Understanding Community Perceptions of Health Care in Sweet Home, Oregon: A Qualitative Study

Clinical research / By /

Introduction: When compared to surrounding communities, the rural town of Sweet Home, Oregon has high rates of unmet health care needs. Concerns outlined in previous studies include primary care capacity ratio, mental health care, dental health care, and preventable hospitalizations. 4 While quantitative measures are often used to measure unmet health care need, the goal of this qualitative study was to use participatory research methods to better understand needs through focus groups with community members. Methods: This study consisted of a series of four focus groups with the goal of eliciting community member perception of health care strengths and barriers. The study included twenty participants who were long-term Sweet Home residents over the age of 18. Results: Participants reported community strengths of high levels of engagement and a strong desire to improve health outcomes. Participants reported frustration with high primary care provider turnover and lack of after-hours health care. While there was no singular conclusion about the greatest health concerns in the community, participants cited concerns about transportation, poor nutrition, drug and alcohol use, homelessness, mental health issues and an aging population. Conclusion: By engaging in participatory research, this study allowed for a deeper understanding of community concerns and provided possible solutions to improve health care access and delivery. Understanding community perceptions of health needs may be useful to guide future health care initiatives in this community.

Creating New Opportunities for Medical Students & Trainees 

Editorial / By /

PNWMSRJ Editorial Staff PNWMSRJ. Published online Oct 5th, 2020. On behalf of the Editorial Staff of the Pacific Northwest Medical Student Research Journal (PNWMSRJ), we thank you for taking the time to read our inaugural issue. We intend for this journal to become a thriving and highly sought-after publication for medical trainees in the Pacific

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The Socioeconomic and Health Impacts of Community Gardens

Meta Analysis / By /

Erica Chow1, Bess Biscocho1, Kaylinda Tran1, Chaya Prasad MD MBA1 PNWMSRJ. Published online Oct 3rd, 2020. Abstract: Studies of community gardens (CGs) have consistently demonstrated benefits through nutrition, mental health, income, and sense of companionship amongst community members. However, the use and distribution of CGs in low vs high income communities were found to not

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Case Report of Spinal Gout in a 68-Year-old Female

Case Report / By /

Brandon Bealer1, Logan Leavitt1, Richard Bell1, Andrew Ambler DO PNWMSRJ. Published online Oct 3rd, 2020. Abstract: Background: Gout is a common arthritic joint disease that predominantly presents in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. It is caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joint causing pain, inflammation, and swelling. The clinical manifestations of acute

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Surfing’s Unique Health Benefits

Review Article / By /

Many “extreme sports,” such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding, are known for different mental and physical health benefits.  The objective of this review article is to summarize the distinctive health benefits provided by the extreme sport of surfing.  Peer-reviewed journals regarding surfing’s health benefits were reviewed in terms of physical benefits, mental benefits, the impact surfing can have on individuals with disabilities, and the effects of outdoor vs. indoor exercise.  The results showed increased cardiovascular and muscular fitness related to surfing, improvement in the mental-wellbeing of “at risk” young adults and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), significant health benefits for individuals with disabilities, and more positive mood from outdoor vs. indoor exercise.  While these positive outcomes are promising, studies focusing on the health effects of surfing are limited, and the methodologies lack rigor.  Thus, more studies utilizing sophisticated research designs could greatly expand our understanding of the ways surfing can enhance health and wellbeing in a wide range of individuals.

Anti-MDA5 Dermatomyositis with Rapidly Progressive Refractory Skin Lesions

Case Report / By /

Introduction & Objective: Anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis does not contain the same typical skin findings and progressive muscle weakness as classical dermatomyositis and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. The objective of this paper is to highlight the rapidly progressive onset of necrotic skin lesions in a patient with cutaneous disease refractory to initial treatments. Case Presentation: 49 yo Vietnamese male presented with clinically non-specific skin rash and isolated urine protoporphyrins leading to initial diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda. After lack of response to prednisone with worsening and transforming skin rash and proximal muscle weakness, a further workup was initiated and ultimately revealed anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis with refractory skin disease and without rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. The patient has remained stable on a combination of IVIG, rituximab, wound care, and Bactrim prophylaxis. Conclusion: The quick diagnosis and aggressive treatment of anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis is necessary to treat painful and rapidly progressive skin ulcerations. A multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatology, dermatology, pulmonology, pathology, radiology, and infectious disease is paramount to the successful treatment and improved quality of life for these patients.

A Retrospective Analysis on the Short-Term Effectiveness of the Complete Health Improvement Program at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital

Basic Science / By /

Lisa Qiu1, Irene Young1, Christopher Hernandez1, Christina Kim1, Robyn Dreibelbis DO1 PNWMSRJ. Published online Sept 6th, 2020. Abstract Chronic diseases are estimated to cost the United States nearly 84% of its health care sector spending. The Complete Health Improvement Program was founded in 1988 in an effort to decrease the prevalence of chronic diseases, and

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Effect of Marijuana Legalization on Marijuana-Related Suspensions in a Rural Oregon High School

Research Letter / By /

Purpose: We aim to determine if there has been an increase in marijuana-related suspensions (MRS) in an Oregon high school following marijuana legalization in 2015, and if students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are more likely to be suspended for marijuana use compared to students who are not on an Individualized Education Plan (non-IEP). Methods: MRS data was collected retrospectively from a rural Oregon high school from 2012-2018. Student information was de-identified and separated into IEP and non-IEP populations. A 2-proportion tz-test was used to compare the number of overall suspensions for pre vs. post-legalization. Results: In the 3 years prior to legalization there were 32 MRS, and 0.68% of students had a MRS. In the 3 years post-legalization, the number of MRS increased to 101, and 2.25% of students had a MRS (p<0.0001). Prior to legalization, there were 5 IEP MRS (0.84% of IEP students) and 27 non-IEP MRS (0.65% of non-IEP students) (p=0.406). Post-legalization there were 26 IEP MRS (3.8% of IEP students) and 75 non-IEP MRS (2.0% of non-IEP students) (p=0.0031). Conclusion: In the population studied, there was an increase in the percentage of students suspended for marijuana related offenses following marijuana legalization in 2015. The IEP students were more likely to receive a MRS compared to non-IEP students after marijuana legalization in this rural Oregon High School. Relevance Statement: Our study found a significant increase in marijuana-related suspensions (MRS) in the general student population with students on an Individualized Education Plan being the most strongly affected following recreational marijuana legalization in Oregon. As marijuana legalization becomes increasingly common across the United States it is imperative to monitor the impacts on students and youth.

Past Studies, Cellular Mechanisms, and Implications of Low Molecular Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Inhibition in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Literature

Review Article / By /

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has grown to become one of the most important global health challenges, resulting in increased efforts to treat patients with lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. Protein tyrosine phosphatases are a promising therapeutic target to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, considering their role in dephosphorylating insulin receptors. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a class 1 protein tyrosine phosphatase which has been the main target for inhibition in recent decades; however, inhibitors designed thus far have yet to achieve optimal specificity and bioavailability. Thus, novel therapeutic targets—such as low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase—are being considered in the treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase is suggested as a negative regulator of insulin receptor signaling which is functionally distinct from other protein tyrosine phosphatases. It has been shown that low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase knockout-mice with high-fat diet-induced diabetes had significantly improved glucose tolerance compared to wild-type mice. Furthermore, an orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase was able to effectively reverse obesity-induced diabetes. These findings suggest low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors could be a tangible therapeutic in improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Despite encouraging results, further research should be performed to study potential side-effects of low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition. With continued optimization, low molecular protein tyrosine phosphatase could prove to be a viable oral drug for type 2 diabetic patients.

Mock Basic Science Article: The Structure of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper

Basic Science / By /

Although it is the first section of your paper, the Abstract, by definition, must be written last since it will summarize the paper. To begin composing your Abstract, take whole sentences or key phrases from each section and put them in a sequence which summarizes the paper. Then set about revising or adding words to make it all cohesive and clear. As you become more proficient you will most likely compose the Abstract from scratch.