Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Rooted In Quality: Elevating Standards In Botanical Supplements, Katie Banaszewski

Oxford ICSB

The botanical supplement industry is currently navigating a landscape that demands an unwavering commitment to high standards of quality, transparency, and sustainability. This sector faces a host of challenges alongside new opportunities, particularly emphasizing the vital role of quality assurance in preserving the integrity of botanical products. To ensure the authenticity of botanical ingredients and safeguard consumer health, advanced scientific testing techniques have become indispensable. Methods such as DNA barcoding, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy play crucial roles in verifying the purity and identity of these natural products. Furthermore, as the market increasingly prioritizes ethical consumption, there is a growing …

Innovative Integration Of Hptlc And Ai For Detecting Adulteration And Ensuring Quality In European Elder Berry Products, Maria Monagas, Wilmer Perera, Roy Upton, Eike Reich, Tiên Do

Oxford ICSB

European Elder berry, Sambucus nigra L. has a long history of traditional use as a cold and flu remedy. Since COVID-19 pandemic, the increased demand and limited supply have increased adulteration risk. Major concerns related to adulteration are substitution of Elder berry with black rice extract, addition of synthetic dyes and species mislabeling. HPTLC analysis of a total of 167 samples from different types of ingredients marketed as containing S. nigra was conducted, including whole fruits, juice concentrates, dry juices, fruit powders, liquid extracts, aqueous extracts and Dietary Supplements (DS) products (capsules and syrups). Related species (S. cerulea, S. canadensis, …

Masld/Mash Pharmacologic Therapeutic Efficacy In A Predominately African American Medical Center Population, Reema Smadi, Michael Mello, Astha Saini, Paul Naylor, Milton Mutchnick

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) can contribute to adverse liver-related outcomes and cardiac mediated events. Recognizing the benefits of weight loss in patients with MASLD, this study investigates the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in promoting weight reduction in a MASLD cohort.

Methods: We identified 52 individuals with imaging confirmed liver steatosis. Weight loss (pounds) was calculated by comparing weights before and during GLP-1 therapy. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing GLP-1 users with non-users within a similar timeframe.

Result: Of the 52 patients with a post-2020 follow-up, 33% were prescribed GLP-1 agonists. The majority were AA patients …

Progress And Plateaus: Female Representation In Interventional Radiology Training, 2008–2024, Ahmed Alzubaidi, Hailey Carruthers, Arif Musa Md, Monte Harvill Md, Ali Harb Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Purpose:

Gender disparity in interventional radiology (IR) has been a longstanding issue. This study evaluated trends in female representation in IR training programs from 2008 to 2024, focusing on changes after the establishment of the Integrated IR residency program in 2016-2017.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of residency and fellowship application data from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and active resident data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) was conducted. Linear regression assessed trends from 2008 to 2024. Segmented (piecewise) regression compared trends before and after 2021. T-tests analyzed gender proportions in Integrated IR applicants. …

Long-Term Quality Of Life Following Treatment In Head And Neck Cancer Survivors With Feeding Tubes, Raven Dunn, Emmanuel D. Meram, Eric Adjei Boakye, Katie Latack, Amy Williams, Tamer Ghanem, Farzan Siddiqui, Suhael Momin, Steven Chang, Vivian Wu, Veronica Bernacchi, Samantha Tam

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: There is limited research on patients requiring long-term feeding tubes after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, despite the significant impact on post-treatment quality of life (QoL). Our study addresses this gap by assessing long-term feeding tube and long-term QoL (6 months and 1-year post-treatment).

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HNC. All patients were offered FACT-HN at baseline, and 6 months to 1 year after completion of treatment. The FACT-HN (outcome variable) is a patient reported outcome measure for well-being. Higher scores indicate better quality of life. The exposure variable is the …

The Role Of Mitochondrial Deficiencies In Candida Glabrata On Azole Susceptibility, Andrea Prenkocevic

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Next generation sequencing and other molecular approaches are showing that vaginal microbial populations are complex and variable over time and in health versus disease. Vaginal candidiasis (VVC) is caused by Candida, usually C. albicans, an opportunistic yeast that colonizes about 25% of women. Candida glabrata is species within the Candida genus that is less prevalent in the vaginal microbiome and less virulent but more likely to be resistant to azole drugs, thus making it more difficult to treat. The relationship between drug resistivity and mitochondrial function is unclear. Fungal mitochondrial genomes contain genes which encode RNA and …

A Comparison Of Social Determinants Of Health And Maternal Mortality Rates In Detroit, Michigan, And The United States, Audrey E. Steiert, Constance J. Cleveland

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: A comparison of social determinants of health and maternal mortality rates in Detroit, Michigan, and the United States

Authors: Audrey Steiert, Constance Cleveland

Background: Maternal mortality in the United States represents a rising healthcare crisis as the United States is the only developed country to experience an increase in the maternal mortality rate from 2000-2017. However, maternal mortality is not uniformly represented across the US–it differs regionally by state as well as by race. The maternal mortality rate in Detroit, Michigan, is three times that of the national average. Among these women, African American women were disproportionately affected. Due …

Impact Of Parental Adhd Status On Screen Time Allowance In Children: Insights From Nhis Data, Chase Moscovic

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Impact of Parental ADHD Status on Screen Time Allowance in Children: Insights from NHIS Data

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults, with significant implications for daily functioning. While research has examined the impact of ADHD on children's screen time, less is known about how parental ADHD may influence screen time practices. This study explores the relationship between parental ADHD status and their regulation of children's screen time, a critical aspect of neurodevelopment in an increasingly digital world.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2019–2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which includes U.S. household data on health …

A Systematic Review Of Cultural And Structural Barriers To Mammogram Access Among Immigrant Women, Abeer Wael Abukamil, Samar Ghassan Chehab, Sabrina Khan, Rima Charara

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction:

Mammograms are crucial for early breast cancer detection and reducing mortality (5). However, U.S. minorities, particularly immigrants, are less likely to receive screenings (9). Identifying barriers can help tailor interventions to meet immigrant women’s needs.

Methods:

Studies were found on PubMed using a systematic review protocol following PRISMA guidelines (8). Search terms included “minority,” “mammograms,” and “barriers.” Articles were then selected for a full-text review by three authors. 220 articles were narrowed down to 7 by relevance and date of publishing (2005 and beyond).

Results:

Cultural barriers often limit immigrant women’s access to breast cancer screenings. In certain non-Western …

Assessing The Value Of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study Of Costs And Clinical Outcomes Across Surgical Settings, Alexander Scott Sonaglia, Trae Hill, Carter Dunaway, Hunter Cohn, Emily Mazier, Michelle Yi, Charles Day, Trevor Banka

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Since the 1980s, U.S. healthcare costs have been among the highest in developed nations, prompting efforts focused on improving value. This study compares the value of conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) and ambulatory surgical centers (ASC).

Methods

Costs were calculated using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC), activity-based supply costing (ABC), and claims-based facility costs. Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) values pre- and 6 months post-op were adjusted for life-years to calculate KOOS-adjusted life-years (KALY). Costs were divided by KALYs to determine average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACER).

Results

Seven patients in the ASC and twenty-three in the …

Understanding Challenges To Breast Cancer Screening For African American Women In Detroit: A Study Of Social And Healthcare Inequities, Miranda Goodson, Whitney Bowyer, Erika Lopez, Anna Lundh

Medical Student Research Symposium

African American (AA) women have lower adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, which may contribute to delayed diagnoses and reduced survival rates. These disparities are often influenced by limited access to quality healthcare and persistent inequities faced within Michigan. With Detroit's population being 77% AA, examining studies focused on the experiences of Black women within urban healthcare networks is essential to understanding the connections between demographic, socioeconomic factors, and breast cancer outcomes. To assess these studies, a literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline yielding 24 associated articles.

Mammogram rates among AA women in Detroit remain low, reflecting a complex …

Decline In Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Evolving Age At Diagnosis In A Primarily African American Medical Center Population, Gabriel Khazal Boudagh, Ahmad Alnasarat Md, Kenan Abou Chaer Md, Paul H. Naylor Phd, Milton G. Mutchnik Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health burden, particularly among vulnerable populations. This study investigates trends in HCC incidence and age at diagnosis within an urban medical center population, focusing on the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment and racial disparities.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using a merged dataset of 484 patients diagnosed with HCC between 2000 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed to assess trends in HCC incidence, age at diagnosis, and associated risk factors.

Results: A significant decline in HCC incidence was observed with a peak in …

Robotic Vs. Conventional Surgical Approaches In Hospital Outpatient Department Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Value-Comparative Study, Trae Hill Bs, Hadi Elmenini Bs, Carter Dunaway Bs, Emily Mazier Bs, Michelle Yi Mse, Nevil Khurana Bs, Trevor Banka Md, Charles Day Md Mba

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction:
U.S. healthcare costs have ranked highest among developed nations, emphasizing the need to increase cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality of care.1 Studies have compared cost-effectiveness of robotic versus conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but none through Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) methodology.2 This study compares the value of conventional and robot-assisted TKA performed in hospital-based outpatient department (HOPD) settings.

Methods:
Total costs were calculated using TDABC, activity-based supply costing (ABC), and claims-based facility costs. The time each personnel spent per patient was multiplied by their per-minute salary to determine direct variable labor costs.

Differences in pre-operative and 6-month post-operative Knee Injury …

Herbs In Commerce: Sales Trends And Consumer Attitudes In The $13 Billion U.S. Herbal Supplement Market, Bill Giebler

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

2025 Abstract Book (Pdf), School Of Public Health

School of Public Health Delta Omega Honors Day Poster Sessions

The collection of abstracts for the 2025 Delta Omega Honors Day Poster Session.

Goat Tying Styles Impact On Performance Consistency With Rodeo Competitors In The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Ozark Region, Marie Baxley, C.A. Shea Porr, Thomas Powell

Honors College Theses

Goat tying is a rodeo event involving dismounting a horse, and flanking and tying three legs of a goat. Flanking is defined as picking a goat up and setting it on the ground on its side. Flank/gather (FG) is a style where riders scoop the legs with the right hand and then place them in the left. Catch the flank (CF), stuffing (ST), and funneling (FN) are other methods that involve the goats’ legs landing together so the right hand is not needed for gathering. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) if flanking method affects performance, and …

Ai Beliefs And Practices In Community College Classrooms, Julie Eng, Heather Umphlett, Jocelyn Gilchrist, Alicia Howell, Mary Ann Howell, Wendy Miller-Edwards, Laurel Pope

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

The country, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Virginia Community College System initiatives all promote generative AI within education. It is a topic of great concern and interest for higher education instructors, yet at the same time many faculty members feel uncertain about effectively integrating it into class material. To further add pressure to the AI explosion, community colleges particularly face a responsibility to prepare their students for success in this new AI-focused environment. In this article, seven faculty members from Camp Community College discuss the implications of generative AI programs, including subscriptions and chatbots, within their particular courses and how …

Supporting Maternal Mental Health In The Postpartum Period With The Use Of Home Resource Kit, Nicole Craig

Theses and Graduate Projects

Postpartum mental health disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, can affect a significant proportion of new mothers for centuries. This paper explores the development, implementation, and evaluation of an at-home mental health resource kit designed to support maternal mental health while navigating the stresses of new motherhood. Utilizing Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring as a theoretical framework, the study assesses the effectiveness of integrative therapies such as aromatherapy, mindful meditation, and educational resources in managing postpartum stress. Data collected through pre- and post-surveys and roundtable discussions provide insights into the benefits and limitations of these interventions. The findings indicate …

Mindfulness Meditation For Informal Caregivers Of Individuals Living With Alzheimer's Disease, Stacey Miller

Theses and Graduate Projects

Abstract

Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease places significant emotional, physical, financial, and psychological burden on caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease is leading to an increase in family members becoming informal caregivers for their loved ones living with this disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2022), 66% of caregivers for people with dementia live in their homes with them. This scholarly project, through a literature review and qualitative data collection, explored the lived experiences of informal caregivers leading to feelings of stress. Mindfulness meditation provides proven benefits to stress management. Margaret Newman’s theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness lays the foundation for …

The Green Room: Creating An Environment To Combat Burnout In The Emergency Department, Vitaliy Kovdiy

Theses and Graduate Projects

BACKGROUND: In 2020 a pandemic created dangerous workloads leading to many nurses quitting their careers due to chronic stress. This project will create the green room, which is the name of this recharge room, where staff can go to experience a moment of peace to decrease their stress levels. This room had a spa aesthetic with comfortable seating and green plants. METHODS: This quality improvement project follows the plan-do-study-act model. When participants arrived, they filled out a questionnaire before using the room. They were then shown all the things they could do to utilize the room. After they were done …

Physician Assistant Student Well-Being: Where Do We Go From Here?, Richard Gilbert Jr., Michael Asbach

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

Burnout and mental wellness have become a focus for both practicing providers and individuals in medical training programs. While techniques that assist in burnout and stress mitigation can vary, few techniques have been evaluated in the physician assistant student population. Green spaces have been utilized to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and improve an individual’s well-being. To evaluate what is currently being utilized to improve physician assistant student well-being this study utilized the PubMed search engine for collection of a scholarly review. A qualitative review of the literature was completed along with a comparison of what green space exposure could …

Daily Acute Intermittent Hypoxia Elicits Age & Sex-Dependent Changes In Molecules Regulating Phrenic Motor Plasticity, Jayakrishnan Nair, Alexandria Marciante, Carter Lurk, Mia Kelly, Maclain Capron, Gordon Mitchell

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) elicits a form of respiratory motor plasticity known as phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF). Exposure to repetitive daily AIH (dAIH) enhances pLTF, a form of metaplasticity. Little is known concerning cellular mechanisms giving rise to dAIH-induced metaplasticity and the age-dependent sexual dimorphism of AIH associated pro-plasticity mRNA expression. To test if age, sex, and dAIH effects are associated with differential expression of molecules that regulate the Q- and S-pathways and their cross-talk interactions to phrenic motor facilitation, we analyzed key regulatory molecules in ventral spinal (C3-C5) homogenates from young (3-month) and middle-aged (12-month) male and female Sprague-Dawley …

Ada News - 04/07/2025, 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.

Working Conditions Of Perfusionists In North America: A Scoping Review, James Strong

Student Works

Perfusionists face significant challenges, including long hours, high workloads, burnout, and workplace risks like sleep deprivation and discrimination, which impact both their well-being and patient outcomes. Despite these concerns, no comprehensive review has mapped workforce trends, and the lack of widespread American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT) guideline implementation worsens the situation. This scoping review highlights these issues, emphasizing the need for standardized assessments, better enforcement of guidelines, and proactive strategies to improve perfusionist well-being and patient safety. This scoping review aims to describe the working conditions of North American Certified Clinical Perfusionists (CCPs).

Hickam’S Dictum Of The Great Vessels: Saddle Embolism And Dissection, Eric Wetzel, Do, Kyle Mohney, Do, Jessica Schumann, Do, Olubunmi Olarewaju, Do

Jefferson Health - Northeast Posters (formerly Aria Health Posters)

History of Present Illness

Chief Complaint:
Shortness of breath

History of Present:
Illness A 66-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension presents to the emergency department concerned for shortness of breath and palpitations. She reports her symptoms started abruptly while on a morning walk. She notes she took her home blood pressure medication this morning per her usual routine and had otherwise been feeling well. She describes feeling like she is having a “high grade panic attack”, similar to past panic attacks but with increased intensity. She denies associated weakness, numbness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. …

Pediatric And Congenital Cardiac Services: An Innovative And Empowering Approach To Global Training And Equitable Care, Wyman W. Lai, Dominique Vervoort, David Bradley, Antonio G. Cabrera, Casey Culbertson, Alejandro Floh, Saurabh K. Gupta, Babar S. Hasan, Adrian Holloway, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, Kathy J. Jenkins, R. K. Kumar, L.A. Larrazabal, Colin J. Mcmahon, Daniel J. Penny, Alistair Phillips, Emilio Quezada, Craig A. Sable, Shubhika Srivastava, Sandra L. Staveski, Patcharapong Suntharos, David F. Teitel, Betsy Tirado, Brian C. Tran, Bistra Zheleva, Liesl Zuhkle, Anthony C. Chang

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Congenital heart disease is a leading cause of preventable death in children, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries. Despite progress in treating congenital heart disease globally, significant challenges remain in accessing specialized cardiovascular care, particularly cardiac surgery, in low- and middle-income countries. This review examines current models of assistance and proposes a novel global training program to address these inequities. Key challenges identified include building program infrastructure, training health care providers, ensuring financial sustainability, and promoting local engagement. The proposed program, structured under a new international organization, will leverage emerging technologies to deliver accessible and rigorously assessed …

Achieving Periodontal Disease Stabilization: Assessing The Impact Of Laser Therapy In Scaling And Root Planing And Periodontal Maintenance Visits, Cassandra Charlotte Cooper

Dental Hygiene ETDs

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of laser utilization in stabilizing periodontal disease over a one-year period. This research focused on the results following scaling and root planing with adjunctive laser-assisted periodontal therapy and laser bacterial reduction at subsequent periodontal maintenance visits. While short-term advantages are documented in the literature, research on sustained effectiveness is limited. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 adult patients who received the above treatment was conducted. Periodontal charting was recorded at three visits over one year. Data was collected and analyzed utilizing Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to determine statistical significance of periodontal …

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

The Impact Of Perceived Discrimination On Mental And Physical Health Among The Hispanic Immigrant Population, Cheyla Tabares Cuesta

Undergraduate Theses

Discrimination has profoundly shaped the lives of individuals within disadvantaged communities, but its impact on mental and physical health has often been overlooked. In this project, I review literature on perceived discrimination based on immigrant status and its effects on psychological and physical health and examine a potential mediator and moderator of these relationships. Specifically, the relationships between immigration-based discrimination and both mental health and physical health may be mediated by perceived stress, meaning that discrimination may lead to higher stress levels, which results in poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, these relationships may be moderated by psychological resilience; individuals with higher …

Ototoxicity Monitoring: The Evolution Of A Protocol For Head And Neck Cancer Patients, Jena Patel, Jacob Beiriger, Kalena Liu, Zachary Urdang, Julia Croce, Molly Wolfson, Jacob Hulswit, Olivia Giglio, Jacob B. Hunter, Irina L. Middleton

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated an ototoxicity monitoring program (OMP) for improving audiologic follow-up in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: Tertiary academic center.

METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients were recommended for chemotherapy between January 2017 and June 2022. An OMP was implemented in March 2021; every patient received an audiology referral and was contacted to schedule a pretreatment audiogram. Patients were divided into pre-OMP and post-OMP cohorts. Main outcome measures included rates of pretreatment audiograms, posttreatment audiograms, posttreatment otologic symptoms, and hearing aid utilization.

RESULTS: There were 131 patients evaluated pre-OMP and 109 evaluated …