Digital Commons Network^™

Nuclear-Specific Reductive Carboxylation Of Alpha-Ketoglutarate Fuels Histone Acetylation To Induce Chromatin Accessibility And Gene Activation, Abhisha Sawant Dessai, Nadya A Elhalawany, Tao Dai, Justine J Jacobi, Christian Prechtl, Alphonse N Dimeck, Sierra R Morton, Mark D Long, Prashant K Singh, Nagireddy Putluri, Mariana Lopes, Song Liu, Dominic J Smiraglia, Katerina V Gurova, Peder J Lund, Leah A Gates, Sung Yun Jung, Subhamoy Dasgupta

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Mitochondria remain at the core of cell metabolism, whereas the nucleus integrates cellular and environmental signals to activate genes. However, the mechanisms that directly link cellular metabolism to gene regulation are not well understood. Here we show, a metabolic pathway in the nucleus controls acetylation of histones by nuclear localization of mitochondrial enzymes aconitase (ACO2) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2). Metabolic tracing studies show that IDH2 and ACO2 catalyze reductive carboxylation of α-ketoglutarate to rapidly synthesize citrate to increase nuclear acetyl-CoA pool. Genetic and proteomic analyses reveal nuclear IDH2 and ACO2 form a complex with KAT2A/GCN5 for acetylation of histones to …

Adlm Guidance Document On Incorporating Gender Diversity In Pathology And Laboratory Medicine, Tiffany A Thomas, Gabrielle N Winston-Mcpherson, Ina Amarillo, Alisha D Berry, Caroline J Davidge-Pitts, Sridevi Devaraj, Zil Goldstein, Brad S Karon, Brooke M Katzman, Mahmoud A Khalifa, Hung S Luu, James H Nichols, Tracy L Stockley, Michelle R Stoffel, Dina N Greene, Matthew D Krasowski

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The first international clinical standards of care for the gender-diverse population were formulated in the late 1970s. In the last 15 years, multiple subspecialty societies within the United States have developed clinical care guidelines for those with gender dysphoria, including gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and surgical treatments. To date, there are no pathology- and laboratory medicine-specific recommendations in the United States for the gender-diverse population.

Content: This document outlines pathology- and laboratory medicine-specific recommendations for providing optimal care to the gender-diverse population, with a predominant focus on the adult population. The scope of this document focuses on the following …

Reclassifying Pediatric Nafld Using The Steatotic Liver Disease Framework: A Multicenter Retrospective Study From The Nash Crn, Tin Bo Nicholas Lam, Katherine P Yates, Sheila L Noon, Kimberly P Newton, Mark H Fishbein, Jean P Molleston, Stavra A Xanthakos, Ajay K Jain, Miriam B Vos, Niviann M Blondet, Krupa R Mysore, Cynthia A Behling, Laura A Wilson, Jeffrey B Schwimmer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and aims: The terminology for hepatic steatosis and NAFLD was revised under the umbrella of steatotic liver disease, with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as the primary subtype. MASLD is defined by hepatic steatosis plus at least 1 cardiometabolic risk factor. A new category, Met-ALD, describes MASLD with alcohol consumption below the defined thresholds for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). While adult studies have demonstrated strong concordance between NAFLD and MASLD, the applicability of this framework in children remains unclear.

Approach and results: We assessed children clinically diagnosed with NAFLD and enrolled in the NASH CRN who had available …

Longitudinal And Cross-Sectional Evidence That Daily Resting And Activity Energy Expenditures Are Independent In Humans, Andrew K Yegian, Elizabeth Pachus, Leanne M Redman, Steven B Heymsfield, K Falkenhain, Alexandra R Harris, Shaji K Chacko, William W Wong, Daniel E Lieberman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Total energy expenditure (TEE) is commonly modelled as the sum of resting energy expenditure (REE), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). This additive model has recently been challenged by the constrained energy balance model, which proposes that reductions in mass-adjusted REE compensate to some extent for increases in AEE, rendering mass-adjusted TEE effectively invariant. We tested these competing models using two complementary approaches. First, we conducted a short-term longitudinal, repeated-measures experiment in 12 adults who completed 10-day periods of high and low physical activity separated by a washout period. TEE was measured with doubly labelled water, AEE with …

Comprehensive Assessment Of Direct And Passive Smoking Across The Pancreatitis Spectrum, Samuel Han, Dhiraj Yadav, Jun Xu, Melena D Bellin, William E Fisher, Evan L Fogel, Chris Forsmark, Phil A Hart, Liang Li, Stephen J Pandol, Walter G Park, Guru Trikudanathan, Stephen K Van Den Eeden, Santhi Swaroop Vege, Darwin L Conwell, Christie Y Jeon, Consortium For The Study Of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, And Pancreatic Cancer (Cpdpc)

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Smoking is a key risk factor for pancreatitis, contributing to pathogenesis and disease progression. Data regarding second-hand smoking, or passive smoking (PS) exposure, are lacking. We therefore aimed to assess the impact of PS exposure across the pancreatitis spectrum.

Methods: We analyzed baseline data from the PROCEED study, a multicenter study in the United States including patients with acute (AP), recurrent acute (RAP), and chronic (CP) pancreatitis. Participants detailed their individual smoking history and PS exposure, which was compared between AP, RAP, and CP subgroups. Participant factors and clinical characteristics were compared by level of individual and PS exposure. …

Analysis Of Priority Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Using The Paho-Adapted Hanlon Method In Bogor City In 2024, Sonia Annisa Br Ketaren, Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, Bai Kusnadi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a major public health challenge despite substantial progress in immunization programs. In Indonesia, routine immunization coverage has shown a post-pandemic recovery trend; however, disparities in access to health services and surveillance quality persist across regions. This study aimed to determine priority VPD problems in Bogor City and identify factors contributing to the highest-ranked disease. A mixed-methods study was conducted in Bogor City from October 2024 to January 2025. Quantitative prioritization was performed using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)-adapted Hanlon method across eight VPDs. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants and analyzed …

Endophytic Actinobacteria: Deciphering Therapeutic And Industrial Potential, And Prospects Of Genome Mining In Novel Products Discovery, Yusra Waheed, Rabia Shahdin, Imran Sajid

Journal of Bioresource Management

Endophytic actinobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C content, which inhabit plants’ internal tissues, and represent a significant yet underexplored reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites. In host plants, a remarkable repertoire of metabolites, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory compounds, is synthesized by these microbial allies, carrying significant medicinal and agricultural potential. These endophytes, in contrast to their soil relatives, have developed unique biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) strongly influenced by plant-associated factors, leading to the production of structurally novel metabolites. In recent years, the advances in genome mining, metagenomics, and metabolomics have accelerated …

Fatigue And Depression In Epilepsy Patients May Not Be Solely Related To The Epilepsy Itself, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.

Human Milk Small Extracellular Vesicles Elicit Changes In Inflammatory Response In Infant Human Intestinal Enteroids, Kacie D Waiters, Anthony S Peidl, Hailey A Mcandrew, Ashfia F Khan, Grace Adeniyi-Ipadeola, Hephzibah Nwanosike, Sana Sharif, M Funmi Babajide, Micah Castillo, Preethi H Gunaratne, Samaneh Karami, Hoa Nguyen-Phuc, Xinli Liu, Sasirekha Ramani, Tasneem Bawa-Khalfe

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human milk (HM) is the key nutritional source for infants and the most effective preventative approach against serious gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Numerous studies in animal models indicate HM-derived small extracellular vesicles (HMEV) reduce severity of inflammation; however, data on human-specific models are limited. Isolated HMEV were characterized from early-HM (colostrum and transitional), mature-HM, and a combined, pasteurized donor bank-like HM sample (pool-); pool-HMEV retains a profile aligned with HMEV from both early- and mature-HM samples. Exposure to pool-HMEV initiates unique gene signatures associated with reduction of inflammation including NFkB-driven TNFα signaling in human …

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). …

Evaluating The Reproducibility And Verifiability Of Nutrition Research: A Case Study Of Studies Assessing The Relationship Between Potatoes And Colorectal Cancer, Yasaman Jamshidi-Naeini, Colby J Vorland, Pranav Kapoor, Bailey Ortyl, Jocelyn Mineo, Luke Still, Korlu Sorsor, Shelby Rodney, Xander Tooze, Brent Flickinger, Beate Henschel, Stephanie L Dickinson, David B Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The credibility of nutritional research is dependent on the rigor with which studies are conducted and the ability for independent assessment to be performed. Despite the importance of these, more work is needed in the field of nutrition to buttress the trustworthiness of nutrition research. To develop and apply a process for evaluating the rigor, reproducibility, and verifiability of nutritional research, using the relationship between potato consumption and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as a case study. We updated existing systematic reviews to include studies on potatoes and CRC, assessing their design, execution, and reporting quality. We attempted to reproduce and verify …

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Identifies Multidimensional Vulnerabilities In Older Adults With Heart Failure, Ci̇han Kiliç, Rengi̇n Demi̇r, Özlem Yilmaz Aykent, Zerri̇n Yi̇ği̇t, Pinar Küçükdağli, Banu Özulu Türkmen, Güli̇stan Bahat, Mehmet Aki̇f Karan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Heart failure (HF) in older adults is frequently accompanied by geriatric syndromes that remain unrecognized in conventional cardiac evaluations. The vulnerabilities of older adults with and without HF in terms of muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, frailty, nutritional status, cognition, mood, anxiety, polypharmacy, and comorbidity were investigated using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two academic outpatient clinics, enrolling 420 adults aged ≥60 years, including 92 (21.9%) with HF. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and CGA parameters: handgrip strength, the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), …

Urinary Dkk3 As A Predictor Of Ckd Stages In Reflux Nephropathy In Children, Ayşe Seda Pinarbaşi, Nesli̇han Günay, İnayet Güntürk, Di̇dem Barlak Keti̇, Si̇bel Yel, Sekure Rabi̇a Ulueren, Cevat Yazici, Muammer Hakan Poyrazoğlu, İsmai̇l Dursun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Reflux nephropathy is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children. The search for new biomarkers continues, as early intervention is important to slow the progression of CKD. Urinary Dickkopf-3 (uDKK3), a potential marker of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, has been studied in adults but not extensively in children with CKD. This study was conducted to determine the role of uDKK3 levels in predicting the CKD stage in children with reflux nephropathy.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 113 children with CKD stages 1–4 with reflux nephropathy and 28 healthy controls. uDKK3 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent …

Association Of Vitamin D, Oxidative Stress Markers, And Hormonal Factors With Male Infertility: A Case-Control Study In Pakistan, Muhammad Tayyab Ihsan, Ayesha Ali Malick, Sher Khan, Sher Khan, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Haq Nawaz Khan, Rehana Rehman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Infertility impacts around 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Despite this significant share, male infertility remains understudied, particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. The present study explores the association between male infertility and seminal plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers, inhibin B, and vitamin D, along with their relationship with sperm parameters.

Materials and methods: The dataset of the study consisted of seminal plasma levels from 30 fertile and 60 infertile males. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Vitamin D, malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inhibin B …

Omega-3–Rich Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions Significantly Prevent Sepsis-Driven Mesenteric Hypoperfusion And Multi-Organ Injury In Murine Models, Gökşen Öz, Esi̇n Özçelebi̇, Ayşe Yeşi̇m Göçmen, Cenk Sükmensüer, Selma Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇, Alper Bektaş İski̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parenteral feeding is used in critically ill patients when enteral nutrition is inadequate or intolerable, and the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly. Lipid emulsions play a major role in parenteral nutrition because they supply necessary fatty acids and a high-calorie density. We investigated the effects of parenteral lipid emulsions on mesenteric perfusion, inflammation-induced oxidation, and organ damage in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice endotoxemia model.

Materials and methods: In septic mice, organ damage induced by lipopolysaccharide was assessed by histopathology and biochemical examination. Additionally, an ultrasonic blood flowmeter was used to measure the impact of lipid emulsions on mesenteric blood flow. …

Mapping The Neuroexposome: Integrative Analysis Of Dementia Risk Factors Through Multi-Omics And Environmental Profiling In The Egyptian Population., Mai Ahmed Saadzaghloul Othman

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Dementia represents one of the most pressing public health challenges of the twenty-first century, with the global burden projected to reach 153 million cases by 2050. Egypt, as the most populous Arab nation, faces a corresponding rise in age-related diseases, yet comprehensive data from low- and middle-income countries remain severely limited. The neuroexposome framework, integrating genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and metabolic alterations, offers a powerful strategy to characterize the complex interplay between internal and external risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease Related Dementias (ADRD).

Objectives: This thesis aimed to: (1) examine the distribution of APOE alleles …

The Gut Microbiome, The Gut-Brain Axis, And College Student Well-Being, Idi Mckay

University Honors Theses

This literature review examines how diet, stress, environmental exposure, and food accessibility may influence college students' mental health and academic performance through the gut microbiome and the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). Current microbiome research often focuses on early childhood development, clinical disease populations, or older adults, while overlooking college-age students who experience significant social, environmental, and biological transitions. College students frequently face food insecurity, irregular eating patterns, chronic stress, inconsistent sleep schedules, and reduced access to nutrient-dense foods, all of which may influence microbial diversity and overall gut health.

This thesis explores how modern campus environments and lifestyle factors may contribute …

The Effect Of Hunger On The Likelihood Of Glucose Excursions In Adults With Overweight Or Obesity: Continuous Glucose Monitoring And Ecological Momentary Assessment Observational Study, Byunggul Lim, Phrashiah Githinji, Yue Liao, Jacob Szeszulski, Alexandra L Macmillan Uribe, Rebecca A Seguin-Fowler, Jane Anderson, Chad D Rethorst

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Maintaining stable glucose levels is important for metabolic health. Glucose excursions (GEs), which are marked increases in glucose following food intake, have been associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysfunction. Individuals with overweight or obesity who do not have diabetes may still show impaired glucose regulation, as reflected in increased glucose variability. Hunger, as a real-time physiological cue, may be associated with subsequent glucose changes and represents a potential target for just-in-time adaptive interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the temporal relationship between self-reported hunger and subsequent glucose dynamics, including the likelihood of GE …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Surgical Site Infections In Hospitals Across Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Atheer M. Aljohani, Danah O. Sandaqji, Rana A. Alahmadi, Raha Z. Ishqi, Manal A. Alanazi, Shouq N. Aloufi, Husain I. Sandugji

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify associated risk factors in hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 363 adult surgical patients from major hospitals in Madinah between 2023 and 2024. We analyzed medical records using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The overall SSI rate was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–7.9%). Infection types comprised superficial incisional (57.9%), deep incisional (36.8%), and organ/space infections (5.3%). Significant risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94 per year, p = 0.014), …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Incubator And Radiant Environments On Physiological Criteria And Pain-Stress Levels During Heel Lance In Neonates In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sezin Gürsu, Birsen Karaca Saydam, Oğuzhan Kalkanl\I

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To compare the effects of incubator and radiant heat on physiological criteria and pain-stress levels during heel prick procedures in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: This randomized controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted between June and December 2023 with newborns diagnosed with IHB hospitalized at a NICU in Turkey. Prior to the heel prick procedure, 72 newborns (gestational age: 37–41 weeks) were randomly and equally assigned to either a radiant heater or an incubator setting. Physiological parameters (temperature, SpO₂, heart rate [HR]) and pain-stress scores of the newborns were measured and compared in both …

The Impact Of Exercise Intervention On Pulmonary And Physical Function In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Abdullilah Alghamdi, Muroj Al-Attas, Abrar Radhi, Amnah Alfaqih, Bashair Aljabri, Rawan Alharbi, Sumayyah Alsubaie, Raneem Aljawaied, Sarah Alenazi, Ahlam Mazi, Ebtehal Qulisy

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various exercise interventions on lung function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as on cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake [VO₂peak]), and muscle strength (handgrip strength). The review also considers factors such as patient adherence, follow-up duration, and statistical significance to inform clinical practice.

Methods: This systematic review followed preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was prospectively registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, and Web of Science …

Structured Telehealth Community Health Worker-Clinician Feedback And Diabetes Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Elizabeth M Vaughan, Xiaoying Yu, Amber B Amspoker, Aanand D Naik, Ashok Balasubramanyam, Craig A Johnston, Christi M Ballantyne, Salim S Virani, H Shelton Brown, Kristina Mena, Laura R Porterfield

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Community health workers (CHWs) improve chronic disease management in underserved populations, but scalable integration strategies are limited.

Objective: To evaluate whether a multidimensional intervention incorporating telementored CHWs and a structured participant-CHW-clinician feedback loop can improve diabetes outcomes.

Design, setting, and participants: This 12-month randomized clinical trial was conducted at 3 institutionally and geographically diverse community clinics in Texas between September 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, and included low-income, uninsured White Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes identified through clinic databases. Data were analyzed between May 1 and July 31, 2025.

Intervention: Individuals were randomized 1:1 to the intervention …

Safety And Synergy Of Finerenone And Empagliflozin In Lowering Blood Pressure, Rajiv Agarwal, Ricardo Correa-Rotter, Sankar D Navaneethan, Hiddo J L Heerspink, Matthew R Weir, Janet B Mcgill, Amy K Mottl, Masaomi Nangaku, Julio Rosenstock, Peter Rossing, Muthiah Vaduganathan, Charlie Scott, Li Li, Meike Brinker, Csaba P Kovesdy, Jennifer B Green, Johannes F E Mann

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: This secondary analysis of the CONFIDENCE (combination effect of fInerenone and empagliflozin in participants with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes using a UACR endpoint) trial (REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05254002) assessed systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes with empagliflozin/finerenone combination therapy versus monotherapy in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes across baseline SBP categories. We assessed SBP response predictors and whether early (day 30) SBP changes mediate urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio reductions.

Methods: Participants (n=800) were stratified by baseline SBP (< 130 mm Hg; ≥130 mm Hg). Outcomes included SBP response (≥10 mm Hg reduction from baseline at day 180) and longitudinal SBP changes, analyzed by linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression. Causal mediation analysis, a secondary exploratory analysis, evaluated the effect of day 30 SBP change on day 180 urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio reduction.

Results: At baseline, 532 (66%) participants had SBP ≥130 mm Hg; 268 (34%) …

Global Burden Of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis In Children: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study, Xuhui Liu, Peierdun Mijiti, Lu Xia, Sylvia M Lacourse, Wulan Talafuhan, Alexander W Kay, Yang Yang, Huarui Liu, Dan Ye, Leonardo Martinez, Shuihua Lu, Adong Shen, Anna M Mandalakas, Feng Li, Christoph Lange, Zhen Huang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Paediatric tuberculosis (TB), particularly drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), is associated with significant mortality. However, the global burden of childhood TB remains poorly understood.

Methods: We analysed incident cases, deaths, and age-standardised incidence and mortality rates among children (0-14 years) with multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Data were stratified by age, sex, region, country, and HIV/AIDS status. Annual and average annual percentage changes were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis. Secondary analyses compared adult and paediatric TB trends in the End TB era and evaluated the potential impact of the …

The Relationship Between Psychological Stress And Sars-Cov-2 Nucleocapsid-Antibody Response Following Natural Infection: Longitudinal Findings From The Aegis Study, Erika T Beidelman, Ashley Judge, David B Allison, Stephanie Dickinson, Lilian Golzarri Arroyo, Anna L M Macagno, Michael J Ricciardi, Jon Macy, Stanley Perlman, Christina Ludema, Kevin C Maki, Molly Rosenberg

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Psychological stress can cause diminished immune response to infectious challenges. The extent this holds true during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the modifying effect of vaccination status is untested. We explored these relationships in a non-random sample standardized to the US adult population. Across 2178 participants in the Aegis study (2021-2022), we identified 507 eligible laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. We estimated the natural log of nucleocapsid-binding antibody absorbance (N-antibody) at study visits up to 225 days following a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Linear mixed effects models were fit to estimate the association of baseline perceived stress and, separately, …

A Multi-Country Community Of Practice To Strengthen Quality Improvement In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Quality Improvement Program Description, Samhita Bhargava, Heather A Haq, Brodus A Franklin, Elizabeth Davis, Florence Anabwani-Richter, Thobile Bhembe, Lindokuhle P Dlamini, Makhosazana Dlamini, Andy Chapola, Nomsa Kafumba, Chisomo Mzandu Zinyemba, Menard Bvumbwe, Kyakuwa Richard Jjuuko, Jacqueline Balungi Kanywa, Dithan Kiragga, Andreas Boy Isaac, Esther Makhalanyane, Lwamba Nyembo, Retselisitoe Mahlaha, John T Farirai, Eunice W Ketang'enyi, Andrea E M Imsen, Iuliana Costas, Susan B Torrey

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/objectives: Quality improvement (QI) is widely used in global health to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and strengthen service delivery. The Texas Children's Global Health Network (TCGHN) includes nine independent non-governmental organizations supporting healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with pediatric HIV clinical centers of excellence in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), supported technically by Baylor College of Medicine. We describe the development of a virtual QI Community of Practice (QICoP) to connect geographically dispersed teams and strengthen local QI capacity.

Methods: In 2022, QI and global health experts convened to design the QICoP and assess site readiness. …

Standardizing Nutrition Protocols For Brain Tumor Patients, Wendy Aldrich, Clifford A Pierre, Jun Ma, Mariam Ishaque, Christa Seyler, Miri Kim

All Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

An Obligatory Role For Agrp Neurons In Maintaining Body Temperature During Time-Restricted Feeding, Cunjin Su, Jing Cai, Yuanzhong Xu, Benjamin R Arenkiel, Qingchun Tong

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Homeotherms maintain a steady body temperature through thermoregulation, a process critical for survival during fasting, in which the brain has to defend energy-costly body temperature while reducing energy expenditure to conserve energy reserve; however, the neural basis for defending body temperature remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that AgRP neuron lesion led to lethality during time-restricted feeding on chow but not on HFD, and caused no obvious impact on HFD-induced obesity or obesity-reducing responses to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonism. The lesion disrupted adaptive feeding behaviors during time-restricted feeding and reduced motivational feeding on chow. Notably, the lethality was caused by hypothermia …

Intouch Week Of June 1, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Annual NYMC Golf Tournament Recognizes Excellence in Leadership and Service
• NYMC Announces 2026-2027 Translational Science Initiative Recipients
• Suicidality Is Key Predictor of Treatment-Resistant Focal Epilepsy
• TCDM Celebrates Class of 2026 Commencement
• Top It Off: 20% Off Select Hats
• Student Spotlight: Inspired to Innovate, Driven to Heal 
• Alumni Spotlight: A Passion for Performing Arts and Physical Therapy
• Alumni Spotlight: Two Lives in One Career

Assessing Shifts In Research Priority Areas From The Neurological Community Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Leah Dempsey, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner, Manja Laws, Danielle Bartlett, Barby Singer, Onno Van Der Groen, Moira Sim, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: People living with a neurological condition face many difficulties in daily life, impacting their function and quality of life (QoL). There is currently no cure to many neurological conditions, therefore identifying interventions to improve QoL is of high importance. COVID-19 changed society in many ways and understanding the research priorities from the neurological community post pandemic is urgently needed to ensure resources are used efficiently and aligned with the needs and priorities of the community. To better understand the priority areas, it is essential for individuals with lived experience to have input into priority areas for research. Therefore, the …