Archives & Special Collections

Greater than 320,000 soldiers in the U.S. have been affected by a blast wave induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) since the beginning of the Iraq War.1 Although studies have been performed regarding the breakdown of the blood brain barrier and its associated pathology following blast exposure, very little has been published in respect to the effects of primary blast on the cerebral vasculature. This study aims at determining the role of cerebrovascular branch points in order to further correlate them with blood brain barrier disruption. This research will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of cerebral vascular injury following primary blast exposure.

Aortic aneurysm development is a well-known, life-threatening complication in patients with Marfan Syndrome (MFS). MFS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) which plays a vital role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissue. Recent studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), main proteases involved in normal turnover of the ECM components, are significantly upregulated within the aortic wall isolated from MFS patients. This study explored a known inhibitor of MMPs, doxycycline and explored the effect this had on aortic aneurysm progression in a mouse model of MFS-associated aortic aneurysm.

The anatomy curriculum at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) has historically emphasized cadaver-based learning and devoted little time to radiology. Beginning with the Class of 2020, we implemented an additional "Integrated Anatomy" radiology-based lecture series composed of eleven lectures detailing normal anatomy on radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging studies (MRIs) during the first year and six review lectures with board-style practice questions during the second year. The goal of this lecture series was to increase exposure to radiology while also increasing students' confidence interpreting imaging studies. Students' perceived confidence was evaluated via anonymous surveys using the Likert scale, and were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess our hypothesis that increasing pre-clinical radiology exposure will increase confidence interpreting images and overall preparedness for second- year courses and interpreting imaging studies during third-year clerkships. We found statistical significance to support our hypothesis that students who received the "Integrated Anatomy" lecture series felt more prepared for second-year courses, third-year clerkships, identifying anatomical structures on radiographs, and identifying abnormalities on MRIs.

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) have a highly variable clinical presentation. Following an acute head injury, patients may experience symptoms including headache, amnesia, confusion, agitation, and/or loss of consciousness (LOC).1 It is not currently understood why only some mTBI patients experience LOC. One study has shown that older patients are less likely to experience LOC after a mTBI.2 This difference may be attributed to an age-related decrease in total brain volume, and a corresponding increase in protective cerebral spinal fluid.

In this study, our goal is to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying mTBIs, to investigate why only a portion of mTBIs lead to LOC, and to search for molecular biomarkers which may correlate with TBI severity or LOC.

To evaluate this question, we will be comparing the expression of molecular biomarkers from astroglial cells that are traumatically injured with blood samples taken from patients who experienced mTBIs.

Facebook is the most utilized social media tool of medical students (1). 75% of medical and allied health professions students report using social networking sites, but only 20% of these students use such sites for academic and educational purposes (2). Even within the scope of educational use, students participate in many activities on Facebook, including collaborative learning, assessment preparation, and creating peer connections (3-4). Given the informal nature of these activities, we wondered whether Facebook would be a more effective tool when integrated as part of the formal medical curriculum, or better utilized as an unofficial learning tool.

Acute complicated appendicitis is the most common form of intraabdominal infection1, and involves perforation and/or necrosis of the appendix from infection.
Complicated appendicitis infection is managed by manually removing the source of infection (appendectomy) and eliminating residual and incidental pathogens with antibiotics.
The most effective duration of antibiotics is still being established.
Traditionally, antibiotic therapy is ordered in the range of 7-10 days following source control.
New research and IDSA guidelines suggest shorter antibiotic courses in the range of 3-7 days are as effective in managing intra-abdominal infections.
Short-course antibiotic therapies are reported having several significant benefits, including: reducing the risk of extra-abdominal infections, length of inpatient stay, various complications, cost of care and microbial resistance.
With the alarming increase in antibiotic resistant organisms and lack of novel antibiotic therapies, antibiotic stewardship is an essential component of fighting a post-antibiotic healthcare system.

Medical missions have often been referred to as band-aid medicine. In order to have a lasting impact on the health of international communities it is important to develop partnerships with the local community organizations who understand the needs of the community and the best means of how to deliver the needed services.

Zika virus associated congenital microcephaly has stimulated interest in the pathogenesis of microcephaly induced by infectious agents. In addition to Zika virus, other neurotropic intracellular pathogens, such as the classic "TORCH" syndrome agents, can also cause neonatal microcephaly. The pathology of congenital microcephaly from intrauterine neurotropic infections agents is characterized by brain destruction with calcifications, microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, and ophthalmologic abnormalities. Pathogen characteristics, immunomodulation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy, and the inflammatory reaction induced by these agents contribute in pathogenesis. After review of literature on these aspects, we integrate the findings to create a unified hypothesis of the pathogenesis of congenital microcephaly induced by these infectious agents.

In developing countries, populations are often affected by multiple nutritional deficiencies, frequently as a result of poverty and unbalanced diets. Chronic malnutrition is responsible for childhood deaths globally, and survivors are less likely to achieve their potential (Shamah 2006). In order to combat these deficiencies, volunteers on medical outreach trips commonly distribute vitamins to patients seen in the clinics, and patients commonly arrive requesting vitamins.

One of the most prominent myths in the late nineteenth century is that anyone could just work hard and become rich. This fantasy of the self-made man was is called the Horatio Alger myth and Walt Disney himself thought he was a living example of the concept made flesh.10 In Horatio Alger Jr stories, the main character were usually a poor, homeless orphan who ascended to fortune based solely on their unique vision, intelligence and relentless industry. The formula of Horatio Alger novels often incorporates a layer of moral superiority in his characters, and readers are constantly reminded of this morality. In this sense the main characters are seen as the virtuous poor who never let their circumstances corrupt their nobility, and separates them from the rest of the impoverished and contemptuous dredges of society. This portrayal of the noble poor is a troubling lie that Disney incorporates into his own story telling. While the man thought himself the poster child of the Horatio Alger myth, he went on to represent many of his characters in situations where while they portrayed the virtuous poor their hard work was replaced instead with finding a wealthy spouse. From this new recipe Disney moved away from the formulaic story patterns of his predecessors to depict poverty, mental illness and class inequality as being benign and harmless.

The Walt Disney Company has been shaping the way children view the world for close to 95 years. While more recent films have taken steps to diversify the Disney universe, by adding characters of various ethnicities and backgrounds, the way the company romanticizes poverty and those struggling with trauma continues to be problematic. This is concerning because no thought is given to the social constructs which have created an environment rife for exploitation and crime. Disney has built a hierarchy that tells impressionable youth that “poor” characters who have experienced severe trauma throughout their childhoods can gain social status, not through hard work or change, but through good looks, pure hearts, and a wealthy spouse.

Studies have shown there is a strong link between mental health and poverty yet society continues to stigmatize those who seek mental health treatment or other services to improve their quality of life. If we want to end the stigma of poverty and mental health, then pop culture should show accurate examples of how people can break the cycle.