Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating The Metabolic Progression Of Glioblastoma With Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance, Travis Salzillo

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Rapid diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of aggressive diseases such as glioblastoma (GBM) can improve patient survival by providing physicians the time to optimally deliver treatment. This includes early in development, while the tumor is still manageable, or following initial therapy, when alternative treatments should be considered. The main goal of this project was to determine whether metabolic imaging with hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) could detect changes in tumor progression more rapidly than conventional anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patient-derived GBM murine models. To comprehensively capture the dynamic nature of cancer metabolism, in vivo pyruvate-to-lactate conversion with hyperpolarized MRI, …

Mechanistic Insights Into Vancomycin Resistance In Clostridioides Difficile, Ayesha Mahmood

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

C. difficile is a nosocomial, opportunistic pathogen that has become more hypervirulent over the last decade. Vancomycin is currently a frontline antibiotic for the treatment of C. difficile infections. Yet, strains of C. difficile are becoming non-susceptible to vancomycin. Emergence of the vancomycin non-susceptible phenotype has led to various questions including: What resistance elements are present that might contribute to the phenotype? Are these elements located on the chromosome or a plasmid? Where did these elements originate from? To address these questions, whole genome sequence analysis was performed to survey genes that may be involved in the vancomycin non-susceptible phenotype. …

Methods To Investigate Hyperthermia Induced By Tumor Treating Fields, Ruchi Singh

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are an antineoplastic treatment delivered via application of alternating electric fields using insulated transducer arrays placed directly on the skin in the region surrounding the tumor. TTF’s is a non-invasive application of low-intensity (1-3 V/cm), intermediate-frequency (100-500 kHz) alternating electric fields. The predominant mechanism by which TTFields are thought to kill tumor cells is the disruption of mitosis through the depolymerization of microtubules and interruption of the spindle structure leading to mitotic catastrophe and the formation of non-viable daughter cells. Tumor Treating fields do not stimulate nerves and muscle because of their high frequency, and do …

Histological And Functional Characterization Of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury After Graded Contusion, Chrystine Gallegos

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Most spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are cervical contusions and result in deficits for both locomotion and reaching and grasping functions. Previous studies have characterized histological and functional deficits in locomotion using primarily thoracic contusions, but most patients have cervical injuries. Damage to descending long spinal tracts (dLSTs) is one well-established cause of functional loss after SCI and has been explored in laceration and transection models, but these are not clinically relevant. In this study, I will explore the histological and functional deficits after graded cervical hemicontusion SCI and examine the potential contribution of different histological deficits to forelimb function after …

Statistical Methods For Resolving Intratumor Heterogeneity With Single-Cell Dna Sequencing, Alexander Davis

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Tumor cells have heterogeneous genotypes, which drives progression and treatment resistance. Such genetic intratumor heterogeneity plays a role in the process of clonal evolution that underlies tumor progression and treatment resistance. Single-cell DNA sequencing is a promising experimental method for studying intratumor heterogeneity, but brings unique statistical challenges in interpreting the resulting data. Researchers lack methods to determine whether sufficiently many cells have been sampled from a tumor. In addition, there are no proven computational methods for determining the ploidy of a cell, a necessary step in the determination of copy number. In this work, software for calculating probabilities from …

Telehealth Among Behavioral Health Providers In Louisiana During Covid-19 And A Mandatory Stay At Home Order, Evidence To Practice, Cep Briefs, Stephen Phillippi, Sonita Singh, Brian Bumbarger, Kaylin Beiter, Lindsay Simpson, Ashley Fenton

Policy & Position Papers

No abstract provided.

Metagenomic, Viral And Host Genetic Analyses Of Congenital Tremor In Pigs, Kylee Marie Sutton

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The Pestivirus genus contains several viral species having a major impact on the livestock species. While there were only four major pestiviral species for a time, recent metagenomic sequencing approaches identified additional species, such as atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV). Congenital tremor was first identified almost a hundred years ago and since still has an impact on swine health. There are two main types of congenital tremor, type A and B, with type A congenital tremor further subcategorized based on causative agent. Until recently, type A-II congenital tremor did not have a known cause. Recent viral sequencing of affected samples, including …

Perioperative Anticoagulation Management In Spine Surgery: Initial Findings From The Ao Spine Anticoagulation Global Survey., Philip Louie, Garrett Harada, James Harrop, Thomas Mroz, Khalid Al-Saleh, Giovanni Barbanti Brodano, Jens Chapman, Michael Fehlings, Serena Hu, Yoshiharu Kawaguchi, Michael Mayer, Venugopal Menon, Jong-Beom Park, Sheeraz Qureshi, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Marcelo Valacco, Luiz Vialle, Jeffrey C Wang, Karsten Wiechert, K Daniel Riew, Dino Samartzis

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, international survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study addressed the global perspectives concerning perioperative use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis during spine surgery along with its risks and benefits.

METHODS: A questionnaire was designed and implemented by expert members in the AO Spine community. The survey was distributed to AO Spine's spine surgeon members (N = 3805). Data included surgeon demographic information, type and region of practice, anticoagulation principles, different patient scenarios, and comorbidities.

Results: A total of 316 (8.3% response rate) spine surgeons completed the survey, representing 64 different countries. Completed surveys were primarily from Europe (31.7%), South/Latin America (19.9%), and …

Use Of Video Modeling In Developing Social Skills Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, En Ying Irene Tan

Student Works (2020-2029)

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are poor in social interaction and following instruction. Most researchers of today focus on having the children to interact with toys to enhance their social skills, but not with other peers. This study was carried out to investigate the use of video modeling in developing social skills among children with ASD. The study uses single-subject design with multiple baseline graphs to examine the development of children’s social skills. This study consists of three sequential phases: 1) Baseline, 2) Intervention, and 3) Maintenance. Results show that children with ASD have social interaction with peers after …

Physical Activity, Eating Behaviours And Body Satisfaction Among Private Preschoolers In Putrajaya, Poh Then Woh

Student Works (2020-2029)

Numerous studies had focused on examining the physical activity level, eating behaviours and body satisfaction worldwide. Additionally, some researchers have explored the gender differences of primary school students and adolescents as well as the correlation between these three variables. However, there are fewer studies that involve preschoolers and young children. Hence, the purpose of this study is to seek better understanding of the physical activity level, eating behaviour and body satisfaction among pre-schoolers in Malaysia. The Federal Territory of Putrajaya was being selected as the study’s location as it marked the highest percentage of children; and highest overweight and obesity …

So Others May Live: The Price Of Healthcare In Combat, Robert Del Toro

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

“Medics carried more responsibilities than dry feet, salt tablets, syphilis, and puncture wounds,” U.S. Army Medic Ben Sherman stated after reflecting on his tour in Vietnam. On the battlefields of North Africa, Italy, France, and Vietnam, the medics of the U.S. Army Medical Department faced the difficult duty of preserving life while death surrounded them. Their patients were not strangers but, men they had grown close to, they were comrades and family. Analyzing the memoirs and letters of forward medical personnel from the Second World War and the Vietnam War, this thesis analyzes how a medic’s care went beyond the …

Intratracheal Lidocaine And Postoperative Sore Throat At Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center And Providence Holy Family Hospital, Jennifer Cowgill, Scot Pettey, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common side effect from general anesthesia (GA) and has a prevalence of 14.4-50%.1 The experience of POST contributes to patient discomfort during recovery from surgery. The etiology of this is thought to be from tracheal mucosal erosion from the cuff of the endotracheal tube (ETT), trauma from intubation, coughing and bucking, and friction between the ETT and the tracheal mucosa during general anesthesia.2 Risk factors shown to contribute to the development of POST include, but are not limited to, elderly age, smoking history, patient positioning, ETT cuff pressure, and movement of ETT during …

A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Abortion Attitudes And Perceptions Among Women Living In Alabama And South Carolina, Anthony Peluso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Legal induced abortion is a safe option for terminating a pregnancy for women of reproductive age in the United States (U.S.), though access has varied since the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton cases in 1973. Information is lacking on women’s attitudes toward and perceptions of abortion as well as on related constructs such as pregnancy attitudes and contraceptive use. Exploring these constructs is important in that it can provide much needed context to women’s reproductive life planning. This research aimed to explore perceptions of abortion access and safety and examine the potential associations between attitudes toward abortion access …

The Long-Term Multidimensional Impact Of Persistent Multisite Pain On Physical And Psychological Disability, And Mortality In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Saurja Thapa

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Persistent multisite pain is highly prevalent, affecting 25-43% of community-dwelling older adults. Although existing evidence suggests that persistent multisite pain is associated with physical and psychological disability, studies use a cross-sectional assessment approach that overlooks pain duration or persistence. This study aimed to estimate the persistence of multisite pain and the proportion of incident multisite pain and examine the association between persistent multisite pain and physical (ADL and IADL) and psychological disability (depression and anxiety) at 18 months and six years. Also, the association between baseline persistent multisite pain and mortality was assessed.

Secondary data analysis of the MOBILIZE Boston …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Emotional Intelligence In Adolescents, Marie C. Gabour

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

PURPOSE: We assessed the association of Physical Activity (PA) measures on overall Emotional Intelligence (EI) and domains of EI: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability, General Mood, and Stress Management in adolescents.

METHODS: Cross-sectional and two-year follow up analyses were conducted relating EI to PA measures using the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth in adolescents between 10- 13 years. EI score was measured by using a validated the youth version of the Emotional Quotient Inventory; PA was self-reported. Regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, household annual income, and health status and was summarized using regression coefficients. A test of linear trend …

The Inhibitory Effects Of An Antimicrobial Gel On The Staphylococcus Species, Mara Trinkle

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has made the choices for topical treatments for patients who experience burns wounds extremely limited. The Staphylococcus genus is naturally occurring in and on the human body but can become harmful once it enters the bloodstream. A novel antimicrobial gel has been shown by our laboratory to inhibit both the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus in previous studies. The antimicrobial gel is made of seven natural compounds including antioxidants (vitamin C and E). We wanted to examine the effects of the antimicrobial gel on numerous other Staphylococcal species because it is …

Scope Of Artificial Intelligence In Screening And Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer, Hemant Goyal Md, Rupinder Mann Md, Zainab Gandhi Mbbs, Abhilash Perisetti Md, Aman Ali Md, Khizar Amani Ali, Neil Sharma Md, Benjamin Tharian Md, Shreyas Saligram, Sumant Inamdar

PCI Publications and Projects

Globally, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed malignancy. It causes significant mortality and morbidity, which can be reduced by early diagnosis with an effective screening test. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-aided detection (CAD) with screening methods have shown promising results for colorectal cancer screening. AI could provide a “second look” for endoscopists to decrease the rate of missed polyps during a colonoscopy. It can also improve detection and characterization of polyps by integration with colonoscopy, various advanced endoscopic modalities like magnifying narrow-band imaging, endocytoscopy, confocal endomicroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, and magnifying chromoendoscopy. In this review, we have discussed …

Impact Of Immunotherapy Use In Patients With Stage Iv Pancreatic Carcinoma, Achuta K. Guddati, Takefumi Komiya Md, Sunny J. Patel, Neil Sharma Md, Emily Powell

PCI Publications and Projects

Background: Most patients with pancreatic cancer have non-resectable disease at the time of diagnosis and usually die within 6-12 months. Despite indications in other solid tumors, the role of immunotherapy (IO) is unknown for late stage, advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), cases of Stage IV pancreatic cancers diagnosed in the period of 2014-2016 with at least 30-day follow up were retrospectively analyzed. The following clinical demographics were included: age (younger than 70 vs. older than 70), sex (male vs. female), race (whites vs. others), insurance (uninsured vs. insured), type of institution …

Association Between Concussion History And Factors Relating To Cognitive, Behavioral, And Emotional Health Among American High School Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Gregory Knell, Scott O. Burkhart, Todd J. Caze, John D. Polousky, Harold W. Kohl, Sarah E. Messiah

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Background: The cognitive, behavioral, and emotional deficits that may be associated with sports-related concussions among adolescents are unclear.

Purpose: To examine the association between reported concussion history and factors relating to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health among a population-based sample of US high school-aged adolescents.

Study design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Participants included a representative sample of US high school student-athletes who reported a concussion history (in the past 12 months) and relevant behaviors/outcomes within 3 domains: cognitive (academics, difficulty concentrating), behavioral (drinking and driving, carrying a weapon, physically fighting, tobacco use, marijuana use, binge drinking), and …

Silencing Innovation: The Patent Eligibility Of Sirna Therapeutics, Alexander M. Walker

Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relationships Between Mothers' Use Of Food To Soothe, Feeding Type And Mode, Maternal Feeding Style, Infant Behavior, And Infant Weight-Related Outcomes During Early Infancy, Megan K. Hupp

Master's Theses

Rapid infant weight gain (RWG) in the first six months postpartum is a strong predictor for obesity during childhood and adolescence. Although biological factors can influence infant weight gain trajectories, the modifiable factor of parent feeding practices can also have an influence. The use of food to soothe (FTS), or the act of feeding a child when he/she is upset for reasons other than hunger, has been associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and less-favorable weight outcomes in children and older infants. However, limited studies have explored the use of FTS during early infancy before the introduction of solids foods. The …

Racial Differences In Arterial Stiffness During Recovery Following Repeated Bouts Of Maximal Anaerobic Cycling Exercise In Young Women, Noelle Merchant

Graduate Masters Theses

African Americans (AA) experience a differential cardiovascular response during recovery from aerobic exercise compared to Caucasian Americans (CA). There is also evidence that local and systemic vasculature responds differently to aerobic exercise stimulus. No study has examined racial differences in arterial stiffness following maximal anaerobic exercise in AA and CA women. Purpose: To compare local and systemic arterial stiffness during recovery from repeated bouts of maximal anaerobic exercise in young, healthy AA and CA women.

Methods: Twenty (AA=8; CA=12) young, healthy women without hypertension completed two bouts of maximal anerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer with 30 minutes of recovery …

Bdnf-Related Gene Expression Of Laser Capture Microdissected Glutamate Neurons From The Anterior Cingulate Cortex In Mouse Models Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Misty Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social behaviors. ASD affects 1 in 59 children with males affected more frequently. ASD is postulated to result from excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission imbalances. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling affects ASD by influencing synaptogenesis, plasticity, and survival. Studying early in-utero neuropathological changes within ASD requires the use of animal models. Expression of BDNF-associated genes were analyzed within laser capture microdissected pyramidal neurons from the anterior cingulate cortex of male and female BTBR and valproic acid mouse models. No expression differences were found in any gene comparing the three groups. Gender comparisons …

Assessment Of Covid-19 Related Misinformation Among The Community In Basrah, Iraq: Assessment Of Covid-19 Related Misinformation Among The Community In Basrah, Iraq, Ali Al-Rubaye, Durgham Abdulwahid, Aymen Albadran, Abbas Ejbary, Laith Alrubaiy

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq.  Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 …

A Study On 696 Covid-19 Cases In Basrah-Southern Iraq: Severity And Outcome Indicators: A Study On 696 Covid-19 Cases In Basrah-Southern Iraq: Severity And Outcome Indicators, Basim Al-Hijaj, Ali Al-Rubaye, Ziyad Al-Hashim, Mustafa Mohammed, Omran Habib

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: COVID-19 epidemic is escalating in Basrah regardless of the efforts to abate the wave of new cases.Objectives: To present a profile on the demographic and selected clinical characteristics of COVID-19 cases reported in Basrah from March 9 to May 19, 2020.Patients and Method: A record-based observational study was conducted in Basrah. Data were compiled from all available sources on the cases reported between March 9 and May 19, 2020. Data included age, sex, residence, occupation, date of onset of detection of infection, severity of clinical condition, and fate in terms of cure, continuing treatment, or death. Excel and Statistical …

Comparison Of The Epidemiological Features Of Covid-19 In Iraq And Selected Countries: Comparison Of The Epidemiological Features Of Covid-19 In Iraq And Selected Countries, Asaad Alyassen, Dhurgham Alajwadi, Nazar Haddad, Nabil Khudair4, Alaa Abed

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a puzzling phenomenon and complete knowledge regarding its various aspects is yet to be available.Objective: This research aims to present a comparative profile of the epidemiological features of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq and several other countries.Methods: This paper used data on the daily cases of COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq and eight other countries—three from the Eastern Mediterranean region (Bahrain, Iran and Lebanon), four from Europe (Greece, Switzerland, Austria and Norway), along with Brazil. These countries were chosen based on the similarity in the date of onset of the pandemic. Relevant data were obtained from …

A Review Study Of Nasal Endoscopy Protocol During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review Study Of Nasal Endoscopy Protocol During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rafid Jabbar

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

During ENT practice, we have toexamine the nose and perform several nasal procedures in ourclinic s . Otolaryngologists are at a high risk of exposure to the COVID 19 virus . N asal endoscopyis a major procedure for the diagno sis of the nasal and paranasal sinus diseases and introduc ingproper health services for our patients I n addition, the world is living the era of the COVID 19pandemic for which we have to protect ourselves educate our medical staff and work togetheragainst the spread of this sever ely contagious disease within o ur communit ies The main purposeof this …

Opioid Consumption After Scheduled Cesarean Delivery Following Implementation Of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, Mindy Woodruff, Emily L. Mcquaid-Hanson, Amanda Affleck, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background With 47,600 opioid overdose related deaths in the U.S. in 2017, the opioid crisis is of national concern.1 Cesarean delivery is the most common surgery worldwide, with over 1.2 million in the U.S. in 2018 alone.2,3 As cesarean delivery is a highly prevalent surgery it has a large capacity to influence the opioid epidemic. Literature is showing that Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) and multimodal analgesia are effective means of managing postoperative pain while minimizing opioid use.4,5,6,7,8 This project aims to help discover if introduction of ERAS, and more specifically it’s multimodal analgesia aspect, has helped decrease oral morphine …

Rates Of Ondansetron Administration Prior To Spinal Anesthesia: Evaluating The Practice Of Prophylactic Attenuation Of Spinal-Induced Hypotension And Bradycardia, Clare Santana, Scot Pettey, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Hypotension and bradycardia are common complications of spinal anesthesia. Intraoperative hypotension and bradycardia may lead to complications that require additional treatment and increase cost. The literature identifies intervention strategies to attenuate spinalinduced hypotension (SIH) and bradycardia.1 Prophylactic administration of ondansetron, a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, prior to spinal anesthesia is associated with reduced SIH and bradycardia.1,2,3,4,6 The objective of this scholarly project was to report the practice of ondansetron prophylaxis for SIH and bradycardia and the rate of rescue interventions in patients who received ondansetron prior to spinal anesthesia.

Methods Retrospective, multi-center observational evidence-based practice project conducted at Providence …

Intraoperative Hypotension And Acute Kidney Injury In Non-Cardiac Surgery At Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Elizabeth Davison, Amanda Affleck, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious postoperative complication that increases a patient’s risk for both long and short-term morbidity and mortality.¹ Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is an independent risk factor for AKI,^2-5 which can be readily modified by anesthesia providers. This project aims to describe the risk factors and rates of AKI following IOH at various absolute mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) thresholds for specified durations of time among adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (PSHMC).

Methods PSHMC approved this retrospective, observational evidence-based project and deemed the project exempt by the Institutional Review …