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Non-invasive Modalities to Diagnosing Endometriosis
Get PDFEndometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that affects a multitude of women of childbearing age. The symptoms of endometriosis can significantly impact a woman\u27s quality of life and include things like chronic pelvic pain, indigestion, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, diarrhea and even infertility. These symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and more. Because of its resemblance to other conditions and detrimental effects, it is crucial to have quick, easy, efficient diagnostic tools to differentiate endometriosis from other diseases. Currently, the gold standard modality to confirm endometriosis is an exploratory laparoscopy. Though endometriosis is commonly found to be in the lower abdomen or pelvis, it has potential to spread all over the body. Given its ability to spread, similarity to other syndromes, and invasive diagnostic methods, it is important to discover precise, non-invasive ways to confirm endometriosis anywhere in the body. This article aims to provide evidence-based research for non-invasive diagnostic tools to improve early detection and treatment for endometriosis and better patient outcomes
Probiotics in Clinical Practice: Mechanisms, Applications, and Evidence-Based-Use
No full textProbiotics, are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed in the right amounts, have gained attention as potential therapies for a range of conditions. This article examines the current understanding of probiotics, focusing on how they work, the conditions they might help manage, and the challenges that come with probiotic use. Research shows that probiotics can support gut health by balancing the microbiome, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and influencing the immune system. They have shown promise in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and some inflammatory disorders. However, their effectiveness depends on the specific strain used, and questions remain about the best dosages and who might benefit most. Regulatory hurdles and gaps in knowledge about their long-term safety and benefits further complicate probiotic and prebiotic use. As research advances, new approaches, like tailoring probiotics to individual needs and engineering bacteria for specific purposes, may help unlock their full potential for patient care
Streamlining the Data Mining Process through AI-Driven Prompt Templates
Get PDFWith the increasing use and relevancy of AI in the world, this project aims to harness the power of AI, specifically ChatGPT, to streamline the process of data mining workflows. By developing custom prompt templates, this project seeks to utilize OpenAI API to assist with key data mining tasks, including data understanding, importing, and cleaning. This approach aims to increase workflow speed, reproducibility, and accessibility in data mining projects. The effectiveness of these prompt templates is evaluated by applying them to diverse datasets and assessing their impact on accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility. Overall, the project highlights the potential to use AI assistance to make data mining more efficient and accessible
Compassion and Choice: Ethical Dilemmas in End-of-Life Care
No full textEnd-of-Life (EOL) decision making is a complex process and is often fraught with conflicting interests. Some of the conflicting issues may be due to ethical dilemmas. As healthcare workers we are taught the importance of doing no harm as part of the Hippocratic oath. There are so many ways one can cause harm including prolonging treatment when death is near and inevitable or prolonging treatment when the patient is ready to let go. This article will explore ways providers can help patients navigate this complicated process
Deaf Culture Matters: The Perceived Implementation of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in Public Deaf Education
No full textOver the last five decades, the number of Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students enrolled in public schools has significantly increased, while fewer attend traditional residential schools for the Deaf. Although public schools may provide academic advantages, concerns remain about their capacity to meet the cultural, linguistic, and social-emotional needs of DHH students. Access to Deaf culture is essential for students to develop a healthy Deaf identity, feel a sense of belonging, and participate meaningfully in their education.
While the Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) framework has been widely researched, there is limited work examining Deaf culture explicitly through the lens of CRT. This mixed-methods study explored how Teachers of the Deaf (TODs) in a large urban public school district conceptualize Deaf culture and implement CRT practices in DHH classrooms.
An explanatory sequential design guided the research. In Phase One, a modified version of the Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy Survey (CRTSE) was administered to four TODs. Two participants with high CRTSE scores were selected for follow-up interviews. Findings indicate that TODs possess a solid understanding of Deaf culture and report moderate to high confidence in applying CRT practices. They shared examples of integrating culturally responsive strategies. The results also revealed areas for growth, particularly in collecting student-specific data to inform instruction. This study highlights the need for targeted professional development and underscores the importance of utilizing CRT practices in public schools. Additional implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Keywords: Deaf culture, culturally responsive teaching, DHH students, public schools, teacher self-efficac
Treating Depression in Patients with Diabetes
No full textDiabetes 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
Investigating the Ideal Candidate for the FDA’s Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
No full textHearing loss is an underdiagnosed and undertreated medical condition affecting millions of Americans across a variety of ages and stages of life. Over-the-counter hearing aids are a new category of hearing aids created by the FDA. By targeting affordability and accessibility, over-the-counter hearing aids reduce barriers to care that individuals with hearing loss may face. There is a major impact of hearing loss on adults, specifically, for our elderly population who struggle with communication, staying engaged socially, and the additional stress of comorbid conditions. Elderly adults have the potential to derive immense benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids, specifically for those with presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss
Navigating the Complexities of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Guide for Practitioners
No full textHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts primarily affecting intertriginous areas of the body. HS imposes a significant physical and emotional burden due to its disfiguring nature, high recurrence rate, and impact on quality of life. Despite growing awareness, HS remains widely underdiagnosed, with patients often enduring symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. The pathogenesis of HS is very complex involving a combination of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, follicular occlusion, and environmental risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Diagnostic criteria are based on characteristic lesions, anatomical distribution, and chronicity, with disease severity assessed using systems like the Hurley classification and the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4). Management strategies involve lifestyle modifications, topical and systemic medications, and targeted biologic therapies. Recent advances, including FDA-approved biologics such as adalimumab and secukinumab, as well as novel agents like PDE-4 inhibitors, offer promising treatment options for moderate to severe HS. Surgical interventions, including excision and laser therapy, remain crucial for refractory or advanced cases. As research continues to uncover the underlying mechanisms of HS, a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach remains essential for improving outcomes and addressing the full spectrum of disease burden
The Efficacy of the PERC Rule in COVID-19 Positive Patients
No full textPulmonary embolisms are estimated to affect 370,000 patients per year and result in the deaths of 60,000 to 100,000 Americans every year. PERC is an important rule used to rule out pulmonary embolism in low-risk patients. However, there are new concerns about its efficacy. When COVID-19 first emerged in 2019, scientists discovered that it caused a hypercoagulable state. PERC was developed in 2004, and thus did not include hypercoagulability from recent COVID infection in its criteria. This article seeks to determine if recent COVID-19 infection should be a part of a pulmonary embolism screening criteria and if it is still efficacious for providers to use PERC to rule out a pulmonary embolism. PERC is helpful for providers to rule out pulmonary embolism in low-risk patients. However, if hypercoagulability caused by COVID-19 puts these patients at a higher risk, it could be a dangerous mistake to ignore recent COVID-19 infection
CRISPR-Cas9 - The Future of Sickle Cell Disease Management
No full textSickle cell disease is a life-threatening, inherited blood disorder affecting millions globally. It results from a single point mutation in the β-globin gene, leading to abnormal hemoglobin S and distorted red blood cells that cause vaso-occlusion, anemia, pain crises, and organ damage. While traditional therapies such as pain control, hydroxyurea, and blood transfusions provide symptomatic relief, they are not curative and come with significant limitations.
CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing technology, offers a novel therapeutic approach. Utilizing a guide RNA and Cas9 endonuclease, the system precisely targets and edits DNA, either repairing the sickle mutation or enhancing fetal hemoglobin production. In December 2023, the FDA approved the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease, known as, Casvegy, marking a significant milestone in genomic medicine.
Despite its promise, CRISPR-Cas9 presents challenges including high cost, accessibility barriers, potential off-target genetic effects, and ethical concerns regarding germ-line transmission. However, early clinical results are encouraging, suggesting significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.
This poster explores the mechanism, clinical application, and future implications of CRISPR-Cas9 in sickle cell disease. It highlights the need for ongoing research, ethical deliberation, and equitable access as gene editing becomes the cornerstone of modern medicine