Reproductive and Urinary Physiology Commons^™

Pessary Use In Urology Clinics, Kathy Z. Lu Bs, Emily Brodowsky Md, Alex Stephens Ms, Samantha Raffee Md, Humphrey Atiemo Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Pessaries are a non-invasive treatment option for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). There is currently limited data regarding pessary usage among urology patients. The aim of this study is to determine the patient characteristics that predict long term pessary usage versus surgical intervention.

Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of pessary usage in women with either SUI or POP was performed. Patients were stratified into pessary longevity of less than or greater than one year. Quality of life measures before and after pessary use included pads per day, incontinence symptom index (ISI) scores, and …

Six-Month Report Assessing The Feasibility And Effectiveness Of Amniotic Membrane Injections In Patients With Short, Anterior, Urethral Strictures, Nicholas Pryde, Jack Vernocke, Aron Liaw, Michael Sessine, Nivedita Dhar

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Urethral stricture treatment has high recurrence rates and adjunct injectable agents have been explored. Amniotic membranes (AM) promote apoptosis of pro-inflammatory cells, prevent differentiation of pro-fibrotic cells, and decrease scar formation. These tissues generated interest in reconstructive urethral surgery. Thus, we performed urethral dilation combined with micronized AM injection in urethral scar tissue for treatment of urethral stricture.

Materials and Methods: Adult males with strictures ≤12Fr in diameter and ≤2 cm in length, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥11 and maximum flowrate <15 ml/s. Reconstituted 100mg micronized AM was injected at the time of urethral dilation. Primary study end point was anatomical success (≥14Fr by cystoscopy) at 6 months. Secondary end points were questionnaires, flow rate, and post void residual. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 5 days, 14 days, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection. Safety was analyzed.

Results: Ten men, mean age of 52 ± 15 years, were included. There were 7 patients with …

Exploring The Effects Of Amniotic Bladder Therapy On Female Sexual Dysfunction In Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients, Jonathan D. Lutchka, Jack Vercnocke Md, David Pearlman Md, Aron Liaw Md, Nivedita Dhar Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction and Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is commonly associated with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). FSD manifests as abnormalities in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, distress, and satisfaction. Our primary objective was to assess the impact of micronized amniotic membrane injections (AM) on FSD and lower urinary tract symptoms using comprehensive measures, including the multi-domain Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI).

Methods: Study participants included patients diagnosed with IC/BPS and FSD refractory to traditional therapies. Under general anesthesia, these …

Radio-Histopathological Presentation And Multidisciplinary Treatment Of Adolescent Paratesticular Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report, Troy Nguyen, Joseph Hatem, Abhijit Datir, Joel Thompson

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) is a rare condition predominantly affecting the pediatric and adolescent population. In this case report, we discuss a 17-year-old male with a slow-growing, painless scrotal mass, ultimately diagnosed as embryonal PRMS — the most common and favorable rhabdomyosarcoma subtype. The report underscores the typical clinico-radiological presentation of PRMS and the pivotal part of histopathological evaluation in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Multidisciplinary intervention including surgery and chemoradiotherapy resulted in total remission. Therefore, this report underlines the significance of prompt diagnosis and comprehensive management in ensuring a favorable prognosis of PRMS.

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

A Comparative Analysis Of Costs Associated With Assisted Reproductive Technology; Invitro Fertilization Of Singleton, Twin, And Multiple Gestations Compared To Non-Invitro Fertilization Singleton Gestations, Ruth Arthur-Asmah

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

This study examines IVF and non-IVF costs associated with prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care using claims data from Merative MarketScan Commercial and Encounter data from 2018-2020 to understand the costs associated with respective IVF singleton, twin, and multiple gestations, as compared to non-IVF singleton gestations. These patients identified as females at birth, were continuously enrolled in private insurance, and have not experienced termination of pregnancy. The Student T-test was performed on continuous variables, and logistic regression was performed on binary variables with the overall outcome variables being cost, IVF, and non-IVF, controlling for age. The cost data was gamma log …

Sars-Cov-2 Infection In Unvaccinated High-Risk Pregnant Women In The Bronx, Ny, Usa Is Associated With Decreased Apgar Scores And Placental Villous Infarcts, Sandra E. Reznik, Patricia M. Vuguin, Alexa Cohen, Rasha Khoury, Olivier Loudig, Ridin Balakrishnan, Susan A. Fineberg, Francine Hughes, Malini Harigopal, Maureen J. Charron

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Babies born to severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected mothers are at greater risk for perinatal morbidity and more likely to receive a neurodevelopmental diagnosis in the first year of life. However, the effect of maternal infection on placental function and neonatal outcomes varies depending upon the patient population. We set out to test our hypothesis that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in our underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged, mostly unvaccinated, predominantly African American and Latina population in the Bronx, NY would have effects evident at birth. Under IRB approval, 56 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients infected during the “first wave” of the pandemic with alpha …

Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Spermatogenesis And Male Reproductive Tract In Mice, Trenton A. Dalm

Masters Theses

Increases in infertility over the past 50 years are linked to environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). One type of EDC is phytoestrogens, commonly found in soy-based diets and foods such as cauliflower, tofu, and broccoli. Phytoestrogens may bind estrogen receptors and have positive or negative effects on receptor signaling. The developing male reproductive tract is potentially susceptible to endocrine disruptors leading to changes in adult reproductive function and possibly infertility. We hypothesized that dietary phytoestrogen exposure would have a dose dependent effect with the high diet yielding the lowest sperm count and worst performance compared to the medium …

Prenatal Care: Improved Attendance Through Text Messaging, Samareea Saunders

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

No abstract provided.

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In Pregnancy: National Trends Of Treatment, Predictors, And Outcomes, Kasra Khatibi, Hamidreza Saber, Smit Patel, Lucido Luciano Ponce Mejia, Naoki Kaneko, Viktor Szeder, May Nour, Reza Jahan, Satoshi Tateshima, Geoffrey Colby, Gary Duckwiler, Yalda Afshar

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a rare event associated with significant pregnancy-associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The optimal treatment strategy and clinical outcome of aSAH in pregnancy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the treatment utilizations and outcomes of aSAH in pregnant people. Methods Using the 2010-2018 National Inpatient Sample, we identified all birth hospitalizations of women between ages of 18 to 45 associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm treatment were included. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the effect of pregnancy state, mode of treatment of aneurysms, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage on mortality and discharge destination …

Sexual Dimorphism Of Glomerular Capillary Morphology In Rats, Zackarias Coker

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses faster in males than females; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Sex differences in glomerular capillary morphology has been hypothesized to contribute, in part, to the increased susceptibility to hypertension-induced renal injury and CKD progression in males, but this has not been investigated. The goal of the present study was to assess glomerular capillary morphology in male vs. female rats with intact kidneys and after uninephrectomy (UNX). We hypothesized that glomerular capillary radii (R_CAP) and length (L_CAP) would be greater in male rats.

Male (n=4) and female (n=4) with intact …

The Ethical Dilemmas Epigenetic Editing In Utero Presents To Christians, Victoria Hendrix

Senior Honors Theses

The development of CRISPR epigenetic editing technology was initially impactful due to its potential for disease treatment. However, despite the potential benefits of epigenetic technology, there exist ethical dilemmas surrounding its use in utero. The review of the ethical dilemmas of epigenetic editing in utero from a Christian perspective showed that research in epigenetic editing is promising, yet fraught with peril. The basic ethical issues of epigenetic editing in utero stem from its inaccuracy, lack of research concerning its effects on offspring, an incomplete understanding of gene interactions, and its connection to eugenics. The ethical concerns particularly relevant to Christians …

Co-Occurrence Of Depression, Anxiety, And Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress In Postpartum Persons, Shelby Howard, Caitlin Witt, Karla Martin, Ateshi Bhatt, Emily Venable, Sarah Buzhardt, Andrew G. Chapple, Elizabeth F. Sutton

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: The study aim was to describe the incidence of depression, anxiety, perinatal-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and their co-occurrences in the early postpartum period in a low-resource OB/GYN clinic serving majority Medicaid-eligible persons. We hypothesized that postpartum persons screening positive for depression will have an increased risk of a positive screen for anxiety and perinatal PTSD. Methods: A retrospective study of postpartum persons receiving care in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was conducted using responses abstracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7), and Perinatal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQII). Categorical distributions …

Patient Perspectives On Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Among Black Women In The United States: A Scoping Review, Shameka P. Thomas, Madison A. Keller, Tiara Ranson, Rachele E. Willard

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Advances in reproductive health technologies such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are changing the landscape of prenatal care and maternal health. NIPT, made clinically available in the United States (US) in 2011, is a screening test that utilizes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to detect for aneuploidies and genetic characteristics in fetal DNA. In September 2020, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended NIPT for all pregnant patients regardless of age or risk factors. We examined peer-reviewed, empirical studies published from January 2011 to February 2022, assessing NIPT studies with patient perspectives in the US and what is known about …

Parental Instincts: The Neurological And Biological Factors Associated With Parenthood, Jared Reeder

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The following project involves a systematic review of the scientific literature on neural and biological changes of mothers and fathers in parenthood. Until very recently, little scientific research was devoted to studying how bearing children affects a man or woman’s long-term biology. Over the last twenty years, studies of neuroplastic changes in new mothers show specific neural mechanisms responsible for altering the behaviors of mothers during and after pregnancy. These changes in neuroplasticity alter behavior in such a way that led to mothers requiring less sleep and being more prone to hearing the cries of their children. In addition to …

Influence Of Maternal Nano-Titanium Dioxide Inhalation Exposure On Cyclooxygenase Metabolites: Maternal Microvascular And Sexually Dimorphic Feto-Placental Outcomes., Julie Anne Griffith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) is an engineered nanomaterial (ENM), which is widely utilized in diverse products like surface coatings, cosmetics, medical devices, and filters. Inhaled nano-TiO₂ has been demonstrated to induce pulmonary inflammation, impair microvascular function, and hinder generational reproductive endpoints. These outcomes indicate why it is important to explore gestation, as it requires timely vascular adaptations to support maternal and fetal health and development. Therefore, the central hypothesis of my dissertation is: maternal nano-TiO₂ inhalation exposure will impact maternal microvascular function and fetoplacental hemodynamics and function in a sexually dimorphic manner.

The first purpose of …

Reducing Placental Oxidative Stress In A Rat Model Preeclampsia Using Vegfr2 Nanoparticles, Sophia Ganios

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy, where the placenta lacks sufficient blood flow due to abnormal formation of the vascular endothelial cells. This results in hypertension and increased reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress. The VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) helps develop new growth, so by increasing the receptors VEGFR2 by injection of LTP nanoparticles into the uterine wall of RUPP rats, one can see if there would be improvement in the otherwise reduced uterine pressure pregnant rat. This would be confirmed by the 8-isoprostane test, which measures oxidative stress.

Rare Causes Of Genital Fistula In Nine African Countries: A Retrospective Review, Carrie J. Ngongo, Thomas J.I.P. Raassen, Marietta Mahendeka, Ladeisha Lombard, Jos Van Roosmalen, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Most genital fistulas result from prolonged, obstructed labor or surgical complications. Other causes include trauma (from accidents, traditional healers, or sexual violence), radiation, carcinoma, infection, unsafe abortion, and congenital malformation.

Methods: This retrospective records review focuses on rare fistula causes among 6,787 women who developed fistula after 1980 and sought treatment between 1994 and 2017 in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. We compare fistula etiologies across countries and assess associations between rare causes and type of incontinence (urine, feces, or both).

Results: Rare fistula accounted for 1.12% (76/6,787) of all fistulas, including traumatic …

Prostate Imaging Reporting And Data System Score (Pi-Rads) And Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Methylation Status (Gst-P1) In The Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer Patients With Borderline Psa Values, Marius Stan, Vladimir Botnarciuc, Andra Iulia Suceveanu, Andreea Cristina Costea, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Laura Mazilu, Ciprian Iorga, Tony Hangan, Corneliu Tudor, Dragos Epistatu, Sergiu Chirila, Viorel Gherghina, Felix Voinea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS) in combination with Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GST-P1) expression for an improved diagnosis of prostate cancer, in patients with inconclusive values of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 80 patients for whom PSA values were evaluated and were found to be inconclusive (4-10 ng/ml). These patients underwent imagistic evaluation (PI-RADS), followed by transurethral prostate biopsy, with the evaluation of GST-P1 expression and histopathological examination (for diagnosis confirmation). Results. By combining the results of …

Investigating The Effects Of Kidney Stones On Our Microbiome: Lactobacilli Growth In The Presence Of Oxalate, Rayan Haque, Layla Jeries

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Role Of Decorin At The Fetal-Maternal Interface, Chidambra D. Halari

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The human placenta is an invasive tumor-like structure, this invasion being physiological. A subset of placental trophoblast called extra-villous trophoblast invades the uterine decidua and remodels uterine arteries into low-resistance, high-flow tubes to permit adequate flow of maternal blood to nourish the fetus. A poor extra-villous trophoblast invasion and uterine arterial remodeling can lead to fetal growth restriction and a serious pregnancy-associated maternal disease preeclampsia. Decorin, a leucine-rich proteoglycan produced by uterine decidual cells restrains multiple trophoblast functions: self-renewal and differentiation of trophoblast stem cells, migration, invasion, proliferation and endovascular differentiation. Additionally, decidual overproduction of decorin was associated with preeclampsia, …

No One Should Have To Give Birth Alone: An Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Community-Based Doula Programs Serving Ethnic Minorities In San Francisco, Maria Margaret Nelson

Master's Projects and Capstones

Adverse birth outcomes for both the parent and the child disproportionately affect people of color. Evidence demonstrates that one of the ways to mitigate these negative consequences is through the utilization of a doula, a trained birth companion that is not a medical provider but whose role it is to physically and emotionally support the patient through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Community-based doula programs, where the doula is of the same cultural background as the client, are particularly effective in improving birth outcomes in communities of color by providing culturally competent care and helping to navigate a healthcare system that …

Identifying Predictors For Inflammation-Induced Preterm Birth: A Murine Study, Tzu Ning Liu Bs, Jose Galaz Md, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A large proportion of preterm deliveries is affected by intra-amniotic inflammation, which can occur in the presence (intra-amniotic infection) or absence (sterile intra-amniotic inflammation) of microbes. Studies have shown an association between intra-amniotic inflammation, cervical shortening, and changes in the cervicovaginal microbiome. However, their causal relationships are unknown. This study aims to determine the causality of intra-amniotic inflammation, cervical shortening, and cervicovaginal microbiome alterations.

Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6 dams received an ultrasound-guided intra-amniotic injection of an endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or the alarmin interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) on 16.5 …

Overexpression Of Foxf2 In Prostate Cancer Cells Causes An Increase In Cancer Cell Apoptosis And A Decrease In Proliferation, Vaughn Poon

Honors Projects

FOXF2 is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in organ development, and recent studies have shown that it suppresses tumor growth and progression in mouse prostate models by attenuating the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) phenotype and transcriptionally downregulating Cxcl5. However, the effects of FOXF2 overexpression in prostate cancer cells have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigate the impact of FOXF2 overexpression in prostate cancer cells and demonstrate that it leads to a significant increase in cell apoptosis and a decrease in proliferation. These findings suggest that FOXF2 may have potential as an immunotherapy drug target for prostate …

The Impact Of Dietary Fiber On Breast Cancer Incidence, Peyton North

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction & Background

The role of dietary fiber in breast cancer etiology remains unclear. A negative correlation may be due to fiber’s ability to stave off obesity and aid in the extraction of serum estrogen, two known risk factors for the disease. Effects may differ by source, and type, of fiber. Most of the data available is from research with non-Hispanic white women. However, fiber intake may vary significantly across cultures.

Purpose Statement & Question

The research sought to investigate whether an increased intake of dietary fiber was associated with a corresponding decrease in the incidence of breast cancer. …

Urinary Incontinence: Understanding The Silent Plight Of Women, Yasmin Nadeem Parpio, Anmol Minaz, Sonia Ijaz Haider

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as the complaint of involuntary loss of urine. UI affects both men and women but is more common in women. It has been identified as a World Health Organization priority. The burden related to UI at local, national, and global levels is huge and its impact in terms of physical, social, mental, and financial aspects makes it a concerning issue. However, there exist several barriers in terms of knowledge and attitude in seeking healthcare among women experiencing UI. This calls upon a multi-disciplinary approach involving professionals from different disciplines and tackling it with collaborative and …

Microplastics, The Environment, And Reproductive Health: How Is The Accumulation Of Microplastics In Our Environment And Bodies Impacting Reproductive Health?, Katherine Hayward

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As global trends in both production and consumption of plastics continue to evolve, the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastic particles in our everyday lives follow suit. This increasingly relevant problem has only recently been explored in the context of global health, and more specifically, reproductive health. Along with this steady increase in plastics and our exposure to them, researchers have separately observed adverse patterns in reproductive health. The chemicals involved throughout the microplastic life cycle may be playing a key role in these simultaneous patterns. With the aid of previous studies and publications on microplastics, exposure pathways, endocrine disruptors, and …

Fertility Control Options For Management Of Free-Roaming Horse Populations, Ursula S. Bechert, John W. Turner Jr., Dan L. Baker, Douglas C. Eckery, Jason E. Bruemmer, Candace C. Lyman, Tulio M. Prado, Sarah R. B. King, Mark A. Fraker

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The management of free-roaming horses (Equus ferus) and burros (E. asinus) in the United States has been referred to as a “wicked problem” because, although there are population control options, societal values will ultimately determine what is acceptable and what is not. In the United States, free-roaming equids are managed by different types of organizations and agencies, and the landscapes that these animals inhabit vary widely in terms of access, size, topography, climate, natural resources, flora, and fauna. This landscape diversity, coupled with contemporary socioeconomic and political environments, means that adaptive management practices are needed to …

Exposure To Family Planning Messages And Teenage Pregnancy: Results From The 2017 Philippine National Demographic And Health Survey, Veincent Christian F. Pepito, Arianna Maever L. Amit, Clinton S. Tang, Luis Miguel B. Co, Neil Andrew K. Aliazas, Sarah J. De Los Reyes, Raymundo S. Baquiran, Lourdes Bernadette S. Tanchanco

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background

Teenage pregnancy is known to have physical, emotional, and psychosocial effects. Because of these risks, family planning and contraception messages have been disseminated in various forms of media, but their association with teenage pregnancy has not been studied previously in the Philippines. This study aims to examine the association between exposure to various family planning and contraception messages disseminated in various media channels and pregnancy among Filipino women aged 15–19. The study also intended to examine interactions between the different media channels where these family planning and contraception messages are being disseminated on their effect on teenage pregnancy.

Methods …

Understanding One Dietary Supplement For Pcos, Eva Schofield

Capstone Showcase

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common condition in women of reproductive age, yet nearly 70% of individuals with PCOS remain undiagnosed. For many women who do receive a diagnosis, it takes experiencing symptoms for two years or longer and receiving care from an average of 3 different providers before a diagnosis can be established. In an environment where prevalence is high, diagnosis rate is low and delayed, and dissatisfaction is prevalent regarding the health care women receive, many patients may turn to self-diagnosis and online resources to find their own therapeutic options. This CME article aims to …