Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

In Adult Patients 60+ Y.O. With Aaa, Would (F)Evar Lead To Least Amount Of Post-Operative Complications Than Traditional Osr?, Sandra Yoo

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INTRODUCTION: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent ballooning of the abdominal aorta greater than 3cm in diameter. A small AAA is often asymptomatic. However, as time passes the risk of rupture increases as the diameter of the aneurysm widens. This can ultimately lead to massive internal bleeding and fatality. Surgery is the most common course of treatment for AAA. Most patients will undergo traditional open surgery, but this is often associated with prolonged in-hospital recovery and is contraindicated in an aging population that have a higher prevalence of comorbidities. With this in thought, some clinicians have been turning …

Culturally Competent Interventions To Reduce Sids Rates Among Native American/Alaska Native Nations, Kathleen Hynes

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ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Environmental factors can increase the risk of SIDS for infants. These environmental factors have been targeted by educational campaigns in the past in an effort to reduce SIDS rates. Such educational campaigns have been effective in reducing SIDS among the white population but not Native American/Alaska Native (NAAN) populations in the United States. This paper aims to study whether educational campaigns that incorporate NAAN traditions and take socioeconomic factors into account will more effectively reduce SIDS rates for these communities.

Methods: To obtain scholarly articles, a literature search was performed using Pubmed, Academic Search Ultimate, and Google scholar. …

Manipulation Of Ar-V7 In Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer, Sean Simpson

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Abstract

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the leading cancer affecting men of all races in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. If caught early, many have had success in combating the disease, but if the cancer metastasizes, the 5-year survival rate drops to only 30%. Current treatment options heavily involve hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. While these treatments can be effective for early stage prostate cancer, they can fall short in preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. This review analyzes a new potential way of preventing …

Mindfulness Meditation As A Treatment For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Gad), Punit Patel

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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves dysregulation of worry for more than 6 months. Symptoms include fatigue, insomnia and irritability. Medications such as SSRIs may cause constipation, lower libido and cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Alternative therapies like mindfulness meditation teach patients breath awareness and to redirect unwanted negative thoughts to positive ones. This paper examines the efficacy of mindfulness meditation treatment (I) for managing symptoms of anxiety (O) in adult patients with mild-moderate GAD (P) in comparison to stress management education (C).

The Efficacy Of Thoratec Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices Compared To Syncardia Total Artificial Hearts As Bridge-To-Transplantation Therapy In Adults With Biventricular Heart Failure, Alexandria Davenport

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Abstract

Introduction: Systolic heart failure is a chronic condition in which there is a decrease in the heart’s ability to pump blood to the body. While there are several treatments for the symptoms of heart failure, the only curative treatment for most causes of chronic heart failure is a heart transplant. Due to the limited number of heart donors, 72.2% of patients in need of a heart transplant in 2017 spent up to 2 years waiting for a transplant. Mechanical circulatory support has been used to increase patient survival to transplantation. In the past, these machines were external devices that …

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries As A Possible Risk Factor For Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears In Female High School And College Athletes, Brooke Weyand

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Introduction: Both mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among two of the most common, and most career-ending sports medicine injuries. Concussions often result from a blow to the head that can cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, photophobia, and memory loss. Concussion recovery often involved brain rest from athletics, screen exposure, reading, lights, and if severe enough, academics. The ACL is a ligament that is detrimental in stabilization of the knee joint. It connects the femur to the tibia within the joint, and can tear suddenly if it undergoes a quick twisting motion. ACL tears often …

The Efficacy Of Aquablation In The Treatment Of Large Volume Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Jessica Greenwood

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Introduction:

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) is a condition affecting adult males causing symptoms including urinary frequency, incontinence, and urinary retention. While first line treatment methods include lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapies, many patients elect for surgical procedures for symptomatic relief. In patients with extremely large volume prostates the surgical method most commonly used has been an open prostatectomy, which is associated with both long-term efficacy and more surgical complications than minimally invasive techniques. Therefore, this review analyzes Aquablation (I) for symptom management (O) in patients diagnosed with BPH (P) compared to open prostatectomy (C).

Methods:

A literature search was conducted …

Alternatives To Red Blood Cell Transfusions, Julia Prosser

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Abstract

Introduction: Allogenic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used for a number of different reasons. As with any medical procedure, allogenic RBC transfusions are not risk-free. Since the first recorded blood transfusion in 1655, the process has remained relatively unchanged. ABO incompatibility and contamination with infectious diseases are two major complications associated with RBC transfusions. Furthermore, traditional allogenic RBC transfusions have supply and demand issues. These issues, plus several more, could be alleviated with the use of artificial blood. This paper addresses the important clinical question: In patients who require RBC transfusions (P), is there a viable artificial blood …

Comparing Open And Fetoscopic Fetal Surgical Repairs Of Myelomeningocele, Kyra Isaacs

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Introduction: There have been great advances in the treatment of myelomeningocele (MMC) spina bifida in the past 20 years. An open surgical repair in-utero has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity, specifically decreasing the rate of shunt placement and hindbrain herniation compared to a postnatal surgical approach. However, this surgery introduced risks to the mother that were never a consideration in previous surgical approaches.

Methods: This paper compares research on new minimally invasive fetoscopic surgical techniques to open fetal surgery in the prenatal repair of MMC. Searches in PubMed and Clinical Key were conducted to produce papers published on …

The Use Of A Gluten-Free Diet As Treatment For Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Grace Mcknight

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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in humans. The current treatment for HT is thyroid hormone supplementation. However, recent research suggests possible treatment of HT with gluten-free diets. This study found several sources testing this hypothesis. The results showed evidence to support that gluten-free diets are associated with, and cause a reduction in thyroid antibodies. Despite the current evidence, more randomized control trials are needed to increase reliability and validity of these findings.

Efficacy Of Curcumin In The Treatment Of Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Compared To Sole Gemcitabine Chemotherapy, Komal Vadodaria

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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Due to the difficulty of diagnosing this malignancy until it has progressed to an advanced stage, treatment is often difficult, expensive and ineffective. The first line treatment for PDAC is Gemcitabine chemotherapy. However, due to its extensive side effect profile and the early chemo-resistance the PDAC cells develop against Gemcitabine, the need for alternative therapeutic methods to manage treatment is necessary. Therefore, this review analyzes if in individuals with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [P], does the addition of curcumin with the standard Gemcitabine chemotherapy …

Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Versus Aerobic Physical Activity In The Management And Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes: A Review Paper, Nicole Weis

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Introduction: In recent decades, the number of people affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus has been a topic of interest. The wide reaching impact on both, individual and societal, healthcare costs and quality measures, begs for attention and interventions. Lifestyle modifications, such as: weight management or loss, increasing physical activity, and making healthier dietary choices, are the first line intervention. However, there are not studies that directly compare the role of a single dietary approach to a form of physical activity. Rather, different diets go head to head as well as aerobic versus resistance training. Therefore, in an attempt to …

The Efficacy Of Adding Eicosapentaenoic Acid To Statin Monotherapy In The Prevention Of Acute Coronary Syndrome In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Carlo Escudero

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Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic medical condition caused by the buildup of plaque within the coronary artery endothelium. If left untreated it can progress to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which can lead to myocardial ischemia and death. Statins are lipid lowering agents used in clinical practice for the medical management of CAD. However, incidence of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events still occurs despite optimal statin therapy. Currently eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been promoted to be effective when added to statin therapy in lowering the incidence of CV events in patients with hypercholesterolemia. This paper will address …

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping (Dcc) Compared To Early Cord Clamping (Ecc) In Preterm Infants, Madelynn Fretto

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Early cord clamping (ECC) versus delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been studied in preterm infants. The question that was researched is, in pregnant women who are giving birth [P], does delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) [I] as compared to early cord clamping [C] improve outcome of preterm infants born before 37 weeks gestation [O]? Results showed preterm infants with DCC had increased hematocrit and hemoglobin, decreasing their risk of anemia. There was not a significant difference in the incidence of jaundice between the two groups. Results suggested DCC has long-term neuroprotective effects. There were no significant differences in intraventricular hemorrhage …

Efficacy Of Cpap Compared To Standard Pharmacotherapy In Reducing Cognitive Impairment Symptoms In Patients With Alzheimer's Disease, Nicholas Moylan

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This review analyzed the following question: In adults age 65 years old or older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (P), is nightly use of CPAP (I) more effective in reducing cognitive impairment symptoms (O) than standard pharmacotherapy options (C)? A literature search conducted through Google Scholar and PubMed granted six relevant articles that provided data for this review. No current studies compared CPAP treatment with pharmacotherapy, and each study used unique measures of cognitive function, making direct comparison of the two therapies difficult. Results demonstrated that first line pharmacotherapy can improve cognitive function, but only in limited way and only in …

Physical Therapy Adherence: An Exploration Into Motivation, Keith Rader

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A major problem in the field of physical therapy is the lack of patient adherence to home exercise program prescriptions. Non-adherence to these exercise programs is as high as 70% according to the research. There must be an underlying mechanism because the type of non-adherent patients is not exclusively based on condition or injury. Past research has centered around two fields of thought for motivation, self-determination and self-efficacy, as well as practitioner intervention to increase these psychological principles in patients. Self-determination is present because while doing physical therapy exercises is not intrinsically enjoyable, patients can be extrinsically motivated by their …

Efficacy Of Onabotulinumtoxina (Botox) Injections Compared To Oral Topiramate In Reduction Of Migraines Suffered In Adults, Stephanie Blaha

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Abstract

Introduction: Migraines are a leading cause of disability in many people worldwide. There are numerous postulations as to their etiology and various medications that treat them. As crippling as migraines are, it is critical that there are therapies to prevent them rather than just treat them acutely. Both OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and Topiramate have been shown to be beneficial as prophylaxis for migraines. This review aims to determine if, in adults who suffer from chronic migraines [P], OnabotulinumtoxinA injections [I] are more effective than oral Topiramate [C] in reduction of the amount of migraines suffered [O].

Methods: A literature search …

Effect Of Epinephrine On Outcomes In Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Ian Lumsden

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Abstract

Introduction

Epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest has been the standard of care for decades. In the United States, epinephrine administration has been recommended by the American Heart Association since the first cardiac arrest guidelines were published in 1974. However, epinephrine use became the standard of care with strong medical rational but with limited data on outcomes. The intent of this research is to review available literature and determine if in (P) an adult population in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (I) treatment with epinephrine administration (C) compared to cardiac care without the administration of epinephrine (O) results in improved survival …

A Reevaluation Of The Importance Of Timing To Antibiotic Administration In Patients With Sepsis And Septic Shock In The Emergency Department, Melissa Yoon

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Sepsis is a life threatening organ dysfunction that is caused by the body’s dysregulated response to an infection. A crucial component of treatment includes intravenous antibiotic administration and is recommended within 1 hour of suspected sepsis. However, research conducted over the past two decades have produced mixed results regarding the relationship between mortality rates and this 1 hour time limit. In light of issues such as increasing antibiotic resistance and limited resources in emergency departments, this study reviewed current literature to critically evaluate the effects of modest delays in antibiotic administration in sepsis and septic shock. The studies suggest that …

Renoprotective Effect Of Sglt-2 Inhibitors Vs ​ Ace Inhibitors In Type 2 Diabetes, Duncan Pickett

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Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide today, and consistently growing over the years. The illness is marked by progressively increased insulin resistance in the body’s cells, leading to glucose overload, and eventually cell and organ damage and death. One end result of DM2 is nephropathy. The current first-line treatment for DM2 is a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). ACE inhibitors are considered reno-protective, but eventually nephropathy occurs in patients taking the drug regardless. This paper will address the efficacy of a new alternative diabetes drug, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors …

The Efficacy Of Ketamine In Adult Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder With Symptoms Refractory To Standard Of Care Treatment., Brooke Thornton

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First line pharmacologic treatments for adult patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involve selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRIs). These drug classes often fail to deliver timely relief of symptoms as well as maintain longevity of symptom recurrence. This research analyzed the use of ketamine in adult patients suffering with OCD for the purposes of more efficacious management of symptoms. Although ketamine demonstrated a timelier relief of symptoms in some small clinical studies, its effects were ultimately unable to be sustained long term. Additionally, a wide range of adverse effects including dissociation, and rebound symptoms were observed. As a result, large …

Efficacy Of Adjunct Acupuncture (Insertive And Non-Insertive) In The Treatment Of Neonates With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Kali Thibault

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Introduction: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects newborn infants exposed to opioids in utero. NAS is becoming increasingly more prevalent due to the ongoing opioid epidemic. Current treatment for NAS is primarily morphine or buprenorphine. Even on these treatments, infants with NAS often still have symptoms of withdrawal, requiring high doses of medication and extended hospital stays. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to decrease withdrawal symptoms in adults, so researchers are now looking to use this non-pharmacological treatment on infants with NAS.

Methods: A literature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, and EBSCOhost in November of …

Oral Contraceptives As Possible Acl Injury Prevention Method, Haley Schweizer

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are an upsetting setback for many athletes that require a long and costly recovery process. The injury rates are four times greater in women than men. Preventative measures that help to prevent ACL injuries are limited to stretching and strengthening. Therefore, this review aims to investigate if oral contraceptive [I] usage provides a possible new avenue for prevention of ACL injury [O] in young female athletes (ages 18-30) [P] compared to those that do not take oral contraceptives [C].

Methods: A literature review was performed though PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS Database, and ClinicalKey …

The Efficacy Of Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution Compared To Cell Salvage As A Blood Transfusion Alternative, Julia Yu

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Blood transfusions are currently the treatment of choice for significant blood loss. However, there are a variety of reasons for which they cannot be utilized. Current alternatives are acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) and cell 1 This study analyzes whether ANH or cell salvage is more effective in minimizing blood loss in perioperative or trauma patients. Multiple different studies involving either ANH or cell salvage were compared to each other. However, due to the lack of research conducted in either method, results obtained were largely inconclusive.

Weight Stigma In Different Aspects Of Life, Emanuel Noyola

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Weight stigma is discrimination or bias against any individual who is perceived to be overweight or obese. It has recently been recorded that the effects of weight discrimination have an influence on three major areas of life which include schools, the workplace, and personal relationships. This is important as weight discrimination was found to mostly have negative effects in all these areas but was also found to be sometimes beneficial in others, such as retail. Past research has also shown that the effects of weight discrimination are 37 times worse among obese females compared to obese males. One alarming setting …

"It's All In Your Head": Diagnostic Overshadowing And Mental Illness, Katya Monarski

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Diagnostic overshadowing in mentally ill patients is the misattribution of physical illness to a preexisting mental health condition. This phenomenon contributes to the fact that patients with mental illness to receive diagnoses later, receive less treatment, and live with untreated chronic conditions. The societal attitudes on mental illness associate sufferers with negativity, danger, fear, and strangeness. This stigma could affect the formation of a realistic schema for mentally ill patients, even in a medical context. Doctors who view mental illness with the misinformed stereotypes may only see the patient for that stereotype and not as a whole. A detriment to …

A Natural Remedy: Nbccpt Approach In School For Adhd Diagnosed, Kiran Patel

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Nature-based child centered play therapy (NBCCPT) is a non-directive approach that can be practiced by the counselor in a natural environment consisting of natural tools. The approach allows a child to lead a therapy session without the counselor’s input. Such an approach can be beneficial for children with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially in a school setting. Therapy in school can aid families that cannot afford outpatient therapy as well as allow counselors to track the child’s therapy progress. In school, counselors can utilize an outdoor garden to conduct NBCCPT with the help of five stages, planning, preparing, planting, …

Narcan Training And The Public Perception Of The Opioid Crisis, Megan Burch

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As the opioid epidemic continues to increase, new ways of getting overdose victims the drug naloxone have been implemented. Some of these measures include allowing nonmedical personnel the ability to administer the drug to someone experiencing an overdose. With these new laws being enacted, it is important to look at how the public feels about the increasing public access to naloxone. This article will review literature and research on the increase of training sessions on the administration of naloxone and public attitudes towards naloxone. The paper also reviews an increase in demand for similar training programs to become mandatory for …

Factors Of Physical Activity In Youth, Joshua Held

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JOSHUA HELD

Factors of Physical Activity (PA) Levels in Youth

PA levels in youth can help to predict PA levels in adults, improve cognitive function in youth, and is associated with improved health-quality of life, blood pressure, and even mental health in adults. Thus, it is imperative to understand the various factors associated with motivating and hindering PA levels in youth and how these factors can translate into the PA habits of their adult lifestyles. The factors analyzed in this study are socio-economic status, adult influence, social influence, sedentary lifestyle, and physical/mental health. These factors overlap and differ in their …

Hivanish: A Program Addressing Hiv Rates In Transgender Sex Workers In Washington D.C., Evangeline Wang

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HIVanish: A Program Addressing HIV Rates in Transgender Sex Workers in Washington D.C.

Evangeline Wang

Faculty Advisor: Dr Olorunsaiye

As of 2013 around 16, 500 residents in Washington D.C. were living with HIV. Of the 16,500 residents, 1.5% or 246 cases were among the transgender population. The majority of those cases were among transgender women at 67.5%¹. Gaps remain in addressing HIV among transgender sex workers, most of them on a systemic level. This could be attributed to misclassification of transgender women as men who have sex with men, or systemic neglect². This lack of knowledge …