Digital Commons Network^™

Thanks For The Signal-Now What? Program Director Perspectives On How Preference Signals Are Shaping General Surgery Residency Recruitment, John M Woodward, Connie Y Gan, Darci C Foote, Tasha Posid, Nicole M Santucci, Noosha D Deravi, Caitlin Silvestri, Kirstyn E Brownson, Erika Simmerman Mabes, Rondi Gelbard, Milanie Milan, Nina Zhao, Dylan R Nieman, Martha Godfrey, Benjamin D Ferguson, Joseph C L'Huillier, Colleen Mcdermott, Prajjwol Luitel, Olabisi Sheppard, Jennifer H Chen, Emma G Burke, Jenny M Guido, Ladonna Kearse, Jonathan Davies, Trenton Foster, Sarah Lund

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: We aimed to explore general surgery program director (PD) experiences with and perspectives on preference signaling in a 15-signal system.

Design: We performed qualitative analysis of de-identified transcripts from semi-structured interviews of general surgery PDs.

Setting: General surgery PDs across the United States.

Participants: All general surgery PDs in the spring of 2025 were invited to participate. Fifteen PDs volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews (73% university-based, 53% programs with < 8 residents/class).

Results: PDs highlighted that signals saved time when utilized as a screening tool, which gave PDs more time for holistic review of applications. PDs also felt signaling increased equity …

Online Decoding Of Rat Self-Paced Locomotion Speed From Eeg Using Recurrent Neural Networks, Alejandro De Miguel, Nelson Totah, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Objective. Accurate and reliable neural decoding of locomotion holds promise for advancing clinical applications such as rehabilitation and prosthetic control, as well as for understanding neural correlates of action. Recent studies have demonstrated successful decoding of locomotion kinematics across species in motorized treadmill settings. However, efforts to decode locomotion speed directly and continuously in more natural contexts—where pace is self-selected rather than externally imposed—are scarce, and those that exist generally achieve only modest accuracy and require intracranial implants. Here, we aim to decode self-paced locomotion speed non-invasively and continuously using cortex-wide electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from rats. Approach. We introduce an …

Association Between Author Specialty And Reported Outcomes In Non-Randomized Comparisons Of Prostatectomy Versus Radiation, Zakaria El Kouzi, Mohammed A Mohammed, Michael Kevin Rooney, Ramez Kouzy, Jie Jane Chen, Shalin Shah, Tarek Al Bitar, Sherif M Gadoue, Comron Hassanzadeh, Steven Frank, Phuoc Tho Tran, Chad Tang, Seungtaek Choi, Ryan Jin-Hyung Park, Karen Hoffman, Sean Eric Mcguire, Henry Mok, Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, Adam B Samman, Zain Rahman, Mohamed Shelan, Toufic Eid, Osama Mohamad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: While the ProtecT randomized trial demonstrated comparable oncologic outcomes between radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer, several retrospective studies have reported mixed findings. In this study, we investigated whether non-randomized studies tend to favor RP or RT and assessed whether the specialty of leading authors-urologists or radiation oncologists-correlates with study conclusions.

Methods: We identified non-randomized clinical studies published between 1993 and 2024 that compared RP and RT for localized prostate cancer and reported oncologic outcomes including biochemical, metastasis, and/or survival outcomes. Author specialty was determined based on whether the first and senior authors were …

Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai, Emirates Health Services 1st Research Week 2025: Research Abstracts Of Clinical And Scientific Advances, Suad Hannawi, Linda Saf Eldin, Alaa Abuquta, Yusra Abdulrahman, Maryam Yaslam, Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari, Maimouneh Qazi, Noor Majed Al Mheiri, Ahmed Alamadi, Alia Aljasmi, Sondos Al Salmi, Maria Al-Salmi, Moza Aljamri, Ahmed Ibrahim Abdulrahman, Sharifa Alamadi, Haifa Hannawi

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

The Outcome Of Thrombectomy Can Be Improved By Shortening The Door-To-Needle And The Onset-To-Door Time, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Provider-Reported Readiness Of Chronic Healthcare Services In Saudi Arabia Under The Health Sector Transformation Program, Aseel Aldhwaihi, Saad Alghanim

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess provider-reported readiness of chronic healthcare services in Saudi Arabia within the context of the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), using a validated, context-specific assessment instrument. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 among 254 healthcare providers across 5 health regions and both public and private healthcare sectors. A 34-item instrument, informed by the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and adapted to the Saudi context, assessed 7 system readiness dimensions. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. Results: Overall system readiness was moderately positive. Health system …

Seasonal Variation Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Among Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Single-Center Tertiary Experience, Nour Gazzaz, Fajr A Saeedi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) seasonal variations among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been widely studied; however, findings remain inconsistent. Although several studies reported a higher incidence during colder months, others showed no consistent patterns. This study investigated whether DKA frequency and severity vary across seasons, particularly in humid cities. Methods: This retrospective cohort analyzed children and adolescents with T1DM admitted to a tertiary hospital with DKA (2015–2025). Data included demographics, seasonal admission trends, clinical severity, and outcomes. Statistical analyses involved the Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: A total of 369 DKA cases …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Diabetic Nephropathy: A Comparative Study, Sara Ghadeer Alghadeer, Sama Sami Kanfar, Zakiah Dheya Algallaf, Fatimah Mudhar Alfardan, Rana Alshammrany, Maha Farhat, Cyril Cyrus

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) on renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compared their efficacy to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) in managing diabetic nephropathy. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Fahad University Hospital, including 115 adults (≥ 18 years) with T2DM and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m², treated with GLP-1RAs or SGLT-2i for over 1 year. Patients on renal replacement therapy, nephrotoxic drugs, or with incomplete records were excluded. Data were analyzed with Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program; the significant value …

Investigating Medical Radiation Awareness Of Saudi Arabian Cardiologists In Catheterization Labs: A Survey Study, Abdulmajeed Alotaibi, Raseel Alsallum, Reemas Alotaibi, Ali M. Aldhebaib, Noha Althubaity, Oinam Gokulchandra Singh, Zyad M. Almutlaq, Abdulaziz M. Albaraikan, Winnie Philip, Abrar M. Al-Mutairi, Mostafa Alqarras, Basma Alrowailli, Abdulrahman Alkhulaifi, Dhaifallah Ziyad Alanazi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of interventional cardiologists in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding occupational radiation safety. Occupational radiation exposure poses significant long-term health risks for interventional cardiologists. Understanding current safety knowledge and practices is essential for guiding improvement strategies. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was administered across several cardiac centers in KSA. The survey evaluated radiation safety awareness, use of dosimetry monitoring, and adherence to protective measures among practicing interventional cardiologists. Results: The study identified notable gaps in radiation safety knowledge and considerable inconsistencies in dosimetry monitoring. Despite these shortcomings, participants demonstrated high compliance …

Awareness Of The Mediterranean Diet And Its Perceived Effect On Cardiovascular Health In The Western Region, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah M. Alharbi, Mohammed S. Alsaedi, Mutaz S. Alharbi, Faisal F. Almutairi, Adeeb M. Aloufi, Azzam M. Alharbi, Rakan D. Alsaedi, Hatim F. Alhejaili, Motasem M. Alyamani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To increase awareness of mediterranean diet (MD) and its perceived effects on cardiovascular health, enhance knowledge and inform public health efforts aimed at improving the population's health outcomes of. The MD comprises heart-healthy eating patterns high in vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruits. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult participants who were living in the Western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected online through social media platforms, then cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21 to generate key insights. Results: A total of 390 participants were included …

Early Initiation And Dual Patterns Of Cigarette And E-Cigarette Use Among Adults In The Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Haidar A. Alridha, Nora A. Alafif

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore the early initiation of cigarette and e-cigarette use and the dual patterns of usage among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 among adults living in the Eastern Province. An online self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, age of initiation, dual-use patterns, and quit attempts. Convenience sampling was applied, and a total of 551 participants were included. Descriptive statistics summarized distributions of smoking behavior and initiation age. Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between smoking status, age of initiation, …

Multidimensional Predictors Of Disease Severity And Health Outcomes In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Data-Driven Clinical Insight, Hind A. Alzahrani, Ruba Omar Mohammed Almaghrabi, Raed Alharbi, Abdulaziz Saleh Alghamdi, Mohammad A. Albanghali, Hanan E. Alyahyawi, Abdulmohsen M. Alruwetei, Besma Garah, Mohammed Alzahrani, Samar Hassan Hjar, Sana Shaker

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the clinical, hematologic, and therapeutic characteristics of hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Al-Baha region and to identify factors that predict hospitalization as well as transfusion frequency. Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 117 adults with confirmed SCD who were admitted to King Fahad Hospital-Al-Baha during 2022–2024. Demographic information, hematologic parameters, clinical features, hospitalization rate, transfusion history, and treatment protocols were collected from the electronic medical records. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact Test) were performed to compare between groups where applicable. Results: The cohort had a mean …

Prevalence And Clinical Correlates Of Intraspinal And Vertebral Anomalies In Congenital, Adolescent Idiopathic, And New-Onset Scoliosis: A Comparative Study In Saudi Arabia, Faisal M Alkhunein, Mishari N Alanezi, Nwaf A Alshahir, Abdulkarim S Alsulimi, Abdulrahman H Salman, Habib Ullah Chaudhary, Abdulmajeed A Alzakri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To explore the prevalence of and clinical associations between intraspinal and vertebral abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and early-onset scoliosis in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort investigation included patients aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with CS, AIS, or new-onset idiopathic scoliosis who underwent full-spine magnetic resonance imaging between 2015 and 2025 at a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and intraspinal and vertebral anomalies were classified. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A …

Dietary Fat Intake And Its Influence On The Association Between Liver Fat And Brain Choline Metabolism In Young Saudi Women, Halima S. Hawesa, Mansour E. Shanawani, Haya A. Alshegri, Mahasin G. Hassan, Amal I. Alorainy, Nouf A. Alroqaiba, Shanoo G. A. Sheikh

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Fat-rich nutrition may influence the neurochemical consequences of hepatic lipid accumulation. This study examined whether percent energy from fat modifies the association between liver fat and the brain (Cho/Cr) ratio in healthy young women. Methods: A total of 109 healthy Saudi women aged 18–25 years underwent brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) to quantify Cho/Cr ratios. Liver fat was estimated using MRI-based proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and lipid intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable regression models tested the interaction between liver fat and fat-derived energy intake, followed by simple slopes analysis, regression …

Urinary Incontinence's Prevalence, Risk Factors, And Quality Of Life Impact On Working Women In Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Mansor, Hatim Tagalsir Osman Ali, Maha Ali, Arwa Abd Al Salam Ashry, Ghala Abdullah Alharbi, Khalid Albasheer, Omer Munder, Isam Mohamed Babbiker Ahmed

Saudi Medical Journal

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of Urinary incontinence (UI) among working women in Saudi Arabia (SA), identify the associated demographic, lifestyle, medical, and obstetric risk factors, and assess its effect on quality of life and work productivity. The UI is a common underreported condition that affects women's daily functioning and life quality, particularly in the workplace. Methods: During 2025, 390 working women in SA who were at least 18 years old and from various work sectors participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were gathered using a validated, structured questionnaire; statistical analysis was carried out …

Artificial Intelligence In Pharmaceutical Care: Transforming Drug Discovery, Development, And Patient-Care Delivery, Abdulrahman G. Alharbi, Abdulrahman A. Aljabri

Saudi Medical Journal

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pharmaceutical care represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize medication management, accelerate drug development, and enhance patient outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesized evidence from global literature (2021–2025) examining AI applications across drug discovery and development, clinical trials optimization, medication therapy management, and pharmacy operations. The AI demonstrated prediction accuracies of 86–98% in drug discovery, 80% improvement in clinical trial recruitment efficiency, and 32.7% increase in medication adherence over standard care. The global AI drug discovery market, valued at \$1.5 billion (2023), is projected to reach \$11.8 billion by …

Emerging Strategies For Cardio-Renal Protection Beyond Raas Blockade: Emphasis On Non-Diabetic Ckd And Resistant Hypertension, Fahad S. Alrashidi

Saudi Medical Journal

Non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) complicated by resistant hypertension remains a high-risk phenotype even when renin–angiotensin system blockade is optimized. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence for cardio-renal protection beyond traditional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi), with emphasis on mechanisms, clinical trial data, and pragmatic sequencing. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors provide hemodynamic and tubular benefits that translate into renal and heart failure risk reduction in many patients with ND-CKD. Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism (MRA) like finerenone targets inflammatory and fibrotic signaling and may add incremental benefit when potassium is proactively managed. The GLP-1 receptor agonists offer cardiometabolic advantages with emerging kidney signals, …

The Use Of Platelet-Rich Plasma For De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Systematic Review With Limited Meta-Analysis, Abdullah W. Abumadian, Mohanad I. Binibrahim, Abdurrahman H. Sultan, Mohammed A. Addas, Hattan Y. Bamagaus, Sultan K. Alhaddad, Motasem O. Bamabad, Bayan A. Ghalimah

Saudi Medical Journal

Introduction: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a painful wrist condition that impairs daily activities. Corticosteroid (CS) injections are commonly used for symptom relief, but their effects may diminish over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a regenerative alternative that promotes tissue healing rather than merely suppressing inflammation. This systematic review and limited meta-analysis compare the efficacy and safety of PRP versus CS injections in DQT. A limited meta-analysis was chosen due to the high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 98.7%). Methodology: A comprehensive literature search identified six studies comparing PRP and CS injections. Pain and functional outcomes …

Healthcare-Associated Infection Causes And Mitigation Strategies: A Systematic Review, Mohammad Irfan, Nahed Alquwez

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To describe the landscape of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and, in particular, to pay attention to the types of infection that are usually seen, the most common infectious agents involved and the effective prevention strategies. Methods: A detailed search was performed using Google and PubMed, and studies that exclusively addressed healthcare associated infections or their mitigation. Studies published since 2000 were included. Data from individual articles were extracted and categorized by study focus, type of infection, causes and contributing factors, and documented mitigation strategies. Editorials, reviews, case studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews were excluded. Results: The analysis showed that infections …

Clinical Outcomes Of Decompression Versus Decompression With Instrumented Fusion For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Secondary To Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lama N. Alqahtani, Ahmed K. Alzahrani, Razan A. Almutairi, Abdulaziz M. Salah, Shahad F. Khan, Mohammad G. Sindi, Khalid E. Fassi, Abdulrahman M. Alshami, Ibrahim A. Hakami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To compare decompression alone with decompression with fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid, and Web of Science databases were searched up to March 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. The secondary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, reoperation, complications, and cost. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model in Review Manager following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020. The quality of included randomized trials was evaluated using the …

Bi-Allelic Loss-Of-Function Variants In Tmem63b Cause Syndromic Surfactant Dysfunction Disorder, Sock Hoai Chan, Audra N Iness, Jill A Rosenfeld, Mir Reza Bekheirnia, Lindsay C Burrage, Matthew Hoi Kin Chau, Chaerish Eint Myet Chae Htoo, Eric C Kao, Shamika Ketkar, Wan Wan Lim, Xi Luo, Rifhan Mazlan, Elizabeth Mizerik, Kein Seong Mun, Kalyani R Patel, Lorraine Potocki, Christina K Rapp, Xavier Roca, Ana Saianda, Ignacio Iglesias-Serrano, Everlyn C Siew, Donald Yuhui Sim, David R Spielberg, Sok-Kun Tae, Jing Xian Teo, Julian Warfsmann, Fan Xia, Child-Eu Registry, Saumya S Jamuar, Ee Shien Tan, Matthias Griese, Weng Khong Lim, Meow-Keong Thong, Keren Machol

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Transmembrane protein 63B gene (TMEM63B) encodes a mechanosensitive ion channel expressed in alveolar type II epithelial cells, where it mediates stretch-induced surfactant secretion. While heterozygous gain-of-function variants in TMEM63B have been associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, no human disorder has previously been linked to bi-allelic loss-of-function variants. Here, we report five individuals from four unrelated families with childhood interstitial lung disease and bi-allelic predicted loss-of-function variants in TMEM63B. Affected individuals presented with early-onset respiratory distress, chronic hypoxemia, and diffuse parenchymal lung abnormalities on chest imaging. One individual died in infancy, two underwent bilateral lung transplantation, and two require oxygen …

A Quality Improvement Approach To Reducing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Readmissions, Florwisse Rubio

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem:

The problem identified at the project site is that care transitions for patients with COPD lack standardized discharge processes, leading to inconsistent education, limited follow-up, and poor coordination of care.

Aim of the Project:

The primary aim was to improve patient outcomes by reducing the 19.6% 30-day readmissions among older adults diagnosed with COPD at the selected project site by implementing a standardized discharge intervention over 12 weeks, measuring progress, and ensuring appropriate workflow. The initiative of this project sought to foster a sense of proper continuity of care through timely follow-up, interprofessional communication among patients and providers, and …

Mapping Dna Methylation Signatures To Identify Epigenetic Variation Across Subcortical Regions Of The Human Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Brain, Hongyu Li, Yujing Liu, Yiming Shi, Jiawei Wang, Tuan P Nguyen, Yuhan Xie, Wangjie Zheng, Youshu Cheng, Dianne A Cruz, Jennifer L Modliszewski, Rosemarie Terwilliger, Alexa-Nicole Sliby, José Jaime Martínez-Magaña, Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz, John D Roache, Lynnette A Averill, Stacey Young-Mccaughan, Paulo R Shiroma, Bertrand R Huber, David A Lewis, Jill Glausier, Paul Holtzheimer, Matthew J Friedman, Jing Zhang, Alan L Peterson, Chadi G Abdallah, Amir Valizadeh, Xinyu Zhang, Ke Xu, John H Krystal, Ronald S Duman, Hongyu Zhao, David L Corcoran, Douglas E Williamson, Matthew J Girgenti

Staff and Researcher Publications

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that may occur in the aftermath of severe psychological trauma. Epigenetic changes in the brain may play a critical role in understanding the neurobiology of PTSD by linking environmental traumatic stress exposure to lasting alterations in gene expression that shape neuronal function.

Methods: We examined 1,065,750 DNA methylation (DNAm) sites from 171 donors including neurotypical controls and PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD) cases across 6 regions implicated in the fear circuitry of the brain. We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine changes in gene expression and linked these changes to …

Challenge-Based Ex Vivo Immune Profiling Reveals Stimulus-Dependent Peripheral Immune Reprogramming In Alzheimer's Disease, C. A. Naranjo-Galvis, Jovanny Zabaleta, Ney Alliey Rodriguez, Luisa Matilde Salamanca-Duque

School of Medicine Publications

Altered immune function is increasingly recognized as a contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, it remains unclear whether peripheral immune alterations reflect constitutive inflammation or stimulus-dependent changes in immune responsiveness. Addressing this distinction is critical for understanding immune dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we applied a challenge-based ex vivo immune profiling approach to characterize functional immune responsiveness in patients with AD and in cognitively healthy older adults. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to defined innate, antigenic, and mitogenic stimuli, and cytokine and β-amyloid (Aβ) responses were quantified in culture supernatants. Diagnosis-by-stimulus interaction effects were assessed using generalized …

Antibiotic Administration After Previable Preterm Prelabor Rupture Of Membranes Is Associated With Prolonged Latency, Alexandra L Hammerquist, Alexander M Saucedo, Selina L Bowler, Mohan Pammi, Catherine Eppes, Ignatia Van Den Veyver, Michael D Jochum, Enrico R Barrozo

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Introduction: While antibiotics have been shown to increase the interval to delivery between rupture of membranes and delivery (latency) and improve neonatal outcomes after viable preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), this has not been well investigated in the previable PPROM population. We aimed to investigate the association between antenatal antibiotics and latency following previable PPROM. Secondarily, we examined various maternal and neonatal outcomes. We hypothesized that the administration of antibiotics would prolong latency in pregnancies with previable PPROM.

Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study that included pregnancies diagnosed with previable PPROM between 140/7 and 216/7 and delivered between 2012 and …

Patient Perspectives On Psychiatric Polygenic Risk Scores In Reproductive Decision-Making And Polygenic Embryo Screening., Lauren A Ginn, Amanda R Merner, Page M Trotter, Kaitlynn P Craig, Abigail C Martinez, Ana Lucía Battaglino, Dorit Barlevy, Daphne M Ayton, Takahiro Soda, Eric A Storch, Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz, Stacey Pereira

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) estimate individuals' genetic risk for developing multifactorial conditions. Recent genome-wide association studies have enabled development of psychiatric PRS, which hold potential to streamline diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions. As individuals with mental illness often identify concern about passing on psychiatric conditions as a key factor in family planning, some may also seek to use psychiatric PRS in reproductive decisions like childbearing or embryo selection for in vitro fertilization. Despite calls for increased regulation, there remains no clinical consensus on the utility of psychiatric PRS in reproductive contexts. Therefore, we conducted semi-structured interviews of adults with …

An Integrated Cardiometabolic Genetic Testing Program In A Predominantly Hispanic Population Within A Community Setting, Bo Yuan, Layla A Abushamat, Stacey Pereira, Surya Narayan Mulukutla, Grace E Tietz, Eric Venner, Sara E Kalla, Breanna Lee, Donna Muzny, Ginger Metcalf, Mullai Murugan, Sarah H Elsea, Senkottuvelan Kadirvel, Lele Li, Joshi Stephen, Shengfeng Xu, Victoria Yi, Monica Sulit, Christie L Kovar, Kimberly Walker, Marie-Claude Gingras, Jianhong Hu, Fei Yan, Taeko Gerber, Viktoriya Korchina, C Michael Fordis, Ruchi Gaba, Mahesh Changlani, Herschl Silberman, Hadley Stevens Smith, Christine M Eng, Jennifer E Posey, Clarisa Medina, Lisa R Treviño, Christie M Ballantyne, Richard A Gibbs, Ashok Balasubramanyam

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to apply cardiometabolic genetic testing in a community setting with a predominantly Hispanic population and assess feasibility and perspectives toward genetic testing.

Methods: A genome-sequencing-based genetic panel for cardiometabolic disorders (177 genes related to monogenic conditions, 2 LPA risk alleles, 2 pharmacogenomic loci, and ancestry-adjusted polygenic risk scores for type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease) was deployed in community cardiology and endocrinology clinics in South Texas. A survey on perceptions toward genetic testing was administered after return of results.

Results: Testing was completed for 776 patients (18-92 years old, 92% Hispanic). 26 patients (3.4%) were …

Fluoroquinolone Use And Risk Of Pneumothorax In Adults Hospitalized With Community Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Steven Yi B. S., Saurav Sumughan B.S., Jessica Cobb M. D., Erika J. Yoo

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between fluoroquinolone exposure and pneumothorax risk in patients hospitalized with pneumonia.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. We defined two mutually exclusive cohorts of hospitalized adults based on exposure to antibiotic classes commonly used to treat community acquired pneumonia: fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin) versus nonfluoroquinolone (amoxicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline). Patients with connective tissue disorders were excluded. The primary outcome was the occurrence of pneumothorax within 60 days. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for demographics, …

Performance Of Fecal Calprotectin And Serum Procalcitonin For The Diagnosis Of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis In Patients With Cirrhosis: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Mandip Singh Bhatia, Devarakonda Uday Teja, Nipun Verma, Archana Angrup, Saurabh Chandrabhan Sharda

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background:: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of biomarkers—calprotectin (serum, ascitic, fecal) and serum procalcitonin (PCT)—for SBP.

Methods:: This prospective diagnostic accuracy study, enrolled 137 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites at a tertiary care center in India. Participants were categorized into SBP (n = 55) and non-SBP (n = 82) groups based on the reference standard of ascitic fluid neutrophil count. Serum, ascitic fluid, and fecal calprotectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serum PCT was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. …

Shsp Dean's Newsletter, Summer 2026, Brian J. Nickerson

SHSP Dean’s Newsletter

No abstract provided.