Medical Specialties Commons^™

Is Apremilast (Otezla) Effective In Reducing Pruritus In Adults Over 18 Years Old With Plaque Psoriasis?, Stephanie N. Carnes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not apremilast (Otezla) is effective in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2012, and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of apremilast to a placebo in reducing pruritus in adults over 18 years old with plaque psoriasis, found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome studied was improvement of the psoriatic plaques based on reduction in pruritus measured by the Pruritus …

Are Soy-Based Proteins, Meals, And Diets An Effective Treatment In Reducing Waist Circumference In Overweight And Obese Adults Ages 20-75 Years?, Lisa Lin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not soy-based proteins, meals, and diets are effective treatments in reducing waist circumference in overweight and obese adults ages 20-75 years.

Study design: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2003, 2007, and 2011. All English language.

Data Source: The three randomized controlled trials that used in this review were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: The outcomes measured were improvement of patient’s overweight and obesity status and their overall quality of life through the indication of reduced waist circumference. …

2017 Founders' Day, Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Founders Day Programs

The 2017 Founders Day Alumni Association Certificate of Honor Recipient was Dana C. Shaffer (DO '85). The OJ Snyder Memorial Medal recipient was Vincent G. Lobo (DO '65). The Philadelphia Campus Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal Recipient was Anna Elisa Muzio (DO '17). The Georgia campus Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal Recipient was Matthew Shelnutt (DO '17).

Trends In Hospital Admissions Due To Antidepressant-Related Adverse Drug Events From 2001 To 2011 In The U.S., Harish S. Parihar, Hongjun Yin, Jennifer L Gooch, Shari N. Allen, Samuel N. John, Jianwei Xuan

PCOM Scholarly Works

BACKGROUND: Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder and the fourth leading cause of disability in the world as per the World Health Organization. Use of antidepressants can lead to adverse drug events (ADEs), defined as any injury resulting from medication use. This study aimed to examine changes in hospital admissions due to antidepressant-related ADEs (ArADEs) among different socio-demographic groups and changes in lengths of stay (LOS) and hospital charges in ArADE admissions from 2001 to 2011.

METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database was used. ArADE admissions in different socio-demographic groups were examined including characteristics such as age, …

Different Ret Gene Mutation-Induced Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a In 3 Chinese Families, Qiuli Liu, Dali Tong, Wenqiang Yuan, Gaolei Liu, Gang Yuan, Weihua Lan, Dianzheng Zhang, Jun Zhang, Zaoming Huang, Yao Zhang, Jun Jiang

PCOM Scholarly Works

BACKGROUD: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a condition with inherited autosomal dominant mutations in RET (rearranged during transfection) gene that predisposes the carrier to extremely high risk of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and other MEN2A-associated tumors such as parathyroid cancer and/or pheochromocytoma. Little is reported about MEN2A syndrome in the Chinese population.

METHODS: All members of the 3 families along with specific probands of MEN2A were analyzed for their clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics. Exome sequencing was performed on the 3 probands, and specific mutation in RET was further screened on each of the family members.

RESULTS: Different …

Role Of Myo/Nog Cells In Neuroprotection: Evidence From The Light Damaged Retina., Alice Brandli, Jacquelyn Gerhart, Christopher K Sutera, Sivaraman Purushothuman, Mindy George-Weinstein, Jonathan Stone, Arturo Bravo Nuevo

PCOM Scholarly Works

PURPOSE: To identify Myo/Nog cells in the adult retina and test their role in protecting retinal photoreceptors from light damage.

METHODS: Light damage was induced by exposing albino rats raised in dim cyclic light to 1000 lux light for 24 hours. In one group of rats, Myo/Nog cells were purified from rat brain tissue by magnetic cell sorting following binding of the G8 monoclonal antibody (mAb). These cells were injected into the vitreous humour of the eye within 2 hours following bright light exposure. Retinal function was assessed using full-field, flash electroretinogram (ERG) before and after treatment. The numbers of …

Can Coloring Pre-Structured Designs That Have Complexity Aid In Reducing Anxiety In Those Greater Than 17 Years Of Age?, Kaitlyn P. Probasco

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not coloring mandalas or designs that have complexity and structure can aid in reducing anxiety in those greater than 17 years of age.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in 2007, 2012, and 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals obtained using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

Outcomes Measured: The Curry and Kasser study and the van dV and Serice7study both used the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) to record anxiety. The Henderson …

Does Belatacept Improve Patient/Graft Survival After 1 Year Versus Calcineurin Inhibitor Based Regimens?, Ashlie Burns

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not belatacept improves patient/graft survival after 1 year versus calcineurin inhibitors based regimens.

Study Design: Review of one randomized controlled trial published in 2010 and two randomized controlled trials published in 2011 were used for this review and selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Sources: Studies were found using PubMed, and Medline Plus. Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured patient/graft survival after 12 months as either a primary or secondary outcome.

Results: Vincenti et al (2010) showed belatacept to …

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Effective In Treating Barrett’S Esophagus Patients With High-Grade Dysplasia?, Ariana S. Karnado

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency ablation effective in treating Barrett’s esophagus patients with high-grade dysplasia?”

Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study. All three studies were published in English in peer-reviewed journals after 2000.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study found via PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: All three studies measured eradication of dysplasia via biopsy evaluation. Other outcomes measured included progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma based on histology findings, overall cancer risk based on observations of …

Is Aristada (Aripiprazole Lauroxil) A Safe And Effective Treatment For Schizophrenia In Adult Patients?, Kyle J. Knowles

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) a safe and effective treatment for schizophrenia in adult patients?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies. All three trials were conducted between 2014 and 2015.

DATA SOURCES: One randomized, controlled trial and two randomized, controlled, doubleblind trials found via Cochrane Library and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes that were measured include adverse events (pain at injection site, insomnia, headache, toothache, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, akathisia, back pain, dyskinesia, dystonia, nasopharyngitis) measured by vital signs, physical examination, …

Is Necitumumab An Effective Addition To Traditional Chemotherapeutic Regiments When Treating Stage Iv Lung And Colon Cancer?, J. Ross Hosford

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Necitumumab is an effective add on treatment to traditional chemotherapy regimes when treating stage IV lung or colon cancer.

Study Designs: Review of two open label, randomized, controlled phase III trials and one single arm multicenter phase II study.

Outcomes Measured: Objective tumor response rate was measured for patients with colon cancer. Overall survival rate and length of survival were measured for patients with lung cancer. This was measured in Kapler Meier Methodology.

Results: For two trials the addition of Necitumumab improved …

Are Antibiotics, Other Than Roxithromycin, An Effective Way To Manage Joint Pain In Rheumatoid Arthritis?, Kelly A. Hoffman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Are antibiotics, other than roxithromycin, an effective way to manage joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind, randomized-controlled studies published in English between 2001-2007.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published between 2001 and 2007 were found using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Clinical outcome for all three studies used American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, which assesses joints for swelling and tenderness.

RESULTS: In the Odell et al.1 study, at 24 months 28 participants did meet the ACR50 …

Are Five Sessions Of Individual Based Art Therapy Effective In Reducing Emotional Problems In Swedish Women With Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy?, Sarah C. Hayes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Are five sessions of individual based art therapy effective in reducing emotional problems in Swedish women with nonmetastatic breast cancer receiving radiation therapy?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized control studies, two which were published in 2009 and one that was published in 2006.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed, Ebscohost, and Cochrane Review databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, factors pertaining to emotional problems were measured through self-assessment questionnaires.

RESULTS: …

Is Suvorexant (Belsomra) Effective In Reducing Wakefulness After Sleep Onset In Healthy Patients Diagnosed With Insomnia?, Danielle Hart

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine if Suvorexant (Belsomra) is effective in reducing wakefulness after sleep onset in healthy patients diagnosed with insomnia that are 18 years old or older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (doubleblind, placebo-controlled) between 2012-2014, all English.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published between 2012-2014 were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Polysymnography, psychomotor performance test, PSG measurements of sleep, visual scoring, efficacy assessed with an electronic diary, Sheehan Disability Scale, vitals, EKGs, PE, MVAV questionnaire, QIDS-SR to assess mood, Tyler Withdrawal …

Is Tea Tree Oil Preparation An Effective Topical Therapy For Patients With Msra Colonized Wounds?, Mariah A. Gerald

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not tea tree oil preparation an effective topical therapy for patients with MRSA colonized wounds.

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2004,2013, and 2014. These studies compared the efficacy of tea tree oil (TIO) topical preparations in MRSA colonized wounds.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed and Cochrane Review databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The efficacy of tea tree oil preparations on MRSA colonized wounds were evaluated …

Is 100mg Flibanserin Effective In Increasing The Number Of Sexually Satisfying Events (Sse) In Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Hsdd)?, Bridget M. Frymoyer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not 100mg Flibanserin is effective in increasing the number of sexually satisfying events in women with HSDD.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, placebo-controlled trials in which women > 18 years old with HSDD were treated with either 100mg Flibanserin or a Placebo once daily qhs for 24 weeks

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, placebo-controlled trials found via PubMed searches and published in English peer-reviewed journals between 2011-2014

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured were the number of SSE over 4 weeks and analyzed with Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test. …

Are Ceramide Containing Creams A Safe And Effective Treatment For Patients With Atopic Dermatitis?, Jennifer M. Francis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ceramide containing creams are a safe and effective treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three assessor blind randomized controlled trials found using PubMed and EbscoHOST databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed safety and efficacy of a ceramide containing cream compared with another method in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Outcomes were measured by Eczema Severity Score (ESS), rating of skin dryness on a 0-4 …

Does Using Music Therapy Improve Levels Of Perceived Dyspnea In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd)?, Jessica Duong

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective systematic review is to determine whether or not “Does using music therapy improve levels of perceived dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three studies published in English between 2003 to 2009. Studies included two randomized controlled trials and one controlled crossover design trial.

DATA SOURCES: Three trials analyzing the utilization of music therapy and the effects on dyspnea in COPD were found via PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: The outcome measured was level of perceived dyspnea via Visual Analogue Dyspnea Scales (VADS), Basal Dyspnea Index, …

Is Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Safe And Effective In Reducing Adhd Symptoms?, Jordan A. Drelich

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The purpose of this careful EBM review is to determine whether lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is safe and effective in reducing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Study Design: A systematic review of two randomized controlled studies and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011-2014, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011 and 2014 which were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: ADHD global symptomatic improvement was measured using Clinical Global Impressions – Severity of Illness (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement …

Do Pcsk9 Monoclonal Antibodies Plus Soc Prevent Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Adults With Hypercholesterolemia Compared To Placebo Plus Soc?, Amy Doyle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies plus SOC prevent major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with hypercholesterolemia compared to placebo plus SOC.

Study Design: This review is using one double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) and two open-label RCTs investigating alirocumab and evolocumab, published in 2014 and 2015.

Data sources: Articles were found on PubMed, and were published in peer-reviewed journals in English.

Outcome Measured: The outcome measured was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which included death, MI, hospitalization for unstable angina, revascularization, or cerebrovascular event. …

Is Rolapitant Effective In Reducing The Incidence Of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea And Vomiting (Cinv) In Patients Receiving Emetogenic Chemotherapy?, Brandon E. Eberts

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not rolapitant is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) all published in 2015. The studies compared the safety and efficacy of rolapitant in decreasing the incidence of CINV.

Data Sources: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed and the Cochrane Review database.

Outcomes Measured: All included studies measured the safety and …

In Patients Over Sixty Years Old With A Primary Hip Fracture, Is Home Based Therapy Effective For Restoring Functional Abilities?, Florence M. Fournier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not homebased therapy is effective for restoring functional abilities in patients over sixty with a primary hip fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of two RCTs and one randomized clinical trial published in the English language between the years 2014 and 20 15.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were published in peer reviewed journals and compared home-based therapy as an intervention following a primary hip fracture to individuals solely documentation of post-surgical care using Cochrane and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The specific outcomes measured varied …

Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy Effective In Increasing Total Sleep Time In Adults?, Johanna F. Detwiler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not mindfulness-based therapy is effective in increasing total sleep time in adults.

Study design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2011, 2014 and 2015, all English language.

Data source-The three randomized controlled trials that were used in this review were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, time in bed, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were …

Do Submental Deoxycholic Acid Injections Reduce Submental Fat In Adult Patients Enough To Create A Significant Increase In Patient Satisfaction?, Alec W. Curry

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Submental deoxycholic acid injections reduce submental fat in adult patients enough to create a significant increase in patient satisfaction”

Study Design: Review of 3 double blind, randomized control trials that were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Sources: All three peer-reviewed articles were found using PubMed and Cochrane Database. The keywords “ATX-101”, “submental fat”, and “deoxycholic acid” were used.

Outcomes Measured: Satisfaction with appearance in association with face and chin evaluated by a patient reported subject self-rating scale …

Is Botox A Safe And Effective Treatment To Reduce Symptoms Of Depression?, Bradin T. Carter

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Botox is a safe and effective treatment to reduce symptoms of depression?

Study Design: The review is based on three Randomized Control Trials that were double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials.

Data Source: All articles were researched and found using PubMed and Medline. The articles were selected based on the relevance to my clinical question and if the articles included patient oriented outcomes (POEMS).

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes were measured by the improvement of depressive symptoms (sleep disturbances, suicide ideations, change in …

Is The Use Of Kinesio Tape (Kt) Effective In Improving Gross Motor Functionality Throughout The Sit-To-Stand Transfer Activity In Children With Cerebral Palsy (Cp)?, Rachel L. Dodies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Kinesio tape (KT) is effective in improving gross motor functionality throughout the sit-to-stand transfer activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Study Design: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2011 and 2015.

Data Sources: One not-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), one single-blind RCT, and one cross-sectional study were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes that were measured were improvement in gross motor function, sitting posture, functional independence, balance, ambulation, and agility from sitting to standing. This …

Is L-Theanine An Effective Treatment For Reducing Anxiety In Patients Ages 18-25?, Nicole Bubes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not L-theanine, an amino acid analogue found in green tea leaves, is an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in patients ages 18-25.

Study design: Review of two double-blind, randomized controlled studies and one single-blind, randomized controlled study published in 2007, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Data sources: PubMed

Outcome(s) measured: Each study measured L-theanine’s ability to reduce acute anxiety with a series of self-report measures assessing acute anxiety and stress, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the visual analogue scales (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety …

Is Oral Vitamin D Supplementation Safe And Effective For Adults As Therapy To Improve Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) During Wintertime?, James Berking

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not oral vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective for adults as therapy to improve symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during wintertime.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were published in 2006, 2012, 2014. Two of the studies were double blind and placebo controlled. The studies evaluated the efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation for improvement of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms. One of the studies also evaluated safety.

Data Sources: All articles used were …

Is The Use Of Triamcinolone (Tac) In Combination With 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) More Effective Than Tac Alone In The Treatment Of Keloid Scars?, Jenna A. Barreto

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is the use of triamcinolone (TAC) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is more effective than TAC alone in the treatment of keloid scars?”

Study Design: Review of two (2) published, randomized control trials (RCT) and one (1) published, observational case control study (OCCS) in 2009 and 2014. All are in English.

Data Sources: The two (2) RCTs and the OCCS. Both were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in scar height and evolution of symptoms, specifically pain and pruritus. Other outcomes measured …

Does Adalimumab Effectively Treat Moderate To Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis In Adults?, Anthony J. Audia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does adalimumab effectively treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study. The studies compared the efficacy of adalimumab in reducing the body surface area affected by plaque psoriasis.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used in this review are peer reviewed journals, published in English, and found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, the effectiveness of adalimumab on moderate to severe plaque psoriasis was evaluated using …