Medical Specialties Commons^™

Association Of Office And Ambulatory Blood Pressure With Mortality And Cardiovascular Outcomes, Wen-Yi Yang, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Lutgarde Thijs, Zhen-Yu Zhang, José Boggia, Fang-Fei Wei, Tine W. Hansen, Kei Asayama, Gladys E. Maestre, Takayoshi Ohkubo

School of Medicine Publications

Importance Blood pressure (BP) is a known risk factor for overall mortality and cardiovascular (CV)-specific fatal and nonfatal outcomes. It is uncertain which BP index is most strongly associated with these outcomes.

Objective To evaluate the association of BP indexes with death and a composite CV event.

Design, Setting, and Participants Longitudinal population-based cohort study of 11 135 adults from Europe, Asia, and South America with baseline observations collected from May 1988 to May 2010 (last follow-ups, August 2006-October 2016).

Exposures Blood pressure measured by an observer or an automated office machine; measured for 24 hours, during the day or …

Introduction Of Auricular Acupuncture, Monica Lyons

Doctoral Projects

The overall purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess if there was an interest to add auricular acupuncture to a substance abuse program. The two guiding questions of the Doctor of Nursing Project were (a) how can auricular acupuncture be helpful when treating patients with substance abuse in a selected organization? (b) what information is needed for both staff and patients to make an informed decision regarding auricular acupuncture? The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework was used as the theory framework for implementation of evidence-based research into an organization. The facilitator in the …

Cervical Cancer In Tanzania: A Systematic Review Of Current Challenges In Six Domains., Ava S Runge, Megan E Bernstein, Alexa N Lucas, Krishnansu S Tewari

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzania. After excluding human immunodeficiency virus, lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis, cervical cancer kills more women than any other form of illness in the country. Unfortunately, Tanzania has a low doctor-to-patient ratio (1:50,000) and nearly 7000 women die each year from this disease. The clinical problem is further magnified by the country's lack of resources and prevailing poverty, sporadic cervical cancer screening, prevalence of high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus subtypes, and relatively high rates of human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. In recent years, addressing the cervical cancer problem has become a …

Relationship Between One Repetition Maximum Parallel Squat And Jump Squat Peak Power, Corey Klitzke

Masters Theses

Jump squats are a simple exercise that can be used to train lower body power. Unlike many other methods of power training, jump squats do not require any specialized equipment (platforms, bumper plates, etc.). Jump squats can be used when other forms of power training are not available or are not allowed. In order to most efficiently train power, the intensity must balance force and velocity. The purpose of this study was to find the intensity that yields the peak power output of a jump squat. 12 participants (9 males, 3 female) participated in the study. Each participant completed a …

Characterizing The Role Of Extracellular Matrix In Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Metastasis Using A 3d Microenvironment Mimetic In-Vitro Culture System., Douglas John Owulaku Saforo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in the United States and worldwide. Five-year survival rates for non-small cell lung carcinoma patients have not improved in decades, and a majority of patients succumb to metastasis. Identification of therapeutic targets for metastatic disease is essential for the development of novel therapies. However, current 2-dimensional (2D) in vitro models are not reflective of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are inadequate in identifying therapeutic targets. We adapted a 3-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro model to a hypoxic incubator to approximate physiological hypoxia of the TME in a microenvironment …

Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale In Tardive Dyskinesia: Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: A minimal clinically important difference has not been established for the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale in patients with tardive dyskinesia. Valbenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults. Efficacy in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials was defined as the change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score (sum of items 1-7). Objectives: To estimate an minimal clinically important difference for the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale using valbenazine trial data and an anchor-based method. Methods: Data were pooled from three 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: KINECT (NCT01688037), KINECT 2 (NCT01733121), and …

Frequency Of Peri-Operative Hypertension In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Momena Sohail, Aysha Almas, Ayesha Majeed Memon, Bushra Usmani, Aamir Hameed, G. Afshan

Section of Internal Medicine

This study aims to determine the frequency of perioperative hypertension and its types (pre, intra and post-operative) hypertension in patients admitted for surgical procedures. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between the years 2012-2013 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Patients admitted for any surgical procedure during this time were included. Perioperative hypertension has been defined as systolic blood pressure of >140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of >90 mm Hg or whose blood pressure increased by 20% during surgery. A total of 428 surgical procedures were reviewed for the study. Overall perioperative hypertension was present in …

Primary Care Providers' Attitudes And Practices Regarding Cancer Screening In Older Adults., Randa Sifri, Brooke Salzman, Amy Cunningham, Alexis Silverio, Madalene Zale, Christine Talerico

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Introduction: Cancer-screening decisions for older adults should be individualized. However, conducting such complex shared decisions may be challenging for primary care providers (PCPs). Additionally, there is little information on how PCPs make these decisions. This study consisted of a provider survey and chart review to assess current PCP approaches to breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with patients age ≥75.

Methods: PCP survey questions: panel age, comfort with discussion of screening harms and benefits, screening decision-making process, and discussion style. One Hundred charts were chosen from a random sample of male and female patients ≥75 with a recent office …

Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern, Demographic Findings And Risk Factors Amongst Meningitis And Non-Meningitis Invasive Streptococcus Pneumoniae At Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratory, Karachi, Pakistan, Seema Irfan, Joveria Farooqi, Afia Zafar, Haresh Kumar

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Objective: To determine the resistance rate of penicillin and ceftriaxone amongst invasive meningitis and nonmeningitis isolates of streptococcus pneumoniae. Methods: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2011 to March 2014 at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Aga Khan University, Karachi, and comprised all invasive strains of streptococcus pneumoniae. Penicillin and ceftriaxone susceptibilities were performed and interpreted based on minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoints recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data was analysed using Stata 12.
Result: There were 163 strains isolated from sterile body fluids of 109 patients. Of the total, 46(28%) samples were meningitic while 117(72%) …

Comparative Spending Of Medicaid Dollars On Child Participants Of Kentucky’S Sobriety Treatment And Recovery Teams Program Versus A Matched Comparison Group., Matthew Thomas Walton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Child protective services agencies have long observed the complicating role that parental substance use and addiction plays in cases of child maltreatment. Families who struggle with these problems present unique challenges for child welfare professionals. These families are typically more difficult to engage, more likely to have children removed from the home, and have poorer outcomes when compared to other families. These poorer outcomes often include health problems. Addiction has well-known effects on health, and the specific manifestations of these problems for parents have been documented for years in child protection casework. However, what has been less investigated are the …

Evaluating The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Grb2 Inhibition In Ovarian Malignancies, Olivia Lara

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Purpose: Adaptor proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein-2 (Grb2) play important roles in cancer cell signaling. In the present study, we examined the biological effects of liposomal antisense oligodeoxynucleotide that blocks Grb2 expression (L-Grb2) in ovarian cancer models.

Experimental Design: Murine orthotopic models of ovarian cancer (OVCAR5 and SKOV3ip1) were used to study the biological effects of L-Grb2 on tumor growth. In vitro experiments (cell viability assay, Western blot analysis, siRNA transfection, and reverse phase protein array) were carried out to elucidate the mechanism and potential predictors of tumor response to L-Grb2.

Results: Treatment with L-Grb2 decreased tumor growth …

Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Mental Health Outcomes And Related Prescription Practices In A Psychiatric Inpatient Sample, Carrie Lemay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A definitive association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative physical and mental health outcomes has been established. There is evidence that individuals in forensic psychiatric facilities are disproportionately exposed to ACEs, which may impact severity, prognosis, and age of onset of psychiatric symptoms, including behavioral concerns of institutional aggression, self-harm behaviors, and suicide attempts. Such psychiatric and behavioral concerns are often managed through multiple psychotropic prescriptions, leading to psychotropic polypharmacy. This study evaluated the relationship between ACEs, mental health and behavioral concerns, and psychotropic polypharmacy through analysis of archival data from a forensic inpatient psychiatric facility. A total of …

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine: Operating Room Time And Cost, Annie Benscheidt, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background The choice of neuromuscular blockade reversal agents impacts cost and operating room time. Currently, the two medications used to reverse neuromuscular blockade are Neostigmine and Sugammadex. These medications differ in both cost and pharmacologic profiles which effect the time and predictability of reversal (Carron, Zarantonello, Tellaroli, & Ori, 2016). Evaluating cost and time differences in reversal using Sugammadex and Neostigmine helps anesthesia providers select the appropriate medication. This evidence based practice project examined the difference in case length and operating room and reversal agent costs in cases using Sugammadex and Neostigmine at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Methods • …

Transfusion Ratios Following Activation Of A Massive Transfusion Protocol: An Evidence Based Practice Project, Cody Woodbury, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Accidental injury is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide. Severe hemorrhage from injury is the leading cause of preventable death. Effective management of hemorrhaging trauma patients has been evolving since the early 1900’s. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of using a balanced resuscitation technique, revolving around the goal of recreating whole blood. The purpose of this project was to identify what ratios of blood products are being transfused at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (PSHMC) and Providence Holy Family Hospital (PHFH).

Methods A literature review was performed identifying seven high quality …

Modeling Proton Relative Biological Effectiveness Using Monte Carlo Simulations Of Microdosimetry, Mark A. Newpower

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Proton therapy is a radiotherapy modality that can offer a better physical dose distribution when compared to photon radiotherapy by taking advantage of the Bragg peak, a narrow region of rapid energy loss. Proton therapy is also known to offer an enhanced relative biological effectiveness (RBE) compared to photons. In the current clinical standard, RBE is fixed at 1.1 at all points along the proton beam, meaning protons are assumed to require 10% less dose than photons to achieve target coverage and organ at risk (OAR) sparing. However, there is mounting clinical evidence, and a significant number of in vitro …

Oxidative Phosphorylation: A Critical Feature And Novel Therapeutic Target In Melanoma Brain Metastases, Grant Fischer

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

We recently showed via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of clinical samples that melanoma brain metastases (MBMs) have higher expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes (including PPARGC1A or PGC1α) than patient-matched extracranial metastases (ECMs). Thus, the central hypothesis of this dissertation is that OXPHOS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MBMs.

RNA-seq analysis identified increased expression of OXPHOS genes in intracranial (ICr) vs. subcutaneous (SQ) xenografts of 4 different human melanoma cell lines. Increased OXPHOS in the ICr xenografts was confirmed by direct metabolite analysis and [U-¹³C]-glucose tracing analysis. Together, these studies indicate that the brain TME …

Tracking Treatment Response And Resistance To Parp Inhibition (Talazoparib) In Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer., Jennifer Goldstein

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

polyADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the PARP enzymes, involved in the repair of singe-stranded DNA breaks through the base excision repair pathway. PARP inhibition leads to replication-associated double stranded DNA breaks, which are repaired by homologous recombination (HR). In tumors with HR defects (i.e. BRCA mutants), there is a shift to error-prone DNA repair and subsequent genomic instability and cell death.

In 2014, Olaparib became the first FDA-approved PARP inhibitor for the treatment of BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer. In the phase III POLO (Pancreas cancer OLaparib Ongoing) trial presented at the American Society …

Fasting Reduces Intestinal Radiotoxicity Enabling Dose-Escalated Radiotherapy For Pancreatic Cancer, Marimar De La Cruz Bonilla

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, but only 15-20% of patients have resectable tumors. In unresectable cases, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be used to give tumor-directed radiotherapy (RT). Unfortunately, this can cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity due to proximity of the pancreatic head to the duodenum. Protecting the intestine from the toxic side-effects of radiation may enable dose-escalation that could achieve more effective local control of disease. We and others have previously shown that a fast of 24 hours protects mice from lethal doses of the DNA-damaging agent etoposide. In this study, we demonstrate …

Microbial Colonization Of Pneumatic Tourniquets In The Orthopedic Operating Room, Syed Hamza Mufarrih, Nada Qaisar Qureshi, Rizwan Haroon Rashid, Bilal Ahmed, Seema Irfan, Akbar Jaleel Zubair, Shahryar Noordin

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: The rate of surgical site infections following orthopedic procedures is approximately 2% globally. Potential sources of contamination in the operating room include pneumatic tourniquets, blood pressure cuffs, and stethoscopes, among others. Our study aims to investigate microbial colonization on reusable pneumatic tourniquets stored and used in the orthopedic department of our institution and evaluate the efficacy of the cleaning protocols employed. Methods: Over a course of two weeks, 26 samples were obtained. A total of 14 pneumatic tourniquets were sampled preoperatively on Monday morning following the weekly cleaning protocol of soaking the tourniquets in sodium hypochlorite for 30 minutes …

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma In Pregnancy: Management Approach Case Report At Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital, Eldoret-Kenya, Philip Tonui, Elly B. Odongo, Andrew Cheruiyot, Sahara Shurie, Elkanah Omenge

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an uncommon tumour, which raises management dilemma in pregnant women. The condition has a considerable effect on the pregnancy outcome, considering the risk of preterm delivery. This paper reports a case of 26 years old Gravida 7 Para 6 admitted at 28 weeks of gestation with epistaxis, hematemesis and a neck mass. The head CT scan showed a right paranasal space soft tissue mass with bony destruction and bilateral cervical adenopathy, consistent with neoplastic carcinoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Deterioration of the patient’s condition, necessitated emergency caesarean delivery at 32 weeks to accommodate …

Unilateral Enophthalmos., Grace L. Su, Sara E. Lally, Carol L. Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

No abstract provided.

General Anesthetic Induction Sequence High Fidelity Simulation: Determining Efficacy Among Novice Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Alex Wilkie, Steven Urbick, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background High Fidelity Simulation (HFS) is used across multiple health professions. Despite the wide variety of clinical experiences that Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA) possess prior to training, the induction sequence to a General Anesthetic (GA) is a daunting task. Although the efficacy of HFS has been widely studied within undergraduate nursing programs, there are no studies published determining the efficacy of HFS on SRNA training. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of simulation training amongst entry-level SRNA’s and examine any individual participant factors that may influence clinical performance within HFS.

Methods • Human subjects were …

Hyperoxia: Current Practice Of Oxygen Delivery During General Anesthesia, Christa Kirby, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background While supplemental oxygen is routinely administered during anesthesia to prevent oxygen desaturation and optimize tissue oxygenation, oxygen delivery practices after intubation are largely unknown. Compiled evidence suggests limiting intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to below 60%. The deleterious effects of hyperoxia and the mortality benefit of conservative oxygen administration are being demonstrated in contemporary critical care literature. The lack of consensus guidelines and high level evidence on the topic of intraoperative oxygen delivery begs the question to what degree are patients being exposed to hyperoxia during general anesthesia. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to better …

Text Messaging For Disease Monitoring In Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome., Chia-Shi Wang, Jonathan P. Troost, Larry A. Greenbaum, Tarak Srivastava, Kimberly Reidy, Keisha Gibson, Howard Trachtman, John D. Piette, Christine B. Sethna, Kevin Meyers, Katherine M. Dell, Cheryl L. Tran, Suzanne Vento, Krishna Kallem, Emily Herreshoff, Sangeeta Hingorani, Kevin Lemley, Gia Oh, Elizabeth Brown, Jen-Jar Lin, Frederick Kaskel, Debbie S. Gipson

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Introduction: There is limited information on effective disease monitoring for prompt interventions in childhood nephrotic syndrome. We examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel text messaging system (SMS) for disease monitoring in a multicenter, prospective study.

Methods: A total of 127 patientsresults, symptoms, and medication adherence were sent to a designated caregiver (n = 116) or adolescent patient (n = 3). Participants responded by texting. Feasibility of SMS was assessed by SMS adoption, retention, and engagement, and concordance between participant-reported results and laboratory/clinician assessments. The number of disease relapses and time-to-remission data captured by SMS were compared …

Impact Of Peer Review In The Radiation Treatment Planning Process: Experience Of A Tertiary Care University Hospital In Pakistan, Bilal Mazhar Qureshi, Muhammad Atif Mansha, Muneeb Uddin Karim, Asim Hafiz, Nasir Ali, Benazir Mir, Fatima Shaukat, Maria Tariq, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi

Department of Radiation Oncology

Purpose: To evaluate and report the frequency of changes in radiation therapy treatment plans after peer review in a simulation review meeting once a week.
Materials and Methods: Between July 1 and August 31, 2016, the radiation plans of 116 patients were discussed in departmental simulation review meetings. All plans were finalized by the primary radiation oncologist before presenting them in the meeting. A team of radiation oncologists reviewed each plan, and their suggestions were documented as no change, major change, minor change, or missing contour. Changes were further classified as changes in clinical target volume, treatment field, or dose. …

Health Coaching To Encourage Obese Adults To Enroll In Commercially-Available Weight Management Programs: The Path To Health Study, Natalia I Heredia, Minjae Lee, Kevin O Hwang, Belinda M Reininger, Maria E Fernandez, Lorna H Mcneill

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Physicians are recommended to screen and refer obese patients to weight management programs (WMPs). There are often limited referral options for physicians, though commercially-available WMPs could be a potential solution. The purpose of this study (Path to Health) was to evaluate the efficacy of health coaching to promote enrollment in commercially-available WMPs through a two-arm, RCT with obese patients (n = 168) randomly assigned to intervention (n = 84) or control groups (n = 84). Intervention participants received phone health coaching to help them select and enroll in WMPs. We collected data on program enrollment, weight, self-reported physical activity (PA), …

Following The Growth Of Sarah's Baby: An Ipe Activity For Medical Nutrition & Diagnostic Sonography Students, Tanya M. Custer, Megan Timmerman, Cynthia M. Schmidt, Teresa L. Hartman, Harlan Sayles, Kathryn Wampler, Lea Lambing, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: Interprofessional education (IPE) involves collaborative learning among students from different professions. While acceptance of these types of activities is increasing, there are opportunities to expand the number of health care professions involved in IPE. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions and outcomes after participation in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Medical Nutrition Education (MNE) interprofessional education activity centered around a clinical case study on fetal growth. Subjects & Methods: The IPE activity was administered to four student cohorts from academic years to 2015-2016 to 2018-2019. Participants included 66 students (n=39 DMS and n=27 MNE). …

Comparison Of Ondansetron, Dexamethasone, And Its Combination In The Prevention Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting, Alina Palanchuk, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting remains a common and unpleasant side effect for patients following surgery. Uncontrolled PONV can result in prolonged hospital stays, unanticipated hospital readmissions, and decreased patient satisfaction. The Apfel score identifies and counts independent risk factors for PONV; females, non-smokers, postoperative opioid use, and history of PONV or motion sickness. Rates of PONV increases as the number of risk factors increase. The primary intervention to decrease PONV is administration of prophylactic antiemetics. Research supports the use of combination antiemetic therapy for patients with a high number of risk factors. The purpose of this evidence based practice …

Ultrasound Simulation For Regional Anesthesia, Kayla Brown, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Regional anesthesia is an essential skill in the practice of Nurse Anesthesia, and future employment demands expertise. Literature supports the addition of simulation training to existing didactic and apprenticeship education to improve clinical expertise. The purpose of this project was to trial simulation training, focused on anatomical visualization with ultrasound for regional anesthesia, as a means to improve student performance and confidence.

Methods • Facility project approval and exemption determination by IRB. • Hands-On Test: Ultrasound to obtain visualization for axillary (cohort 1), interscalene (cohort 2) block on live-model. Expert CRNA observed performance to determine if image was clinically …

Intraoperative Opioid Administration Among Cancer Patients, Amanda Barrett, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Cancer prevalence continues to rise. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that opioid receptor agonists may be associated with poor outcomes for cancer patients. Laboratory studies have shown that opioids cause immunosuppression; tumor cell progression, recurrence and metastasis. The surgical environment further decreases immune function, causes an inflammatory response and promotes cancer cell mobilization. Anesthesia providers are in a unique position to influence postoperative outcomes. Opioid free anesthetic delivery is a growing trend amongst anesthesia providers and is supported by the literature. The purpose of this project is to compare intraoperative opioid administration rates for patients with …