Digital Commons Network^™

Professionalism In Practice: A Novel Approach To Integrating Small Doses Of Case-Based Professionalism Education Into Monthly Grand Rounds., Ellen M Friedman, Stacey R Rose

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Professionalism is a critical construct across the health professions, though learners and faculty report feeling underprepared to navigate difficult situations; education in professionalism is challenged by the absence of a universal definition, time constraints due to overcrowded curricula, and the lack of consistent messaging to learners and faculty.

Methods: Professionalism in Practice (PiP) was developed to provide small doses (∼5 minutes) of case-based professionalism education as part of an existing educational forum (Grand Rounds) to optimize attendance of both learners and faculty. Each vignette highlighted a common professionalism challenge and was aligned with an AAMC professional competency. Sessions were …

Discovery Of Genetic Susceptibility Variants In Pediatric And Adult Ependymoma, Jinyoung Byun, Stephen C Mack, Xiao Xiangjun, Terri S Armstrong, Mark R Gilbert, (On Behalf Of Nci-Connect);, Lisa Mirabello, Smita Bhatia, Wendy M Leisenring, Lindsay M Morton, Gregory T Armstrong, Jon Foss-Skiftesvik, Christian Munch Hagen, Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm, (On Behalf Of Gicc), Manel Ghozal, Audrey Bonaventure, Jacqueline Clavel, Melissa L Bondy, Christopher I Amos, Thanh T Hoang, Michael E Scheurer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Ependymoma is a malignancy of the neuroepithelium-derived ependyma that lines the spinal cord and ventricles of the brain, occurring most frequently in young children and older adults. Genetic susceptibility to ependymoma has proven difficult to assess due to disease rarity.

Methods: We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 478 ependymoma patients and 4,841 disease-free controls of European ancestry. Ependymoma patients consisted of 117 children (< 18 years old) with whole-genome sequencing (WGS), 142 children with genotyping, and 219 adults (≥18 years old) with genotyping. Genotyped samples were imputed using the 1,000 Genomes Project as the reference panel and underwent quality control filtering. The GWAS was performed separately by age group and technology (genotyped or WGS). GWAS variants were considered significant at P < 5 × 10-8.

Results: Among pediatric subjects with WGS data, we identified a significant intronic variant in EDIL3 (rs149378, P = 1.9 × 10-8) and a nearly significant intronic variant in LHX4 (rs79008224, P = 7.2 …

Age-Related Variations Of The Hemodynamic Response Function Spatially Resolved Across Human Cerebral Cortex

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Normal aging leads to regional vascular and neural alterations. Age-related impairments in neurovascular coupling (NVC) affect the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) hemodynamic response function (HRF) measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, causing changes in both amplitude and temporal dynamics. Previously, global, systematic age-related changes in HRF characteristics were demonstrated, consistent with known microvascular aging effects. In this follow-up study, a standard space was used to compare spatially resolved cortical HRF dynamics between sex-balanced groups of young and older adults. The results showed substantial age-related differences in both HRF amplitude and timing across distinct cortical regions. Nearly twice as much cortical area exhibited …

Evolving Burden Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease And Its Complications In A Us Nationwide Healthcare System, Liang Li, Xian Yu, Yumei Cao, Roxanne Desiderio, George Cholankeril, Steven M Asch, Hashem B El-Serag, Fasiha Kanwal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing public health problem. Measuring the burden of cirrhosis and its complications in people with MASLD is important to inform health care delivery.

Methods: We aimed to quantify the changes in the burden of MASLD-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a nationwide U.S. healthcare system. We used data from the Veterans Health Administration to examine temporal trends between 2010 and 2021 in the annual incidence and prevalence of cirrhosis and HCC in a large cohort of patients with MASLD, and to compare them to those in patients with hepatitis C …

Once-Weekly Navepegritide In Children With Achondroplasia: The Approach Randomized Clinical Trial, Daniel G Hoernschemeyer, Janet M Legare, M Jennifer Abuzzahab, Paul L Hofman, Philippe M Campeau, Josep Maria De Bergua Domingo, Leanne M Ward, Kevin Smit, Alden Smith, Meng Mao, Michael S Ominsky, Lærke C Freiberg, Aimee D Shu, Hanne B Hove

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Historically considered a skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature, achondroplasia is a condition with multisystemic effects due to the widespread expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 variant throughout the body, impacting muscle, neurological function, cardiorespiratory health, and health-related quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-weekly navepegritide, an investigational prodrug of C-type natriuretic peptide, while assessing benefits beyond growth that may have important implications for complications and health-related quality of life in children with achondroplasia.

Design, setting, and participants: Enrollment for this pivotal phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (APPROACH) was …

Duration Of Antimicrobial Therapy In Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Associated Systemic Infections: A Retrospective Analysis, Derrick A Draeger, Alexandra M Lewis, Faiz M Baqai, Mihail G Chelu, M Rizwan Sohail

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: While the need for complete device removal is well-established for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections, there is insufficient evidence on the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy.

Objectives: To examine how antimicrobial duration affects clinical outcomes of patients presenting with CIED-associated bacteremia and lead endocarditis.

Design: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a quaternary care hospital in Houston, TX, USA.

Methods: Patients who underwent device removal for a primary indication of bacteremia or lead endocarditis over a 10-year period were stratified by prescribed duration of antibiotics as ⩽2 weeks or >2 weeks post-extraction. Measured outcomes included all-cause …

Using Medication Pass Analysis To Examine Longitudinal Changes In Va Inpatient Nurse Staffing And Workload Before And Through The Covid-19 Pandemic: 2019-2022, Paras D Mehta, Christine Yang, Laura A Petersen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extended disruption to the health care system. National-level data-driven comparisons of inpatient nurse staffing and workload before and during the pandemic have been limited.

Objectives: Assess the extent to which registered nurse (RN) staffing and workload changed from prepandemic levels in a national integrated health care system.

Research design: Longitudinal descriptive analysis. Medication pass analysis using bar code medication administration data for the peak-time medication pass (PTM) assessing year-over-year changes from 2019 to 2022. To assess significance of year-over-year changes in means we used the Welch 2-sample t test.

Subjects: Staff (N=42,999) administering PTM …

Highly Variable Expressivity Of A Cnv Deletion Involving Tbx4 In Three Deceased Siblings With Lung Developmental Disorder And Their Mildly Affected Mother And Grandfather, Michał Denkiewicz, Dariusz Plewczynski, Hyun Jeong Kim, Gail Deutsch, Nahir Cortes-Santiago, Salmo Raskin, Paweł Stankiewicz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy-number variant (CNV) deletions involving TBX4 have been associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, ischiocoxopodopatellar syndrome, and lethal lung developmental disorders (LLDDs). Thus far, all large CNV deletions encompassing entire TBX4 have been found to have arisen de novo. Here, we present a three-generation family with three neonate siblings who died within 35-66 days due to histopathologically diagnosed LLDD. Whole-genome sequencing identified an ~108-kb CNV deletion encompassing TBX4 in all three infants. The deletion was also found in their mother with a history of pneumonia and persistent thick upper airway secretions and in the maternal grandfather …

In Vivo Volumetric Visualization And Quantification Of Cumulus Expansion In Mice With Intravital Optical Coherence Tomography

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Ovulation is preceded by a critical physiological process known as cumulus expansion, during which the cumulus cell layer surrounding the oocyte undergoes structural remodeling. Despite the recognized importance of this process for reproductive success, live quantitative imaging of cumulus expansion has not been previously achieved due to limitations of current imaging technologies for deeply located ovaries. In this study, we employed intravital optical coherence tomography for three-dimensional visualization of mouse follicles containing cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) within the physiological context of the ovary, both ex vivo and in vivo. This method enabled time-lapse measurement of cumulus layer thickness and COC …

Combination Therapy With 308-Nm Excimer Laser, Compound Glycyrrhizin, And Tacrolimus For Pediatric Facial And Cervical Vitiligo, Qian Chen, Siyuan Song, Ting Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmenting disorder in pediatric dermatology. Facial and cervical involvement is particularly distressing due to cosmetic disfigurement, leading to psychosocial impairment in children and significant psychological burden for parents. Safe and effective treatment strategies to halt disease progression and promote repigmentation are urgently needed.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, onset of repigmentation, safety, and repigmentation patterns of 308-nm excimer laser combined with oral compound glycyrrhizin and topical 0.03% tacrolimus in children with facial and cervical vitiligo.

Methods: A total of 112 pediatric patients were randomized into two groups: treatment group (n=56, 86 lesions) received …

Surgical Outcomes And Learning Curve Of Robotic Single-Port Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (Vnotes) Hysterectomy Using The Da Vinci Single-Port System

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: This study aims to assess the surgical outcomes and learning curve of robotic single-port vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RSP-vNOTES) for hysterectomy in benign gynecologic conditions.

Materials and methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted of 97 consecutively enrolled patients who underwent RSP-vNOTES hysterectomy using the da Vinci (single-port) SP system between December 2023 and July 2025 at a single tertiary care center.

Results: Median procedural durations included a total operative time of 151 minutes, a port placement time of five minutes, a docking time of two minutes, a robotic console time of 78 minutes, and a hysterectomy …

Chemoradiation After Chemotherapy For Metastatic Cervical Cancer Can Provide Chemo-Free Time, Madeline Flanagan, Shelly Sharma, Tracilyn Hall, Anthony Costales, Jan Sunde, Claire Hoppenot

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Stage IVB cervical cancer is treated with a life-prolonging and palliative intent with systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the number of these patients who had an adequate response to chemotherapy to be eligible for consolidative radiosensitizing chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiation) and subsequent outcomes.

Materials and methods: This is a retrospective review of metastatic cervical cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and evaluated for treatment with consolidative pelvic chemoradiation at a single safety-net hospital system from 2016 to 2024. Demographic data and clinical information were collected from electronic medical records. Stata was used for …

Disrupted Intrathalamic And Thalamocortical Structural Covariance Networks In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, C Lexi Baird, Courtney Russell, Neda Jahanshad, Lauren E Salminen, Miranda Olff, Jessie L Frijling, Dick J Veltman, Saskia B J Koch, Laura Nawijn, Mirjam Van Zuiden, Li Wang, Ye Zhu, Gen Li, Dan J Stein, Jonathan Ipser, Sheri Koopowitz, Yuval Neria, Xi Zhu, Orren Ravid, Sigal Zilcha-Mano, Amit Lazarov, Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez, Ashley A Huggins, Jennifer Stevens, Kerry Ressler, Tanja Jovanovic, Sanne J H Van Rooij, Negar Fani, Emily L Dennis, David F Tate, David X Cifu, William C Walker, Elisabeth A Wilde, Ivan Rektor, Pavel Říha, Milissa L Kaufman, Lauren A M Lebois, Justin T Baker, Anthony King, Israel Liberzon, Mike Angstadt, Nicholas D Davenport, Seth G Disner, Scott R Sponheim, Thomas Straube, David Hofmann, Guang Ming Lu, Rongfeng Qi, Amit Etkin, Adi Maron-Katz, Xin Wang, Austin Kunch, Hong Xie, Yann Quidé, Wissam El-Hage, Shmuel Lissek, Hannah Berg, Steven E Bruce, Josh Cisler, Marisa Ross, Ryan Herringa, Daniel W Grupe, Jack B Nitschke, Richard J Davidson, Christine Larson, Terri A Deroon-Cassini, Carissa W Tomas, Jacklynn M Fitzgerald, Brandee Feola, Jennifer U Blackford, Bunmi O Olatunji, Geoffrey May, Steven M Nelson, Evan M Gordon, Chadi G Abdallah, Ruth Lanius, Maria Densmore, Jean Théberge, Richard W J Neufeld, Paul M Thompson, Rajendra A Morey

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The thalamus is a heterogeneous structure crucial for corticocortical communication, affective–perceptual integration, motor preparation, and memory-related functions. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by various symptoms that likely relate to thalamic functions. Group-level and individual differential structural covariance (SC) analyses were conducted on intrathalamic, thalamocortical, and thalamosubcortical volumetric networks by segmenting structural MRI data from 2,784 subjects (PTSD n = 1,306; controls n = 1,478) into 25 thalamic nuclei per hemisphere. We found that PTSD was associated with stronger intrathalamic and thalamocortical network strength and stronger SC between the limbic thalamus and the somatomotor and auditory thalamus. PTSD severity was …

Evaluating Mesothelin As An Immunotherapeutic Target For Endogenous T Cells, Penelope G Papayanni, Yovana Velazquez, Hyun-Sung Lee, Spyridoula Vasileiou, Ann M Leen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Mesothelin (MSLN) is a GPI-anchored cell surface glycoprotein that is overexpressed in various solid tumors, including mesothelioma, triple-negative breast cancer, colon, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, with restricted normal tissue expression.

Methods: To explore the immunogenicity and immunotherapeutic potential of MSLN to T cells with native receptor specificity, 29 individuals of diverse HLA backgrounds were interrogated for T cell activity against MSLN.

Results: Twenty one (72%) subjects (21/29) mounted a specific T cell response when repetitively challenged with MSLN antigen. Reactive cells were Th1-polarized, polyfunctional, predominantly detected in the CD8+ T cell compartment and cytotoxic toward autologous and MSLN+/HLA-matched tumor …

Injuries In Children Undergoing Subspecialty Abuse Evaluations Because Of Intimate Partner Violence, Jan Leonard, Kristine A Campbell, Daniel M Lindberg, Angela N Bachim, Farah W Brink, Lori D Frasier, Nancy S Harper, Claire Hickey, Natalie Laub, John D Melville, Hannah Sahud, Philip V Scribano

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child physical abuse often co-occur, but the frequency and risk factors for abusive injuries in IPV-exposed children remain unknown. Our objectives were to (1) determine frequency of skeletal surveys (SSs) and neuroimaging use because of IPV and their diagnostic value in children aged less than 24 months evaluated by a child abuse pediatrics specialist (CAP) and (2) identify factors associated with performance of and findings on SS and neuroimaging.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of children aged less than 24 months undergoing CAP consultations because of IPV exposure from February 2021 …

Functional Analysis Of Genes Enriched In Male Reproductive Organs: Validation Via Fertility Assessment Of 14 Knockout Mouse Lines, Shingo Tonai, Ahn H Pham, Terumi Fujimoto, Thomas X Garcia, Martin M Matzuk, Masahito Ikawa, Keizo Tokuhiro

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Tissue-restricted gene expression serves as a key indicator of functional importance within specific organs. Despite advances in high-throughput sequencing and genome editing over the past decade, this principle remains the gold standard for identifying candidate genes for functional studies. In reproductive biology, testis-restricted expression is anticipated to indicate genes crucial for gametogenesis, given the conserved features shared between spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Concurrently, rapid evolution of spermatogenesis-related genes is well documented and thought to arise through duplication and subsequent mutation of ubiquitously expressed genes. In this study, we established 14 knockout (KO) mouse lines for male reproductive organ-enriched genes, all of …

Definitions Of Arginine Availability: A Critical Metabolic Marker Of Physiological Processes

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Using Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution, 0.25% To Treat Demodex Blepharitis In Patients Who Were Initially Misdiagnosed: A Case Series, Brandon Ayres, Eric Donnenfeld, Marjan Farid, Ian Benjamin Gaddie, Preeya K Gupta, Selina Mcgee, Kelly K Nichols, Stephen Pflugfelder, Christopher E Starr, Nandini Venkateswaran, Elizabeth Yeu, Cecelia Koetting

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Demodex blepharitis (DB) is a chronic ocular inflammation caused by Demodex mite infestation of the eyelid. DB is often misdiagnosed, as some of its clinical findings and patient-reported outcomes overlap with those of other ocular surface diseases. The Demodex Expert Panel on Treatment and Eyelid Health (DEPTH) has reached consensus on the symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of DB. Consensus findings from the DEPTH group include that collarettes are pathognomonic for DB and that lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for DB, should be the first-line treatment for the disease. This case series highlights two instances …

Comparing Rotational Thromboelastometry And Standard Coagulation Assays For Predicting Intraoperative Bleeding In Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Muhammed Umair M Mian, Kelby Fuller, Sanjiv Harpavat, Anna Banc-Husu, Amir Navaei, John Goss, Moreshwar Desai, Arun Saini

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Utility of preoperative rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) over standard coagulation assays (SCAs) in predicting intraoperative bleeding during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children with liver failure (LF) remains unclear.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort of pediatric OLT recipients, we compared the predictive values of preoperative ROTEM parameters (intrinsic pathway (INTEM) maximum clot firmness (MCF), extrinsic pathway (EXTEM) clotting time (CT), INTEM CT, and fibrinogen-based (FIBTEM) MCF) and the corresponding SCAs (platelet count, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen level, respectively) for significant intraoperative bleeding (blood loss of > 22 mL/kg; i.e., ≥ 85th percentile for …

Improving Compliance With Safe Sleep Guidelines For Vulnerable Patients In A Community Safety Net Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Thomas Lu, Kelsi Morgan, Ashlee Smith-Patel, Kelli Phillips, Joseph Hagan, Pablo Lohmann, Caraciolo Fernandes, Lisa Owens, Daniela Dinu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Modeling safe sleep in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) increases the likelihood that parents will follow these practices after discharge. Many NICU infants are put to sleep unsafely, and unsafe sleep practices are the leading cause of nonnatural death among children locally. We created safe sleep standards for infants older than 32 weeks based on national guidelines: infants should be placed supine in a flat, empty crib and should never be swaddled loosely. We aimed to increase the weekly percentage compliance with safe sleep recommendations from a baseline of 58% (0.58 compliant) to 85% (0.85 compliant) by March …

Priced Out Of Treatment: The Exorbitant Cost Of Antiparasitic Drugs In The United States, Eva H Clark

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Parasitic infections are often perceived as diseases of low-resource countries, yet they impose a significant and overlooked burden in the United States—especially among immigrants, low-income individuals, and other marginalized populations. This perspectives article examines the case of Mr. X, a landscaper in Houston diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, who faced unaffordable drug costs despite the availability of effective, off-patent treatments. Through his story, we explore the broader issue of pricing for commonly and not-so-commonly prescribed antiparasitic medications, highlighting the role of systemic market failures, regulatory hurdles, and restrictive assistance programs in limiting access to care. The consequences of incomplete treatment include long-term …

Non-Congenital Hsv-1 Keratitis In An Immunocompetent 9-Month-Old Infant

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Isolated, non-congenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) keratitis in immunocompetent infants is exceedingly rare and may be easily misdiagnosed, leading to delays in appropriate antiviral therapy. This case is unique in that it describes HSV-1 keratitis in a healthy 9-month-old infant presenting without systemic illness, initially treated as bacterial conjunctivitis. The patient presented with unilateral eye pain, redness, and corneal opacification. Subsequent evaluation revealed HSV-1 keratitis, and the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir in combination with topical moxifloxacin and topical ganciclovir, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms within one week. This case adds to the limited literature on …

Editorial: New Insights On Vascular And Metabolic Diabetic Complications

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Editorial: Advances In Phage Applications: Deciphering Phage Biological And Ecological Mechanisms Through Metagenomics

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Centering Minoritized Parent Perspectives And Pathways For Equitable Nicu Care: A Scoping Review Protocol, Panayiota Senekkis-Florent, Carolyn A. Baker, Emily Gierczynski, Penelope Schreffler

Scoping Review Protocols

Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is a core component of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice, yet families from culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically minoritized backgrounds may face barriers to equitable participation in care and decision-making. Understanding these experiences is essential to advancing equity in neonatal care.   Objective: To map the literature describing the experiences of minoritized parents and caregivers in the NICU and identify institutional interventions and healthcare system strategies that support equitable family-centered care and parent-provider partnership.   Methods: This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and be reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches will be conducted in …

Case Report: Primed Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy For Multiple Solid Tumors, Luis Ferbeyre, Gregorio Viramontes, Rafael Gonzalez, Elideth Angulo, Antonio Zamudio, Raul Hernandez, Stephen Noga, Susana Hernandez-Reyes, Paul Zhang, Darryl Smith, Ara Karamanian, Luis Tamara, Dalton Greenwood, Matthew Halpert

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Many patients with advanced solid tumors ultimately develop resistance to conventional therapies, with especially limited options for those experiencing rapid progression or poor performance status, highlighting the need for personalized immunotherapies capable of inducing durable responses. In this retrospective case series, we describe the clinical course and outcomes of five adults (4 male, 1 female; median age 51 years [range, 39-62]) with metastatic solid tumors who achieved complete and durable remission following doubly loaded autologous dendritic cell therapy after failure of standard treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibition, radiation, surgery, or endocrine therapy. Five patients, including prostate adenocarcinoma (n=1), malignant …

A Review Of Current Research And Barriers To Access: Exploring Disparities In Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, Meena Vessell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) impacts at least 30% of pediatric epilepsy patients, adversely affecting neurodevelopment and quality of life, as well as risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). While surgical intervention has proven to be an effective treatment for DRE, disparities in access to surgical care persist. Compared to adults, pediatric patients face unique challenges, including delayed recognition of surgical candidacy, limited access to specialized epilepsy centers, complex care coordination, and socioeconomic barriers.

Summary: This review explores the current state of pediatric epilepsy surgery, highlighting its effectiveness in achieving seizure freedom, improving neurocognitive outcomes, and reducing long-term healthcare …

Tau In Alzheimer’S Disease: Shaping The Future Patient Journey, Rik Ossenkoppele, Christopher C Rowe, Douglas W Scharre, Huali Wang, Simon Kyaga, Jeffrey L Cummings

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Alzheimer's disease is a complex and multifactorial disease characterized by two key pathological hallmarks: amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Recent progress has led to the development and approval of disease-targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease in the form of anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibodies. However, findings suggest that amelioration of multiple pathological drivers may be required to maximize clinical effect. An increasing body of evidence suggests that tau is a critical player in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, contributing significantly to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. There are now several tau-targeting drugs in clinical development. In this review, we build on research and advancements in …

Dual Targeting Of Amrc12 And Malassezia Globosa Disrupts Myc Liquid Condensates-Driven Nuclear Pore Complex Biogenesis In Neuroblastoma, Xiaolin Wang, Xinyue Li, Shunchen Zhou, Bosen Zhao, Jiaying Qu, Xiaojing Wang, Liduan Zheng, Qiangsong Tong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Rationale: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a predominant extra-cranial malignancy in childhood, while molecular drivers of its progression and effective treatment strategies have yet to be clarified.

Methods: RNA sequencing was performed to identify transcriptional regulators and corresponding target genes. To explore the biological effects and underlying mechanisms of these regulators, a comprehensive methodology was utilized, encompassing chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, western blot, alongside gene over-expression and silencing techniques, co-immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry. The MTT assay, soft agar colony formation, Matrigel invasion, and nude mouse xenograft models were applied to assess oncogenic properties. Patient survival was analyzed using the log-rank …

Combinatorial Effects Of Multi-Site Stimulation On Depression-Related Brain Regions: Clinical Data Analysis And Predictive Modeling, Eleonora Bartoli, Nisha Giridharan, Denise Oswalt, Nicole R Provenza, Anusha Allawala, Wayne Goodman, Sameer A Sheth, Nader Pouratian

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Despite growing evidence supporting deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment- resistant depression (TRD), how stimulation delivered across hemispheres or across multiple targets interact to shape large-scale network activity remains poorly characterized.

Objective: Using a unique opportunity to simultaneously stimulate the subcallosal cingulate (SCC) and ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) in subjects with TRD while recording neural activity across putative prefrontal networks underlying depression via intracranial electrodes, we investigated whether bilateral or multi-target stimulation has additive, synergistic/super-additive, or antagonistic/sub-additive effects on power modulation across depression-related brain networks.

Methods: Four DBS leads, and ten stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) leads were implanted in depression-related prefrontal …