Digital Commons Network^™

Autochthonous Plasmodium Vivax Infections, Florida, Usa, 2023, Swamy Rakesh Adapa, Kami Kim, Liwang Cui

College of Medicine & TGH Faculty Publications

During May–July 2023, a cluster of 7 patients at local hospitals in Florida, USA, received a diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Whole-genome sequencing of the organism from 4 patients and phylogenetic analysis with worldwide representative P. vivax genomes indicated probable single parasite introduction from Central/South America.

Inflammation And Tumor Progression: The Differential Impact Of Saa In Breast Cancer Models, Daniel Wilhelm Olivier, Carla Eksteen, Manisha Du Plessis, Louis De Jager, Lize Engelbrecht, Nathaniel Wade Mcgregor, Preetha Shridas, Frederick C. De Beer, Willem J. S. De Villiers, Etheresia Pretorius, Anna-Mart Engelbrecht

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: Previous research has shown that the Serum Amyloid A (SAA) protein family is intricately involved in inflammatory signaling and various disease pathologies. We have previously demonstrated that SAA is associated with increased colitis disease severity and the promotion of tumorigenesis. However, the specific role of SAA proteins in breast cancer pathology remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of systemic SAA1 and SAA2 (SAA1/2) in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model.

Methods: Syngeneic breast tumors were established in wild-type mice, and mice lacking the SAA1/2 (SAADKO). Subsequently, tumor volume was monitored, species survival determined, the inflammatory profiles of mice …

Epigenetic Regulation Of Cancer Testis Antigens In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Rinrada Klankajorn

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with few available treatment options. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), notably from the MAGE gene family, have opened new possibilities for improving immunotherapy in HCC due to their tumor-specific expression and high immunogenicity. However, the mechanisms regulating MAGE gene expression are largely unknown. This study explored mechanisms controlling the expression of MAGE-A3 and MAGE-C2. We utilized HCC organoid cultures derived from patient HCC tissues known to represent cancer epigenetic status more accurately than cell lines to study the MAGE gene family expression patterns and promoter methylation patterns. Our …

Incidence, Risk Factors, And Outcome Of Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity In People With And Without Hiv In Thailand And The Philippines, Ryan Christopher Atuel

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) is a common complication among people living with HIV (PLWH), potentially leading to treatment interruptions. Objective: To determine the incidence of DIH and identify risk factors in Thai and Filipino PLWH on tuberculosis (TB) treatment, compared with those with TB mono-infection. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cohort study of Thai and Filipino adults with active TB using retrospective data from Thailand (2000–2024) and prospective data from the Philippines (2024). Eligible participants had AST/ALT results at TB treatment initiation and follow-up. DIH was defined as AST or ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal. …

The Role Of Renal Resistive Index (Rri) As Early Non Invasive Predictor Of Renal Dysfunction And Relation To Estimated Gfr In Nafld Patients, Atteyat Aboelmaged Semeya, Hala Abd-Elhameed Tabl, Naglaa F. Al-Mihy

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is the diagnosis of fatty infiltration of the liver (steatosis) in the absence of other reasons, done through histology or imaging, with or without fibrosis or inflammation. We sought to ascertain the function of RRI as early non-invasive predictor of renal dysfunction and the relationship between eGFR and RRI in patients with NAFLD.

Methods: This cross-sectional research comprised 250 patients and controls gathered from outpatient clinic of the Hepatogasteroenterology Department, Benha teaching Hospitals. They were split into three groups: group 1 consisted of 100 NASH patients, fibrosis-free or with a history of the condition; group …

Serum Procalcitonin As An Early Marker Of Diabetic Foot Sepsis In Shebin Elkom Teaching Hospital, Asmaa M Soliman, Shimaa M W Kalama, Rania T H Gebba, Randa I. Ahmed Elshiha, Samah Mohammed Abdelmonem Abu Sholaa, Elham T Awwad, Mohamed Ramzy Alawy, Mohamed Abdel Samie Abdelkhalek Elbahat

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Diabetic foot infections are a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, frequently resulting in major health problems such as amputation. Traditional diagnostic markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have limitations, spurring more research into procalcitonin (PCT) as a possibly more reliable predictor of infection severity and consequences. Objectives To compare the efficacy of (PCT) to standard inflammatory indicators (ESR and CRP) in predicting outcomes of acute diabetic foot infections (DFI) and to determine its potential benefits in clinical settings. Patient and Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Shebin Elkom Teaching Hospital between December 2023 …

Scalp Fast Oscillation As A Predictor For Epilepsy In Critically Ill Patients With Periodic Discharges, Kongpop Sutantikorn

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Introduction: Periodic discharges (PDs) in critically ill patients due to diverse pathologies are not uncommon and carry varied prognosis. Scalp fast oscillations (SFOs) have been increasingly studied its association with clinical outcomes in many conditions. However, none has assessed its values in prognostication of the critically ill patients. Objectives: To assess the prognostic values of SFOs in prediction of short and long-term clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with PDs. Materials and Methods: All patients aged > 15 years with detection of PDs during 2014-2022 were recruited. Converted electroencephalography (EEG) files to the standard format were used for analysis. Time-frequency analysis …

Clinical Study Of Combined Arthroscopic Drilling And Platelet Rich Plasma Injection In Knee Osteochondral Lesions In Middle-Aged Patients, Mohamed Salah Labib Mohamed, Mohamed Abd Elmoneam Gafar

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: Osteochondral lesions commonly occur in the knee joints and causes detrimental effects on the quality of life. Arthroscopic drilling is the treatment option for mild to moderate lesions. However, it is debatable whether regenerated cartilage from arthroscopic drilling surgery is durable. It is speculated that induction of chondrocyte differentiation from subchondral mesenchymal stem cells is facilitated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a rich source of diverse growth factors.

Aim of work: To evaluate the procedures of combined arthroscopic drilling and PRP injection intra-articularly for mild to moderate knee osteochondral lesions management.

Patients and Methods: This randomized prospective study …

Short Term Effects Of Bariatric Surgeries On Renal And Hepatic Functions On Obese Morbid Patients, Naglaa F. Al-Mihy, Esayed Elmokadem, Atteyat Aboelmaged Semeya

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: Bariatric surgery has emerged as a well-established treatment for achieving long-lasting and successful weight reduction. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are currently the most frequently done operations. The aim of this research was to investigate the hepatic and renal alterations following bariatric procedures, with a particular focus on SG.

Methods: This observational prospective cohort research was performed on 100 morbidly obese individuals with BMI ≥40 kg/m² who underwent SG. All patients were evaluated before surgery clinically and all laboratory investigations were done before operation as baseline, 3 months, 6 months after surgery, and after one …

Effect Of Covid 19 On Pre-Existent Hypertension And Its Impact On Unmasking New Onset Hypertension In Recovered Cases: A Single Center Experience, Devang Kulkarni, Shital Patil, Anant Kulkarni, Gajanan Gondhali

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction New onset hypertension and aggravation of hypertension during the post-COVID period are issues of concern having very limited data published on them. Hence, the current study was conducted with the aim of studying the blood pressure profiles as new onset hypertension, preexistent hypertension and an aggravation of preexistent hypertension in post-COVID patients. Methods Retrospective cohort study conducted between October 2021 to March 2022, included 800 post-COVID patients above 18 years of age treated at the DCC (dedicated covid care center) irrespective of their disease severity and comorbidity after a valid written consent. All the study cases were followed after …

Silent Signs: The Hidden Impact Of Aseptic Pyuria In Chronic Kidney Disease, Egypt, Ghadir Mohamed Elsawy, Basma Aref Altaweel

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction: This study, Element Type, reflects the prevalence of and clinical significance of aseptic pyuria among CKD patients in Egypt, addressing the vital knowledge gap that exists in understanding what implications this condition presents to the patient. More than 10% of the world's population suffers from chronic kidney disease that is characterized by progressive loss of renal function and requires monitoring of various clinical parameters, including pyuria and white blood cells present in urine. Aseptic pyuria is commonly misunderstood as a UTI and thereby mistreated with unnecessary antibiotic courses due to the presence of white blood cells with no bacterial …

Degradable Staples And Delivery Device, Meha Elango, Jessica Cabrera, Makayla Scarpitti, Kareemat Melaiye

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The scope of this project is to design a method to secure skin grafts to healthy tissue. The ultimate goal for the proposed method is to be dissolvable in some form. Currently, skin grafts procedures utilize staples in most cases to hold a skin graft in place, but there are disadvantages that come with it. Staples are easy to place, but time consuming during the removal procedure. They also cause a lot of pain and discomfort for the patient. The goal of this project is to determine a way a secure skin grafts to healthy skin in order to reduce …

High Amniotic Fluid Fractalkine And Mip-1Β Levels Are Associated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Prospective Cohort Study, Şehmus Pala, Remzi Atilgan, Nevin İlhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Proinflammatory chemokines have been shown to play crucial roles in implantation, spiral artery invasion, and thefetomaternal immunological response. In this context, we investigated the levels of fractalkine (CX3CL1) and chemokine CC motifligand 4 (CCL4 or MIP-1β) in maternal serum and amniotic fluids in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out at Fırat University Obstetrics Clinic between January 1, 2022 andJuly 1, 2022. Group (G) 1: The control group consisted of 40 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section (CS) at 38–40weeks of gestation. G2: A total of 40 pregnant women with …

Using Phosphatidylethanol As An Adjunct To Self-Reported Alcohol Use Improves Identification Of Liver Fibrosis Risk, Pamela M. Murnane, Majid Afshar, Gabriel Chamie, Robert L. Cook, Tekeda Ferguson, Lamia Y. Haque, Karen R. Jacobson, Amy C. Justice, Theresa W. Kim, Mandana Khalili, Evgeny Krupitsky, Kathleen A. Mcginnis, Patricia Molina, Winnie R. Muyindike, Bronwyn Myers, Veronica L. Richards, Kaku So-Armah, Scott Stewart, Mark S. Sulkowski, Phyllis C. Tien, Judith A. Hahn

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: Accurate assessment of alcohol use informs prevention and management of liver disease. We examined whether phosphatidylethanol (PEth, an alcohol metabolite) blood concentrations are associated with liver fibrosis risk independently of self-reported alcohol use, among persons with and without HIV. Methods: We pooled individual-level data from 12 studies from the United States, Russia, Uganda, and South Africa with PEth, AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption), and FIB-4 measurements. We conducted mixed-effects logistic regression of the relationship between PEth and AUDIT-C as continuous variables (after checking linearity), with high FIB-4 ( ≥ 2.67). We divided PEth (range 0-1000) by 83.3 to …

Characterizing The Cellular Response To Astrovirus Infection In The Central Nervous System, Amy E. Davis

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases caused by infectious agents pose significant health challenges, often leading to severe neurological dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality rates. Astroviruses (AstVs), traditionally known for causing gastroenteritis, have recently been identified as neuroinvasive pathogens capable of inducing neurological diseases. This study explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which AstV, specifically non-classical VA1 and classical HAstV1 genotypes, induce CNS pathology in human neurons and astrocytes. Utilizing primary human neurons and astrocytes from various brain regions, this research investigates the cytotoxic effects, apoptotic pathways, and inflammatory responses triggered by these viruses. This study reveals that VA1 …

Unraveling The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage: A Comparative Research Of Pre- And Post-Pandemic Samples, Catherine G. Johnston

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus carriage and disease. This study aims to assess these changes by leveraging respiratory samples collected from a longstanding cohort, comparing the genomic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from pre- and post-pandemic periods. We analyzed S. aureus genomes and phenotypically determined macrolide resistance to characterize population structure, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles. Changes in S. aureus carriage rates, macrolide resistance, disease occurrence, and population structure between samples collected pre- and post-pandemic were examined. By using respiratory samples, chart reviews, and risk factor questionnaires of 498 children from a …

The Impact Of Direct Inoculation Of Ascites Into Blood Culture Bottles On Ascites Culture Positivity, Tyler Brehm, Todd Lasco, Mayar Al Mohajer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: Assess whether direct inoculation of ascites into blood culture bottles would improve ascites culture yield.

DESIGN: Pre-post-study.

SETTING: The study was performed at a quaternary academic medical center in Houston, Texas, including all inpatient and emergency department encounters.

PATIENTS: Ascites cultures collected from November 2020 to December 2022 were reviewed and screened for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Patients were excluded if a prior ascites culture from the same patient was already included in the study or if there was evidence of secondary bacterial peritonitis.

INTERVENTION: In the pre-intervention period, ascites cultures were collected into a sterile container and inoculated onto/into …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Deprivation And Outpatient Medicare Part D Fluoroquinolone Claim Rates In Texas, Mayar Al Mohajer, Edgar Samarasundera, Judite Gonçalves, Alicia Heath

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Only a few studies have assessed the relationship between deprivation and excessive antibiotic use. In Texas, antimicrobial prescription rates are particularly high compared with the rest of the US. This study analyzed the association between local area socioeconomic deprivation and providers' fluoroquinolone claim rates among beneficiaries 65 years and older in Texas.

METHODS: This ecological study utilized provider- and area-level data from Medicare Part D Prescribers and the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) repositories. Negative binomial regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship between provider- and area-level characteristics (prescriber's gender, specialty, rural-urban community area, beneficiaries' demographics, area-level population, and …

Gsk-3Β As A Potential Coordinator Of Anabolic And Catabolic Pathways In Hepatitis C Virus Insulin Resistance, Gokul C Das, F Blaine Hollinger

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Chronic hepatitis C infection can result in insulin resistance (IR). We have previously shown that it occurs through the interaction of pathways for glucose homeostasis, insulin signaling, and autophagy. But it is not known how soon the pathways are activated and how IR is related to the signals generated by catabolic and anabolic conditions occurring in infected cells. We have extended our studies to a cell culture system mimicking acute infection and to downstream pathways involving energy-sensor AMPK and nutrient-sensor mTOR that are active in catabolic and anabolic processes within the infected cells.

METHODS: Huh7 liver cells in culture …

Generation And Characterization Of In Vitro Transcribed Mrna, Cristina Poveda, Yi-Lin Chen, Ulrich Strych

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Here we describe the in vitro preparation of mRNA from DNA templates, including setting up the transcription reaction, mRNA capping, and mRNA labeling. We then describe methods used for mRNA characterization, including UV and fluorescence spectrophotometry, as well as gel electrophoresis. Moreover, characterization of the in vitro transcribed RNA using the Bioanalyzer instrument is described, allowing a higher resolution analysis of the target molecules. For the in vitro testing of the mRNA molecules, we include protocols for the transfection of various primary cell cultures and the confirmation of translation by intracellular staining and western blotting.

Ofatumumab Associated Legionella Pneumonia In A Young Multiple Sclerosis Patient, Jobe Ashby, Md, Omar Pandhair

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

2024-2025 PGY2

Persistence Of Dengue Serotype 2 Viral Rna In Blood Cells Of A Returned Traveler With Dengue Fever, Rebecca S B Fischer, Samuel Vilchez, Shannon E Ronca, Rebecca Kairis, Allison Lino, Adrianna Maliga, Sarah M Gunter, Kristy O Murray

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most significant vector-borne pathogens worldwide. In this report, we describe clinical features and laboratory detection of dengue in a 45-year-old traveler to Nicaragua on return home to the United States in 2019. Clinical presentation was mild, with rash, headache, and fatigue, with only low-grade transient fever. Infection dynamics were documented by serology and PCR of serially collected body fluids. DENV serotype 2 was detected in whole blood 1 day after symptoms emerged, with viral RNA isolated to the red cell fraction, and remained detectable through day 89. DENV-2 RNA was detected in serum …

Advancing Kidney Xenotransplantation With Anesthesia And Surgery – Bridging Preclinical And Clinical Frontiers Challenges And Prospects, Xiaojian Zhang, Hailian Wang, Qin Xie, Yang Zhang, Yixin Yang, Man Yuan, Yuqi Cui, Si-Yuan Song, Jianzhen Lv, Yi Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Xenotransplantation is emerging as a vital solution to the critical shortage of organs available for transplantation, significantly propelled by advancements in genetic engineering and the development of sophisticated immunosuppressive treatments. Specifically, the transplantation of kidneys from genetically engineered pigs into human patients has made significant progress, offering a potential clinical solution to the shortage of human kidney supply. Recent trials involving the transplantation of these modified porcine kidneys into deceased human bodies have underscored the practicality of this approach, advancing the field towards potential clinical applications. However, numerous challenges remain, especially in the domains of identifying suitable donor-recipient matches and …

The Sewage Microbiome Dynamics Of Different Serving Neighborhoods In Charleston, Illinois, Sandra Chiamaka Okoye

Masters Theses

The complex microbial ecosystem within sewage systems holds significant implications for environmental and public health. Unlike studies on wastewater treatment plant microbiomes, upstream sewage systems have not been studied widely. This research investigated the dynamic sewage microbiome across diverse serving neighborhoods in Charleston, Illinois, encompassing residential, hospital, industrial, and university areas. Drawing upon recent advancements in microbiome research, the study aimed to unravel the spatial and temporal variations in microbial structures. Three times between June to December 2023 sewage samples were collected from manholes in the areas mentioned above. Community DNA was extracted and sequenced for the V4-V5 region of …

Sars-Cov-2 Infection History Is Positively Correlated With Frequency Of Psychotic Symptoms In Schizophrenia, Jackson D. Beecher

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous work in human and animal studies has implicated aberrant insular cortex (IC) activity in the pathophysiology of hallucinations. Of note, the IC overlaps with the olfactory cortex (OC), a region of the brain that receives extensive projections from sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious coronavirus with a demonstrated ability to cause anosmia; the virus does this by colocalizing with and damaging support cells in the olfactory epithelium, ultimately leading to alterations in olfactory receptor cell signaling to the OC. Given the overlap between OC and IC, we asked the question of whether COVID-19 …

The Balm Framework Of Clinical Excellence: An Adoptable Model For Sub-Saharan Africa., Taoreed Adegoke Azeez

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Clinical excellence is the ability to provide rigorous, evidence-based, and rewarding care to the right patients. The BALM (brilliance, attitude, leadership, and materials) framework is a novel model for adjudicating clinical excellence. There are a few models and frameworks for evaluating clinical excellence, but each has its flaws and does not consider the peculiarities of economically-challenged regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. Coincidentally, such low-resource areas have an urgent need for a framework to assess clinical excellence because of their low health-related indices. The five-step mode of professional excellence is a well-recognised tool and was the model upon which the BALM …

Perspectives Of Utilizing Pharmacogenomics To Inform Tobacco Cessation: Survey Results From An American Indian Community, Madeline Lousie Davies

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Pharmacogenomics research has predominantly focused on populations of European ancestry, limiting the application for diverse populations such as American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Our community-centric study aims to understand perspectives of utilizing pharmacogenomics to guide tobacco cessation in an AIAN community using a survey with qualitative and quantitative components. We assessed participant (n=273) tobacco usage and cessation history, pharmacogenomics knowledge, and perceptions of utilizing pharmacogenomics in the context of tobacco cessation. We found that the majority of participants (92%) were aware of risks associated with tobacco usage and believe it to be a problem within their community (76%). …

Diagnostic Imaging Approaches: Pet Imaging In Monitoring Immune Responses In Oncology And Tuberculosis, Chanelle Hunter

All ETDs from UAB

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents play a transformative role in personalized medicine through their application in disease diagnosis and immunotherapy monitoring, focusing on chemokine receptors, TH1-activated immune cells, and tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics. In immuno-oncology, accurately assessing TH1-activated immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital for evaluating cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Chemokine receptors, crucial in cellular signaling and inflammatory reactions, play a significant role in TH1 responses, thus serving as a potential area of interest in elucidating these anti-tumor responses. Through our work a novel CXCR3-targeting immunoPET probe, [89Zr]DFO-αCXCR3, was developed to detect and quantify these cells. This probe …

Clostridioides Difficile: Identification Of Rival Organisms & Evaluation Of Non-Antibiotic Treatment Implementation, Justin Davis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Clostrioides difficile is a common cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. Patients receiving antibiotic treatment experience dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and C. difficile, normally held in check by the various other organisms, takes this opportunity to propagate. Symptoms of infection generally include diarrhea, colitis, dehydration, and fever. Understanding that C. difficile generally only causes illness when it is the dominant bacterium (i.e. when growth is relatively unchecked by other microbes), it is appropriate to investigate potential competitive organisms that may be introduced after antibiotic courses or during active C. difficile infection to effectively displace it. Fecal samples from the University …

Tim/Tam Receptors: A Potential Biomarker For Predicting Sensitivity To Zika Virus-Induced Oncolysis In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers, Shankari Somasekar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) constitute 80-85% of lung cancers and are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The most common cause is prolonged smoking. Current treatment options for NSCLC include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Although these medications are effective in the short term, patients often face issues of drug resistance and debilitating side effects with prolonged use. Currently, the use of Zika virus (ZIKV) is being researched as a possible alternative treatment for cancer, which minimizes side effects and the risk of drug resistance. TIM/TAM proteins are identified as the putative ZIKV receptors on …