Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evidence-Based Medicine: Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Among Senior Medical Students And Interns In Oman, Rahma S. Al-Hadhrami, Al-Ghaliya N. Al-Shaqsi, Zahran M. Al Thuhli, Maryam Y. Al Sabbari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) provides a systematic method for navigating an extensive repository of information and making well-informed judgements regarding patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical knowledge, attitudes and practices related to EBM among medical students and interns in Oman and to identify gaps between general awareness and comprehension. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to February 2024 at Sultan Qaboos University. An online survey incorporating the Noor Evidence-Based Medicine Questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices related to EBM. Responses were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: A total of …

Antibiotic Use By Paediatric Residents Of The Oman Medical Specialty Board: Identifying Opportunities For Antimicrobial Stewardship, Shaima Alshukaili, Hussain Al-Saffar, Hatem Al-Rawahi, Laila Al Yazidi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescription knowledge and practices among Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) paediatric residents. The goal was to identify educational opportunities to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve patient care. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the OMSB paediatric residents from August 2023 to September 2023. The online survey involved three parts: residents’ demographics, knowledge of 12 common paediatric infection scenarios and clinical practice. Participants were asked to choose the proper antibiotic choices and duration for each scenario. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: A total of 74 responses were obtained, resulting in …

Myocardin Effector Proteins Affect Tgf-Beta-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation In Ipf Cells, Allison Gonzalez

Biotechnology Theses

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable interstitial lung disease defined by the progressive, irreversible scarring of the tissues between the lung’s alveoli. To date, only two drugs have received approval for treatment. However, these medications are not considered cures since they do not stop the progression of the disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying IPF could aid in discovering a cure. We recently found that myocardin (MyoCD) regulates SMAD2/3 transcription factors in the TGF-β signaling pathway and governs the genes involved in pleural fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether MyoCD plays a critical role in IPF by …

Perianal Infections Update, Boris Garber, Jonathan Glauser

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose of Review We describe the evaluation, treatment, and disposition of patients presenting with perianal and rectal complaints, specifically focusing on identifying and treating various infectious diseases affecting this area. Risk factors and preventative strategies are also discussed where known. Recent Findings Several professional medical associations, namely the World Society of Emergency Surgery and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, recently promulgated new guidelines concerning the diagnosis and management of common infectious rectal disorders [1]. The American College of Radiology also published its criteria for choosing appropriate imaging modalities for anorectal disease [2]. Additionally, new meta-analyses have been …

Approach To The Patient: From Endocrinopathy To The Diagnosis Of A Histiocytic Disorder, Polyzois Makras, Dana Erickson, Caroline J Davidge-Pitts, Eli L Diamond, Carl E Allen, Kenneth L Mcclain, Jithma P Abeykoon, Ronald S Go, Krishmita Siwakoti, Houman Sotoudeh, Aishwarya Ravindran, Lucinda M Gruber, Gaurav Goyal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Endocrinopathies are frequently the initial presentation of histiocytic neoplasms, which are rare hematologic disorders affecting multiple organ systems. Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim-Chester disease are 2 such disorders known to infiltrate the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland, leading to arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) and anterior pituitary dysfunction (APD) in 20% to 30% of cases, often as the first manifestation. Conversely, histiocytic disorders account for a notable proportion (10-15%) of all pituitary stalk lesions. The diagnosis of histiocytoses is often delayed in such cases due to the nonspecific presentation of endocrinopathies and pituitary involvement. Consequently, endocrinologists are at the frontline and uniquely …

Ccaat/Enhancer-Binding Proteins Α And Β Regulate Ovulation And Gene Expression Via Dose- And Stage-Dependent Mechanisms, Hanxue Zhang, Rainer B Lanz, Jimmy Dhillon, Paul D Soloway, Bo Shui, Yi Athena Ren

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge orchestrates complex cellular and molecular events leading to ovulation. CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α and β (C/EBPα/β) are transcription factors acutely induced by the LH surge and crucial for ovulation and granulosa cell luteinization. However, biological processes (BPs) and their regulatory mechanisms downstream of C/EBPα/β in the preovulatory ovary are not completely understood. To address this knowledge gap, we generated Cebpa/bfl/fl;Pgr-Cre mutants and compared them with Cebpa/bfl/fl;Cyp19a1-Cre mutant female mice: Cebpa/bfl/fl;Cyp19a1-Cre mutants have undetectable levels of C/EBPα/β throughout the preovulatory stages and do not ovulate, aligning with previous reports; and Cebpa/bfl/fl;Pgr-Cre mutants present gradual depletion of …

Staff Education On Psychoeducational Interventions For Older Patients With Mood Disorder, Vera Ngenwie Nkweti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No included because we used the Walden University School Template

Educational Program Focused On Medication-Assisted Treatment To Improve Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge Of Managing Opioid Use Disorder In Primary Care Setting, Genean Marie Doyle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is a staff education project focused on enhancing healthcare providers’ knowledge of managing opioid use disorder (OUD) through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in a primary care setting. The practice problem focuses on the lack of provider knowledge and persistent misconceptions about MAT. Primary care providers often feel ill-equipped to manage OUD, due to inadequate formal training and report insufficient understanding of MAT medications, regulatory requirements, and patient management strategies, contributing to underutilization of MAT, even in settings where patient need is high. Given the ongoing opioid epidemic and the important role that primary care …

The Impact Of Functional Disabilities On The Quality Of Life Of Older U.S. Adults, Bernadette Lavender

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Among older U.S. adults, functional disabilities are critical determinants of quality of life (QoL), influencing mobility, social engagement, and independence. Despite growing evidence of these impacts, limited research examines how healthcare access, social support, and socioeconomic factors moderate this relationship. This quantitative study explored the effects of functional disabilities on QoL, operationalized through self-reported health, while examining the moderating roles of key social determinants. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were analyzed. The sample included 42,405 participants aged 60 years and above from all 50 states. Multiple regression analyses and ANOVA were employed …

Food Insecurity, Myplate Utilization, And Hba1c In United States Adults With Prediabetes, Lindley R. Sharp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rising prevalence of prediabetes in the United States presents a significant public health challenge, particularly due to its progression into Type 2 diabetes. Despite national dietary guidelines, disparities in dietary adherence persist, especially among food-insecure adults. This quantitative study examined the impact of food insecurity and MyPlate utilization on HbA1C levels in prediabetic U.S. adults, while accounting for structural and intermediary determinants of health. Guided by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework, this cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the 2015–March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including a sample size of 1,417 noninstitutionalized male and …

A Fundamentally New Direction In Embolization Using Reactive Chemistry In A Swine Model, Erik Cressman, Danielle Stolley, Shubhneet Warar, Natalie W Fowlkes, David Fuentes

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Liver cancer carries a poor prognosis and incidence continues to increase. The main therapy for unresectable disease > 3 cm in diameter is Transarterial Chemoembolization. Unfortunately, overall survival for these patients has improved little in the past two decades. To address this, we propose a new approach using a chemical reaction in situ. We report here our results in a pilot study using a swine model. Domestic swine (n = 3) were treated in the liver with dichloroacetic anhydride in ethiodized oil. CT imaging was followed 24 h after the procedure by necropsy, histopathology, and mass spectrometry imaging. Animals tolerated the …

Artificial Intelligence Applications In Decision-Making For Disease Management A Scoping Review, Mohammadhiwa Abdekhoda, Fatemeh Ranjbaran Madiseh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) has several potential applications in medicine, creating opportunities for reliable and evidence-based decision-making in disease management. To explore the practical aspects of AI in decision-making, this scoping review was conducted to identify AI applications in disease management using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Data collection involved searching relevant keywords in Web of Science and Scopus databases in May 2023. Eligibility criteria for study inclusion and exclusion were established, and the review process adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A total of 80 extracted sub-themes were identified and categorised into 6 main themes: data processing and management, characterisation and analysis, prediction …

Intouch Week Of May 19, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Vikas Grover, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., Named Healthcare Heroes by Westchester Magazine
• Annual Louis Del Guercio, M.D., Research Day Showcases Outstanding Surgical Research
• NYMC Celebrates Homecoming 2025 with Alumni, Students, and Campus Tours
• Teaching and Learning Symposium Brings Faculty Together to Enrich Their Educational Practice
• Philip Kuehl, Ph.D., Addresses Drug Development Problem Statements at the Neighborhood Science Seminar Series
• 185 TCDM Students Don White Coats as They Head to Touro Dental Health Clinics in New York and New Mexico
• Student Spotlight: David Zuckerman to Address Graduates Before Beginning Neurology Residency at NYU

Dual-Responsive Synthetic Gene Circuit For Dynamic Biologic Drug Delivery Via Inflammatory And Circadian Signaling Pathways, Amanda Cimino, Fiona Pat, Omolabake Oyebamiji, Christine T N Pham, Erik D Herzog, Farshid Guilak

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Engineered cells provide versatile tools for precise, tunable drug delivery, especially when synthetic stimulus-responsive gene circuits are incorporated. In many complex disease conditions, endogenous pathologic signals such as inflammation can vary dynamically over different time scales. For example, in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, local (joint) and systemic inflammatory signals fluctuate daily, peaking in the early morning, but can also persist over long periods of time, triggering flare-ups that can last weeks to months. However, treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs is typically provided at continuous high doses, regardless of disease activity and without consideration …

Synergy Of Stress: Examining The Effects Of Proinflammatory Stimuli On C8-D1a Astrocytes, Asher Stang

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Neuroinflammation is a complex synergy of different cells within the central nervous system. Astrocytes play a key role in the maintenance of neural functioning, but take a special part in the inflammatory process as well. By releasing pro-inflammatory modulators like cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species, astrocytes modulate the inflammatory response in the brain. Astrocytes can be activated into this proinflammatory state in response to pathogen derived molecules such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Lipopolysaccharides are glycoproteins derived from gram negative bacteria and commonly used to stimulate cells in vitro to produce an inflammatory response. To look at the effects of …

Mining Medical Data Toward A More Equitable Health System For The Public, Julian Powell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The aim of this study is to identify predictors of different sleep disorders which are less studied within the field. With sleep disorders affecting the overall well being of millions of individuals worldwide this is an important examination of potential factors which can lead to the development of such disorders. A relational database was constructed using MySql and Python in order to perform multiple different statistical analyses on data provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. Correlations and predictions between described sleep disorders and different physiological factors described within the dataset were found to establish conclusions …

A Comparison Of Muscular Strength And Power Development In Unilateral And Bilateral Lower Body Exercises, Natalie Pickeral

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and power development following training programs that involved unilateral and bilateral lower-body exercises. A randomized between-groups research design was used in which results from a pretest and posttest were compared across the unilateral and bilateral groups. Sled machine one repetition maximum (1-RM) testing was used as a measure of strength, and countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) testing was used as a measure of absolute power. Total body bioelectrical impedance analysis testing was used to predict lean body mass in both the left and right legs. Six college-aged female students who were …

Synthesizing Palladium-Unnatural Amino Acid Complexes: Structural Analysis And Potential For Anti-Cancer Biological Activity, Jillian Francis

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug that has been widely used in the treatment of several cancers. The drug works by stopping the DNA replication process in cancer cells, preventing them from rapidly multiplying. Despite its effectiveness in treating many cancers, cisplatin has several toxic side effects that hinder its use. Platinum is the central metal in cisplatin, but research has not explored other transition metals, specifically palladium, as an alternative central metal in similar structural complexes. Palladium, being a more reactive species than platinum, offers the potential for a new and improved anticancer drug through the formation of palladium-non-natural …

An Inside Look At Para Sport Concussion Care: Para Sport Healthcare Providers' Perspectives, Alexander Derstine

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Implementation Of A Blended Learning Course To Enhance Leadership And Management Capabilities In Liberian Student Nurse Anesthetists, Donnell Carter

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Leadership plays a crucial role in the functioning of a health system, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Liberia. Effective leadership is essential for identifying solutions and leading teams towards achieving important objectives. Improving leadership competencies among emerging Liberian nurse anesthetists is key to enhancing anesthesiaoutcomes in Liberia. The delivery of high-quality, safe anesthesia in Liberia is contingent on this.

METHODS: This quality improvement project (QI) implemented a transnational blended learning leadership andmanagement course to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence of Liberian student nurse anesthetists. We used quantitative methods to organize and describe selected outcomes. We also used qualitative …

Implementation Of A Nurse Practitioner-Led Video Telehealth Program To Improve Triage For Pediatric Patients In An Ambulatory Intestinal Rehabilitation Center, Elizabeth Castle

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Children with short bowel syndrome are medically complex, requiring specialized management and coordinated care to address acute triage issues between scheduled visits. Their risk for rapid decompensation and distance from specialty centers often necessitates telephone-based triage—a typically non-reimbursable method. At a leading Northeastern U.S. children’s hospital, the Intestinal Rehabilitation (IR) center manages high-risk telephone triage of these patients’ concerns using experienced nurse practitioners. The inability to directly visualize patients during telephone encounters, however, limits clinical assessment and decision-making, presenting challenges to efficient and safe care delivery. A systematic literature review indicated that telehealth can enhance parental confidence, improve clinician …

Sociodemographic And Psychosocial Characteristics Of E-Cigarette Ever-Use: U.S. Hints 6 Survey, Lilianna Phan, Kuang-Yi Wen, Hee Jun Kim, Julie A. Barta, Hee-Soon Juon

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Objective

Methods

Results

Engagement In Responsible Conduct Of Research: A Descriptive Case Study Of The Factors Of Organizational Culture And Implementation Drivers That Influence Research Integrity Practice, Cortni Beth Romaine

Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences Dissertations

This qualitative descriptive case study investigates the relationship between organizational culture and the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) across multiple research institutions. Utilizing elements of the Cultural Dynamics Model and the Implementation Drivers Framework, the study examines how institutional structures and cultural norms shape research integrity practices. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, as well as an artifact review of institutional policies, training resources, and guidance for research best practices.

Findings revealed three key themes: (1) Microculture Experiences, where RCR engagement is largely dictated by localized lab cultures, with principal investigators (PIs) playing a …

Optimizing Genetic Ancestry Adjustment In Dna Methylation Studies: A Comparative Analysis Of Approaches, Kira D Höffler, Seyma Katrinli, Matthew W Halvorsen, Anne-Kristin Stavrum, Kevin S O'Connell, Alexey Shadrin, Srdjan Djurovic, Ole A Andreassen, James J Crowley, Jan Haavik, Kristen Hagen, Gerd Kvale, Kerry Ressler, Bjarne Hansen, Jair C Soares, Gabriel R Fries, Alicia K Smith, Stéphanie Le Hellard

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Genetic ancestry is an important factor to account for in DNA methylation studies because genetic variation influences DNA methylation patterns. One approach uses principal components (PCs) calculated from CpG sites that overlap with common SNPs to adjust for ancestry when genotyping data is not available. However, this method does not remove technical and biological variations, such as sex and age, prior to calculating the PCs. The first PC is therefore often associated with factors other than ancestry.

Methods: We developed and adapted the adapted EpiAnceR + approach, which includes 1) residualizing the CpG data overlapping with common SNPs for …

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance Division Iii Athletes, Hailey Smith

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Running training intentionally stresses the body to experience positive physiological changes, however, maladaptions such as suppressed immune function and growth hormone production may occur without adequate recovery. Male distance and middle distance athletes (n = 14) participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (HRrest), perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress, such as higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, …

Analyzing The Use Of Quantifying Patient Acuity On Medical Surgical Units And Its Impact On Nursing Care, Molly Silva

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Using existing data, qualitative research and quantitative research, this paper is an analysis of the literature regarding the use and effects of assessing patient acuity within the medical surgical population. A patient acuity tool is a system used in health care to determine the complexity of a patient. Current methods and studies of implementing a patient acuity tool are presented and their results are analyzed to determine aspects that have improved, as well as negatively impacted, the delivery of nursing patient care. The need for a standardized patient acuity tool is linked to better patient outcomes, yet a protocol is …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Bruce

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges that are not present in other subcategories of the population (Cremer et al., 2023). The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and their overall independence, which in turn decreases their overall quality of life (Cremer et al., 2023). One specific challenge healthcare providers must consider when caring for elderly patients is the reduced range of mobility typically associated with growing older (Machacova et al., 2015; Hartigan, 2007; Sinoff & Ore, 1997; …

The Relationship Between Lynchburg Area Ob-Gyn Physician Exercise Recommendations, Physical Activity Status, And Depression In Postpartum Women., Mckenzie Brundage

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and infant care, necessitating effective and accessible interventions. This study examines the role of physical activity as a potential therapeutic modality for PPD, focusing on whether OB-GYNs in the Lynchburg, VA area provide exercise recommendations to pregnant and postpartum patients, and how these recommendations relate to postpartum activity levels and mood. We hypothesize that OB-GYN recommendations on exercise will lead to a positive correlation between regular physical activity and reduced PPD symptoms, supporting the integration of exercise into standard postpartum care protocols. Methods: Data was collected through an anonymous Google-Form administered to …

Bedside Nursing Report: Changing The Practice In The Hospital And How It Affects Patients, Holly Burns

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This literature review explores barriers and obstacles that have prevented bedside shift reports to be the standard of practice for hospitals nation-wide. By analyzing existing research from 2019-2024, the review was able to explore data from both qualitative and quantitative research studies. The analysis reveals that there are benefits of the bedside shift report style for nurses and their patients. Nurses are able to gain more knowledge and information on their patients while being less distracted by their surroundings when completing a report at the bedside. Patients will also benefit in the bedside shift reports because it allows for an …

Determining Diagnostic Criteria To Define Infant Swallowing Through Dyad Interviews With Experts, Evon Youkhana

Speech and Hearing Sciences ETDs

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing incidence of pediatric dysphagia, understanding what constitutes normal swallowing is essential to identifying aberrant swallowing. The purpose of this investigation is to understand how expert clinicians define swallowing disorders in infants and young children through a qualitative analysis of clinical decision-making processes.

METHODS: Data collection occurred in two phases. Phase I consisted of an online survey, which gathered demographic information and expert opinions on pediatric feeding and swallowing assessments. Phase II consisted of two dyad interviews to discuss key clinical and instrumental components important in determining the presence or absence of swallowing problems in infants and …