Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Patients’ Compliance To Active Surveillance (As) Protocol In Low-Risk Prostate Cancer, Irene Chen, Danni Feng, Justin Woo, James Janisse Phd, Jinping Xu Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Aim/Introduction

Active surveillance (AS) is currently the preferred initial option for patients with low risk prostate cancer (PC). AS requires patients to undergo regular office visits with periodic testing. We measured patient compliance to NCCN guidelines for AS through review of medical record abstractions.

Methods

White and Black patients (n=221) with newly diagnosed low-risk PC on AS identified through a population-based cancer registry were surveyed at baseline (4 months after diagnosis) and at 2 year follow-up. 186 medical records reviewed and confirmed the AS protocol and compliance. Patient self-reported data were then compared with medical records data.

Results

Of the …

Mitraclip In The Setting Of Cardiogenic Shock: Beyond Coapt, James Deen, Tohar Lev, Joseph Ebinger

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title:

MITRACLIP IN THE SETTING OF CARDIOGENIC SHOCK: BEYOND COAPT

Authors:

Deen, James, MS., Lev, Tohar, BS., Ebinger, Joseph, MD.

Purpose of the study:

To assess the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing MitraClip for severe MR in the setting of cardiogenic shock.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent MitraClip at large academic institution between 2013 and 2019. Charts were reviewed to identify patients with pre-procedure cardiogenic shock if at least 1 of the following was present: 1) documentation of ongoing cardiogenic shock by a provider, 2) cardiac index <2.2 or 3) use of inotropes (Dobutamine, Milrinone or Dopamine) or vasopressors (Norepinephrine, Epinephrine or Vasopressin) within 24 hours of the procedure.

Results:

Out of 448 …

Post-Surgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum After Breast Surgery: A Case Series, Jahan Tajran, Daniella Anderson, Arif Chaudhry, Dennis Hammond

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory cutaneous disorder that is thought to be due to innate immune system dysfunction, specifically of neutrophils. PG has been well documented in patients with autoimmune disorders like Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. PG can also present in surgical patients, imitating a potential wound infection and necrotizing fasciitis. Although PG is a diagnosis of exclusion, prompt recognition is essential to attaining desired aesthetic outcomes, especially with breast involvement. We present a case series of four patients who developed PG following breast surgery. We analyze each patient’s medical history, symptoms, wound progression and management …

Total Knee Arthroplasty: Opioid-Free Analgesia In A Patient With Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, Noel Akioyamen, Allen Kadado

Medical Student Research Symposium

Total Knee Arthroplasty: Opioid-Free Analgesia in a Patient with Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

Abstract

Case: Controlling pain in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important but can be complex. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with opioid-induced hyperalgesia who was referred for left knee pain and end-stage tricompartmental degenerative joint disease after failure of conservative management. We outline an approach to control postoperative pain in patients undergoing TKA who have severe opioid contraindications.

Conclusion: TKA and physical rehabilitation with a 2 year follow up period was accomplished using a multimodal non-opioid approach including a combination of gabapentin, acetaminophen, ketorolac, …

Outcomes Of Utilizing Uber Health To Improve Access To Healthcare At An Urban Student Run Free Clinic, Ciara Ivanics Ms, Emily Lau, Julie Fynke Mph, Ralph Williams Md, Juliann Binienda Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: The patient population of the Robert R. Frank Student Run Free Clinic (SRFC) often cite transportation as their most significant barrier to receiving care. Utilization of ridesharing services may reduce this barrier and improve patient adherence to clinic appointments.

Methods: All patients at the SRFC from February 2019 through November 2019 were offered participation in this IRB-approved randomized control trial (n=37). The intervention group was offered a roundtrip, free, pre-scheduled Uber Health ride, while the control group was offered free public transportation or utilized their own transportation. Participants received an appointment reminder by phone within two days of their …

Quality Improvement In Ibd Care: The Influence Of A Qi Specific Conference For Fellows, Olayinka Afolabi, Alexis Faber, Raya Kutaimy, Paul Naylor, Murray Ehrinpreis

Medical Student Research Symposium

Given the complexity of management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), medical societies such as the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) have established measures aimed at defining quality of care. In 2011, the AGA proposed 10 quality metrics for IBD, eight of these measures relate to outpatient management and two focus on inpatient management. Our objective was to evaluate compliance with these measures in our own general GI practice and determine whether a GI conference discussing quality improvement (QI) in 2017 was effective.

Single Vs. Multiple Laparoscopies: Pain Status One Year Post-Hysterectomy For Chronic Pelvic Pain, Ghadear Shukr, Madeleine R. Gonte, Victoria Webber, David Eisenstein

Medical Student Research Symposium

Despite the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (CPP)— affecting one in seven women in the U.S.— its cause is often unknown. As such, an evaluation of our current approaches to the work-up of CPP is warranted. Laparoscopy is considered a gold standard tool in the evaluation of CPP with 40% of all laparoscopies in the U.S. performed for this condition [1]. However, limited data exists portraying the clinical importance and outcomes for repeat diagnostic laparoscopies. This is a retrospective case-control study to determine the incidence of multiple laparoscopies for CPP over the past 10 years, and to compare outcomes between …

The Relationship Between Shoulder Range Of Motion And Arm Stress In College Pitchers: A Motus Baseball Study, Marissa Tandron, Lafi Khalil, Caleb M. Gulledge, Toufic Jildeh, Joseph Tramer, Fabien Meta, Kevin Taylor, Grace Smith, Eric Makhni, Kelechi Okoroha, Vasilios Moutzouros

Medical Student Research Symposium

The Relationship Between Shoulder Range of Motion and Arm Stress in College Pitchers: A MOTUS Baseball Study

Abstract

Predictors of Elbow Torque Among College Baseball Pitchers

Purpose: To investigate the relationship of shoulder range of motion (ROM) conditions, such as glenohumeral internal rotation deficiency (GIRD) and external rotation gain (ERG), to torque across the medial elbow in college pitchers.

Methods: Pitchers were recruited from three local college baseball teams. Exclusion criteria included injury or restricted activity due to pain. They were evaluated within two weeks before their first game of the season. Pitchers completed an intake survey at the time …

: Preoperative Patient-Centric Predictors Of Postoperative Outcomes In Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Sreten Franovic, Noah Kuhlmann, Alexander Pietroski, Collin Schlosser, Luke Hessburg, Kelechi Okoroha, Vasilios Moutzouros, Eric Makhni

Medical Student Research Symposium

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a valid and efficient means of collecting patient outcomes in patients with meniscal tears. The studies purpose was to define the minimally clinical important difference (MCID) for PROMIS domains following meniscectomy procedures. Secondary aims included determining the role of pre-operative PROMIS computer adaptive test (CAT) scores in predicting achievement of MCID following meniscectomy. Patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy who completed PROMIS CAT forms for physical function (PROMIS-PF), pain interference (PROMIS-PI), and depression (PROMIS-D), from July 2017 to July 2019, at a single institution were utilized. MCID was calculated according to the distribution methodology, …

Intraosseous (Io) Vs Intravenous (Iv) Vascular Access For Out Of Hospital Cardiac Arrest., Syed Tariq Nabi, Megan Mackenzie, Monica Prasad, Mustapha Choucair, Peyton Johnston, Reba John, Sarah Meram, James Paxton

Medical Student Research Symposium

Over 300,000 Americans every year experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) (Benjamin EJ 2019). Of these 300,000+ patients only 10.6% of them survive to hospital discharge. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) has been suggested to improve survival following an OHCA (Neumar, Otto et al. 2010). Current ACLS guidelines recommend obtaining vascular access, however, offer little suggestion as to which type of access device should be used. It is our belief that using an Intraosseous vascular access device will lead to shorter time to medication delivery and increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to Intravenous vascular access. We …

Application Of Laser Technology In The Non-Surgical Management Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection (Pji); Novel Insights From Peri-Implantitis, Kareem Giovanni Elhage, Mohamed Awad, Ahmad Hasan, Brendan Farley, Khaled Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: The management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging, and its socio-economic impact is significant. Moreover, the incidence of MRSA and other resistant organisms are on the rise. Recently, laser technology has been incorporated into treatment protocols of dental peri-implantitis. This review explores the possibility of using laser technology to manage peri-implantitis.

Methods: This article will provide a detailed, comprehensive, and perspective review of the existing evidence of laser technology in management of dental peri-implantitis.

Results: Dental literature investigated the efficacy of several types of lasers. It was shown that diode lasers improved periodontal probing depth (PPD) and bleeding …

Sex-Based Differences In Depth Of Soft Tissue At The Proximal Tibia Intraosseous Catheter Insertion Site, Tristan Lemon Bs, Revelle Gappy Bs, Ryan Kelly Bs, Kenneth Kutschman Bs, Sarah Meram Ms, James Paxton Md, Mba

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Intraosseous (IO) catheters are commonly used to rapidly obtain vascular access for critically-ill patients in the emergency department (ED). Although the proximal tibia (PT) is a standard IO insertion site for adult subjects, little is known about sex-based variation in the proper depth of insertion.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed, utilizing CT scans obtained from DMC over a ten-year period (2009-2018) to estimate soft tissue depth overlying the recommended PT-IO insertion site. Depths of soft tissue from skin surface to bone surface (Measurement A) and from skin surface to the opposite bony cortex (Measurement B) were measured …

A Measure Of Patient Satisfaction Amongst Individuals Experiencing Homelessness In An Inter-Professional Student-Run Vision Clinic, Renieh Nabaty, Jenna Yousif, Jennifer Mendez Ph.D.

Medical Student Research Symposium

As of 2016, 85% of the homeless population within Michigan were covered under Medicaid health insurance. Despite insurance coverage, many depend on student-run free clinics to meet their health care needs, however, few clinics are available to provide specialty-based care. The Community Homeless Interprofessional Program (CHIP) student-run free vision clinic in Detroit, Michigan works to address vision care. With great emphasis on preventative optical care, student-run vision clinics have provided satisfactory preliminary screenings to the homeless population. The purpose of this study is to determine if pre-clinical year medical students appropriately address vision care needs of the homeless population, as …

Relationship Of Homocysteine Level And Comorbidities In Va Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review, Monica Hessler, Katherine Hoopes, Peter Aronson M.D., James Janisse Ph.D.

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Elevated serum homocysteine is known to be associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is seen in multiple chronic diseases which include, but is not limited to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and cardiovascular disease. This necessitated our investigation into serum homocysteine levels in VA patients and their associated comorbid disorders. Our study aimed to investigate comorbidities associated with elevated homocysteine levels, defined by being greater than 15 micromole/liter.

Methods: Informatics at the VA was used to obtain a list of 654 patients with homocysteine drawn during the period of the study (7/21/2009 through 12/31/2013) at the John D. Dingell VAMC. Subjects were adults …

Administration Of Intranasal Insulin During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Improves Neurological Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest, Adam D. Chalek, Tulasi R. Jinka, Kathleen J. Maheras, Joseph M. Wider, Sarita Raghunayakula, Jinhui Liao, Amanda Qvigstad, Anthony R. Anzell, Erin Gruley, Xiaodan Ren, Rui Zhang, Robert W. Neumar, Thomas H. Sanderson

Medical Student Research Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Over 325,000 people die from cardiac arrest each year. Prognosis is poor and survivors typically experience persistent neurologic deficits. Currently, neuroprotective treatments to reduce brain injury in cardiac arrest survivors are limited and ineffective. This study evaluates the potential neuroprotection induced by high dose intranasal insulin (HD-IN-I) in a rodent model of asphyxial cardiac arrest.

METHODS: Male Long Evans rats were block randomized to sham-operated controls or 8-minute asphyxial cardiac arrest treated with placebo or HD-IN-I at the onset of CPR. To investigate mechanism of action, hippocampi were collected 30 minutes post-ROSC and analyzed by Western blot for phosphorylation …

First Aid First: Implementation And Evaluation Of A Community-Based First Aid Training Course, Luke Wesemann

Medical Student Research Symposium

In 2018, medical students at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) created a first aid training initiative called First Aid First (FAF). FAF is a comprehensive community-based training program that teaches lifesaving skills tailored for Detroit. The objective of this initiative was to improve the confidence and basic first aid skills of those who attend trainings.

Pre- and post-test surveys were used to measure knowledge, confidence and skill level. The survey data gathered from March 2018-October 2019 consisted of 5 Likert scale questions for self-evaluation component and 23-25 multiple choice questions, number depending on time of administration due to …

Launching Virtual Care In A Benign Breast Surgery Clinic, Louisa Antonelli Bs, Hassan Nasser Md, Jessica Bensenhaver Md, Lindsay Petersen Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

The aim of this study is to assess the success of implementation of a telemedicine clinic in a benign breast surgery practice, and the hypothesis was that some women may feel uncomfortable virtually discussing breast complaints and problems. Twelve women seen as new patients in the benign breast surgery clinic and scheduled for surgery were asked if they were interested in having their post-operative visit performed virtually. Demographic information was also collected. Ages ranged from 24 to 77 years, and distance from the hospital ranged from 4.3 miles to 14.3 miles. Of the 12 women surveyed, 8 women were interested …

A Virtual Reality Martial Arts-Based Intervention Reduces Pain, Drug Craving, And Stress In Patients With Opioid Use Disorder, Mohammed M. Faraj Bs, Nina M. Lipanski, Elimelech Goldberg Ba, Dd, Hilary A. Marusak Phd, Mark K. Greenwald Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Some individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) report high levels of pain, anxiety, stress and drug craving that may occasion relapse, reduce adherence to treatment, and reduce quality of life. This pilot study evaluated whether a novel martial arts-based intervention can lower self-reported and physiological markers of pain, anxiety, stress and opioid craving in individuals with OUD undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

Methods: 15 MMT patients (11 females) completed a 12-week ‘Heroes Circle’ intervention that involved twice-weekly 30-min sessions centering around martial arts-based breathing and meditative techniques using therapist-assisted virtual reality (VR). Patients self-reported on five measures (pain, drug …

Impact Of Treatment Modality On Overall Survival In Localized Ductal Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis, Chandler Bronkema, Sohrab Arora, Nikola Rakic, Akshay Sood, Deepansh Dalela, Jacob Keeley, Marcus Jamil, James O. Peabody, Craig G. Rogers, Mani Menon, Firas Abdollah

Medical Student Research Symposium

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Ductal adenocarcinoma is considered a rare histological variant of prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). Given the rarity of this subtype, optimal treatment strategies for men with nonmetastatic ductal PCa is largely unknown. We aimed to describe the impact of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy on overall survival (OS) in men with nonmetastatic ductal PCa.

METHODS: We retrospectively selected 2209 cases of ductal PCa, diagnosed between 2004 and 2015, within the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Exclusion of metastatic patients yielded a total sample of 1993 individuals. Cox regression analysis tested the impact of treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy and no …

Quench Assisted (Quest) Mri Used As A Novel Approach To Identify Reactive Oxygen Species As A Result Of Experimental Tbi, Ethan M. Cohen, Eric Chang, Michael C. Schneider, Abigail Teitelbaum, Alexander R. Woznicki, Rachel E. Godfrey, Robert H. Podolsky, Karen L. Childers, Robin Roberts, Bruce A. Berkowitz, Kelly E. Bosse, Alana C. Conti

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting inflammatory processes and impeding TBI recovery. Within the VA population, over 70% of military personnel that sustain a TBI receive opioid-based pain relief, however, opiates may actually exacerbate post-TBI complications through its documented recruitment of oxidative and inflammatory systems. Thus, we hypothesize that TBI and opioid treatment act synergistically to worsen post-TBI oxidative stress.

Methods:

Mice were exposed to either TBI or sham injury and administered morphine or saline in the acute post-injury period. Afterwards, neuroimaging was conducted using a novel technique, QUEnch assiSTed (QUEST) MRI, which compares standard …

Trends In The Abscopal Effect After Radiation To Spinal Metastases: A Systematic Review, Sharath Kumar Anand, Mohamed Macki, Mohamed Fakih, Jaafar Elmenini, Raviteja Suryadevara, Adam M. Robin

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: While the abscopal effect has been previously described, the phenomenon has been poorly defined with spinal metastases. This article presents the first systematic review of the abscopal effect after radiation therapy to metastatic spinal cancer, especially since the spinal column represents one of the most common metastatic locations.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [Figure 1] in the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) resources, a systematic review identified relevant studies via a computer-aided search of MEDLINE and Embase. Ten publications that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from …

Functioning And Vision-Related Quality Of Life In Severe Peripheral Field Loss Due To Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Qualitative Study, Abigail M. Kumagai, Ryan Lange, Katherine Bissen, Joshua R. Ehrlich

Medical Student Research Symposium

Vision impairment and blindness are associated with disability and decreased social participation and independence. While vision rehabilitation may improve patients’ functional abilities, there is scarce data regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients with severe peripheral field loss (PFL). In order to evaluate rehabilitation strategies for individuals with severe PFL, a valid and reliable instrument to measure vision-dependent functioning and vision-related quality of life is needed. Accordingly, this qualitative study was the first phase in developing a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure tailored to this population. Individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) were recruited from the Kellogg Eye Center and the Association …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Bleb Needling Following Primary Glaucoma Filtering Surgery In Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Bryen Turco, Vaama Patel, Chaesik Kim, Justin Tannir, Lauren Keshishian, Anju Goyal, Mark Juzych, Bret Hughes, Faisal Ridha Al-Timimi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: To determine the long-term success rate of bleb needling in a predominantly African American population and to identify factors associated with success.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational clinical study in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Patients who underwent a primary trabeculectomy, with or without an express shunt placement, and then subsequently had a bleb needling procedure were selected for this study. Patients were followed every three months for a period of two years. Failure criteria included achieving an intraocular pressure (IOP) of greater than 20 mmHg or greater than 80% of the pre-needling value on …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Social Collaborations On Sexual And Reproductive Health Knowledge, Lucki Word, Jaila Campbell, Manar T. Edriss, Destiny Stroman, Jewel Evans, Melanie Hanna-Johnson, Md, Anil N. F. Aranha, Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Developments in technology, such as the popularity of mobile devices and social media outlets, have enhanced the ability of individuals to communicate. Currently, search engines allow for easy exploration of information related to every topic of interest. Our study purpose was to evaluate the impact of technological and social collaborations on sexual and reproductive health knowledge (SRHK).

Methods: A 50-item survey instrument, integrating factors of sociodemographics, number/type of social collaborations, technological communication use, and SRHK, was developed to assess familiarity with sexual and reproductive health perceptions. The survey was provided to consenting patients in an ambulatory, primary care setting. …

Medical Student Perspectives On Opioid Use Disorders: An Innovative Mat Waiver Training Integration During Im Clerkships, Michael Garmo, Rafael Ramos, Katherine Palmer Loveluck, Kaycee Ching, Irvin Lein, Jody Chou, Aaron Szpytman, Eva Waineo Md, Diane L. Levine Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

The opioid epidemic in the US has become a major issue in healthcare. In 2017, there was an estimated 72,306 drug overdose related deaths and Emergency Departments (ED) nationally saw a 30% increase in opioid related overdoses.

Innovative programs can help ensure patients are offered optimal treatment options. Most primary care physicians self-report they lack the skills to identify and appropriately treat substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Studies have suggested that the best solution is to improve medical school curricula, which translates to better educated future physicians. Unfortunately, due to timing and exposure constraints, most medical school programs do not provide …

Evaluating The Anti-Cancer Efficacy Of A Synthetic Curcumin Analog On Human Melanoma Cells And Its Interaction With Standard Chemotherapeutics, Krishan Parashar, Siddhartha Sood, Ali Mehaidli, Colin Curran, Caleb Vegh, Christopher Nguyen, Christopher Pignanelli, Jianzhang Wu, Guang Liang, Yi Wang, Siyaram Pandey

Medical Student Research Symposium

Melanoma is the leading cause of skin-cancer related deaths in North America. Metastatic melanoma is difficult to treat and chemotherapies have limited success. Furthermore, chemotherapies lead to toxic side effects due to nonselective targeting of normal cells. Curcumin is a natural product of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and has been shown to possess anti-cancer activity. However, due to its poor bioavailability and stability, natural curcumin is not an effective cancer treatment. We tested synthetic analogs of curcumin that are more stable. One of these derivatives, Compound A, has shown significant anti-cancer efficacy in colon, leukemia, and triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer cells. …

Factors Associated With 5-Year Glaucomatous Progression In Glaucoma Suspect Eyes, Dhir Patwa Bsc, Nariman Nassiri Md Mph, Vaama Patel Md, Chaesik Kim Bsee, Bret A. Hughes Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: The US Preventive Services Task Force found that treatment of early asymptomatic primary open-angle glaucoma reduces visual field defects. However, it remains unclear which factors are associated with glaucomatous progression and which patients are at higher risk. The purpose of this study was to assess demographic factors, medical comorbidities, Humphrey visual field (VF) results, and Cirrus optical coherence tomography variables that could be predictive for 5-year glaucoma progression.

Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: glaucoma suspect eyes (defined as an asymmetric cup to disc ratio or an intraocular pressure >21mmHg), best-corrected visual acuity …

Pannus Sign On Ultrasound And Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Placenta Percreta And Is Associated With High Estimated Blood Loss, Karin Fox, Tushar Shetty

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objective: Antenatal identification of the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has been estimated to be approximately 50% in multicenter and population based data, with sensitivity and specificity far lower than that reported from referral center cohorts. Easily obtained, objective markers are key to improving antenatal detection. We noted that in many PAS cases, the placenta bulges over the cervical os, like an abdominal pannus over a belt. The depth of the “pannus” can be measured on ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We predicted that a positive sign can differentiate between percreta and increta/accreta.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of …

The Use Of Urine Drug Testing For Risk Stratification And Efficacious Drug Monitoring In Pain Management Settings, Ahmad I. Hasan, Kareem Elhage, Brendan Farley, Khaled J. Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objective: To understand the current landscape of urine drug testing (UDT) guidelines as part of risk assessment for opioid abuse, and to offer recommendations towards adopting universal screening guidelines.

Background: There has been an opioid epidemic within the United States, and the role of prescription opioids has been well established. Despite proposed recommendations, there has yet to be a published universal screening guideline on the use of UDT in the setting of opioid abuse risk stratification as well as postoperative drug monitoring.

Methods: We explored current guidelines for UDT on two levels. First, we explore general indications for UDT within …

Antimicrobial Effects Of Adjunctive Thymosin Beta-4 Therapy In Bacterial Keratitis, Spandana Alluri, Thomas Carion, Ebrahim Abdul Shukkur, Gabriel Sosne, Elizabeth Berger

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: Our lab has been focused on developing thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4 ) as a potential therapeutic for bacterial keratitis, an extremely debilitating ocular infection that is prevalent world wide. Tβ4 is a naturally occurring g-actin sequestering peptide, which we have previously shown significantly improves disease outcome in a P. aeruginosa (PA)-induced keratitis model when used adjunctively with ciprofloxacin (cipro). Following observations of decreased bacterial load in Tβ4 +cipro-treated corneas, this project aims to investigate the synergy between Tβ4 and cipro regarding bactericidal effects and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) regulation.
Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were used to quantify the bactericidal …