Digital Commons Network^™

Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Cardiac Point-Of-Care Ultrasound: A Prospective Single-Arm Study, Lior Fisher, Michael Fiman, Yuval Yarkoni, Ella Segal, Boris Fishman, Kobi Faierstein, Noa Rubin, Adiel Am-Shalom, Howard Amital, Qiong Zhao, Smadar Kort, Praveen Mehrotra, Ehud Schwammenthal, Robert Klempfner, Eyal Zimlichman, Ehud Raanani, Elad Maor

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of combining artificial intelligence (AI) with handheld focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) performed by noncardiologist physicians in clinical care settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, single-arm study conducted from July 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05455541), 660 adult patients presenting to the emergency department or internal medicine wards were assessed with handheld ultrasound devices enhanced by AI algorithms. These algorithms provided automated analysis of ventricular function, valvular disease, pericardial effusion, and inferior vena cava size. Participating physicians received focused training and performed examinations either in response to clinical suspicion or as part …

Influenza Infection Has Higher Risk Of Postoperative Complications Than Covid-19 In Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients, Jad J Lawand, Umar Ghilzai, Caleb Witsken, Dion Birhiray, Abdullah Ghali, Youssef M Khalafallah, Rohan G Reddy, Sameer R Khawaja, Adil Shahzad Ahmed

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has captured the attention of healthcare systems worldwide, and testing remains a mainstay of preoperative testing before all surgical procedures, including shoulder arthroplasty. Other viral illnesses, specifically influenza, while still having severe complications, are either overshadowed by testing for COVID-19 or not tested at all.

METHODS: A multi-institutional cohort study using the TriNetX network examined patients undergoing total or hemi shoulder arthroplasty from January 2020 to March 2024. Matched cohorts were created: one with influenza and one with COVID-19 infection, 14 days before surgery.

RESULTS: A total of 3233 and 18,209 patients were included in the …

Machine Learning Prediction Of Discharge Destination In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease; A Nationwide Cohort Study, Hikaru Kamo, Tejas R. Mehta, Matthew Remz, Rachael M. Burke, Anne Brooks, Adrianne Smiley, Michael S. Okun, Christopher W. Hess

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Risk stratification during hospitalization may support real-world discharge planning. We developed and validated machine learning models and an interpretable risk score to predict discharge destination among patients hospitalized with Parkinson's disease using a nationwide administrative claims database. Adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized between November 2017 and June 2023 were included, and the first hospitalization was defined as the index admission. Discharge destination was categorized as home, facility, or in-hospital death. The dataset was randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) cohorts. Random forest models were constructed for all discharge outcomes, and an elastic net logistic regression model was developed …

Incidental Left Ventricular Fibroma Detected During Pre-Participation Screening In A Young Athlete, Alya J. Al Hashmi, Meetha S. Al Ameri, Asna Ayoob, Hafsa Maryam, Fiza Halima

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Primary cardiac fibromas are rare benign tumors that may carry arrhythmic risk. We report a case of cardiac fibroma that was incidentally detected in an 18-year-old athlete with echocardiography and MRI during routine pre-championship screening. Following multidisciplinary heart team discussion and shared decision-making, surgical excision was performed due to potential arrhythmic risk in the setting of high-intensity athletic activity.

Examining The Relationship Between A Positive Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis And Referring Symptoms Of The Pregnant Patient, Christina Emerson, Beth Tremblay

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

PROBLEM: Many healthcare providers do not routinely screen pregnant individuals for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), contributing to its underdiagnosis and potentially leading to various pregnancy-related health issues. Currently used OSA screening tools, such as the Berlin Questionnaire, STOP-BANG Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, often demonstrate poor predictive value in pregnant women due to the dynamic physiological changes of pregnancy and the differing presentation of OSA in this population.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between a positive OSA diagnosis, patient characteristics, and the symptoms among pregnant patients referred for sleep studies.

EBP QUESTIONS: 1) Is there a relationship between certain referring …

Measurable Gains In Understanding Interprofessional Competencies: Insights From Medical Student Clerkship Observation Of A Nicu Graduate Follow-Up Clinic, Grace Berentson, Liliana Bronner, Neil Kalsi, Paige Hardy, Brianna Brei, Kerry Miller

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Donor Sex And Platelet Storage Change The Therapeutic Effects Of Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles On Endothelium, Mandeep Kaur, Malvika Gupta, Sowmya Shree Gopal, Charles E. Wade, Jessica C. Cardenas, Amit K. Srivastava

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) play an active role in vascular protection and repair and are being explored as a viable alternative to platelet therapy. Because platelet function and stability are shaped by donor sex and storage conditions, these same factors are likely to influence the PEVs they release. Understanding these influences is key to developing PEVs into a safe and dependable therapeutic option. In this study, we investigated how donor sex and platelet storage affect the therapeutic properties of PEVs. To address this, PEVs were isolated from platelets of healthy male and female donors. Platelets were either processed immediately after …

Influenza B Viral Infection Complicated By Acute Fulminant Myocarditis Requiring Mechanical Support: A Case Report., Tareef Hesham Kannout, Muhammad Azam Shah, Fahmi Abdullah Alkaf, Faisal A. Alghamdi, Mohammed Alreshidan

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Acute fulminant myocarditis represents a severe complication of myocarditis, necessitating early suspicion and intervention for improved patient outcomes. Influenza B-induced myocarditis remains a relatively rare entity. A young lady presented to the emergency department with symptoms of heart failure and cardiogenic shock, requiring inotropes without significant improvement. For the continued deterioration of her hemodynamics, she underwent mechanical circulatory support, including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).  The follow-up investigations showed positive influenza B. She was treated with antiviral therapy and steroids, resulting in gradual improvement in hemodynamics and left ventricular ejection fraction

Atrial Fibrillation In Athletes: Mechanisms, Management, And Future Directions, Ibrahim Alameh, Ghina Al Fout, Michael D. Ezekowitz, Mohammed Kamareddine

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: High-volume endurance training may shift exercise from cardioprotective to arrhythmogenic, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in healthy athletes.

CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old marathon runner with a 15-year history of high-intensity endurance training presented with episodic palpitations and reduced athletic performance. Electrocardiogram showed paroxysmal AF; echocardiography revealed mild left atrial enlargement without structural heart disease. Symptoms worsened during the recovery phase after runs, suggesting vagally mediated AF. After unsuccessful flecainide therapy, he underwent pulmonary vein isolation. Twelve months later, he remained free of recurrent AF on Holter monitoring and successfully resumed endurance training following an 8-week recovery period. …

Modulation Of Biomolecular Aggregate Morphology And Condensate Infectivity., Josephine C Ferreon, Kyoung-Jae Choi, My Diem Quan, Phoebe S Tsoi, Cristopher C Ferreon, Ulas Coskun, Shih-Chu Jeff Liao, Allan Chris M Ferreon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Neurodegenerative diseases feature diverse pathological protein aggregates, including Lewy bodies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and skein-like filaments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The physical mechanisms underlying this morphological diversity remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that aggregation of the prion-like domain of hnRNPA1 (A1PrD), implicated in AD and ALS, is driven by solution composition and phase transition dynamics. Utilizing 3D timelapse and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we show that solution conditions modulate phase separation, gelation, and fibrillation, resulting in distinct structures such as fibril, gel, and starburst morphologies. Homotypic and heterotypic interactions between A1PrD and RNA were observed to shift the …

K2p Channels As Key Regulators Of Cardiovascular And Pulmonary Vascular Function, Hala Y Abdelnasser, Xinchun Pi, Lavannya M Pandit, Bradley K Mcconnell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are the most recently identified family of potassium channels. They are regarded as the largest group of background “leak” channels, encoded by 15 mammalian KCNK genes, and divided into six subfamilies (TWIK, TREK, TASK, TALK, THIK, and TRESK). These channels have a role in stabilizing the resting membrane potential. Their widespread presence in the heart and vasculature supports cellular homeostasis by regulating cardiac rhythm, vascular tone, and protection against ischemic stress. The TASK, TWIK, and TREK subfamilies are the most abundantly expressed K2P channel subfamilies in the cardiovascular system, and dysregulation of specific members has …

Net Benefit Of Surveillance Varies By Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk In Patients With Cirrhosis, Akash Patel, Elena Gavrila, Sruthi Yekkaluri, Yujin Hoshida, Ruben Hernaez, Amit G Singal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and net benefit of surveillance may differ between patients with cirrhosis. We compared the benefits and harms of HCC surveillance across risk strata in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: We leveraged a cohort of patients with cirrhosis from a pragmatic RCT of HCC surveillance outreach enrolled between March 2018 and April 2021. Patients were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories based on published thresholds for three validated clinical risk scores. We calculated HCC incidence rates and moderate-to-severe physical harms for each risk stratum.

Results: Of 2142 patients with cirrhosis followed for a median …

Evaluating Sensory Sensitivities Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In An Adaptive Gymnastics Program, Aicha Kaouss, Bradley Eppinger, Austin Ebbrecht, Kailash Ram, Kaitlin P. Hardy Md

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in physical activity at lower rates than their neurotypical peers1. Sensory sensitivities, reported in approximately 75–95% of children with ASD, may contribute to this disparity2. Gymnastics environments involve bright lighting and loud noise, which can precipitate sensory overload. The impact of specific sensory features on participation in adaptive gymnastics remains underexplored.

Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of children aged 3–12 years with an ASD diagnosis enrolled in the EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics Program. Caregivers completed the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire–Third Edition (SEQ-3)3 and supplemental survey items on Redcap which assessed environmental triggers and …

Genome-Wide Crispr Screen Identifies A Cytokine-Enhancer Circuit Driving Hif-2Α Activation In Renal Cancer, Jun Fang, Jeremy M Simon, Tao Wang, Yunpeng Gao, Xianju Bi, Lianxin Hu, Chengheng Liao, Cheng Zhang, Yayoi Adachi, Jin Zhou, Hongyi Liu, Qian Liang, James A Nathan, Ram Mani, James Brugarolas, Qing Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Resistance to HIF-2α inhibitors such as Belzutifan underscores the need to better understand how HIF-2α is transcriptionally regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here, we uncover a cytokine-driven enhancer mechanism that sustains HIF-2α expression through the JAK1-STAT3 signaling pathway. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen in VHL-deficient ccRCC cells, we identified SOCS3 as a key negative regulator of HIF-2α. Mechanistically, loss of SOCS3 activates JAK1-STAT3 signaling, leading to the recruitment of STAT3 to distal enhancers upstream of EPAS1 that physically loop to its promoter to drive HIF-2α transcription. This cytokine-enhancer circuit was recapitulated in ccRCC patient samples and functionally …

Paternal Behavior Is Controlled By Preoptic Trpc5 Neurons, Yongxiang Li, Qingzhuo Liu, Fuhui Wang, Kristine M Mcdermott, Mengjie Wang, Yue Deng, Yuxue Yang, Yutian Liu, Jingjing Cheng, Meixin Sun, Xinming Liu, Jinjing Jian, Jiamin Qiu, Xi Wu, Lamei Xue, Tong Zhou, Yongjie Yang, Hailan Liu, Longlong Tu, Benjamin R Arenkiel, I Sadaf Farooqi, Yong Xu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Male parenting behavior is highly conserved and activated only after offspring are born. Here we show that the behavioral switch from infanticide in virgin male mice to caregiving in wild-type sires is associated with enhanced expression and activation of Transient receptor potential channel 5 (Trpc5) in estrogen receptor α (Esr1)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA). While selective deletion of Trpc5 from Esr1MPOA neurons diminishes paternal behavior in sires, overexpression of Trpc5 in these neurons converts the otherwise infanticidal virgin males to exhibit care to pups. Mechanistically, Trpc5-dependent changes in neuronal excitability underlie fatherhood-associated Esr1MPOA neuron plasticity. Notably, …

Pediatric Simulation And Emergency Nurse Confidence, Katherine E. Wright

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Nurses working in a general emergency department (GED) with a low (3.3%) pediatric patient volume expressed a lack of confidence caring for complex pediatric patients.

PICOT: In general emergency department nurses (P), how does participating in a pediatric simulation event (I), compared to current practice (C), affect nurse confidence scores caring for pediatric patients (O) over 6 weeks (T)?

Evidence: A review of over 17 evidence-based resources found good quality evidence that suggested participating in a simulation event can improve nurse confidence.

Intervention: Over six weeks, GED staff members participated in a pediatric simulation event. The simulation utilized …

External Fixation Assisted Intramedullary Total Femur Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Matthew Hnatow, Blake Martin, Emma Herrera

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction:Total femur replacement (TFR) is a salvage procedure for patients with multiple failed hip and knee arthroplasties and is associated with high complication rates. Intramedullary TFR has emerged as a technique to preserve critical soft tissue attachments; however, maintaining limb length, alignment, and rotation remains challenging.

Case Presentation: We describe a novel case of intramedullary TFR utilizing external fixation to address these technical challenges. A 64-year-old male with subsidence of a hinged knee tumor prosthesis to the level of the greater trochanter underwent intramedullary TFR. External fixation was applied to the residual femoral and tibial bones to maintain …

Plant-Based Dietary Patterns Are Associated With Slower Epigenetic Aging, Hyunju Kim, Christina A Castellani, Jiantao Ma, Alexis C Wood, Audrey Ting, Morgan E Grams, Bing Yu, Kelly Ruggles, James S Floyd, Dan E Arking, Casey M Rebholz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Greater adherence to plant-based diets is associated with health benefits. Dietary intake can modify DNA methylation patterns, but it is unknown whether plant-based diets in a largely non-vegetarian population are associated with DNA methylation-based epigenetic aging measures. We examined the associations between 4 different types of plant-based diets indices (PDI) [overall PDI, provegetarian diet, healthy PDI, and unhealthy PDI] and epigenetic aging. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N=2,810) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, N=2,056). PDIs negatively scored higher intake of animal products and positively scored higher intake of all or selected …

Multidisciplinary Care In The Management Of Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma: A Single-Center Case Series And Review, Jaanvi Mehta, Leena Wardeh, Jayson Suriano, Rishob Dasgupta, Ramsay Hafer, Alexandra Elder, Safiyyah Bhatti, Jason B. Lee, Atrayee B. Mallick, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Limited English Proficiency, Acculturative Stress, And Quality Of Life Among Korean American Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B, Hee-Soon Juon, Gilbert C. Gee, Julia G. Katcher, Daniel Yang, Katherine Smith, Ann C. Klassen

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the most widespread liver diseases in the world and disproportionately affects Asian Americans, who are further impacted by the lower quality of life imposed by the infection. Limited English proficiency (LEP) and acculturative stress play an important role in the study of patients with CHB, but the interrelationships of LEP, acculturative stress, and health outcomes are not well studied in this population. This study aims to explore how acculturative stress mediates the relationship between LEP and health outcomes among Korean American patients with CHB.

METHODS: A total of 365 CHB patients completed …

Educational Intervention To Improve Awareness Of The Female Athlete Triad Among Division I Athletes, Carly J. Haring, Jonathan Olson Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Introduction: The Female Athlete Triad poses short- and long-term health risks for female athletes through the interrelated components of low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health. Despite its prevalence, awareness and education surrounding the Triad remain limited, contributing to delayed recognition and care. The objective of this project was to assess baseline knowledge and comfort discussing Female Athlete Triad–related topics among Division I female athletes and to evaluate the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions.

Methods: A community-based educational initiative was conducted in November 2025 among Division I female athletes …

Advancing Hope: Clinical Trials In Pediatric Cancer, Michael Smith, Kevin Ginn

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

Clinical trials are the backbone of progress in pediatric oncology, offering new pathways to treatment and survival for children facing cancer. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Ginn, MD, a leading expert in pediatric cancer research, to explore why clinical trials matter, how pediatricians can support families through the process, and what innovations are shaping the future of care. From ethical considerations to practical challenges, Dr. Ginn shares insights that empower pediatricians to guide families with confidence and compassion.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Outcomes Of Lumbar Fusion Surgery In Isthmic Versus Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pavlos Texakalidis, Stavros Matsoukas, Constantine L. Karras, Christopher S. Ahuja, Najib El Tecle, Tyler R. Koski, Nader S. Dahdaleh

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Lumbar spondylolisthesis can cause a significant disability due to back and lower extremity pain. Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) are the two most common types. DS results from arthritic changes and degenerative disc disease, whereas IS occurs secondary to a pars interarticularis defect. This study compared surgical outcomes between IS and DS. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twenty studies comprising 3136 patients were included (DS: 1944; IS: 1192). No differences were identified in terms of estimated blood loss (mean difference [MD]: 5.79, 95% …

The Level Of Physical Activity And The Feeling Of Stress In Difficult Life Situations Among Refugees From Ukraine, Bartosz Gondek, Iwona Bonisławska, Milena Lachowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 started the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. In the face of danger, crowds of civilians decided to leave their homes and escape, among others, to Poland in search of shelter. Materials and methods: The research was conducted on groups of refugees from Ukraine who registered in the first days of the war in Sopot and Pruszcz Gdanski. The refugees came from Kharkov, Mariupol, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and western Ukraine (not involved in hostilities). People from the war zone areas mostly came with only hand luggage. The respondents were divided …

Recurrent Pubic Osteomyelitis And Urosymphyseal Fistula In A Prostate Cancer Survivor: A Multidisciplinary Management Challenge, Peng Jhen Wu, Navin Sampathkumar, Tanmay Singh, Sonal Gandhi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

A 67-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer, treated with prostatectomy and subsequent radiation for recurrence, presented with a complex clinical course of recurrent osteomyelitis and a persistent urosymphyseal fistula with associated phlegmon. Following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for a T4 vertebral lesion, he developed pelvic osteomyelitis, from which Kocuria species was cultured. The progression of his disease led to a urosymphyseal fistula, necessitating a cystectomy with ileal conduit and pubic bone debridement. Despite this extensive surgical intervention, he presented one year later with recurrent ileal conduit phlegmon and osteomyelitis. This case highlights the significant diagnostic and management …

Diagnosis And Characterization Of Thyroid Dysfunction In Patients Evaluated In Primary Care In A Rural Zone Of Honduras, Javier Shafick Asfura, Travis Wesley Harris, Amanda Reeck, María Fernanda Chévez

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Thyroid disorders are prevalent and frequently underdiagnosed in primary care, particularly in resource-limited rural areas. Their nonspecific symptoms complicate early recognition and treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and describe the clinical reasoning, diagnostic strategies, and laboratory findings among adults evaluated with TSH testing in rural Honduras. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Loma de Luz in Balfate, Honduras. Adult patients aged ≥18 years who underwent diagnostic TSH testing between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, were included. Patients with prior thyroid diagnoses or current pregnancy were …

Infectious Aortitis Secondary To Gastrointestinal Pathogens: A Case Series And Syndromic Review, Natasa Kostic, Ilana Goldberg, Devin Weber

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Aortitis is a rare but serious complication of infection that results in high morbidity and mortality. The most common location is in preexisting aneurysmal disease in a patient with multiple chronic comorbidities. The pathogens often reflect gastrointestinal bacteria, the classic example being Salmonella spp., but also include other enteric flora, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and more. Herein, we describe 2 cases of aortitis caused by gastrointestinal bacteria and review management of this complex syndrome.

Impact Of Depression And Anxiety On Outcomes Following Muscle-Preserving Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody And Fusion., Sahil Garg, Sean M Muir, Kyle Jamar, Alexa Dietrich, Patrick Young, Sonny Gill

Surgery Articles

Background: The impact of concurrent diagnoses of anxiety and depression has not been extensively studied in spine surgery. We hypothesize that a muscle-sparing technique may be associated with decreased postoperative pain and improved strength postoperatively compared to open techniques, decreasing the stress of the postoperative recovery process. Therefore, this study aims to assess the benefits that a modified muscle-preserving lumbar fusion technique (Wiltse transforaminal lumbar interbody and fusion (W-TLIF)) would have on this subset of patients.

Methods: One hundred twenty subjects who underwent a single-level W-TLIF were identified with a recorded diagnosis status associated with mental health. The subjects underwent …

Sleep Disturbances In Patients With Cushing Syndrome And Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shubhangi Sharma Sharma, Jasmine Saini, Shireen R Chacko, Sarina Ahmadian, Vanessa Fell, Dana Erickson, Anina F Peersen, Sara J Achenbach, Elizabeth J Atkinson, Irina Bancos

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Context: The impact of active hypercortisolism on sleep is incompletely characterized. Studies report impaired sleep in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS). Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate mild nocturnal hypercortisolism that could impact sleep.

Objectives: To characterize sleep abnormalities in patients with CS and MACS using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), identify factors associated with poor sleep, and compare sleep abnormalities in patients with MACS vs referent subjects.

Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of adults with active CS and MACS. Clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Parallelly, we enrolled referent subjects. Quality …

Targeting Glioblastoma: Mechanistic And Clinical Perspectives From Uofl Research, Swetha Senthil Nathan

The Cardinal Edge

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors, with median survival lingering at 12–15 months despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This article explores cutting-edge research and clinical efforts at the University of Louisville aimed at improving GBM treatment outcomes. Dr. Joseph Chen investigates the tumor microenvironment, revealing how physical properties such as stiffness and porosity drive GBM cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis. His lab’s findings suggest that porosity, rather than stiffness alone, may be a more accurate predictor of tumor invasion and progression-free survival. Additionally, his research highlights the role of hyaluronic acid and …