Digital Commons Network^™

Role Of Gut Microbiome In Oncogenesis And Oncotherapies, Renuka Sri Sai Peddireddi, Sai Kiran Kuchana, Rohith Kode, Saketh Khammammettu, Aishwarya Koppanatham, Supriya Mattigiri, Harshavardhan Gobburi, Suresh K. Alahari

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of human health, influencing not only metabolism and immunity but also the development and treatment of cancer. Mounting evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis contributes to oncogenesis by driving chronic inflammation, producing genotoxic metabolites, altering bile acid metabolism, and disrupting epithelial barrier integrity. At the same time, the gut microbiome significantly modulates the host response to oncotherapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and especially immunotherapy, where microbial diversity and specific taxa determine treatment efficacy and toxicity. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in both oncogenesis and oncotherapies, focusing …

Metabolic Syndrome As A Risk Factor For Postoperative Complication In Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of More Than 3 Million Cases, Amir-Mohammad Asgari, Farhad Shaker, Mohammad Taha Pahlevan Fallahy, Sourena Sharifkashani, Alireza Soltani Khaboushan, Dorsa Salabat, César Carballo Cuello, James Harrop, Puya Alikhani

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Including conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome disrupts metabolic homeostasis and impairs recovery, increasing the risk of surgical complications. This study evaluates the impact of metabolic syndrome on spine surgery outcomes, addressing inconsistencies in the existing literature.

METHODS: Four databases were searched until December 2024 for studies comparing the postoperative complication rates of spine surgeries between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Following deduplication, 2 authors independently reviewed the studies. For each included study, demographics and incidence rates of postoperative complications were extracted separately by 2 authors. Data analysis was performed using R.

RESULTS: After deduplication, …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Impact And Prevention - A Narrative Review, Swarna Radhakrishnan, Harini Ramendran, Priyanga Thirunavukkarasu

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent one of the most pervasive and costly occupational health challenges worldwide. Affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and supporting blood vessels, these conditions arise from a complex interplay of physical, psychosocial, organizational, and individual risk factors present across diverse work environments. From factory floors and construction sites to offices and healthcare settings, WMSDs contribute substantially to pain, disability, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and diminished quality of life. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and socioeconomic impact of WMSDs, with particular attention to high-risk occupational sectors. It further discusses prevention …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Accurate Diagnosis Of Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis Of The Jaw In Young Patients: An Assessment Of Clinical And Laboratory Data, Alexander Yu Kugushev, Andrey V. Lopatin, Suzan Dagher

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder predominantly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with persistent pain and swelling representing the most frequent and often initial symptoms. These manifestations are commonly localized to the mandible, although involvement of other skeletal sites, including long bones, clavicle, and vertebrae, may occur in more advanced cases. Beyond localized symptoms, some patients exhibit mild systemic features such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or malaise; however, these systemic signs are generally less pronounced than those observed in infectious osteomyelitis. The diagnostic evaluation of CNO is intricate and necessitates …

Evaluating The Effect Of Ethnicity And Amyloid On Gait Speed In The Healthy Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities Study, Alexandra M. Reed, Andrew Hooyman, Edward Ofori, Sydney Y. Schaefer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Many novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers have been studied in non-Hispanic White populations, despite Hispanic/Latino adults being 1.5 times more likely to develop AD and receiving a later diagnosis. Equitable, accessible assessments are needed to identify individuals at risk earlier. While cognitive screening monitors early AD signs, neuropsychological tests are often inequitable across ethnicity, race, and other social determinants of health. However, we have shown that performance-based motor assessments may be less susceptible to demographic factors than memory tests, and may be more equitable for screening older adults. Gait speed has been linked to elevated amyloid in non-Hispanic White …

Incidental Cardiac Metastasis In Breast Carcinoma, Yaomin Chen, Haibo Wang, Zhiyan Fu, Ellen Elizabeth Connor

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Clinical Significance: Metastatic breast cancer is a major global health burden, with common metastatic sites including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Cardiac metastasis is rare and often clinically silent, leading to underdiagnosis. Recognizing cardiac involvement, even when asymptomatic, is important for understanding the full extent of disease and ensuring optimal patient care. Case Presentation: We report the case of a woman with advanced breast carcinoma who showed no clinical or imaging evidence of cardiac involvement throughout the course of her illness. Following her death from progressive metastatic disease, an autopsy revealed metastatic carcinoma infiltrating the myocardium and …

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Improved Understanding And Advances In Management, Amit Syal, Chris T. Derk

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), has the highest organ-specific morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Recent advances in diagnostics-including artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and biomarkers such as Krebs van den Lungen (KL)-6-have enabled earlier detection and monitoring of disease progression. Therapeutically, the approval of antifibrotics like nintedanib (NINT) and immunomodulators such as tocilizumab (Toci) has significantly expanded treatment options. Updated international guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and European league against Rheumatism (EULAR) now …

Pm2.5 And Respiratory Symptoms Among Primary Schoolchildren In Bangkok, Thailand: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Monrudee Chokprajakchad, Dongruethai Buadong, Lawan Singhasai, Chayannan Jaide

Journal of Health Research

Background: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to adverse respiratory health in children. However, limited studies in Bangkok have examined the combined influence of environmental exposure and health perceptions. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between PM2.5 concentrations and respiratory symptoms among primary schoolchildren aged 7—12 years in Bangkok, across districts categorized by differing levels of air pollution.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 primary schoolchildren in Bangkok, recruited through cluster sampling from districts classified into three PM2.5 pollution zones based on data from the Pollution Control Department. Respiratory symptoms were …

Hepatocyte-Specific Lrp1 Silencing Exacerbates Brain Amyloidosis Without Compensatory Ldl Receptor Family Involvement, Brian Carson, Josephine Chu, Devaraj V. Chandrashekar, Jerome Garcia, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

LDL receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) is a major hepatic receptor involved in lipoprotein metabolism, protease degradation, transmembrane receptor modulation, and clearance of excess protein, such as Aβ. Decreased expression of LRP1 due to liver injury can impair receptor-mediated clearance, increasing Aβ availability in the periphery. We investigated the effects of hepato-specific silencing of LRP1 on Aβ deposition in the brain. Additionally, other LDL family members (LRP5, LRP6, and LDLR) that may participate in Aβ clearance were monitored in the liver to ensure non-compensatory effects of LRP1 silencing.

Method

4-month-old male double transgenic (APP/PS1) AD mice were injected with …

Association Between Vitamin D And Cholesterol In Post-Acne Hypertrophic Scars And Keloids: A Cross-Sectional Study, Yuli Kurniawati, Yulia Farida Yahya, Sarah Diba, Rina Novriani, Hasbiallah Yusuf, Ekta Martgaredta

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Post-acne hypertrophic scars and keloids result from abnormal wound healing within the pilosebaceous unit. Ruptured microcomedones create wounds that can lead to prolonged inflammation, increased collagen synthesis, and fibrinolysis inhibition, resulting in elevated scar tissue in acne lesions. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to prolonged inflammation and damage to dermal collagen. High total cholesterol levels can lead to excessive sebum production, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the association between serum vitamin D and total cholesterol levels with scar severity in patients with post-acne hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at …

Extensive Superficial Dermatomycosis Caused By Cladophialophora Sp., A Deep Mycosis Pathogen: A Case Report, Nikko Vanda Limantara, Agnes Sri Siswati, Flandiana Yogianti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Superficial dermatomycosis, predominantly caused by dermatophytes, affects approximately 20–25% of the global population. However, non-dermatophytic fungi, such as Cladophialophora species (sp.), can also cause similar cutaneous infections. Although less common, these organisms are particularly concerning in immunocompromised individuals.

Case Illustration: A 66-year-old immunocompromised male presented with widespread pruritic and erythematous patches, initially misdiagnosed as tinea corporis. Despite receiving standard antifungal therapy, his condition persisted. Further investigation through fungal culture identified Cladophialophora sp., which was resistant to common antifungal agents such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. However, the fungus was sensitive to terbinafine, which has …

The Efficacy Of Tranexamic Acid In Melasma: A Review, Ninda Sari, Rachmah Diana Putri, Syahriani Syahrir, Agustina Agustina, Mikyal Bulqiah

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary condition presenting as dark macules or patches on sun-exposed areas of the face. Conventional treatments rely on topical bleaching agents and sun protection, while additional adjuvant options such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser procedures are often applied. However, recurrence is frequent, and overall therapeutic success remains modest, significantly affecting patient quality of life. Recently, tranexamic acid (TXA) has gained attention as a novel therapeutic approach. This review provides an overview of the available evidence on the efficacy of TXA, used as monotherapy or in combination regimens, for the management of melasma. …

Successful Management Of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis With Cyclosporine In Hiv-Infected Patient, Rasinta Ayudya Deltania, Anggun Putri Yuniaswan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) can be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, making its management more challenging and complex. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine in HIV-associated GPP.

Case illustration: A 31-year-old male with a six-year history of HIV on antiretroviral therapy presented with rapidly spreading erythematous plaques with scaling and patches, along with “lakes of pus”, involving 50% of the body surface area (BSA). He reported oral burning, dysgeusia, and odynophagia; tongue Gram stain showed budding yeast and pseudohyphae. The patient was diagnosed with GPP and oral candidiasis in the setting …

Laser And Light-Based Therapy For Hair Growth And Hair Removal, Michelle Wiryadana, Nelva Karmila Jusuf

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Recent advances in laser and light-based technologies have introduced new options for both the stimulation of hair growth for alopecia and the reduction of unwanted hair growth. However, the clinical evidence remains varied, and treatment outcomes are influenced by factors such as device type, wavelength, and individual response. Ongoing evaluation of safety, efficacy, and standardization of treatment parameters is therefore essential.

Discussion: This review provides an in-depth discussion of the principles, mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of lasers in promoting hair growth, as well as on lasers and light-based therapies used for hair removal. The mechanisms of laser-induced hair growth …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening Program, Amy Leader, Kristine Pham, Nicola Cianci, Hannah Knapp, Fatuma Doka, Suzanne Barron, Oleksandr Kolesnikov, Jordan Dehoratius, Katie Bradley, Le'ann Robles, Robert Giamboy, Olivia Dahlgren, Leonard G. Gomella

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: One out of eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than other males, contributing to significant prostate cancer disparities. Early detection, often by routine screening, allows for more options for treatment and an increased chance of survival. Barriers to screening contribute to prostate cancer disparities, particularly among those who lack regular access to health care. Community based screening programs may overcome barriers to prostate cancer screening.

METHODS: An urban, NCI-designated cancer center collaborated with a national prostate cancer …

Video Education On The Knowledge Of Cosmetics And Skin Care Contact Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhammad Rizkinanda Prasetyo, Damayanti Damayanti, Lilik Herawati, Sylvia Anggraeni

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Contact dermatitis is an immunologic reaction to irritants, allergens, and is commonly associated with cosmetics and skin-care products. Limited knowledge of this condition increases the risk of improper product use and delays preventive measures. Therefore, education plays a crucial role in fostering a comprehensive understanding of its etiology and prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a video-based educational intervention in enhancing women’s knowledge regarding contact dermatitis related to cosmetics and skin-care products.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected primary data from 100 female academics aged 17–45 at Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Knowledge of contact dermatitis …

Difficulties In Diagnosing Primary Cutaneous Mucormycosis: Excluding Mycobacterium Other Than Tuberculosis, Chinda Liaska Indah, Sri Linuwih Susetyo Wardhani Menaldi, Sondang Pandjaitan Sirait, Sandra Widaty

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a group of opportunistic fungi from the class Zygomycetes. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is the most common type of mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients. This study reported a case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis with nonspecific clinical characteristics and various supporting examinations. The patient was successfully treated with in toto excision and oral ketoconazole.

Case Illustration: A 40-year-old female presented with purplish-red spots and painless lumps on the second finger of her right hand, which had been present for a year. She had a history of frequent fish tank cleaning and gardening but …

Effectiveness And Safety Of Moisturizing Wash And Cream In The Treatment Of Elderly Xerosis Cutis, Lili Legiawati, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya, Rinadewi Astriningrum, Fathirah Rahmatiah Puteri, Nabila Chalisya Ilyas

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The skin undergoes degenerative and metabolic changes with aging, increasing susceptibility to dermatological conditions. Xerosis cutis, characterized by rough, scaly skin on the lower legs, is the most common cause of pruritus in elderly patients, with a prevalence of 38–85%. Treating xerosis cutis is challenging due to its multifactorial causes, especially in the elderly. Moisturizers remain the primary and most effective treatment, providing convenience and efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of QV Intensive Moisturizing Cleanser™️ and QV Intensive Cream™️ (Ego Pharmaceuticals, Australia), which contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

Case Illustration: This observational case series involved six …

The Recurrence Of Bowen’S Disease After Topical 5% 5-Fluorouracil Cream Application: A Systematic Review, Mohammad Agassi Antoniman, Ika Anggraini

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Bowen’s disease (BD) may develop into cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), which can spread to other parts of the body. 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream is commonly used for topical therapy on BD; however, the frequency and duration of treatment per cycle have not been standardized. This systematic review aimed to identify the most effective frequency and duration of 5% 5-FU treatment for achieving complete clearance or minimal recurrence.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using three electronic databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024607488): MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus. The articles were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question. Appraisals were …

Electrocardiographic Clues To Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, Devi Parvathy Jyothi Ramachandran Nair, Muhammad Asad Hanif

Transformative Medicine

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium, predisposing to ventricular arrhythmias, RV dysfunction, and sudden cardiac death. Early recognition relies heavily on electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, which often precede overt structural changes. We report a case of a 28-year-old woman presenting with intermittent chest pressure, palpitations, and mild exertional dyspnea. Vital signs were stable, and troponin was normal. Initial 12-lead ECG demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and T-wave inversions in leads V1–V3. Continuous telemetry revealed frequent runs of monomorphic non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) with …

The Mitochondria Is The Source Of Hepatic Amyloid Precursor Protein And Peripheral Amyloid Beta: Implications Of Alcohol-Induced Liver Steatosis In Alzheimer's Disease, Josephine Chu, Ross A. Steinberg, Brian Carson, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Alcohol-induced liver injury occurs in the pericentral region of the liver and can induce mitochondrial remodeling and exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Subpopulations of mitochondria: general mitochondria (GM), peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)-bound mitochondria (ERM) maintain cellular homeostasis via energy synthesis, lipid homeostasis, and regulation of intracellular calcium. Hepatic amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a source of peripheral amyloid beta (aB) and affects AD pathology in the brain. Understanding the localization and expression of hepatic APP in mitochondrial subpopulations are critical to understanding aB metabolism and may play a role in identifying a potential mechanism for metabolic dysfunction. …

A Tissue Renewal-Based Mechanism Drives Colon Tumorigenesis, Ryan M. Boman, Gilberto Schleiniger, Christopher Raymond, Juan P. Palazzo, Anne Shehab, Bruce M. Boman

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Our Goal is to identify how colorectal cancer (CRC) arises in the single-layered cell epithelium (simple columnar epithelium) that lines the luminal surface of the large intestine. Background: We recently reported that the dynamic organization of cells in colonic epithelium is encoded by five biological rules and conjectured that colon tumorigenesis involves an autocatalytic tissue renewal reaction. Introduction Our objective was to define how altered crypt turnover explains tissue disorganization that leads to adenoma morphogenesis and CRC. Hypothesis: Changes in rate of tissue renewal-based cell polymerization leads to epithelial expansion and tissue disorganization during adenoma histogenesis. Methods: Accordingly, we created …

Formulation And Characterisation Of Isoniazid By Spray Drying For Use By Dry Powder Inhalers To Treat Tuberculosis, Damiana Gabrielli, Seán Roche

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

The targeted delivery of antibiotics by dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is an increasingly important area of research, driven by the growing global burden of respiratory infections and the advantages of localized drug delivery to the lungs. Over the past five years, respiratory infections have risen significantly, with recent epidemiological data indicating a global increase in incidence by over 30%, largely due to factors such as air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging respiratory pathogens. One major challenge in developing DPI formulations for antibiotics is the need to optimize the particle physicochemical properties for deep lung deposition while accommodating the high doses …

Advancing Skin Cancer Diagnostics: A Comparative Analysis Of Convolutional Neural Network Models For Skin Lesion Classification, Jesse Osuji, Tania Malik

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

For many years, skin cancer diagnosis and cancer research have been major focal points in the healthcare sector. Accurate classification of different types of skin lesions, including cancerous ones, is essential for proper diagnostics. Many machine learning (ML) techniques and models are used to solve various problems across various domains. One of such techniques is called neural networks. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are primarily used in computer vision-based problems, allowing computer systems to process and understand images. CNNs offer a potential tool for diagnosing skin lesions from images, occasionally demonstrating superior accuracy compared to trained dermatologists. This project explores various …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Systems Level Analysis Of Gene, Pathway And Phytochemical Associations With Psoriasis, Sonalika Ray, Ojasvi Dutta, Neoklis Apostolopoulos, Konstantin G. Kousoulas, Jean Christopher Chamcheu, Rishemjit Kaur

Faculty Publications

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder driven by abnormal immune activation that promotes excessive proliferation and accelerated turnover of epidermal keratinocytes. IL-17 and TNF pathways are well known in psoriasis, but the other mechanisms that keep the disease active and link it to systemic comorbidities are not yet fully understood. A combined transcriptomic and systems biology framework was applied to map regulatory circuits in psoriatic lesions and to identify phytochemical candidates capable of multi-target modulation for topical intervention. Differential gene expressions between lesional and healthy skin was analyzed, followed by pathway enrichment, upstream regulator inference, protein-protein interaction network, and chemical-gene …

Regulation Of Insm1 Gene Expression And Neuroendocrine Differentiation In High-Risk Neuroblastoma, Chiachen Chen, Siyuan Cheng, Xiuping Yu, Yisheng Lee, Michael S. Lan

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Neuroblastoma (NB), a pediatric cancer of sympatho-adrenal (SA) lineage, is marked by disrupted differentiation and cellular heterogeneity. INSM1, a zinc-finger transcription factor, is highly expressed in NB and developing SA tissues, where it regulates neuroendocrine differentiation, especially in chromaffin cells. We investigated INSM1's role in maintaining an undifferentiated, progenitor-like state in NB and its regulation via metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms. Transcriptomic profiling, promoter assays, and metabolic flux analysis revealed that INSM1 expression correlates with methionine cycle activity, particularly the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio. Disruption of SAM/SAH balance altered INSM1 promoter activity and histone methylation, implicating epigenetic control in NB cell …

Pattern Of Ultra Processed Food (Upf) Consumption And Mental Wellbeing Of Medical Undergraduates Of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India – A Cross Sectional Study, Nithin C, Sumedha K, Murugan V

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract:

Background: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and development of individuals. In recent years, the rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, especially among young adults, has been linked to various health issues, including mental health concerns. This study aims to assess the pattern of UPF consumption and its impact on the mental well-being of medical undergraduates in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 medical undergraduates aged 18 years and above enrolled in three tertiary care teaching hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which included demographic details, lifestyle factors, a UPF …

Filling The Gap: Integrating Hiv Into The Counselor Education Curriculum, J. Richelle Joe, Roseina D. Britton, Tiffany Hairston

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

People living with HIV (PLWH) are vulnerable to mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, which in turn, often affect their health outcomes. Multiple, overlapping structural and social determinants of health exacerbate the physical and mental health concerns of PLWH, presenting a need for services that are responsive to the unique implications of the illness. Professional counselors have the potential to provide such services but must be adequately prepared to do so. In response to the lack of HIV-related professional development for counselors and the minimal preparation of counselors-in-training to serve clients with HIV, this article uses …