Medical Specialties Commons^™

Why American Parents Circumcise Their Sons: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Lacy Lauber

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Since medical evidence supports both pros and cons of routine neonatal male circumcision, expectant and new parents are left to make the decision to circumcise their sons on their own. There is limited research as to why American parents choose to circumcise their newborn sons.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to identify the reasons behind parental decision making in neonatal male circumcision in the United States. Understanding motivating factors in parental decision-making can highlight areas of prenatal education for expectant parents.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted utilizing these online databases: PubMed, The Cumulative …

Impact Of Hpv Education On Knowledge, Perception, And Cultural Influence Among African American Parents, Christina Lattner, Christina Lattner

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and penial cancer can be prevented. An effective vaccine has been approved for both boys and girls since 2006. Despite recommendation from the Center of Disease Control, vaccination initiation and completion rates among African American adolescents in the United States are lower than average in the nation.

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify African-American parents’ knowledge and perceptions of sexually transmitted HPV infection and the HPV vaccination. The secondary objective was to use a single-group pre-test post-test research design to …

A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet For Treatment Of Type Ii Diabetes An Integrative Literature Review, Steven Lisowski

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet for Treatment

of Type II Diabetes: An Integrative Literature Review

Steven Lisowski

Faculty Sponsor: Larry Maturin

Abstract

Background: Dietary modifications are commonly prescribed initial interventions in those recently diagnosed with type II diabetes. Presently, various researchers support that there is a growing body of evidence that advises to restrict carbohydrate intake to minimum levels to achieve optimal blood glucose levels and reduce complications related to poor diabetes management.

Objectives: To explore if the low carbohydrate, ketogenic diets (LCKD), in which carbohydrate intake of any kind is restricted, are very effective at reducing obesity and controlling …

Complementary Art Interventions For Children Coping With Cancer: An Integrative Literature Review, Brenda Pacheco

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Cancer can be a physically and emotionally damaging disease. While there are various conventional pediatric cancer treatments, complementary alternative medicine (CAM), specifically art interventions, may be helpful in the care of these patients.

Objective: The aims of this integrative review were; (1) determine if art interventions impact coping with cancer in a pediatric population, (2) determine if the duration of the art intervention influences the impact on coping.

Methods: Articles were found through the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health. Key search terms used included cancer, neoplasms, …

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells In Recurrent Lung Cancer, Karen T. Udoh

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. Five-year survivability still remains dismal due to drug resistance. The development of drug resistance with cisplatin or platinum/taxane combination chemotherapies has led patients to suffer from recurrent lung cancer. These chemotherapy treatments target cancer cells but leave behind cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are stem-like tumor cells that have the potential to differentiate, self-renew, and proliferate. This allows the cancer to relapse even after initial elimination of the tumor. We hypothesize that Verrucarin J will inhibit cell proliferation in lung cancer cells and CSCs by inducing …

Medical Response Times And Their Effect On Prehospital Care, Storm Santos

Scholars Week

Medical Response Times and Their Effect on Prehospital Care

Storm J. Santos, Rural Health Scholar

Dr. Naber, Faculty Advisor

Department of Health Sciences

Abstract

Medical emergencies happen in a variety of different environments. Each environment comes with unique challenges that emergency medical responders must work through to safely alleviate any given medical emergency. This study examines the effect of medical team response times on the overall care of the patient as well as if population density (rural vs urban) further affects the overall care of the patient. This study was inspired by works that compared various environmental factors and their …

Parallelization Of A Three-Dimensional Full Multigrid Algorithm To Simulate Tumor Growth, Dylan Goodin, Chin F. Ng, Hermann B. Frieboes

Commonwealth Computational Summit

We present the performance gains of an openMP implementation of a fully adaptive nonlinear full multigrid (FMG) algorithm to simulate three-dimensional multispecies desmoplastic tumor growth on computer systems of varying processing capabilities. The FMG algorithm is applied to solve a recently published thermodynamic mixture model that uses a diffuse interface approach with fourth-order reaction-advection-diffusion PDEs (Cahn-Hilliard-type equations) that are coupled, nonlinear, and numerically stiff. The model includes multiple cell species and extracellular matrix (ECM), with adhesive and elastic energy contributions in chemical potential terms, as well as including blood and lymphatic vessels represented as continuous vasculatures. Advection-reaction-diffusion PDEs are employed …

Impacts Of Exercise On Functional Ability Of Recovering Gbs Patients: An Integrative Literature Review, Yasmin Sheriff

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

This integrative literature review aimed to investigate the impacts exercise has on functional ability of GBS patients in recovery.

The Effects Of Dance Therapy On Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: An Integrative Literature Review, Jennifer Pence

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects more than one million Americans. Individuals who have PD generally exhibit bradykinesia, postural instability, shuffling steps and freezing during gait. These impairments in motor function cannot be fully addressed with pharmacological treatment and can eventually become unresponsive to this form of treatment. Dance therapy, on the other hand, is one non-pharmacological method that may prove beneficial for PD. It utilizes motor planning skills, which can lead to an improvement in muscle flexibility and balance. The purpose of the systematic integrative literature review was to …

Cognitive Issues In Childhood Cancer Survivors And Related Parental Perceptions And Behaviors: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Brian Decant, Joseph Tariman

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Survivorship of childhood cancer is often accompanied by neurocognitive late-effects (NCLE) related to the disease and/or it’s associated treatment regimes.

Objectives: The primary purpose of this integrative literature review was to examine NCLE in pediatric cancer survivors and identify parental perceptions and behaviors that correlated to cognitive dysfunction in their children.

Method: An integrative literature review was completed utilizing searches in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO. Some search terms included “childhood cancer”, “survivor”, “cognition”, “cognitive disorder”, “neurocognitive”, “late-effects”, “child(ren)”, “parent(s)”, and “perception”.

Results: Analysis of ten predominant methods of neurocognitive evaluation yielded five major cognitive deficit measures in pediatric …

Barriers To Advance Directives, Anna Malia Connor Ticknor

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Advanced directives (ADs) are legal documents that allows an individual to document their specific wishes for medical care should they be unable to speak for themselves. The use of advanced directives has implications directing the course of end-of-life care affecting both the cost and direction of care. Advance directives can clarify confusion and provide guidance, but their implementation is not clearly defined within the healthcare system. Despite their implications, multiple surveys indicate these documents have limited use within the United States for reasons that are not easily isolated including lack of knowledge of advanced directives and lack of …

Palliative Care In India, Gracen Bookmyer

Palliative Care Institute

This essay addresses the cultural, ethical and political barriers throughout the historical and contemporary context of Palliative Care implementation, prioritization and progress in India. It touches upon the conflicting forces that arise between Western models of Palliative Care and the cultural perspectives on end of life care in India. It poses solutions and methods for navigating these challenges and discusses the communities who are most impacted by the lack of Palliative Care (PC) programs in India.

Program - Palliative Care Institute 2017 Conference: Helping 'Til It Hurts, Palliative Care Institute

Palliative Care Institute

No abstract provided.

Accessing Healthfulness Through Intrapersonal Communication: The Correlations Between Health Locus Of Control And Health Outcomes Behaviors, And Perceptions, Laura S. Gavin-Breier

Scholar Week 2016 - present

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Continuous Insulin Pump Therapy On Glycemic Control In Pregnant Type 1 Diabetics, Kimberly Kelsey

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus accounts for approximately 5% of the diabetic population (CDC, 2015). Numerous complications must be avoided when a diabetic is insulin dependent. Women who are diabetic who are planning to conceive a family have special considerations. Little research has been focused into how to best manage Type 1 diabetics during pregnancy. Since Type 1 diabetes is predominantly diagnosed between birth and 30 years of age, many Type 1 diabetics have potential to become pregnant without knowing how to best manage their diabetes. Poor glycemic control in diabetics has been related to miscarriages, stillbirths, malformations, and macrosomia (Lapolla, …

The Effects Of Square-Stepping Exercise On Risk Of Falling And Balance In Senior Adults, Grace A. Miorelli, Michaela Nelson, Elizabeth A. Sled, Benjamin T. Massa, Mackenzi J. Clemens, Hope E. Mccoll, April D. Crommett

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

As people age, their body systems gradually deteriorate. Muscle function and the vestibular system slowly deteriorate leading to lower body instability. Older adults who struggle with dizziness and imbalance are more prone to falling. Dizziness and imbalance cause falls, and falls are the leading cause of hospitalization and accidental death in older adults (Shinichi & Tatsuya, 2015). It is possible to prevent and reduce the risk of falls through balance training. It is crucial that older adults take the steps needed to improve their balance and therefore reduce their risk of falling. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a 10-week …

Latanoprost And Timolol In Hydrogel Soft Drug-Dispensing Contact Lenses: A Comparative Analysis, Neha Potdar

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Glaucoma patients only can instill glaucoma eye drops. This results in 1-7% absorption of the medication. Surveys show that patients forget to take their medication and have difficulty inserting their eye drops. Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary have developed latanoprost drug-dispensing hydrogel soft contact lenses that dispense the drug to help facilitate the process. However, some glaucoma patients do not respond to latanoprost because they have uveitic glaucoma or do not want to experience latanoprost’s ocular side effects. Patients need an alternative which can be inserted into these contact lenses. Another commonly used glaucoma drug is timolol …

Exploring Therapeutic Approaches For Marfan Syndrome Associated Aortic Aneurysm, Mitra Esfandiarei

Science Seminar Series

Esfandiearei will be discussing her research on understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to the progression of aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome and the protective effects that exercise may have on the disease process in both laboratory animal models and human patients. Her research has been supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Rare Diseases Foundation, and the Marfan Foundation.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, And Suicide: A Systematic Review, Ans Irfan, Peter Lapuma

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background.
Natural disasters are projected to increase due to climate change. Mental health is not a well-researched area in public health, particularly as it relates to environmental health and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The suicide rate is approximately 13 per 100,000 people in the US, nationally. This already high suicide rate warrants researching this area mental health. Understanding the relation between natural disasters and suicide rates might help alleviate human suffering and potentially save lives in the future, in post-disaster settings. This research will further the knowledge of the association between natural disasters and suicide and provide foundation …

Promotion Of New Diabetes Products In The District Of Columbia, Joy Eckert, Dilpan Sundaramoorthy, Alycia Hogenmiller

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background: Growth in pharmaceutical expenditures for diabetes outpaced growth in diabetes prevalence. Prescribers accepting gifts and meals from pharmaceutical companies have been linked with higher prescription rates and costs[1]. Pharmaceutical marketing to these prescribers and patients often promotes newer, more expensive drugs, such as the GLP-1 analogues and SGL-2 inhibitors. These two drug classes are more expensive but no more effective than metformin,[2] the recommended first-line treatment for diabetes, and the oldest and cheapest available treatment. We investigated how cost of diabetes treatment was affected by marketing practices in the District of Columbia.

Methods: The AccessRx program …

Emergency Department Approach To Electrical Toothbrush Associated Hand Injury, A Unique Case Of Non-Oropharyngeal Injury., Hannah Robinson, Neal Sikka, Chimere Little, Ali Pourmand

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Puncture wounds are common injuries treated in the emergency department (ED). Prior studies have shown that toothbrushes are common reservoirs for oral flora, especially in regions near the head of the toothbrush near the bristles. ED providers must be aware of the danger associated with bacterial contamination of the associated wound and should be familiar with different pathogens and options for treatment. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old male with non-intraoral injury who presented to the ED after puncturing his left palm with the metal post of an electric toothbrush.

A Review Of Pain Control In Pediatric Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Pranathi Ari, Andrew T. Waberski, Nina Deutsch

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background: Children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass receive high dose opioids for analgesia and to reduce the neurohormonal stress response. While opioids have excellent pharmacodynamics profiles adverse effects include: respiratory depression, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, and tolerance. Additionally, opioids with short half-lives like fentanyl require several boluses to be administered during surgery causing fluctuating levels analgesia. Several strategies to advance pain control incorporate regional and neuraxial anesthetic techniques, however anticoagulation preclude its routine use. Alternatively using opioids with longer half-lives for analgesia may improve pain control and reduce adverse effects.

Objective: The objective of this study is to quantify postoperative …

Medical Resource Utilization Of Outpatient Care For Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Rabia Idrees, Michael Fisher, Rachel Hachen, Brian Callaghan, Robert A. Avery

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background:

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant syndrome with manifestations affecting the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, peripheral nervous system, and cognitive/behavioral functions. Many of these manifestations persist throughout life and require medical/surgical interventions.

The resource utilization and economic burden of caring for children with NF1 is unknown. Prior research has inherent selection bias and does not accurately reflect the incidence/resource utilization of morbidities. In order to identify which disease manifestations are in the most need of improved clinical algorithms and novel therapeutics, the frequency/type of resources utilized (i.e., diagnostic imaging and specialty visits) must be determined.

The …

Removing Barriers To Care For The Underserved: Provider And Patient Perception Of Direct To Consumer Telemedicine, Robert M. Grell, Rachel Hatcliffe, Sean M. Gillen, Craig Sable, Vanessa Grant, Matthew Ledda, Mary Fuska, Shireen Atabaki

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Purpose of Study: Lack of access to pediatric subspecialty care is a major barrier to pediatric health for underserved populations in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland area. Lack of access to transportation, long office wait times, and missed school and work are barriers that prevent access to subspecialty care. Direct to consumer (DTC) telemedicine provides this service to our underserved population by bringing care into their own home through use of computers, tablets, and smart phones.

Methods Used: Structured interviews of parents and providers were performed prior to implementation of a subspecialty DTC telemedicine program for underserved children in …

Stakeholders' Perceptions Of A Hospital Based Emergency Medicine Education & Training Program: A System Change, Kate Douglass, Jay Pandya, Michael Brennan, Kyle Yoder, Janice Blanchard, Natasha Powell, Zohray Talib

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background: Emergency Medicine (EM) is a new and developing specialty around the world. In India, one model for capacity building has been the development of partnerships between US academic institutions and private healthcare institutions for implementing post-graduate education and training in EM. Initiated in 2007, programs have grown both in number and scope and have continued to attract new students and partner institutions. This study was undertaken to better understand the impact of EM training programs on hospital systems.

Methods: A mixed-methods evaluation was undertaken at 5 program sites across India in the summer of 2016. Two researchers conducted onsite …

Needs Assessment Of Pediatric Radiological Equipment And Cross-Cultural Investigation Into Parental Empowerment In Pediatric Radiology Program Development In The Kingdom Of Bhutan, Danielle Canter

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background:

Bhutan is a magnificent mountainous country hugged by India to the east and west and by China to the North and South. This peaceful nestled country faces challenges in combating non-communicable diseases due to the lack of radiological equipment necessary for early diagnosis. Prior to implementation of these medical devices, it is imperative to investigate the cultural attitudes, beliefs, and infrastructure, to ensure successful integration. Bhutan is beginning to implement a pediatric radiology program for the nation with the assistance of ABAH Foundation and RAD-AID International, both of whom partnered with graduate students at George Washington University School of …

Development Of An Interleukin-4-Inducing Principle From Schistosoma Mansoni Eggs (Ipse)-Specific Pcr Assay As A Quantitative Predictor Of Schistosomiasis-Associated Morbidity, Dannah Farah, Evaristis Mbanefo, Michael H. Hsieh

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting between 200-500 million people worldwide. The two species causing most human cases of schistosomiasis are Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. The gold standard for diagnosis is parasitological detection of parasite eggs in stool using the Kato-Katz method. Counting eggs shed in stool is labor-intensive and inaccurate. Interleukin-4- inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE) is the most abundant secreted protein from schistosome eggs. We hypothesized that the mRNA transcripts of the IPSE protein may be found in the liver tissue and stool of experimentally infected animals, and that these transcripts can be specifically …

A Medical Student Foray Into The Depths Of Public Health: An Exploratory Investigation Toward A Community Dashboard Characterizing The Experiences Of Frailty In Order To Guide Improvement, An Harmanli, Danielle Fahoome, Burton Masem, Ellen Massey, Beverly Lunsford, Joanne Lynn, Elizabeth Cobbs

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

While it is known that there are many shortcomings in the care of the elderly, their rate and impact on the community and the elderly themselves is not well understood. In exploring the possibilities for using existing data and available informants, a dashboard could be created that would enable a geographic community to understand the experience of living with disabilities in old age, to prioritize problems, and to test improvements.

The methods included a literature review to understand what and how easily information could be accessed, gathered, and presented. In regards to literature on data collection, CMS claims data, MDS, …

Secondary Prevention At The Aswan Heart Centre, Amira Athanasios

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, taking the lives of almost 18 million patients around the world each year. The overwhelming majority of cardiovascular deaths take place in low- to mid-income counties, suggesting that most cardiovascular deaths are preventable. In this study, current literature on secondary prevention of coronary artery disease was analyzed. Specific emphasis was given to preventative measures and successes in low income countries. Based on a literature review, a patient questionnaire to better understand patient adherence to preventative measures was created. This questionnaire focuses on patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy post acute myocardial infarct …

Mutations In Braf Are Associated With Higher Levels Of Immune Infiltrates In Microsatellite-Stable Colon Cancer, Jake Rubin, Eduard Porta Parto

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

While BRAF is among the most well-established oncogenes in human cancers, more recently it has garnered attention for its role in suppressing antitumor immunity, especially in melanoma. Because tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density is strongly prognostic in colorectal cancer (CRC)⁷, we decided to investigate the connection between TIL density and the BRAF-activating V600E mutation in CRC.

We used ESTIMATE to quantify immune infiltrate in samples from the TCGA colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) dataset (n = 216). This is an algorithm that uses the gene-expression signature of 141 immune-related genes to infer the presence of immune cells in the tumor infiltrate. …