Digital Commons Network^™

Zika Virus Ns1 Drives Tunneling Nanotube Formation For Mitochondrial Transfer And Stealth Transmission In Trophoblasts, Rafael T Michita, Long B Tran, Steven J Bark, Deepak Kumar, Shay A Toner, Joyce Jose, Indira U Mysorekar, Anoop Narayanan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Zika virus (ZIKV) is unique among orthoflaviviruses in its vertical transmission capacity in humans, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that ZIKV induces tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in placental trophoblasts which facilitate transfer of viral particles, proteins, mitochondria, and RNA to neighboring uninfected cells. TNT formation is driven exclusively via ZIKV non-structural protein 1 (NS1). Specifically, the N-terminal 1-50 amino acids of membrane-bound ZIKV NS1 are necessary for triggering TNT formation in host cells. Trophoblasts infected with TNT-deficient ZIKV

Silencing Faf2 Mitigates Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Steatosis By Modulating Lipolysis And Pcsk9 Pathway, Nazmul Huda, Praveen Kusumanchi, Yanchao Jiang, Hui Gao, Themis Thoudam, Ge Zeng, Nicholas J. Skill, Zhaoli Sun, Suthat Liangpunsakul, Jing Ma, Zhihong Yang

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, cellular damage, and inflammation in the liver, collectively referred to as alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). FAF2/UBXD8/ETEA (Fas-associated factor 2) is a ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein that plays a crucial role in the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. A recent genome-wide association study indicated an association between FAF2 and ALD; however, the exact contribution of FAF2 to ALD pathogenesis remains unclear. METHODS: FAF2 was knocked down using AAV-delivered shRNA in C57/BL6 mice. Mice were subjected to a chronic-plus-single binge ethanol feeding (NIAAA) model. Nine hours after gavage, …

Trichosporon Asahii And Candida Guilliermondii As A Source Of Orbital Infection In An Immunocompromised Individual, David Morcos, Kevin Hardy, Anthony Makovec, Morgan Schill, John Foxworth

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

A 47-year-old male with a history of immunosuppression and recent intensive care unit admission presented with progressive orbital swelling and pain. Blood cultures grew Trichosporon asahii and Candida guilliermondii, with matching positive cultures from peripheral and central venous samples. Given his fungemia and worsening orbital involvement, induction therapy with amphotericin B and isavuconazole was initiated. Within weeks, clinical improvement was noted, prompting a transition to long-term consolidation therapy with oral posaconazole and isavuconazole. At follow-up, the patient demonstrated sustained clinical stability with no recurrence of infection. Orbital involvement from fungemia due to T. asahii and C. guilliermondii is rare, and …

Single-Cell Rna Sequencing Identifies Molecular Biomarkers Predicting Late Progression To Cdk4/6 Inhibition In Patients With Hr+/Her2- Metastatic Breast Cancer, Linjie Luo, Peng Yang, Sofia Mastoraki, Xiayu Rao, Yan Wang, Nicole M Kettner, Akshara Singareeka Raghavendra, Debasish Tripathy, Senthil Damodaran, Kelly K Hunt, Jing Wang, Ziyi Li, Khandan Keyomarsi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) in combination with endocrine therapy are the standard treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Despite the efficacy of CDK4/6is, intrinsic resistance occurs in approximately one-third of patients, highlighting the need for reliable predictive biomarkers.

Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing analyzed metastatic tumors from HR+/HER2- mBC patients pre-CDK4/6i treatment at baseline (BL) and/or at disease progression. BL samples were from CDK4/6i responders (median progression-free survival [mPFS] = 25.5 months), while progressors were categorized as early-progressors (EP, mPFS = 3 months) and late-progressors (LP, mPFS = 11 months). Metastatic sites included liver, …

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction After Benzathine Penicillin G Treatment In Adults With Early Syphilis: Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Clinical Trial., Jodie A. Dionne, Chunming Zhu, Jorge Mejia-Galvis, Kimberly Workowski, Teresa A. Batteiger, Julia C. Dombrowski, Kenneth H. Mayer, Candice J. Mcneil, Arlene C. Seña, Stephanie Taylor, Harold C. Wiesenfeld, Matthew M. Hamill, Charlotte Perlowski, Edward W. Hook Iii

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Key Points: Question: What proportion of patients with early syphilis have symptoms of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) after treatment with benzathine penicillin G, and what are the associated characteristics? Findings: This prespecified secondary analysis of a multisite US randomized clinical trial found that, among 249 adults with early syphilis, JHR symptoms occurred after benzathine penicillin G treatment in 59 participants (23.7%). Onset of JHR was within 12 hours of treatment for 86.0% of participants, and JHR was associated with successful treatment response, secondary syphilis, and absence of HIV. Meaning: This study suggests that patients treated with benzathine penicillin G for …

Perspectives Of African American And Hispanic/Latino Individuals On Hiv Molecular Cluster Detection, Maxwell Richardson, Brendan H. Pulsifer, Jane Yoon Scott, David Holland, Eleanor W. Garlow, Pascale Wortley, Daniel Mauck, Jenna Gettings, Valeria Cantos, Masonia Traylor, Eric Rangel, David Folkes, Carlos Saldana

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Responding to HIV clusters detected using molecular data has been shown to reduce transmission and improve testing, treatment, and prevention. However, there are varied opinions about the use of cluster detection activities, and some advocates have raised concerns about patient consent, data security, and the potential for HIV criminalization. Incorporating the perspectives of marginalized populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV is essential to understanding the diversity of those perspectives, yet it is often overlooked in the literature. Thus, our study seeks to highlight the perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals in the Southern United States on HIV …

Navigating Epstein-Barr Virus (Ebv) And Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (Ptld) In Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Current Knowledge And Strategies For Treatment And Surveillance, Erin Y Chen, Natasha Dilwali, Krupa R Mysore, Sara Hassan, Sara Kathryn Smith, Wikrom Karnsakul

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly associated with the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in pediatric liver transplant recipients. PTLD is one of the most common malignancies following liver transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Factors such as EBV-serostatus mismatch and prolonged or high levels of immunosuppression impact a patient's risk of developing PTLD. While pre-transplant EBV serological screening and post-transplant monitoring of EBV-DNA levels are strongly recommended, universal guidelines for its prevention and management are lacking. Due to a lack of robust prospective studies, current clinical practices vary widely. The treatment of PTLD typically involves reducing …

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Adults Hospitalized With Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Brian S. Shaw, Cara Slaton, Ian P. Murphy, Michael Mcalister, Daniel Egan, Kwabena Ayesu

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative sense single-stranded RNA virus (ssRNA) that primarily causes respiratory infections in both children and older adults. We examined clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized adult patients who tested positive for RSV.

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study that examined adult patients admitted with a positive RSV test over two years across eight hospitals in Orlando, Florida.

Results: A total of 120 patients were included, of which 88 (73%) were 60 years old and older. Overall, patients with RSV infection were caucasian (62%) with a median age of 70 years and …

Implementation Of A Cascade Training Model To Enhance Emergency Care Capacity Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Outbreak In Uganda, Sulaiman Bugosera Wasukira, Carl Trevor Kambugu, Judith S. Nanyondo, Emmanuel Candia, Stephen Emmanuel Aporu, Cliff Asher Aliga

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction

Methods

Differential Risk Of Cardiovascular Complications In Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus In Ghana: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Christian Obirikorang, Evans Asamoah Adu, Anthony Afum Adjei Awuah, Samuel Nkansah Darko, Frank Naku Ghartey, Samuel Ametepe, Eric N.Y. Nyarko, Enoch Odame Anto, William Kwame Boakye Ansah Owiredu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim To characterize clinically relevant subgroups of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on adiposity, insulin secretion, and resistance indices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Eastern Regional Hospital in Ghana from July to October 2021 to investigate long-term patients with T2DM. To select participants, a systematic random sampling method was employed. Demographic data was collected using a structured questionnaire and fasting blood samples were taken to measure glycemic and lipid levels. Blood pressure and adiposity indices were measured during recruitment. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined using Framingham scores and standard low-density lipoprotein thresholds. To …

Hybrid Versus Vaccine Immunity Of Mrna-1273 Among People Living With Hiv In East And Southern Africa: A Prospective Cohort Analysis From The Multicentre Covpn 3008 (Ubuntu) Study, Nigel Garrett, Asa Tapley, Aaron Hudson, Sufia Dadabhai, Bo Zhang, Nyaradzo M Mgodi, Jessica Andriesen, Azwidihwi Takalani, Leigh H Fisher, Jia Jin Kee, Craig A Magaret, Manuel Villaran, John Hural, Erica Andersen-Nissen, Guido Ferarri, Maurine D Miner, Bert Le Roux, Eduan Wilkinson, Richard Lessells, Tulio De Oliveira, Jackline Odhiambo, Parth Shah, Laura Polakowski, Margaret Yacovone, Taraz Samandari, Zvavahera Chirenje, Peter James Elyanu, Joseph Makhema, Ethel Kamuti, Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Sharlaa Badal-Faesen, William Brumskine, Soritha Coetzer, Rodney Dawson, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Andreas Henri Diacon, Samantha Fry, Katherine Margaret Gill, Zaheer Ahmed Ebrahim Hoosain, Mina C Hosseinipour, Mubiana Inambao, Craig Innes, Steve Innes, Dishiki Kalonji, Margaret Kasaro, Priya Kassim, Noel Kayange, William Kilembe, Fatima Laher, Moelo Malahleha, Vongane Louisa Maluleke, Grace Mboya, Kirsten Mcharry, Essack Mitha, Kathryn Mngadi, Pamela Mda, Tumelo Moloantoa, Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Nivashnee Naicker, Vimla Naicker, Anusha Nana, Annet Nanvubya, Maphoshane Nchabeleng, Walter Otieno, Elsje Louise Potgieter, Disebo Potloane, Zelda Punt, Jamil Said, Yashna Singh, Mohammed Siddique Tayob, Yacoob Vahed, Deo Ogema Wabwire, M Juliana Mcelrath, James G Kublin, Linda-Gail Bekker, Peter B Gilbert, Lawrence Corey, Glenda E Gray, Yunda Huang, Philip Kotze, Covpn 3008 Ubuntu Study Team

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: With limited access to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in lower income countries, and people living with HIV (PLWH) largely excluded from clinical trials, Part A of the multicentre CoVPN 3008 (Ubuntu) study aimed to assess the safety of mRNA-1273, the relative effectiveness of hybrid versus vaccine immunity, and SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence among PLWH in East and Southern Africa during the omicron outbreak.

METHODS: Previously unvaccinated adults with HIV and/or other comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 received either one (hybrid immunity) or two (vaccine immunity) 100-mcg doses of ancestral strain mRNA-1273 in the first month, depending on baseline evidence of prior …

American Cochlear Implant Alliance Position Statement On Newborn Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screening, Megan Honor Pesch, Kevin David Brown, Amy L Birath, Gail J Demmler-Harrison, Cailtin Sapp, Anne Morgan Selleck, Alex D Sweeney

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

It is estimated that 1 in every 200 US newborns has congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Delayed identification of cCMV in newborns precludes timely intervention to mitigate sequelae of the infection such as hearing loss and other neurological complications. Newborn testing for cCMV enables appropriate diagnosis and intervention by multidisciplinary teams to properly manage the immediate sequelae of cCMV, avoid unnecessary additional testing that can result from delayed diagnosis, and monitor for future complications. It is the position of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, the National CMV Foundation, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery that universal newborn cCMV screening …

Diagnostic Stewardship Cutoffs For Urinalysis Results Prior To Performing A Urine Culture: Analysis Of Data From A Healthcare System, Deborah Kupferwasser, Amy Y. Kang, Liz Chen, Holly K. Huse, Loren G. Miller

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are commonly overdiagnosed. Some labs conduct urinalysis (UA) as a preliminary screening before proceeding to urine culture to reduce processing unnecessary samples. However, the optimal UA cutoffs for this diagnostic stewardship intervention are not well defined.

UA squamous epithelial cells were not graphed b/c the value crossed the diagonal at multiple points. Methods We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of urine studies performed from 2/1/21-1/31/23 at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (4 medical centers & 20 clinics). We examined patient encounters in which a UA was ordered synchronously with a urine culture. …

Safety Of Omadacycline Versus Standard-Of-Care Oral Antibiotic Treatment For Bone And Joint Infections: Interim Results From An Open-Label, Non- Inferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial, Amy Y. Kang, Guarina Garcia Delgado, Donna Phan Tran, Evelyn A. Flores, Vanessa Romo-Kozan, Isabel Payan, Loren G. Miller

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

The incidence of bone and joint infections (BJIs) continues to increase, and existing oral BJI antibiotics have limitations. Omadacycline may be a potential treatment option for BJI treatment due to activity against doxycycline-resistant S. aureus and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales for which there are often no viable oral options. However, the safety of omadacycline in this setting is poorly defined.

Methods

We performed an open label, randomized, controlled clinical trial of adults with BJIs in the outpatient setting. Participants were randomized to omadacycline-containing regimen (omadacycline 300mg po daily) or Standard-of-Care (SOC) antibiotics. Adjunctive antibiotics were permitted in addition to omadacycline. Safety …

Management And Outcome Of Invasive Clindamycin-Resistant Mrsa Community-Associated Infections In Children, Amanda E Macias, Grant Stimes, Sheldon L Kaplan, Jesus G Vallejo, Kristina G Hulten, J Chase Mcneil

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Clindamycin resistance among community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) complicates the management of a challenging infection. Little data exist to guide clinicians in the management of invasive clindamycin-resistant CA-MRSA infections in children and studies using oral regimens such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and linezolid for treatment of these infections are limited. We sought to reevaluate antibiotic management among invasive CA-MRSA at a tertiary children’s hospital.

Methods: Cases of invasive clindamycin-resistant MRSA infections in children were identified through an ongoing S. aureus surveillance study. Eligible cases were those occurring in otherwise healthy children from 2011–2021. Medical records were reviewed.

Results: Thirty-four subjects …

Hiv Associated Epigenetic Trends And Chronic Diseases: Insights Into The Hidden Burden Of Chronic Infection, Courtney G. Wallace, Zachary Capriotti, Zachary Klase

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major health challenge despite dramatic advances in treatment and prevention. People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities, including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, oncologic, and neurocognitive disorders. These conditions persist under viral suppression, underscoring the lasting biological impact of infection. Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a key driver of these outcomes. HIV integration, viral proteins, chronic inflammation, and ART exposure have all been reported to alter DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factor networks, and noncoding RNA regulation. These changes extend beyond infected cells, reprogramming uninfected immune and tissue compartments. Long-lived …

Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical Experts-Integration, Training, And Testing (Adapt-Itt) Framework To Tailor Evidence-Based Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment For People With Hiv To Enhance Engagement And Adherence: Qualitative Results From A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Cristina M. Lopez, Angela D. Moreland, Stephanie Amaya, Erin Bisca, Christin Mujica, Tayler Wilson, Nathaniel Baker, Lauren Richey, Allison Ross Eckard, Patricia A. Resick, Steven A. Safren, Carla Kmett Danielson

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV are at high-risk for negative HIV-related outcomes, including low adherence to antiretroviral therapy, faster disease progression, more hospitalizations, and almost twice the rate of death. Despite high rates of PTSD in persons with HIV (PWH) and poor HIV-related health outcomes associated with PTSD, an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD symptoms in PWH does not exist. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the adaptation and theater testing of an evidence-based intervention designed for people with co-occurring PTSD and HIV. METHODS: The Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical experts-integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) …

A Longer Duration Of Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment For Patients With Early Periprosthetic Joint Infections Is Not Associated With A Lower Failure Rate, Janneke Meijer, Alex Soriano, Wierd Zijlstra, Bas Ten Have, Saad Tarabichi, Paul Jutte, Javad Parvizi, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of an early switch to oral antibiotics after surgical treatment in orthopedic-related infections. However, large analyses on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are lacking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study in patients diagnosed with an early post-operative PJI, defined as one occurringdebridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). Patients from Europe and the USA were included. We took advantage of the fact that an early oral antibiotic switch is routine practice in Europe as opposed to a long duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment in the USA. Failure …

Intravaginal Cooling Provides Symptom Relief In Women With Vulvovaginal Candidiasis And Reduces Immunopathology In An Accompanying Mouse Model, Junko Yano, Kimberly Langdon, Michael Swor, Mairi C. Noverr, Paul L. Fidel

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused primarily by Candida albicans, is currently treated with either prescription or over-the-counter antifungal drugs, often with variable efficacy and relapses. New and improved therapeutic strategies, including drug-free treatment alternatives, are needed. Upon overgrowth or environmental triggers, C. albicans yeast transitions into hyphae that results in an aberrant immunopathologic response by neutrophils, contributing to the characteristic vulvovaginal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a patented intravaginal cooling device (Vlisse®) to provide symptom relief in women with VVC via putative reversal of C. albicans hyphae to the commensal yeast form, with …

Residual Traditional Risk In Non-Traditional Atherosclerotic Diseases, Federico Biscetti, Giorgia Polito, Maria Margherita Rando, Maria Anna Nicolazzi, Luis H. Eraso, Paul J. Dimuzio, Massimo Massetti, Antonio Gasbarrini, Andrea Flex

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Individuals with chronic inflammatory and immune disorders are at an increased risk of atherosclerotic events and premature cardiovascular (CV) disease. Despite extensive literature exploring the relationship between "non-traditional" atherosclerotic conditions and CV risk, many aspects remain unresolved, including the underlying mechanisms promoting the "non-traditional CV risk", the development of an innovative and comprehensive CV risk assessment tool, and recommendations for tailored interventions. This review aims to evaluate the available evidence on key "non-traditional" CV risk-enhancer conditions, with a focus on assessing and managing CV risk factors. We conducted a comprehensive review of 412 original articles, narrative and systematic reviews, and …

Targeted Inhibition Of Aurora Kinase A Promotes Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Efficacy In Human Papillomavirus-Driven Cancers, Soma Ghosh, Madison P O'Hara, Pragya Sinha, Tuhina Mazumdar, Lacin Yapindi, Jagannadha K Sastry, Faye M Johnson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven cancers include head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and cervical cancer and represent approximately 5% of all cancer cases worldwide. Standard-of-care chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with adverse effects and limited responses in patients with HPV-driven cancers. The integration of targeted therapies with ICIs may improve outcomes. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Aurora kinase A (AURKA, Aurora A) inhibitors lead to apoptosis of human HPV-positive cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we explored the potential of Aurora A inhibition to enhance response to ICIs in immune-competent …

Recurrent And Metastatic Head And Neck Cancer: Mechanisms Of Treatment Failure, Treatment Paradigms, And New Horizons, William T. Barham, Marshall Patrick Stagg, Rula Mualla, Michael Dileo, Sagar Kansara

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Head and neck cancer is a deadly disease with over 500,000 cases annually worldwide. Metastatic head and neck cancer accounts for a large proportion of the mortality associated with this disease. Many advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis. The application of immunotherapy to locally recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer has not only improved oncologic outcomes but has also provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion and ultimately treatment failure. Objectives: This review paper will review our current understanding of biological mechanisms of treatment failure and metastasis. Published and ongoing …

Can Clinical Findings At Admission Allow Withholding Of Antibiotics In Patients Hospitalized For Community Acquired Pneumonia When A Test For A Respiratory Virus Is Positive?, Ryan Ward, Alejandro J Gonzalez, Justin A Kahla, Daniel M Musher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend empiric antibiotic therapy for patients who require hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We sought to determine whether clinical, imaging or laboratory features in patients hospitalized for CAP in whom PCR is positive for a respiratory virus enable exclusion of bacterial coinfection so that antibiotics can be withheld.

METHODS: For this prospective study, we selected patients in whom an etiologic diagnosis was likely to be reached, namely those who provided a high-quality sputum sample at or shortly after admission, and in whom PCR was done to test for a respiratory virus. We performed quantitative bacteriologic studies on …

Disseminated Mycobacterium Marinum Presenting As Bursitis In A Patient With Psoriatic Arthritis On Adalimumab, Mallory Suhling, Aditya Dutt, Olivia Cook, Summer Moon

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Case Report Of Neurosyphilis, Caroline Finnerty, Elizabeth Diaz, Teena Mathew

North Texas Research Forum 2025

This is the case of a 29 year old female who initially presented with generalized joint aches noted to have neurosyphilis. Because of her delayed treatment, this case presents interesting findings that we classically no longer see in syphilis cases due to early detection and treatment. The case looks at the early symptoms as well as late symptoms if syphilis is left untreated. The patient was ultimately treated with IV penicillin with improvement of her symptoms.

Dysphagia Turned Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis Manifesting As Oral Lesions In A Renal Transplant Patient, Alexis Nguyen, Sebastian Hinojosa, Trey Richardson, Levan Gakhokidze, Alissa Ice, Piera Sosa, Heidi Schaefer, Anthony Langone

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Flea-Borne Mystery: Unraveling Murine Typhus In A Patient With Unexplained Encephalopathy, Jose Loayza Pintado, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Ceasar Uribe

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

When Skin Necrosis Mimics: Diagnostic And Therapeutic Challenges Of Calciphylaxis In A Ckd Patient With A Mechanical Heart Valve, Sienna Luk, Harshil Parekh, Vaishnavi Singh, Darshan Bhatty, Sathish Karmegam

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious condition characterized by the calcification and thrombosis of small blood vessels, predominantly affecting patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping features with other vascular conditions, such as warfarin-induced skin necrosis (WSN). We present a case of a patient with ESRD and typical risk factors—peritoneal dialysis, hyperparathyroidism, and warfarin use—who exhibited classic skin findings suggestive of calciphylaxis. However, two skin biopsies were inconclusive. Management involved addressing the patient's calciphylaxis risk factors, optimizing dialysis, and initiating sodium thiosulfate therapy. The case was further complicated by the need to replace warfarin, …

Challenges In Public Health: The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Crusted Scabies, Marshall Hall, Alyssa Forsyth, Wenquin Du, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Common scabies is a parasitic dermatologic condition that often presents as an extremely pruritic rash. A rare and highly contagious variant of common scabies is crusted scabies, formerly known as Norwegian scabies. While infection with common scabies typically involves 10 to 20 mites, individuals with crusted scabies are burdened with thousands to millions of mites. Crusted scabies is characterized clinically by hyperkeratotic papules and plaques, most commonly on the palms and soles. Due to the variety of presentations seen in scabies, it can be difficult to diagnose. Case presentations: We present 4 cases of crusted scabies. An 89-year-old male …

Necrotizing Alternaria Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Male, Joel Mathews, Jose Aguilar-Martinez, Sean Sojdie, Zain Tariq, Tamer Hudali

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Abstract: Alternaria species is a rare cause of invasive fungal pneumonia, typically described as an opportunistic pathogen, usually seen in immunocompromised patients producing virulent forms of sinus, cutaneous, and ocular infections. Alternaria species sparingly affect immunocompetent individuals and are often managed without any medical interventions. We present a case of invasive fungal necrotizing pneumonia caused by Alternaria alternata species in an immunocompetent 28-year-old male with only a past medical history of well-controlled asthma managed with an as-needed albuterol inhaler. His complaints included worsening foul-smelling productive cough with yellow-dark brown sputum along with subjective fevers, chills, chest pain, and dyspnea for …