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Abortion Training in Family Medicine: A Post-Dobbs Examination
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Is Increased Screen Time Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Myopia in Elementary-aged Children Globally?
Full text linkBackground: The onset of myopia in children has emerged as a significant public health concern, especially with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The global prevalence of myopia is expected to rise significantly, with children being particularly vulnerable. Various studies have explored how screen time, near-work activities, and outdoor exposure influence the increasing prevalence of myopia in pediatric populations worldwide.
Hypothesis: This paper aims to evaluate whether increased screen time, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, is associated with a higher prevalence of myopia in young children, providing a more robust understanding of this relationship across studies in different countries.
Methods: Specific terms and limitations were applied to PubMed and Embase searches. Search strings included “myopia,” “screen time,” “school-aged,” “elementary school,” and “prevalence,” limited to the last 20 years. Of 707 publications screened, 23 were included. Six reviewers independently assessed relevance based on age range, outcomes, and pandemic timing.
Results: Most studies indicated a positive correlation between increased screen time and myopia prevalence. Several studies showed a rise in myopia during the pandemic, linked to reduced outdoor time. Some studies found no significant association. Data varied in screen time definitions, SER reporting, and methodology. Many studies were limited by recall bias, sample size, or lack of standard refraction methods.
Conclusions: Myopia prevalence in children appears to rise with increased screen time and reduced outdoor exposure. Further research and public health guidelines are needed to mitigate risk and promote protective factors like outdoor activity and early screening
A Case Report of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Presenting with Diabetes Insipidus
Full text linkDiabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by decreased secretion or action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and potential electrolyte disturbances. Severe hypernatremia secondary to uncontrolled DI can manifest with neurologic symptoms including seizure-like activity. This case report discusses a case of central DI arising from damage to the pituitary gland as the first presentation of a brain tumor, in the context of a 56-year-old patient who presented with seizure-like activity and sensory changes
Case: Pituitary Mass in a Pediatric Patient
Full text linkWe report a case of a 16-year-old female presented to the pediatric emergency department for intermittent visual disturbance and was diagnosed with a pituitary mass resulting in episodic complete bilateral vision loss. Pediatric neurologic complaints can be challenging for a number of reasons. It is important as much as possible to obtain a detailed history from the patient and parent, conduct a relevant chart review, and identify if there have been any recent medication changes. Seeking expert consultation may also be helpful in establishing a diagnosis
Effect of a Mindfulness State Induced by Marconi Union’s Weightless on Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study
Full text linkBackground: 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” video in the morning, combined with feedback from a survey for 6 weeks, will improve mindfulness and decrease perceived loneliness.
Methods: Design: Pilot feasibility survey study. Participants: Rowan University faculty, staff, and students, ages 18-65. Participants listened to Weightless daily for 28 days and recorded their focus scores using Google Forms. Loneliness was measured at baseline and 28 days using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Recruitment was performed via the Rowan Daily Mail newsletter. Outcome measures included changes in loneliness scores and adherence to daily listening and journaling. IRB Approval: Rowan-SOM IRB # PRO-2024-168.
Results: Upon Survey dissemination, 6 participants filled out the initial intake. Out of the 6 participants, 2 submitted at least one daily log. Additionally, only one re-evaluation form was submitted. No participants completed a whole 4-week routine of listening to Weightless. One participant was excluded from the study because they were involved in other loneliness studies. The UCLA score intake form, completed across five patients, averaged 59, indicating high levels of loneliness. Daily log results indicated that one participant\u27s concentration had an average of 5.1/10, ranging from 2 to 7, over 10 documentation days. Re-evaluation UCLA score: 61, indicating a high level of loneliness despite 10-day participation in the study
Conclusion: This pilot study supports the feasibility of digital sound-based mindfulness interventions for loneliness while maintaining complete anonymity. While initial recruitment yielded a low number of participants, this suggests several dissemination trials are needed. Sustaining engagement for 28 days posed a significant challenge. Future studies should integrate automated reminders and participant incentives to improve retention while maintaining anonymity
Aortic Dissection Triggered by Self Stimulation
Full text linkAortic dissection is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention. Untreated aortic dissection has a mortality rate of 1-2% per hour. Misdiagnosis occurs in approximately 33.8% of cases, with common symptoms including chest pain, back pain, and syncope. It is important to have a high index of suspicion and utilize appropriate diagnostic tools, such as CT angiography, for prompt diagnosis. Here we describe a rare scenario of a patient with Marfan syndrome ultimately found to have a Stanford A/DeBakey I aortic dissection after a masturbation event. Prompt recognition and treatment of this lethal disease are essential to reduce the mortality associated with this condition and optimize outcomes
Periprosthetic Femur Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Risk Factors and Management Strategies
Full text linkBackground: Periprosthetic femur fractures (PFFs) are increasingly recognized as a significant complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly as the number of procedures rises. While THA is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, PFFs can compromise outcomes and demand complex management.
Objective: To review current literature and identify patient- and implant-related risk factors for PFFs, as well as to summarize effective management strategies guided by classification systems.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles published in the past 10 years. Eight peer-reviewed studies were selected based on relevance to femoral fractures post-THA. Data on incidence, risk factors, stem design, and treatment approaches were extracted and synthesized.
Results: Key patient-related risk factors include advanced age, female sex, osteoporosis, low body mass index, and certain metabolic conditions. Implant-related risk is elevated with cementless stems, particularly collarless and single-wedge taper designs. The Vancouver Classification system effectively guides treatment: stable fractures (B1) are managed with fixation, while unstable fractures (B2/B3) often require stem revision with cables. High reoperation rates are associated with unstable fractures.
Conclusion: Recognition of risk factors and individualized treatment planning is essential for preventing and effectively managing PFFs. Stem design plays a crucial role in fracture risk, and the use of classification systems supports optimal decision-making. Surgical expertise and multidisciplinary coordination are paramount in managing complex cases
Navigating the Transition: Experiences of Former Collegiate Softball Athletes
Full text linkThe purpose of this research study was to explore the different ways former female collegiate athletes transitioned out of playing their sport. Through qualitative interviews, the research aimed to understand the challenges these athletes faced, such as loss of identity, emotional distress, the absence of structure and support after leaving their teams. It also examined how unprepared these athletes were while going through the transition. The participants in this research study are all former division three college softball players who have just graduated college or have been out for a maximum of ten years. The most significant findings were these athletes have such a strong identity in athletics that they are unsure of who they are outside of the sport. Recommendations include encouraging athletes to separate athletic achievements and their self-worth. The study also provides suggestions to current athletes who are about to go through this transition
First Generation Graduate Student Experiences
Full text linkThe purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences, inspiration, motivations, and varying aspects of what it is to be a first- generation master’s level student. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, I conducted interviews with three first-generation undergraduate students, three first-generation graduate students, and two first-generation postgraduate professionals at a single university to understand how their higher education experiences were similar and different. I pursued this research topic to understand further what resources graduate students used and which were lacking for their needs. The pursuit motivated me to discover why there was such little literature upon this intersection of first-generation graduate students. In the process of the research, I was able to find common trends within the population: these were time management, imposter syndrome, family dynamics, and hyper-independence. This research will help inform current undergraduate first- generation students and administration about what education opportunities are still possible, the difficulties that can be present, the new experiences students can have, and some successful stories of post-graduate students. Finally, recommendations include what is needed on the faculty and staff level to support and increase enrollment of these students
Longitudinal Changes in Aerodigestive Responses to Varying Nipple Properties in Infant Pigs
Full text linkCoordination of respiration and swallowing is critical for survival in infant mammals and changes throughout infant maturation. Infants show sensorimotor feeding responses to changes in physical properties of nipples. Commercial nipples are promoted as improving aerodigestive coordination. However, it is unknown how nipple properties influence coordination of respiration and swallowing. Furthermore, how infant-nipple interactions change throughout maturation is not well understood. We designed and manufactured four silicone nipples of the same shape that varied in two parameters: nipple opening diameter and nipple stiffness. We used our validated infant pig model to test the impact of nipple parameters on aerodigestive coordination throughout ontogeny. We recorded videofluoroscopy and simultaneous chest plethysmography on six infant pigs at age 7 and 17 days when feeding on each of the four nipples presented in a randomized order. We measured the time between a swallow and the closest inspiration, and the length of the respiratory cycles during feeding. Larger nipple opening diameter resulted in shorter delay between swallow and onset of inspiration regardless of stiffness or pig age. In young pigs, respiratory cycle length was shorter when feeding on nipples with large diameter openings. In older pigs, there was a nipple-stiffness interaction such that respiratory cycle length increased with opening diameter in soft nipples but decreased with opening diameter in hard nipples. Nipple opening diameter has a pervasive effect on swallow-breathing coordination in freely feeding infants, but infant maturation modifies responses to nipple properties