Digital Commons Network^™

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Case Report Of Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Diane Olski, Karissa Charles, Cristin Grant, Courtnee Harpine, Shannon Leonard, Sarah Puim

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Diet Quality As Assessed By The Healthy Eating Index-2020 Among Individuals Diagnosed With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Minghao Zhou, Hairui Yu, Renee Underwood, Hongning Cai, Tung Sung Tseng, Susu Luo

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: Dietary management is key to preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, few studies have examined differences in Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020) scores and components among individuals with and without diagnosed T2DM. This study aimed to assess gender differences in HEI-2020 scores and its 13 components by T2DM status. Methods: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2018, this cross-sectional study analyzed 19,464 adults. Diagnosed T2DM was identified via self-report or diabetes medication use. Diet quality was assessed using the HEI-2020, scored from 0 to 100, with a higher HEI score indicates …

When Probiotics Guidelines Differ: A Practical Guide For Clinicians And Researchers, Geoffrey A Preidis, Hania Szajewska, Marla Cunningham, Howard Bauchner, Daniel J Merenstein

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Many professional organizations publish clinical practice guidelines for the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders. Generally, no two guidelines align perfectly, and some differ markedly. These discrepancies occur because clinical practice guidelines are not purely mechanical outputs of data synthesis. They are shaped by structured interpretation, value judgments, and predefined thresholds for uncertainty. These elements become particularly visible when effect sizes are small, heterogeneity is high, and outcomes vary in clinical relevance-as is the case with probiotic research. This article examines why discordance among probiotic guidelines is predictable and provides practical guidance for clinicians who must decide among conflicting recommendations …

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …

Adolescent And Young Adult Cancer Survivorship: Supportive Care Needs, Resources, And Barriers, Allison Bryn Koplos

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience unique physical, psychosocial, developmental, and healthcare-related challenges that often persist beyond treatment completion. Although survivorship resources have expanded, gaps in supportive care needs persist. This scoping review examined the supportive care needs, survivorship resources, and barriers to accessing supportive care among AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2026 was identified through searches in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies examining supportive care needs, survivorship resources, or supportive care services …

Phytochemical And In-Vitro Cytotoxic Analyses Of Flavonoid Species Isolated From Chromolaena Leivensis, Luke A. Bryant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As a leading cause of death worldwide, cancer and its treatments remain a primary source of interest among researchers. Modern studies are looking into bioselective cytotoxicity to create new chemotherapies that do not have the same harsh side effects as those we use today. Natural product research has a promising future for the development of such treatments. Specifically, polar flavonoids may be the key to a bioselective treatment. Such flavonoid species are native to plants, often within flower petals or within the body. A natural antioxidant, they are designed not to harm healthy cells. This study focuses on the plant …

In-Hospital Mortality Patterns And Readmissions In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Analysis Of The Role Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Saad Afzal Khan, Trishna Parikh, Adishwar Rao, Akriti Agrawal, Aarohi Parikh, Farah Kazzaz, Sarah Shin, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Maulin Patel, Kha Dinh, Bela Patel, Bindu Akkanti

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to understand the impact of PH on in-hospital mortality and quantify the 30-day readmission rate among patients with COPD. For this cross-sectional study, we used the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2017-2020 to identify adults ≥18 years with COPD. Patients were stratified according to PH diagnosis. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using the Pearson chi-square test and two-sample t-test. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics and confounders. The 30-day readmission rate and prevalence of PH subgroups by baseline …

Methylated Cfdna May Distinguish Between High- And Intermediate-Risk Uveal Melanoma: A Pilot Study, Mike Wu, Daniël P. De Bruyn, Ruben G. Boers, Aaron B. Beasley, Daan M. Hazelaar, Stavros Makrodimitris, Joachim B. Boers, Jolanda Vaarwater, Ronald O.B. De Keizer, Robert M. Verdijk, Nicole C. Naus, Dion Paridaens, Saskia M. Wilting, Elin S. Gray, Wilfred F.J. Van Ijcken, Joost Gribnau, Annelies De Klein, Erwin Brosens, Emine Kiliç

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a metastatic risk that depends on the molecular subclass. This subclass can be determined through molecular characterization of tumor-derived tissue. With eye-sparing treatments, tumor tissue is rarely available for molecular testing. We hypothesized that minimal invasive biomarkers such as methylated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used for prognosis and monitoring of patients. Methods: Plasma cfDNA was isolated from healthy blood donors (HBDs, N = 19) and UM patients (N = 22). Plasma was collected at baseline (localized disease, N = 13) and during follow-up (metastatic …

Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair For Aortic Coarctation With Segmental Post-Stenotic Aneurysms, Pham Quoc Dat, Ma Nguyen Thai Hoang, Dang Van Phuc, Ta Dinh Do, Ngo Phi Long

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Aortic coarctation can be complicated by descending thoracic aortic aneurysms in adults. A 31-year-old man presented with exertional chest pain radiating to the back. Preoperative evaluation showed a 27-mmHg arm-leg systolic pressure gradient, echocardiographic coarctation with a 10-mm narrowest diameter and 25-mmHg gradient, and computed tomography showing two segmental post-stenotic aneurysms, the largest measuring 62 mm. He underwent one-stage modified frozen elephant trunk repair using a Medtronic thoracic stent graft sutured to a surgical graft. The postoperative gradient decreased to 5 mmHg, with stable 9-month follow-up.

Recommendations For Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening For Athletes In Saudi Arabia: A Consensus Statement From The National Heart Center, Saudi Heart Rhythm Society, And National Center For Sudden Death, Alwaleed Aljohar, Bandar S. Al-Ghamdi, Abdulrahman Y. Sabbagh, Fahad Almehmadi, Fayez Bokhari, Naeem Alshoaibi, Yahya Alhebaishi, Wael Alqarawi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Vigorous sports participation provides substantial physical and psychological benefits but may be accompanied by a small risk of sudden cardiac arrest and death in individuals with previously unrecognized cardiovascular disease. Preparticipation cardiovascular screening aims to identify athletes at increased risk, facilitate appropriate evaluation and management, and promote safe participation in sport. Despite growing international experience, no national recommendations have previously existed for Saudi Arabia. Recognizing the rapid expansion of organized sports participation driven by Saudi Vision 2030, an expert panel convened to develop consensus recommendations for the implementation of a nationwide preparticipation cardiovascular screening program. A comprehensive review of contemporary …

Beyond Screening In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Domain-Standardized, Measure-Flexible Framework For Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment, Etiane Navarro

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder in which cognitive, behavioral, language, and social-cognitive changes may occur across clinical phenotypes, including the ALS-frontotemporal spectrum. Neuropsychological assessment is important for characterizing nonmotor manifestations and identifying changes relevant to autonomy, everyday functioning, and clinical management. This systematic review examined literature identified through APA PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and supplementary searching to characterize neuropsychological domains, measures, phenotype-related findings, and disease-specific limitations relevant to comprehensive assessment. Two hundred records underwent title and abstract screening, 150 reports were reviewed in full text, and 61 resources were retained for synthesis. ALS-specific screening instruments, including …

Do Research Day Program 2026, Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College Of Osteopathic Medicine

DO Research Day

DO Research Day was hosted by the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. This program features abstracts from the LMU-DCOM community.

Beyond Burnout: A Systematic Review Of The Mental Health Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Physicians In The U.S., Tiffany Iheanacho, Fred Wenger, Etianna E. Cadet, Yahya Korteh, Muhammed Gaye

DO Research Day

Background: Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, its long-term psychological impact on physicians remains important to assess. Physicians experienced PTSD, burnout, anxiety, insomnia, distress, and depression, yet few studies reported outcomes disaggregated by race, limiting understanding of disparities among marginalized physicians.

Objectives: To quantify the prevalence of mental health outcomes among U.S. physicians during COVID-19 and identify interventions and systemic strategies to mitigate physician mental health burdens during future public health emergencies.

Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Lincoln Memorial University Library were searched for studies published from 2020–2025. Of 48 studies identified, 21 met inclusion criteria. …

Carceral Geographies Of Disinvestment: Mapping Police Surveillance And Food Insecurity In Tennessee, Lina Habba, Ridha Nazir, Natalie E. Freeman Phd

DO Research Day

Research Aims: •Examine the association between county-level jail incarceration (a proxy for police surveillance) and food insecurity, limited access to healthy foods, and overall food environment quality across Tennessee counties.   •Determine whether this association persists after adjustment for median household income, high school completion, and racial composition.

Core Stability Training And Sports Performance: A Bibliometric Mapping (2000–2025), Mimi Guo, Muhamad Hafiz Bin Ismail, Diyana Z. Abdul Ghani, Qi Liang, Yifei Gao

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Core stability training has become an important topic in sports science because of its proposed role in athletic performance enhancement, injury prevention, and neuromuscular control. This study aimed to map the knowledge structure, research trends, and collaboration patterns in this field. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection. Articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2025 were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria. A total of 559 publications were included and analyzed using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny. Results: Scientific output increased markedly over time, particularly after 2020. The USA and China were …

Effect Of Head Coverings On Directional Microphone Performance In Modern Hearing Aids: A Kemar-Based Laboratory Evaluation, Zahra Fekri, Mariam Mohamad, Ayasakanta Rout

Faculty Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Directional microphones are an established hearing aid technology for improving speech understanding in background noise. Although researchers have examined the influence of hair, spectacles, and earmold venting on directional performance, no systematic work has addressed head coverings, which people wear worldwide for cultural, religious, occupational, and personal reasons. This study determined whether a cotton head covering alters the directivity index (DI) of highest-level receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. Methods: A Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) was positioned in a double-walled, sound-treated booth, and DI was measured for omnidirectional and fixed directional microphone settings, with and without a two-layer …

Effects Of Eight-Week High Interval Training On The Distance Covered During Small-Sided Games Versus League Match In Youth Soccer Players, Dorota Lewandowska, Zbigniew Jastrzebski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the distance covered by young soccer players during small-sided games (SSG) and a league match. Materials and Methods: The study involved 39 players aged 17–18 years old, divided into two groups, each performing SSG on a pitch with a surface of 90 m² per player (G-90, n = 19) and 180 m² per player (G-180, n = 20). Players (5 × 5) in both groups completed four games, once a week on Tuesdays. Each game lasted 5 minutes with a …

The Other Visual Acuity, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Collective High-Intensity Physical Load And Team Performance In The Fifa U-20 World Cup Chile: Match-By-Match Analysis Of Finalists, Khalid El Mouahid, Salim Khairi, Paweł Chmura, Amine Arfaoui

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to compare the physical and technical-tactical performance profiles of the two finalist teams (Argentina and Morocco) at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 and to examine the relationships between individual physical loads and collective match performance. Materials and Methods: An observational comparative design was applied using official FIFA match reports. Seven matches per team were analyzed. Physical variables included total distance, distances covered in speed zones (Z3–Z5), high-speed running, sprint distance, and maximal speed, while technical-tactical variables described offensive, defensive, and collective behaviors. Between-team comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted using appropriate parametric and non-parametric procedures. …

Benign Jaw Bone Lesions In Athletes Exposed To Craniofacial Trauma: Surgical Treatment And Bone Regeneration Using Biphasic Calcium Sulfate, Damian M. Dudek, Agata Chwarścianek, Izabela Pabin, Łukasz Jaworski, Oliwia Warmusz, Grzegorz Wyrobiec, Ewa Kłodzińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Benign cystic and tumor lesions of the jaw bones represent relatively frequent pathological conditions encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Although these lesions are often asymptomatic and slow-growing, they may lead to progressive weakening of bone structure. In individuals exposed to repetitive mechanical forces, such as athletes participating in contact sports, the presence of such lesions may significantly increase the risk of pathological fractures of the facial skeleton. The aim of the present study was to present a clinical case series of a benign jaw bone lesion treated surgically using a biphasic calcium sulfate biomaterial and to discuss the potential …

Selected Determinants Of The Health Quality Of The Diet Of Women Practicing Aerobic Sports, Maria Gacek, Paulina Mazur-Kurach

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In the context of the importance of nutrition for health and exercise capacity, this study was conducted to assess selected determinants of the health quality of the diet of female athletes training in one of the gymnastics disciplines—aerobic gymnastics. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 112 women aged 19 to 30 using several research tools, including the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire KomPAN, the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The median score for the …

The Epidemiology Of Kidney And Urinary Tract Infections In Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors And Association With Gfr Decline In The Chronic Kidney Disease In Children Study., Derek K. Ng, Andrea R. Molino, Siyao Zhang, Emily J. Stonebrook, Craig S. Wong, Pratyush Gyawali, Kimberly J. Reidy, Susan L. Furth, Bradley A. Warady, Jeffrey J. Fadrowski, Ckid Study Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract and kidney infections are potential complications in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). We characterized the prevalence of self-reported infections from childhood through young adulthood; evaluated risk factors; and quantified the association with CKD progression.

METHODS: Infections in the past year were self-reported at annual Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study visits. Age-specific infection prevalences were stratified by sex and CKD diagnoses (glomerular, non-glomerular non-CAKUT, CAKUT low-risk for infections, and three CAKUT high-risk categories: reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, and other high-risk). Repeated measures logistic …

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Thresholds And Left Ventricular Hypertrophy In Children Aged 6-12 Years: A Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium Study., Afsana Jahan, Matthew Schuchman, Mahie Abdullah, Meghan Mclaughlin, Emilia Maria Cadiz, Eshanika Manchanda, Aftab Chishti, Maggie Murphy, Sarah Twichell, Alexandra Mazo, Dmitry Samsonov, Aesha Maniar, Hannah Kim, Francis Lomanta, Ashok Chakravarthy Patibandla, Rachel Frank, Tarak Srivastava, Ikuyo Yamaguchi, Christine Sethna

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) thresholds for predicting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in children aged 6-12 years.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across 11 Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium sites and included children aged 6-12 years who underwent ABPM and 2-dimensional echocardiography for diagnostic assessment of elevated BP. The diagnostic accuracy of fixed ABPM thresholds and the current 95th percentile for sex and height were assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index z-score, …

Bile Acid Metabolites And Carotid Intima Media Thickness In The Chronic Kidney Disease In Children (Ckid) Study., Arthur M. Lee, Mark M. Mitsnefes, Jennifer Roem, Bradley A. Warady, Susan L. Furth, Michelle R. Denburg, Ckid Study Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Early Hands-On Surgical Exposure: Outcomes Of A Student-Led Surgical Externship Program For Preclinical Students, Meryem C. Guler, Elizabeth Spitz, Jennifer E. Geller, Talar Tatarian, Renee Tholey

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective: Early surgical exposure may potentially influence medical students' decision to pursue a surgical career. At our urban, academic medical school, senior medical students developed a Surgical Externship Program (SEP) to provide first-years with hands-on OR experience. This program is a structured 1- to 2-week immersive experience in which first-year students scrubbed into operations, participated in rounds, and engaged with surgical teams under resident and attending supervision. This study evaluates the SEP's impact on surgical interest, OR confidence, and clinical exposure.

Setting: Academic tertiary care hospital.

Participants: First-year medical students.

Design: First-year students participated in a 1- or 2-week SEP …

A Profile Of Assisted Living Direct Care Workforce Training Requirements Across The United States, Erh-Chi Hsu, Paula Carder, Lindsey Smith, Zhiqing E. Zhou, Olga Yakusheva, Anna S. Beeber, Eric Jutkowitz, Kali Thomas

Institute on Aging Publications

Objectives

To characterize assisted living (AL) direct care worker (DCW) training requirements across the United States and how these regulations have changed over time. Specifically, we examine state-level profiles of training regulations, including duration, frequency, content, source of materials, evaluation, and changes in regulatory coverage.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive study using state policy data and AL directories from 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Setting and Participants

All US states' AL training–related regulations; all ALs and AL beds governed by those regulations.

Methods

We used a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design (QUAN → qual), first conducting health services regulatory …

Efficacy And Safety Of Frail Patients Treated With Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel In The Real World: A Center For International Blood And Marrow Transplant Research Analysis., Hira Mian, Muhammad Salman Faisal, Tiening Chen, Ruta Brazauskas, Temitope Oloyede, Nausheen Ahmed, Aimaz Afrough, Larry D Anderson, Rahul Banerjee, Jesus Berdeja, Aram Bidikian, Jakob Devos, Binod Dhakal, Ajoy Dias, Danai Dima, Yvonne A Efebera, Lohith Gowda, Doris K Hansen, Hamza Hashmi, Heather J Landau, Lazaros Lekakis, Abu-Sayeef Mirza, Ravi Narra, Krina Patel, Ashley E Rosko, Mark Schroeder, Surbhi Sidana, Saad Usmani, Marcelo C Pasquini, Taiga Nishihori, Othman Salim Akhtar, Meera Mohan

Oncology Articles

Background: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), an anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, is approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Methods: Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry, this study evaluated outcomes of frail patients receiving commercial cilta-cel from March 2022 to December 2023. Frailty was defined by an adapted simplified score incorporating age, performance status, and comorbidities.

Results: Among 541 patients with available frailty status, 183 (33.8%) were frail and 358 (66.2%) were nonfrail. Overall response rates were comparable (frail 82.8% vs. nonfrail 88.5%). However, frail patients had inferior progression-free survival (PFS) (12-month …

Exploring The Contextual Relationships Between Match Day Load And Recovery Biomarkers In Professional Soccer Players, Carina Hanson-Evans, Ryland Morgans, Rafael Oliveira, Jule Scholten, Roi Gil, Ben Ryan, Jon Oliver, Piotr Żmijewski, Michael G. Hughes

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examined the relationship between match-day (MD) load and contextual factors on recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players across the 2024/2025 competitive season. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players provided blood samples following 38 competitive matches. High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Free-Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT), Free-Oxygen Radicals Defence Test (FORD) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were analyzed. Physical MD load was measured via a Global Positioning System (GPS). Results: Differences in High-Load vs Low-Load matches did not significantly influence post-match levels of hs-CRP, FORD, FORT or OSI. Increased high-intensity running and elevated inflammation, with non-significant moderate-to-large effects …

Next Steps In Advancing Pediatric Care In Southern Nevada, The Lincy Institute

Lincy Institute Events

The Lincy Institute released new research evaluating the Southern Nevada pediatric care ecosystem. The report, "An Evaluation of Southern Nevada’s Pediatric Care Ecosystem," offers recommendations to develop a stronger and more coordinated pediatric care ecosystem before the stand-alone children’s hospital being developed by Intermountain Health opens in 2030 and identifies the components of an integrated statewide network to provide all of Nevada’s children with access to high-quality care. The event also featured panel discussions with pediatric care providers and policymakers.

Panel 1 - Pediatric Care Providers

Moderator — Tina Quigley, Project Facilitator, The Lincy Institute

Panelists — Lisa …

An Evaluation Of Southern Nevada’S Pediatric Care Ecosystem, David Damore, Tina Quigley, Nick Fiore

Policy Briefs and Reports

In 2024, The Lincy Institute and the Nevada Health and Bioscience Corporation released a report prepared by the consulting firm Tripp Umbach detailing the case for a stand-alone children’s hospital in Southern Nevada. Shortly thereafter, Intermountain Health announced it would build Nevada’s first such facility in Las Vegas, expected to open in 2030. To complement the hospital’s development, The Lincy Institute undertook an independent evaluation of the regional pediatric care landscape. The analysis draws on secondary data and discussions with advocates, health system administrators, practitioners, and providers. The report examines:

• Fiscal, resource, and workforce challenges underlying Nevada’s poor population-level pediatric …