Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Editorial: Managing Cancer Metastasis By Tackling Anticancer Drug Resistance, Erxi Wu, Zhongzhi Wu, Chao-Yie Yang, Dan Qi, Xiaoxiao Hu, Wei Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Self-Correcting Method For Highly Effective Office-Based Helicobacter Pylori Therapy Using Cumulative Test Of Cure Data, Maria Pina Dore, Ruben Hernaez, David Y Graham

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and aim: Helicobacter pylori infections have become resistant to many previously highly effective antimicrobial regimens resulting in clarithromycin, metronidazole, or fluoroquinolone-containing therapies becoming unsuccessful. Pretreatment susceptibility testing is only widely available in the United States but is still rarely done. Here, we propose a framework to monitor H. pylori eradication in small clinical settings by routinely assessing the effectiveness of therapy.

Methods: Because of the small sample size in individual practice's, we assume an acceptable cure rate of ≥80% (preferred cure rate ≥85%) in adherent patients, with a dichotomous outcome (cured vs. failed) and consecutive patient enrollment. To obtain …

Severity-Adjusted Evaluation Of Initial Dialysis On Short-Term Health Outcomes In Urea Cycle Disorders, Matthias Zielonka, Stefan Kölker, Sven F Garbade, Florian Gleich, Sandesh C S Nagamani, Andrea L Gropman, Ann-Catrin Druck, Nesrine Ramdhouni, Laura Göde, Georg F Hoffmann, Roland Posset, Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (Ucdc)

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: In individuals with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and neonatal disease onset, extracorporeal detoxification by continuous kidney replacement therapy is considered the therapeutic method of choice in addition to metabolic emergency treatment to resolve hyperammonemic decompensation. However, the indications for the initiation of dialysis are heterogeneously implemented transnationally, thereby hampering our understanding of (optimal) short-term health outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective comparative analysis evaluating the therapeutic effects of initial dialysis on survival as well as neurocognitive outcome parameters in individuals with UCDs in comparison to a severity-adjusted non-dialyzed control cohort. Overall, 108 individuals with a severe phenotype of male …

Variability In Chest Radiology Interpretation Between Thoracic And Non-Thoracic Radiologists: Implications For Pulmonary Fibrosis Care, Daniel M Guidot, Danielle Seaman, Roy A Pleasants, Armando Bedoya, Robert M Tighe, Bhavika Kaul

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Corrigendum: Combining Charlson Comorbidity And Vacs Indices Improves Prognostic Accuracy For All-Cause Mortality For Patients With And Without Hiv In The Veterans Health Administration, Kathleen A Mcginnis, Amy C Justice, Vincent C Marconi, Maria C Rodriguez-Barradas, Ronald G Hauser, Krisann K Oursler, Sheldon T Brown, Kendall J Bryant, Janet P Tate

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1342466.].

Impact Of Successful Recanalization And Clinical Outcomes Of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With 5 Or More Thrombectomy Passes, Kazutaka Uchida, Mohammad-Mahdi Sowlat, Hidetoshi Matsukawa, Sameh Samir Elawady, Ali Alawieh, Conor Cunningham, Sami Al Kasab, Ilko Maier, Pascal Jabbour, Joon-Tae Kim, Stacey Quintero Wolfe, Ansaar Rai, Robert M Starke, Marios-Nikos Psychogios, Amir Shaban, Adam Arthur, Hugo Cuellar, Jonathan A Grossberg, Daniele G Romano, Omar Tanweer, Justin Mascitelli, Isabel Fragata, Adam Polifka, Joshua Osbun, Roberto Crosa, Charles Matouk, Min S Park, Michael R Levitt, Waleed Brinjikji, Mark Moss, Richard Williamson, Pedro Navia, Peter Kan, Reade De Leacy, Shakeel Chowdhry, Mohamad Ezzeldin, Shinichi Yoshimura, Alejandro M Spiotta, Stroke Thrombectomy And Aneurysm Registry (Star) Collaborators

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: As the number of thrombectomy passes increases during endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute stroke, neurointerventionalists must weigh the risks of potential complications against the risk of failing to recanalize the affected vessel. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of EVT for patients with acute stroke in which ≥5 EVT passes were performed.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study from January 2013 to December 2022 included 31 thrombectomy-capable centers. Patients in whom ≥5 EVT passes were made were included in the analysis. The patients with successful recanalization defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b at 5, 6, 7, or …

Self-Rectifying Magnetoelectric Metamaterials For Remote Neural Stimulation And Motor Function Restoration, Joshua C Chen, Gauri Bhave, Fatima Alrashdan, Abdeali Dhuliyawalla, Katie J Hogan, Antonios G Mikos, Jacob T Robinson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Magnetoelectric materials convert magnetic fields into electric fields. These materials are often used in wireless electronic and biomedical applications. For example, magnetoelectrics could enable the remote stimulation of neural tissue, but the optimal resonance frequencies are typically too high to stimulate neural activity. Here we describe a self-rectifying magnetoelectric metamaterial for a precisely timed neural stimulation. This metamaterial relies on nonlinear charge transport across semiconductor layers that allow the material to generate a steady bias voltage in the presence of an alternating magnetic field. We generate arbitrary pulse sequences with time-averaged voltage biases in excess of 2 V. As a …

From High-Throughput Transcriptome Characterization Of Individual Synaptosomes To Constructing The Whole-Brain Connectome, Muchun Niu, Chenghang Zong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Systemic Complications Of Aicardi Goutières Syndrome Using Real-World Data, Isabella Peixoto De Barcelos, Amanda K Jan, Nicholson Modesti, Sarah Woidill, Francesco Gavazzi, David Isaacs, Russell D'Aiello, Anjana Sevagamoorthy, Lauren Charlton, Amy Pizzino, Johanna Schmidt, Keith Van Haren, Stephanie Keller, Florian Eichler, Lisa T Emrick, Jamie L Fraser, Justine Shults, Adeline Vanderver, Laura A Adang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Aicardi Goutières Syndrome (AGS) is a rare genetic interferonopathy associated with diverse multisystemic complications. A critical gap exists in our understanding of its longitudinal, systemic disease burden, complicated by delayed diagnosis. To address this need, real-world data extracted from existing medical records were used to characterize the longitudinal disease burden.

Methods: All subjects (n = 167) with genetically confirmed AGS enrolled in the Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project (MDBP) were included. As available in medical records, information was collected on subject demographics, age of onset, and disease complications. Information from published cases of AGS (2007-2022; n = 129) with individual-level …

Pharmacological Inhibition Of The Map2k7 Kinase In Human Disease, H Daniel Lacorazza

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The MAP2K7 signaling pathway activates the c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) in response to stress signals, such as inflammatory cytokines, osmotic stress, or genomic damage. While there has been interest in inhibiting JNK due to its involvement in inflammatory processes and cancer, there is increasing focus on developing MAP2K7 inhibitors to enhance specificity when MAP2K7 activation is associated with disease progression. Despite some progress, further research is needed to fully comprehend the role of MAP2K7 in cancer and assess the potential use of kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy. This review examines the role of MAP2K7 in cancer and the development …

Advancing Opportunities For The Autistic Community At West Virginia University, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have difficulties with social integration and sensory challenges on collegiate campuses. These difficulties are sometimes tied together as social integration spaces are not always sensory-friendly and can be overwhelming for the individual. Creating a sensory-friendly space within the potentially overstimulating environment can provide the student with a place to recharge and recover and still access the desired social events. This capstone project focused on the design and development of a sensory room in the West Virginia University Mountain Lair Student Union, working directly with the students in the West Virginia University Autism Support Program …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Low Vision Throughout The Lifespan, Ka Ki Tse

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Low vision and blindness significantly affect individuals' engagement in occupational performance. While West Virginia (WV) offers low vision rehabilitation programs to enhance occupational performance, several challenges remain unresolved. This doctoral capstone project aimed to collaborate with low vision professionals to deliver comprehensive low vision services and advocate for the integration of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in the low vision field. A needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify gaps and develop strategies for addressing the gaps. A qualitative study design was chosen to explore the perspectives of current low vision providers regarding the role of OTPs. The study …

The Impact Of Occupational Therapy In Lactation Services, Sarah Adrienne Mcaninch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many benefits to breastfeeding exist for both mothers and infants, yet exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low across the nation. These benefits include decreased chance of infections for infants, low infant mortality, and decreased chances of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers (Binns et al., 2016; CDC, 2023). Education strategies have recently become imperative for health organizations to help mothers sustain their ability to breastfeed within the recommended six-month timeframe. Current literature on education supports that women who receive education at some point in their lactation journey are more likely to reach the six-month period and have more confidence in their …

Visit North Carolina: Trail Accessibility, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper focuses on the perceived barriers to travel from marketing material for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities and the direct impact on leisurely travel participation, particularly in outdoor spaces. Employing a cross-sectional study design encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this research investigates the experiences and transparency of trail accessibility in the state of North Carolina. Quantitative data were gathered through trail assessment accessibility checklists, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews. The findings reveal an improved understanding of accessibility and the application of an accessibility checklist. Moreover, the study underscores the importance …

Mechanistic Insight Into Maternal Electronic Cigarette Exposure And Its Effect On Offspring Cerebrovascular And Neurocognitive Health, Amber Victoria Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electronic cigarettes (Ecigs) have replaced smoking within the last decade as the preferred nicotine delivery system because of their advertising to the younger populations. Marketing has sold the idea that use of Ecigs are safer than smoking and this messaging has resonated with youth and other vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Despite over 2.8 million children under 18 (Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey) deciding to vape, there is little information about what this will do to the next generation. Further, it is that same population that will soon reach an age when they will want to have children. There …

Effect Of Haemonchus Contortus Excretory/Secretory Protein On Differences In Host Neutrophil Migration, Hannah Grace Teddleton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An excretory/secretory (E/S) product, common to many helminths, is neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) which negatively affects neutrophil migration and activity. Due to differences in neutrophil accumulation between parasite resistant St. Croix STC and parasite susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep, we hypothesized that Hc-NIF may inhibit migration of SUF and not STC neutrophils. Previous studies have demonstrated that Hc produces NIF but is not commercially available. To test our hypothesis, neutrophils were cultured from STC and SUF sheep in the presence of Ancylostoma caninum-derived NIF (Ac-NIF) and measure chemotaxis to Interleukin-8 (IL-8), HcLA or H. contortus third-stage excretory/secretory (E/S) products. Neutrophils were …

Contracture Management For Acute Burn Injury Patients, Brianna Paige Pestrosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: The Occupational Therapists working within the burn unit at West Penn Hospital assess and treat patients utilizing the biomechanical approach FOR, as well as the support from MOHO and PEOP. The patients seen within the burn unit encompass a variety of injuries and occupational deficits that require an individualized and holistic approach to care.

Purpose: The purpose of the contracture management project is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to improve carryover and patient care within and out of the hospital.

Theoretical framework: The contracture management project is guided using the biomechanical frame of reference as well as supporting constructs …

Teaching Cultural Humility Practices In Appalachia: The Value Of Conducting Conversations Based In Education, Bailey A. Riggs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent literature highlights the paradigm shift from utilizing cultural competence practices to cultural humility practices within the field of occupational therapy, and health sciences (Fisher- Borne, et al., 2015). The idea of cultural competency suggests that culture is unchanging, and individuals can master cultural knowledge. The perception of knowing culture can be perceived as an unwillingness to learn about culture. In contrast, cultural humility promotes the value of lifelong learning and introspection, encouraging greater self-awareness, reflection of personal biases, and recognition of power imbalances. This approach aims to better integrate educational approaches to serve diverse populations in a culturally affirming …

Developmentally Appropriate Care In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Ashten Cenkus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As specialized healthcare professionals educated in developmental care, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a role in educating, coaching, and assessing the needs of infants, their families, and the staff in the NICU. These high-risk and medically fragile infants require specialized care that considers the incorporation of neurodevelopment, neurobehavioral regulation, sensory stimulation, and motor development through supportive and appropriate interventions. A project addressing these needs across 14 weeks was implemented as part of an Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) capstone experience at WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown, West Virginia. This project examined the results of the NICU staff's confidence, knowledge, and awareness …

Comparison Between Coronally Advanced Flap With Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft And Tunnel Technique With Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft In Achieving Mean Root Coverage At Multiple Recession Defects: A Retrospective Study, Christian Daniel Davila

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Aim: The primary objective is to retrospectively compare the mean root coverage (MRC) achieved using a coronally advanced flap and sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (CAF + CTG) with that achieved using the tunnelling technique and sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (TUN + CTG) for the treatment of multiple recession defects. The secondary objectives are to compare the proportion of complete root coverage (CRC) achieved with CAF + CTG compared to TUN + CTG, compare the proportion of CRC achieved in these two techniques with respect to level of training (American board-certified periodontist or Graduate periodontics residents) and to evaluate the …

Development And Implementation Of Occupational Therapy Group Protocols For Individuals In Recovery For Substance Use Disorder: Considering Social Determinants Of Health And Occupational Areas Of Need, Samantha Jane Windisch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are becoming a more widespread issue globally. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. suffered from an SUD in 2017. (SAMSHA, 2018). Recurrent alcohol and/or drug use that results in significant disability, including health issues, and/or a failure to prioritize obligations like employment, school, or family life are characteristics of SUD (SAMHSA, 2022). Research suggests that healthcare providers must integrate cutting-edge and successful treatments for this population to lower the risk of overdose and relapse rates, given the swift global spread of addictive disorders. In the past, …

Interactions Between Myeloid Cells And Neutrophil Extracellular Traps In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Hillary Gabrielle Pratt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The 5-year-survival rate for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is only 12% due in part to a lack of therapeutic strategies that target the pathophysiology of the disease. The only known curative therapy is surgical resection of the PDAC tumor, but only 20% of patients are eligible at the time of presentation. To improve outcomes for patients, new therapeutic options are needed. The PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME) is uniquely fibrotic and hypoxic, which is in part driven by the immune cell composition in the TME. Myeloid cells are a prominent immune infiltrate within the PDAC TME, so these cells have been …

Implementing Best Practice Methods Of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation In The Operating Room, Katherine Zeiger Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Use of manometers, inflating the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff with a 5-mL syringe, displaying the pressure-volume loop (PV-L) on anesthesia machines, and auscultating with a stethoscope over the trachea have been shown effective in preventing ETT cuff overinflation in the operating room (OR). Purpose: The aims of this project were to implement and evaluate a best practice guideline for ETT cuff inflation in the OR. Methods: This project was conducted in several ORs at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Participants included anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), student registered nurse anesthetists, residents, and medics. The ETT …

Evaluating Outcomes Post-Adoption Of Reck Solution For Total Shoulder Arthroplasties: A Retrospective Quality Analysis, Benjamin Levi Tillis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Evaluating Outcomes Post-adoption of RECK Solution for Total Shoulder Arthroplasties: A Retrospective Quality Analysis

Benjamin Tillis

Introduction: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has become an integral part of postoperative pain relief for West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine’s total joint arthroplasty procedures. However, not all LIAs are the same. Liposomal bupivacaine has a unique mechanism of delivery which could potentially lead to longer lasting effects. Ropivacaine, epinephrine, clonidine, and ketorolac (RECK) solution offers a multimodal approach to enhancing the duration of effect for the LIA. In 2022, WVU Medicine switched from liposomal bupivacaine to the RECK solution for total joint …

4d Epr Oximetry Imaging For 4d Bioprinting And Tissue Engineering, Sajad Sarvari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bioprinting, akin to 3D printing, employs cell-laden hydrogels such as GelMA (Gelatine Methacrylate) and Alginate instead of plastic or resin to create biological structures. The printing process followed by subsequent tissue maturation is known as 4D bioprinting, where the fourth dimension is time. Ensuring adequate and consistent oxygen, O2, supply within 3D bioprint volume over the entire maturation period process is crucial, as even transient hypoxia can impact cellular behavior and phenotypes. However, printing of fully developed vasculature remains an unresolved technical challenge. Several approaches to chemically (peroxides) or biologically (photosynthesis) generate oxygen during bioprint maturation have been proposed. However, …

Implementation Of A Pilot Quality Improvement Project To Guide The Administration Of Intraoperative Dexamethasone For Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Prophylaxis In Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Orthopedic Procedures, Brittany W. Hall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: At a local tertiary care hospital, there was no recommendation to guide anesthesia providers in the administration of intraoperative dexamethasone to patients with diabetes. While dexamethasone is a highly effective antiemetic, it may promote hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to guide and educate about current recommendations for the administration of dexamethasone for PONV prophylaxis in patients with diabetes.

Intervention: 1) Examined pre-intervention practices of dexamethasone administration. 2) Educated about current and best practices to anesthesia staff. 3) Developed badge buddy cards outlining the guideline. 4) Examined post-intervention practices. 5) Evaluated the effect …

Influence Of Scaling And Root Planing With Minocycline Microspheres On Clinical Outcomes Of Patients With Periodontitis, Nupoor Sandeep Kulkarni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Scaling and root planning (SRP) has been established as a “gold-standard” non-surgical initial treatment for periodontitis. Along with SRP, some systemic adjuncts like systemic antibiotics were used in the past to gain maximum benefits of SRP by reducing the need for further periodontal surgeries. Due to some drawbacks of systemic antibiotic use, like “transient antibiotic resistance”, “non-adherence” and “insufficient concentrations in the periodontal pockets to be clinically effective”, there was a shift towards the use of local antibiotic adjuncts to SRP like minocycline, tetracycline, chlorhexidine etc. Minocycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline derivative which is available in a powder form, …

Comparative Analysis Of Chemical Compounds And Metal Contaminants In Medical Grade Versus Over-The-Counter Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions, Abdulrahman Essaedi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction:

Abstract

Endodontic treatment aims to prevent or address apical periodontitis by reducing intracanal bacterial populations to promote tissue healing, requiring thorough debridement and disinfection of the canal space. This study aims to examine the presence of trace metal elements and chemical compounds in over-the-counter (OTC) and medical-grade sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions.

Method

Over-the-counter NaOCl brands (Clorox® and Great Value®) and medical grade 6% NaOCl solutions (CanalPro® and Chlor-Xtra®) were purchased, stored in amber glass bottles, and tested in triplicate. Each was analyzed using mass spectrometry, identifying 7881 chemical compounds with statistical comparisons via adjusted p-values, fold-change, and heat maps. …

Dentin-Sealer Bond Strength. A Review: An In-Vitro Comparison Between Guttaflow 2 ®, Endosequence Bc High Flow ®, Tubli-Seal ®, Sealapex ®, And Ah Plus Jet ® Sealers., Zied Diab

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: One objective of non-surgical endodontic therapy is the formation of a hermetic seal with elimination of any portal of entry of bacteria and their byproducts into the root canal space from periapical tissue. Extensive research has been conducted to determine ideal endodontic sealers. Bioceramic sealers have risen to prominence due to reported decreased shrinkage, less toxicity, and superior bond strength to root dentin compared to zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and resin-based sealers. GuttaFlow2®, a new sealer on the market, is composed of calcium silicate in combination with gutta-percha particles. Researchers from Coltene (Altstätten, Switzerland), the manufacturer of GuttaFlow2® …

Sex, Drugs, And Tbi: The Effects Of Sex Hormones And Trkb Activation On Alcohol-Related Behavior Following A Traumatic Brain Injury, Robin B. Oliverio

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) exhibit a bidirectional relationship: AUD increases the risk of incurring a TBI and, inversely, a history of TBI increases the risk of future AUD. The second portion of this relationship has not been as thoroughly investigated. Our lab previously demonstrated that a juvenile TBI significantly increases alcohol self-administration in females compared to uninjured females and the injured females developed a conditioned place preference (CPP) for ethanol. Given this stark sex difference, this dissertation will examine the mechanism through which this occurred by investigating how manipulations of sex steroids might affect this …