6501 research outputs found
Sort by
Dysexecutive Difficulty and Subtle Everyday Functional Disabilities: The Digital Trail Making Test
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Digital neuropsychological tests reliably capture real-time, process-based behavior that traditional paper/pencil tests cannot detect, enabling earlier detection of neurodegenerative illness. We assessed relations between informant-based subtle and mild functional decline and process-based features extracted from the digital Trail Making Test-Part B (dTMT-B).
METHODS: A total of 321 community-dwelling participants (56.0% female) were assessed with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and the dTMT-B. Three FAQ groups were constructed: FAQ = 0 (unimpaired); FAQ = 1-4 (subtle impairment); FAQ = 5-8 (mild impairment).
Results: Compared to the FAQ-unimpaired group, other groups required longer pauses inside target circles (p \u3c 0.050) and produced more total pen strokes to complete the test (p \u3c 0.016). FAQ-subtle participants required more time to complete the entire test (p \u3c 0.002) and drew individual lines connecting successive target circles slower (p \u3c 0.001) than FAQ-unimpaired participants. Lines connecting successive circle targets were less straight among FAQ-mild, compared to FAQ-unimpaired participants (p \u3c 0.044). Using stepwise nominal regression (reference group = FAQ-unimpaired), pauses inside target circles classified other participants into their respective groups (p \u3c 0.015, respectively). Factor analysis using six dTMT-B variables (oblique rotation) yielded a two-factor solution related to impaired motor/cognitive operations (48.96% variance explained) and faster more efficient motor/cognitive operations (28.88% variance explained).
CONCLUSION: Digital assessment technology elegantly quantifies occult, nuanced behavior not previously appreciated, operationally defines critical underlying neurocognitive constructs related to functional abilities, and yields selected process-based scores that outperform traditional paper/pencil test scores for participant classification. When brought to scale, the dTMT-B test could be a sensitive tool to detect subtle-to-mild functional deficits in emergent neurodegenerative illnesses
Auriculotemporal Nerve Block for TMJ: A Systematic Review
Get PDFThe purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate auriculotemporal nerve blocks for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder management. 583 articles reviewed from five databases, selected four studies for pooled analysis on visual analog scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) outcomes. Pooled analysis showed significant improvement in VAS (-2.27, p \u3c 0.001) and MMO (0.94, p = 0.03) post-auriculotemporal nerve blocks for TMJ disorder. Auriculotemporal nerve blocks demonstrate potential effectiveness in TMJ disorder treatment, warranting further research on long-term effects and side effects
Back From Baclofen: A Case Report of Baclofen Overdose
Get PDFWe report a case of a 45-year-old female who presented with intentional Baclofen overdose. The patient was lethargic and then quickly unresponsive and hypotensive, intubated by EMS in the field. By the time the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the patient was clinically brain dead. After several days of supportive care, patient slowly, and miraculously, regained full neurologic functioning and was admitted to the Psychiatric Unit
Barriers in Health Care Leading to High Maternal Mortality Rates in Southern New Jersey
Get PDFMaternal mortality remains a significant issue in New Jersey, particularly in the Southern counties where rates are alarmingly high. This study investigates barriers faced by mothers in these areas, utilizing data from state health departments, as well as the CDC. Findings reveal clear disparities in healthcare access and resources, exacerbated by high poverty and rural settings. Proposed interventions include educational posters and community workshops to empower expecting mothers and families. However, challenges such as low attendance and limited effectiveness of interventions underscore the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle maternal mortality in Southern New Jersey
Case Report: What’s That Smell? Olfactory Seizures
Get PDFWe report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with transient episodes of near syncope followed by a noxious odor and was diagnosed with olfactory seizures. The differential diagnosis for near syncope is broad. This case demonstrates that unusual olfactory symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of seizure disorder in the emergency department
Comparative Analysis of Health Outcomes in Gastric Cancer: Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
Get PDFExploring the most effective surgical approach for gastrectomy is crucial for determining superior health outcomes in patients. This research compares robotic and laparoscopic techniques with the aim of pinpointing the optimal method, offering valuable insights for improved postoperative well-being
CVA in Patient with Systemic Sclerosis on Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report
Get PDFIntroduction
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.
Case Presentation
A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke with additional ischemic foci in the temporal and parietal lobe. CTA neck and echocardiogram were negative for emboli source, and LDL was within normal limits. She was started on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The patient’s condition improved and by day 2 the only residual symptom was facial droop. She was discharged on DAPT with plans to transition to Plavix monotherapy after 90 days.
Discussion
This case illustrates the risk of CVA in a patient with systemic sclerosis. The patient’s other major risks for CVA include hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both of which were well controlled. For this reason, along with negative imaging, we suspect systemic sclerosis is the most probable cause of CVA. Long-term aspirin therapy is the consensus for prevention, however there are no clear cut guidelines. Due to aspirin failure, she will be transitioned to Plavix following completion of DAPT.
Conclusion
Further research into pathophysiology and prevention of stroke in this population is needed
Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes Distress and Diabulimia
Get PDFDiabulimia is a disordered eating behavior that involves an individual with type 1 DM withholding insulin injection to lose weight. Diabetes distress, a term used to describe the psychological stress associated with managing diabetes, is believed to be the cause of this condition. This review aims to assess whether individuals with diabulimia have measurable evidence of diabetes distress. Studies that described patients qualitative experiences with Diabulimia were matched and compared to the criteria in the Diabetes Distress Scale. Over 40 of the 185 individuals across twelve studies were found to meet one or more criteria from the Diabetes Distress Scale. Participants were made up of 164 females, 20 males, and 1 non-reported gender. Further research is warranted to explore the prevalence of diabetes distress among patients with diabulimia
Facial Skincare Routine Adherence in the General Population
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic sparked an interest in skincare with the closure of spas and salons. “Skincare”, one of the most popular dermatology related hashtags on TikTok in July 2020 received 378 million views. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has shared facial cleansing recommendations; however, it is unclear how many people follow them. Studies have shown a good daily facial cleansing and moisturizing routine can increase microbiome diversity and skin hydration. This can be beneficial in conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess how well people follow the AAD recommendations, and evaluate any differences in this behavior by gender.
Methods: A 19-question survey was designed utilizing Qualtrics. The questions included demographic information, facial cleansing practices, and motivation for skincare routine. The survey was distributed via Rowan Email and on various social media platforms (GroupMe, Instagram, etc.) to target the general population. The data was analyzed using SPSS.
Results: One hundred and twenty-four responses were collected from 91 female-identifying and 33 male-identifying participants. There were statistically significant differences between gender for type of cleanser used, application technique of cleanser, use of moisturizer after washing face, washing face after sweating (p=
Conclusion: Individuals who identify as female may be more likely to adhere to AAD facial skincare recommendations. This could be a result of self-reported motivations such as hygiene, beauty, and health
Identifying Chewing Alterations in a Parkinsonian Model
Get PDFPatients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease will typically experience a range of motor and nonmotor symptoms. Characteristic signs of Parkinson’s include pill-rolling tremor, stooped posture, and shuffling gate. Patients with this disease can also develop oropharyngeal dysfunction, which can disable patients from meeting their physiologic needs. Understanding this disability and the changes in mastication kinematics can lead to potential future treatment. Our study induced Parkinson’s in rats with rotenone injections. Their jaw kinematics were identified through fluoroscopy of radio-opaque beads implanted into different areas of their jaws. The Parkinson’s induction altered mastication significantly with an increase in anterior/posterior range of motion and a significant delay in jaw closure. The increase in range of motion was unexpected as that phenomenon is not usually seen in Parkinson’s. No other significant differences were found. Oropharyngeal dysfunction and weight loss were noted as well, indicating Parkinson’s induction. Future directions include altering treatment duration, rotenone concentration, and utilizing alternate measurements for assessing oropharyngeal dysfunction