Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Efficacy Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy On Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing, Steven Dang

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, associated with high morbidity, recurrence, and amputation, driving up healthcare costs. While standard care includes topical treatments and debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising adjunct. This study evaluates HBOT’s efficacy in enhancing DFU healing based on current clinical evidence.

Methods: A PubMed search using the terms ((Hyperbaric oxygenation*) AND (Diabetic foot*)) AND ("Wound Healing") returned 226 results. After filtering for recent articles (2019-2024), nine were reviewed, with five selected for analysis.

Results: The studies reviewed demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing outcomes with the use …

The Role Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring In Quality Of Life And Glycemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes, Brooke Strickland

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, leading to the need for exogenous insulin to maintain glycemic control. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become a pivotal piece of technology in treating T1D. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze the role of CGM in improving glycemic control and quality of life in T1D patients.

Methods: PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using key terms “continuous glucose monitoring,” “type 1 diabetes,” “quality of life,” “glycemic control,” and “hbA1c.” Operators and filters narrowed results to 4 …

Steroid Injections Versus Hyaluronic Acid In Knee Osteoarthritis, Jessica Dawn Alley

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that affects more than 300 million individuals. Individuals with osteoarthritis have limitations in function and quality of life due to knee pain, swelling, difficulty walking, tightness, and neurologic symptoms. There have been increasing efforts to treat the condition, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other injectables. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Methods: A search via PubMed database was completed using the keywords “knee osteoarthritis” AND “hyaluronic acid” AND “intra-articular” with an additional search completed using “knee osteoarthritis” AND …

Antibiotics Vs Appendectomy In Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis, Elizabeth Wilson

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of the acute abdomen, and the current standard of care is surgical removal of the appendix. The purpose of this review is to compare the long-term efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the key terms “anti-bacterial agents” AND “appendicitis” AND “appendectomy”. Operators and filters narrowed results to four relevant articles for review.

Results: Of the four articles, 3 were meta-analyses of the same RCTs comparing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy to appendectomies. The fourth reviewed 12 RCTs comparing antibiotic therapy to appendectomies.

Discussion: …

Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Versus Ventilation-Perfusion Scanning For Pe During Pregnancy, Grace Perkins

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Pregnant women who are diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) face a high rate of mortality due to its significant compilations. Timely and accurate diagnosis of PE is essential for appropriate management. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, are required to confirm the PE. This study aims to determine the most optimal early diagnostic imaging for PE in pregnancy.

Methods: This study searched the PubMed database for research comparing diagnostic imaging modalities used in PE for pregnant women from 2018 to 2024. Keywords searched included “pulmonary embolism,” “pregnancy,” “computed tomography pulmonary …

Efficacy Of Pharmacotherapy Vs Psychotherapy For Insomnia: A Clinical Review, Logan Lovell

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder with significant impacts on public health, economics, and vulnerable populations including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. This review examines current literature comparing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for insomnia.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed using the keywords “insomnia,” “cognitive behavioral therapy,” and “pharmacotherapeutics” which was refined using MeSH terms, Boolean operators, and specific parameters (English, free full-text, published between 2019 and 2024). Six articles were selected for an in-depth review of pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic treatments for insomnia.

Results: The selected articles from the PubMed search were …

Letrozole Vs Clomiphene Citrate For Treating Anovulation In Women With Pcos, Britney Landis

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, often leading to infertility. First line treatment for ovulation induction is currently clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), but some patients with PCOS have become resistant. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if letrozole is a safe and effective alternative to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.

Methods: PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using key terms “letrozole,” “clomiphene citrate,” and “PCOS”. Operators and filters narrowed the results to 3 relevant and quality articles for review. …

Aspirin Use For The Prevention Of Preeclampsia: A Clinical Update, Megan Murray

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious and deadly complication in pregnancy that affects thousands of women every year. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze the efficacy of aspirin therapy to prevent the occurrence of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the key terms “pregnant,” "aspirin," “high-risk,” "preeclampsia," and “prevention”. Operators and filters narrowed results to 21 quality articles with 5 relevant to the topic for review.

Results: One article is an RCT comparing the prevention of preeclampsia with aspirin therapy to no therapy. Four articles are meta-analyses of multiple RCTs. Three of …

The Efficacy And Safety Of Baricitinib In The Treatment Of Alopecia Areata, Ireny Sharkawy

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammatory circular, coin-shaped patches of hair loss on the scalp and other body parts. Baricitinib, a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is a new medication approved for the treatment of AA. This review paper evaluates the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in treating hair loss in patients with alopecia areata compared to no intervention.

Methods: The efficacy and safety of baricitinib in treating AA patients were evaluated by utilizing five (5) clinical articles, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, sourced from PubMed.

Results: Baricitinib JAK inhibitor was shown …

Semaglutide Vs Liraglutide For Weight Loss In Adults With Obesity, Orian Bar

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Obesity is a growing chronic condition worldwide with limited effective and safe treatment options. Semaglutide and liraglutide are two GLP-1a medications with encouraging outcomes for the treatment of obesity. The purpose of this paper is to compare semaglutide to liraglutide for weight loss and obesity

Methods: Pubmed was searched for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta- analyses from 2019 to 2024 to assess efficacy of semaglutide and liraglutide. Five articles were selected for clinical review.

Results: In 4 out of the 5 studies there was a greater reduction in weight in patients receiving semaglutide compared to liraglutide. Statistically …

Do Oral Contraceptives Increase Breast Cancer Risk In Adult Women?, Melinda Behney

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Breast cancer ranks as the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally. These numbers are on the rise annually, possibly influenced by changes in shifts in women’s lifestyles including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, consumption of alcohol, and oral contraceptive use. This paper aims to assess whether the use of oral contraceptives elevates the risk of breast cancer in adult women.

Methods: A search via PubMed using the key terms “contraceptives, oral” AND “breast neoplasms” resulted in 1,398 articles. After applying operators and filters for the last five years (January 2019 through June 2024), the results were narrowed down to five high-quality studies, …

Combined Low/Moderate-Intensity Statin With Ezetimibe Vs High-Intensity Statin Alone: A Comparison, Haden Baker

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a continually rising global health crisis and is one of the leading contenders in chronic disease, with traditional statin monotherapy being at the foundation of LDL lowering treatment interventions. The purpose of this review is to compare two different therapy options, 1.) combined low/moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe, and 2.) monotherapy high- intensity statin, and assess their efficacy in reducing LDL values in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the search "high intensity" statin AND "ezetimibe" AND "lipid.” Operators and filters were added to narrow the results to four relevant, quality articles for review.

Results: Three …

Dual Antiplatelet Vs Monotherapy As Secondary Prevention For Myocardial Infarction In Coronary Artery Disease, Ana Patricia Dorado

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death globally, with myocardial infarction (MI) being the biggest contributor. While aspirin monotherapy is standard for preventing ischemic events in CAD patients, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combining aspirin with P2Y12 inhibitors may offer greater efficacy. This review examines whether DAPT reduces MI incidence compared to aspirin monotherapy (AM), weighing the benefits against potential bleeding risks to guide optimal treatment strategies.

Methods: Inclusion criteria included studies in English, published between 2019 and 2024, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The following key terms we used in the PubMed database, …

A Clinical Review Of The Efficacy Of Masks In Preventing Spread Of Sars-Cov-2, Harrison Nobles

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has sparked debate over the effectiveness of masks in reducing viral transmission. This clinical review aims to evaluate the efficacy of cloth masks, medical masks, and N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 transmission.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted on PubMed for articles published between January 2020 and August 2024. Out of 27 screened articles, 5 met the inclusion criteria, focusing on mask efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Results:

Of the 5 studies included, three were systemic reviews, one was a metanalysis and one was a systemic review and meta-analysis. The largest …

Efficacy Of Virtual Reality Incorporation In Post-Stroke Rehabilitation, Chloe Lissauer

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in the United States, with one of the largest concerns being persistent neurological deficits. Traditionally, conventional rehabilitation has been initiated as soon as possible in post-stroke patients in attempt to improve function and neuroplasticity either back to patient baseline levels or to a new maintained baseline. Recently, virtual reality (VR) supported rehabilitation has been studied in comparison to traditional therapy to determine if there is potential for its utilization in patient care.

Methods: A PubMed database search was used and narrowed down to 6 articles to be interpreted …

Ablation Vs Drug Therapy For Long-Term Outcomes Of Atrial Fibrillation, Taylor Yaw

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF), a rapid and irregular arrhythmia, is the most common cause of cardiac-related stroke and other serious complications for those affected. The first-line treatment for long-term rhythm control of AF remains in question and simplification of therapy would be a significant development. This review aims to determine the efficacy of ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy for the treatment of AF.

Methods: A search via PubMed using the keywords ablation* AND drug therapy* AND atrial fibrillation* AND long-term effects produced 770 results. Results were consolidated by excluding those without full text. Filters were set to randomized control trials …

End-Stage Renal Disease: A Clinical Review On Renal Replacement Therapy Outcomes, Mckenzie T. Lawrence

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a worldwide issue that occurs when the kidneys fail to filter out harmful waste from the blood. The only treatment options for patients with this diagnosis are kidney transplant, hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD). HD involves surgical prep with vascular access and is only performed in clinic. HD is also the most commonly used form of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Peritoneal dialysis is performed through the peritoneum and can be done in clinic or at home. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the overall patient outcomes in those undergoing HD compared …

Mohs Surgery Versus Surgical Excision: A Clinical Review Of Skin Cancer Recurrence Rates, Gabriella H. Malone

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Skin cancer is a serious, yet preventable disease that impacts individuals worldwide. Skin cancer is treated through both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Designed to preserve healthy skin tissue, Mohs surgery has shown favorable outcomes in lessening skin cancer recurrence. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether Mohs surgery is superior to traditional surgical excision in reducing recurrence rates in patients with skin cancer.

Methods: PubMed was searched for clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of Mohs surgery compared to surgical excision in cancer recurrence. Five articles were selected for clinical review.

Results: In 5 studies, there was …

Reduced Set-Shifting Processing Speed In Male Rats Following Low Dose (10 Cgy) Proton Exposure, Hui Ho Vanessa Chang, Gyutae Kim, Kyu-Sung Kim, Richard A. Britten

Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases (CINID) Faculty Publications

Space radiation (SR) exposure poses significant biomedical risks, including effects on the central nervous system (CNS). These risks are particularly relevant to cognitive function during long-duration space missions. One critical cognitive skill is decision-making, which requires attentional set-shifting (ATSET)—the ability to quickly assess problems, evaluate options, and select the best actions. Previous studies have shown that exposure to However, the impact of low LET (< 1 keV/μm) protons, which significantly contribute to the total radiation flux astronauts encounter within spacecraft, on ATSET performance is unknown. To address this gap, we evaluated the effects of cranial irradiation with 10 cGy of 100 MeV/n protons (LET = 0.732 keV/μm) on ATSET performance in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We also investigated whether concurrent exposure to variable gravity (hypergravity step-up, step down, purported to have the same effect as exposure to microgravity (another major spaceflight stressor) exacerbated SR-induced cognitive deficits. Our findings indicate that proton exposure alone significantly impaired ATSET performance, as evidenced by decreased processing speed while performing compound discrimination reversal and extra-dimensional shifting. Notably, no additive or synergistic effects were observed when hypergravity was combined with proton exposure. The impact that low-dose proton exposure has on CNS functionality, particularly in reducing processing speed during complex tasks, warrant further investigation. If similar cognitive deficits were to occur in astronauts exposed to galactic cosmic rays, mission success and safety could be significantly compromised.

Case Report: Lung Herniation In A Motor Vehicle Collision, Matthew A. Pinto, Priya Reddy J. Mallimala, Andrew Anderson

Emergency Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Rural Georgians’ Perspectives On Organ Donation, Isait Alvarado, Brian Childs, Caroline Anglim

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Look Into Postpartum T2dm Screening In Patients Diagnosed With Gdm, David Vincent Ream, Joshua Ferrell, Ashlee Nichole Tillery

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei As Initial Presentation Of Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma, Rajiv Shah, Iren Shabanova, Radhika Mohan, Sirin Khajaviyan, David Ortega, Pooja Paunikar, Dennis Besong, Mitul Patel, Valerie Sinkler

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Barbiturates Versus Benzodiazepines For Adults With Severe Alcohol Withdrawal, Frank Schaefer, Alexandra Doan, Jarratt Lark, Scott Gutovitz

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Cross Attention Approach To Diagnostic Explainability Using Clinical Practice Guidelines For Depression, Sumit Dalal, Deepa Tilwani, Manas Gaur, Sarika Jain, Valerie L. Shalin, Amit P. Sheth

Psychology Faculty Publications

The lack of explainability in using relevant clinical knowledge hinders the adoption of artificial intelligence-powered analysis of unstructured clinical dialogue. A wealth of relevant, untapped Mental Health (MH) data is available in online communities, providing the opportunity to address the explainability problem with substantial potential impact as a screening tool for both online and offline applications. Inspired by how clinicians rely on their expertise when interacting with patients, we leverage relevant clinical knowledge to classify and explain depression-related data, reducing manual review time and engendering trust. We developed a method to enhance attention in contemporary transformer models and generate explanations …

Gattonrx Magazine - 2025, Bill Gatton College Of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University

GattonRX Magazine

No abstract provided.

Decolonizing Health In Madagascar: A Francophone Perspective, Delaney K. Brenner

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

No abstract provided.

Investigating Synovial Fluid Electrochemical Properties Against Orthopaedic Alloys, Bailey Thomas Bond

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction. Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) femoral components are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, recent retrospective clinical trials associate moderate adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs) with CoCrMo release in the knee. Additionally, gaps persist in our understanding of the fundamental corrosion processes that occur at the CoCrMo-synovial fluid interface. The first study investigates the electrochemical behavior of CoCrMo in human synovial fluid obtained at the time of primary TKA, using CoCrMo in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a comparison. The second study compares the synovial fluid properties, both physical and electrochemical, in necropsy TKA and contralateral (native) knee specimens. Methods. In …

Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perspectives On Leadership In Everyday Practice: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Mary E. Spores

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Leadership is a topic of interest for rapidly evolving healthcare professions and a cornerstone of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Centennial Vision. The history of leadership in the profession has a robust foundation and yet calls to action for leadership in the profession remain focused on traits, behaviors and transformative processes. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are positioned to be leaders of change with the use of leadership influence however, practitioner views on their enactment of leadership in everyday practice are sparse in the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to capture the perspectives of …

Perceptions Of School-Based Occupational Therapists Regarding The Access To Educator Credential Pathways In Kentucky, Jill Edlin

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: In Kentucky public schools, occupational therapists are employed as classified staff without access to educator credential pathways. This study explores occupational therapist’s perceptions of how those state-level structures impact recognition, collaboration, leadership, and day-to-day practice within the educational system context. Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study examines school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of how the absence of educator credential pathways influences their professional practice, collaboration, and leadership in Kentucky public schools. Research objectives focus on describing Kentucky school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of leadership opportunities as shaped by state educator credentialing. Objectives also focus on exploring how credentialing influences interprofessional collaboration with …