case was seen in September 2012.

Notes From The Director, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

About The Mcnair Scholars Program, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Proteomic Profiling Of Burkholderia Cenocepacia Clonal Isolates With Different Virulence Potential Retrieved From A Cystic Fibrosis Patient During Chronic Lung Infection., Siobhan Mcclean, Máire Callaghan, Jean Tyrrell, Isabelle Sa Correia

Articles

Respiratory infections with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria in cystic fibrosis (CF) are associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death. In this work, we assessed the virulence potential of three B. cenocepacia clonal isolates obtained from a CF patient between the onset of infection (isolate IST439) and before death with cepacia syndrome 3.5 years later (isolate IST4113 followed by IST4134), based on their ability to invade epithelial cells and compromise epithelial monolayer integrity. The two clonal isolates retrieved during late-stage disease were significantly more virulent than IST439. Proteomic profiling by 2-D DIGE of the last isolate recovered …

Media's Influence On The Drive For Muscularity In Undergraduates, Brooke Cramblitt, Mary Pritchard

Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Although research has found that body ideals presented by the media influence women's body dissatisfaction, less is known about media's influence on men's body satisfaction. An online survey examining media use, the drive for muscularity, and internalization of appearance and body shape ideals was given to a sample of 311 participants comprised of both men and women. Results indicated (a) the more time men and women reported watching television, the higher their reported drive for muscularity (b) total hours of viewing sports-related, image-focused, and entertainment television related to increased drive for muscularity in women (c) drive for muscularity in men …

Active Transportation In Dayton, Ohio: A Case Study, Danielle P. Tong

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: The purpose of this case study was to describe Dayton, Ohio’s process for implementing an active transportation initiative and suggests ways in which it might be improved. Methods: This paper compares the strategies used in Dayton, Ohio to the 5Ps of the Active Living by Design’s Community Action Model, and compares them with the strategies of three communities described in the literature. Results: The City of Dayton fully initiated two of the 5Ps but neglected the other Ps. Some interview respondents attribute this to a lack of staffing within the City of Dayton. Dayton’s leadership for active transport comes …

Wolves Facilitate The Recovery Of Browse-Sensitive Understory Herbs In Wisconsin Forests, Krystle Bouchard, Jane E. Wiedenhoeft, Adrian P. Wydeven, Thomas P. Rooney

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

We asked whether wolf re-colonization would facilitate increased growth and reproduction of three browse-sensitive plant species. We hypothesized plant size and the proportion of reproductive individuals would be lowest in areas with no wolves, intermediate where wolves had been present for 4-6 years, and highest where wolves had been present for 12-13 years. Two plant species exhibited significantly greater reproduction where wolves were present for 12-13 years. Mean leaf size of indicator plants was significantly greater in areas where wolves were present for 12-13 years, as compared with that in areas where wolves were not present or were present for …

An Argument And Plan For Promoting The Teaching And Learning Of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Kevin M. Bonney

Publications and Research

Neglected tropical diseases constitute a significant public health burden, affecting over one billion people globally, yet this group of diseases is underrepresented in the appropriation of both monetary and intellectual capital for developing improved therapies and public health campaigns. The topic of neglected tropical diseases has been similarly marginalized in the biology classrooms of our nation’s high schools and colleges, despite offering an opportunity to teach and learn about a diverse area of microbiology with far-reaching public health, social, and economic implications. Discussed herein is an argument for increasing the representation of neglected tropical diseases in microbiology education as a …

Perceptions Of A Dedicated Education Unit In The Mississippi Delta, Jacquelyn Felecia Brownlow

Doctoral Projects

The highest health care disparities in the country plague the Mississippi Delta. A weakened economy, minimal access to healthcare and an outdated traditional clinical learning environment place enormous strains on nursing education in this area to provide more nurses. The office of Nursing Workforce reported a 14% to 16% nursing turnover in the Delta compared to the national average of 13.5%. As a result, the health care organization has encountered high nurse turnover, increased staffing shortages, and a decrease in nursing quality indicators. As an effort to improve clinical education and bridge gaps between education and practice, several schools in …

City Tumour Board Karachi: An Innovative Step In Multidisciplinary Consensus Meeting And Its Two Years Audit., Asghar Hussain Asghar, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi, Abid Jamal, Ghulam H, Sadia Rizvi

Department of Medicine

Management of cancer patients is a team work which usually comprises of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychiatrist, nutritionist and a nurse. Any patient who is suffering from any tumour needs a multimodality meeting as cancer treatment is not a single persons job. Most of the time, it is difficult to get the whole team together for a plan discussion due to their busy schedule. This problem was overcome by starting a tumour board meeting early morning of Sunday in Karachi which was named "City Tumour Board (CTB) Karachi". Its first meeting was held on Sunday March 28, 2010 and since …

Clinically Significant Contrast Induced Acute Kidney Injury After Non-Emergent Cardiac Catheterization--Risk Factors And Impact On Length Of Hospital Stay., Waqar Kashif, Ali Khawaja, Syed Ather Hussain

Department of Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with clinically significant contrast-induced nephropathy(CIN) in patients undergoing non-emergent coronary angiography.

Study Design: Descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2005 to December 2007.

Methodology: Case records of patients who underwent coronary angiography with a serum creatinine of ≥ 1.5 mg/dl atthe time of procedure were evaluated. Clinically significant contrast induced nephropathy (CSCIN) was defined as either doubling of serum creatinine from baseline value within a week following the procedure or need for emergency hemodialysis after the procedure.Results: One hundred …

Tumor Necrosis Factor -Α, Interleukin-10, Intercellular And Vascular Adhesion Molecules Are Possible Biomarkers Of Disease Severity In Complicated Plasmodium Vivax Isolates From Pakistan., Afsheen Raza, Najia K. Ghanchi, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Ahmed Raheem, Sobia Nizami, Mohammad Asim Beg

Department of Medicine

Background: Cytokine-mediated endothelial activation pathway is a known mechanism of pathogenesis employed by Plasmodium falciparum to induce severe disease symptoms in human host. Though considered benign, complicated cases of Plasmodium vivax are being reported worldwide and from Pakistan. It has been hypothesized that P.vivax utilizes similar mechanism of pathogenesis, as that of P.falciparum for manifestations of severe malaria. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to characterize the role of cytokines and endothelial activation markers in complicated Plasmodium vivax isolates from Pakistan.

Methods and Principle Findings: A case control study using plasma samples from well-characterized groups suffering from P.vivax …

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Ten Year Experience At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan., Abid Laghari, Aamir Hameed, K. Kazmi

Department of Medicine

Background: There is very little literature regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy from the Asian countries. We conducted this study to determine demographic details, clinical presentations, complications and recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) patients of Pakistani origin.

Method: A ten year retrospective case series of PPCMP was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Patients were also followed up for six months after presentation, with special regard to improvement in the LV function.

Results: Total 45 patients were included, 25 (55.5%) primigravida and 8 (17.7%) gravida 2 and the remaining 12 (26.6%) were multigravida. Fourteen patients (31.1%) …

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor For Mobilizing Bone Marrow Stem Cells In The Sub Acute Stroke. How Safe Is The Use Of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor In Sub-Acute Stroke? Is This Stem Cell Trial Of Recovery Enhancement Beneficial?, Fauzia Nomani, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Validation Of The Simple Activity Measurement Instrument (Sam) Using Heart Rate And Pedometry; Simple Activity Measurement Instrument (Sam) For Measuring Mvpa In Physical Education, Joseph P. Anaya

Graduate Theses

In order to battle obesity in our schools, Physical Education standards are working to become more and more in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Physical Education teachers would benefit from a tool that measures the amount and type of activity that students are involved in while they are in Physical Education. Many of the instruments that teachers use to assess students’ physical activity are too expensive, too difficult and can be time consuming. The purpose of the current study was to test …

Outcome Of Radiologically Placed Tunneled Haemodialysis Catheters, Raza Sayani, Muhammad Anwar, Tanveer-Ul-Haq, Nauman Al-Qamari, Muhammad Asif Bilal

Department of Radiology

Objective: To study the outcome of radiologically placed double lumen tunneled haemodialysis catheters for the management of renal failure.STUDY Design: Case series.PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Interventional Suite of Radiology Department at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2010 to June 2011.METHODOLOGY: All consecutive patients who were referred to the department of radiology by the nephrologists for double lumen tunneled haemodialysis catheter (Permacath) placement during the study period were included. Patients with septicemia, those for whom follow-up was not available, those coming for catheter exchange or who died due to a noncatheter related condition were excluded. A radio-opaque, …

Electrotransfer Of Single-Stranded Or Double-Stranded Dna Induces Complete Regression Of Palpable B16.F10 Mouse Melanomas, Loree Heller, Vesba Todorovic, Maja Cemazar

Bioelectrics Publications

Enhanced tumor delivery of plasmid DNA with electric pulses in vivo has been confirmed in many preclinical models. Intratumor electrotransfer of plasmids encoding therapeutic molecules has reached Phase II clinical trials. In multiple preclinical studies, a reduction in tumor growth, increased survival or complete tumor regression have been observed in control groups in which vector or backbone plasmid DNA electrotransfer was performed. This study explores factors that could produce this antitumor effect. The specific electrotransfer pulse protocol employed significantly potentiated the regression. Tumor regression was observed after delivery of single-stranded or double-stranded DNA with or without CpG motifs in both …

Functional 3-D Cellulose & Nitrocellulose Paper-Based, Multiplex Diagnostic Platforms Without Coupling Agents, Mackenzie Elizabeth Tageson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to demonstrate device functionality of 3-D paper-based, multiplex platforms, µPADs, without the use of coupling agents between layers. Previously, these platforms were fabricated with double-sided tape and cellulose powder to try to augment proper fluid routing, but difficulties with this method occurred. An acrylic housing unit with strategically placed pressure tabs was designed to aid horizontal and vertical fluid routing through the platform, thus eliminating the inconsistencies associated with coupling agents. Channel characterization studies, a COMSOL^TM simulation, and development time studies were performed to aid device design and demonstrate device functionality.

The implementation …

Invisible Minority: People Incarcerated With Mental Illness, Developmental Disabilities, And Traumatic Brain Injury In Washington's Jails And Prisons, Bette Michelle Fleishman

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Acupuncture For Sleep Disturbances In Veterans With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Heather C. King Phd

Dissertations

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a significant problem among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans. Disturbed sleep is one of the most frequently reported symptoms among OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD. PTSD itself is impairing, but the burden of this disorder is likely heightened when accompanied by sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances have been associated with a 75-90% increased risk of co-morbid conditions, increased levels of depression and anxiety, daytime sleepiness and fatigue, reduced psychomotor performance, diminished work productivity, and decreased quality of life. These consequences of disturbed sleep emphasize the critical need for additional evidence based therapies …

The Partial Characterization Of The 142r Protein Of Tanapox Virus, Krystal N. Seibert

Dissertations

Due to the complex nature of cancer, a variety of strategies are being employed to treat patients. Among these are oncolytic viruses that conditionally replicate in tumor cells with specific cellular landscapes. Several viruses including Herpesviruses, Adenoviruses, and Poxviruses, predominantly vaccinia virus (VV), have been explored for their oncolytic potential. Most of these viruses can productively infect a variety of cell types and it is one goal to create conditionally lethal viruses that can only replicate in tumor cells. Due to the prevalence of p53 inactivating mutations in cancers viruses that are restricted to p53 null cells are desirable and …