Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessing The Impact Of Tungiasis On Children’S Quality Of Life In Kenya, Lynne Elson, Berrick Otieno, Abneel Matharu, Naomi Riithi, Esther Chongwo, Francis Mutebi, Hermann Feldmeier, Jürgen Krücken, Ulrike Fillinger, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans which penetrates the skin causing considerable pain and itching. In this cross-sectional study we aimed to assess its impact on the quality of life of school children in Kenya. School pupils (198) aged 8–14 years with tungiasis were randomly selected and interviewed using a tungiasis-specific quality of life instrument (TLQI). The caregivers of each infected pupil and 199 randomly selected caregivers of uninfected pupils were interviewed using the proxy KIDscreen52 to assess their child’s general health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Generalized linear models were used to …

Assessing The Psychological Wellbeing And Resilience Of Frontline Health Workers In Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ahmed Sarki, Joseph Atukwatse, Gideon Mbithi, Sabina Odero, Mary Namuguzi, Bernard Mutwiri, Lestine Bitakwitse, Peninah Wachira, Kevinson Mwangi, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Health workers in the frontline are the major drivers of health systems in low- and middle-income countries. However, these health workers face both chronic and acute shocks and stressors that expose them to mental health problems which are often overlooked. We examined the prevalence of mental health problems, correlates of psychological functioning, and resilience of frontline health workers in Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study comprising 1800 frontline health workers across all regions of Uganda from August through October 2023. We used tools such as the PC-PTSD-5, PHQ9, PSS, GAD-7, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and CD-RISC-10 to assess PTSD, …

Diagnostic Journey In The Recognition Of Oncogenic Osteomalacia, Steven B. Nagelberg, Mihaela Biscoveanu, Barbara Bix, Carrie Andrews, Srinivas Prasad

Jefferson Health - Northeast Papers (formerly Aria Health Papers)

A 73-year-old woman with a remote history of successfully treated primary hyperparathyroidism was referred to our office because of multiple skeletal fractures and proximal muscle weakness. Prior laboratory evaluation demonstrated hypocalcemia, vitamin D deficiency, elevated PTH, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Updated evaluation in our clinic additionally showed hypophosphatemia prompting measurement of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF23 proved to be markedly elevated prompting consideration of tumor-induced osteomalacia. Positron emission tomography with Cu-64 oxodotreotide revealed an enhancing focus in the left thoracic spine that was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging to be a 1.5-cm extradural mass. The patient underwent surgical …

Summer 2025, Humayun Islam

PMI Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Himmelfarb Headlines - September/October 2025, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Headlines (2009 - present)

News, information, and resources relating to Himmelfarb Library that is of interest to patrons.

Development Of A School Nurse Simulation Boot Camp, Jodi S. Bullard, Angela Preston, Jenifer Chilton

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

A school nurse continuing education program was developed by School of Nursing faculty at an East Texas university, providing school nurses with documented competence in nursing skills focused on equitable health outcomes. The 8 hr School Nurse Boot Camp program consisted of a keynote address on local pediatric health topics and a series of 30-min speed simulations focused on mental and physical health issues. A total of 62 school nurses attended the three boot camp offerings during the 2023/2024 academic school year and represented a student population of 78,275. Participants indicated satisfaction with the event and interest in future continuing …

Subcutaneous Facial Emphysema And Pneumomediastinum Following A Class V Dental Restoration: A Case Report, Jonathan Tran Dds, Brian M. Will, Sidney B. Eisig D.D.S., Facs

The New York State Dental Journal

Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of dental procedures. While classically associated with surgical extractions performed with dental high-speed handpieces instead of surgical rear-exhaust handpieces, it has been documented following other dental procedures, including restorative and endodontic treatments. As cervicofacial air emphysema spreads, it may reach the retropharyngeal space, which connects to the mediastinum, leading to pneumomediastinum and a risk for mediastinitis, which carries a high mortality rate. We present a case of cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema leading to pneumomediastinum following a Class V restoration on tooth #28 to highlight the importance of recognizing this underdiagnosed complication.

Ontology Accelerates Few-Shot Learning Capability Of Large Language Model: A Study In Extraction Of Drug Efficacy In A Rare Pediatric Epilepsy, Pedram Golnari, Katrina Prantzalos, Veronica Hood, Mary Anne Meskis, Lori L Isom, Karen Wilcox, Jack M Parent, Dennis Lal, Samden D Lhatoo, Howard P Goodkin, Elaine C Wirrell, Kelly G Knupp, Manisha Patel, Jeffrey A Loeb, Joseph E Sullivan, Lauren Harte-Hargrove, Brandy E Fureman, Jeffrey Buchhalter, Satya S Sahoo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that is characterized by severe, prolonged motor seizures and high resistance to multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs) with multiple comorbidities. Evaluating the efficacy of new drugs in DS preclinical models and mapping them to human phenotypes of DS through analysis of published literature is an important goal for improving outcomes in this rare pediatric epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Large language models (LLM) have demonstrated great promise in parsing published literature; however, the performance of LLMs falls short in medical applications. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of domain ontology developed …

Telemedicine-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tenacity) For Veterans With Chronic Migraine: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol., Teresa M Damush, Samantha M Calcatera, Olivia Datre, Lindsey Hayley, Charles Austin, Emily L Schlitz, Carin Lea Eubanks, Lynnie Harrison, Doyle Yuan, Stanley Taylor, Mindy Flanagan, John Ney, Elizabeth K Seng, Jason J Sico, Amy S Grinberg

Health Services and Informatics Research

BACKGROUND: Behavioral interventions for people with headache (HA) diseases have demonstrated clinical efficacy. Despite strong empirical support and endorsement by professional practice organizations, behavioral interventions are not widely accessible to HA patients. Clinic-based behavioral treatments remain inaccessible to many. The objectives of this study are to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial and to determine the feasibility of the implementation of a cognitive behavioral therapy protocol for HA (CBT-HA) delivered via telehealth (TENACITY) compared to enhanced HA usual treatment (EHUT).

METHODS/DESIGN: TENACITY is a single-blinded, randomized, controlled, pilot trial with a single intervention arm and an EHUT control arm analyzed …

Pharmacy Newsletter : September 2025, Pharmacy Department

Department of Pharmacy Archives

• Pharmacy Newsletter provides information regarding the decisions of P&TC, current concepts in drug therapy, warnings and cautions issued by various regulatory agencies, drug interactions, ADRs, and matters related to drug usage.
• AKUH Clinical Pharmacy Accolades
• Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as a Cardiometabolic Paradigm Shift in Type 2 Diabetes
• Key Insights | Drug & Poison Information Center
• Carbamazepine Intoxication Management
• TOX TOK: General Treatment Approach To Unknown Poisoning - Coma Cocktail
• Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee: Ensuring Safe & Effective Medication Use! Progress & Reports
• Dexamethasone Induced Psychosis: Exploring Steroid Impact on Mental Health
• ASHP Residency Program: Leading Pharmacy Training …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Depression, Anxiety And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Healthcare Workers From Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review, Ezra Too, Peninah Wachira, Solomon Njenga, Sabina Odero, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among healthcare workers (HCWs), including those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there are limited summary data on the burden and factors associated with these disorders in this region. We conducted this systematic review (registration no. CRD42022349136) to fill this gap.

Aims: The aim of this review was to systematically summarise the available evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and PTSD, or their symptoms, among HCWs from SSA.

Method: We searched African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PubMed for articles published, from database inception …

Fetal Myocardial Performance Index In The Late Third Trimester For The Prediction Of Intrapartum Cardiotocographic Abnormalities, Sikolia Wanyonyi, Ingrid Gichere

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective

We sought to determine whether fetal myocardial performance index (MPI) performed in the late third trimester could predict abnormal intrapartum cardiotocographic (CTG) patterns.

Methods

A prospective observational study including women presenting for fetal growth ultrasound from 32 weeks. Three consecutive measurements of the left ventricular MPI were obtained and averaged. The patients’ intrapartum CTG events were later observed.

Results

A total of 299 women were analyzed. The fetal MPI across the population were 0.41, 0.50 and 0.63, representing 10th, 50th and 90th centiles, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show a significant difference in MPI values …

Looking Beyond Hospital Discharge: One-Year Mortality Following Tracheostomy Creation In Traumatically Injured Older Adults, Heather R Kregel, Jan-Michael Van Gent, Fatimah Sunez, Michael W Wandling, Krislynn M Mueck, Bryan A Cotton, David E Meyer, Laura J Moore, Lillian S Kao, Thaddeus J Puzio

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes following tracheostomy in older trauma patients and hypothesized that 1-year survival decreases with older age.

Methods: This was a descriptive analysis of intensive care unit patients ≥65 y old who underwent tracheostomy from 2015 to 2020. The National Death Index was accessed to determine time from tracheostomy creation to death. Groups were categorized by age. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Survival by age strata was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Of 205 eligible patients, 125 (61%) were 65-74, 68 (33%) were 75-84, and 12 (6%) were >85 y old. Median injury …

N Y State Dent J August-September 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the August-September 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• "Subcutaneous Facial Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum Following a Class V Dental Restoration"
• "Beyond Brushing: Can Toothpaste Cure Your Child’s Peanut Allergy?"
• "Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome with Familial Manifestation: A Case Report with Emphasis on Early Diagnosis"

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including: editorial and legal columns, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Monitoring Nutrition Security: Perspectives From A Workshop On Nutrition Security Measurement, Ximena Perez-Velazco, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Joanne F. Guthrie, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Mariah D. Ehmke, Christian Gregory, Hilary K. Seligman

Faculty Publications

Nutrition security, an emerging concept distinct from and complementary to food security, has gained increasing interest as a focus of efforts to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and prevent diet-related health conditions. Yet, unlike food security, which has well-established measures, nutrition security lacks standardized measures for assessment. This gap hinders the ability to evaluate progress in improving nutrition security both in the United States and globally. In September 2024, a workshop to explore how to measure nutrition security was hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, in collaboration with the Southern University Agricultural Science Center of Excellence …

Social Determinants Of Health In Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Other Sexual And Gender Minority (Lgbtq+) Older Adults: Impact Of Socioeconomic Disadvantage On Inpatient Hospitalizations, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Devon Noonan, Susan G. Silva

Publications

Introduction Little is known about the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) older adults (≥50 years). The aim of this study is to determine whether the distribution of LGBTQ+ inpatient hospitalizations are related to structural socioeconomic factors. Methods A secondary analysis of retrospective electronic health record data for LGBTQ+ older adults hospitalized from 2018 to 2022 was conducted at one large health system. The average county area deprivation index where the patient resided was calculated. Results The analysis included 2270 LGBTQ+ older adult inpatient hospitalizations, with 1508 (66.4%) from …

Bridging Gaps In Breast Cancer Care: A Breast Cancer Care Quality Index To Improve Outcomes Worldwide, Eduardo Cazap, Benjamin Anderson, Giuseppe Curigliano, Sandeep Sehdev, Fatima Cardoso, Ana Gonzalez, Emad Shash, Cheng-Har Yip, André Mattar, Miriam Mutebi

General Surgery, East Africa

Background: Breast cancer (BC) care faces challenges in early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management. Disparities persist, with underserved populations facing the greatest barriers. Addressing these requires policies that support consistent, evidence-based practices and enhance healthcare capacity and technology advancements. This document presents the development of the Breast Cancer Care Quality Index (BCCQI), supported by evidence to promote equitable care and improve BC outcomes globally, and discusses its adoption as a strategic tool within National Cancer Control Plans.

Methods: A two-part methodology identified challenges in BC care and defined dimensions, targets and indicators for the BCCQI, aligned with …

Human Physiology And Exercise Physiology Syllabus, Jean-Philippe Berteau

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Understanding Why Individuals Maltreated As Children Do Not Retrospectively Self-Report, Kristin S. Lynch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment who do not retrospectively self-report these childhood experiences demonstrate better emotional and psychological outcomes in adulthood. Understanding why these individuals do not retrospectively self-report is important for the development of effective interventions focused on mitigating the long-term consequences of maltreatment. The current study compared maltreated individuals who did not retrospectively self-report (O-R group) to those who did retrospectively self-report (O+R group) to examine theoretical explanations related to intentional nondisclosure (i.e., social desirability and discomfort during the interview) and memory processes (i.e. infantile amnesia, use of mental health services, avoidant coping …

Ai-Powered Multi-Omics Integration For Predictive Modeling Of Genotype-Environment-Phenotype Relationships, You Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation presents a series of machine learning frameworks for modeling genotype–environment–phenotype relationships through integrative predictive modeling of multi-omics data. The work addresses three major axes of biological complexity: modeling biological information transmission cross-levels from genes to proteins to phenotypes, predicting molecular features cross-scale from cells to tissues to organisms, and translating phenotypes cross-species from model systems to humans. Each proposed method also tackles key machine learning (ML) challenges in the biomedical domain, including data scarcity, domain shift, out-of-distribution (OOD) generalization, and hierarchical modeling. Specifically, this dissertation introduces five novel deep learning algorithms: MultiDCP predicts drug-induced transcriptomic and viability responses …

Mechanisms Of Sleep Regulation In Drosophila Melanogaster, Anfal A. Abuhilal

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Sleep is a fundamental biological need, and sufficient sleep is required for physical and mental well-being. Sleep is regulated by two biological mechanisms: sleep-wake homeostasis and circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are near 24-h rhythms in behavior and physiology that are generated by endogenous mechanisms. In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the central circadian pacemaker, which is known to receive a significant amount of serotonergic input that likely modulates sleep rhythms. In addition to circadian modulation, sleep is subject to homeostatic regulation. Several neuromodulators have been proposed as mediators of sleep homeostasis. Serotonin has been implicated in sleep drive and …

Fractures In Parkinson's Disease: Pathophysiology, Prevention, And Orthopedic Outcomes., Ali Osman, Tala Maya, Rayyan Bhutta, Natasha Doshi, Maryam Khan, Sara Shah, Paslene Periceles, Janae Rasmussen

Surgery Articles

Fractures are an important comorbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD), which can result in disability, mortality, and high healthcare costs. Impaired mobility, postural instability, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) contribute to the increased risk of falls, which often result in hip and upper extremity fractures. Hip fractures in patients with PD are associated with an increased hospital length of stay and a decline in functional independence. Multimodal fall prevention in PD is well established, but prevention of fractures is often underutilized, despite evidence-based interventions. Information on fall-related fracture outcomes after exercise interventions is an area warranting further …

Advancements In Diversity In Dermatology: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis Of Racial And Ethnic Trends In U.S. Dermatology Residency Programs (2020-2024), Devin Barzallo, Afua Ofori-Darko, Larissa De Souza, Precious Nwanwa, Timmie Sharma

Student Scholarship

Diversity in residency programs is important for achieving health equity. Although targeted initiatives have led to some progress, dermatology residency trainees do not proportionally reflect the growing diversity of the U.S. population. We analyzed data from the Association of American Medical Colleges on residents from 2020 to 2024 to evaluate evolving diversity trends.

Malignancy-Associated Renal Infarction: A Case Of Prostate Cancer Presenting With Flank Pain And Hematuria., Connor J Stinson, Alec Pupo, Patrick Laird

Internal Medicine Resident Research

Renal infarction is an uncommon but critical diagnosis that is frequently overlooked due to its nonspecific presentation and overlap with more common causes of abdominal or flank pain. Patients with malignancy, including metastatic prostate cancer, are at increased risk of thromboembolic events due to the intrinsic hypercoagulable state promoted by cancer, yet arterial events, such as renal infarction, remain underrecognized. We present the case of a 74-year-old male with metastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer who developed acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Evaluation revealed elevated blood pressure, microscopic hematuria, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis …

Power And Inclusivity: Bolognesi Lgbtq Activists Reflect On The Italian Language, Lauren E. Duncan, Bruno Grazioli

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Research in psychology and linguistics identifies ways grammatically gendered language affects the ways in which people think, perceive, and make judgements in everyday life in ways that disadvantage women, and more recently, non-binary and trans people. Activists, scholars, and politicians have worked to identify and remedy the masculinist bias in the Italian language, with mixed results. In this research article we describe how ten Italian feminist LGBTQIA+ activists interviewed in Bologna in 2019 negotiate gendered language in their everyday lives and in their activism. Themes mentioned by the activists include how language constructs reality, both in its current restriction of …

Outcomes Of Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Communitybased Drug Rehabilitation Program For Voluntary Vs. Court-Mandated Clients In The Philippines, Maria Regina M. Hechanova, Trixie Anne Co, Fessa R. Egusquiza

Psychology Department Faculty Publications

This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of a community- based rehabilitation program for voluntary and court-mandated drug users in the Philippines. Participants went through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual group-based program that aimed to develop their recovery skills and life skills. The program also included family modules to enhance their knowledge of drug use, its effects, and the role of family in recovery. A cohort design was used with pre- and posttest surveys administered before and immediately after the program. The sample consisted of 105 voluntary clients and 118 court-mandated clients who underwent screening or drug dependency evaluation and were recommended for …

September 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

• The 5 biggest challenges facing retail pharmacy
• FDA Launches Green List to Protect Americans from Illegal Imported GLP-1 Drug Ingredients
• From Dispensing to Decision-Making: How Pharmacists Are Redefining Leadership in Oncology Care
• Check out our virtual tour video of the Hodge Center

A Pestel-Swot Matrix Analysis Of Sustainable Aquafeed Sector: A Case Of Kenya's Fish Feed Sector, Esther Magondu, Lucy Njogu, Kevin Ouko, Jimmy B. Mboya, Mavindu Muthoka, Rodrigue Yossa, Jonathan Munguti, Mary A. Opiyo, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Kevin Obiero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global demand for seafood continues to rise, positioning aquaculture as a critical pathway for improving food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. In Kenya, the aquaculture sector remains constrained by structural challenges, with fish feed accounting for 60%–70% of production costs and limiting sectoral growth, particularly for smallholder farmers. This review critically analyzes Kenya's fish feed sector through an integrated PESTEL-SWOT framework, drawing on a scoping review of academic literature, policy reports, and sector development studies. The paper highlights key macro-level drivers, including fragmented policy implementation, dependency on imported ingredients, and climate-related risks, and connects these with internal industry dynamics such …

The Effects Of Mouthguard And Physiotherapy On Bruxism: An Emg And Posture Angle Analysis—A Pilot Clinical Study, Nathalie Yared, Pascal El Braidy, Romy Slaiby, Amine El Zoghby

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine whether a clinical trial to assess the impact of physiotherapy and mouthguards on bruxism was feasible. This included assessing participant recruitment, carrying out the interventions, and gathering data with appropriate techniques. The study focused on using posture angle analysis to evaluate changes in posture linked to bruxism and electromyography (EMG) to detect muscular activity. By exploring these elements, the study aimed to provide the groundwork for a more extensive, larger clinical trial.

Methods: Participants were recruited from the USJ dental clinics after their consultations. They were screened for bruxism using a …

The Blacker The Berry: Food Environments And Intake Associated With Perinatal Depression And Secondary Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Black Americans In The St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Najjuwah S. Walden

Brown School Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the food environment, intake, and health is complex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if food environments in proximity to Black pregnant women in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area were associated with prenatal eating habits and if these eating habits were associated with the risk of developing depressive symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum. The study also aimed to understand if there was a relationship between prenatal eating habits and the decision to breastfeed and if the onset of postpartum depressive symptoms has any effect on this relationship. Due to the importance of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods …