Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

State Of The Journal: The Importance Of Human Occupation, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Psychometric Development Of Scales Measuring Attitudes About And Interest In Integrated Healthcare Clinical Practice, Mark Cassano, Robert A. Ditomasso, Barbara A. Golden, Scott D. Glassman

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

The landscape of integrated healthcare models continues to evolve, and with these changes, providers are facing the challenge of adopting approaches to care that may not have been taught in their training. With interprofessional education on the rise, some providers often struggle to modify their clinical methodology to accommodate an interdisciplinary team-based care format. In an effort to better understand the attitudes and interest levels that may affect a provider’s engagement in these models of care, the Integrated Health Attitudes and Interest Scales were developed. Using a best practices model, items for the measure were created by the investigators and …

Notalgia Paresthetica: Case Report, Emily M. Garelick, David Kasper

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a dermatologic condition that causes pruritus of the skin on the medial border of the inferior scapula and/or upper back. It is a chronic neurologic dysesthesia caused by pain from nerve fiber damage at the thoracic spine, levels two to six. Patients can also experience paresthesia, allodynia, and pruritus that is exacerbated by heat. It has been shown in multiple case reports that thoracic nerve impingement could be responsible for this problem, specifically herniated intervertebral discs, vertebral changes, and osteoarthritic lesions. Multiple methods of treatment have been reported to be effective including topical steroids and anesthetics, …

Prospective Receptivity And Acceptability Of Brief Alcohol Interventions Among Women And Racial/Ethnic Minority Veterans In Primary Care, Jacob L. Scharer, Robyn Shepardson, Brandi Roelk, Julie C. Gass, Laura Wray, Stephen A. Maisto, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) are an evidence-based practice for addressing hazardous drinking among primary care patients, yet implementation of BAIs in practice has been difficult and disparities have been identified regarding implementing BAIs with women and racial/ethnic minority patients. Further, patient engagement is a commonly identified barrier to BAI implementation. This mixed methods study aimed to assess acceptability of BAIs among women and racial/ethnic minority primary care patients and to identify factors that may impact their receptivity to engaging in a BAI. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 patients who had screened positive for hazardous alcohol use. Patients reported neutral …

Improving Patient Engagement Through Whole Health: Veteran Perspectives On A Values Assessment Tool, Luke D. Mitzel, Robyn Shepardson, Emily M. Johnson, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Amidst rising rates of costly chronic diseases, a growing emphasis for integrated primary care settings is offering proactive, person-centered, and whole-person care. Through its Whole Health approach, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is a leading force in this movement. VA’s Whole Health focuses on delivering patient-centered care that engages and empowers Veterans to improve health outcomes. The Personal Health Inventory (PHI) is a brief, whole-person focused, values assessment of what matters most that can lead to personalized health planning. Using a concurrent triangulation (convergent) mixed methods design, we examined the perspectives of 25 post-9/11 Veterans using semi-structured telephone interviews. Qualitative …

January 15, 2025 — Welcome Letter To Members Of The 119th Congress, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

Pharmacotherapeutic Efficacy Of Astaxanthin Toward Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review, Harnd Abdullah Ali, Bushra Hassan Marouf, Lanja Ibraheim Saeed, Rafl M. Kamil, Savan Mohammed Dilshad

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in women, characterized by the malignant proliferation of breast epithelial cells that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Astaxanthin (ASN), a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging evidence suggests that ASN may exert anti-neoplastic effects by inhibiting tumorigenesis and suppressing the growth and progression of BC cells. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of ASN as a pharmacological agent in the prevention and management of breast cancer.

Methodology: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in …

Insights Into Mesiodistal Teeth Alignment In Angle Class I And Ii Malocclusions Via Panoramic Radiographs, Mcqueen Mendonca

Annual Research Symposium

Knowledge of mesiodistal angulation of the teeth is a crucial aspect at various stages of orthodontic treatment and planning. Hence, it’s important to assess the mesiodistal angulation of the teeth using panoramic radiograph and also reinforce it by clinical examination of the dentition.

Association Between Joint Exposure To Ambient Air Pollutants And Carotid Plaque: The Mediating Role Of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Yunfei Li, Ze Han, Xiaoyu Zhao, Yueruijing Liu, Zhiyuan Wu, Jinqi Wang, Xia Li, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Research has shown that exposure to joint air pollution is related to atherosclerosis, but little evidence has been found for carotid plaques. Our objective is to assess the association between exposure to joint air pollutants and carotid plaque and explore the mediating role of cardiometabolic factors in this relationship. Methods: The Beijing Health Management Cohort (BMHC) study followed participants recruited from 2013 to 2014 until December 31, 2020. All participants underwent carotid ultrasound and were free of carotid plaque at baseline. A satellite-based land-use regression (LUR) model was applied to estimate air pollution exposure. The joint exposure to air …

Dose–Response Of Tdcs Effects On Motor Learning And Cortical Excitability: A Preregistered Study, Gavin Hsu, Zhenous Hadi Jafari, Abdelrahman Ahmed, Dylan J. Edwards, Leonardo G. Cohen, Lucas C. Parra

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Multiple studies have demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can influence corticospinal excitability and motor skill acquisition. However, the evidence for these effects is inconsistent, and a common neural substrate for these effects has not been directly demonstrated. To address this, we hypothesized that higher tDCS intensities would produce more robust effects, and uncover their relationship. In this preregistered study, 120 participants engaged in a motor skill learning task while receiving tDCS with posterior-to-anterior currents through M1. We employed a double-blind, between-subjects design, with groups of 4 mA, 6 mA, or sham stimulation, …

Detection Of Elder Abuse Through Emergency Care Technicians Screening Tool Revision For Home-Based Primary Care (Detect-Rpc): A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Study Protocol, Brad Cannell, Nicholas Sevey, Melvin D Livingston, Jason Burnett, Kristin Lees Haggerty, Carolyn Pickering

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The annual prevalence of elder mistreatment (EM) in cognitively intact older adults is estimated to be 11%, yet the annual prevalence in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) is estimated to be as high as 75%. Associated with a decrease in quality of life and increase in risk of mortality, EM represents a significant public health burden. Home-based primary care (HBPC) providers are uniquely positioned to address the critical need for robust EM screening and reporting, especially among individuals with AD/ADRD. This protocol seeks to adapt the Detection of Elder mistreatment Through Emergency Care Technicians (DETECT) …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Through Storytelling And Mindful Narrative Therapy, Julie Kemp

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This study presents research about the nature and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the mental and physical impacts to individuals exposed to ACEs, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly Mindfulness-Based Narrative Therapy (MBNT). It is important because ACEs have become a global crisis, with the potential for interfering with psychological and physical development, early mortality, and other harmful life outcomes. This thesis provides critical information for mindfulness teachers and practitioners, therapists, educators, regulators, parents, and individuals subjected to ACEs.

The methodology includes extensive literature searches for narrative therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in peer-reviewed …

Awareness Of Epinephrine Pen Use Among Students Of Faculty Of Applied Medical Sciences At Umm Al Qura University, Saudi Arabia 2024, Ahmed Ali Shammah

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a dangerous hypersensivity reaction that is characterised by generalised allergic response. Epinephrine is significant treatment for managing anaphylaxis. Moreover, epinephrine pens consider important first-aid kits in universities. Background and Aims: This research aims to explore awareness and usage of epinephrine pen between the student in faculty of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia and to explore their practices and knowledge in anaphylaxis management. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to students across various departments and academic years within the faculty. A quota sampling method employed to ensure diverse representation. Data were …

Adenosine-Sensitive Upper Septal Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia Associated With Takotsubo Syndrome, Parker O'Neill, Daniel Underberg, Reginald Ho, Darius Farzad, Gregary Marhefka

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

We describe a rare case of upper septal fascicular ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with takotsubo syndrome that failed to convert with synchronized shock but converted to normal sinus rhythm after intravenous adenosine administration. The excess catecholamine state of takotsubo syndrome likely provided substrate for cyclic adenosine monophosphate–mediated triggered activity, causing fascicular VT.

A Guinea Pig Model Of Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Poor Vitamin C Status May Advance Disease, Kamilla Pedersen, Ankita Poojari, Simone F. Colberg, Stine M. Mechernsee, Jo F. Iversen, Romain Barrès, Jens Lykkesfeldt, Pernille Tveden-Nyborg

Pacific Faculty Work

Background/Objectives: Children and teenagers display a distinct metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) phenotype, yet studies of childhood MASH are scarce and validated animal models lacking, limiting the development of treatments. Poor vitamin C (VitC) status may affect MASH progression and often co-occurs with high-fat diets and related metabolic imbalances. As a regulator of DNA methylation, poor VitC status may further contribute to MASH by regulating gene expression This study investigated guinea pigs—a species that, like humans, depends on vitC in the diet—as a model of pediatric MASH, examining the effects of poor VitC status on MASH hallmarks and global DNA methylation …

Harm Reduction Without Supportive Policing: Experiences Of Drug Users In Nepal, Chandra Jha, Dennis Donovan

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This study explored the impact of drug criminalization and policing on harm reduction efforts in Nepal. In contexts marked by widespread corruption, drug criminalization often exacerbates the mistreatment by law enforcement of people who use drugs (PWUD), creating substantial barriers to their accessing harm reduction services. Utilizing a constructivist framework and a modified grounded theory approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 PWUD to examine their experiences with drug use, interactions with police, and the consequent effects on harm reduction efforts. Three key themes emerged: the exploitation of PWUD as a significant source of income for corrupt police officers, the …

Foxr2 Targets Lhx6+/Dlx+ Neural Lineages To Drive Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma, Selin Jessa, Antonella De Cola, Bhavyaa Chandarana, Michael Mcnicholas, Steven Hébert, Adam Ptack, Damien Faury, Jessica W Tsai, Andrey Korshunov, Timothy N Phoenix, Benjamin Ellezam, David T W Jones, Michael D Taylor, Pratiti Bandopadhayay, Manav Pathania, Nada Jabado, Claudia L Kleinman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Central nervous system neuroblastoma with forkhead box R2 (FOXR2) activation (NB-FOXR2) is a high-grade tumor of the brain hemispheres and a newly identified molecular entity. Tumors express dual neuronal and glial markers, leading to frequent misdiagnoses, and limited information exists on the role of FOXR2 in their genesis. To identify their cellular origins, we profiled the transcriptomes of NB-FOXR2 tumors at the bulk and single-cell levels and integrated these profiles with large single-cell references of the normal brain. NB-FOXR2 tumors mapped to LHX6+/DLX+ lineages derived from the medial ganglionic eminence, a progenitor domain in the ventral telencephalon. In vivo prenatal …

Precision Fetal Cardiology Detects Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Using Maternal Saliva Metabolome And Artificial Intelligence, Ray Bahado-Singh, Nadia Ashrafi, Amin Ibrahim, Buket Aydas, Ali Yilmaz, Perry Friedman, Stewart F Graham, Onur Turkoglu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) can lead to improved morbidity and mortality. However, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, the sole prenatal screening tool, remains limited. Failed prenatal or early newborn detection of cyanotic CHD (CCHD) can have disastrous consequences. We therefore sought to use a Precision Fetal Cardiology based approach combining metabolomic profiling of maternal saliva and machine learning, a major branch of artificial intelligence (AI), for the prenatal detection of isolated, non-syndromic cyanotic CHD. Metabolomic analyses using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry identified 468 metabolites in the saliva. Six different AI platforms were utilized for the …

Associations Between Social Determinants Of Health And Mental Health Disorders Among U.S. Population: A Cross-Sectional Study, S. Tanarsuwongkul

Faculty Publications

Aims

The impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on mental health is increasingly realized. A comprehensive study examining the associations of SDOH with mental health disorders has yet to be accomplished. This study evaluated the associations between five domains of SDOH and the SDOH summary score and mental health disorders in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed data from a diverse group of participants enrolled in the All of Us research programme, a research programme to gather data from one million people living in the United States, in a cross-sectional design. The primary exposure was SDOH based on Healthy …

Dna Methylation Profile In Buffy Coat Identifies Methylation Differences Between Cirrhosis With And Without Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hyeyeun Lim, Hashem B El-Serag, Michelle Luster, Megan L Grove, Jinyoung Byun, Yuri Jung, Younghun Han, Eric Boerwinkle, Christopher I Amos, Aaron P Thrift

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Cirrhosis is the precursor to most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the mechanisms leading to the transition from cirrhosis to HCC and identifying key biomarkers is crucial to developing effective screening strategies and reducing HCC-related mortality. DNA methylation is associated with gene inactivation and plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes; however, its role in cirrhosis progression to HCC is unknown.

Methods: We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPI BeadChip in pre-diagnostic samples from 22 cirrhosis patients who subsequently developed HCC and 22 cirrhosis patients who remained HCC-free during an average 4-year follow-up. …

Targeting Cytokine-Mediated Inflammation In Brain Disorders: Developing New Treatment Strategies, Rahul Mallick, Sanjay Basak, Premanjali Chowdhury, Ranjit Kumar Das, Antara Banerjee, Sujay Paul, Surajit Pathak, Asim K. Duttaroy

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Cytokine-mediated inflammation is increasingly recognized for playing a vital role in the pathophysiology of a wide range of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental problems. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cause neuroinflammation, alter brain function, and accelerate disease development. Despite progress in understanding these pathways, effective medicines targeting brain inflammation are still limited. Traditional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are effective in peripheral inflammatory illnesses. Still, they face substantial hurdles when applied to the central nervous system (CNS), such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and unwanted systemic effects. This review highlights the …

Assessment Of Surgical Outcomes And Factors Affecting Vision After Cataract Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study At Al-Zubair General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, Maytham Neamah, Zainab Taher

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Cataract is the most common elective and ambulatory procedure globally, and its incidence continues to rise, leading to an increasing number of cataract surgeries aimed at eliminating the burden of cataract blindness in the aging population. Cataract surgery is safe, predictable, and cost-effective. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical visual outcomes and factors influencing vision in patients who underwent cataract surgery in the Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on cataract surgeries of all ages performed at Al-Zubair General Hospital between October 2014 and November 2022. Data based on demographic characteristics, preoperative …

Versatility Of First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap For Thumb Reconstruction, Abdulrahman Miran, Hemin Aladden, Gultan Taimur, Ahmed Abdulla, Rana Kamal Kamal

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Coverage of extensive defects of the thumb, with exposure of tendon and/or bone, presents challenging reconstructive problems. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the versatility, applicability, and patient satisfaction with the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction. Methods: This prospective case series study was conducted over approximately four years (June 2017–September 2022) in the Plastic Surgery Department at Rizgary Teaching Hospital in Erbil. Twelve patients with complex soft tissue thumb defects exposing vital structures were included and treated with first dorsal metacarpal artery island flaps. Results: Twelve patients participated in the study. Their mean …

Generalized Anxiety Disorders Among The Adult Population In Basra During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Raya Habeeb Abdulimam, Elaf Mohemmed Saleh, Ikram M. Abbas

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Anxiety disorders encompass conditions characterized by excessive fear and anxiety, along with related behavioral disturbances. During epidemics, many individuals experience distress due to immediate health impacts and feelings of loneliness; however, others fear infection, death, or the loss of loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq, part of the global coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, may have exacerbated anxiety disorders among patients and their families. Aim: This study aims to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adult population in Basra. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using an online survey with a questionnaire available via …

Accuracy Of C-Reactive Protein (Crp) And Hematological Indices As A Screening Tool In Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis, Zainab Farhan, Kassim Rahi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Early recognition of neonatal sepsis is challenging due to its subtle and nonspecific symptoms. Failure to recognize or delays in diagnosis can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Laboratory sepsis markers complement clinical signs and risk factors in diagnosing sepsis. The current approach for early recognition of sepsis combines clinical presentation, biomarkers, and blood culture. Aims: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of C-reactive protein and basic hematological indices, such as neutropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, in diagnosing sepsis, measuring the sensitivity of each test, and evaluating the outcomes of the studied sample. Methods: This study consisted of 90 …

Thyroid Function Test Evaluation In Prostate Cancer Patients In Khartoum State, Abdalla Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Thyroid hormones (TH) are key regulators of essential cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. They play an important role in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, this study aimed to assess thyroid function tests among PCa patients in Khartoum State. Methods: The study comprised 100 male participants, including 50 PCa patients as a case study and 50 healthy men as the control group. Blood samples were collected for thyroid function test and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using TosohTM device (China) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the device FortressTM. Results: Statistical analysis of the test results of …

Peritoneal Dialysis In Iraq: Past And The Modern Era, Ali Al Saedi, Yasir Sharba, Abdalmahdi Al_Sallami, Majid Al Matwari, Zainab Hussein

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The peritoneal cavity, a region of the abdomen, receives dialysate, a cleansing solution, via a catheter tube. The dialysate removes waste from blood vessels in the peritoneum; subsequently, the fluid is removed from the body and disposed of. Benefits of chronic PD include reduced costs, home-based therapy, single access, a decreased need for highly skilled workers and large infrastructure. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of acute and chronic PD in the Iraqi population Methods: We have gathered data regarding every patient who received acute and chronic peritoneal dialysis in Iraq in period between 2016-2024 …

Nutritional Status In Iraqi Hemodialysis Patients, Nawaf Al-Neaimy, Ismael Ismael, Dalia Ali, Ali Al Saedi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Malnutrition is a commonly encountered issue in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and significantly impacts disease progression and mortality. We aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of malnutrition among Iraqi patients on a regular hemodialysis (HD) program. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the level of malnutrition among hemodialysis patients across all Iraqi centers. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted across all Iraqi cities from January 1 to December 31, 2023, examined patients undergoing HD. A standardized questionnaire was utilized for data collection, which was centralized through governorate centers. Results: Using subjective global assessment (SGA), 3,639 patients (33.9%) …

Maternal Mortality In Basra From 2019-2021, Mayyada Abdul -Jaleel Salman, Halah Alabdullah, Nadeem Raheem Shiaa

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Maternal mortality is a crucial community health indicator. The World Health Organization defines maternal death as “the annual number of female deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy and labor or within 42 days following the termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and location of the pregnancy.” Aim: This study aims to calculate the maternal mortality ratio in Basra over three years, identify the causes of death, and describe the sociodemographic factors of deceased mothers. Methods: A registry-based, descriptive, and retrospective study conducted over three …

Awareness Of Health Matters Related To Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers In Basra: Awareness Of Health Matters Related To Pregnancy, Zainab Alfaaz

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Prenatal care is an effective health intervention for reducing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, the risk of which is significantly higher in Basra (or Iraq in general) due to ignorance compared to other regions who offer prenatal care. Aim: This study aimed to assess health awareness related to pregnancy among women visiting primary health care centers in Basra Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 100 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) attending three primary health care centers in Basra, selected by random sampling technique. Data analysis was performed utilize the statistical …