January 2025

https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/alumni-news/1000/thumbnail.jp

ALS Care Through a Cultural Lens: Understanding Minority Patients’ Experiences

Abstract Objective: To explore the experiences of ethnic minority patients with ALS about neurological care fairness and cultural sensitivity. Methods: Eight self-identified, ethnic minority ALS patients, recruited through online forums, participated in the study by answering questions about their demographics as well as questions about their past care experiences. The data obtained was analyzed through the thematic analysis approach to determine consensus and patterns. Results: Participants reported varied experiences, with some expressing satisfaction in their care, while others highlighted issues such as perceived discrimination, lack of cultural sensitivity, communication challenges, and the need for self-advocacy. Some highlighted the need to make the healthcare provider’s workforce culturally sensitive and diverse. Conclusion: The findings show that ethnic minority ALS patients encounter a great deal of inequality in receiving adequate care, making cultural competency in neurological health a major concern. Subsequent studies are needed to identify and promote interventions for the improvement of the equity and cultural competency of ALS care

Pacific RxTracts - February 2025

Articles: Revolutionizing Hypertension Screening: AI-Enhanced ECG as a Proactive Healthcare Tool Breaking News: New Indication for Zepbound FDA Approves Injectable Nivolumab: A New Era for Opdivo in Cancer Care Stromal Stem Cells for Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-vs-Host Disease Cardiology: Beta Blocker vs. Verapamil Therapy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy General News: Prolactin-Increasing Antipsychotics Increase the Odds of Breast Cancer Hope for a Cytomegalovirus Vaccine: mRNA-1647 Targeting IL-13: Innovations in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Beyond Opioids: Multimodal Pain Management in Colorectal Surgery A Nanomaterial Dosage Form for Mupirocin Guselkumab, a potential drug for Ulcerative colitis Neuropsychiatry: Dextromethorphan for Depression: More For Just a Cold Breakthrough in PTSD Treatment: Brexpiprazole + Sertraline Combination Outperforms SSRI Monotherapy A New Way to Treat Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders Sovateltide: A Novel Drug for Acute Cerebral Ischemic Stroke Treatmenthttps://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/rx-tracts/1003/thumbnail.jp

Supporting Second-Year College Students in the Murky Middle

This study articulates the needs and expectations of an intersectional population of undergraduate college students: second-year students in the murky middle. Nearly half of all student dropouts occur after the first year of enrollment, with more than 45% occurring by mid-performing students. Despite this, institutions, like researchers, do not readily focus on the retention of this population of students; a Noel Levitz study (2013) found a disparity in the prevalence of retention practices for first-year students (94%-98%) and second-year students (20%-29%). This general qualitative study utilized a semi-structured interview protocol with nine participants to gather information about the participants’ needs and expectations in their college experience. Findings highlight participants’ experiences being a second-year student, within the classroom, with peers, and in navigating campus resources. Participants articulated an awareness of their own personal and academic needs, informed by their individual circumstances and first year experience, and choices in how they chose to engage with the institution. They identified institutional challenges with key transitional tasks, including course registration and the ability to be successful in next level coursework. Finally, they made recommendations for institutional actions that would improve their experiences, including improved access to campus resources and opportunities and scaffolded support as they transitioned into and through their second year

February 2025

https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/alumni-news/1001/thumbnail.jp

Social Work in Corrections: The Case for Forensic Social Work Curricula

The vulnerable and underserved incarcerated population face multiple challenges. The incarcerated population need direct, high-quality patient-centered care. This study aims to address the need to fill the gap of health care professionals’ shortage in corrections, particularly social workers. The sources applied for this systematic literature review were collected by meticulously searching scholarly databases such as Google Scholar, PubMED, and ResearchGate. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was the approach used to collect suitable studies. This research was utilized to create an intentional Educational Model for Incarcerated-Informed Care training. Integrating forensic mental health into the social work curriculum in a Master of Social Work (MSW) can promote improved health outcomes for the incarcerated population and fill front-line social work roles in corrections

Pacific RxTracts - March 2025

Articles Naloxone Extended-Release System Discovered at the University of the Pacific FDA Approval for Unresectable/ Metastatic Breast Cancer Journavx (Suzetrigine): A New Era in Pain Management New Treatment Approved for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Optimal DAPT Strategy? A Promising Approach for Post-PCI Care Benefit of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Preventing Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury Dark Chocolate and Type 2 Diabetes: A Sweet Connection? Confirming Palbociclib’s Safety in Liver Impaired Patients Aztreonam-avibactam, a Promising Therapeutic for Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections The Future is Now: LBP-EC01, a Genetically Enhanced Bacteriophage for UTIs The Safety and Efficacy Profiles of Short-Term Duration Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant TB A New Boxed Warning for Glatiramer Acetate Clozapine: From Last Resort to Second-Line Therapy? Esketamine (Spravato CIII) Receives FDA Approval as First Monotherapy Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression Evaluation of the Impacts of Cannabis Use on Brain Functionhttps://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/rx-tracts/1004/thumbnail.jp

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication for Treating Major Depressive Disorder in Adults 18-45 and Factors Contributing to Treatment Resistance: A Case Series.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications are often used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). After examining the existing research on the treatment of MDD, a study was conducted using a vignette methodology to determine if there is a decreased rate of symptoms for patients who are currently being treated for MDD by a mental health professional utilizing CBT and antidepressant interventions. The study explored the effectiveness of CBT in reducing depressive symptoms when antidepressants alone had limited efficacy. The target population included adult patients experiencing MDD, with some presenting additional challenges such as cultural barriers, difficult diagnoses, and medication compliance issues. The research study’s participants were three patients who were receiving treatment at an outpatient counseling facility and exhibited resistance to MDD treatment despite taking antidepressants. Factors that could have created this resistance were analyzed as part of the study. Each patient’s unique circumstances and treatment plans were also analyzed. After reviewing the study’s data, the research indicated that although there were some regressions or setbacks during treatment, CBT was able to reduce symptoms of MDD for patients who still had symptoms after taking antidepressant medication