Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Quest For Conquering Covid-19: Updates From The Laboratory, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Disparities In Sars-Cov-2 Positivity Rates: Associations With Race And Ethnicity, Harvey W Kaufman, Justin K Niles, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Numerous reports indicate that African Americans and Latinos are being affected disproportionately by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Positivity rates have not been analyzed on scale because only 4 states report race/ethnicity as part of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. Previous studies also have had little ability to control for many known risk factors to better identify the effects of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic communities. Using test results from a large national reference laboratory database that included patients from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, this study compared positivity rates for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification …

Essential Tremor: A Review, Grant S. Taylor

Honors Projects

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most prevalent movement disorders globally: approximately 1% of the population is affected (Haubenberger & Hallet, 2018). In the past, ET has been grossly oversimplified clinically and pathologically and only through recent study has the complexity of the disease process and presentation been made apparent. Despite the recent advances in research regarding ET, the general public is still largely unfamiliar with the various aspects of the disease (Cristal et al., 2018). Perhaps even more surprising is the similar lack of knowledge that ET patients have regarding their own disease (Cristal et al., 2018). Recent …

Female Rats Display Higher Methamphetamine-Primed Reinstatement And C-Fos Immunoreactivity Than Male Rats, Steven T. Pittenger, Shinnyi Chou, Nathan J. Murawski, Scott T. Barrett, Olivia Loh, Juan F. Duque, Ming Li, Rick A. Bevins

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Methamphetamine (meth) dependence is often characterized by persistent and chronic relapse (i.e., return to drug use). Previous work suggests females may be at greater risk to relapse. In this study, we extended this limited evidence and identified sex-dependent neural substrates related to meth-triggered reinstatement. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with indwelling jugular catheters. Half of the rats were then trained to self-administer meth (0.05 mg/kg/inf); the other half self-administered saline during 21 daily sessions (2 h). Rats were then given 12 extinction sessions. Twenty-four hours after the last extinction session, rats received reinstatement testing. Half of the rats …

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2021

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A feature article on “Pediatric Dentistry: Care for Our Youngest Patients in the Challenging Time”.
• A feature article, “The Hall Technique: A Minimally Invasive, Non-aerosol Approach for the Decayed Primary Molar”.
• The feature article, “Delayed Antibiotic Prescribing: A Simple Strategy to Promote Antibiotic Stewardship”.
• ”Dentistry and the Current State of the Opioid Epidemic in Michigan”, …

Macrophage-Derived Thrombospondin 1 Promotes Obesity-Associated Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Taesik Gwag, Raja Gopal Reddy Mooli, Dong Li, Sangderk Lee, Eun Young Lee, Shuxia Wang

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional matricellular protein. We previously showed that TSP1 has an important role in obesity-associated metabolic complications, including inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular, and renal disease. However, its contribution to obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD or NASH) remains largely unknown; thus, we aimed to determine its role.

Methods

High-fat diet or AMLN (amylin liver NASH) diet-induced obese and insulin-resistant NAFLD/NASH mouse models were utilised, in addition to tissue-specific Tsp1-knockout mice, to determine the contribution of different cellular sources of obesity-induced TSP1 to NAFLD/NASH development.

Results

Liver TSP1 levels were increased in experimental obese …

Are Surgeons Still Doing Sentinel Node Biopsies In Older Women, Eric A. Brown

Conference Presentation Abstracts

INTRODUCTION: SSO published guidelines suggesting that surgeons should not routinely perform sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies for patients (pts) * 70 years of age (yo) with hormone receptor positive, her2 negative (HR+her2-) early stage invasive breast cancer (IBC). METHODS: We evaluated HR+her2- early stage IBC patients (pts) who were accrued to a multicenter trial between 2016-2018. Lymph node (LN) evaluation was left to the discretion of the treating surgeon. We sought to determine whether those * 70 yo were treated differently in terms of LN staging than their younger counterparts, the results of the SLN biopsy, and its impact on …

Adhd Performance On Nonverbal Measures Of Set Shifting And Working Memory, S. Hans Stoltzfus

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The relationship between language and cognition is an area of inquiry among many psychologists (Pellicano, 2010; Russel, 1996). The connection between thoughts, verbal language, and nonverbal communication turned researchers towards the relationship between language and executive functioning. Executive functioning (EF) is described as tasks involving working memory, inhibition, and set shifting (Miyake and Friedman (2012)). Despite studies demonstrating the correlation between language deficits and lower executive functioning there is not consensus on the directionality of the relationship (Kuhn, et al 2014; Boting et al., 2017). Data from the Leiter International Performance Scale, Third Edition (Leiter-3) (Roid, et al., 2013) were …

An Updated Systematic Review Of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses Of Drugs For Osteoporosis, Nannan Li, Dennis Cornelissen, Stuart Silverman, Daniel Pinto, Lei Si, Ingrid Kremer, Sandrine Bours, Robin De Bot, Annelies Boonen, Silva Evers, Joop Van Den Bergh, Jean-Yves Reginster, Mickaël Hiligsmann

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Considering the heavy economic burden of osteoporotic fractures, the limits of healthcare resources, and the recent availability of new anti-osteoporosis drugs, there is continuing interest in economic evaluation studies of osteoporosis management strategies.

Objectives

This study aims to (1) systematically review recent economic evaluations of drugs for osteoporosis and (2) to apply an osteoporosis-specific guideline to critically appraise them.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, EMBASE, National Health Service Economic Evaluation database, and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry to identify original articles containing economic evaluations of anti-osteoporosis drugs, published between 1 July, 2013 and 31 December, 2019. A …

Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus (Hpv), And Hpv Vaccination: Exploring Gendered Perspectives, Knowledge, Attitudes, And Cultural Taboos Among Mexican American Adults, Daisy Y. Morales-Campos, S. A. Snipes, Edna K. Villarreal, L. C. Crocker, A. Guerrero, M. E. Fernandez

Physician Assistant Studies Faculty Publications

Background: Gendered perspectives may be particularly important in shaping norms and values around HPV and HPV vaccination, as previous research suggests that sexuality taboos (e.g. promiscuity) may contribute to low perceived risk among adolescent and young adult Hispanic females. However, research to date focuses primarily on Hispanic mothers, adolescent females, and women of HPV vaccine-eligible age. Hispanic father's perspectives are relatively unknown despite father's important role in shaping norms for their female children.

Objective: To close this gap, this study examines gendered perspectives in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccination from Hispanic parents (mothers and fathers), women …

Epidemiology And Outcomes Of Hospitalized Adults With Sars-Cov-2 Community-Acquired Pneumonia In Louisville, Kentucky, Julio A. Ramirez, T'Shura Ali, Thomas Chandler, Stephen P. Furmanek, Daniya Sheikh, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Steven Gootee, Mohammad Tahboub, William A. Mattingly, Demetra Antimisiaris, Jiapeng Huang, Jose Bordon, Rodrigo Cavallazzi, Paul Schulz, William P. Mckinney, Dawn Balcom, Mark Burns, Ruth Carrico, Forest W. Arnold, Cerid Covid-19 Study Group

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: During the ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), SARS-CoV-2 community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been the primary cause of hospitalization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 1,013 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 CAP from September 2020 through March 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 1,013 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 CAP at eight of the adult hospitals in the city of Louisville from September 2020 through March 2021. Patients with 1) a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, 2) fever, cough, or …

Everyone Matters: Eliminating Dehumanizing Practices In Physical Education, Brian Culp

Faculty Articles

Recently, discussions regarding how to create a positive school climate where all can be successful has come to the forefront. Healthy schools support student learning, well-being, time, space to be active, and opportunities for social and emotional growth. However, a host of numerous trends suggest that the school climate is becoming increasingly hostile towards students who are from immigrant, LBGTQ, and ethnic minority groups. What is often seen as disrespectful behavior toward these students is in fact actions that can be more accurately defined as dehumanization. This article overviews the practice of dehumanization, the implications for learning, and introduces proactive …

Roli I Infermierisë Në Tretmanin Paliativ Të Pacientëve Me Kancerin Kolorektal, Miranda Avdyli

Theses and Dissertations

Studimi i kësaj teme është bërë për shkak të incidencës së lartë që ka kanceri i koloinit në popullatë. Në këtë temë janë marrë në studim një numër i konsiderueshëm pacientësh të prekur nga ky kancer. Në bazë të këtij studimi është arritur në përfundimin se grupmoshat më të prekura nga kanceri i kolonit janë kryesisht grupmoshat e treta. Diagnostifikimi i hershëm është mënyra më efikase për parandalimin e këtij kanceri. Ka shumë rëndësi vëzhgimi i pacientëve, këshillimi i tyre në lidhje me kujdesin në vazhdimësi.

Profesioni universal i infermierit , shumë i respektuar dhe i nderuar nga të gjithë, …

Kujdesi Infermerior Tek Pacientët Me Depresion Në Regjionin E Prishtinës, Medina Pllana

Theses and Dissertations

Arsyeja pse e mora këtë temë për hulumtim është fakti sepse ka shumë njerëz të cilët prekën nga depresioni.E rëndesishme është që të mësojmë më shumë informata rreth kësaj sëmundje. Ky punim tregon se çfarë është depresioni ,si duhet të kujdesemi për pacientët me depresion, , llojet e tij, cilët janë shkaktarët, ti informojmë pacientët të jenë të kujdeshëm, të kenë sa më shumë njohuri rreth kësaj sëmundje. Ne si infermier duhet të jemi gjithmonë në gjendje gadishëmerije për të ju ofruar ndihmë pacientëve, të ju sigurojmë pacientëve të ndihen sa më mirë, të ndihen sa më të sigurt.

Machine Learning Approaches Identify Genes Containing Spatial Information From Single-Cell Transcriptomics Data., Phillipe Loher, Nestoras Karathanasis

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

The development of single-cell sequencing technologies has allowed researchers to gain important new knowledge about the expression profile of genes in thousands of individual cells of a model organism or tissue. A common disadvantage of this technology is the loss of the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of the cells. Consequently, the Dialogue on Reverse Engineering Assessment and Methods (DREAM) organized the Single-Cell Transcriptomics Challenge, in which we participated, with the aim to address the following two problems: (a) to identify the top 60, 40, and 20 genes of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo that contain the most spatial information and (b) to …

Advancements In Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (Apphc): Overview Of Portfolio Development And Research Studies In Madagascar, Breakthrough Research, Usaid's Health Evaluation And Applied Research Development

Reproductive Health

Advancements in Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (APPHC) is a catalytic investment by USAID in Malawi and Madagascar to accelerate reductions in maternal deaths. This program brief presents APPHC’s portfolio of research activities in Madagascar.

Advancing Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (Apphc): Partnership Approach And Portfolio Overview, Breakthrough Research, Usaid's Health Evaluation And Applied Research Development

Reproductive Health

USAID has reinforced its longstanding efforts to accelerate reductions in maternal deaths with a catalytic investment in Malawi and Madagascar, Advancing Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (APPHC). This brief presents APPHC investment partnership, its approach, and expected results. The APPHC Partnership’s agenda and portfolio intensify the two major health system bilateral projects funded by USAID: Organized Network of Services for Everyone (ONSE) in Malawi and Accessible Continuum of Care and Essential Services Sustained (ACCESS) in Madagascar. These large implementation investments, with existing collaborations with ministries of Health and other key figures, offer optimal opportunities for embedding APPHC activities. The APPHC Partnership seeks …

Costing Social And Behavior Change Programming: The Role Of The Denominator, Breakthrough Research

Reproductive Health

This is the first in a series of brief reports intended to complement Breakthrough RESEARCH's Costing Guidelines and support a social and behavior change community of practice by discussing important issues and practices for social and behavior change costing. Breakthrough RESEARCH is gathering, analyzing, and sharing evidence on the costs and impact of social and behavior change interventions to support social and behavior change investments, which are crucial for improving health and advancing development. A review of costing literature identified 147 studies on social and behavior change costs, methodological shortcomings, and knowledge gaps that can be addressed in new costing …

Advancements In Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (Apphc): Overview Of Portfolio Development And Research Studies In Malawi, Breakthrough Research, Usaid's Health Evaluation And Applied Research Development

Reproductive Health

Advancements in Postpartum Hemorrhage Care (APPHC) is a catalytic investment by USAID to accelerate reductions in maternal deaths in Madagascar and Malawi. This brief outlines the portfolio of research activities in Malawi.

Primary Care In A Pandemic: A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Covid-19 On Workplace Wellness, Oriana Pando, Amy Cunningham, Erin Kelley, Randa Sifri, Kelsey Smith

Phase 1

Introduction:

On March 16, 2020, the city of Philadelphia announced a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Primary Care Department of Thomas Jefferson Hospital had to alter operations to protect patients, providers and staff. These changes included an increase in telehealth, personal protective equipment (PPE), spacing in-person visits, and working from home. This study was designed to qualitatively assess how these changes have impacted providers and staff in Jefferson’s primary care settings.

Methods:

We conducted 31 qualitative semi-structured interviews with employees of Jefferson Primary Care practices. Though, our population was heavily skewed toward clinical staff (N=9), …

Effectiveness Of Enrichment Programs Such As Step Up In Increasing The Matriculation Of Urim Students To Medical Schools, Jessica Amoako, Traci Trice, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Diversity in healthcare can improve access to healthcare for racial/ethnic minorities. However, barriers such as lack of educational opportunities have hindered URiM (underrepresented in medicine) students from matriculation to medical school. Enrichment programs such as STEP UP Medicine seek to break down these barriers. It provides its participants with MCAT preparation, advising, medical skills sessions, clinical shadowing experiences, and networking opportunities. Thus, the goal of this project is to assess if this program is effective in improving the medical school matriculation rates of URiM students.

Methods: Data was collected through a self-administered online survey using Google forms. The link …

Retrospective Chart Review Of Metastatic Solid Tumor Discharges To Subacute Rehab, Sarah Svetec, Molly Hanson, Crnp, Brooke Worster, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Regaining strength through rehabilitation as a mechanism to return cancer patients to therapy is poorly understood and therefore realistic advice cannot be given to patients when cancer-directed therapy must be stopped. This research examines what cancer patients are able to accomplish following referral to subacute rehabilitation (SAR). It was hypothesized that the majority of patients would not return to cancer-directed therapy following SAR and that a high functional status at discharge would be the best predictor of this return.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for 112 metastatic solid tumor patients discharged to SAR (2018-2020). The primary outcome …

Training Toolkit For Caregivers At Residential Care Centers In Peru, Elizabeth Stratton, Stephen Didonato, Wayne Centrone

Phase 1

Introduction:

Health Bridges International (HBI) is developing a training toolkit for caregivers working with marginalized youth in residential care centers (RCCs) in Peru. The toolkit represents an amalgamation of best practices, evidence informed research, and the results of our QI survey tool. We predicted that current Peruvian caregivers will identify topics of interest that differ from current literature.

Methods:

Surveys were distributed to over 150 RCCs throughout Peru using email and WhatsApp messages in a snowball format, starting at the administration level. The survey required 20-30 minutes to complete and was completely voluntary. All preliminary data was de-identified and imputed …

Patient Evaluation Of Medication-Assisted Treatment For Opioid Dependency, Francesca Ciocco, Lara Weinstein, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Although primary care settings are a promising setting for expansion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD), currently there is not an established primary care model for MAT. While creating a primary care MAT model, traditional treatment success measures (TSMs), like abstinence, may not be effective for vulnerable populations. This study aims to identify patient-important TSMs and compare their relative importance to traditional TSMs.

Methods: Traditional TSMs for MAT programs were identified with a literature review, while potential patient-important TSMs were identified from qualitative analysis of intake interviews for a MAT program in Philadelphia. Traditional and …

Pattern Of Sexual Partner Violence And Health In Young Adult College Students Ages 18-24, Alice Renaud, Allison Casola, Phd

Phase 1

No abstract provided.

Identifying Health Topics For Elementary-Aged Children In Delaware, Kayla Morrell, Denise Hughes

Phase 1

Introduction: Health literacy involves understanding health-related information to make educated decisions regarding an individual’s needs. Low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes, which can be minimized by early introduction to accurate health information. Currently, elementary schools in Delaware have no health curriculum, leaving students at risk for low health literacy.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with Delaware elementary school teachers to identify a series of topics that would allow students to learn health information via incorporation into existing curriculum. Teachers were divided into focus groups by school and grade level. The resulting discussions were qualitatively analyzed by two independent …

Assessing The Role Of Virtual Social Networks In The Treatment Progress Of Mothers Recovering From Opiate Addiction, Marisa Wu, Meghan Gannon, Phd Msph, Diane Abatemarco, Phd, Msw

Phase 1

Introduction: Social engagement is a significant contributor to the treatment success of individuals with prior substance use. This project aims to determine if social engagement improves the progression through and experience of treatment of mothers with prior opioid use at an inpatient recovery facility. We hypothesize that increased social engagement will improve treatment progress and experience.

Methods: The project is centered on mothers seeking treatment for opioid use at an urban inpatient treatment facility. The study obtains qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and therapy sessions. The data informs the extent and quality of social engagement and individual perspectives of …

Maternal Stress And Breastfeeding Intention In Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder, Yassamin Jamshidian, Vanessa Short, Phd, Mph, Diane J. Abatemarco

Phase 1

Introduction: Breastfeeding rates are low among women in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Information on determinants of breastfeeding intention can help inform the design of breastfeeding promotion interventions for this population. The objective of the study was to examine associations between maternal characteristics, including stress, and breastfeeding intention among pregnant women in treatment for OUD.

Methods: Fifty-six pregnant women who were receiving treatment for OUD at Thomas Jefferson University’s Maternal Addiction Treatment Education & Research (MATER) program completed a survey, which included questions on demographics, psychosocial characteristics, breastfeeding history, and breastfeeding intention. Maternal stress was measured using the Perceived …

Immigrant Health Literacy Initiative, Yuliya Goykhman, Kelsey Salazar, Mph

Phase 1

Introduction: Low health literacy in immigrant and refugee patients contributes to reduced health access and overall poorer quality of life in these patient populations. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) provide necessary health navigation services for immigrant populations, but their role is often overlooked by large healthcare institutions. This project aims to illustrate the unique needs of both immigrant and refugee clients in navigating the healthcare system and CBO staff in assisting them with navigation, and to demonstrate to hospital partners how their services are crucial to adequate care of these communities.

Methods: As part of the Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition (PAHLC), four …

Nutritional Intervention In Concussion Treatment And Analysis Using Mri And Eeg, Jideofor Okafor, Namdi Nwasike, Andrew Newberg, Md

Phase 1

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur in over one million Americans annually, leading to thousands of deaths, hospitalizations, and individuals with long term disability. The most common causes of TBI which result in hospitalization primarily affect middle-aged to older adults and contribute to the annual economic burden of billions of dollars. The goal of this study is to determine if baseline EEG scans predict responsiveness to supplemental treatment in TBI patients experiencing chronic symptoms, which could improve their care.

Subjects recruited from the greater Philadelphia area were randomly separated into 3 groups—Control, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or Nutrition—and either received standard treatment for …