Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Trends In The Abscopal Effect After Radiation To Spinal Metastases: A Systematic Review, Sharath Kumar Anand, Mohamed Macki, Mohamed Fakih, Jaafar Elmenini, Raviteja Suryadevara, Adam M. Robin

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: While the abscopal effect has been previously described, the phenomenon has been poorly defined with spinal metastases. This article presents the first systematic review of the abscopal effect after radiation therapy to metastatic spinal cancer, especially since the spinal column represents one of the most common metastatic locations.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [Figure 1] in the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) resources, a systematic review identified relevant studies via a computer-aided search of MEDLINE and Embase. Ten publications that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from …

Functioning And Vision-Related Quality Of Life In Severe Peripheral Field Loss Due To Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Qualitative Study, Abigail M. Kumagai, Ryan Lange, Katherine Bissen, Joshua R. Ehrlich

Medical Student Research Symposium

Vision impairment and blindness are associated with disability and decreased social participation and independence. While vision rehabilitation may improve patients’ functional abilities, there is scarce data regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients with severe peripheral field loss (PFL). In order to evaluate rehabilitation strategies for individuals with severe PFL, a valid and reliable instrument to measure vision-dependent functioning and vision-related quality of life is needed. Accordingly, this qualitative study was the first phase in developing a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure tailored to this population. Individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) were recruited from the Kellogg Eye Center and the Association …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Bleb Needling Following Primary Glaucoma Filtering Surgery In Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Bryen Turco, Vaama Patel, Chaesik Kim, Justin Tannir, Lauren Keshishian, Anju Goyal, Mark Juzych, Bret Hughes, Faisal Ridha Al-Timimi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: To determine the long-term success rate of bleb needling in a predominantly African American population and to identify factors associated with success.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational clinical study in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Patients who underwent a primary trabeculectomy, with or without an express shunt placement, and then subsequently had a bleb needling procedure were selected for this study. Patients were followed every three months for a period of two years. Failure criteria included achieving an intraocular pressure (IOP) of greater than 20 mmHg or greater than 80% of the pre-needling value on …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Social Collaborations On Sexual And Reproductive Health Knowledge, Lucki Word, Jaila Campbell, Manar T. Edriss, Destiny Stroman, Jewel Evans, Melanie Hanna-Johnson, Md, Anil N. F. Aranha, Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Developments in technology, such as the popularity of mobile devices and social media outlets, have enhanced the ability of individuals to communicate. Currently, search engines allow for easy exploration of information related to every topic of interest. Our study purpose was to evaluate the impact of technological and social collaborations on sexual and reproductive health knowledge (SRHK).

Methods: A 50-item survey instrument, integrating factors of sociodemographics, number/type of social collaborations, technological communication use, and SRHK, was developed to assess familiarity with sexual and reproductive health perceptions. The survey was provided to consenting patients in an ambulatory, primary care setting. …

Medical Student Perspectives On Opioid Use Disorders: An Innovative Mat Waiver Training Integration During Im Clerkships, Michael Garmo, Rafael Ramos, Katherine Palmer Loveluck, Kaycee Ching, Irvin Lein, Jody Chou, Aaron Szpytman, Eva Waineo Md, Diane L. Levine Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

The opioid epidemic in the US has become a major issue in healthcare. In 2017, there was an estimated 72,306 drug overdose related deaths and Emergency Departments (ED) nationally saw a 30% increase in opioid related overdoses.

Innovative programs can help ensure patients are offered optimal treatment options. Most primary care physicians self-report they lack the skills to identify and appropriately treat substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Studies have suggested that the best solution is to improve medical school curricula, which translates to better educated future physicians. Unfortunately, due to timing and exposure constraints, most medical school programs do not provide …

Evaluating The Anti-Cancer Efficacy Of A Synthetic Curcumin Analog On Human Melanoma Cells And Its Interaction With Standard Chemotherapeutics, Krishan Parashar, Siddhartha Sood, Ali Mehaidli, Colin Curran, Caleb Vegh, Christopher Nguyen, Christopher Pignanelli, Jianzhang Wu, Guang Liang, Yi Wang, Siyaram Pandey

Medical Student Research Symposium

Melanoma is the leading cause of skin-cancer related deaths in North America. Metastatic melanoma is difficult to treat and chemotherapies have limited success. Furthermore, chemotherapies lead to toxic side effects due to nonselective targeting of normal cells. Curcumin is a natural product of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and has been shown to possess anti-cancer activity. However, due to its poor bioavailability and stability, natural curcumin is not an effective cancer treatment. We tested synthetic analogs of curcumin that are more stable. One of these derivatives, Compound A, has shown significant anti-cancer efficacy in colon, leukemia, and triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer cells. …

Factors Associated With 5-Year Glaucomatous Progression In Glaucoma Suspect Eyes, Dhir Patwa Bsc, Nariman Nassiri Md Mph, Vaama Patel Md, Chaesik Kim Bsee, Bret A. Hughes Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: The US Preventive Services Task Force found that treatment of early asymptomatic primary open-angle glaucoma reduces visual field defects. However, it remains unclear which factors are associated with glaucomatous progression and which patients are at higher risk. The purpose of this study was to assess demographic factors, medical comorbidities, Humphrey visual field (VF) results, and Cirrus optical coherence tomography variables that could be predictive for 5-year glaucoma progression.

Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: glaucoma suspect eyes (defined as an asymmetric cup to disc ratio or an intraocular pressure >21mmHg), best-corrected visual acuity …

Pannus Sign On Ultrasound And Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Placenta Percreta And Is Associated With High Estimated Blood Loss, Karin Fox, Tushar Shetty

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objective: Antenatal identification of the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has been estimated to be approximately 50% in multicenter and population based data, with sensitivity and specificity far lower than that reported from referral center cohorts. Easily obtained, objective markers are key to improving antenatal detection. We noted that in many PAS cases, the placenta bulges over the cervical os, like an abdominal pannus over a belt. The depth of the “pannus” can be measured on ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We predicted that a positive sign can differentiate between percreta and increta/accreta.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review of …

The Use Of Urine Drug Testing For Risk Stratification And Efficacious Drug Monitoring In Pain Management Settings, Ahmad I. Hasan, Kareem Elhage, Brendan Farley, Khaled J. Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objective: To understand the current landscape of urine drug testing (UDT) guidelines as part of risk assessment for opioid abuse, and to offer recommendations towards adopting universal screening guidelines.

Background: There has been an opioid epidemic within the United States, and the role of prescription opioids has been well established. Despite proposed recommendations, there has yet to be a published universal screening guideline on the use of UDT in the setting of opioid abuse risk stratification as well as postoperative drug monitoring.

Methods: We explored current guidelines for UDT on two levels. First, we explore general indications for UDT within …

Antimicrobial Effects Of Adjunctive Thymosin Beta-4 Therapy In Bacterial Keratitis, Spandana Alluri, Thomas Carion, Ebrahim Abdul Shukkur, Gabriel Sosne, Elizabeth Berger

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: Our lab has been focused on developing thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4 ) as a potential therapeutic for bacterial keratitis, an extremely debilitating ocular infection that is prevalent world wide. Tβ4 is a naturally occurring g-actin sequestering peptide, which we have previously shown significantly improves disease outcome in a P. aeruginosa (PA)-induced keratitis model when used adjunctively with ciprofloxacin (cipro). Following observations of decreased bacterial load in Tβ4 +cipro-treated corneas, this project aims to investigate the synergy between Tβ4 and cipro regarding bactericidal effects and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) regulation.
Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were used to quantify the bactericidal …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion Prostate Biopsy In Patients With Prostate Cancer On Active Surveillance Who Went On To Have A Radical Prostatectomy, Isaac Palma-Zamora, Philip Olson, Guillaume Farah, Akshay Sood, Deepansh Dalela, Marcus Jamil, Sohrab Arora, Jacob Keeley, Natalija Kovacevic, James O. Peabody, Craig G. Rogers, Mani Menon, Ali Dabaja, Firas Abdollah

Medical Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Use Of Biologics In Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Elizabeth A. Warbasse, Taryn Huizenga Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is an inflammatory papulosquamous disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by hyperkeratotic scaling plaques with an orange-red hue, “islands of sparing,” and palmoplantar keratoderma; it may cause erythroderma. There have been no completed controlled clinical trials for the treatment of PRP, and there are no FDA approved treatments at this time; most treatment evidence is derived from case reports. This review of the literature explores the use of various biologics which have been attempted for treatment of widespread or treatment resistant PRP. Some case reports have demonstrated efficacy of anti-IL-17 and anti-IL12/23 agents for PRP …

Focal Laser Photocoagulation For Diabetic Macular Edema Done By Resident Physicians: Predictors Of Effective Treatment, Matthew Tukel, Desiree Albert Md, Sarah Syeda Md, Anita Vaishampayan, Xihui Lin Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of focal laser for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) performed by ophthalmology residents.

Methods: This retrospective chart review studies DME patients treated in a resident clinic with focal laser. Visual acuity (VA), OCT central subfield thickness (CST), and maximum subfield thickness (MST) at initial, 1-month, and 6-month visits were recorded.

Results: For 32 reviewed patients, the average VA was 20/58 initially and 20/39 at 6 months (p=0.18). Mean CST was 311 µm initially and 305 µm at 6 months (p=0.09). Mean MST was 413 µm initially and 382 µm at …

Upper-Extremity Injuries Are The 2nd Most Common Workplace Injuries From 1992 To 2018, Nikhil R. Yedulla, Dylan S. Koolmees, Eric B. Battista, Syed S. Raza, Zachary A. Montgomery, Charles S. Day

Medical Student Research Symposium

Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in the workplace, yet it is unclear whether upper-extremity, lower-extremity, or trunk injuries are the most prevalent. We hypothesize that: (1) trunk injuries are the most common in the overall workplace, and (2) upper-extremity injuries are more common in labor-based industries than non-labor industries. Workplace related injury data from 1992 to 2018 was collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Workplace Injuries & Illnesses” database. Occurrence of trunk, upper-extremity, and lower-extremity injuries in major industries (agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare) were aggregated during this time period and compared. Overall workplace related injury occurrence in major industries …

Enhancing Student Engagement In Wayne State University School Of Medicine (Wsusom) Curriculum Design, Development, Evaluation, And Implementation, Connor Buechler, Heidi T. Kromrei, Leo M. Hall

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose: There are a variety of ways in which the 1200 medical students at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) can formally participate in curricular efforts. To date, a formal inventory and evaluation of these programs has not been reported.

Methods: We compiled a list of students involved in courses, committees, and formal activities related to the medical school curriculum. We then developed and delivered a survey to measure student perceptions utilizing the following constructs: 1) Guidance/Support for Student Role, 2) Project Successes and Challenges, 3) Curricular Project Measurement and Monitoring, 4) Curriculum Management Committee Engagement and Accessibility, 5) …

The Only Female Surgeon Present, Robyn Oro

Notes from the Archives

No abstract provided.

Gbpac: New Updates Regarding Covid-19, March 16, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

A memo announcing the closure of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and the status of upcoming events.

Guidance For Employees Regarding Covid-19, March 16, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

A memo outlining the steps employees can take to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of viruses.

From The Provost: Online Instruction Resources And Faculty Evaluation Changes, March 16, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

A memo from the Provost covering principles for online instruction and information on faculty evaluations.

Uni Announces Closure Of Communal Buildings, March 16, 2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Response to COVID-19

A memo announcing the closure of several buildings on campus.

2020-03-16_Michiganoverview_Pressrelease_54, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Cumulative Michigan COVID-19 Data

The press release was obtained from Michigan's Coronavirus page, under the tab Press Releases. The direct link to the press release is https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98158-521341--,00.html

Reliability And Validity Of A Smartphone-Based Inclinometer Application Measuring Shoulder Internal Rotation, Taylor Lau, Sheng Lin, Tyler True, Wayne Wu, James M. Mckivigan

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

This study intended to evaluate the reliability and validity of a smartphone-based inclinometer application and compare these results to those of the standard clinical goniometer. The study measured the internal shoulder rotation of 19 men and 20 women. One third-year physical therapy student took all the smartphone-based inclinometer measurements, and another took all the clinical standard goniometer measurements. The subjects were randomly placed into set amounts of internal rotation, and then the two measurements were taken. The study found no significant difference between the smartphone-based inclinometer and the goniometer. The reliability between the app and the goniometers was good to …

Ada News - 03/16/2020, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

2020-03-16_Michiganoverview_Covidstats, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Cumulative Michigan COVID-19 Data

The COVID Overview page was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https:/www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-520743--,00.html. Data was compiled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The website updated at 2pm, with data including all information reported through midnight the previous day.

The website contained the tables Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by County, Percentage of Cases by Sex, Percentage of Cases by Age, and Hospitalization.

Pain Squad+ Smartphone App To Support Real-Time Pain Treatment For Adolescents With Cancer: Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial., Lindsay Jibb, Paul C Nathan, Vicky Breakey, Conrad Fernandez, Donna Johnston, Victor Lewis, Sarah Mckillop, Serina Patel, Christine Sabapathy, Caron Strahlendorf, J Charles Victor, Myla E Moretti, Cynthia Nguyen, Amos Hundert, Celia Cassiani, Graziella El-Khechen Richandi, Hayley Insull, Rachel Hamilton, Geoffrey Fang, Susan Kuczynski, Jennifer Stinson

Paediatrics Publications

INTRODUCTION: Pain negatively affects the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adolescents with cancer. The Pain Squad+ smartphone-based application (app), has been developed to provide adolescents with real-time pain self-management support. The app uses a validated pain assessment and personalised pain treatment advice with centralised decision support via a registered nurse to enable real-time pain treatment in all settings. The algorithm informing pain treatment advice is evidence-based and expert-vetted. This trial will longitudinally evaluate the impact of Pain Squad+, with or without the addition of nurse support, on adolescent health and cost outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a …

Beyond The Food Pantry: Supporting #Realcollege Students During Covid-19, Sara Goldrick-Rab

Rebuilding the Launchpad: Serving Students During Covid Resource Library

Colleges and universities across the United States and around the world are scrambling to keep their students, faculty, and staff healthy, safe, and educated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As experts on the daily crises that derail #RealCollege students and prevent them from completing their degrees our team at the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice offers the following considerations and resources to support your work.

2020-03-16 A Message From Chancellor Roth, Paul B. Roth

HSC Messages from the Chancellor

No abstract provided.

What's Happening: March 16, 2020, Maine Medical Center

What's Happening

No abstract provided.

Meaning-Centered Supervision: A Structured Self-Reflection Model To Reconnect With Personal And Professional Meaning In Palliative Care Work, Rebecca Cammy, Msw, Lcsw

Department of Medical Oncology Posters

Meaning-centered supervision explores participant’s sense of meaning of past, present, and future personal and professional experiences. The series aims to reintegrate selfreflection into clinical practice through experiential exercises, homework journaling, and group discussion. Social workers develop a narrative around themes of professional attitude, living and creating work life, and connections with the social work profession. The goal is to help palliative care social workers create a sense meaning and purpose in their work as they develop their personal and professional identities. Additionally, the hope is to support supervisees through any concerns of burnout and compassion fatigue.

Disease Mongering: How Sickness Sells, Vanessa C. Iroegbulem

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

“Disease mongering” is the practice of widening diagnostic boundaries of an illness and promoting their public awareness to expand the markets for treatment and to increase profits. This tactic typically used by pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers, insurance companies, and even some doctors and patient groups, has become a great concern. Disease mongering has since increased in parallel with “medicalization,” which attempts to label normal human conditions as medical problems, thus becoming the subject of medical study, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment. This paper first seeks to examine how an increasing amount of life’s natural conditions and ailments are being seen …