Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma Of Liver In A Child : A Case Report, Neha Devendra Bhongale, Sumeet Baheti, Poonam Wade, Omkar Khandkar, Meenakshi Balasbramanian

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of liver (UESL) is a rare malignancy of liver originating from primary mesenchymal tissue with overall poor prognosis. Around 220 pediatric cases of UESL have been reported in the literature. The lack of characteristic clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging studies pose a diagnostic challenge and the preoperative misdiagnosis rate is high. Historically, treatment was limited to surgical resection with poor survival rate. In recent times, combination of chemotherapy and surgical resection has improved survival.

Case Presentation: We report a case of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of liver in a 6 years old boy who presented …

Study Of Clinical And Bacteriological Profile Of Culture-Positive Neonatal Sepsis At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Qudsiya Ansari, Vaibhav Pawar, Kailas Randad, Poonam Wade

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a significant global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality among neonates. Its clinical manifestations and causative agents show regional and temporal variations, necessitating localized studies to guide effective management. This study aimed to assess the clinical features, bacteriological profile, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in culture-positive neonatal sepsis at a tertiary NICU. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed records of 131 inborn neonates with culture-proven sepsis admitted between April 2019 and March 2020. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes were examined. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were also evaluated. Results: Of the …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 20 Years And Above In Mysuru, India, Sneha Manosh Kumar, Rashmi S, Amogha Shree

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. Despite being largely preventable through screening, uptake remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural and systemic barriers.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 women aged ≥20 years residing in urban and rural areas of Mysuru. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 30.

Results: Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 90% of participants and of screening methods by 80%. However, only 21% had ever undergone screening and 17% within the preceding …

Personalised Learning In Medical Education – A Futuristic Model For Individual Learning Styles, Sujatha Mahadevarao Premnath, Ashwin Chand Ravichandran, Sivaa Rajendran

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Medical education is transitioning from the traditional teacher-centred to a student-centred model, and an approach that caters to the diverse needs of the learner is necessary to meet these needs. Personalised learning is one such strategy that offers learning content based on individual profiles, learning styles, pace, and competency gaps. Here, the individual student receives content based on their preference, where the content can be created by educators leveraging technology, an adaptive learning platform, and artificial intelligence. It provides an inclusive and efficient learning platform that helps in creating more efficient medical graduates. This article explores the concept of personalized …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey, Nikhil R, Divya K L, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur, Harshwardhan S Patil, Shashirekha B, Hema Sameera Pinnam, Purna Bansal

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Deep learning-powered Artificial Intelligence-driven assistance offers enormous potential to improve healthcare by facilitating administrative work, diagnosis, and the treatment of chronic diseases. The gap between clinical values and the day-to-day realities of primary care practice might widen if AI is not successfully incorporated.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate healthcare professionals' perceptions and understanding of AI within a clinical setting. The study was conducted among 456 Health care Workers from May to November 2024.

Results: Among 456 participants, 55.7% were MBBS students/interns, and 37.9% were postgraduates/professionals. More than 50% supported AI integration, and 62.3% of MBBS …

Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Association Analysis Of African American Individuals With Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia, Runjia Li, Sarah A Gagliano Taliun, Kevin Liao, Matthew Flickinger, Janet L Sobell, Giulio Genovese, Adam E Locke, Rebeca Rothwell Chiu, Jonathon Lefaive, Jiongming Wang, Taylor Martins, Sinéad Chapman, Anna Neumann, Robert E Handsaker, Donna K Arnett, Kathleen C Barnes, Eric Boerwinkle, David Braff, Brian E Cade, Myriam Fornage, Richard A Gibbs, Karin F Hoth, Lifang Hou, Charles Kooperberg, Ruth J F Loos, Ginger A Metcalf, Courtney G Montgomery, Alanna C Morrison, Zhaohui S Qin, Susan Redline, Alexander P Reiner, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Kent D Taylor, Karine A Viaud-Martinez, Tim B Bigdeli, Stacey Gabriel, Sebastian Zollner, Albert V Smith, Goncalo Abecasis, Steve A Mccarroll, Michele T Pato, Carlos N Pato, Michael Boehnke, James Knowles, Hyun Min Kang, Roel A Ophoff, Jason Ernst, Laura J Scott

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In studies of individuals of primarily European genetic ancestry, common and low-frequency variants and rare coding variants have been found to be associated with the risk of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). However, less is known for individuals of other genetic ancestries or the role of rare non-coding variants in BD and SZ risk. We performed whole-genome sequencing (∼27X) of African American individuals: 1,598 with BD, 3,295 with SZ, and 2,651 unaffected controls (InPSYght study). We increased power by incorporating 14,812 jointly called psychiatrically unscreened ancestry-matched controls from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program for a total of …

Socioeconomic, Behavioral, And Health Profiles Of Women With Eclampsia: Findings From The 2020–2022 National Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data, Jessi Bates, Gurgen Grigoryants, Hongyun Fu

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

Background: Eclampsia is a severe obstetric complication with significant maternal health implications, disproportionately affects women with certain sociodemographic and health risk factors. This study investigates the characteristics and outcomes of women who experienced eclampsia using data from the national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).

Methods: This analysis included a sample of 729 women with eclampsia from the 2020–2022 PRAMS (N = 238,575). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to examine patterns and factors associated with preterm-birth, low birth weight (LBW), and cesarean delivery.

Results: Over half of the women were aged ≥35 years (50.6%), unmarried …

Delusional Parasitosis With Depression, Hypertension And Migraine, Mouli Mandal, M Kishor, Mr Murali

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Delusional Parasitosis (DP) , also known as Ekbom Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterised by the unshakeable belief of infestation by parasites, insects or other organisms, despite the absence of objective medical evidence.
This case report presents a 49 year old female with a history of chronic headaches, progressively worsening insect crawling sensations. She was initiated on treatment and supportive psychotherapy.
This case highlights the importance of a thorough multidisciplinary approach in managing Delusional Parasitosis, emphasising the need to differentiate between primary and secondary forms, address the potential medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and implement appropriate pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.

A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About The Relationships Between Obesity And Women’S Health Concerns In The Reproductive System, Breast, And Endometrial Health, Batul Mirza

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many …

The Effects Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention On Depression And Anxiety In The Long-Covid Population, Rachel Welbel, Elizabeth Rutha, Jeffrey Ording, Douglas Wang, Jana Hirschtick

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Long-COVID is a complicated, post-viral syndrome involving multiple body systems and can present with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Little has been reported about the neuropsychiatric symptoms of long-COVID, and validated treatments do not yet exist. There is prior evidence that mindfulnessbased strategies have been helpful for those with chronic illnesses; shown significant decreases in anxiety, stress, and depression; and enhanced quality of life. In this study, we report on the utility of a mindfulness-based intervention on levels of anxiety and depression in a long-COVID population. Our hospital system founded both a “Covid Recovery Clinic” (CRC) and a “Post-COVID Resilience Program” (PCRP). The …

Incidence And Clinical Profile Of Cardiovascular Abnormalities In Infants Of Diabetic Mother, Kailas Randad, Praveen Das, Akash Dnyandeo Sarkate, Qudsiya Ansari

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Maternal diabetes is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, notably congenital heart disease (CHD) in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). This study evaluated the prevalence and spectrum of CHDs in IDMs and the effect of maternal glycemic control.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai. A total of 112 IDMs were enrolled. Maternal glycemic status was assessed using HbA1c and random blood sugar. All infants underwent clinical examination, oxygen saturation measurement, and echocardiography.

Results: CHDs were identified in 26.7% of infants. The most frequent lesions …

Improving Hiv Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis Completion In Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Rebecca Aden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

This project aimed to increase adherence to HIV nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among adult survivors of sexual assault using a 24-hour nurse-led callback intervention to reinforce patient education and support treatment completion.

BACKGROUND

This project was implemented within a public healthcare system’s forensic nursing program. Sexual assault survivors face an elevated risk of HIV transmission, yet completion of the 28-day nPEP regimen often remains below 40%. Barriers to completion include limited understanding, gaps in follow-up, as well as psychosocial and socioeconomic challenges.

METHODOLOGY

The FADE QI framework was utilized for this project. The population included adult, non-incarcerated patients who …

A Rare Cause Of Severe Bleeding In Neonate: Congenital Afibrogenemia Case Report, Abdul Azeem Hulkoti, Qudsiya Ansari, Kailas Randad, Akash Dnyandeo Sarkate Dr

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background- Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the complete absence of fibrinogen, a critical factor for clot formation in the blood. This deficiency leads to significant bleeding tendencies from birth. Patients typically present with severe haemorrhagic symptoms early in the neonatal period.

Case presentation- We describe a case of a neonate presenting with umbilical bleeding diagnosed with congenital afibrinogenemia. Initial clinical manifestations included active umbilical bleeding and pallor, while hematological workup revealed a lack of detectable fibrinogen. The diagnosis was confirmed by coagulation assays and genetic testing. The infant was managed with Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) …

"The Growing Burden: Overweight And Obesity Prevalence And Risk Factors Among Medical College Students In Mysuru: A Cross-Sectional Study", Akansha ., Nayanabai Shabadi, Anchu R Nath, Ravipati Manogna

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

ABSTRACT:

Background:

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is often accompanied by significant lifestyle changes, including changes in dietary habits, physical activity levels, and stress, which can contribute to unhealthy weight gain. In India, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth has shown an upward trend, raising concerns about early onset of non-communicable diseases. This study aims to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among degree college students in Mysuru and to identify the associated socio-demographic and lifestyle factors contributing to these conditions.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted over three months, from January to March 2025, among …

Potential Effect Of Statins As Adjuvant Anti‑Tuberculosis Agents: A Short Communication, Mehwish Hanif, Ayesha Tariq, Laiba Zahoor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Tuberculosis is a chronic pulmonary infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can affect other parts of the body such as bones, brain, and lymph nodes (extra pulmonary Tb). Statins, primarily used for hyperlipidemia, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may help prevent and manage TB. They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reduce cholesterol synthesis and interfere with phagocytosis crucial for TB infection. Given the rise in resistance to first-line anti-tubercular therapies, Statins have shown promise as adjunctive agents by potentially shortening treatment duration, reducing adverse effects, and improving outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Based on these findings, Statins …

Exploring The Association Between Self-Esteem And Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Investigation, Bijou C. Allard, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

High self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (M_age = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, …

The Incidence Of Peripartum Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections And Association With Illicit Drug Use, Elizabeth Wagman, Elizabeth Wagman, Rupsa Boelig, Sarah Boudova

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Insights On Human Papillomavirus Among Medical Students And Professionals, Fathima Thansiha, Amogha Shree, Rashmi S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: As per World Health Organization, in 2022, 660000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and 350000 women died from the disease. Sexual behaviour is the major risk factor and exposure to Human Papillomavirus has been established as a causative agent in 70-80% of the cases for development of cervical cancer. Most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases. Thus, study was conducted with the objective of assessing the knowledge …

The Impact Of Nicu Death On Bereaved Mothers, Jennie Terranova

University Honors Theses

Infant loss in the United States occurs 5.6 per 1,000 live births. This paper examines risk factors that contribute to neonatal death. Prematurity is a risk factor for NICU admission. A portion of premature babies receiving care in the NICU will die. The stressful nature of the NICU has been studied widely in journals. The impact of NICU death on hospital staff and bereaved parents has been studied less. Mortality studies suggest that bereaved mothers are at a high risk of dying within the first 5 years after their child has died. Despite the frequency of maternal death post-child loss, …

Fda Approves Lecanemab-Irmb Maintenance Dosing For Early Alzheimer’S Disease Treatment, Jordyn Linfield, Giang Nguyen, Ashley Jacob, Andrew Johnson, Maria Nguyen, Sara Ha, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kelly Kroustos

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with progressive and irreversible cognitive decline that begins with memory lapses leading to physical and functional impairment. The conventional therapies that have been used for the treatment from Alzheimer's Disease include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, but additional therapy options are being developed. Lecanemab, brand name Lequembi, is currently a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved humanized monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and indicated for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. While there is impactful aid for treatment, lecanemab has three significant adverse reactions, which …

Intersection Of Alcohol Use, Pain Symptoms, And Negative Affect In Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients And People With Hiv, Taylor Fitzpatrick-Schmidt, Vinod Dasa, Claudia Leonardi, Tekeda F. Ferguson, David A. Welsh, Patricia E. Molina, Martin J.J. Ronis, Scott Edwards

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Alcohol is a well-known analgesic, although excessive alcohol use can lead to hyperalgesia and heightened negative affect. This cross-sectional study examined associations between alcohol use, self-reported pain, and negative affective symptoms in two distinct cohorts of patients vulnerable to chronic pain: individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery and a cohort of people with HIV (PWH). Participants were enrolled in two clinical studies: a retrospective study of patients undergoing TKA and a longitudinal study of PWH, the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) cohort. Based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption (AUDIT-C) score, participants in both …

Viral Hepatitis And Hiv Screening Amongst Inpatients With Substance Use Disorder: An Initial Pdsa Cycle Analysis, Christine Papastamelos, Md, Elizabeth Novick, Md, Carolyn Kramer, Md, John Zurlo, Md, Nikhil Seval, Md, Mollie Tucker, Md, Daniel Taupin, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• ~67,000 individuals in Philadelphia county are estimated to be living with substance use disorder (SUD).¹
• Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at disproportionately higher risk of acquiring HIV and viral hepatitis compared to the general public.² 
• A 3-month retrospective chart review (11/6/23-1/22/24) of 160 inpatient SUD encounters with an Infectious Disease (ID) consult showed that 35%-42% of HIV and hepatitis C screening opportunities were missed.

Genetic, Transcriptomic, And Epigenomic Insights Into Sjögren's Disease: An Integrative Network Investigation And Immune Diseases Comparison, Nitesh Enduru, Astrid M Manuel, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily causing dry eyes and mouth. It frequently overlaps with other autoimmune diseases (AIDs), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the genetic basis of SjD remains underexplored, limiting our understanding of its connections to other immune-mediated conditions. In this study, we aimed to identify gene networks associated with SjD through the integration of genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data. We further compared the genetic factors of SjD with other immune-mediated diseases. We analyzed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic data using our in-house network-based methods, …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

Symptomatic Treatment Of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review Of The Existing Literature, Aria Sen, Dale Shober

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Despite its public reputation as a recreational substance that does not cause physical withdrawal symptoms, cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS) was added to the DSM-5 in 2013. Existing research would suggest that almost half of regular cannabis users will experience symptoms such as mood symptoms, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress. For more than 20 years, the rates of cannabis use have continued to trend upward due to expanding legislation on the recreational use of marijuana. Currently, there are no FDA approved treatments for CWS. Considering this trend, the lack of a well-formed treatment protocol for CWS will have a growing impact on …

Is The Vaping Epidemic Linked To Neurologic Changes And Mental Health Diagnoses Amongst Us Adolescents?, Tracy Lin, Victoria Shwe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Vaping has significantly increased among U.S. adolescents, driven by the rise of e-cigarettes and flavored pods. Nicotine exposure during brain development is linked to changes in the limbic-dopaminergic system, white matter integrity, and increased risk of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are reported among adolescent users, with greater symptom severity seen in those with high vaping dependence. Though studies show correlation rather than causation, findings suggest vaping may contribute to rising mental health diagnoses. Addressing vaping’s neurological and psychological impact is critical to guiding prevention efforts, regulatory policies, and support for at-risk youth.

The Role Of Ect In Ocd: A 10-Year Review (2014-2024), Mariana Sales, Tainiz Polanco, Amy Nguyen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population with significant impacts on everyday functioning and relationships. First-line treatment includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cognitive behavioral therapy; however, studies have found that up to 40-60% of patients do not respond to SSRIs. ECT is an alternative approach that has demonstrated limited efficacy in OCD.

Objective: The current review aims to summarize the results of published work between 2014-2024 to assess the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of OCD.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using eight studies from 2014-2024 to assess the effectiveness of ECT …

Autoimmune Encephalitis Presenting As Pseudodementia (Case Report), Renita Ng, Christie Richardson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Patients with autoimmune encephalitis frequently present with psychiatric symptoms including psychosis, behavioral changes, and affective disorders. Because of this, misdiagnosis of a primary psychiatric disorder in a case of autoimmune encephalitis is not uncommon. We present a case of autoimmune encephalitis in a 72 year old who was initially thought to have psuedodementia or catatonia due to variable collateral who later on LP was found to have markers and responded to steroid treatment. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential with patients who present with psychiatric alterations and to consider other causes of behavioral change.

Effect Of A Mindfulness State Induced By Marconi Union’S Weightless On Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study, Ayman Khatib, Richard Jermyn, Judith Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Loneliness is associated with increases in risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, there is an urgent need for treatments that can help reduce loneliness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness techniques may help reduce the experience of loneliness. Digital sound therapy that incorporates biofeedback can help individuals enter a mindfulness state with minimal effort by simply listening to sound. One song titled Weightless by Marconi Union has been called the most relaxing song in the world with the capacity to reduce anxiety by 65% and equivalent to midazolam6. We hypothesize that watching the “Weightless” …

The Anxiolytic Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplementation In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Anxiety, Jessica Mitchell, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Wendy Aita

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: The neuroendocrine system activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress,1 and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have atypical stress responses linked to HPA axis dysregulation.2 Prolonged activation of this system increases cortisol secretion, the body’s primary stress hormone.3 Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce stress by modulating the HPA axis and lowering cortisol levels.5

HYPOTHESIS: Following four weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation, the treatment group is expected to exhibit reduced cortisol levels, improved Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores, and decreased stress-related behaviors, reflecting its anxiolytic effects.

METHODS: Forty-two adult participants with ASD and …