Digital Commons Network^™

Sticky Genes: Can Repeated Dna Sequences Trigger Motor Neurone Disease?, Guste Venslovaite, Russell Mclaughlin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Pause For Policy - The Cognitive Cost Of Cannabis Use In Adolescence, Michael O'Connor, Linda Kelly, Emma O'Hora, Claire O'Doherty, Ciaran Brown, An Hsu, Sahar Riaz, Frank Crosson, Darren Roddy, Mary Cannon

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

From Recognition To Action: Advancing Nutrition Care In Irish Healthcare, Aoife Gillane, Sarah Donovan, Lisa Ryan

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Metabolic Health: A Needle-Free Alternative For Blood Sugar Monitoring, Conor Cleary, Martin Bradley, Christopher Crosson, John Wade

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Transforming Plastic For A Sustainable Planet: Next-Generation Materials That Biodegrade Naturally, Kristof Racz, Clement Higginbotham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

The Dock Beetle: Reducing Costs And Pesticides In Irish Agriculture, Bianca Araujo, Daniel P. Fitzpatrick

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Ireland’S Energy Transition: Unlocking The Potential Of Offshore Renewables, Caoimhe O'Hare, Madjid Karimirad, Gautam Baruah

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Nature Restoration Law In The Eu - Pros, Cons And Impossibilities, Emma Mcdonagh, Liam Sunner

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

From Conflict To Connection: Educators Leading The Shift Towards Restorative Practices (Rp) In Deis Primary Schools, Ellen Slattery, Clara Hoyne

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap From Preschool To Primary: From Policy To Practice, Aimee O'Connor, Cóilín O’ Braonáin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Gut Bacterial Dysbiosis In Pediatric Severe Malaria Associates With Post-Discharge Mortality, Olivia Bednarski, Sawyer Lehman, David Mzinza, Caroline Kazinga, Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka, Jie Ren, Tuan Tran, Terrie Taylor, Karl Seydel

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Gut microbiota have been implicated in severe malaria in murine models, but their contribution to the pathogenesis of severe malaria in children is unknown. Here we show through analysis of gut bacteria in stool samples from two separate African studies enrolling children with severe malaria, and children from local communities, that children with severe malaria have gut bacteria dysbiosis. Among children with severe malaria, there is increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae that associates with multiple clinical complications of severe malaria. Moreover, increased abundance of Escherichia coli was a predictor of post-discharge mortality. Metagenome analysis identify elevated metabolic pathways and genes supporting …

Avasopasem Manganese Treatment For Severe Oral Mucositis From Chemoradiotherapy For Locally Advanced Head And Neck Cancer: Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial (Roman), Carryn Anderson, Christopher M. Lee, Joseph Randall Kelley, Gary V. Walker, Neal E. Dunlap, Voichita Bar-Ad, Douglas A. Miller, Vernon J. King, Abhinand V. Peddada, Douglas F. Ciuba, Francois Vincent, Brian C. Muzyka, Amanda Lynn Gillespie-Twardy, Stephen T. Sonis, Jon Holmlund, Robert A Beardsley, Eugene P Kennedy, Deborah Saunders

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

BACKGROUND: Of patients who receive standard concomitant chemoradiation (CRT; intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] plus cisplatin) for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC), approximately two-thirds will develop severe oral mucositis (SOM), limiting their ability to eat solids (WHO grade 3) or drink liquids (WHO grade 4). In a randomized, double-blind phase 2b trial, avasopasem manganese substantially reduced duration and incidence of SOM versus placebo. This phase 3 trial further assessed avasopasem's reduction of SOM due to CRT.

METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03689712), patients receiving 60-72 Gy IMRT (>50 Gy to ≥2 oral mucosal sites) plus cisplatin …

Uptake Of Covid-19 Vaccination And Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Oncology Services At The Ocean Road Cancer Institute In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Insights From Mixed Design Methods’ Trajectory, David Makoko, Anthony Kapesa, Micheal Mugerwa, Mamsau Ngoma, Mark Mseti, Mary Lyimo, Lucy Kisaka, Ntuli Kapologwe, Jeremiah Seni

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have reduced disease severity and fatalities around the globe. Global data shows that 67.7% of the general population are vaccinated, and Tanzania has reported appealing findings of over 70% coverage among individuals over 18 years of age. However, a group-specific assessment of vaccination coverage is needed in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at assessing the COVID-19 vaccination uptake and associated factors among cancer patients owing to their vulnerability.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted in September 2022 at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A multistage sampling approach was employed …

Cabotegravir And Rilpivirine For Treatment Of Hiv Infection In Africa: Week 96 Results From The Phase 3b Randomized, Open-Label, Noninferiority Cares Trial, Cissy Kityo, Ivan Mambule, Joseph Musaazi, Simiso Sokhela, Henry Mugerwa, Henry Mugerwa, Ibrahim Yawe, Fiona Cresswell, Abraham Siika, Reena Shah

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Evaluation of the durable efficacy and safety of long-acting injectable therapy for HIV is needed in African populations. In a multicenter, open-label phase 3b trial, 512 African adults with HIV-1, stable on first-line oral therapy, with screening plasma viral load (VL) < 50 copies ml−1 and without past virologic failure were randomized (1:1) to continue oral therapy or switch to cabotegravir (600 mg) and rilpivirine (900 mg) intramuscular injections every 8 weeks (optional 4-week oral lead-in). VL was monitored every 24 weeks. Here the primary outcome for our analysis up to 96 weeks was VL < 50 copies ml−1, using the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm (noninferiority margin 10%) in the intention-to-treat exposed population. At 96 weeks, 247/255 (97%) in the long-acting group and 250/257 (97%) in the oral therapy group had VL < 50 copies ml−1 (difference −0.4%; 95% confidence interval −3.1% to 2.0%), demonstrating noninferiority. Adverse events of severity grade ≥3 occurred in 41/255 (16%) in the long-acting group and in 22/257 (9%) in the oral therapy group, mostly considered unrelated to the study drug; only one treatment-related adverse event in the long-acting group led to a decision to discontinue treatment (injection-site abscess). Cabotegravir and rilpivirine long-acting therapy produced durable virologic suppression, met the prespecified noninferiority endpoint compared with oral therapy and demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Long-acting therapy may be considered for use in African treatment programs. PACTR registration: 202104874490818.

Bridging The Gap: An Educational Intervention For The Early Introduction Of Peanut Protein In Pediatric Care, Rachel Gilson Dnp, Rnc-Ob, C-Onqs, Fnp-C, Parkview Health

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Presented at the 6th Annual Parkview Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Symposium. Theme: “From Paper to Practice: The Art of Implementation Science,” at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation.

The primary aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve provider adherence to the NIAID guidelines for the early introduction of peanut protein in infants under one year of age. The project intended to address identified knowledge and practice gaps through a targeted educational intervention at Fort Wayne Pediatrics (FWP).

Examining Gender And Ethnic Disparities In Scientific Authorship To Promote A Culture Of Equity, Diversity And Inclusion At A University School Of Public Health, Paula Christen, Julia Michalow, Tristan Naidoo, Hillary Topazian, Sabine An Elsland, Abeer Arif, Marc Baguelin, Gemma Clunie, Sarah Essilfie-Quaye, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

In public health research, diverse perspectives are vital to identify biases that homogenous teams might miss. Since publication metrics influence career progression, we investigated publication rate disparities within a School of Public Health. We analysed 18 322 peer-reviewed publications by 513 affiliated researchers between 2014 and 2023 using multivariable regression models and network analysis to assess the impact of gender, ethnicity, job level and centrality in the School’s research network on publication rates. We found a persistent gender gap in publication rates across job levels and ethnicities, with men publishing more than women (incidence rate ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval …

The Children's Hospitals In Africa Mapping Project (Champ) Survey: Facilities, Equipment, Supplies, Infrastructure, And Capacity To Respond To Emergencies, Vinayak Bhardwaj, Lawrence Stanberry, Philip Larussa, Wilmot James, Maitry Mahida, Aimable Kanyamuhunga, Atnafu Tekleab, Augustine Omoigberale, Crispen Ngwenya, Pauline Samia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

The Children’s Hospitals in Africa Mapping Project (CHAMP) survey was developed and implemented to assess the capabilities of some of the best resourced sub-Saharan African hospitals serving children. The aim was to evaluate hospital facilities, infrastructure, equipment, supplies, services, staffing, and readiness to care for children amid public health emergencies. This report analysed a subset of survey questions that characterised the hospitals and assessed facilities, equipment, supplies, infrastructure and capacity to respond to emergencies and outbreaks. Twenty-four sites were recruited. Twenty hospitals from 15 countries completed the survey from 2018 to 2019. This portion of the CHAMP study identified issues …

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence To Optimize Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Scoping Review, Philip Tran, Tien Dinh, Ivan Portillo, Emi Minejima, Amy Y. Kang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Objectives

Dean's Research Newsletter, November 2025, Neil W. Schluger

SOM Dean's Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Lymphoma Imaging In Hiv And Non-Hiv Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study With Clinical And Pathological Correlation, Poonamjeet Loyal, Edward Chege, Jasmit Shah, Anne Mwirigi, Samuel Gitau

Imaging & Diagnostic Radiology, East Africa

Background: Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)have an atypical imaging pattern of lymphoma. There is paucity of literature on differences in tumor volume or burden of disease amongst HIV positive patients compared with HIV negative patients and how this correlates with clinicopathological parameters of aggressiveness and prognosis.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma which were categorized into HIV positive and HIV negative. The tumor burden, disease sites, international prognostic score and Ki-67 index were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test and categorical variables with Fisher’s Exact test.

Results …

Human Sex Trafficking, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.

Development And Evaluation Of The Phenotypic 2g Test To Detect Drug-Resistant Tb, J. I. Garcia, E. T. Mambuque, Amberlee Hicks, Alyssa Schami, S. Munguambe, N. Gomez, G. Tembe, B. Saavedra, S.-H. Wang, Blanca I. Restrepo

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Early diagnosis of TB with drug susceptibility testing (DST) is critical to achieve successful treatment outcomes. We aimed to develop and test a novel colorimetric, 12-well, thin-layer agar-based test to assess its accuracy for TB diagnosis and DST in a clinical setting in Southern Mozambique.

Methods: Development of the first prototype of the second generation (2G) test in the laboratory setting followed by a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study with consecutive recruitment of subjects with microbiologically confirmed TB using GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra.

Results: In the laboratory setting, the 2G test showed 100% accuracy in detecting resistance of genotypically characterised drug-resistant …

Scaling Up Biomedical Vision-Language Models: Fine-Tuning, Instruction Tuning, And Multi-Modal Learning, Cheng Peng, Kai Zhang, Mengxian Lyu, Hongfang Liu, Lichao Sun, Yonghui Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To advance biomedical vision language model capabilities through scaling up, fine-tuning, and instruction tuning, develop vision-language models with improved performance in handling long text, explore strategies to efficiently adopt vision language models for diverse multi-modal biomedical tasks, and examine the zero-shot learning performance.

Methods: We developed two biomedical vision language models, BiomedGPT-Large and BiomedGPT-XLarge, based on an encoder-decoder-based transformer architecture. We fine-tuned the two models on 23 benchmark datasets from 6 multi-modal biomedical tasks, including one image-only task (image classification), three language-only tasks (text understanding, text summarization, and question answering), and two vision-language tasks (visual question answering and image …

Laceration, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.

Skin Soft Tissue Infection: Antibiotics For Abscesses, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Critically Appraised Topics

No abstract provided.

Two Decades Of Diagnostic Safety Research: Advances, Challenges, And Next Steps, Sundas Khan, Andrea Bradford, Christina L Cifra, Hardeep Singh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Since the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, various research efforts have accelerated progress to understand and improve diagnostic safety. In this opinion piece, we summarize two decades of progress in methods for identifying and learning from diagnostic errors and provide recommendations for future research. Multiple methods have been used to quantify diagnostic errors in various clinical settings, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the nature and magnitude of the problem and enabling studies of contributing factors. However, the use of standardized definitions of a diagnostic error and/or diagnostic safety event, …

Intravascular Hemolysis As A Converging Mechanism In Hemolytic Disorders, Justin A Courson, Arun Saini

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Does Not Increase Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Incidence In Young Black And Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Observational Cohort Study, Octavio C Mesner, Rishabh Jain, Aditi Ramakrishnan, Derrick D Matthews, Jeremy T Goldbach

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use has been linked with increases in sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence. Despite efforts to expand PrEP uptake among young Black and Hispanic men who have sex with men (YBHMSM), little research has been done to understand the impact of PrEP on STI incidence within these communities. We examine the effect of PrEP use on gonorrhea and chlamydia (NG/CT) incidence, condom use, and external STI testing (ie, outside of study visits).

METHODS: In a longitudinal cohort of HIV-negative YBHMSM (ages 16-24 years), we modeled the effect of PrEP use on study-external STI testing and number …

Diagnostic Efficacy And Clinical Impact Of Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy Of Suspected Adult Nonvertebral Osteomyelitis, Winston L Winkler, Ige A George, Sumanth Gandra, Jonathan C Baker, Anderanik Tomasian, Benjamin Northrup, Theodore L Vander Velde, Travis J Hillen, Chongliang Luo, Resten Imaoka, Gino M Dettorre, Jack W Jennings

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic yield and clinical impact of image-guided core needle biopsy (ICNB) of suspected nonvertebral osteomyelitis in adults is heterogenous in published studies because of small sample size, indicating the need for large cohort studies.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ICNBs was performed from 2010 to 2021 for patients with suspected nonvertebral osteomyelitis. For each biopsy, a series of factors were analyzed, as well as if histopathology was diagnostic of osteomyelitis and if microbiological cultures were positive. Additionally, it was recorded in what way biopsy influenced clinical management regarding antimicrobial treatment. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the …

From Pachymeningitis Hemorrhagica To Abusive Head Trauma: A Journey Through The Centuries, Oliver Berthold, Flora Blangis, Christopher Spencer Greeley

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The development of medical knowledge follows specific principles. These also apply to abusive head trauma. The seminal literature from the early 20th century is based on earlier research from Europe, which is fundamental to understand the evolution of understanding and nomenclature of abusive head trauma. A review of original medical literature on intracranial injuries in children, published in German, English, and French, was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for articles before 1950. The primary search focused on subdural hemorrhages and pachymeningitis in children, followed by a snowball search of references. Full texts of available manuscripts were reviewed. Primary literature …