Medical Specialties Commons^™

Antibiotics For Culture-Negative Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis: Measuring The Unmeasurable, Dustin D Flannery, Matthew B Green

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

No abstract provided.

Re: Proteomic Exploration Of Potential Blood Biomarkers In Haemophilic Arthropathy, Quang D La, David F Lo, Don D Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

We wish to convey our reflections on the scholarly article titled “Proteomic exploration of potential blood biomarkers in haemophilic arthropathy” [1]. This investigation elucidates significant results concerning the plasma proteome of individuals afflicted with hemophilic arthropathy (HA) across a spectrum of severities, accentuating pivotal variations in protein expression correlated with disease severity and emphasizing the intricate nature of HA pathophysiology.

Medial Prefrontal Cortex To Nucleus Reuniens Circuit Is Critical For Performance In An Operant Delayed Nonmatch To Position Task, Evan J Ciacciarelli, Scott D Dunn, Taqdees Gohar, T Joseph Sloand, Mark Niedringhaus, Elizabeth A West

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Working memory refers to the temporary retention of a small amount of information used in the execution of a cognitive task. The prefrontal cortex and its connections with thalamic subregions are thought to mediate specific aspects of working memory, including engaging with the hippocampus to mediate memory retrieval. We used an operant delayed-non match to position task, which does not require the hippocampus, to determine roles of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the nucleus reuniens thalamic region (RE), and their connection. We found that transient inactivation of the mPFC and RE using the GABA-A agonist muscimol led to a …

Effects Of Sex And Estrous Cycle On Extended-Access Oxycodone Self-Administration And Cue-Induced Drug Seeking Behavior, Bhumiben P Patel, Jessica A Loweth

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence indicates that sex is a factor that impacts the abuse liability and relapse vulnerability of prescription opioids like oxycodone. However, while women are more likely than men to be prescribed and to use these drugs, the impact of sex and ovarian hormones on prescription opioid use and relapse vulnerability remains unclear. Accurately assessing these measures is complicated by the fact that chronic opioid exposure can lower ovarian hormone levels and cause cycle irregularities.

METHODS: Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered oxycodone (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) under extended-access conditions (6 h/day, 10 days) followed by forced abstinence. Separate groups …

Lecture Capture, Transcripts, And Captioning In Us Colleges Of Osteopathic Medicine: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey, Phillip Khong, Duncan Holmes, Bahar Masoudian, Gregg C. Lund, Steve Garwood

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

This study describes lecture capture, transcription, and captioning services at US Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). An anonymous online survey was sent to Deans or Directors of Curriculum at all 34 fully accredited COMs, with 21 (62%) responding. Results showed widespread lecture recording (95%), but of those, there were varied transcript and caption offerings: 7 (33%) provided both, 5 (24%) offered closed captions only, and 3 (14%) offered transcripts only. Overall, 71% offered at least one service. These findings indicate the prevalence of these lecture services at US COMs and will assist COMs in benchmarking their practices.

Cutaneous Adverse Effects From Diabetes Devices In Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review, Alicia Podwojniak, Joseph Flemming, Isabella J Tan, Hira Ghani, Zachary Neubauer, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSIIs) are the current standard treatment devices for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. With a high prevalence of T1D beginning in pediatrics and carrying into adulthood, insufficient glycemic control leads to poor patient outcomes. Dermatologic complications such as contact dermatitis, lipodystrophies, and inflammatory lesions are among those associated with CGM and CSII, which reduce glycemic control and patient compliance.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to explore the current literature surrounding dermatologic complications of CGM and CSII as well as the impact on patient outcomes.

METHODS: A systematic review of the …

Psychosis And Personality Changes Following Traumatic Brain Injury, David Hanna, Sonya Priven, Nathan Carroll, Heba Ekladios, Adriana Fitzsimmons

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Psychotic disorders following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a significant concern in psychiatry, with chronic sequelae often overlooked. The pathophysiology of post-TBI psychosis involves neuroplasticity and neuronal remodeling, potentially exacerbating vulnerabilities to chronic psychotic disorders. Differentiating post-TBI psychosis from primary schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions is crucial for appropriate treatment. This case report discusses a 63-year-old male with a history of TBI from a gunshot wound sustained in adolescence, who later developed schizophrenia. The report explores the patient's psychiatric symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, personality changes, and imaging findings. The report examined the complex relationship between TBI and psychotic symptoms, considering genetic, …

Y-27632 Targeting Rock1&2 Modulates Cell Growth, Fibrosis And Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In Hyperplastic Prostate By Inhibiting Β-Catenin Pathway., Shidong Shan, Min Su, Hejin Wang, Feng Guo, Yan Li, Yongying Zhou, Huan Liu, Lu Du, Junchao Zhang, Jizhang Qiu, Michael E. Disanto, Yuming Guo, Xinhua Zhang

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Departmental Research

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting the male urinary system, with its molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis remaining unclear. Y-27632, a non-isoform-selective Rho kinase inhibitor, has shown therapeutic potential in various diseases but its effects on static factors and fibrosis in BPH remain unexplored. This study investigated human prostate tissues, human prostate cell lines, and BPH rat model using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and cell counting kit-8. ROCK1 and ROCK2 were significantly up-regulated in BPH tissues, correlating with clinical parameters. Y-27632 targeted the inhibition of ROCK1 & ROCK2 expression and inhibited …

Digital, Social Micro-Interventions To Promote Physical Activity Among Midlife Adults With Elevated Cardiovascular Risk: An Ambulatory Feasibility Study With Momentary Randomization., Danielle Arigo, Leah M Schumacher, Kiri Baga, Jacqueline A Mogle

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Although regular physical activity (PA) mitigates the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) during midlife, existing PA interventions are minimally effective. Harnessing social influences in daily life shows promise: digital micro-interventions could effectively engage these influences on PA and require testing.

PURPOSE: This feasibility study employed ecological momentary assessment with embedded micro-randomization to activate two types of social influences (i.e., comparison, support; NCT04711512).

METHODS: Midlife adults (N = 30, MAge = 51, MBMI = 31.5 kg/m2, 43% racial/ethnic minority) with ≥1 CVD risk conditions completed four mobile surveys per day for 7 days while wearing PA monitors. After 3 days …

An Evaluation Of The Safety Of Half-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulants Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study., Harrison A Patrizio, Rex W Lutz, Stephanie A Kwan, Adam Lencer, Gregory K Deirmengian

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Background Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients on preoperative anticoagulation therapy present a challenge for adult reconstruction surgeons. The goal in managing such patients is to limit bleeding complications associated with administering the medications while preventing medical complications from withholding them. At our institution, we began a protocol in 2017 that utilizes a half-dose direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) regimen for one week followed by resuming of the full-dose regimen in select patients who underwent TJA. This study investigated the 90-day safety profile associated with this protocol compared to previous literature. Methodology A retrospective review of 898 patients from a single institution …

The Impact Of Changes In Depression On Cardiovascular Outcomes In Patients With Coronary Heart Disease., Nishant Vatsa, Josiah Bennett, Sonika Vatsa, Alireza Rahbar, Daniel A Gold, Vardhmaan Jain, Matthew E Gold, Alexander Razavi, Adithya Yadalam, Shivang Desai, Muhammad Owais, Joy D Hartsfield, Yi-An Ko, Laurence Sperling, Viola Vaccarino, Puja K Mehta, Arshed A Quyyumi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Whether longitudinal changes in depression affect MACE in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the hypothesis that increasing or persistent depression predicts MACE in patients with CHD.

METHODS: At baseline, 3,483 Emory Cardiovascular Biobank participants (median age 65.5 years, 31.6% female) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8) for depression evaluation. At 1 year, 2,639 of these event-free participants repeated the questionnaire. Depression was defined as a PHQ8 score >9 and change in depressive symptoms (Δ" role="presentation"> PHQ8) was year 1 score minus baseline …

Demographic Characteristics, Perinatal Smoking Patterns, And Risk For Neonatal Health Complications Among Pregnant Smokers In The United States Who Begin Using Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study Using Population-Based Surveillance Data., Hui Nian, Rachel Odland, Samantha Mindlin, Lin Ammar, Hilary Tindle, Angela M Miller, Kelli K Ryckman, Ethan Xie, Tina V Hartert, Brittney M Snyder, Steven M Brunwasser, Pingsheng Wu

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Health agencies have called for research evaluating e-cigarette (EC) use in supporting prenatal smoking cessation. This study aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of smokers who begin using electronic cigarettes (ECs) during pregnancy, (2) how frequently smokers reduce or eliminate pre- and post-natal combustible cigarette (CC) use, and (3) the risk for neonatal health complications among smokers who initiate ECs during pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS: Pregnant women using CCs exclusively during prepregnancy, who participated in a U.S. surveillance study, were classified by their reported late-pregnancy smoking behavior as CC-exclusive users, EC initiators, or quitters. EC initiators were further subclassified …

Association Between Mri Findings Of Facet Arthropathy And Synovitis With Health-Related Outcome And Pain Scores Following Therapeutic Lumbar Facet Injections., Michael S Green, Michele Van Hal, Matthew Onimus, Christopher R Hoffman, Dhruv K C Goyal, Valeria Potigailo, Khuram S Kazmi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Low back pain is a common complaint among adults. The facet joint is a major source of lumbar pain, and therapeutic facet injections have gained popularity as a minimally invasive treatment option. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization for diagnosing low back pain has increased significantly over the past few decades. Facet synovitis is an entity characterized by edema and inflammatory changes affecting the facet joints, adjacent bone marrow, and surrounding soft tissues. Although its underlying etiology remains poorly understood, recent reports suggest a high incidence in patients with arthropathy and arthritis. It is essential to explore potential correlations …

Pediatric Cardiac Xenotransplantation And Expanded Access: Ethical Considerations, Daniel J Hurst, Christopher Bobier, Anthony Merlocco, Luz A Padilla, Daniel Rodger, David Cleveland, John D Cleveland

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Due to the current organ shortage waitlist, alternatives to allotransplantation are necessary. Xenotransplantation is currently being pursued as one such alternative in adults in need of kidney or heart transplantation. Cardiac xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig hearts has been conducted twice in adults under the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded access criteria. Because of the shortage of transplantable hearts for children as well as the lack of mechanical circulatory support in this population, pediatric researchers are exploring FDA expanded access in high-risk neonates and infants who lack alternative options for survival. The adult cardiac xenotransplantation experience with …

Pathological Fractures And The Perils Of Purchasing Steroids Online, Danielle C Thor, Valerie Rome

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Exogenous steroids are a staple of modern medicine, with utility in a variety of direct and supplemental treatment modalities. However, all pharmaceuticals are undoubtedly coupled with unique side effect profiles, and steroids are no exception. In the case presented, the assessment and management of a 36-year-old male who inappropriately self-administered high-dose steroids for prolonged periods of time is reviewed. In doing so, attention is drawn to both the impact of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and the greater risk of online availability of these powerful medications.

Challenges In Paediatric Xenotransplantation: Ethical Components Requiring Distinct Attention In Children And Obligations To Patients And Society, Anthony Merlocco, Daniel J Hurst

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

The transplantation of non-human organs into humans, or xenotransplantation (XTx), has recently garnered new attention and is being developed to help address the problem of organ scarcity in transplantation. Ethical issues surrounding XTx have been studied since initial interest arose decades ago and have experienced renewed discussion in the literature. However, the distinct and relevant differences when applied to children has largely been overlooked with few groups attending to the concerns that XTx in children raises. In this paper, we explore ethical challenges to be expected in paediatric XTx, in particular exploring organ sizing concerns, infectious risks, psychological burdens, and …

Early Intervention System Contextual Factors Contributing To Treatment Attendance And Clinical Outcomes, Anthony Eldridge

Theses and Dissertations

Early Intervention Programs (EI) are an established method of addressing and treating earlier childhood developmental problems that involves a system of complex processes which families must navigate to secure and maintain care. Extensive wait times and multiple service providers burdensome caregivers which may impact treatment engagement. Telehealth offers some clinical utility for improving EI service provision. However, little is known how system contextual factors predict a child’s Part B Eligibility and level of engagement with treatment. The primary aim of this study is to describe the effect that wait time, number of service providers, number of treatment services, and treatment …

Development Of A Haptic System For Robot-Assisted Femur Fracture Surgery, Fayez H. Alruwaili

Theses and Dissertations

Robot-assisted surgery has emerged within the field of surgical technology, driven by the need for greater accuracy and speed in the ongoing evolution of healthcare. This advancement has influenced numerous areas requiring enhancements to achieve optimal surgical results. However, surgical robotics tends to lack the surgeon’s connection to the operation, creating a gap in the intuitive skill set required for successful operations. The gap is seen through the lack of sense of touch, which may result in tissue damage and additional injury when the robot interacts with the patient. Furthermore, challenges faced during femur fracture surgery have positioned robot-assisted surgery …

Acne And The Cutaneous Microbiome: A Systematic Review Of Mechanisms And Implications For Treatments, Alicia Podwojniak, Isabella J Tan, John Sauer, Zachary Neubauer, Hanna Rothenberg, Hira Ghani, Aarushi K Parikh, Bernard Cohen

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Acne vulgaris is a pervasive skin disease characterized by inflammation of sebaceous units surrounding hair follicles. It results from the complex interplay between skin physiology and the intricate cutaneous microbiome. Current acne treatments, while effective, have major limitations, prompting a shift towards microbiome-based therapeutic approaches. This study aims to determine the relationship between acne and the cutaneous microbiome, assess the effects of current treatments on the cutaneous microbiome and explore the implications for developing new therapies. A systematic review was performed using PubMed and SCOPUS databases within the last 10 years. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two authors. The …

Factors Associated With Recanalization And Reintervention Following Below Knee Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam Ablation For Great Saphenous And Small Saphenous Veins, John Fang, Christian Fang, Andy Moyal, Enrico Ascher, Anil Hingorani, Natalie Marks

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) has been used to treat lower extremity venous reflux for almost one decade with specific advantages for below knee (BK) truncal veins where thermal ablation poses a risk of injury to adjacent nerves. The current literature of the BK segment often examines short-term outcomes with modest sample sizes. We aim to identify factors associated with recanalization and reintervention in this subset of patients.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of patients from a single institution who underwent 1% PEM ablation for BK great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein …

Correspondence To "A Preliminary Study Of Collaborative Group Intervention With Recovered Peer Supporters For Eating Disorders: Analyses Including Comparisons Between In-Person And Online Sessions", Nirjal Thapa, Don D Shamilov, David F Lo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

We read with pleasure the article by Mochizuki et al., ¹ titled “A preliminary study of collaborative group intervention with recovered peer supporters for eating disorders: Analyses including comparisons between in‐person and online sessions.” We would like to offer additional commentary on the conclusions regarding group intervention and peer support and its heavy influence on combating eating disorders. We hope these perspectives may provide insight into areas that may require further research and improvement.

Bilio-Cecal Stent Migration Presenting As Massive Rectal Bleeding., Lefika Bathobakae, Shady Geris, Mohita Jariwala, Mansi Patel, Jessica Escobar, Ruhin Yuridullah, Kamal Amer, Yana Cavanagh

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Endoscopic biliary stenting is a well-established intervention for the treatment of biliary, hepatic, and pancreatic disorders. The common indications include strictures, neoplasms, stones, infections, and bile leaks. Stents can be occluded, predisposing patients to ascending cholangitis and biliary sepsis. Distal stent migration is another known complication of endoscopic stenting and is usually spontaneous. Bowel perforation, abscesses, bleeding, and pancreatitis are rare complications of distal stent migration and are usually limited to the duodenum. Herein, we describe an extremely rare case of bilio-cecal stent migration presenting as rectal bleeding.

A Comparison Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Tapinarof And Roflumilast Topical Therapies In The Management Of Mild-To-Moderate Plaque Psoriasis, Hira Ghani, Alicia Podwojniak, Isabella J Tan, Aarushi K Parikh, Bianca Sanabria, Babar Rao

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. First-line topical treatments include steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogs, and anthralin. Recently, novel topical therapeutics like tapinarof and roflumilast have emerged with unique anti-inflammatory mechanisms and promising efficacy profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review utilized PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases to identify recent studies on tapinarof and roflumilast. Criteria focused on efficacy, safety profiles, and therapeutic roles in psoriasis treatment.

RESULTS: Four primary literature articles were identified for tapinarof and five for roflumilast. Both drugs demonstrated strong efficacy with minimal adverse events in treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. Tapinarof showed …

Exploring Perinatal Ketamine For Postpartum Depression Following Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review, Jaylyn Thompson, David F Lo, Alexis Foschini, Suvan Sundaresh

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

The aim of this study was to explore the use of perinatal ketamine to see if it can be used for the reduction of postpartum depression (PPD) following cesarean section (C-section). PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were the primary databases used for this review. Search terms used on January 5, 2024 incorporated "ketamine," "C-section," "postpartum depression," and related synonyms. The criteria for inclusion centered on studies published between January 1, 2008 and January 5, 2024. The final selection of articles was screened based on extraction criteria leaving eight randomized control trials in the final review. The selected data from …

Utilizing The 4ms Framework To Create A Structure And Process To Support Voluntary Health Assessments In Affordable Housing, Elyse Perweiler, Jennifer Degennaro, Sherry Pomerantz, Marilyn Mock, Margaret Avallone, Aaron Truchil, Stephen Singer

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: A growing number of older adults live in senior affordable housing, many with limited support systems and representing underserved or disadvantaged populations. Staff in these buildings are in a unique position to identify and address the healthcare and biopsychosocial needs of their residents and link them to services and supports.

METHODS: Staff in four affordable housing sites received training on the 4Ms approach to caring for older adults and conducting resident health assessments. They learned to collect comprehensive health information using a 4Ms Resident Health Risk Assessment (4Ms-RHRA) and results are entered into a customized electronic database. Embedded flags …

Renal Mass Imaging Modalities: Does Body Mass Index (Bmi) Matter?, Young Son, Mark E Quiring, Raeann M Dalton, Brian Thomas, Noah Davidson, Dayna Devincentz, Collin Payne, Sahil H Parikh, Benjamin A Fink, Thomas Mueller, Gordon Brown

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

PURPOSE: Accurate measurement of renal mass size is crucial in the management of renal cancer. With the burdensome cost of imaging yet its need for management, a better understanding of the variability among patients when determining mass size remains of urgent importance. Current guidelines on optimal imaging are limited, especially with respect to body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study is to discern which modalities accurately measure renal mass size and whether BMI influences such accuracy.

METHODS: A multi-institutional chart review was performed for adult patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy between 2018 and 2021, with 236 patients …

Voices Of Wisdom: Geriatric Interviews On Self-Management Of Type 2 Diabetes In The United States-A Systematic Review And Metasynthesis, David F Lo, Ahmed Gawash, Kunal P Shah, Jasmine Emanuel, Brandon Goodwin, Don D Shamilov, Gaurav Kumar, Nathan Jean, Christian P White

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

This review is aimed at unraveling the intricacies of diabetic self-management among geriatric people, drawing on current insights and understanding the complex paths geriatric people navigate. A wide search was conducted in health-oriented databases, including CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, while gray literature was excluded. The search combined keywords and subject headings, focusing on the geriatric population, diabetes, self-management, and qualitative research. A three-tiered screening process was employed, with titles and then abstracts initially reviewed. Full-text analysis followed, with disagreements resolved among reviewers. In total, there were 248 participants included across these eight studies. …

Antimicrobial Peptide Screening For Designing Custom Bactericidal Hydrogels, Matthias Recktenwald, Muskanjot Kaur, Mohammed M. Benmassaoud, Aryanna Copling, Tulika Khanna, Michael Curry, Dennise Cortes, Gilbert Fleischer, Valerie J. Carabetta, Sebastian Vega

Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences Departmental Research

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen that lives on surfaces and skin and can cause serious infections inside the body. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune system and can eliminate pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and are a promising alternative to antibiotics. Although studies have reported that AMP-functionalized hydrogels can prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, AMP dosing and the combined effects of multiple AMPs are not well understood. Here, three AMPs with different antibacterial properties were synthesized and the soluble minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of each AMP against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant …

Perturbations In Risk/Reward Decision Making And Frontal Cortical Catecholamine Regulation Induced By Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Christopher P Knapp, Eleni Papadopoulos, Jessica A Loweth, Ramesh Raghupathi, Stan B Floresco, Barry D Waterhouse, Rachel L Navarra

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) disrupts cognitive processes that influence risk taking behavior. Little is known regarding the effects of repetitive mild injury (rmTBI) or whether these outcomes are sex specific. Risk/reward decision making is mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is densely innervated by catecholaminergic fibers. Aberrant PFC catecholamine activity has been documented following TBI and may underlie TBI-induced risky behavior. The present study characterized the effects of rmTBI on risk/reward decision making behavior and catecholamine transmitter regulatory proteins within the PFC. Rats were exposed to sham, single (smTBI), or three closed-head controlled cortical impact (CH-CCI) injuries and …

The Tensegrity Curriculum: A Comprehensive Curricular Structure Supporting Cultural Humility In Undergraduate Medical Education., Anne C Jones, Kristin N Bertsch, Deborah Williams, Millicent King Channell

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Due to growing health disparities in underserved communities, a comprehensive approach is needed to train physicians to work effectively with patients who have cultures and belief systems different from their own. To address these complex healthcare inequities, Rowan-Virtua SOM implemented a new curriculum, The Tensegrity Curriculum, designed to expand beyond just teaching skills of cultural competence to include trainees' exploration of cultural humility. The hypothesis is that this component of the curriculum will mitigate health inequity by training physicians to recognize and interrupt the bias within themselves and within systems. Early outcomes of this curricular renewal process reveal increased student …