Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence And Patterns Of Opioid Use In Chronic Pancreatitis, Anna Evans Phillips, Darwin L Conwell, Shuang Li, Jami L Saloman, Phil A Hart, Evan L Fogel, Santhi Swaroop Vege, Dana K Andersen, William E Fisher, Christopher E Forsmark, Stephen Pandol, Walter G Park, Mark D Topazian, Stephen K Van Den Eeden, Jose Serrano, Liang Li, Dhiraj Yadav

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Opioids are used to treat pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about current use patterns. The aim of this study was to characterize the utilization of opioids and associations with clinical characteristics in adult patients with CP.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from participants with definite CP enrolled in a cohort study in the United States (PROspective Evaluation of CP for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies). Data on demographics, pain medication use, healthcare utilization, disability, and pain patterns were systematically collected in case report forms while quality of life was assessed with patient-reported outcome instruments. …

Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Osteoporosis And Fragility Fracture In Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review, Anne Trinh, Ellen Fremion, Shayan Bhathena, Craig F Munns, Prue Morgan, Daniel G Whitney, Bernadette Gillick, Margaret Zacharin, Darcy Fehlings, Amanda J Vincent, Frances Milat

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aim: To systematically review the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, low bone mass, and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture.

Method: A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane Reviews, EMBASE, and EBM database reviews from inception until May 2024. Search terms covered a combination of keywords for CP, fracture, osteoporosis, incidence and prevalence, and risk factors. Participants were adults with CP aged 18 years and older. JBI critical appraisal instruments were used to assess quality and risk of bias.

Results: Seventeen of …

Multidisciplinary Care In Body Contouring: An Integrative Approach To Enhancing Outcomes, Jacob Dinis, Sofia C Perez Otero, Diego M Quirarte, Winston R Owens, Sebastian J Winocour

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Body contouring procedures have become increasingly common to meet the growing demand for aesthetic surgery, particularly in the context of bariatrics. Massive weight loss (MWL) patients are complex and often require extensive management of comorbidities, malnutrition status, physical debilitation, and psychological sequelae. Patient optimization prior to body contouring surgery in addition to strict postoperative maintenance are crucial to achieve favorable and sustainable outcomes. Surgical candidates should be screened thoroughly, and in the MWL patient population specifically, multidisciplinary care is needed for proper evaluation and support. Notable specialists that routinely contribute in MWL and body contouring patient care include plastic surgeons, …

The Small Gtpase Rap1 In Pomc Neurons Regulates Leptin Actions And Glucose Metabolism, Kentaro Kaneko, Weisheng Lu, Yong Xu, Alexei Morozov, Makoto Fukuda

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The hypothalamic leptin-proopiomelanocortin (POMC) pathway is critical for regulating metabolism. POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus respond to leptin and play a pivotal role in mediating energy and glucose balance. However, during diet-induced obesity (DIO), these neurons often develop resistance to exogenous leptin. Recently, the small GTPase Rap1 has been implicated as an inhibitor of neuronal leptin signaling; however, its specific role within POMC neurons remains unexplored. We generated tamoxifen-inducible, POMC neuron-specific Rap1 knockout mice to selectively delete both Rap1a and Rap1b isoforms in POMC neurons. By analyzing these mice through metabolic phenotyping, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical assays, we show that …

Circulating Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Levels As A Biomarker Of Socioecological Adversity In Amazonian Ecuador, Tyler M Barrett, Melissa A Liebert, Geeta N Eick, Julia G Ridgeway-Diaz, Felicia C Madimenos, Aaron D Blackwell, Tara J Cepon-Robins, Samuel S Urlacher, Lawrence S Sugiyama, J Josh Snodgrass

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Circulating Epstein-Barr virus antibodies (EBV-Ab) are used as a biomarker of chronic stress in high-income settings, but their relevance in environments with a high burden of infectious disease, nutritional constraints, and limited resources is less clear. We investigated EBV-Ab as a biomarker of adversity in a setting where local ecology and economy may affect immune development differently than in wealthy countries.

Methods: We measured EBV-Ab in finger-prick dried blood spots collected from Indigenous Shuar (n = 433) and non-Indigenous Colonos (n = 84) ranging from < 1 to 87 years old in Amazonian Ecuador. For a subset of adults (≥ 15 years, n = 210), we collected socioeconomic information (income, education, and occupation) and assessed household-level market integration. We determined the most important predictors of EBV-Ab for adults and children using multi-model averaging of linear regression models.

Results: Male children (< 15 years) had lower EBV-Ab than female children (model averaged β [SE]: -0.238 [0.066]). For adults, Shuar had higher EBV-Ab than Colonos (model averaged β [SE]: 0.235 [0.113]), and high systolic blood pressure was an important predictor of elevated EBV-Ab (model averaged β [SE]: 0.088 [0.047]). Individuals who reported unpaid domestic work as their primary occupation had higher EBV-Ab than agricultural workers (model averaged β [SE]: 0.302 [0.113]). Individuals living in houses with more market-sourced infrastructure had lower EBV-Ab (model averaged β [SE]: -0.088 [0.068]).

Conclusions: Circulating EBV-Ab may capture context-specific aspects of socioecological adversity …

Excess Weight Is Associated With Neurological And Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Post-Covid-19 Condition: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Débora Barbosa Ronca, Larissa Otaviano Mesquita, Dryelle Oliveira, Ana Cláudia Morais Godoy Figueiredo, Jun Wen, Manshu Song, Kênia Mara Baiocchi De Carvalho

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/purpose Excess weight has been identified as a potential risk factor for post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether excess weight is associated with the development or experience of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms in PCC. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, VHL, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and medRxiv) for studies published up to July 2023. Studies were included if they assessed PCC symptoms in relation to nutritional status, specifically the development of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms more than 12 weeks post-infection. The analysis compared exposure and controls …

Pembrolizumab-Associated Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A Case Report And Literature Review, Mark Tawfik, Elie Bou Sanayeh, Stephanie Chain, Ahmed Elfiky, Stephen Mulrooney

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment. They pose challenges, particularly in the form of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although cases of gastrointestinal irAEs have been well-documented, acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) characterized by a circumferential blackening and fragility of the esophagus, weeks after immunotherapy discontinuation, has not been reported.

Case Presentation

A 75-year-old diabetic male who was recently diagnosed with high-grade papillary urothelial cancer with liver and retroperitoneal metastases and had undergone radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion, presented to the hospital for sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection. While in the hospital, he experienced hematemesis, …

Nutrition Provision In Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Evidence, Challenges, And Clinical Considerations, Marwa Mansour, Nicole Knebusch, Andrea Ontaneda, Stephanie Vazquez, Jennifer Daughtry, Katri Typpo, Jorge A Coss-Bu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/objectives: Nutritional support is a critical yet challenging aspect of care for pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Malnutrition is prevalent in this population and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. This review synthesizes current evidence on nutritional strategies for pediatric ECMO patients, emphasizing assessment methods, feeding routes, challenges, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published between January 2010 and 2025. Keywords included "pediatric ECMO", "nutrition", "enteral feeding", and "parenteral nutrition". Studies addressing nutritional assessment, enteral and parenteral feeding practices, and their impact on clinical …

Green Prescription: Analyzing And Encouraging Plant-Based Eating For Student Physicians In A Four Week Seminar, Deena Sukhon, Kaithlyn Duong, Corinne Bowditch, Tai Metzger, Jessica Eibling, Amy Lin, Cindy Tran, Jackie Kraft, Maya Jaradi, Vicky Lu, Sophie Fisher, Jacob Keeley, Fanny Huang, Virginia Uhley

Posters

No abstract provided.

Determining The Bioaccumulation Of Minor Cannabinoids In Zebrafish Larvae, Kamdyn A. Holt

Honors Theses

Due to the increasing prevalence of cannabis product availability and usage in the modern United States, particularly among pregnant individuals, evaluating the bioaccumulation of minor cannabinoids to further understand the adverse effects of cannabinoids during early development is critical. This study quantitated the uptake of eight minor cannabinoids ((∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC), ∆9-THC, ∆10-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)) in zebrafish larvae following water-borne 2 µM exposures from 6 to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Larvae were homogenized at 96 hpf and analyzed using a gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method developed in this study. Bioconcentration …

Heredity, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Heredity is the sum of biological processes that result in the transmission of genetic traits from parents to their offspring, making each individual unique. Through the transmission of genetic traits, heredity is responsible for each individual’s genotype, as well as his or her phenotype. The genes that are passed down from generation to generation have a considerable influence on psychological characteristics including intelligence, personality, mental health, and patterns of behavior. However, when considering psychological characteristics passed down through heredity, it is vital that environmental aspects are also considered.

Distinct Adipose Progenitor Cells Emerging With Age Drive Active Adipogenesis, Guan Wang, Gaoyan Li, Anying Song, Yutian Zhao, Jiayu Yu, Yifan Wang, Wenting Dai, Martha Salas, Hanjun Qin, Leonard Medrano, Joan Dow, Aimin Li, Brian Armstrong, Patrick T Fueger, Hua Yu, Yi Zhu, Mengle Shao, Xiwei Wu, Lei Jiang, Judith Campisi, Xia Yang, Qiong A Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Starting at middle age, adults often suffer from visceral adiposity and associated adverse metabolic disorders. Lineage tracing in mice revealed that adipose progenitor cells (APCs) in visceral fat undergo extensive adipogenesis during middle age. Thus, despite the low turnover rate of adipocytes in young adults, adipogenesis is unlocked during middle age. Transplantations quantitatively showed that APCs in middle-aged mice exhibited high adipogenic capacity cell-autonomously. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified a distinct APC population, the committed preadipocyte, age-enriched (CP-A), emerging at this age. CP-As demonstrated elevated proliferation and adipogenesis activity. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations indicated that leukemia inhibitory factor receptor signaling was …

The Combined Effect Of High-Intensity Interval Training And Time-Restricted Feeding On The Akt-Igf-1-Mtor Signaling Pathway In The Muscle Tissue Of Type 2 Diabetic Rats, Motahareh Mohebinejad, Fatemeh Kazeminasab, Mahtab Ghanbari Rad, Reza Bagheri, Mazdak Razi, Darryn Willoughby, Fred Dutheil

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) have shown potential in enhancing glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, and promoting muscle health. This study investigates the combined effects of HIIT and TRF on the AKT-IGF-1-mTOR signaling pathway in the muscle tissue of type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats.

Methods: 42 male Wistar rats (4-5 weeks of age) were included in the study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: 1. Standard diet (SD) non-diabetic (n = 7) and 2. High-fat diet (HFD n = 35) for 4 weeks. T2D was induced by intraperitoneal injection (IP) of streptozotocin (STZ) …

Liposomes As Imaging Agents Of Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Bone Implants, Delia Danila, Patricia S Pardo, R Devesh Kumar Misra, Aladin M Boriek

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Liposomes are tiny, spherical vesicles made from cholesterol and natural phospholipids that are promising imaging agents for detecting medical complications. They can carry fluorescent markers or other imaging agents, making them effective for medical imaging. Furthermore, liposomes can target specific cells involved in inflammation, such as macrophages, and accumulate at inflammation sites when injected. Additionally, liposomes can be designed to respond to oxidative stress, which is often associated with bone implant complications. By detecting areas of stress, liposomes provide valuable information about implant health. However, challenges such as rapid clearance from the body, precise targeting, immune reactions, and high production …

Enriched Pathways In Gut Microbiome Predict Response To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment Across Demographic Regions And Various Cancer Types, Xunhui Cai, Jennifer Y Cho, Lijun Chen, Yufeng Liu, Fenghu Ji, Katia Salgado, Siyi Ge, Dehua Yang, Hui Yu, Jianbo Shao, P Andrew Futreal, Boris Sepesi, Don Gibbons, Yaobing Chen, Guoping Wang, Chao Cheng, Meng Wu, Jianjun Zhang, Ansel Hsiao, Tian Xia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Understanding the effect of gut microbiota function on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responses is urgently needed. Here, we integrated 821 fecal metagenomes from 12 datasets to identify differentially abundant genes and construct random forest models to predict ICI response. Gene markers demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.810. Pathway analyses revealed that quorum sensing (QS), ABC transporters, flagellar assembly, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways were enriched between responders (R) and non-responders (NRs) across 12 datasets. Furthermore,

Comparison Of Total Oxidative State, Total Antioxidative State , Serum Paraoxonase Activity, And Thiol Levels Before And After 6 Months Of Treatment In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Been Recently Started On New Therapy Agents, Emel Başar, Hasan Bayindir, Hati̇ce Ferhan Kömürcü, Ebru Bi̇lge Di̇ri̇k, Ömer Anlar, Özcan Erel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study was to establish the oxidative stress determiners as a total oxidative state (TOS), total antioxidative state (TAS), paraoxonase (PON) activity, oxidative stress index (OSI), and thiol/disulfide levels before and after 6 months of immunomodulator therapy in patients who were diagnosed according to the revised McDonald Criteria.

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients were included in our study who were diagnosed according to the revised McDonald Criteria, approved to participate in the study, and had been treated in the neurology inpatient clinic or presented in the neurology outpatient clinic of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Atatürk Training …

Evaluation Of Clinical Features And Treatment Modality Of Pediatric Patients With Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Single-Center Experience, Funda Ayteki̇n Güveni̇r, Vi̇ldan Seli̇n Çayhan, Selman Kürşat Balci, Ragip Dere, Hati̇ce Irmak Çeli̇k, Serhat Emeksi̇z, Ahmet Selmanoğlu, Zeynep Şengül Emeksi̇z, Emrah Şenel, Emi̇ne Di̇bek Misirlioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening severe cutaneous drug hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric patients diagnosed with SJS, TEN or SJS/TEN overlap and to examine treatment modalities.

Materials and methods: Patients aged 0–18 years who were followed up with SJS, TEN or SJS/TEN overlap at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between August 2019 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Twelve patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Five of the patients had SJS, four had SJS/TEN overlap, and …

The Effects Of Liraglutide On Expressions Of Insulin Secretion And Beta Cell Survive Associated Gpcr Genes In Pancreatic Beta Cells, Meli̇kenur Türkol, Türker Bi̇lgen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Liraglutide as a long-acting glucagon-like peptide drug has anti-hyperglycemic and antiobesity effects. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well- known drug target molecules that conduct critical signaling pathways related with diseases. Research has confirmed the role of many GPCRs genes in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell functions and insulin secretion. Liraglutide dependent expressional changes in GPCR genes may let us determine new drug targets.

Materials and methods: Therefore, we investigated the changes in expression of GPR75, GPR56, GLP1R, M3R, and CB1R genes, which are the GPCR family members, in response to liraglutide treatment in the NIT-1 mouse pancreatic beta …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

A Prospective Study For The Examination Of Peripheral Blood Smear Samples In Pediatric Population Using Artificial Intelligence, Eli̇f Habi̇be Akteki̇n, Mert Burkay Çöteli̇, Ayşe Erbay, Nalan Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Peripheral blood smear (PBS) and bone marrow aspiration are gold standards of manual microscopy diagnostics for blood cell disorders. Nowadays, data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) techniques open new perspectives in digital hematology. This study proposes an AI learning technique for the classification of blood cells over PBS samples while increasing the sensitivity and specificity rates of the experts as a decision support system of a prediagnostic tool.

Materials and methods: The methodology of this study comprises three steps for the creation of an effective learning technique for blood cell disorders. First is the digitization of PBS samples in 100x optical-digital …

Procedural And Patient-Related Factors Play Differential Roles In The Postdural Puncture Headache, Ece Yanik, Doğa Vuralli, Tuğba Tunç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The incidence of postdural puncture headache varies depending on the multifactorial nature of the risk factors. Patient-related and procedure-related risk factors are still controversial. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors for postdural puncture headache, the effect of previous headache features on the development of postdural puncture headache, and the risk factors for the immediate or delayed postdural puncture headache.

Materials and methods: We prospectively analyzed 116 patients who underwent lumbar puncture for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. All clinical and laboratory findings, previous headache history, and the features and information related to the lumbar …

Benzyl Alcohol Improves Ang Ii-Induced Vascular And Renal Injury, Qi Hua, Zhenyu Gu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The etiology of hypertension in pediatric populations is complex and multifactorial, with metabolic abnormalitiesplaying a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the condition. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Benzyl alcohol (BA),identified through metabolomics analysis of pediatric hypertension serum, on Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular and renalinjury in murine models.

Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a vascular remodeling model by continuous 4-week Ang II infusionusing a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Bioinformatics was used to identify target metabolites. The tail artery, common carotid arterydiastolic, and systolic pressures in mice were determined with a blood pressure …

Exploring The Acute Effects Of Sedentary Behaviors On Cardiometabolic Risk In Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Study, Erica G Soltero, Osamah Salim, Yiming Mirabile, Salma M Musaad

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Time spent in sedentary pursuits is associated with adverse metabolic profiles. Adolescents spend 65-75% of their day in sedentary pursuits; however, evidence among youth is less conclusive. This study examined the effects of an acute 4 h bout of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic outcomes and energy expenditure in Hispanic adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity (BMI% ≥ 95th).

Methods: This study used a randomized cross-over design to engage participants (N = 12) in two sedentary conditions, an active condition where youth were engaged in two hours of 'active' sitting activities (e.g., reading and puzzles) and two hours …

Zonal Hepatocellular Responses To Acute Ethanol: Impacts On Mitochondrial Function And Metabolism, Matthew T. Savoca

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) consumption causes hepatocellular mitochondrial depolarization (mtDepo) and mitophagy. Here, the Aims were to develop techniques to characterize sublobular hepatocellular metabolism and the distribution of mtDepo and mitophagy after acute EtOH. Methods: Wildtype and GFP-LC3 transgenic mice were treated with EtOH or vehicle and administered the covalently labeling mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) reporter, MitoTracker Red (MTR), and/or the non-covalent ΔΨ reporter, rhodamine 123 (Rh123), prior to intravital imaging, liver fixation, or hepatocyte isolation. After in vivo MTR, hepatocytes were isolated and sorted. Enrichment in E-cadherin (ECAD) and cytochrome P4502E1 in periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) hepatocytes, respectively, validated …

Effects Of Beetroot Juice Supplementation On Power Output During Resistance Exercise In Resistance-Trained Women, Christopher B. Sottile, Sydney N. Brennan, Trevor J. Molnar, Raymond T. Gerardo, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Michael Egiazarian, Kyle S. Geppert, Abigial F. Ballhagen, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Dietary nitrate supplementation has been reported to enhance explosive-type movements, but our understanding of the ergogenic potential of nitrate in resistance exercise and women is understudied. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained women. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained women were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to consume PL (0.10 mmol nitrate) and BR (6 mmol of nitrate) 2.5 h prior to performing barbell back squats and bench press at 55% one-repetition max (1RM), 60%1RM, and 65%1RM. Power and velocity were measured via …

A Cluster Randomized Trial Of Xylitol Chewing Gum For Prevention Of Preterm Birth: The Ppax Trial, Gregory C Valentine, Kathleen M Antony, Haleh Sangi-Haghpeykar, Alexis C Wood, Rose Chirwa, Saukani Petro, Mary Dumba, Deborah Nanthuru, Cynthia Shope, Jesse Mlotha-Namarika, Jeffrey Wilkinson, Joshua Aagaard, Ellen J Aagaard, Maxim D Seferovic, Judy Levison, Peter Kazembe, Kjersti M Aagaard

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Maternal periodontal disease is associated with preterm and low-birthweight deliveries, but randomized trials of likely efficacious treatments (e.g., dental scaling and root planing) during pregnancy have not reduced these adverse outcomes. As an alternative, we hypothesized that periconception initiation of xylitol chewing gum would reduce the occurrence of preterm or low-birthweight deliveries among a historical high-prevalence population in Malawi.

Methods: We conducted an open-label, parallel-enrollment, matched-pair, cluster-randomized, controlled clinical trial across eight health centers (sites) in and around Lilongwe, Malawi. Sites were paired by anticipated delivery volume and randomized to prenatal and oral health education alone (active control) or …

Lipoprotein(A) And Risk Of Incident Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Impact Of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein And Risk Variability Among Human Clinical Subgroups, Ron C Hoogeveen, Margaret R Diffenderfer, Elise Lim, Ching-Ti Liu, Hiroaki Ikezaki, Weihua Guan, Michael Y Tsai, Christie M Ballantyne

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Heterozygous Hereditary Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type 2a (Vddr2a) In A Patient Presenting With Pseudoarthrosis, Risa Goldberg, Gunjan Umarji, Serge Jabbour

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Faculty Papers

This case report is centered on an atypical presentation of Hereditary Vitamin D-dependent Rickets 2A (VDDR2A), a rare disorder caused by defects in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR). While this disorder is primarily autosomal recessive in inheritance, this case demonstrates that a single heterozygous variant in the VDR gene could be linked to both phenotypic and laboratory manifestations of this condition. To understand the pathogenesis of this condition, one must know the typical roles of vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in maintaining homeostasis in the body. This case report focuses on the underlying pathogenesis of …

Can Endothelin-1 Help Address The Diagnostic And Prognostic Challenges In Multimorbid Acute Heart Failure Patients?, Bianca-Ana Dmour, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Cristina Tuchiluș, Corina Maria Cianga, Daniela Constantinescu, Nicoleta Dima, Ștefania Teodora Duca, Awad Dmour, Alexandru Dan Costache, Maria-Ruxandra Cepoi, Adrian Crișan, Sabina Andreea Leancă, Cătălin Loghin, Ionela-Lăcrămioara Șerban, Irina Iuliana Costache-Enache

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The management of acute heart failure (AHF) is becoming increasingly complex, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictive peptide, is an important mediator of neurohormonal activation, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiac remodeling-key processes involved in the pathogenesis of AHF. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of ET-1 in multimorbid AHF patients, compared to established markers such as amino terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI). We conducted a single-center prospective study including 76 patients; 54 with AHF and 22 serving as controls. Upon admission, all patients …

Geographic Divergence Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus St5-Scc Mec I In The Aftermath Of A Major Earthquake And Tsunami: Impact Of A Plasmid Harboring Heavy Metal Resistance Genes, Jose R W Martínez, Manuel Alcalde-Rico, Estefanía Jara-Videla, Jinnethe Reyes, Lina P Carvajal, Sandra Rincon, Rafael Ríos, Lorena Diaz, Ana Quesille-Villalobos, Roberto Riquelme-Neira, Lina Rivas, Ahmed M Moustafa, Blake Hanson, Eduardo A Undurraga, Jorge Olivares-Pacheco, Patricia García, Rafael Araos, Paul J Planet, César A Arias, Jose M Munita

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health menace. The global spread of MRSA is characterized by successive waves of epidemic clones dominating specific geographical regions. The acquisition of genes encoding resistance to heavy metals (HMRGs) is thought to be a key feature in the geographic divergence of MRSA. However, the cause-effect relationship between the presence of HMRGs and the divergence of MRSA clones remains to be clarified. In this study, we assessed the role that HMRGs may have played in the evolutionary divergence of the MRSA ST5-SCCmecI lineage in Latin America. We conducted a genomic characterization …