Digital Commons Network^™

Hsp90 Inhibitor, At13387 Mitigates Chronic Lung Injury In Pre-Pubertal Mice: A Therapeutic Axis In Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Pavel A. Solopov, Christiana Dimitropoulou, John D. Catravas, Ruben M. L. Colunga Biancatelli

Bioelectrics Publications

Exposure to hydrochloric acid (HCl) can provoke severe chronic pulmonary injury. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller airways, higher respiratory rate, and stronger inflammatory response; yet no countermeasures exist for HCl-induced chronic lung injury in the pediatric population. We have previously demonstrated the involvement of HSP90 during HCl-induced lung injury in pre-pubertal (p24) mice, who develop stronger persistent inflammation with higher NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but less pulmonary fibrosis compared to adults. Here, we tested the hypothesis that post-treatment with the second-generation HSP90 inhibitor AT13387 (Onalespib), administered subcutaneously beginning 24 h after HCl instillation, would prevent HCl-induced chronic lung …

The All Of Us Evenings With Genetics Research Program, Stacy M Lloyd, Jasmine Baker, Carolina Jorgez, Julie Coleman, Laterrica Williams, April Adams, Ashley Butler, Elizabeth Atkinson, Shamika Ketkar, Steven Scherer, Kim Worley, Susan Fernbach, Keasia Daniels, Latanya Hammonds-Odie, Laura Rosales, Brendan Lee, Debra Murray

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The All of Us Evenings with Genetics (All of Us EwG) Research Program, funded in part by the National Institute of Health’s All of Us Research Program, engages researchers to utilize the All of Us Researcher Workbench to advance precision medicine. The All of Us EwG program has two core aims: (1) address barriers to research productivity for minorities, disadvantaged, and persons with disabilities aspiring to enter STEM fields; and (2) promote the use of the All of Us Researcher Workbench to develop research focused on health equity. To achieve these goals, the program implements three key activities: (1) …

Limosilactobacillus Reuteri Alleviates Proinflammatory T-Cell-Mediated Liver Injury And Transcriptomic Changes In Immunocompromised Mice, Ana Fadhel Alvarez, Zheng Yin, Beanna Okeugo, Alexander Banerjee, Meng Luo, Christopher M Taylor, Salomea Giorgberidze, Vaishali Harne, Rambabu Majji, Melissa N Munroe, Ji Ho Suh, Stephen T C Wong, Kang Ho Kim, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Suhair Al Salihi, Jon Marc Rhoads, Yuying Liu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: A deficiency of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, as seen in scurfy (SF) mice or in IPEX syndrome in humans, can lead to multiorgan inflammation. Oral administration of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (DSM) 17938 prolongs survival and reduces Th1- and Th2-associated inflammation in SF mice. It remains unclear how DSM 17938-educated SF-CD4+ T cells modulate T-cell-liver communication.

Methods: To characterize CD4+ T cells from SF mice orally administered DSM 17938 (Prob-SF-CD4+ T cells) and to compare them with CD4+ T cells from SF mice (SF-CD4+ T cells), cells isolated from SF spleens were …

Cerebellar Motor And Non-Motor Contributions To Dystonia Pathophysiology And Treatment, Linda H Kim, Cheryl Brandenburg, Roy V Sillitoe

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Dystonia is a complex neurological disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent abnormal movements and/or postures. However, dystonia's non-motor symptoms, particularly the sleep disturbances, are critical yet underexplored concerns that affect all ages. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on the motor and non-motor domains of dystonia, emphasizing the functional interconnections and plasticity within cerebellar motor, cognitive, and sleep-associated circuits to motivate more comprehensive and effective treatments that improve overall quality of life.

Priorities For Multimorbidity Management And Research In Cancer: A Delphi Study Of Australian Cancer Survivors, Clinicians, And Researchers, Rebecca L. Venchiarutti, Haryana Dhillon, Carolyn Ee, Nicolas H. Hart, Michael Jefford, Bogda Koczwara

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Multimorbidity is common in people with cancer and associated with increased complexity of care, symptoms, mortality, and costs. This study aimed to identify priorities for care and research for cancer survivors with multimorbidity. Methods: A Delphi consensus process was conducted. Elements of care and research were based on Australia’s National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions, a literature review, and expert input. In Round 1, health professionals, cancer survivors, and researchers rated the importance of 18 principles, 9 enablers, and 4 objectives. In Round 2, new elements were rated and all elements were ranked. Results: In Round 1, all elements …

Simulated Oral Environment Affects Zirconia Aging And Mechanical Strength, Danyal A. Siddiqui, Smriti G. Natarajan, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Danieli C. Rodrigues

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Background: Zirconia is an emerging alternative to titanium for dental implant systems. However, zirconia surfaces can deteriorate under aqueous conditions, thereby compromising mechanical performance. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of biological exposure or aging simulating the oral cavity on the surface integrity and mechanical strength of surface-treated zirconia.

Methods: Partially yttria- or magnesia-stabilized zirconia specimens were polished, acid-etched, or sandblasted. Zirconia disks were exposed to mammalian cells or bacteria. Surface degradation via tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation was assessed by Raman microscopy. Zirconia bars were subjected to accelerated aging by exposure to autoclave steam. Surface morphology was …

Platelet Extravasation In The Microvasculature: An Under-Appreciated Role For Platelets, Justin A Courson, Vahid Afshar-Kharghan, Alan R Burns, Rolando E Rumbaut

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In recent years, evidence has accumulated highlighting the presence and role of platelet extravasation - wherein platelets accumulate in tissue parenchyma - at a variety of sites throughout the body. While platelets are traditionally known for their roles in hemostasis and thrombosis, it is evident that platelets are potent mediators of inflammation across an array of physiological and pathological contexts. While anucleate and small in size, platelets contain a rich diversity of molecules in their granules capable of modulating cell proliferation, tissue repair, and a host of immune responses. There is growing evidence that platelet extravasation out of the vascular …

Establishing An Advanced Practice Provider-Led Transient Ischemic Attack Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Brittany A. Young

DNP Projects

Background: Due to lack of subspecialized neurological care in many rural community settings, care in tertiary hospitals is in demand. Insufficient care pathways can lead to lack of bed and provider availability. Advanced Practice Provider Transient Ischemic Attack clinics have been shown to be safe alternatives to hospital admission, for patients who meet criteria. This study targeted practice change at a 1000 bed tertiary academic hospital.

Methods: The quasi-experimental study sample inclusion criteria included Transient Ischemic Attack patients presenting to the emergency department with an ABCD2 < 4, complete symptom resolution, and no new cardiac changes on monitoring. A pre and post survey with educational PowerPoint intervention was provided to all emergency department and Neurology providers and nurses. A Transient Ischemic Attack clinic was established with a corresponding order set to be utilized for streamlined outpatient work up.

Results: During the pilot period, 29 admissions were deferred with 69% …

Wastewater Surveillance For Sars-Cov-2 In Rural Kentucky, 2021–2023, James W. Keck, Reuben Adatorwovor, Ann Noble, Savannah Tucker, William Strike, Soroosh Torabi, Mohammad Dehghan Banadaki, Blazan Mijatovic, Steven K. Roggenkamp, Donna Mcneil, Lindell Ormsbee, Scott M. Berry

Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Wastewater testing for SARS-CoV-2 provided useful public health information during the COVID-19 pandemic yet was underutilized in rural communities. We addressed this gap by implementing wastewater surveillance and assessing its performance in 10 communities in Eastern Kentucky. We collected wastewater samples 1–2 times weekly at 10 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from May 2021 until April 2023 and measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations using polymerase chain reaction testing. We calculated time-lagged correlations between wastewater concentrations and county-level reported COVID-19 cases by site. We developed a generalized linear model to estimate COVID-19 incidence from wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentrations. The 10 participating WWTPs served 2430 …

Perceptions Of The Proposed Food And Drug Administration Graphic Cigarette Warnings Among Adults Who Smoke On A Nondaily Or Daily Basis: A Within-Subjects Experiment, Bethany Shorey Fennell, Renee E. Magnan, Jennifer I. Vidrine, Damon J. Vidrine

Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: People who smoke nondaily represent nearly one third of U.S. adults who smoke and experience significant smoking-related morbidity and mortality, yet they are rarely considered when evaluating the efficacy of graphic cigarette warnings.

Method: In October 2019, U.S. adults who smoked nondaily ( n =59) and daily ( n =183) evaluated 13 Food and Drug Administration–proposed graphic warnings and 13 equivalent text-only warnings on the extent to which they elicited understanding, perceived new knowledge, worry about smoking, and discouragement to smoke and were believable. Repeated-measures ANOVA and planned comparisons tested for between-subjects (smoking status) and within-subjects (warning type) effects. …

The Prevalence Of Diabetic Retinopathy In American Indians Or Alaska Natives And Non-Indigenous Americans: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Caberry W. Yu, Keean Nanji, Anubhav Garg, Michele Zaman, Jane Jomy, Abdullah El-Sayes, Catherine Sun, Shreyas Bhat, Mark Phillips, Dena Zeraatkar, Jinhui Ma, Enrico Borrelli, Sunir J Garg, David H. Steel, Tien Yin Wong, Sobha Sivaprasad, Charles C. Wykoff, Varun Chaudhary

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

TOPIC: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adult American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and non-AIAN patients with diabetes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although diabetes mellitus is more prevalent among AIAN patients compared with non-AIAN patients, the evidence is inconsistent regarding whether AIAN patients have a higher prevalence or severity of DR.

METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception through February 23, 2025. We included primary studies evaluating the prevalence of DR in Americans with diabetes. The prevalence of (1) DR, (2) diabetic macular edema (DME), (3) proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), (4) vision-threatening …

Prevalence And Characteristics For Mental Health Disorder Before And After Childhood Cancer Diagnosis—A Statewide Population-Based Study Among Medicaid Beneficiaries, Feitong Lei, Laurie E. Mclouth, Eric B. Durbin, Thomas T. Tucker, John L. Villano, Bin Huang

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Pediatric cancer patients suffer mental health deficits. Patients who are vulnerable with respect to socioeconomic or other sociodemographic factors may be at heightened risk for worse mental health outcomes during cancer for many reasons including entering treatment with an existing mental health disorder. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and trajectory of mental health before and after a childhood cancer diagnosis in a socio-demographically at-risk sample.

Methods: Data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry was utilized to identify patients aged 19 or under with a first primary childhood cancer diagnosis during 2001–2017. Linking KCR data with …

Facilitators Of And Barriers To Implementation Of A Tablet-Based Digital Health Program For Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care: Qualitative Pragmatic Implementation Study, Mark Cromo, Aliza Randazzo, David P. Miller, Kristie Foley, Ajay Dharod, Anna C. Snavely, Elena Wright, Holly Brower, Mark Dignan

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates continue to be elevated even though effective screening methods are widely available. To increase CRC screening in primary care practices, our team developed a tablet-based digital health program (mPATH) designed to identify patients needing CRC screening, provide education, and empower patients to request a screening test via the program.

Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively assess facilitators of and barriers to implementing and maintaining mPATH in primary care clinics.

Methods: In a pragmatic implementation trial, clinics were randomized to receive only in-person training and technological support via phone or email (low touch) …

Discrimination Distress And Current Combustible And Non-Combustible Tobacco Product Use Among Us Youth, 2023, Meman Diaby, Osayande Agbonlahor, Maggie K. Richardson, Joy L. Hart, Shyanika W. Rose, Delvon T. Mattingly

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Introduction: Discrimination is the unfair treatment of people based on their identity. Youth who experience discrimination may cope with associated distress by using tobacco products, with amplified health consequences depending on the type of product.

Methods: We used data from the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 22 069) and derived an overall continuous measure from the 15-item Adolescent Discrimination Distress Index, as well as three continuous discrimination distress sub-indices: educational, institutional, and peer (range for each: 0–5). We defined current tobacco use as two outcomes: any past 30-day use of combustible (cigarettes, cigars, hookah, roll- your-own, pipe, bidis) …

Patient Safety: Paramedic To Nurse Patient Handover Quality And Its Influence On Clinical Deterioration In The Emergency Department, Madison P. Penick

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Quality patient handoff from Emergency Medical Services to the Emergency Department is a crucial transition of care that directly impacts patient safety, medical intervention, and patient outcomes. If concise, effective communication is not achieved, critical details can be left out resulting in medical errors, delayed intervention times, and lack of identification of clinical deterioration.

Aim: This study aims to understand how paramedic to nurse handoff quality impacts a nurse’s early identification of clinical deterioration.

Proposal:

Methodology: A quasi-experimental study of mixed-method research.

Recruitment strategy: A fire department in Marin County, CA and ED nurses from the base trauma center …

Impact Of A Resident-Created Family Medicine Clerkship Guide On Medical Student Preparedness, Shana-Kay Lambert-Johnson, Tasaduq Mir, Fredricka Barr

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Third-year medical students enter the family medicine clerkship with strong foundations in the basic medical sciences. However, they can feel underprepared to meet the demands of outpatient care, including navigating clinic workflows, documenting efficiently, and leading patient-centered visits. This transition-to-clerkship learning curve may contribute to stress during a critical phase of clinical development. Structured educational support during this transition has the potential to enhance learner confidence, promote meaningful learning, and foster positive engagement with family medicine. Through resident-led quality improvement, this project aimed to improve medical student preparedness and confidence for the family medicine clerkship using a resident-created intervention. …

Calcinosis Cutis In A Young Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Severe And Morbid Complication, Gopi Mulaka, Babu Shaik, Jaya Surya Manimekalai, Durga Dandu, Rupali Prabhukhot

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Calcinosis cutis is a rare but serious complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), often related to disordered calcium–phosphate metabolism. It can lead to significant morbidity, recurrent infections, and challenging management decisions.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 23-year-old male with ESRD on hemodialysis, hypertension, anemia of chronic disease, and a left upper extremity arteriovenous fistula who developed progressive pain, swelling, and purulent drainage involving the left third and fourth digits. Imaging revealed extensive soft tissue calcifications consistent with calcinosis cutis. His hospital course was complicated by recurrent infections, osteomyelitis, and gangrene despite antibiotic therapy and wound care, ultimately requiring …

Septic Arthritis Suspected But Pseudogout Confirmed: The Importance Of Early Joint Aspiration And Crystal Analysis, Munazzah Kaleem, Jose Lozano

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis present as an acute monoarticular arthritis and is highly suspected in patients with risk factors including DM, ESRD, and bacteremia. As a result, empiric antibiotics are usually started prior to definitive diagnosis. But crystal induced arthropathies closely mimic septic arthritis in their presentation. This case highlights the importance of early arthrocentesis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION: 50-year-old female on antibiotics for MSSA bacteremia presented due to acute onset left hip pain, swelling and decreased range of motion. No trigger was present. PMH included HTN, T2DM and ESRD on HD. She denied fever, chills or …

Tales From The Cryptogenic: A Case Of Recurrent Major Cryptogenic Stroke, Harpreet Matharu, Kennedy Aikins, Kumail Rizvi, Danielle Ford

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background

It is estimated that 30 to 40% of all strokes have no identifiable cause; these are classified as cryptogenic strokes. Often, the unknown nature is secondary to delayed or incomplete investigation of cerebrovascular pathology. At times, strokes are considered truly cryptogenic as extensive stroke workup leads to no identifiable cause or etiology. Acute ischemic strokes in young adults without identifiable risk factors present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to optimize outcomes.

Case Presentation

A 32-year-old African American male with a past medical history of a cerebrovascular accident in 2023 at an outside hospital …

Intraosseous (Io) Analgesia Medication Administration In Orthopaedic Surgery: A Brief Review, Jenna Chrabolowski, Troy B. Puga, Abanoub Attallahm, Mckenna W. Box, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction

Intraosseous (IO) analgesia is a novel strategy for pain control in orthopaedic surgery. This brief review aims to provide an overview of IO analgesia in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

A search was conducted across seven databases. Titles and abstracts were screened followed by full-text review for inclusion criteria. Demographics and results were extracted from included articles.

Results

Ten studies met inclusion criteria and involved patients undergoing knee surgery and spinal surgery. IO lidocaine was shown to be effective for postoperative and intraprocedural pain control during vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. IO morphine and IO NSAIDs were shown to be effective in reducing …

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (Pvns) After A Distal Femur Non-Union: A Case Report, Troy Puga, Jenna Chrabolowski, Mckenna W. Box, Kisan Parikh

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign neoplastic process that involves extensive proliferation of the synovium of a joint. Development of PVNS has been potentially linked to traumatic etiologies, however, evidence for this remains limited. This case report aims to present a case of PVNS that developed after a traumatic etiology.

Case Presentation A 62 year old female presented with recurrent left knee effusion and non-union of the left distal femur roughly four years after an MVC and index open reduction and internal fixation with a lateral locking plate and screw construct. Left knee aspiration at initial visit …

True Love: Heart Says To The Kidneys ‘Don’T Fail Me’, Greeshma Molugu, Srinivasan Rajaganapathy, Machaiah Madhrira

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction: Valvular calcification is an increasingly important cardiac valvular pathology in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, most frequently involving the aortic and mitral valves. The incidence/prevalence of mitral annular calcification in ESRD patients is about 30%, with mitral stenosis occurring in less than 5%. Various predisposing factors for valvular calcification in ESRD patients include age (median age >/= 60 years), hypertension, diabetes, use of calcitriol and calcium-containing phosphate binders, secondary hyperparathyroidism and duration of dialysis (median duration of >/= 5 years). We present a rare case of a young male with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for less than two …

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Two-Year Journey, Jason Woods, Padmaditya Sureddi, Nga Van, Danielle Ford

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence of opportunistic infections among persons with HIV. Invasive aspergillosis specifically is uncommon among individuals with clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4) count >100 cells/mm3. Furthermore, treatment of aspergillosis in the HIV-infected population has not been examined systematically. We report a patient with CD4 count >200 cells/mm3, compliant with HAART therapy who developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) over the course of two years that was successfully treated through a combination of bronchial artery embolization and liposomal amphotericin.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old man from southern Africa with four-year history of HIV-1 on HAART …

White Plaques With High Stakes: A Case Of Esophageal Leukoplakia, Boney Lapsiwala, Ritika Sharma, Karthik Kasireddy, Devika Pavuluri, Rupali Prabhukhot, Amjad Awan

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction: Esophageal leukoplakia, also termed esophageal epidermoid metaplasia (EEM), is a rare esophageal epithelial disorder characterized by keratinized squamous plaques on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). With a prevalence of < 0.5%, it is often incidentally identified during evaluation for nonspecific upper gastrointestinal symptoms. EEM is considered a premalignant condition due to its association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), yet management and surveillance strategies remain undefined.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman with hypothyroidism, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and remote aplastic anemia treated with bone marrow transplantation 35 years prior presented with chronic cough and progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids. She denied tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use. No weight loss, abdominal pain, or blood in stool was noted. CT of the neck with contrast revealed curvilinear mucosal hyperenhancement involving the mid to distal thoracic esophagus without lymphadenopathy. Physical examination and …

The Unlikely Case Of Sporadic Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura With Refractory And Seizure-Like Activity Features: Case Report, Brandon Gremmer, Alain Folefack

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction/Background: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a multisystem disease that can lead to multiorgan failure by disseminated mechanical destruction, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Most TTP cases are classified as acquired or hereditary; however, sporadic immune TTP with a refractory episode during the same hospital admission is not well documented in the literature. Furthermore, seizure-like activity during plasma exchange is not a common adverse effect.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old African American female with no documented medical, surgical, or social history, changes to medications, or lifestyle changes presented with full body fatigue, fever, loss of balance, and confusion. On arrival, labs …

Case Of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis With High Body Surface Area Involvement And Review Of Predictors Of Severity Of Illness, Hannah R. Riva, Clay J. Cockerell, Muhammad T. Siddique, James M. Cross

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare and potentially fatal cutaneous adverse drug reactions. The most common mortality predictor used for TEN is the SCORTEN (Severity-of-Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis). Various scoring systems have been used and are being developed for predicting mortality and guiding treatment in SJS/TEN. We describe a case of TEN with a high body surface area involvement and discuss the scoring predictors for severity of illness.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male was transferred to our burn center for a suspected diagnosis of SJS/TEN. He was intubated prior to arrival. He …

Devising A Protocol For Mri Clearance In Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (Cied), Sienna Luk, Alvin Mathew, Darshan Bhatty, Kamran Rizvi

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) remains a logistical challenge in many clinical settings. At Medical City Denton, the absence of a standardized institutional policy has led to significant inefficiencies, including prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. The primary objective of this project was to address these barriers by developing a streamlined, evidence-based protocol to improve care coordination and resource utilization for patients with CIEDs requiring diagnostic imaging.

Methods: Launched in 2026, this pilot initiative utilized a multi-stakeholder approach involving hospitalists, EPs, radiology staff, and device representatives. A core component of the …

Relationship Between Exception Request For Higher Listing Urgency And Aggressiveness In Accepting Heart Offers, Jorim Parmar, Yingxian Liu, Devika Adusumilli, Luke Taylor, Shakir Al-Ezzi, Usman Khan, Claudio Bravo, Claudius Mahr, Song Li

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Transplant programs may submit exception requests to upgrade a listed patient’s priority, often anticipating a higher likelihood of accepting marginal or high-risk donor organs. This study explores whether exception request status is associated with increased risk tolerance in organ acceptance.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), focusing on adult patients (≥18 years) listed for heart transplantation. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS/STAT 14.1. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical variables. Baseline characteristics were compared between recipients with and without exception requests. Primary analysis: Mixed-effects linear regression was used to …

Cardiac Step-Down Unit (Csu), Two Failures Drive Suboptimal Vte Prevention: Quality Improvement, Jorim Parmar, Shakir Al-Ezzi, Anvi Manduva, Muhammad Suleman, Fahed Alsayed, Debra Medsker

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: In the Cardiac Step-down Unit (CSU), two failures drive suboptimal VTE prevention: (1). over-ordering of SCDs in patients unlikely to benefit and (2). < 10% documented application when SCDs are truly indicated. Baseline data indicates that curbing over-ordering alone would reduce recorded non-compliance by >50%, revealing a clear opportunity for system redesign.

METHODS: To integrate the updated “3 Bucket” Risk Model assessment into the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) in order to delineate the prophylaxis for a given patient population. Once the manual risk assessment proves to be viable in increasing compliance, we can propose having the tool adopted into the CPOE system. Root Cause Analysis revealed that lack of standardized VTE risk stratification leads to inconsistent ordering practices – …

Reconsidering Routine Postpartum Complete Blood Count In Uncomplicated Vaginal Deliveries: A Quality Improvement Project, Mira Ibrahim, Katie Johnson, Isabella Sciacca, Ali Ohm, Nicole Tenzel

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND

While a postpartum CBC may be helpful to detect anemia, it may not be necessary in a routine, uncomplicated patient and may be more of a burden and cause inconvenience without providing significant benefit. The goal of our project is to have a positive impact on patient care, hospital efficiency, and healthcare cost for both hospital and patient.

METHODS

Using data from July 2025 onwards for a six-month period is the intended duration of our study. We are looking at which patients got a postpartum CBC (which is usually collected one day after delivery) and whether that lab draw …