Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Classification Of Gck-Mody In A Child With Mild Hyperglycemia And Islet Autoantibody Positivity: A Diagnostic Challenge, Aman N Yarlagadda, Maria J Redondo, Toni I Pollin, Mustafa Tosur, Colleen O Jodarski, Jennifer J Bell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We report a 9-year-old female who presented with mild, persistent hyperglycemia, with hemoglobin A1c and oral glucose tolerance test results in the prediabetes range, relatively preserved C-peptide, and mildly positive glutamate decarboxylase 65 autoantibody levels. A strong family history of lean, noninsulin-dependent diabetes suggested a possible monogenic cause. Genetic testing with a 28-gene maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) panel identified a heterozygous variant of uncertain significance in GCK (NM_000162.5:c.179C>T [p.Thr60Ile]). Following review by the ClinGen Monogenic Diabetes Variant Curation Expert Panel, the GCK variant was reclassified as pathogenic, confirming a diagnosis of glucokinase (GCK)-MODY/GCK-hyperglycemia, a stable …

Choline Counteracts Pregnancy Undernutrition-Associated Colitis In Sheep By Restoring Microbiota Driven Bile Acid Metabolism, Weibin Wu, Peng Jiao, Yamei Gu, Huizhen Lu, Caiyun Fan, Zheng Sun, Lizhuang Hao, Shengyong Mao, Jianbo Cheng, Yanfeng Xue

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High-fertility sheep experience undernutrition during late gestation, which induces body metabolic disruption and intestinal inflammation. Crucially, the gut microbiota-bile acid axis is a promising intestinal inflammation target, but how choline modulates this axis in livestock enteritis is unknown. This study investigated choline's protective mechanisms against undernutrition-induced intestinal inflammation in sheep, focusing on gut microbiota and bile acid regulation. Choline consistently alleviates colitis severity, restores epithelial barrier integrity, and suppresses intestinal inflammation. These protective effects are accompanied by pronounced remodeling of the colonic microbial ecosystem, characterized by the enrichment of Clostridiales bacterium to elevate bile salt hydrolase activity and regulate bile …

Associations Among Pork Intake, Weight-Loss, And Diet Quality Outcomes In A Commercial Weight-Management Program, Ana M Palacios, Grace Anderson, Beate Henschel, Alexandra M Lee, Kelli M Richardson, Chelsie Parker, Stephanie L Dickinson, Jing X Kersey, David B Allison, Gary D Foster, Michelle I Cardel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Pork is a common source of high-quality protein. However, it is typically recommended in moderation due to its saturated fat content, especially as its role in weight management, weight-loss (WL) programs, and overall diet quality is not well understood. This study aimed to identify associations among pork intake, WL, and diet quality among adults with overweight or obesity participating in a weight management program (WMP).

Methods: This secondary analysis used data from a 6-month randomized controlled trial (NCT05648344) evaluating the effectiveness of a WMP on diet quality. Data were collected through online surveys and the Automated Self-Administered …

Malnutrition At The Time Of Surgery Predicts Increased Morbidity After Distal Femur Fracture Fixation: A Propensity-Matched Analysis, Jawad Saad, Amir Ghafarian, Tyler Forbes, Muaaz Wajath, Noor Saad, Khaled Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures (DFF) are serious injuries most often affecting older adults with multiple medical comorbidities. Malnutrition is known to worsen outcomes in elective orthopedic surgery, but its impact in urgent DFF fixation, where optimization time is limited, remains unclear. This study evaluated whether preoperative malnutrition predicts 90-day morbidity after DFF fixation and whether implant choice influences risk among malnourished patients.

Methods: Adults undergoing operative DFF fixation from 2005–2025 were identified using the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. Malnutrition was defined as serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL or leukocyte count ≤1.5×10³/µL within one year preoperatively. After 1:1 propensity matching for …

Circulating Metabolites Associated With Protection Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection And Inhibition Of Mycobacterial Growth, Todia P Setiabudiawan, Lika Apriani, Julian Avila-Pacheco, Edwin Ardiansyah, Vinod Kumar, Bachti Alisjahbana, Ayesha J Verrall, Andrew R Dinardo, Agnes R Indrati, Vera P Mourits, L Charlotte J De Bree, Simone J C F M Moorlag, Clary B Clish, Leo A B Joosten, Arjan Van Laarhoven, Krista E Van Meijgaarden, Mihai G Netea, Simone A Joosten, Valerie A C M Koeken, Philip C Hill, Reinout Van Crevel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

A significant proportion of individuals who are heavily exposed to infectious tuberculosis patients do not acquire Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, as detected by an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). We examined circulating metabolite profiles and metabolic genotypes in 199 heavily exposed IGRA-negative tuberculosis household contacts in Indonesia. Based on differentially abundant metabolites, activity of several pathways including arachidonic acid, arginine and proline, glutathione, and tryptophan metabolism, correlated with a negative IGRA at three months. SNPs near PRODH (involved in arginine and proline metabolism) were associated with circulating proline concentrations and persistently negative IGRA results, while SNPstudys near AFMID (involved in …

Titanium Dioxide: An Inquiry Into The Mechanisms And Implications Of Exposure In Gut Dysbiosis And Metabolic Disorders, Meghan Gardiner

Senior Honors Theses

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most prevalent food additives utilized in commercial products in the United States. While TiO₂ was originally hailed as a nontoxic and cost-effective additive, studies are beginning to reveal that TiO₂ is not as safe as it once seemed. TiO₂ may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders through direct and indirect mechanisms. The compound induces gut dysbiosis, leading to alterations in bacterial metabolites and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which results in the selective resistance of glucocorticoid receptors. Additionally, TiO₂ itself can translocate from the gut to …

Early Chemical Markers Of Spoilage In Thermally Processed Tomato Paste: A Rapid Approach For Shelf-Stable Foods, Hussein Ali Shaghati, Rawia Mahmood Yousif

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

This study aims to reduce the incubation period (commercial sterility test) of tomato paste cans before the bacteriological inspection in quality control laboratories. 62 cans of tomato paste were incubated under temperatures (mesophilic 25,37°C and thermophilic 55°C) to accelerate potential spoilage. Chemical indicators(pH, titratable acidity, and lactic acid) and microbial indicators (Total plate count and yeast/molds) were monitored daily to identify the earliest reliable spoilage signals. Incubation at elevated temperatures accelerated acid buildup. D+L lactic acid levels measured using a rapid enzyme assay increased with titratable acidity, while pH decreased. Meanwhile, total platelet counts remained at very low levels, while …

Elucidating The Potential Impact Of Solute Carrier Family2 (Glut4) In Newly Diagnosed Dm-2 Patients, Marwa Ghanim Hashim, Zahra'a Abdul Al-Aziz Yousif, Farah A. Al-Waeely, Raya Khalel Ibrahem

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic condition marked by hyperglycemia due to irregularities in insulin production or activity, leading to poor carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Dysfunctional glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) activity, characterized by insufficient expression or poor redistribution to the cell membrane, is a critical element in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This defect limits cellular glucose uptake, leading to energy deficits and elevated blood glucose levels. Objective: What is the clinical diagnostic potential of serum GLUT4 levels in newly identified type 2 diabetic people, and how do these levels correspond with established metabolic parameters? Materials …

Effect Of Different Methods Of Smoking On Serum Level Of Vitamin D Among University Students In Baghdad, Sabiha Aljubory, Usama Salman Altimari

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Vitamin D has different biological actions in the body. Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects in multiple organ systems. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have an inverse relationship with tobacco smoking. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of Vitamin D level and its correlates with tobacco smoking among University student male and female. Volunteer was conducted on a sample of university student, both males and females Iraq, during the period from January to December 2020. A pretested questionnaire was used for data collection adopted from previous standard national surveys and studies, and the questionnaire included …

Beyond Stabilization: Biological Healing, Structural Exclusion, And The Recovery Gap After Border-Fall Trauma At The U.S.-Mexico Border, Julia Robinson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines the biochemical, ethical, and public health consequences of insufficient post-operative follow-up care for undocumented immigrants injured in border falls. Discussing pathways of inflammation resolution, wound healing, and bone remodeling, this thesis argues that recovery depends on tightly regulated molecular and cellular processes that are highly vulnerable to disruption without continued monitoring and rehabilitation (Loi et al., 2016; Maruyama et al., 2020). When follow-up care is absent, these processes can be predicted to derail, leading to infection, impaired healing, and permanent disability (Chung & Sohn, 2025; Howard et al., 2020; Kruidenier et al., 2018). Framed through principles …

Empowering Women: Understanding Neurological Changes In The Aging Brain, Joy Mckenzie

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Women tend to have more neurological changes than men as they age starting in their mid-30s (Mosconi, 2024). While aging is a natural process, the neurological changes can impact a woman’s personal and professional quality of life (Faubion et al., 2023; Gravini, 2023). For years, women’s neurological symptoms have been ignored by being told that their experiences are normal and just a part of life (Haver, 2025). That narrative is starting to shift with the increased awareness of changes specific to women. There are resources to assess cognitive changes such as memory, processing speed, and word finding and strategies to …

Association Of Polygenic Risk Scores With Aortic Valve Calcium: The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis, Seamus P Whelton, Jie Yao, Clary Clish, Alexis C Wood, Kent D Taylor, Michael J Blaha, Matthew Budoff, Natalie Marrero, George Thanassoulis, Wendy S Post, Xiuqing Guo, Jerome I Rotter

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is the primary process leading to aortic stenosis. We examined whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) are associated with AVC beyond traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Methods: We included 6812 participants in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) with computed tomography-measured AVC at Visit 1. Using previously published PRS we calculated weighted PRS, standardized within each ancestry group. The cross-sectional association per 1 SD higher PRS with AVC >0 was examined using multivariable logistic regression modeling with Bonferroni correction. The mean age was 62 years old, 53% were female, and 913 (13.4%) had AVC >0 at …

Discharge Rates From Pediatric Emergency Departments Against Medical Advice Can Be Reduced By Improving Service Quality, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Prevalence And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns Of Nosocomial Bacteria Across Different Units At King Faisal Complex Hospital, Taif, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Nahed Hawsawi, Renad N. Al-Jaiud, Layal L. Khyyat, Kholoud Alsulimany, Manhal Shabat

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Nosocomial infections significantly impact patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. To determine the prevalence, bacteriological profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and resistance distribution of pathogens causing nosocomial infections at King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and March 2024 at different hospital units following ethical approval. Samples (n = 667) were collected from patients (both genders; all ages) exhibiting infection symptoms ≥ 48 h post-admission and pre-antibiotic administration. Bacterial identification involved culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Phoenix100 system. Results: Of 667 patients, …

A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Uterine Cancer Epidemiological Analysis And Age-Based Disparities In Saudi Arabian Population Across 32 Years, Sallwa M. Alshehre, Mohammad A. Althubiti

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the burden of uterine tumour in Saudi Arabia during the past 32 years (1990–2021), with an emphasize on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Knowing these patterns strengthen the national aims of cancer control under Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Vision 2030. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using data retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The work included population from Saudi Arabia between 1990 and 2021 and tested standardization age-specific metrics, involving uterine tumour incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Results: Uterine tumour cases raised from 507 in 1990 to 6,366 …

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C In Patients Hospitalized In Palliative Care Service, Meryem Betos Koçak, Burcu Güler

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data on the seroprevalence and prognostic impact of these infections in palliative populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit and to assess their association with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study conducted on 545 adult patients a tertiary palliative care unit between 2018 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nutritional support, mobility, …

Artificial Intelligence In Dialysis Therapies: Applications In Hemodialysis And Peritoneal Dialysis For Managing Infectious Diseases And Complications, Waleed H. Mahallawi

Saudi Medical Journal

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from a systematic literature search (2019–2025) on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for managing infections and complications. Dialysis patients face infection rates 100-fold higher than the general population and sepsis mortality exceeding 35%. The AI, utilizing machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, deep neural networks, and explainable AI tools, revolutionizes care through precise diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Key models demonstrate high accuracy in predicting bloodstream infections (area under the curve [AUC] 0.914), classifying peritonitis (F1 0.93), detecting SARS-CoV-2 (AUROC 0.82), and forecasting mortality (AUC 0.979). Therapeutically, AI guides antibiotic stewardship, reducing …

Contribution Of Interleukin-6 (Il-6) To Body Defense And Healing In Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Hasrah Junaidi, Annis C. Adi, Soedarsono Soedarsono, Soetjipto Soetjipto, Chatarina U. Wahyuni, Fariani Syahrul, Mahmudah Mahmudah, Zakiyuddin Zakiyuddin, Iskandar Arfan, Abdullah A. Mamun, Rubia Sari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Pulmonary tuberculosis continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with disease outcomes determined by complex host–pathogen interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, has been implicated in immune regulation and tissue recovery during TB, but its specific role is not fully established. This review aimed to examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary TB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Medline following PRISMA guidelines, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. …

Stimulant Medications And Bone Health, Christine M Swanson, Julie H Wolfe, Chadi A Calarge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the potential impact of stimulant medications on bone health, to raise awareness and optimize their safe use.

Recent findings: Stimulant medications can impair bone health through inadequate nutrient/calorie intake and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates bone metabolism. However, their use decreases fracture risk in younger populations ([Formula: see text]25 years old) with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), likely through reductions in impulsivity and injury. Special care may be needed when fractures occur while using these medications, as recent data suggest psychostimulants are associated with impaired fracture healing. Prescription and non-prescription use of …

Implementation And Effectiveness Of An Enhanced Recovery Protocol For Children Undergoing Surgery: The Enrich-Us Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomized Trial, Mehul V Raval, Yao Tian, Willemijn Schäfer, Salva N Balbale, Mallory N Perez, Martha-Conley E Ingram, Alison Lehane, Charesa J Smith, Gwyneth A Sullivan, Audra J Reiter, Andrew Hu, Johanna M Borst, Sarah C Blake, Sharron Close, Teaniese L Davis, Bonnie S Essner, Kurt F Heiss, Lynn W Huang, Erin Wymore, Deysi Paniagua-Perez, Kirsty M Engelhardt, Peter M Graffy, Julie K Johnson, Craig W Lillehei, Brian W Gray, Seth D Goldstein, Scott S Short, Samir R Pandya, Janice A Taylor, Christopher Gayer, Adam B Goldin, Matthew M Boelig, Kristy L Rialon, Tim Jancelewicz, Aaron M Lipskar, Mubeen Jafri, Elisabeth T Tracy, Matthew T Harting, Jason P Sulkowski, P Benson Ham, Kaveh Vali, Robert A Cina, David T Schindel, Saleem Islam, Erin A Teeple, Sohail R Shah, Ankush Gosain, David H Rothstein, Megan A Brockel, Jillian Chown, Jane L Holl

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Despite evidence that enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) improve outcomes in adults undergoing surgery, adoption for pediatric populations has lagged.

Objective: To assess the implementation and clinical effectiveness of a consensus-based ERP for pediatric patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.

Design, setting, and participants: A prospective type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized by entry date into implementation phase, trial of pediatrics patients, 10 to 18 years of age, undergoing elective GI surgery at 18 US sites from September 2019 to June 2024.

Interventions: Sites were randomized into 3 groups, each spending at least 9 months in a control phase, with …

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations In Georgia And Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks, Khloe R. Osborne

Honors Theses

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks

One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern …

Impaired Mitochondrial Magnesium Transport Induces Genome-Wide Transcriptional Changes In Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammatory Signaling, And Detoxification Pathways During High-Fat Diet Feeding, Abhishek Shastry, Thiruvelselvan Ponnusamy, Asha Parveen Sakkarai Mohamed, Marianne Assogba, Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy, Shanmughapriya Santhanam

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Calcium overload during fatty diet consumption induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. Intramitochondrial magnesium inhibits calcium uptake into mitochondria; therefore, modulating the activity of the mitochondrial magnesium transporter Mrs2 may regulate calcium-induced hepatocellular stress. As previous work demonstrates that liver-specific Mrs2 inhibition increases hepatic lipid deposition, RNA-sequencing was performed to identify potential transcriptional mechanisms for hepatocellular stress.

Mrs2 knockout (Mrs2^KO) mice were generated by crossing male Mrs2^fl/fl mice with liver-specific-Cre transgenic mice. Eight-week-old wild-type (Mrs2^WT) and Mrs2^KO mice were placed on chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 months (n=3/group). Whole liver was collected …

Applying User-Centered Design To Develop A Culturally Sensitive, Low-Calorie Meal Plan For Enhancing Dietary Behavioral Control In Masld, Maya Balakrishnan, Paola Martinez, Brett Deng, Ivonne Arguelles, Crystal Arguelles, Terri L Fletcher, Natalia I Heredia, Myriam Ibarra, Anna Christine Rome

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Dietary changes are essential for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet patients often face barriers related to knowledge, skills, cost, time, and cultural fit.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to report a process for culturally tailoring a dietary intervention and its application to create a calorie-restricted meal plan for Mexican and Central American patients with MASLD. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and user-centered design, we produced a culturally tailored seven-day structured meal plan aligned with dietary guidelines for MASLD and weight loss.

Methods: We conducted a three-phase, mixed-methods process among Mexican/Central American patients …

Sex Differences In Insulin Resistance And Triglyceride/Hdl-Cholesterol Ratio In Human Subjects, Jiyoon Jung, Lakshman Segar, Christine Whitehair, James Bailey, Ashley Coleman, George Scott

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in dyslipidemia and the associated cardiovascular disease risk. To date, it remains unclear as to how IR alters plasma lipid profile in males versus females. The present study is an initial step to determine sex-specific differences in IR and plasma lipid profile using 40 μL of capillary blood. Methods: 19 adults aged 30-64 were recruited from Rowan Medicine-Sewell clinics, with 13 participants (9 males, 4 females) consenting to the study. After collecting 40 μL of capillary blood via finger prick, the samples were analyzed for glucose, triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) using …

A Smoking-Related Plasma Protein Score And Smoking-Related Cancer Risk And Mortality In The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study, Meng Ru, Christopher Douville, Aghiles Guenoun, Hana Zahed, Christie M Ballantyne, Kenneth R Butler, Josef Coresh, David J Couper, Panagis Galiatsatos, Marc J Gunter, Ron C Hoogeveen, Mattias Johansson, Corinne E Joshu, P Martijn Kolijn, Christina M Lill, Jiayun Lu, Michael T Marrone, Giovanna Masala, David C Muller, Anna E Prizment, Raul Zamora-Ros, Nilanjan Chatterjee, Adrienne Tin, Elizabeth A Platz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Self-reported smoking may not fully capture individualized risk of smoking-related cancer, but circulating proteins may reflect biological consequences of smoking. Thus, we developed a score based on smoking-related proteins and evaluated its association with smoking-related cancer.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 10 563 participants aged 47-70 years in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Plasma proteins were measured using the SomaScan Platform (SomaLogic Operating Co, Inc). The score was constructed from proteins associated with current smoking, pack-years, or recent quitting identified by linear regression and elastic net regression. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and …

Plasma Proteins Associated With Psychosocial Factors And Heart Disease: The Jackson Heart Study, Sara N O'Brien, Madeline G Gillman, Michael D Green, Daniel E Cruz, James S Floyd, Susan Hankinson, Daniel H Katz, Xiaojuan Liu, Michelle C Odden, Bruce M Psaty, Alexander P Reiner, Jerome I Rotter, Stephen S Rich, Robert E Gerszten, Amil Shah, Mario Sims, Usman A Tahir, Lesley F Tinker, Alexis C Wood, Bing Yu, Anthony S Zannas, Laura M Raffield, Láshauntá M Glover

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Knowledge of proteomic mechanisms explaining the link between psychosocial stress and cardiovascular disease is limited. This study aimed to (1) identify plasma proteins associated with psychosocial factors and (2) assess associational pathways between psychosocial factors, identified proteins, and incident cardiovascular disease events in a discovery cohort, JHS (Jackson Heart Study), and 2 replication cohorts, the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), and the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Methods: JHS participants from exam 1 (2000-2004) with SomaScan 1.3k platform proteomics data were included (n=2143, mean age=55.3). Depressive symptoms and perceived stress scores were measured via the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies …

Seroprevalence Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among Asymptomatic Patients Served By A Safety-Net Healthcare System, Aaron P Thrift, Peyman Dinarvand, Luis Juarez, Jourdan Brown, Daniel Avila, Jennifer Mistica Zafiro Garcia-Villanueva, Lisa C Danek, Hammad Mahmood, Thomas Porter, Ann Gotschall, Noreen F Pirzada, Jaime J Rueda, Lee B Lu, Afroze Ali, Ijeoma Anyakorah, Sanjana J Bhattarai, Anees Fatima, Jessica Garcia, Hung V Nguyen, Bharat Joshi, Malvika Juneja, Misba S Lateef, Najda Mujtaba, Preethi V Nambi, Jay S Orr, Huma Rahman, Stephanie Nguyen, Amna Waqar, Yanyan Chen, David Y Graham, Hashem B El-Serag, Mimi C Tan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background & aims: Helicobacter pylori screening and eradication is a cost-effective strategy for primary gastric cancer prevention in high-risk populations outside the United States. There is a paucity of population-based H pylori seroprevalence data available in high-risk U.S. groups, particularly data for low-income, uninsured patient populations.

Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study of a largely underserved, immigrant, and minority patient population. Inclusion criteria included asymptomatic individuals 30-65 years of age without prior H pylori testing or treatment. Consented patients completed a study survey and a blood draw to screen for H pylori using IgG serology. We calculated seroprevalence …

Fructose: Metabolic Signal And Modern Hazard, Richard J Johnson, Miguel A Lanaspa, Dean R Tolan, Marcus D Goncalves, Samir Softic, Kimber L Stanhope, Laura G Sánchez-Lozada, Mark A Herman, Joshua D Rabinowitz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

There is much interest in the role of sweeteners such as table sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup in obesity and metabolic disease. Both sweeteners consist of glucose and fructose, two six-carbon isomeric sugars. Whereas glucose ingestion may promote obesity through its effects to stimulate insulin secretion, fructose has unique metabolic effects that promote triglyceride synthesis and fat accumulation. These effects arise from fructose's well-known role as a signal of metabolic plenty. Under modern conditions of overnutrition, chronic excess fructose drives features of metabolic syndrome. Emerging evidence further links fructose to cancer and dementia. Here we review the biochemical, molecular …