Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of Sociodemographic Factors On Opioid Mortalities In The U.S. State Of Georgia, Theresa Highsmith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the late 1990s, the United States has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic that continues to present significant public health challenges. Opioid-related mortality, particularly involving fentanyl, has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the associations between educational level, homelessness, and alcohol use with opioid-related overdose deaths involving fentanyl, while controlling for age, gender, and marital status, among Black and White populations in the U.S. state of Georgia. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model, which recognizes that individual behavior is influenced by multiple levels of factors, including interpersonal, community, and …

Effects Of Oxygen Manipulation On Myofibroblast Phenotypic Transformation In Patients With Radiation-Induced Fibrosis, Eric Mastrolonardo, Sarah Sussman, Bo Yun, Victor Jegede, Dev Amin, Joel Rosenbloom, Andrew P. South, Voichita Bar-Ad, Peter J Wermuth, Adam J. Luginbuhl

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

We tested if hyperoxic conditions can reduce the proportion of active myofibroblasts, which are assumed to be a major driver of head and neck radiation-induced fibrosis, as measured by expression levels of pro-fibrotic genes. Radiated, non-cancerous soft tissue from the head and neck and skin/soft tissue from non-radiated flap donor site were collected from each patient. Myofibroblast density was quantified using immunofluorescence staining with α-SMA and DAPI and visualisation under confocal microscopy and compared between baseline non-radiated and radiated tissue from the same patient. From each tissue specimen, fibroblast cell lines were cultured and exposed to either normoxic, hypoxic, or …

Uncharted Territory: The First Case Of Cardiac Myxoma In A Patient With Nf2, Muhammad Sabri, Zinya Talukder, Naila Ijaz, Joseph Neri

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Cardiac myxoma is a benign tumor, typically originating in the left atrium, and is often linked to Carney complex. In our literature review, there are no case reports of cardiac myxoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old man presented with dizziness and was found to have meningioma and vestibular schwannoma, consistent with NF2. Cardiac myxoma was incidentally diagnosed through echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and tissue pathology. The mass was surgically resected. The patient was offered genetic testing; however, he decided to not undergo further testing.

DISCUSSION: NF2 is an inherited …

Causes Of Mortality In Patients With Inborn Errors Of Immunity: An 18-Year Retrospective Cohort Study, Salem Al-Tamemi, Musab Al Jabri, Eiman Abdalla, Ibrahim Al-Busaidi, Khalfan Al-Zeedy, Laila Al Yazidi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a diverse group of disorders arising from defects in the development and/or function of the immune system. However, data concerning the microbiological aspects of infections and direct causes of mortality in patients with IEI are limited and fragmented. This study aimed to elucidate the causes of disease and terminal events leading to death in a cohort of patients with IEI. Methods: This retrospective study included deceased patients who were diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, over an 18-year period between 2005 and 2023. Data on clinical features, …

Comparing The Mechanical Properties Of Conventional, Milled, And 3d-Printed Occlusal Splint Materials: An In Vitro Study, Sadeem Alzaghran

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: Evidence on the mechanical properties of digitally manufactured occlusal splint materials remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of CAD/CAM fabricated occlusal splint materials versus conventionally heat-cured acrylic resin materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 specimens were manufactured for the present study. One CAD-CAM milled (ProArt CAD Splint), one heat-polymerized (SR IVOcap Clear), and three 3D-Printed (KeySplint Hard, NightGuard Firm2 and RoDIN Splint 2.0) resin materials were evaluated. Flexural strength, flexural modulus and surface hardness were measured. The three-point flexure test was used for the determination of flexural strength …

Microrna Signatures In Dental Pulp Stem Cells Following Nicotine Exposure, David Vang, Leyla T. Hardin, Nabil Abid, Der Thor, Nan Xiao

Pacific Faculty Work

Background and Objectives: Nicotine is the most well-studied toxic substance in cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vape. However, smoke and vape are composed of other components that have a negative impact on health. The objective of this study is to investigate whether nicotine has a distinctive impact on molecular mechanisms in stem cells. Methods: The cellular impact of nicotine on the regenerative capacity of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and the microRNA (miRNA) profile was examined. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify miRNA-regulated cellular pathways associated with nicotine exposure. These pathways were then compared to those induced by cigarette smoke …

Infectious Scleritis: A Comprehensive Narrative Review Of Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, And Management Strategies, Hamidreza Ghanbari, Masoud Rahimi, Ali Momeni, Kiana Hassanpour, Nikoo Bayan, Karen E. Lee, Alex Hansen, Ali R. Djalilian, Christopher J. Rapuano, Mohammad Soleimani

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

This study aims to provide an update on infectious scleritis (IS). A comprehensive search was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. IS is a rare but critical condition that presents significant diagnostic challenges and often leads to poor visual outcomes. It accounts for approximately 5%-10% of scleritis cases and warrants significant attention due to its delayed diagnosis. Ocular surgery is the primary contributor to IS, accounting for a substantial proportion of cases ranging from 58% to 83%, followed by trauma contributing to approximately 10% of cases. IS can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria (86%-87%), fungi (11%-13%), viruses, …

Using The Safety Scissors: Dna Resection Regulation At Dna Double-Strand Breaks And Telomeres, Michael M, Soniat, Logan R. Myler

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

DNA resection is a universal process in genome maintenance by which one strand of DNA is degraded, leaving the other strand intact. This sometimes highly processive process is critical for many forms of DNA damage repair, replication-coupled repair, meiotic recombination, and telomere maintenance. Therefore, resection must be tightly regulated to prevent genome instability and promote faithful and accurate repair. Here, we review what is known about how resection functions and how it is controlled, using DNA double-strand break repair and telomere maintenance as examples. We address how resection is regulated in three independent steps: resection initiation, long-range processing, and termination. …

Concurrent Presentation Of An Anomalous Right Coronary Artery And An Unusual Bovine Arch: Case Report, Vasiliki Tasouli-Drakou, Jasmine Dugal, Divuansh Sharma, Kachon Lei, Chowdhury Ahsan

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Anomalous coronary arteries from the opposite sinus of Valsalva are rare but can increase the risk for life-threatening complications. We present the case of a 59-year-old man who was found to have an anomalous right coronary artery and a rare bovine arch variant with a single common brachiocephalic trunk, along with severe proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis on left heart catheterization. The patient underwent a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft and unroofing of the anomalous coronary artery. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of these concurrent anomalies in an individual without tetralogy of Fallot.

Enhancing Onboarding And Role Transition For Advanced Practice Clinicians Through The Development Of A Structured Mentorship Program, Christina Sternesky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The assimilation of advanced practice clinicians (APCs), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants into healthcare systems is significantly dependent on the quality of their onboarding experience and the availability of a structured mentorship program. Without mentorship programs, APCs often experience job dissatisfaction, reduced confidence, undefined role clarity, and increased burnout. In this quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice project, I conducted a comprehensive assessment of the needs of APCs and subsequently developed a structured, evidence-based mentorship program. The program, approved by an expert panel, was designed to support the onboarding of APCS, their role transition, and ongoing professional development within a …

Association Between Homelessness And Maternal Health Outcomes Among Non-Hispanic Black Women In Georgia, Miranda Weaver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal health disparities among homeless non-Hispanic Black women in Georgia represent a critical public health concern, driven by inequitable access to care and elevated risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined how homelessness influences perinatal care utilization (timing and frequency of prenatal visits and postpartum checkups) and pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, and depression), and whether these associations differ by geographic context (urban versus rural). Grounded in the Social Determinants of Health framework, the study used a quantitative cross-sectional design, analyzing secondary data (n = 1,540; weighted ≈ 203,571) from Phase 8 (2017–2021) of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring …

The Covid-19 Lockdown And Diabetes Self-Management In Esan Northeast Area Of Edo State, Esther Ehivbaun Rapu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 lockdown impacted chronic diseases care globally, but there is limited research on how individuals in rural Nigerian communities managed diabetes during this period. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of self-management with diabetes during the COVID-19 lockdown among adults in Esan Northeast. The socioecological model (SEM) served as the guiding conceptual framework, allowing for the exploration of the impact of individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional factors on self-care behaviors. The research explored how cultural, social and economic factors impacted how adults with diabetes in Esan Northeast managed their condition during the COVID-19 lockdown. Semi-structured interviews via …

Effects Of Long Covid On Healthcare Utilization, Michael Gottlieb, Erica S. Spatz, Huihui Yu, Imtiaz Ebna Mannan, Michelle Santangelo, Caitlin Malicki, Nicole L. Gentile, Rachel E. Geyer, Alex Charlton, Jonathan W. Dyal, Joann G. Elmore, Kristyn Gatling, Mandy J. Hill, Juan Carlos C. Montoy, Kelli N. O'Laughlin, Kristin L. Rising, Sharon Saydah, Kari A. Stephens, Ralph C. Wang, Lauren E. Wisk, Arjun K. Venkatesh, Robert A. Weinstein

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most research on Long COVID (LC) has focused on symptoms and quality of life, there remains a critical need to better understand the effect of LC on resource utilization. This study sought to determine the type and amount of healthcare utilization among participants with versus without LC.

METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter U.S. study of adult participants with symptomatic COVID-19, confirmed with testing, who completed 3-month post-infection surveys and had electronic health record data for at least 180 days pre- and post-index testing. We excluded participants with any COVID-19 infections within the …

Adolescents' Use Of Music For Pain Management., Rebecca J. Lepping, Lora L. Black, Kymberly A. Kline, Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, Andrea L. Chadwick, Dustin Wallace, William R. Black

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

To investigate the experiences of adolescents with chronic pain who participated in an intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment program, this secondary study analyzes the themes that emerged regarding the spontaneous utilization of music in coping strategies for chronic pain. During research interviews focused on coping skills and treatment engagement, participants spontaneously reported using music as an effective coping strategy for managing pain. A deductive thematic analysis revealed key themes related to their usage, including using music as a distractor, motivator and in other ways as coping strategies. Since participants indicated that music is essential to their experiences of coping with pain, …

One-Year Clinical Outcomes In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Clopidogrel Versus Prasugrel Versus Ticagrelor: Results Of The Polish Registry Of Acute Coronary Syndromes (Pl-Acs), Julia M. Umińska, Michał Skrzypek, Małgorzata Ostrowska, Piotr Adamski, Aldona Kubica, Piotr Niezgoda, Robert Gajda, Marek Gierlotka, Bartosz Hudzik, Wiktor Kuliczkowski, Diana A. Gorog, Paul A. Gurbel, Jolanta Siller-Matula, Łukasz Szarpak, Michael Savage, Grzegorz Skonieczny, Udaya Tantry, Przemysław Trzeciak, Eliano P. Navarese, Jacek Kubica, Mariusz Gąsior

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Efficient dual antiplatelet therapy is crucial in reducing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Comparative effectiveness between clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor remains unclear in real-world settings.

AIMS: The objective was to evaluate one-year clinical outcomes in ACS patients treated with clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor using data from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 381 278 ACS patients from the PL-ACS registry from 2009 to 2022, who were treated with clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor during hospitalization with a 12-month consistent regimen. The primary outcome was one-year …

Multiscale Modeling And Dynamic Mutational Profiling Of Binding Energetics And Immune Escape For Class I Antibodies With Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein: Dissecting Mechanisms Of High Resistance To Viral Escape Against Emerging Variants, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has underscored the need for a detailed understanding of antibody binding mechanisms to combat immune evasion by emerging variants. In this study, we investigated the interactions between Class I neutralizing antibodies—BD55-1205, BD-604, OMI-42, P5S-1H1, and P5S-2B10—and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using multiscale modeling, which combined molecular simulations with the ensemble-based mutational scanning of the binding interfaces and binding free energy computations. A central theme emerging from this work is that the unique binding strength and resilience to immune escape of the BD55-1205 antibody are determined by leveraging a broad epitope …

Comparing Dosimetric Outcomes Of Static Imrt And Vmat In Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation For Medially Located, Left-Sided Tumor Beds, Rani Jamil

Masters Projects

Abstract

Introduction: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has emerged as a targeted alternative to whole-breast irradiation for early-stage breast cancer, particularly for patients with medially located, left-sided tumors. Static intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) offer advanced dose conformity, yet no direct comparisons between static IMRT and VMAT have been conducted specifically for medially located, left-sided APBI, a uniquely challenging anatomical subgroup. This study evaluates dosimetric differences between static IMRT and VMAT plans to determine which modality provides superior target coverage and organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing in left-sided APBI.

Methods: Ten patients with medially located left-sided breast …

Relapse Of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia With History Of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm And Exacerbation Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Maryam Kaous, Hyeon-Ju Ryoo Ali, Chi Y Ok, Cezar Iliescu, Lara Bashoura, Bela Patel, Zeev Estrov, Saadia A Faiz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has rarely been associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), classified as World Health Organization group 5 PH. Progression of MPN may result in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Case summary: We describe a young woman with AML arising from MPN presenting with PH. Both the AML and PH were alleviated with pulmonary vasodilators and chemotherapy. The patient eventually underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, achieving remission. Several months later, she presented with respiratory symptoms and worsening of PH, signaling the relapse of her AML, subsequently confirmed with right heart catheterization and bone marrow biopsies.

Discussion: Our case highlights …

Optimizing Tobacco-Free Workplace Programs: Applying Rapid Qualitative Analysis To Adapt Interventions For Texas Healthcare Centers Serving Rural And Medically Underserved Patients, Hannah Wani, Maggie Britton, Tzuan A Chen, Ammar D Siddiqi, Asfand B Moosa, Teresa Williams, Kathleen Casey, Lorraine R Reitzel, Isabel Martinez Leal

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Tobacco use is disproportionately high in rural areas, contributing to elevated cancer mortality, yet it often goes untreated due to limited access to care, high poverty and uninsured rates, and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs). This study explored the utility of using rapid qualitative analysis (RQA) to guide the adaptation of a tobacco-free workplace program (TFWP) in Texas healthcare centers serving adults with SUDs in medically underserved areas.

Methods: From September-December 2023 and May-July 2024, we conducted 11 pre-implementation, virtual semi-structured group interviews focused on adapting the TFWP to local contexts (N = 69); 7 with providers (n …

The Histone H3 Lysine 36 Demethylase Kdm2a/Fbxl11 Controls Polycomb-Mediated Gene Repression And Germ Cell Development In Male Mice, Michael T Bocker, Grigorios Fanourgakis, Kristie Wetzel, Pavel A Komarov, Hélène Royo, Alexia Rohmer, Sunwoo Chun, Ching-Yeu Liang, Hubertus Kohler, Taiping Chen, Xiaohong Mao, Mark A Labow, Reginald A Valdez, Michael B Stadler, Dirk G De Rooij, Paola Capodieci, John Tallarico, Antoine H F M Peters, Thomas B Nicholson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

KDM2A/FBXL11 is a Jumonji-domain containing lysine demethylase catalyzing the removal of mono- and di-methyl modifications of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36me1/2). While Kdm2a is required for mouse embryogenesis, its role in adult physiology has been largely unexplored. Using conditional deletion approaches, we demonstrate that Kdm2a deficiency leads to testicular atrophy and male infertility. Although spermatogonial stem cells remain unaffected, proliferating and differentiating spermatogonia exhibit delayed cell cycle progression and apoptosis. RNA-sequencing of purified spermatogonia and spermatocytes reveals Kdm2a-dependent repression of over 750 genes during spermatogonial differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) demonstrates increased H3K36me2 levels at CpG-rich gene promoters …

The Microtubule-Severing Enzyme Spastin Regulates Spindle Dynamics To Promote Chromosome Segregation In Trypanosoma Brucei, Thiago Souza Onofre, Qing Zhou, Ziyin Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Microtubule-severing enzymes play essential roles in diverse cellular processes, including mitosis and cytokinesis, by modulating microtubule dynamics. In the early branching Trypanosoma brucei, microtubule-severing enzymes are involved in cytokinesis and flagellum length control, but none of them have been found to regulate mitosis. Here we report the characterization of the microtubule-severing enzyme spastin in the procyclic form of T. brucei. We demonstrate that spastin severs microtubule in vitro and overexpression of spastin disrupts spindle microtubules in vivo in trypanosomes, leading to defective chromosome segregation. Knockdown of spastin impairs spindle integrity and disrupts chromosome alignment and segregation. We further show that …

Improving Door-In-Door-Out Times For Stemi Transfer Patients: Impact Of A Protocolized Autolaunch Process, Hashim Zaidi, Waleed Kayani, Eric Power, Hei Kit Chan, Sini Eapen, Benjamin Karfunkle

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The timely transfer of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to percutaneous coronary intervention-capable centers is critical for improving outcomes. Although the American Heart Association recommends a door-in-door-out (DIDO) time of ≤30 minutes, national compliance remains low.

Project rationale: At Harris Health, no patients with STEMI met this benchmark before 2022. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) initiative, including an "Autolaunch" process, to expedite STEMI transfers.

Project summary: During 2022-2023, we introduced QI initiatives, including the Autolaunch protocol, for patients with unequivocal STEMI. This process included rapid emergency medical services activation, direct catheterization laboratory transfer, and prearrival cardiologist …

Understanding The Health And Social Determinants Of Health Needs Of Resettled Afghan Refugees In Houston, Texas, Karissa Chesky, Angelica Garcia, Aaron Pathak, Imran Humza Hanif, Srijana Shrestha, Sophia Banu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose

Methods

Gene Therapy Ameliorates Neuromuscular Pathology In Cln3 Disease, Ewa A Ziółkowska, Albina Jablonka-Shariff, Letitia L Williams, Matthew J Jansen, Sophie H Wang, Elizabeth M Eultgen, Matthew D Wood, Daniel A Hunter, Jaiprakash Sharma, Marco Sardiello, Robyn Reese, Alan Pestronk, Mark S Sands, Alison K Snyder-Warwick, Jonathan D Cooper

2020-Current year OA Pubs

CLN3 disease is a neuronopathic lysosomal storage disorder that severely impacts the central nervous system (CNS) while also inducing notable peripheral neuromuscular symptoms. Although considerable attention has been directed towards the neurodegenerative consequences within the CNS, the involvement of peripheral tissues, including skeletal muscles and their innervation, has been largely neglected. We hypothesized that, CLN3 deficiency could directly influence peripheral nerves and investigated the neuromuscular system in Cln3

Constitutive Il-7 Signaling Promotes Car-Nk Cell Survival In The Solid Tumor Microenvironment But Impairs Tumor Control, Matthew Dysthe, Ishwar Navin, Dayenne Van Leeuwen, Josue Pineda, Corrine Baumgartner, Cliona M Rooney, Robin Parihar

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing natural killer (NK) cells has demonstrated success against hematological malignancies. Efficacy against solid tumors has been limited by poor NK cell survival and function in the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To enhance efficacy against solid tumors, stimulatory cytokines have been incorporated into CAR-NK cell therapeutic approaches. However, current cytokine strategies have limitations, including systemic toxicities, exogenous dependencies, and unwanted TME bystander effects. Here, we aimed to overcome these limitations by modifying CAR-NK cells to express a constitutively active interleukin (IL)-7 receptor, termed C7R, capable of providing intrinsic CAR-NK cell activation that does …

Macrophage-T Cell Interactions Promote Slamf1 Expression For Enhanced Tb Defense, G V R Krishna Prasad, Steven J Grigsby, Gideon A Erkenswick, Cynthia Portal-Celhay, Ekansh Mittal, Guozhe Yang, Samuel M Fallon, Fengyixin Chen, Thais Klevorn, Neharika Jain, Yuanyuan Li, Makedonka Mitreva, Amanda J Martinot, Joel D Ernst, Jennifer A Philips

2020-Current year OA Pubs

CD4+ T cells are crucial for protective immunity to intracellular pathogens. In addition to secreting cytokines, CD4+ T cells promote control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through cognate interactions with macrophages, but the mechanism has been unclear. Here, we show that SLAMF1/CD150 is highly and uniquely induced in macrophages by antigen-specific interactions with CD4+ T cells. In macrophages, SLAMF1 enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species and restricts Mtb replication. Mtb-infection of mice promotes SLAMF1 expression specifically on infected macrophages, not uninfected bystanders. SLAMF1 expression depends on adaptive immunity and also autophagy. Moreover, Slamf1

Sepsis Restructures The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Complex In The Lymphoid Tissues Of Mice And Humans, Xianghong Zhang, Jianguo Lin, Baobo Zou, Jack R Killinger, Andrew C Sayce, Thiagarajan Meyyappan, Zeyu Xiong, Melanie J Scott, Janet S Lee, Matthew R Rosengart

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Survivors of sepsis suffer from an elevated risk of premature death that is not explained by a higher burden of chronic diseases prior to the infection. Nearly 1 out of 4 survivors have persistent elevations of inflammation biomarkers, such as interleukin (IL) 6. These observations suggest that sepsis imparts durable changes to organismal biology. Eukaryotic life depends upon ATP and calcium (Ca

Study Habits And Examination Anxiety As Correlates Of Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students In Kwara State, Nigeria, Oyedotun Dolapo Ilori, Falilat A. Okesina, Patrick O. Akerele, Ifeoluwa Blessing Michael

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Examination anxiety and study habits seem to be a significant factor of academic performance. This study examined study habits and examination anxiety as correlates of academic performance among secondary school students in Kwara State, Nigeria. This study adopted a descriptive survey of correlational type. The population for the study consists of 235, 652 secondary school students, and the sample consists of 400 secondary school students. Two research questions were answered using frequency count, percentage and mean rank order while the three hypotheses formulated were tested using inferential statistics of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation statistics (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis at …

Thyrotoxicosis In Pregnancy Cured By Total Thyroidectomy, Owen G. Alvine, Daniel Thum Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and management. This case report describes a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Graves’ disease who presented with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, including tachycardia, weight loss, and dyspnea. Initial treatment with propylthiouracil and propranolol was insufficient, and her condition progressed to include pericardial effusion with early tamponade physiology and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Despite medical therapy, her symptoms persisted, necessitating a total thyroidectomy during the second trimester. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement and delivered a healthy infant at term. This case highlights the …

Impact Of Extended Reality On Robot-Assisted Surgery Training: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Michael Bickford, Fayez Alruwaili, Sara Ragab, Hanna Rothenberg, Mohammad Abedin-Nasab

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Robot-assisted surgeries (RAS) have an extremely steep learning curve. Because of this, surgeons have created many methods to practice RAS outside the operating room. These training models usually include animal or plastic models; however, extended reality simulators have recently been introduced into surgical training programs. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine if extended reality simulators can improve the performance of robotic novices and how their performance compares to the conventional training of surgeons on surgical robots. Using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was performed searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for studies …