Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nsynergistic Antiviral Effect Of Hydroxychloroquine And Azithromycin In Combination Against Sars-Cov-2, Samiya Majid

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation gives a brief overview of the study conducted by Fantini, J., Chahinian, H., & Yahi, N. on nSynergistic antiviral effect of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in combination against SARS-CoV-2: what molecular dynamics studies of virus-host interactions reveal. The study considered two drugs, hydroxychloroquine (CLQ) and azithromyocin (ATM), as potential treatments for curing COVID. Hydroxychloriquine is a drug commonly used in the treatment of malaria but has been shown by recent studies to not be an effective cure against COVID on its own. Azithromyocin is a commonly used antiobiotic that was also considered in this study. Hydroxychloriquine interacts with the …

Outcomes Of Catheter Ablation Of Ventricular Tachycardia Based On Etiology In Nonischemic Heart Disease: An International Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Center Collaborative Study, Akhila R. Kunuthuru

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation explores the study conducted by Marmar Vaseghi, Tiffany Y. Hu, Roderick Tung, et al.:

Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Based on Etiology in Nonischemic Heart Disease: An International Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Center Collaborative Study

Researchers determined the effects of ventricular tachycardia ablation in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients. By studying the six most common etiologies of NICM, researchers came to the conclusion that the etiology of NICM is an important factor when predicting ventricular tachycardia recurrence, death, or cardiac transplantation. The paper also indicated that adjustments were performed to the data to account for confounding factors such …

The Covid-19 Vaccine Development Landscape, Areebah Ahmed

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation focused on the current ongoing developments for the COVID-19 vaccine as described in The Covid-19 Vaccine Development Landscape by Tung Thanh Le et. al. An overview of the competing companies and the specifics of their vaccine development is presented, along with the current phases. Moderna and Inovio Pharmaceuticals are just a few of the companies working towards the common goal of a proven effective vaccine. Additionally, the presentation contains visuals of the biological components of the virus, as well as discussions of how organizations such as the CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) have assisted the progress of …

The Promises Of Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling, Jefin Jose

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

In Jean-Antoine Lepesant's review of The promises of neurodegenerative disease modeling, the author evaluates the present and past roles of molecular genetics in biomedical research and assesses the use of animal models in neurodegenerative disease modeling. Despite posing various ethical issues, particularly surrounding the clinical implications of CRISPR/Cas9, molecular genetics has allowed researchers to determine the pathogenic origin of various diseases as well as mimic the conditions of genetically altered patients. Molecular genetics has also facilitated a transgenic approach to create animal models for mammalian disorders. In particular, D. melanogaster serves as a preliminary research tool in the investigation of …

Impacts Of A National Lockdown On Smallholder Farmers’ Income And Food Security: Empirical Evidence From Two States In India, Samiya Majid

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation gives a brief overview of the study conducted by Francisco Ceballos, Samyuktha Kannan, & Berber Kramer on the Impacts of a national lockdown on smallholder farmers’ income and food security: Empirical evidence from two states in India. The study considered the disproportionate effect of COVID on economies worldwide, specifically the two states, Haryana and Odisha, in India. The COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges for small farmers in these two states. National and local policies posed varying challenges for farmers. They were interviewed about these challenges by phone, right after the announcement of the lockdown and harvest season in …

Phase I Trial And Pharmacokinetics Of Fenretinide In Children With Neuroblastoma, Shahad Musa

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation is on the effect of different dosages of fenretinide on children with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastomas are the second most common malignant tumor growth in children with a high fatal relapse rate. Children diagnosed with this disease have less than a 50% chance of survival within five years of diagnosis. Fenretinid and other retinoids have been extensively studied in vitro, but this article highlights phase I where the safest and most effective dosages lie. Patients' eligibility was based on a list of guidelines, and patients were given the drug for 28 days followed by a seven-day interruption in a cycle. …

Local Administration Of Reveromycina Ointment Suppressed Alveolar Bone Loss In Mice, Samiya Majid

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

This presentation gives an overview of the study conducted by Ken Miyazawa, Yuichiro Asano, Masako Tabuchi, Shunsuke Kako, Makoto Kawatani, Hiroyuki Osada, Hatsuhiko Maeda, and Shigemi Goto on the local administration of ReveromycinA ointment. In the study, ReveromycinA (RMA) ointment was administered non-invasively in the oral cavity of mice. The effectiveness of this ointment was tested by observing whether it was able to inhibit alveolar bone resorption in a mouse with experimentally-induced periodontal disease. The alveolar bone loss in the wild type versus osteoprotegerin-knockout mice showed that localized administration of the RMA ointment resulted in suppressed alveolar bone resorption, reduced …

Glia-Neuron Interactions In The Mammalian Retina, Jefin Jose

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

The investigators reviewed the origin, morphology, and function of the three main classes of glia within the retina. Muller cells ensheath neurons and blood vessels within its functional unit. Astrocytes mediate the blood-retina barrier as well form a network of glial cells called the pangial syncytium, which diffuses excess potassium ions to potassium-deficient areas. Microglia play the role of immunosurveillance through long-fine processes which turn into short, thick processes upon activation. Although these glial cells play roles ancillary to light processing, these glial cells can also play more direct roles in processing. For example, Muller cells are believed to direct …

Immune Checkpoint Molecules In Natural Killer Cells As Potential Targets For Cancer Immunotherapy, Jefin Jose

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Xu et al summarizes some of the different functions of NK cells, focusing on their ability to secrete cytokines and trigger cancer cell cytotoxicity. NK cells have activating and inhibiting receptors on its cell surface, contributing to the balance of stimulating and suppressing signals for NK cells. In the tumor microenvironment, the receptors on the NK cell surface are altered, contributing to NK dysfunction. Immunotherapies have been developed to target increased NK surface inhibitory receptors and have shown promise. However, there is also evidence that regulatory T cell targeting and ADO mediation may also contribute to NK cell cytotoxicity. Further …

On Wisdom, Gerontology, And Personal Aging: Through A Looking Glass, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

Personal discussion on the perspective of aging and teaching more interiority and self-reflection in the field of gerontology.

Leading From The Middle, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

A reminiscent farewell to colleagues and the Virginia Center on Aging (VCoA) as Edward F. Ansello, Ph.D., retires as Director of VCoA.

Actively Engaging With Virginia Center On Aging’S Retired Community, Leland "Bert" Waters

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

VCU is the receiver of an Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network designation in June 2021. The Virginia Geriatric Education Center (VGEC) maintains a diverse team, including those who make "mid/late-career" changes into the Gerontology field. Bert Waters gives examples and history on some who make up this diverse team.

Metabolic Syndrome And How To Fight It, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

The health condition Metabolic Syndrome is becoming increasingly prevalent. To combat this, dietary improvements and incorporating movement into our daily routines are the basics suggested.

Strengthening Capacities To Respond To Dementia With Lifelong Disabilities: Using The Project Echo Model, Edward F. Ansello

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To discuss the need for interprofessional training about aging with lifelong disabilities and dementia.

2. To demonstrate the continuing heterogeneity among adults growing older with these conditions.

3. To report the relevance of the Project ECHO model as a means of collaborative training and practice improvement.

Lucy Corr Dental Clinic: Addressing Dental Needs Of Uninsured Older Adults, Patricia B. Bonwell

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Discuss the critical importance of oral health and the oral-systemic relationship in older adults.

2. Describe how dental insurance determines receipt of dental treatment in older adults.

3. Share how the Lucy Corr Dental Clinic (LCDC) increases access to dental care for uninsured older adults.

4. Describe valuable collaborations with community foundations, the Virginia Dental Association, and Virginia Commonwealth University that enable the success of the LCDC.

The Vcu Nursing Home Echo, A Member Of The National Covid-19 Action Network, Bert Water, Kimberly Ivey, Annie Rhodes, Christian Bergman, Daniel Bluestein, Jenni Mathews, Laura Finch, Shannon Arnette, Joanne Coleman, Maddie Mcintyre, Tara Rouse

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To demonstrate the tremendous impact of COVID-19 on long-term care facilities.

2. To discuss the need for continuous, current, interprofessional education of both administrative and clinical staff within long-term care facilities.

3. To discuss the value of building interconnective and interprofessional relationships between both academic health science centers and nursing homes.

Improving Guardianship Practices Through Collaborative Stakeholder Action, Erica Wood, Shasta Douglass

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Describe the purpose of adult guardianship and its effect on fundamental rights.

2. Explain the need for guardianship reform, the obstacles to reform, and what issues need attention in Virginia.

3. Discuss the purpose of state Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS) and the creation and accomplishments of Virginia WINGS.

4. Review cases in which a WINGS pilot project supported the needs and rights of adults with guardians.

Cryptogenic New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (Norse) Responsive To Rituximab, Matthew David Anderson, Teryn Nogles, Soundarya Gowda

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters

Objective: Discuss a case of new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) in an otherwise healthy adult that had a positive outcome and suggests considering immunomodulators as first line treatment.

Background: NORSE is diagnosed when refractory status patients have no known history of seizures and an unremarkable workup. Other than antiepileptics and anesthetic coma, there are currently no established guidelines for management. Typically, IV steroids, plasma exchange, and IVIG are first line treatments. When these fail, second line immunomodulators are considered. Deciding between these agents is often arbitrary, and no particular agent has demonstrated consistently positive results. Prognosis is poor with …

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation With Anterior Bankart Tear, Anfernee Powell

Graduate Research Showcase

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation with Anterior Bankart Tear in Multi-Sport Adolescent Athlete Powell AM*: *Georgia College & State University

Background: During football practice, a 16-year-old male multi-sport athlete hit another player with his right shoulder and immediately felt discomfort and stated that it felt like it was “out.” The involved athlete was hit in the top of his shoulder when the injury occurred. The AT observed an obvious dislocation of the right glenohumeral joint in an inferior direction. A reduction of the joint was performed, and neurovascular vitals were within normal limits. The athlete was provided a sling and referred to …

University Of South Alabama College Of Medicine Annual Report For 2021-2022, College Of Medicine

COM Annual Reports

The 2021-2022 annual report catalogs the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students relating to teaching, research, scholarship and community service.

Covid-19: Lessons From South Korean Pandemic Communications Strategy, Seongwon Choi, T. L. Powers

Health Care Administration Faculty Research

There is a pressing need for evidence on effective COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts. The impact of the pandemic has been far-reaching, making management of the outbreak a daunting task for many countries. As the whole world continues to fight against the pandemic, a close examination of best practices of pandemic management is ever timely. Based on social marketing concepts, this paper reviews the system-level communication strategies used in South Korea in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea has received growing recognition for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a noteworthy example of positive and effective pandemic communication. …

World Bank Education Sector: From Internal And External Perspectives, K. W. Lee, Ahreum Han

Health Care Administration Faculty Research

This paper describes the authors’ almost 30-year (1972-1998) personal experience with the World Bank (WB) education sector operations from the internal perspective. Then, it discusses the authors’ 20-year (1999-2020) observation from an external perspective. The paper aims to reveal the goals, objectives, strategies, the mechanism, and processes of decision-making, especially on how an education loan and credit is justified, of the world’s largest international aid organization for the education sector in developing countries (some $4 billion a year). Through this effort, the author provides a sound basis for insiders’ and outsiders’ fair assessments or criticisms of WB education sector operations. …

The Effects Of Concussion On Quantity Of Sleep And Quality Of Sleep, Taren Asheton Bone

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study observed how a concussion's effects change the quantity and quality of sleep in collegiate athletes. There is a lack of research pertaining to this topic, explicitly involving collegiate athletes and the changes in sleep outcomes during concussion recovery from a concussion. The study design is a convenient cohort in the field involving athletes from two local universities. Participants wore a Readiband™ device for seven to ten days or throughout their concussion recovery. There were differences in total minutes in bed and calculated minutes in bed between concussed and non-concussed participants. This study indicates that concussion affects the quantity …

The U-Net-Based Active Learning Framework For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy, Vishwanshi Joshi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. According to the U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, about 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2021 (Smith et al., 2019). The death rate of breast cancer is higher than any other cancer type. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer have been challenging over the last few decades. Meanwhile, deep learning algorithms using Convolutional Neural Networks to segment images have achieved considerable success in recent years. These algorithms have continued to assist in exploring the quantitative measurement of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. …

The Effect Of Scapular Dyskinesis On Army Combat Fitness Test Scores And Shoulder Function In Army Rotc Cadets, Kirstin Ann Schwart

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The increasing rate of shoulder pain and injury in the US military can cause an impact on a soldier’s ability to pass their fitness tests, affect their overall combat readiness, and lead to an increasing amount spent on medical treatment. Recently, the US Army changed their physical fitness test to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) which is a more full body, functional, and fatiguing test.¹ Fatigue of the shoulder and scapular musculature has been reported to lead to alterations in scapular kinematics. Alterations to normal scapular kinematics have been connected to shoulder pain/injuries. ²

Purpose: …

Side-To-Differences Of Medial Elbow Anatomy Adaptations In Youth Throwing Athletes, Rudolph Matthew Morrow

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Injuries to the medial elbow are common in overhead sports, with the most common occurring at the medial/ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Injury to the UCL is associated with elbow joint laxity which tends to develop over time in athletes who place their elbows under chronic valgus forces like those present during throwing. ^{27, 37} This instability is well documented in professional, collegiate, and high school athletes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the medial elbow joint width and common flexor tendon thickness in the arms of youth baseball players. The hypotheses were (1) the …

Drug Delivery Systems: Exploring Rheological Properties And Therapeutic Effect Of 5-Fu Chitosan Gel For Topical Wound Healing, Samuel Tetteh-Quarshie

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Diabetic skin wound is a common complication of diabetes that occurs in about 15% of diabetic patients and often requires prolonged hospitalization for its management and treatment. Natural polymers are used for wound dressing due to their biological adhesiveness, non-toxicity, and biodegradable nature. 5-Fluorouracil (FU) has been shown to alter adipokine expression which is implicated in cutaneous wound repair. Thus, our overall objective was to investigate the utility of chitosan (CS) gel for topical delivery of 5-FU to treat diabetic wounds. We prepared chitosan gel (2% w/w) in serial dilutions of 5-FU (25μg/mL, 2.5μg/mL, 0.25μg/mL, and 0.025μg/mL) and evaluated their …

Role Of Thymidine Phosphorylase In Type 2 Diabetes-Associated High-Risk Of Thrombosis, Adam Belcher

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as ischemic heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death globally that disproportionally affects patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at a 2-4-fold rate compared to non-diabetic patients. These CVDs result from a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, formed in arteries that can block blood flow resulting in tissue damage and death. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, used to prevent thrombosis have been found to be less effective in diabetics and increase the risk of hemorrhagic events. The T2DM epidemic has made it imperative to find therapies that decrease …

Identifying Relationships Between Upper Extremity Function And Army Combat Fitness Test Scores In The Reserve 'Officers' Training Corps Population, Lianne Marie Shroba

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The United States Army is implementing the Holistic Health and Fitness program (H2F), intending to transform the Army's culture of health and fitness. It aims to optimize soldier readiness by improving physical and non-physical performance, decreasing injury rates, and improving rehabilitation after injury. A part of that program includes replacing the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of six functional events that gauge combat readiness. There is already established literature regarding injury epidemiology as it relates to the previous APFT, but little published work on the ACFT …

Perceived Stress And Burnout In Athletic Training Students, Desiree Nicole Daniels

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Athletic training students can experience stress and symptoms of burnout and there is empirical support for a relationship between stress and burnout in health professions students in fields such as medicine and nursing. ^1-3 However, prior research on the relationship between stress and burnout has been limited in athletic training students. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and symptoms of burnout in athletic training students. Two hundred thirty athletic training students from 61 institutions completed an online questionnaire consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire - Student …