Medical Specialties Commons^™

Is Ginkgo Biloba Effective In Managing The Symptoms Of Adhd And Does It Exhibit Lower Adverse Side Effects As Compared To The Current Standard Of Treatment?, Joshua Meir Alge

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not ginkgo biloba is effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD and if it exhibits lower adverse side effects as compared to the current standard of treatment.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language studies, two of which were randomized, double blind, controlled trials (one positive controlled, one placebo controlled), and one open prospective cohort study, published between 2009-2015.

Data Source: Two randomized, double blind, controlled trials (one positive controlled, one placebo controlled), and one open prospective cohort study. In one …

Is Combination Nivolumab And Ipilimumab Safe And Effective In Patients With Melanoma?, Jacob L. Toscano

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not combination nivolumab and ipilimumab is safe and effective in patients with melanoma.

Study design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2015, and one cohort study published in 2013.

Data Sources: All of the articles were published in English language, peer reviewed journals and were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: The safety of combination nivolumab and ipilimumab was measured by treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse effects. The effectiveness was measured by progression-free survival, which is based …

Is Oral Isotretinoin More Effective Than Antibiotics In The Treatment Of Severe Acne In Adults?, Eric Thomas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of oral isotretinoin is more effective than oral antibiotics in the treatment of severe acne.

Study Design: Review of all English language primary studies published after year 2000.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials all found using PubMed. Outcomes Measured: Total number and percentage change in total acne lesions from baseline at various intervals.

Results: A randomized control trial (RCT) by Gollnick et al. (2001) found that oral isotretinoin was more effective than combination therapy involving minocycline in treating severe …

Is Pharmacologic Therapy For Blood Pressure Control Effective At Reducing Symptoms And Improving Quality Of Life In Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots)?, Christopher S. Sokalski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pharmacologic therapy for blood pressure control effective at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Study Design Systematic review of two single blind crossover randomized control trials published in 2009 and 2012 and one retrospective case control study published in 2009.

Data Sources Three studies were obtained using PubMed. Outcomes Measured Self reported symptoms of POTS and the Vanderbilt POTS symptom scoring system as well as quality of life in patients.

Results Raj et al. (2009), Coffin et …

Do Minimalist Running Shoes Cause Harm To Runners?, Alex R. Tabone

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Is Radiofrequency Energy A Safe And Effective Treatment For Reducing Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease In Patients 18 Years Or Older?, Kristen L. Schaffer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency energy a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients 18 years or older?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double-blind, randomized control trials and one double-blind, randomized cross-over study published between 2003 and 2012. All studies were published in the English language in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one randomized cross-over study were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured include changes in GERD symptom scores for …

Is Platelet Rich Plasma Injection An Effective Treatment For Hair Loss In Androgenic Alopecia And Alopecia Areata?, Maciej Stanczak

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Platelet Rich Plasma is efficacious in regrowth of hair in both androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Study Design: Review of two blinded randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort study. Populations studied were Adults over 18 with hair loss. All articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English.

Data Source: 3 articles found via PubMed and NCBI

Outcomes Measured: One prospective cohort study, and two randomized control trials evaluating hair regrowth after PRP scalp injections. Outcomes were reported by patient satisfaction, mean hair …

Is Cariprazine Effective And Safe In Treating Acute Mania In Bipolar I Disorder?, Evan A. Reaume

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is cariprazine effective and safe in treating acute mania in bipolar I disorder?”

Study Design: This review is based on three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, in 2015. These studies compared both the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cariprazine in the treatment of acute mania in bipolar I disorder.

Data sources: Three double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using Medline, Pubmed, and Cochrane Review databases.

Outcomes Measured: The primary efficacy scale used in all …

Are Cams Safe And Effective In Improving Symptoms Of Adult Patients Over The Age Of 18 With Active Crohn Disease?, Amy Pellerito

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not complimentary and alternative medicines are safe and effective in improving symptoms of adult patients over the age of 18 with active Crohn disease.

Study design: A review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one published in 2010, and the second and third in 2014. All English language.

Data source: All 3 RCT’s were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: All three studies measured improvement of Crohn disease symptoms through the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Hamilton’s Depression Scale (HAMD), the Inflammatory Bowel …

Is The Use Of The Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ningdong Granule, A Safe And Effective Alternative To Haloperidol For The Treatment Of Tic Symptoms In Pediatric Patients With Tourette Syndrome (Ts)?, Vincent Russell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether the Chinese herbal supplement, Ningdong granule, is a safe and effective alternative to haloperidol for the treatment of tic symptoms in pediatric patients with Tourette Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2009, 2010, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES Three randomized controlled trials were obtained using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED Efficacy of Ningdong granule (NDG) as compared to control groups based on decrease in tic severity and frequency as reported by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale as well as safety, as evidenced by prevalence of …

Is Povidone-Iodine Safe And Effective In The Treatment Of Children And Adults With Viral Conjunctivitis?, Danielle M. Mazzuca

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is povidone-iodine safe and effective in the treatment of children and adults with viral conjunctivitis?” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2002 and 2015. DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized, prospective, interventional pilot study were found using PubMed and the Cochrane database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each study evaluated the efficacy of povidone-iodine for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis measured by days until cured as determined by patient rating of symptom strength and ophthalmological grading of ocular signs. …

Is Intravenous Peramivir 300mg Effective And Safe In Treating Seasonal Influenza?, Michael P. Phytides

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

A. Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intravenous Peramivir 300mg is effective and safe in treating seasonal influenza.

B. Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one randomized open-label study, all published in 2010, 2011, and 2014, respectively.

C. Data sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one randomized open- label study were all researched through the use of PubMed and belonged to peer reviewed journals.

D. Outcome(s) Measured: Primary efficacy endpoint analyzed was time to alleviation of symptoms measured by influenza symptom severity scale (ISS), …

Is Droxidopa Safe And Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension?, Nicholas W. Longo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not droxidopa is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Study Design: Systemic review of three English-language primary studies, conducted in 2014 or later.

Data Sources: Three double-blind, randomized trials comparing the safety and efficacy of droxidopa to placebo in patients with diagnosed neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, found via PubMed in peer-reviewed journals.

Outcomes Measured: Improvement of symptoms was measured utilizing patient responses to the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), which consists of a six item Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OSHA) …

Does Increasing Speech Production And Language Acquisition Through Therapies Aimed At Emphasizing Speech Therapy Improve The Verbal Communication Capabilities In Autistic Children?, Jessica Olejnik

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review was to determine if increasing speech production & language acquisition through therapies which emphasized speech therapy, would improve verbal communication skills in autistic individuals.

Study Design: Three RCTs selected due to relevance to the proposed question and fulfillment of the requirement of measuring POEMs.

Data Sources: All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals via PubMed.

Outcome Measures: The Preschool Language Scale 4 and Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language was measured pre-intervention and 12 months later. The verbal production evaluation scale which measured phonology, pragmatics, prosody, and sematic features. The …

Does Lactobacillus Reuteri Dsm 17938 Reduce Daily Crying Times In Infants With Colic?, Taylor Kolle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduce daily crying times in infants with colic?”

Study Design: Review of all English language primary studies published in 2010, 2013, 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Daily average crying times were measured by parents who documented these in a journal.

Results: In all three randomized control studies by Chaeu et al. (2015), Savino et al, (2010), and Szajewska et al. (2013), they found that infants …

Is Phototherapy An Effective Treatment For Herpes Simplex Labialis?, Sarah Landis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine if laser phototherapy is an effective treatment for herpes simplex labialis.

Study Design: Review of one case study published in 2009, and two randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and 2013. All studies were published in English.

Data Source: One case study and two randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed database to write this EBM review

Outcomes measured: Decreases in healing time or size based on patient reporting, scoring systems, or photo documentation.

Results: The study conducted by Marotti et al determined …

The Hif/Phf8/Ar Axis Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression., D Tong, Q Liu, G Liu, W Yuan, L Wang, Y Guo, W Lan, Dianzheng Zhang, S Dong, Y Wang, H Xiao, J Mu, C Mao, J Wong, J Jiang

PCOM Scholarly Works

Recent studies provide strong evidence that the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway remains active in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that plant homeo domain finger protein 8 (PHF8 )interacts with and functions as an essential histone demethylase activity-dependent AR coactivator. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the expression of PHF8 is induced by hypoxia in various prostate cancer cell lines. Knockdown of either hypoxia-inducible factor HIF2α or HIF1α almost completely abolished hypoxia-induced PHF8 expression. Importantly, we observed that PHF8 is highly expressed in clinical androgen deprived prostate cancer samples and …

Pelvic And Breast Examination Skills Curricula In United States Medical Schools: A Survey Of Obstetrics And Gynecology Clerkship Directors, Lorraine Dugoff, Archana Pradhan, Petra Casey, John L Dalrymple, Jodi F Abbott, Samantha D Buery-Joyner, Alice Chuang, Amie J Cullimore, David A Forstein, Brittany S Hampton, Joseph M. Kaczmarczyk, Nadine T Katz, Francis S Nuthalapaty, Sarah M Page-Ramsey, Abigail Wolf, Nancy A Hueppchen

PCOM Scholarly Works

BACKGROUND: Learning to perform pelvic and breast examinations produces anxiety for many medical students. Clerkship directors have long sought strategies to help students become comfortable with the sensitive nature of these examinations. Incorporating standardized patients, simulation and gynecologic teaching associates (GTAs) are approaches gaining widespread use. However, there is a paucity of literature guiding optimal approach and timing. Our primary objective was to survey obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clerkship directors regarding timing and methods for teaching and assessment of pelvic and breast examination skills in United States medical school curricula, and to assess clerkship director satisfaction with current educational strategies …

Phytochemicals As Novel Agents For The Induction Of Browning In White Adipose Tissue, Yusra Azhar, Ashish Parmar, Colette N Miller, Janaiya S Samuels, Srujana Rayalam

PCOM Scholarly Works

Obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome continue to be a health epidemic in westernized societies and is catching up in the developing world. Despite such increases, little headway has been made to reverse adverse weight gain in the global population. Few medical options exist for the treatment of obesity which points to the necessity for exploration of anti-obesity therapies including pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds. Defects in brown adipose tissue, a major energy dissipating organ, has been identified in the obese and is hypothesized to contribute to the overall metabolic deficit observed in obesity. Not surprisingly, considerable attention has been placed …

Is Parathyroid Hormone (Pth) Replacement Therapy Effective In Treating Patients With Hypoparathyroidism?, Kaidden G. Kelly

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) replacement therapy an effective treatment for patients with hypoparathyroidism?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of a randomized control trial published in 2011, a prospective cohort study published in 2013, and a randomized crossover study published in 2012.

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

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The need to remove supplemental calcium from the diet, the amount PTH was used to maintain a normal range, and the method of PTH …

Brief Compression-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Video And Simulation With Homemade Mannequin Improves Cpr Skills., Gregory K Wanner, Arayel Osborne, Charlotte H. Greene Phd

PCOM Scholarly Works

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training has traditionally involved classroom-based courses or, more recently, home-based video self-instruction. These methods typically require preparation and purchase fee; which can dissuade many potential bystanders from receiving training. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching compression-only CPR to previously untrained individuals using our 6-min online CPR training video and skills practice on a homemade mannequin, reproduced by viewers with commonly available items (towel, toilet paper roll, t-shirt).

METHODS: Participants viewed the training video and practiced with the homemade mannequin. This was a parallel-design study with pre and post training evaluations of CPR skills …

Developing A Model System To Study The Mechanisms Of Resveratrol Inhibition Of Ar-V7 Transcriptional Activity, Sarah R. Wilson

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Prostate cancer is one of the biggest threats to men’s health in the western world and it accounts for the second largest number of male cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is well established that prostate cancer cells depend on the androgen/androgen receptor pathway. Therefore, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become the primary treatment option for prostate cancer. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who receive (ADT) have shown increased quality of life. However, survival benefit with ADT is reduced dramatically in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Androgen receptor (AR) continues to be functional in CRPC through various mechanisms. It is …

2016 Founders' Day, Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Founders Day Programs

The 2016 Founders Day OJ Snyder Memorial Medal recipient was Richard Pascucci DO '75. The Philadelphia Campus Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal Recipient was Zachary Herrman (DO '16). The Georgia campus Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal Recipient was Jessica Mormando (DO '16).

Synapsis: Philadelphia Campus 2016, Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

All Yearbooks

No abstract provided.

Is Therapeutic Play Effective At Reducing Preoperative Anxiety In Children Age 4 Through 12?, Samantha L. Mclaughlin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not therapeutic play is effective at reducing preoperative anxiety in children age 4 through 12.

STUDY DESIGN: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials that were published between 2008 and 2010 and published in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Each of the three studies that evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic play in pediatric populations were found using the PubMed database based on their relevance to the clinical question and their inclusion of patient oriented outcomes.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: These three articles compared anxiety and stress levels in preoperative therapeutic …

Digest Of The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine (Winter 2015-2016), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Digest

The Winter 2015/2016 issue of the Digest of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine includes the following articles:

• Message from the President
• PCOM Updates
• Inauguration of the eighth President, Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81
• Trained for Trauma Care: PCOM Alumni Were Well Prepared to Treat the Mass Casualties of May's Amtrak Derailment
• Remembering Camille DiLullo, PhD, Professor of Anatomy
• Class Notes
• My Turn

A Culture That Fosters Concussions: Does Increased Education Lead To More Accurate Reporting Of Concussions?, Michael Heptig

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

With over 1.7 million incidents reported annually, concussion has become the most common class of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States (Bazarian, Zhu, Blyth, Borrino, & Zhong, 2012). As staggering a statistic as this may be, many believe it fails to represent the true number of concussions because the non-reporting of symptoms has been commonplace among athletes (Khurana & Kaye, 2012; Williamson & Goodman, 2006). The aim of this study was to determine those factors that influence the reporting of concussion symptoms. Specific variables that were examined include the amount of concussion education provided (determined by requisite amount …

Effects Of Nox-1 Inhibition On Real-Time Blood Nitric Oxide And Hydrogen Peroxide In Acute Hyperglycemia, Ashley Mawhinney

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Hyperglycemia has been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction in part by a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production and increased oxidative stress (e.g., increased superoxide (SO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Endothelial-derived NO can be significantly reduced by increased SO/H₂O₂ in part by the activation of NADPH oxidase during hyperglycemia. Of the 7 NADPH oxidase isoforms, NADPH oxidase isoform 1 (NOX1) is mainly expressed in the vasculature and may play a major role in hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction. This hypothesis was tested by measuring blood NO and H2O2 levels in …

Effects Of Hormonal Withdrawal On Prostate Cancer Progression, Jacqueline Chakrya So

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Prostate cancer, or prostatic carcinoma (PrCa), is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the Western world. One in seven men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in the United States. Suppressing androgen/androgen receptor pathway is a first-line therapeutic treatment known as Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). Most patients respond well to ADT, but an overwhelming majority of PrCa progress to an advanced stage of PrCa independent of hormone, known as Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). There is currently no known cure for CRPC. In this study, the androgensensitive LNCaP cells served as an in vitro …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of A Sample Of Primary Care Patients Receiving Psychological Care From Their Pcp, Nadine Henzes Gowarty

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

With millions of Americans suffering from a mental health disorder and slightly more than half receiving treatment, the demand for psychological services far outweighs the number of practitioners available to provide direct care. Therefore, the majority of all primary-care visits are based on psychosocial factors; one third of a PCP’s caseloads consist of patients with mental-health problems. Given the fact that PCPs provide comprehensive psychosocial care, it is important to determine the beliefs and perceptions of their patients. Results from this study identified numerous factors that influence the relationship between patients receiving mental health care from their PCP. Specifically, if …