Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Acoustic And Hemodynamic Analysis Of Phantoms: Roughness And Flow Dynamics, Ethan Erik Olof Sundberg

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether different vascular phantoms, with and without a surrogate arm, could serve as effective analogs to the human brachial artery for assessing endothelial dysfunction, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque buildup and endothelial damage, which precede more severe clinical events and are often detectable through changes in vascular function. A 40” water tower was used to simulate diastolic pressure, enabling water flow through each phantom. Strain gauge pressure transducers were placed at both ends of the phantoms to measure pressure drop, while a microphone captured …

An Assessment Of Maine's Capacity To Support Transitions Of Care Through The Substance Use Disorder Continuum, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Sarah Mclaughlin Mph, Rachel M. Gallo Mph

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

This report evaluates Maine's capacity to support effective transitions of care across the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment continuum. Using data collected from a statewide survey of 65 SUD providers, conducted from February to April 2025, the study examines organizational practices, inter-provider communication, and coordination strategies related to transitions between levels of care: medically supervised withdrawal, inpatient, and outpatient treatment programs. Key findings reveal strong intra-organizational communication, widespread understanding of ASAM criteria, and a general commitment to patient-centered care. However, gaps persist in coordination between care levels, particularly in withdrawal management programs, which rarely conduct follow-ups or collaborate with outpatient …

Donut Hole Summer Special Edition 2025, Medicare Donations & Design Committee

Donut Hole Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Improving Health Information Systems For Universal Health Coverage In The Philippines, Catherine Agas Chung, Jenilyn Ann Vergara Dabu, Fiona Rose Andres Norada, Arianna Maever Loreche, Veincent Christian Pepito, Manuel M. Dayrit

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Health information systems are a key building block of a well-functioning health system and are a vital component in the implementation of universal health coverage. The Philippines's current transition toward universal health coverage had attendant health information system reforms, such as the establishment of the country's National Health Data Repository and the Health Sector Enterprise Architecture. However, many issues remain in this transition, such as insufficient investments in health information systems, poor reliability of health information systems, technical support delays, data quality issues, and cybersecurity issues. We recommend making health data portable throughout the health system while adhering to data …

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letter - June 2025, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letters

No abstract provided.

Addressing Food Insecurity: Establishing A Food Pantry For Medical Students, Anne Vanderpool Mba, Robert D. Barraco Md, Mph

Department of Education

No abstract provided.

Anemia: An Uncommon Cause Of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, Iqra Athar, Afrah Malik, Neelma Naz Khattak, Tashfain Shifa, Zukhruf Zayian

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a multifactorial illness seen more commonly in females as compared to males. Its diagnosis is often delayed due to variable clinical presentations. It is now identified more often due to advancements in neuroimaging modalities. We present an uncommon case of CVST caused by anemia in a 23-year-old female. Our patient presented with complaints of headache since the past two days and left sided hemiplegia since past one day. Later on during her hospital stay she developed generalized tonic clonic seizures. MRI and MRV brain with contrast revealed right cerebral venous (vein of Trolard) thrombosis. …

Quality Of Life And Patient Experience In Black Women With Alopecia, Annyella Douglas, Jayson Suriano, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Analysis Of Abemaciclib Treatment On Epithelial Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation And Sequencing Of Cfdna Released, Paige Bonnet, Sakuntha Gunarathna, Motoki Takaku

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, such as abemaciclib, are approved for hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer, where they inhibit tumor cell cycle progression. While their antiproliferative effects are established, less is known about how they may reflect molecular changes and using cfDNA as a biomarker of treatment response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of abemaciclib on breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and characterize cfDNA released during treatment using next-generation sequencing. Abemaciclib treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. cfDNA release correlated with treatment intensity, and sequencing revealed upregulation of a gene in p21 …

Empowering Community Through Extension: Identifying Community Health And Wellness Strengths And Needs, Allyson A. Spears, Alexis Zickafoose, Emily Wintermute, Peng Lu, Matthew Baker, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Health and wellness are foundational to thriving communities, yet many Americans face barriers that impact their access to essential health education and services. This study used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess the perceived strengths and needs of health and wellness resources of rural and urban Texas communities. Data were collected through a statewide survey (n = 9,418), targeting key aspects of health and wellness. The results identified critical strengths, including school lunch programs and grocery stores accepting electronic benefit transfers (EBT), while reducing obesity and addressing mental health emerged as top community needs in both urban and …

Nursing News & Views - June 2025, Brenda Rocha Rn, Cno

Nursing Newsletters

Nursing News & Views - June 2025

Disparities In Mortality Associated With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Nationwide Study, Manas Pustake, Atulya Khosla, Saif Syed, Avi Harisingani

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background : Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious and often life-threatening condition that can result in widespread morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical significance, there remains a lack of comprehensive, national-level data analyzing trends in DIC-related mortality. Understanding these trends is crucial for identifying at-risk populations, informing public health strategies, and optimizing clinical interventions. Aims : This study aims to analyze DIC mortality trends from 2018 to 2023, focusing on key demographic and regional factors, to provide insights that can guide future healthcare policy and practice. Methods : An analysis of DIC mortality trends from 2018 to 2023 was …

Cross-Institutional Dental Electronic Health Record Entity Extraction Via Generative Artificial Intelligence And Synthetic Notes, Yao-Shun Chuang, Chun-Teh Lee, Guo-Hao Lin, Ryan Brandon, Xiaoqian Jiang, Muhammad F Walji, Oluwabunmi Tokede

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: While most health-care providers now use electronic health records (EHRs) to document clinical care, many still treat them as digital versions of paper records. As a result, documentation often remains unstructured, with free-text entries in progress notes. This limits the potential for secondary use and analysis, as machine-learning and data analysis algorithms are more effective with structured data.

Objective: This study aims to use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to improve diagnostic information extraction from clinical notes in a periodontal use case. By automating this process, the study seeks to reduce missing data in …

Baseline Predictors Of Responders To Auricular Point Acupressure In Chronic Low Back Pain, Nada Lukkahatai, Wanqi Chen, Jennifer Kawi, Hulin Wu, Claudia M Campbell, Johannes Thrul, Xinran Huang, Paul Christo, Constance M Johnson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major cause of disability, with varied patient responses to treatments. Auricular point acupressure (APA) has shown potential as a non-pharmacological intervention, but individual responses may differ significantly.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictability of baseline characteristics, including functional disability, symptom severity, and treatment expectancy, on clinically significant responses to APA in reducing pain and improving function.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using data from a randomized controlled trial with 263 cLBP patients. Participants were randomly assigned to targeted APA (T-APA), non-targeted APA (NT-APA), or to a control group. APA …

Withdrawal Management In Maine: Capacity Challenges And Opportunities For Improvement, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Katie Rosingana Ba, Tyler Egeland Ba, Sarah Mclaughlin Mph

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

This summary report presents findings from healthcare provider interviews conducted in 2024 to assess the current landscape of withdrawal management (WM) services in Maine. Sixteen providers, across eight counties and representing a range of substance use disorder (SUD) service types, were interviewed to evaluate capacity, challenges, and opportunities for improvement across the continuum of care. Thematic analysis identified widespread gaps in withdrawal management capacity, especially in ASAM Levels 1.7 to 4.0, with critical shortages in ambulatory and low-intensity residential services. Key barriers included geographic inequities, insufficient infrastructure, long waitlists, inadequate reimbursement, and workforce shortages exacerbated by stigma and provider discomfort. …

Feedback On Withdrawal Management Services In Maine From Persons With Lived Experience, Mary Lindsey Smith Phd, Katie Rosingana Ba

Substance Use Research & Evaluation

This summary report presents findings from interviews with twelve persons with lived experience of substance use disorder (PWLE). The interviews asked persons in recovery about their experiences accessing withdrawal management and broader substance use treatment services across Maine. Participants identified key barriers to treatment including high costs, limited bed availability, long wait times, geographic inaccessibility, and lack of centralized information. Gaps in service infrastructure, particularly for opioid withdrawal management, long-term treatment, and transition supports post-detox, were widely reported. Participants emphasized the critical need for more localized and individualized services, particularly for parents, rural residents, and low-income individuals. Recommendations include expanding …

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Mental And Substance Use Problems Among Adults In Kenya: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Patrick Nzivo Mwangala, Anita Kerubo, Millicent Makandi, Rachel Odhiambo, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Data on the burden and determinants of mental and substance use problems among women in urban and rural informal settlements in Kenya is sparse, thus limiting preventive and treatment efforts in these areas. To bridge the gap, we (a) determined the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol and drug use problems among women compared to their spouses and (b) examined the correlates of these outcomes. Data collection for this cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 in Mombasa, Kwale and Nairobi counties in Kenya. A total of 1528 adults (1048 women) took part. The 9-Item …

A Case Of Early Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis, Mellanie De Guzman, Marcy Vandament

Posters

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a central nervous system neurodegenerative disease impacting individuals who experience symptom onset prior to the age of 18-years-old.17 Children and adolescents diagnosed with POMS prior to 16-years-old are considered as early POMS cases. 1,6,10,11, 18 The current case study presents an 11-year-old boy, “Patient A,” who was diagnosed with POMS at 10-years-old. Common neurocognitive weaknesses and behavioral concerns seen in this patient population include deficits in language (receptive, expressive, verbal fluency), memory, attention, executive functions, processing speed, visual-motor/fine-motor coordination/dexterity, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.2-5,15,20 Results from testing demonstrated mild weaknesses in abstract reasoning and fine motor …

Insights On Human Papillomavirus Among Medical Students And Professionals, Fathima Thansiha, Amogha Shree, Rashmi S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: As per World Health Organization, in 2022, 660000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and 350000 women died from the disease. Sexual behaviour is the major risk factor and exposure to Human Papillomavirus has been established as a causative agent in 70-80% of the cases for development of cervical cancer. Most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases. Thus, study was conducted with the objective of assessing the knowledge …

An Interview With Rita Charon, Nathan Carlin

Faculty and Staff Publications

This is an edited transcript of an interview with Rita Charon. Nathan Carlin conducted the interview in her apartment in New York City on October 18, 2024. They discussed a number of topics, including Charon's educational journey, her mentors, the founding of narrative medicine, the status of narrative medicine today as well as its future, the relationship between narrative medicine and literature and medicine, and the ethics of writing about patients.

2024 Nursing Annual Report, System Of Texas Children's Health

2024

No abstract provided.

Mechanisms Of Interventions Targeting Modifiable Factors For Dementia Risk Reduction, Anna Matton, Ruth Stephen, Makrina Daniilidou, Mariagnese Barbera, Vilma Alanko, Marcel Ballin, Jamie Ford, Katri Hemiö, Jenni Lehtisalo, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

The global prevalence of dementia is increasing. With no widely available and accessible treatments to halt or reverse the progression of dementia, exploring preventative strategies is critical. Lifestyle-based interventions show promise in preventing or delaying dementia onset. However, understanding the complex and multifactorial mechanisms underlying dementia, and how interventions target these pathways, is essential for developing personalized and effective strategies. In this review, we examined the current evidence of the mediating pathways in dementia risk reduction. We focused on mechanisms investigated in single-domain interventions on physical exercise, cognitive training, diet, metabolic/cardiovascular or psycho-social risk factors in line with those combined …

Summary Of: Lessons Learned: Enhancing Rural Risk Communication For Future Health Crises Through The Phercc Framework, Abimbola Leslie, Elizabeth K. Woods, Eline M. Van Den Broek-Altenburg, Jan K. Carney

Northern New England Clinical & Translational Research

This study shows the importance of evidence-based, adaptive, and population subgroup sensitive communication during public health emergencies. The PHERCC framework provided a useful structure for identifying barriers, building trust, and guiding responsive strategies. Investing in inclusive communication systems and leveraging community partnerships are important for effective responses to future health crises.

Study found @ Lessons learned: enhancing rural risk communication for future health crises through the PHERCC framework

New Dentist News (June 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.

Issue 13: Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider, Bharat Bajantri Md, Sarah Ellsworth-Hoffman Mls

Critical Care & Pulmonary

Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider Issue 13

Compiled by Bharat Bajantri, MD, and librarian Sarah Ellsworth, MLS for the clinicians of the Pulmonary and Critical Care team of Parkview.

The Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider newsletter was created by Dr. Bharat Bajantri, MD and Sarah Ellsworth, MLS in 2023 as a form of current awareness for current practice at our hospital, Parkview Health.

Topics: Original Study Summaries from early 2025 with clinical implications:

pGGNs thresholds, Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors with COPD, TTIP ventilation, TAPSE/sPAP Ratio, Propofol, Triglycerides, & Pancreatitis, PEERLESS trial, Metagenomic NGS for SCAP, Termination of Resuscitation (TOR) Guidelines, Intermittent Fasting …

The Epidemiology And Burden Of Cardiovascular Diseases In Countries Of The Association Of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), 1990–2021: Findings From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Gbd 2021 Asean Cardiovascular Diseases Collaborators, Veincent Christian Pepito

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has undergone substantial epidemiological changes over the past three decades, characterised by a growing burden of cardiovascular disease. This study provides an epidemiological overview of cardiovascular diseases across ASEAN.

Methods: As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021, we assessed the prevalence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 12 cardiovascular diseases, stratified by age, sex, and location, for ten ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) from 1990 to …

The Epidemiology And Burden Of Injury In Countries Of The Association Of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), 1990–2021: Findings From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Stephanie C C Van Der Lube, Lin Siew Chong, Simon I. Hay, Catherine Bisignano, Spencer I. James, Xiaochen Dai, Lay Hoon Goh, Swetha Acharya, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani, Naveed Ahmed, Budi Aji, Joseph Uy Almazan, Carl Abelardo T. Antonio, Sumadi Lukman Anwar, Muhammad Shahzad Aslam, Atif Amin Baig, Amiel Nazer C. Bermudez, Ahmad Naoras Naoras Bitar, Muthia Cenderadewi, Hana Chen, Nicholas Ws Chew, Bryan Chong, Mayank Dalakoti, Hisham Atan Edinur, Crystal Amiel M. Estrada, Emerito Jose Aquino Faraon, Nelsensius Klau Fauk, Ni Kadek Yuni Fridayani, Fernando Barroga Garcia, Arief Hargono, Eka Mishbahatul Marah Has, Paul Michael Rafa Hernandez, Nahlah Elkudssiah Ismail, Vikash Jaiswal, Roland Dominic G. Jamora, Jost B. Jonas, Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi, Inn Kynn Khaing, Yun Jin Kim, Chong-Han Kua, Maria Dyah Kurniasari, Dian Kusuma, Hilton Lam, Shaun Wen Huey Lee, Zheng Feei Ma, Roy Rillera Marzo, Kamarul Imran Musa, Firzan Nainu, Dina Nur Anggraini Ningrum, Sok King Ong, Veincent Christian Pepito, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Dimas Ria Angga Pribadi, Sheena Ramazanu, Bedanta Roy, Yoseph Leonardo Samodra, Siddharthan Selvaraj, Shazlin Shaharudin, Robert Sinto, Solikhah Solikhah, Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy, Vetriselvan Subramaniyan, Thitiporn Sukaew, Ingan Ukur Tarigan, Jansje Henny Vera Ticoalu, Narayanaswamy Venketasubramanian, Taweewat Wiangkham, Anggi Lukman Wicaksana, Siyan Yi, Mustafa Z. Younis, Christopher J L Murray, Kanyin Liane Ong, Yee Wei Lim, Marie Ng

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background Injuries are among the top causes of mortality and disability in southeast Asia. Although injury prevention is a key health priority in the Post-2015 Health Development Agenda of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the focus was placed solely on road injuries. The absence of a broader recognition of injury burden and trends hinders future intervention efforts. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the burden and epidemiological trends of all injuries across ASEAN countries.

Methods In this analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we estimated incidence, cause-specific …

Impact Of Cessation Of Caffeine Citrate Therapy On Intermittent Hypoxemia Patterns Among Preterm Infants Born Before 34 Weeks, Peter Kipkurui Mashep, Roseline Ochieng, Jesse Coleman, Mary Waiyego, Amy Sarah Ginsburg, Dorothy Chomba, Morris Ogero Ondieki, Grace Irimu, William Macharia, Mark Ansermino

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction: Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) is defined as oxygen saturation (SpO₂) drop ≥5% from the baseline (set at 90 s preceding the event) to a level less than 90% lasting for ≥5 s. Caffeine citrate, the standard of care for apnea of prematurity, reduces IH events. IH contributes to both short and long-term adverse neurologic outcomes. Standard patient monitors cannot detect IH events due to long averaging times.

Objective: Describe change in patterns of IH events in preterms < 34 weeks before and after cessation of caffeine citrate and factors associated.

Methods: Interrupted time series study design. Data was collected from 1 December 2022 to 30 June 2023. MASIMO RAD-G oximeter was …

Interacting Immediate And Long-Term Action Regulation In Suicidal Behavior, Nicholas Murphy, George Kypriotakis, Marijn Lijffijt, Sidra Iqbal, Tabish Iqbal, Dania Amarneh, Brittany O'Brien, Amanda Tamman, Ynhi Thomas, Nidal Moukaddam, Thomas R Kosten, Lynnette A Averill, Sanjay Mathew, Alan C Swann

Staff and Researcher Publications

Background: Suicide is a prominent cause of death across the lifespan, especially between 10 and 34 years old. Most suicides are first attempts, during crises with unpredictably fluctuating risk, arising insidiously from mechanisms related to long-term exposure to psycho-bio-social risk factors. Identifying susceptibility from interacting immediate and long-term mechanisms of action regulation could prevent suicidal crises.

Methods: We investigated interacting immediate and long-term regulation of action in risk for suicide. Immediate processes were assessed through affective and behavioral symptoms and a computer measure of impaired action-regulation, the Immediate Memory Task (IMT). Long-term processes included history of trauma, stress, and addictive …

The Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. Of Relationship-Centered Care, Dustin Willis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The patient-provider interaction (PPI) represents a critical dimension of healthcare delivery that significantly influences clinical outcomes, yet the nuanced dynamics of compassionate care remain operationally elusive. This dissertation presents the Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease, Alleviate, & Relieve Therapeutically) framework—a novel theoretical model for understanding and enhancing relationship-centered care—and examines its validity, reliability, and therapeutic impact.

Through four interconnected studies, this research explores the multifaceted nature of compassionate care. First, a comprehensive literature review excavates the landscape of patient-provider interactions, highlighting terminological inconsistencies, incomplete theoretical frameworks, and methodological challenges in measuring these ethereal qualities. Second, the Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. model is introduced, …