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A Novel Approach to the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
No full textNearly seven million Americans above the age of 65 are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) today; over the next two decades this number is expected to double in size. AD is not only debilitating for patients, but also places incredible stress on patients’ families and their caretakers. Additionally, AD has a significant impact on our nation at large, costing over $300 billion annually and contributing to our already pronounced shortage of healthcare workers. Without quality screening, detection, and management of AD, this crisis will continue to escalate and have a detrimental effect on our patients, their families, and society. An updated approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease is essential as clinical technology evolves and new therapeutics surface
The State of 3D-Printing for Arthroplasties
No full textMillions of people suffer from diseases and injuries worldwide that directly affect their joints and the need for a replacement arthroplasty becomes imperative. Artificial joints are the mainstay for solving unreversible damage and incorporate biomaterials that are machine engineered from metals, ceramics, alloys, plastics, and polymers. These materials are being expanded upon using various techniques and the computing machinery involved with visualizing its efficacy and precisely modeling and manufacturing its effectiveness has an avenue of research that is currently being explored, while also needing more attention for its near limitless opportunity. The ground-breaking technology that focuses on improving design and manufacturing capabilities with its application in almost every sector of industry such as construction, robotics, transportation, and crucially healthcare is 3D-printing. This article focuses on the overall state of 3D-printing as a viable option concerning arthroplasties by creating more chances to look at how the customization and functionality of current and practiced studies provide further application in its use for machined joint implants. This results in better outcomes regarding the longevity of patients, fewer infections, and more functional and antimicrobial designing and manufacturing paths for near perfecting the practice of joint replacement surgery
Glioblastoma Multiforme: Diagnosis, Treatment and Research
No full textGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a high grade, infiltrative aggressive brain tumor that has a poor prognosis with most patients living less than 18 months after diagnosis. Current treatment is surgery followed by radiation with adjuvant Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy treatment. However, even with this treatment regimen, the 5 year survival rate is only 5% and is only effective in tumors with methylated MGMT promoter protein.. New treatment regimens are constantly being researched with the aim to increase survival and improve patient’s quality of life. New formulations of TMZ with new administration methods such as the intranasal route are being investigated in the hopes of having better efficacy. Optune, a device that delivers electric tumor treating fields (TTFs), is another new treatment that can be used in all types of GBM. New additional treatment options still need to be explored in an effort to improve the prognosis
Treating Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Get PDFDiabetes is a life-changing diagnosis. Characterized by either insulin deficiency or resistance, diabetes is chronic and potentially debilitating. Affecting millions of people worldwide and associated with numerous, life-threatening complications, diabetes and its management has been extensively studied. However, the psychological consequences of the disorder have comparatively been less investigated despite clinical relevance. The prevalence of depression in adults with diabetes is nearly twice that of adults without diabetes. The pathophysiology and mechanism behind this association is undetermined, though recent evidence supports a bidirectional, interactive relationship. Additionally, comorbid diabetes and depression have a negative impact on each other. Though further investigation is necessary in elucidating the relationship between the two disorders, it is strongly recommended to routinely screen and treat for depression in adults with diabetes. However, regarding pharmacological treatment of diabetes, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there has been some controversy due to potential effects of antidepressants on diabetic outcomes. Additionally, prolonged antidepressant has also been associated with the onset of T2DM. Consequently, there is a need to clarify treatment guidelines for depression in patients with diabetes. Though limited, current data suggests SSRIs and SNRIs to be preferred due to euglycemic and hypoglycemic effects. Contrarily, TCAs and MAOIs are to be avoided if possible due to associated hyperglycemic effects and weight gain. If TCAs or MAOIs are deemed necessary, close glucose monitoring is recommended
Promoting a Healthy Microbiome in Managing Depression and Anxiety
Get PDFEmerging research on the gut-brain axis reveals a significant connection between gut microbiome health and mental well-being, particularly in the management of depression and anxiety. This article explores the role of the gut microbiota in influencing mood and cognitive function through pathways involving inflammation, hormonal regulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Disruptions in the microbiome, such as dysbiosis and chronic inflammation, have been associated with increased symptoms of mood disorders. Traditional treatments like pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, while beneficial, often overlook the physiological contributors to mental illness. Incorporating gut-centered strategies—such as dietary modifications, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, and lifestyle interventions including sleep, exercise, and stress management—may enhance treatment outcomes. Clinical studies suggest that targeted microbial therapies can alleviate depressive symptoms and promote psychological resilience. Physician assistants and other healthcare providers can support this integrative approach by educating patients on gut-health practices, collaborating with dietitians and behavioral health professionals, and promoting holistic wellness. The gut-brain axis offers a promising avenue for mental health care, where treating the body may benefit the mind. By embracing this whole-body perspective, clinicians can help improve the quality of life for patients struggling with mental health conditions
Optimal VTE Prophylaxis Post Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty
No full textTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are two common surgical procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons. After these surgeries, a life threatening complication that can occur is venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to multiple factors. Fortunately, there are chemoprophylactic agents that can decrease the chance of VTE occurring post operatively. Multiple guidelines have listed the same chemoprophylactic agents, which include aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, fondaparinux, enoxaparin, low-dose unfractionated heparin, or rivaroxaban. Given these medications for providers to choose from, it is important to pick the most optimal treatment for efficacy and safety. This article will examine the current data on these chemoprophylactic medications to determine the pros and cons of each one, determine the most optimal treatment for efficacy of preventing VTE, and investigate how special patient populations (elderly, obese, and chronic kidney disease) may affect treatment choice
Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia
No full textFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative condition marked by progressive deterioration of behavior, language, and motor function due to atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes. It is the most common cause of dementia in individuals under the age of 65, yet it often goes unrecognized, particularly in its early stages. FTD includes several clinical subtypes, such as behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), and FTD associated with motor neuron disease (FTD-MND). These presentations frequently resemble psychiatric illnesses, making early and accurate diagnosis a challenge. While neurologists typically confirm the diagnosis, physician assistants are essential to the early identification and management of FTD. This paper aims to enhance awareness of FTD’s clinical variants, underlying pathology, and available biomarkers, and to provide practical strategies for distinguishing FTD from psychiatric disorders. Additionally, it explores both lifestyle and pharmacological interventions that may support patient care. By addressing common diagnostic pitfalls and treatment considerations, this review seeks to empower physician assistants with the knowledge needed to improve outcomes for patients affected by FTD
Adult Acquired Flatfoot: Diagnosis and Treatment to Prevent Progressive Pes Planus Deformity
No full textAdult acquired flatfoot is a common condition with a wide range of varying severity. It can cause not only foot pain and deformity, but also misalignment and subsequent pain of the knee, hip, and lower back. If it is diagnosed early on in its course, conservative measures can be taken to prevent further collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Understanding short foot exercises and their role in treatment can delay or prevent the need for surgery. They work by strengthening the muscles that support the arch of the foot, the intrinsic foot muscles
Ultrabaroque Grandeur: Examining the Churrigueresque in Spanish Architecture from the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
Get PDFFollowing the Protestant Reformation, Spain was in a unique position compared to the rest of Europe. The importance of Catholicism was intrinsic to Spanish society by this point, as it was under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, aptly dubbed the Catholic Monarchs, that the Christians reconquered the Iberian peninsula in 1492, after an eight century rule by Arab-Muslims. In the centuries that followed, Spanish architecture reached new levels of grandeur in the wake of reformed Catholic doctrine. Following the motto “docere, delectare, movere”(to teach, to delight, to move), architects were urged to convey the Church’s power and garner new supporters. The ultrabaroque, or “Churrigueresque” as it was known in Spain, emerged in the late-seventeenth century as an architectural style characterized by exuberant ornamentation and stucco along the facades of primarily ecclesiastical buildings. But what makes this so unique? Through the reinvigorated spirit of the Plateresque, a principally Spanish style, combined with the integral Solomonic and estípite columns and elaborate retablos, or altarpieces, the Spanish developed an architectural style uniquely their own. This style would go on to expand further to their colonies in the Americas, dominating the principal design for missionary architecture and cementing the Baroque and subsequently the “Churrigueresque” as a global art movement. Through my studies and experiences in Granada this past fall semester, I will demonstrate how the Spanish ultrabaroque was a truly unique style that emerged from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, through a series of case studies on the Granada Charterhouse and the Basilica of San Juan de Dios, along with secondary examples in the Convento de San Esteban in Salamanca and the Granada Cathedral. These locations exemplify the ultrabaroque style found in religious interiors and reflect the key characteristics of this Spanish style and identity
Bait, Code, and Censor- Queer Representation in Animation through Queercoding, Queerbaiting, and Effects of Censorship
Get PDFThis paper talks about how queerness has been portrayed in media, with a specific focus on animation. This paper includes discussions on queer theory, and the ideas of censorship and representation. Creative themes include film history, animation, and show production. The shows mentioned in detail as examples are The Owl House, Voltron: Legendary Defenders, and Gravity Falls, with other mentions of DeadEnd: Paranormal Park and Heartstopper