Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Patient Access To Glp-1 Ra’S: A Medicare Part D Policy Analysis, Celine Hummer

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

This policy analysis examines the evolving landscape of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and their implications for Medicare Part D coverage. Initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 RAs have rapidly gained popularity due to their efficacy in treating obesity and reducing cardiovascular events, leading to broader therapeutic applications. However, access to these medications under Medicare Part D is limited by high costs and coverage restrictions, particularly when used for obesity without diabetes. This analysis evaluates current Medicare Part D policies, including specialty drug tier placement, formulary restrictions, and the potential impact of recent legislative initiatives such as the …

The Nature And Validity Of Implicit Bias Training For Health Care Providers And Trainees: A Systematic Review, Nao Hagiwara, Conor Duffy, John Cyrus, Nadia Harika, Ginger S. Watson, Tiffany L. Green

VMASC Publications

The number of health care educational institutions/organizations adopting implicit bias training is growing. Our systematic review of 77 studies (published 1 January 2003 through 21 September 2022) investigated how implicit bias training in health care is designed/delivered and whether gaps in knowledge translation compromised the reliability and validity of the training. The primary training target was race/ethnicity (49.3%); trainings commonly lack specificity on addressing implicit prejudice or stereotyping (67.5%). They involved a combination of hands-on and didactic approaches, lasting an average of 343.15 min, often delivered in a single day (53.2%). Trainings also exhibit translational gaps, diverging from current literature …

Designing A Blockchain-Empowered Telehealth Artifact For Decentralized Identity Management And Trustworthy Communication: Interdisciplinary Approach, Xueping Liang, Nabid Alam, Tahmina Sultana, Eranga Bandara, Sachin Shetty

VMASC Publications

Background: Telehealth played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to function as an essential component of health care. Existing platforms cannot ensure privacy and prevent cyberattacks.

Objective: The main objectives of this study are to understand existing cybersecurity issues in identity management and trustworthy communication processes in telehealth platforms and to design a software architecture integrated with blockchain to improve security and trustworthiness with acceptable performance.

Methods: We improved personal information security in existing telehealth platforms by adopting an innovative interdisciplinary approach combining design science, social science, and computer science in the health care domain, with prototype …

Effectiveness Of Full Pulpotomy Compared With Root Canal Treatment In Managing Teeth With Signs And Symptoms Indicative Of Irreversible Pulpitis: A Protocol For Prospective Meta-Analysis Of Individual Participant Data Of Linked Randomised Clinical Trials (Prove), Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Background: Full pulpotomy has been proposed as an alternative to root canal treatment in teeth with signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis (IRP), but the evidence is limited, relying on underpowered studies with a high risk of bias. The aim of this study is to conduct a prospective meta-analysis (PMA) of individual participant data of a series of individual randomised trials to provide robust evidence on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of pulpotomy compared with root canal treatment. Methods: Individual participant data will be obtained from a series of randomised trials designed and conducted by a consortium of multi-national investigators …

Anatomical Analysis Of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Relation To Mandibular Posterior Teeth Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Radiographic Analysis Study, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Introduction: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is reliable in the assessment of structures related to teeth. The assessment of the inferior alveolar neurovascular (IAN) bundle location using CBCT is considered one of its prime uses in different mandibular surgeries. Methodology: Retrospective CBCT data of patients presented to the institute were assessed to measure relations of IAN. Measurements were taken to assess the bone thickness adjacent to IAN, the superior-inferior dimension between the canal and the teeth, and the dimension between the canal and the inferior border of the mandible. Results: Out of the 170 patients the root apices nearest to …

Impact Of Angle Of File Access And Location Of Canal Curvature On The Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue Of Nickel Titanium Rotary Instruments, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate the impact of different file access angles and root canal curvature’s location on the fatigue failure of One Curve (OC) and E3 Azure (EZ) NiTi files using a dynamic model at simulated body temperature. Methods: Eighty new instruments with similar tip sizes and taper (#25/0.06) from two NiTi rotary systems, One Curve and E3 Azure, were tested at simulated body temperatures (37°C) using a custom-made dynamic cyclic fatigue device. Instruments were divided into four subgroups according to the location of root canal curvature (a coronal curve 5 mm from the root canal orifice and an apical curve …

Physicochemical Properties Of Ah Plus Bioceramic Sealer, Bio-C Sealer, And Adseal Root Canal Sealer, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of two newly introduced premixed calcium silicate-based root canal sealers (AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer and Bio-C Sealer) compared to a resin-based root canal sealer (ADseal root canal sealer). Methods: Solubility, pH analysis, calcium ion release, and film thickness of each sealer were evaluated following ISO guidelines. The data were examined using the two-way ANOVA test. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination was performed to investigate the crystalline phase of each type of sealer. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was done for the chemical elemental analysis of each sealer. Results: The …

Two-Year Clinical Performance Of Indirect Restorations Fabricated From Cad/Cam Nano Hybrid Composite Versus Lithium Disilicate In Mutilated Vital Teeth. A Randomized Controlled Trial, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Trial design: This is a randomized, controlled, superiority, double-blinded, parallel-group, two-arms trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The aim of this trial was to compare the two-year clinical performance of partial indirect restorations fabricated from CAD/CAM nano-hybrid composite and ceramic lithium disilicate blocks using the modified USPHS criteria. Methods: In two parallel groups (n = 50 restorations), fifty participants having mutilated vital teeth with a minimum of two remaining walls were randomly enrolled in this trial and received indirect restorations of either nano-hybrid composite resin blocks (Brilliant, Coltene, Switzerland) or Lithium Disilicate (IPS Emax CAD). The restorations were assessed …

Comparison Of Different Dental Restorative Materials On Orthodontic Brackets Performance In Class V Lesions. (In Vitro Study), Shadwa Kabil, Mohamed Mostafa Zayed, Shaimaa Rhoym

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Adaptation Of Conventional Versus Digitally Fabricated Auricular Prosthesis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Sara Fikry, Fatma Mohei El Mogei Dr, Mohamed El Khashab Prof, Amal Rekabi Prof

Dentistry

Aim: This study aimed to compare digitally fabricated auricular prostheses to conventional prostheses, regarding adaptation to defect site in patients with auricular defects.

Subjects and methods: Fifteen patients were recruited for auricular prosthetic reconstruction. Endosseous implants were placed, then patients were assigned into two groups. In control group, ear models were processed on stone cast obtained from conventional impression. In intervention group, computed tomography and optical scanning were combined to obtain a virtual model with digital analogues over which ear models were designed and printed. Ear models of both groups were seated, and adaptation was measured on the patient using …

Comorbidities And Final Outcome Of Post Covid-19 Associated Oral Mucormycosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Asmaa Abou-Bakr, Ayman El-Gawish

Dentistry

Background

Mucormycosis is an invasive and possibly fatal fungal infection that frequently affects the mouth. Co-infection in post COVID-19 patients is an emerging concern, owing to their complex nature and higher mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to report the underlying risk factors, clinical characteristics, presentation, and final outcome of COVID-19 associated oral mucormycosis cases.

Results

This study included 51 patients with oral mucormycosis 28 (55%) males and 23 (45%) females. Twenty-three patients (45%) presented with deep necrotic ulcer, 16 patients (31%) presented with superficial ulcer, and 12 patients (23%) of them presented with fistula. The overall survival rate was 51% …

Evaluation Of Different Approaches For Management Of Separated Endodontic Instruments. (In-Vitro Study), Engy M. Kataia Professor, Hala Fayek Ass. Professor, Osama Ahmed El-Karamany

Dentistry

Objective: to evaluate different approaches (ultrasonic troughing, and trephine bur

with extractors) to manage separated endodontic instruments.

Methods and Materials: A block of wax containing mandibular molars were

scanned to get preoperative CBCT to select a total number of 32 mandibular molars

that were later divided into two groups (n=16) according to file retrieval procedure:

Group (A) (control group): the broken segment was retrieved by ET-25 ultrasonic

tips, Group (B): the broken segment was retrieved by micro-extractor (Zumax

retrieval kit). Traditional endodontic access cavity was created, orifice opener was

used to make coronal third enlargement up to 4mm of …

Indirect Composite Color Stability And Surface Roughness After Finishing, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Sarah Adel Botros, Nermeen Hamada Hassan

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Two -Year Clinical Performance Of Indirect Restorations Fabricated From Cad/Cam Nanohybrid Composite Versus Lithium Disilicate In Mutilated Vital Teeth. A Randomized Controlled Trial, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Shehabeldin Saber, Haneen Ahmed El Moselhy, Olfat Hassanien, Maha Elbaz

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Fracture Resistance Of Mod Cavities In Maxillary Premolar Teeth Restored With Different Restorative Protocols: An In-Vitro Study, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Rania Elsaady Badawy, Ahmed Fawzy Aboelezz

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Microtensile Bond Strength Of Two Bioactive Restorative Materials To Sound Dentin (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Hassan Abuolazm, Mostafa Nomair

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Two-Year Clinical Performance Of The Indirect Resin Composite Restorations In Endodontically Treated Teeth With Different Cavity Preparation Designs: A Randomized Clinical Trial., Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Shehab Saber, Olfat Hassanien, Hoda Fouda, Maha Elbaz, Ahmed Abuelezz

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Build Angle Effect On 3d-Printed Dental Crowns Marginal Fit Using Digital Lightprocessing And Stereo-Lithography Technology: An In Vitro Study, Ahmed Sabet

Dentistry

Background The effect of 3D printing technology and build angle on the marginal fit of printed crowns is unclear. The objective of this research was to use digital light processing (DLP) and stereo-lithography (SLA)-based 3D printing to construct single restorations with varied build angles and to analyze the crowns′ marginal fit. Methods A prepared resin first molar was scanned utilizing an optical scanner. Three build orientations were used to construct the specimens: 0, 45, and 90º. DLP and SLA technology were used to produce the casting patterns. A digital microscope was used to measure the marginal gaps. The effect of …

Mangement Of Hypomineralized Anterior Teeth In Children And Adults, Shadwa Kabil, Sarah M.S. Khalil

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Efficiency Of Passive Self-Ligating Versus Conventional Brackets In The Alignment Of Mandibular Crowded Teeth (A Comparative Study), Noha Ibrahim Abdelrahman Professor

Dentistry

Aim: Is to compare the efficiency of passive self-ligating versus conventional brackets in the alignment of crowded mandibular teeth. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial with Fifty participants visiting the clinic of the Orthodontic Department and fulfilling the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to group A (Conventional brackets) or group B (Damon Q metal passive self-ligating brackets). The amount of mandibular crowding was assessed by Little’s irregularity index. Subjects in both groups were recalled for follow-up every four weeks till completion of alignment. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline irregularity in …

Invitro Evaluation Of Forces Delivered By Aligners Fabricated Using Positive Air Pressure Versus Negative Air Pressure., Islam Tarek Abbas Hassan Ahmed Prof, Nada Hamed, Dina Elghoul, Ahmed Zaki, Iman El-Abbasy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Family Structure, Family Transitions, And Child Overweight And Obesity: Comparing Australia, The United Kingdom, And The United States, Sadie A. Slighting, Kirsten Rasmussen, Mikaela J. Dufur, Jonathan A. Jarvis, Shana Pribesh, Alyssa J. Alexander, Carolina Otero

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Growing rates of childhood obesity globally create concern for individuals' health outcomes and demands on health systems. While many policy approaches focus on macro-level interventions, we examine how the type of stability of a family structure might provide opportunities for policy interventions at the micro level. We examine the association between family structure trajectories and childhood overweight and obesity across three Anglophone countries using an expanded set of eight family structure categories that capture biological relationships and instability, along with potential explanatory variables that might vary across family trajectories and provide opportunities for intervention, including access to resources, family stressors, …

Machine Learning As A Tool For Early Detection: A Focus On Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer Across Socioeconomic Spectrums, Hadiza Galadima, Rexford Anson-Dwamena, Ashley Johnson, Ghalib Bello, Georges Adunlin, James Blando

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of various machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses against the backdrop of socio-economic and regional healthcare disparities. Methods: An innovative theoretical framework was developed to integrate individual- and census tract-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with sociodemographic factors. A comparative analysis of the ML models was conducted using key performance metrics such as AUC-ROC to evaluate their predictive accuracy. Spatio-temporal analysis was used to identify disparities in late-stage CRC diagnosis probabilities. Results: Gradient boosting emerged as the superior model, with the top predictors for late-stage CRC diagnosis being anatomic site, …

A New Approach For Discriminating Spatially Acquired Sers Spectra Using Antiretroviral Drug Emtricitabine As A Test Sample, Jana Hrncirova, Marguerite R. Butler, Meredith R. Clark, Gustavo F. Doncel, John B. Cooper

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In this study, an antiretroviral drug emtricitabine (also known as FTC or Emtriva) was detected and quantified down to 40 ng/ml by using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Its aqueous standards were tested with two types of silver nanoparticles (colloidal and dendritic) using a specially developed aluminum well plate. The SERS spectra were acquired using a Raman scanning device with 30-mu m spatial resolution. The spectral data were analyzed using a new approach for the discrimination of the spatially acquired spectra based on the Quality index (Qi). After the Qi is calculated, the spectral data are sorted based on the Qi. …

Breastfeeding Perceptions And Decisions Among Hispanic Participants In The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children: A Qualitative Study, Emily Fisher, Priyanka Patel, Kathryn G. Wouk, Bidusha Neupane, Futun Alkhalifah, Marilyn M. Bartholmae, Chuanyi Tang, Qi Zhang

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition assistance program in the U.S. WIC served 2.5 million eligible Hispanic women, infants, and children under the age of five in 2021, which is WIC's largest racial/ethnic group. However, limited research has been conducted to understand Hispanic WIC participants' perceptions of WIC breastfeeding recommendations and their breastfeeding decisions. For this qualitative study, we interviewed 18 of these pregnant and postpartum WIC participants on their experiences and decision-making processes related to breastfeeding. Hispanic cultures and home country norms were identified as prominent influences on breastfeeding decisions, along …

Navigating New Normals: Student Perceptions, Experiences, And Mental Health Service Utilization In Post-Pandemic Academia, Hadiza Galadima, Anne Dumadag, Cara Tonn

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

This study explores the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education, focusing on shifts in learning experiences and students’ intentions to utilize mental health services post-pandemic. Utilizing Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study assesses perceptions from a stratified random sample of college students on post-pandemic learning experiences and mental health service utilization intentions. Findings reveal a positive reception to university initiatives and a preference for ongoing virtual classes. There is an evident increase in, and varying intentions for, using mental health services, shaped by demographics, employment, and prior service utilization. Younger and female students showed …

The Association Of Skin Cancer Prevention Knowledge, Sun-Protective Attitudes, And Sun-Protective Behaviors In A Navy Population, Rachel Newnam, Uyen Le-Jenkins, Carolyn Rutledge, Craig Cunningham

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: U.S. Navy service members are primarily between the ages of 18 and 30 years and often required to be outside for extended periods of time in geographical locations with increased and often unfamiliar ultraviolet indexes that collectively increase their risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the country's most common form of cancer, yet there is a paucity of skin cancer prevention literature, especially within the U.S. Navy. The purpose of this study was to describe skin cancer risk and skin cancer prevention "cues-to-action" and to determine if skin cancer prevention knowledge was associated with sun-protective attitudes (e.g., prevention …

Evidence Of Direct Interaction Between Cisplatin And The Caspase-Cleaved Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 Tumor Suppressor, Krishna K. Raut, Samjhana Pandey, Gyanendra Kharel, Steven M. Pascal

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) tumor suppressor protein has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target owing to its unique ability to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, sensitize them to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and mitigate drug resistance. It has recently been reported that Par-4 interacts synergistically with cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug. However, the mechanistic details underlying this relationship remain elusive. In this investigation, we employed an array of biophysical techniques, including circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, to characterize the interaction between the active caspase-cleaved Par-4 (cl-Par-4) fragment and cisplatin. Additionally, elemental analysis was …

Synthetic Approaches Of Carbohydrate Based Self-Assembling Systems, Guijun Wang, Anji Chen, Pramod Aryal, Jonathan Bietsch

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Carbohydrate-based self-assembling systems are essential for the formation of advanced biocompatible materials via a bottom-up approach. The self-assembling of sugar-based small molecules has applications encompassing many research fields and has been studied extensively. In this focused review, we will discuss the synthetic approaches for carbohydrate-based self-assembling (SA) systems, the mechanisms of the assembly, as well as the main properties and applications. This review will mainly cover recent publications in the last four years from January 2020 to December 2023. We will essentially focus on small molecule self-assembly, excluding polymer-based systems, which include various derivatives of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides. Glycolipids, …

Unraveling The Complex Interactions Among Lung Cancer, Copd, Cardiovascular Disease, And Pulmonary Fibrosis: Overlapping Risks, Converging Pathways, And Integrated Care Approaches, Daisy Umutoni, Mayowa Soloman Owolabi, Sakariyau Adio Waheed

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Background: The coexistence of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and pulmonary fibrosis poses significant challenges in clinical management due to shared risk factors, overlapping pathogenic mechanisms, and the complexity of co-managing multimorbid conditions. Smoking, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions are critical shared risk factors, while common molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and aberrant tissue remodeling contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. This review comprehensively examines the prevalence, shared mechanisms, and clinical implications of these comorbid conditions, emphasizing the importance of integrated management strategies to improve patient outcomes. We further highlight research …