Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of The Hs1582 Enhancer In The Regulation Of Spry1 In Human Neural Crest Cells, Maia Williams, Vershanna E Morris

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Standardized Infection Prevention Protocol To Reduce Surgical Site Infections In Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pisey Kareth

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in the pediatric neurosurgical patient population and are associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and increased medical expenses. The absence of a standardized preoperative infection prevention process led to variability in perioperative care practices and infections at the practicum site.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project was to reduce the incidence of SSIs among pediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures who were initially evaluated in an ambulatory setting.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence supports the implementation of bundled infection prevention strategies as a more effective approach to reducing …

A Case Report Of Mesalazine-Induced Pulmonary Injury In A Patient With Ulcerative Colitis, Vasileios Paraschou, Vasileios Papavasileiou, Ilektra Voulgareli, Vasilios Tzilas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is widely used as a first-line therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) due to its efficacy and safety profile. Rarely, it can cause pulmonary toxicity with variable clinical and radiologic manifestations, making diagnosis challenging.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with UC who developed persistent fever and progressive exertional dyspnea following escalation of mesalazine dosage. Imaging revealed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities, while infectious and UC-related pulmonary causes were excluded. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated restriction and markedly reduced diffusing capacity. Following mesalazine discontinuation and initiation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced rapid symptomatic, functional, …

Navigating Complex Esophageal Perforations: A Case-Specific Approach To Successful Outcomes, Harsimran Kalsi, Anushree Rai, Kobina Essilfie-Quaye, Neeka Akhavan, Yaseen Perbtani, Tony S. Brar

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and effective management. While self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are a first-line treatment, persistent leaks often necessitate adjunctive endoscopic interventions. A structured, multimodal approach is critical for optimizing outcomes and avoiding surgical intervention. A 44-year-old man developed an iatrogenic esophageal perforation following surgical leiomyoma enucleation. Initial treatment with overlapping fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMS) failed to achieve closure, necessitating endoscopic suturing for defect reinforcement. Despite suturing, persistent leakage required placement of a larger-diameter FC-SEMS, secured with an endoscopic fixation system to prevent migration. Serial imaging confirmed successful defect closure, allowing the …

Trends In Emergency Department Utilization After Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery In The United States, Andrew Sanders, Isabella Moncada, Sabrina Avanzato, Michelle Fakler, Michael Dombek, R. Wesley Vosburg

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this article, we sought to understand the factors associated with emergency department (ED) utilization by patients after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). The hopes were that modifiable risk factors could be identified to reduce ED visits after MBS.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database (MBSAQIP) which is comprised of data from all nationally accredited bariatric centers in the United States. For our study, we included a population of 681 743 patients having undergone the 2 most common MBS procedures: sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GBP). Using logistic …

Hubungan Penggantian Imunosupresan Tidak Terencana Dengan Aktivitas Penyakit Lupus Eritematosus Sistemik: Studi Kohort Retrospektif Di Rsupn Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta, Rosvitha Amanda, Sukamto Koesnoe, Alvina Widhani, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Adityo Susilo, Juferdy Kurniawan, Rudi Putranto, Birry Karim

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Treatment stabilization is crucial for optimal disease control, but the consistency of immunosuppressive therapy may be affected by non-ideal conditions, including drug unavailability or adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the association between unplanned immunosuppressant switching and increased disease activity in SLE patients.

Methods. A retrospective cohort study of SLE patients meeting the inclusion criteria, whose disease activity was evaluated using the MEX-SLEDAI score during immunosuppressant substitution. Participants were grouped into an exposed group undergoing unplanned immunosuppressant switching due to drug unavailability …

A Mathematical Model For Managing Diphtheria Outbreaks In Nigeria Via Vaccination, Enhanced Surveillance, Effective Quarantine, And Social Distancing Measures, Hycienth Ortser Orapine, Nyiutya Cephas Ine, Dekera Jacob Washachi, Ali Audu Baidu, Lubem Matthew Kwaghkor

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Diphtheria is a highly infectious respiratory and skin disease that poses a significant threat to global public health. In Nigeria, children and adults with low immunity remain at high risk due to recurring annual outbreaks in the last decade, with a death rate of as high as 68.8\%. This paper presents a deterministic compartmental model to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions implemented by the Nigerian government. The model's mathematical and epidemiological validity is established through proofs of non-negativity and boundedness. The basic reproduction number ($R_0$) is derived, and stability analysis confirms that the diphtheria-free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically …

Tumor–Immune Dynamics With Memory And Time Delay: A Fractional-Order Model With Ctla-4 Regulation, Mutaz Mohammad, Mohyeedden Sweidan, Alexander Trounev, Fathalla Rihan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This study develops a fractional-order tumor-immune interaction model incorporating Caputo memory effects, delayed immune activation, and CTLA-4 checkpoint regulation. The model describes the coupled dynamics of tumor cells, CD4$^{+}$ T cells, IFN-$\gamma$, and CTLA-4, and extends classical integer-order tumor-immune models by accounting for hereditary immune responses and biologically motivated latency effects. Theoretical properties, including positivity, boundedness, equilibrium structure, and fractional-order stability, are examined to establish the biological and mathematical consistency of the model. The delayed fractional system is then investigated computationally by comparing several numerical methods, including finite difference discretization, Daubechies wavelet collocation, Euler wavelet collocation, and a predictor-corrector scheme. …

Determinants Of Hypertension Status Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At Menteng Primary Health Center, 2024–2025, Ira Susanti Haryoso, Yudha Radityadana, Muthik Hanim Mufallahah, Lhuri Dwianti Rahmartani

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and substantially increases the risk of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. Data on the determinants of hypertension status among T2DM patients in primary healthcare settings remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of hypertension status in T2DM patients at Puskesmas Menteng during 2024–2025. This was an analytic observational study employing a cross-sectional design. Study subjects comprised T2DM patients registered and undergoing examinations at Puskesmas Menteng over the 2024– 2025 period. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, included age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, blood pressure, …

Review Of: A Fragile Heritage: Untangling The Strands Of Faith And Mutation—Sheryl Leinbach, Beth Bennett, Karen Conley

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Get ready for an emotional roller coaster with parallel intellectual stimulation while reading Sheryl Leinbach’s A Fragile Heritage. Sheryl authentically describes the span of emotions and challenges faced by the mother of a child with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), from birth through successful liver transplant. The book invites the reader to accompany the author on a journey of growing faith, intellectual expansion, and societal reflection as the family navigates through the turbulence of loving a notably broken child in a fallen world. [First paragraph.]

Secukinumab Treatment Response In Moderate-To-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Monocentric Retrospective Study, Benny Effendi Wiryadi, Yuriawati Hendrawan, Rini Herlina, Albertus Agung Mahode

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the global population and is associated with comorbidities such as depression, psoriatic arthritis, and cardiometabolic syndrome. Secukinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-17A, is effective for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This study assessed the real-world effectiveness of secukinumab over 52 weeks.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 53 patients aged ≥18 years who received secukinumab and were followed for 52 weeks. Patients received weekly loading doses followed by maintenance injections every four weeks. Effectiveness was evaluated using changes in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Results: At week 16, 86.8% of patients achieved PASI <5, 79.2% PASI <3, 69.8% PASI <2, and 64.2% PASI <1, indicating substantial improvement. PASI 75 was achieved by 77.4% of patients at week 8. PASI 90 was achieved by 71.7% of all patients and by 76.9% of patients with psoriatic arthritis at week 16. No patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

Conclusion: …

Syphilis And Hiv Co-Infection Risk Factors At Dr. Moewardi Hospital, 2018–2022: A Retrospective Study, Endra Yustin Ellistasari, Prasetyadi Mawardi, Pratiwi Prasetya Primisawitri, Stella Gracia Octarica

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Treponema pallidum, the agent causing syphilis, is transmitted through contact with infectious lesions, bodily fluids, blood transfusions, or perinatally. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can mask the clinical manifestations of syphilis, while syphilis may exacerbate HIV progression. This study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with HIV co-infection among patients with syphilis.

Methods: This retrospective, analytical, observational study reviewed medical records from the Dermatology and Venereology outpatient clinic at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia, between January 2018 and December 2022. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were extracted. Univariable analysis was performed using simple binary logistic regression to …

Lupus Vulgaris On The Left Arm Mimicking A Skin Tumor: A Case Report, Dwi Indria Anggraini, Nuriasani Yukendri, Indri Windarti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Lupus vulgaris (LV) is a rare, paucibacillary form of post-primary cutaneous tuberculosis, accounting for 1.5% of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases globally. LV may arise via hematogenous spread, lymphatic route, or contiguous dissemination. The present case highlights the importance of considering LV in patients with chronic and atypical skin lesions, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic areas.

Case Illustration: A 17-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of a solitary, tender, erythematous nodule on the left arm. Initially suspected as a skin tumor, the lesion was surgically removed and tested for biopsy. One month postoperative, a new lesion developed precisely at the same …

Prognosis Of Early-Onset Alopecia Areata: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Sarah Qanita Edwar, Lili Legiawati, Stefani Reditya Anggraini, Ratu Siti Khadijah Sarah

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, non-scarring hair loss disorder commonly affecting children and often characterized by a chronic or relapsing course. Early-onset AA has traditionally been associated with a poorer prognosis, although current evidence remains inconclusive. This evidence-based case report aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of early-onset AA by synthesizing available cohort data.

Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane databases using a population, intervention, comparison, and outcome framework. Keywords included “alopecia areata”, “child”, “pediatrics”, “early-onset”, “recurrence”, and “prognosis”.

Results: Five retrospective cohort studies (n = 760) were included. …

Components Of Skin Boosters: A Therapeutic Role In Dermatologic Conditions, Ita Anggraini, Yuwandita Tamara Putri Dermawan, Eka Komarasari, Prima Kartika Esti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The term “skin booster” is commonly referred to in dermatology. These products may comprise several components, including exosomes, secretomes, chitosan, polydeoxyribonucleotide, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid. In today’s world, the use of such products is not confined to aesthetic purposes; they are also used to treat several other skin conditions. This review paper highlights the role of “skin booster" components for different skin disorders based on their in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Discussion: “Skin boosters” are bioactive agents typically administered into the dermal layer. Understanding the mechanisms of each component is important because their applications extend beyond …

Topical Normal Saline, Alcohol, And Petrolatum For Marsi: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Michael Hartanto Angriawan, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya, Rahadi Rihatmadja

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is a common complication associated with acrylic-based adhesive removal. Topical agents such as 0.9% NaCl (normal saline), white petrolatum, and 70% alcohol are commonly used to assist adhesive removal; however, their effectiveness in reducing MARSI remains unclear.

Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial with a within-subject design included 56 healthy adults. Acrylic-based adhesives were applied to four sites on the upper arms. Adhesive removal was performed on days 3 and 6 using three interventions (normal saline, petrolatum, alcohol) and one control (no topical agent). Outcomes included MARSI incidence, clinical erythema score, erythema index, transepidermal …

Oral Tofacitinib For Recalcitrant Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study, Rashmi Singh, Prachi Sharma, Rajnish Kumar, Mugdha Kulkarni, Tripti Upadhyay

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease typically involving the flexor surfaces of the extremities. It is a CD8-positive T-cell-mediated disease of the skin in which an immune mechanism targets basal keratinocytes. Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), a variant of CLP, predominantly involves the extensor aspect and has recently been under the umbrella term of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation. The primary objective of our study was to determine the effectiveness of oral tofacitinib in treating LPP, and the secondary objective was to assess its safety.

Methods: Medical records of patients attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department between …

Exploring Pediatric Leprosy In An Endemic Area: Case Series Of Eight Patients In Indonesia, Gitalisa Andayani Adriono, Tri Rahayu, Sri Linuwih Sw Menaldi, Nelfidayani Nelfidayani, Retno Sulistyo Wardani, Kahlil Gibran, Malika Sabrina Yunifananda, Kartika Qonita Putri, Yunia Irawati

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Leprosy remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions such as Indonesia. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their naive immunity and close familial contacts. This study aims to report cases of pediatric leprosy in Lembata, Indonesia, focusing on clinical characteristics and associated risk factors.

Case Illustration: A case series of eight pediatric patients (<15 >years) diagnosed with leprosy was conducted during a community-based screening program in Lembata, Indonesia, in 2022. Of 140 individuals examined, 8 were children. Most patients were male (6/8) with a mean age of 11.75 years. Multibacillary (MB) leprosy predominated (7/8), and a history …

Combination Therapy For Post-Acne Mandibular Keloid: Suprakeloidal Flap, Intralesional Triamcinolone, And Intense Pulsed Light, Miya Khalidah, Arief Budiyanto, Yohanes Widodo Wirohadidjojo, He Yeon Asva Nafaisa, Sonia Diovani, Dwinanda Almira Rizkiani, Dyah Ayu Mira Oktarina

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Keloid is a benign fibroproliferative skin disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition resulting from abnormal wound healing that extends beyond the original wound margins. It is particularly challenging to treat, especially in areas with high mechanical tension and skin stiffness, such as the mandibular region, which is associated with increased risk of persistence and recurrence. Combination therapy has shown superior outcomes in reducing recurrence and improving keloids.

Case Illustration: A 41-year-old male with a post-acne keloid on his right mandible underwent surgical management using the suprakeloidal flap method followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC, 10 mg/mL, 20 mg) and …

Management Of Pilar Cyst On The Scalp With Individualised Homoeopathic Medicine: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Anindita Das, Suparja Sinha, Mihir Kanti Biswas

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Pilar cysts, also referred to as trichilemmal cysts, are benign cystic lesions that commonly occur on the scalp. Conventional management generally involves surgical excision. Homoeopathy provides an individualised, non-invasive therapeutic approach based on the totality of symptoms. Case summary: A 35-year-old female patient presented with a soft, cystic swelling on the scalp associated with itching and tenderness, clinically diagnosed as pilar cyst. Thuja occidentalis was prescribed on the basis of individualisation and a follow-up period of over twelve months showed gradual resolution of the cyst without any surgical intervention, along with improvement in general well-being. The patient was subsequently …

Mutation Screening For Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Dried Blood Spotted On In-House Cellulose-Based Cards, Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya, Farda Tsaqouva Ahza, Annisa Naufal Almaszahra, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra

Makara Journal of Science

Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). …

Closing The Gaps: Reforming Maryland Controls On Veterinary Antimicrobial Distribution, Samantha Capaldo, Kerry Mcclaughry

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Antimicrobials have been used in livestock and other food animals in the United States (“U.S.”) since the late 1940s. An antimicrobial is “[a]ny natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic substance that can eradicate or prevent the growth of microbes,” including “[a]ntibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral medications.” Antimicrobial use in food animals is subject to a complex statutory and regulatory framework at both the state and federal levels. Antimicrobial use in food animals has been widely criticized for contributing to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In response to this criticism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and several states, including Maryland, have …

Meeting Report From The 2025 Cure Ocular Melanoma (Cure Om) Global Science Meeting, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 2025, Andrew E. Aplin, Katherina Alsina, Allison S. Betof, Joseph Birkett, Marcus O. Butler, George Cole, Rizwan Haq, Florian A. Karreth, Vinit B. Mahajan, Rahul Marpadga, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, Paul Nathan, Jonas A. Nilsson, Gary Palmer, Joseph J. Sacco, Takami Sato, Sarah Stanhope, Pang-Ning Teng, Kyleigh Lipira

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The 2025 Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Global Science Meeting took place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on October 25th, 2025. Several promising drug candidates are in development; however, there is still an urgent need for better prevention, detection, and treatment of uveal melanoma. The purpose of this meeting was to promote international collaboration and idea exchange between scientists, industry, and patient advocates.

Pruritus Associated With Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review Of Treatment-Based Clinical Trials, Kiana Mortezaei, Rishika Pasula, Meryem Nursoy, Amit Syal, Ioannis Panayiotou, Geeta Kumari, Andreas Chatzitoffis, Pavle Milutinovic, Olajumoke O. Fadugba, Chris T. Derk

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This paper aims to examine the latest research on treatments for itch (pruritus) in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), identify areas where information is lacking, and propose suggestions for future studies.A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies evaluating therapeutic interventions for pruritus in SSc. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series comprising a minimum of three patients. Data extraction encompassed study design, patient demographics, pruritus assessment instruments including validated and non-validated measures, and clinical outcomes. Studies …

Sirt1 And Ifi16 Cooperatively Regulate Hbv Replication Via Epigenetic Modulation And Innate Immune Activation, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Umar Saeed, Neelam Abid, Syed Shahan Gilani, Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Akhtar Chughtai, Areesha Wasti, Muhammad Waseem, Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) establishes persistent infection through the formation of a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which enables immune evasion and sustained viral replication. While SIRT1, IFI16, and STING are known to modulate antiviral pathways, their cooperative role in regulating HBV transcription and host immunity remains poorly defined.

Methods

We investigated the functional interplay between SIRT1, IFI16, and STING using confocal microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), gene silencing, and quantitative PCR in HBV-replicating cell models. Interactions with HBV cccDNA and effects on viral transcription and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were analyzed. Northern blotting and RT-qPCR were used to …

Epidemiology And Ultrasonographic Observations Of Urogenital Schistosomiasis Related Urinary Tract Morbidity In Itilima District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania, Coletha Yohana, Bruno A. Nyundo, Jared S. Bakuza, Peter F. Rambau, Safari M. Kinung’Hi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chronic infection of urogenital schistosomiasis in humans is a major cause of urinary tract morbidity in endemic areas. However, information on the prevalence of schistosomiasisrelated urinary tract morbidity is lacking in most endemic countries including Tanzania. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis-related urinary tract morbidity in schoolchildren and adults in Itilima District. Urine samples from 682 residents were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using urine filtration technique. Urinary tract morbidity was examined by ultrasound. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 16.4% (112/682) and varied significantly between villages (range 3.2% to 29.5%, χ2 = 48.467, p < 0.001). There was no significant variation of S. haematobium infection between male and female (8.3 % vs 8.1%, χ2 = 0.679, p = 0.410). Majority (93.8%) had light infections (

Link, Retain, Suppress: A Grounded Theory Study Of Medical Case Management In The Philadelphia Hiv Service Agencies, Shakeera Wynne

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Medical case management (MCM) plays a critical role in supporting engagement in HIV care; however, differences in implementation across agencies may influence service delivery and outcomes. Existing research has focused primarily on outcomes such as retention in care and viral suppression, while less is known about how the MCM intervention is implemented in practice. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how medical case management is implemented within HIV care settings and to examine the structural, organizational, and relational factors that shape service delivery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical case managers working within Ryan White-funded agencies …

A Flare Beyond The Gut: Culture-Negative Skin Abscesses In Ulcerative Colitis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Mohammad Aqeel, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Taiwo Ajani, Andres Suarez

Research Symposium

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease often complicated by extraintestinal manifestations, with skin involvement seen in up to 15% of patients. Typical lesions include erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum, but abscess-like cutaneous lesions are almost always assumed to be infectious. Rare case reports describe sterile, culture-negative abscesses arising during UC flares, yet their true prevalence is unknown. We present the case of a young man with UC who developed multiple aseptic skin abscesses in parallel with active proctitis.

Case Presentation: A 19-year-old man with prior Clostridioides difficile infection and subtotal colectomy (rectal preservation) presented with malaise, …

From Skin To Spleen To Brain: Full-Spectrum Embolic Complications In Staphylococcus Aureus Endocarditis, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Julian Galindo, Mohammad Aqeel, John Cauba, Joshua Nwose, Andres Suarez Parraga

Research Symposium

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) results from bacterial adhesion to endocardial tissue and valvular apparatus. While viridans group streptococci and Enterococcus species are associated with subacute disease, Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is a leading cause of more acutely destructive presentations. The entry of these pathogens can occur through surgical and dental procedures, intravenous drug use, or less apparent etiology. Classic peripheral stigmata (Osler nodes, Janeway lesions, splinter hemorrhages, Roth spots) are now uncommon but clinically meaningful. Current guidelines emphasize rapid multimodality imaging to detect cerebral and systemic emboli in symptomatic IE. We present a 50-year-old man with S. aureus …

The Neuroprotective Effect Of Cdc42 Inhibition In The G93a Mutant Hsod1 Mouse Model Of Als, Andrea Koly

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration, paralysis, and eventual death due to respiratory failure. Despite extensive research, effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited, underscoring the need to identify novel molecular targets involved in ALS pathogenesis. Dysregulation of Rho family GTPases has been implicated in neurodegeneration, with Rac and Rho exerting opposing effects on neuronal survival; however, the role of the closely related GTPase Cdc42 remains poorly understood in ALS. In this study, the therapeutic potential of inhibiting …