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Dean's Research Newsletter, May 2026, Neil W. Schluger

SOM Dean's Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The May 2026 (Volume 108, No. 5) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The May 2026 issue of the MDA Journal introduces Dr. Melanie Mayberry as the new association president, highlighting her …

The Back Page: Thanks, Mda, For 35 Years, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Retiring managing editor Dave Foe reflects on his 35-year tenure with the Michigan Dental Association. He traces the technological evolution of the Journal and the association's member communications from paper-based systems and typewriters to the digital era. Foe underscores the vital role of dental journalism as a pillar of the profession and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to have served Michigan dentists and documented their history for over three decades.

Editorial: Grateful And Thankful, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michelle Dziurgot reflects on her concluding three-year term as the Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan Dental Association Journal. She describes her personal growth through volunteerism, starting as a local component editor and advancing to the MDA Board of Trustees. The author emphasizes that the most value from membership comes through immersion and service, encouraging others to volunteer their time and talent to the association. She credits the MDA’s mentorship with shaping her professional career and practice.

The 2026 Mda Award Winners: Recognizing Outstanding Service, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article lists the recipients of the 2026 MDA awards, highlighting their contributions to the dental profession and public health. Notable winners include Dr. Christopher Smiley, recipient of the Meritorious Award for a lifetime of achievement in dental journalism and leadership, and Dr. Charles Burling, honored as Dentist Citizen of the Year for his community service. The feature also recognizes educators, legislative advocates, and volunteers in the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program who provide care to vulnerable populations.

Drug Therapy Of Anxiety Disorders And Depression: Considerations For Dental Treatment, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical article examines the dental implications for patients taking psychiatric medications. It reviews major drug classes, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, focusing on oral side effects like xerostomia and bruxism. The author details critical drug interactions with local anesthetic vasoconstrictors and macrolide antibiotics. Crucially, the source explores research suggesting that SSRIs may significantly increase the risk of dental implant failure by interfering with bone metabolism and osseointegration.

Your New Mda President: Dr. Melanie Mayberry, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature introduces Dr. Melanie Mayberry, the 2026-27 president of the Michigan Dental Association. An interview details her extensive background in private practice, DSOs, academia, and public health. Dr. Mayberry discusses the primary challenges facing dentists, specifically workforce gaps and flat reimbursement models. Her agenda for the upcoming year includes finalizing a new strategic plan, modernizing the Annual Session, and enhancing member engagement through mentorship programs for new graduates.

A Covalent Allosteric Molecular Glue Suppresses Nrf2-Dependent Cancer Growth, Nilotpal Roy, Ilah Bok, Harit Panda, Dhaval P Bhatt, Emily M Wilkerson, Soma Saeidi, Paul Zolkind, Michael B Major, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

UNLABELLED: The NRF2 transcription factor is constitutively active in cancer, in which it functions to maintain oxidative homeostasis and reprogram cellular metabolism. NRF2-active tumors exhibit NRF2 dependency and resistance to chemotherapy/radiotherapy (RT). In this study, we characterize VVD-065, a first-in-class NRF2 inhibitor that acts via an unprecedented allosteric molecular glue mechanism. In the absence of stress or mutation, NRF2 is rapidly degraded by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-cullin3 (CUL3) ubiquitin-ligase complex. VVD-065 specifically and covalently engages Cys151 on KEAP1, which in turn promotes KEAP1-CUL3 complex formation, leading to enhancement of NRF2 degradation. Previously reported Cys151-directed compounds decrease KEAP1-CUL3 interactions …

Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Risk Stratification Of Modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt Thrombogenicity, Yi Qiao, Ethan Penn, Jacob Miller, Scott Bugenhagen, Ram Rohatgi, Kelsey Mercer, Blaire Kulp, Jinli Wang, Pirooz Eghtesady, Guy M Genin, Edon J Rabinowitz, David Bark

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt (mBTTS) is a critical palliative procedure for infants with single-ventricle physiology, but thrombosis-related occlusion affects 8% to 12% of infants and carries nearly 50% mortality. Meanwhile, existing antithrombotic strategies fail to address the hemodynamic factors driving thrombosis, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of flow dynamics in shunt failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify how mBTTS geometry influences hemodynamics and thrombosis risk, providing quantitative guidance for surgical planning and shunt design optimization.

METHODS: We used patient-specific imaging data to test 54 idealized mBTTS configurations, systematically varying key geometric factors: pulmonary artery diameter, shunt …

Sustainment Of Hydroxyurea Adherence In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Andrew M Heitzer, Zachary Wooten, Guangjin Luo, Marsha Treadwell, Allison A King, Victor R Gordeuk, Nirmish Shah, Christina M Abrams, Sarah Mccuskee, Siera Gollan, Jennifer Longoria, Jane S Hankins, Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Despite established treatment guidelines and strong therapeutic benefit, hydroxyurea remains underused among patients with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the change in self-reported hydroxyurea use (ie, taking the medication at all) and adherence (ie, the number of days taken per week) over time and to examine factors associated with the trajectory of hydroxyurea use and adherence.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected through the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium, a longitudinal, multicenter, observational cohort study that recruited patients from 8 centers across the US. Data collection occurred from 2017 to 2022, and analyses were performed from January …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Individuals With Low Literacy And Perinatal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Eliza Kleban, Ashleen Lee, Aminata Koroma, D Taylor Hendrixson, Joshua Duncan, Mark J Manary, Kevin B Stephenson

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Perinatal depression is common in sub-Saharan Africa, yet treatment gaps are substantial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective but relies on written materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a culturally adapted CBT intervention delivered by lay counselors to women with perinatal depression in rural Sierra Leone.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was an individually randomized, outcomes assessor- and investigator-blinded, clinical trial of an adapted CBT intervention vs enhanced usual care. The trial was conducted in 6 government-run antenatal clinics in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone, which has limited infrastructure, low literacy, high maternal undernutrition, and no perinatal mental …

Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Access And Patient Diversity, Rachel Cusatis, Ramzi Abboud, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is curative for hematologic cancers, yet access remains inequitable for racially and ethnically underrepresented and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, making the goal of having a suitable donor for every patient who needs a transplant challenging. The ACCESS trial broadened access by enrolling patients without matched donors, who instead received an HCT from a mismatched unrelated donor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare baseline characteristics of ACCESS trial participants with participants enrolled in a similar clinical trial and a patient-reported outcome (PRO) protocol cohort.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study included adult participants (aged ≥18 years) from 3 …

Androgen Loss Accelerates Brain Tumour Growth Via Hpa Axis Activation, Juyeun Lee, Joshua B Rubin, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Many cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM), show a male-biased incidence and associated worse outcomes

Adaptive Evolution Of Gene Regulatory Networks In Mammalian Neocortex, Zhuo Li, Linda J Richards, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Mammals have evolved a more complex brain, exemplified by the transformation of the single-layer dorsal cortex of excitatory projection neurons (ExNs) in ancestors into a multilayered cerebral neocortex

Single-Cell Spatiotemporal Dissection Of The Human Maternal-Fetal Interface, Cheng Wang, Sarah K England, David K Stevenson, Gary M Shaw, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The human maternal-fetal interface is characterized by mosaic intermingling of maternal and fetal cells

Synovial Fluid Biomarkers Associated With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury And Reconstruction: A Systematic Review, Daniel C Touhey, Derrick M Knapik, Sina Tartibi, Varun Gopinatth, Tanya Boghosian, Matthew J Matava, Matthew V Smith, Robert H Brophy

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Synovial fluid biomarkers reflect the inflammatory response after joint injury and surgery. Previous studies have identified synovial fluid biomarker concentrations in the knee after both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to summarize reported changes in synovial fluid biomarkers and their concentrations after acute ACL injury/ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: Studies published in the PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases reporting in English on humans sustaining ACL tears and undergoing ACLR from inception to August 2025 were identified and included if postinjury/preoperative and/or postoperative …

Adapt-On-Demand: Enabling Flexible And Scalable Adaptive Radiotherapy Through Workflow Automation, Sean Domal, Min Geon Choi, Justin Visak, Ruiqi Li, Taoran Li, Boon-Keng Kevin Teo, Xiaodong Zhao, Matthew Schmidt, Eric Laugeman, David Parsons, Yang Kyun Park, Shahed Badiyan, David Sher, Mu-Han Lin

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: CT-guided adaptive radiotherapy (CTgART) offers significant clinical benefits, but its utilization is often limited by resource demands and rigid workflows. This study presents a flexible and scalable "Adapt-on-Demand" (AOD) framework that integrates the adaptive capabilities of the Varian Ethos platform with the high-throughput IGRT delivery of the Varian Halcyon, supported by automated scripting.

METHODS: We developed an end-to-end dual-platform workflow that dynamically transitions between ART and IGRT delivery based on patient needs. Key components include Eclipse Scripting API (ESAPI) automation to streamline adapted plan ingestion from the Ethos Treatment Planning and Management System (TPMS) export directory, compatibility conversion for …

Preterm Birth Increases Susceptibility To Hyperglycemia-Induced Kidney Injury With Sex-Specific Differences In Structural And Molecular Responses, Rachel K Dailey, Aleksandra Cwiek, Logan C Hamil, Sage Timberline, Ayyappa Kumar Sista Kameshwar, Masako Suzuki, Jaya Isaac, Kimberly Deronde, Mark Conaway, Kevin M Bennett, Edwin J Baldelomar, Matthew R Hoch, Kimberly J Reidy, Jennifer R Charlton

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth increases the long-term risk of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet its impact on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unclear. We previously showed that male preterm mice with diabetes develop early features of DKD, including reduced podocyte density, decreased renin expression, activation of angiogenesis pathways, and impaired endothelial-podocyte signaling. Here, we examine whether preterm birth similarly accelerates DKD progression in female mice and compare structural and transcriptomic outcomes in the females to the prior male cohort to assess sex-specific differences.

METHODS: Preterm mice were delivered by Caesarean section at 19 days post conception (dpc) and term …

A Prospective, Multi-Center, Observational Study Of The Safety, Tolerability And Effectiveness Of Nusinersen In Adult Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Craig M Zaidman, Crystal Proud, Bing Liao, Nassim Rad, Doreen Ho, Mary-Lynn Chu, Shafeeq Ladha, Thomas O Crawford, Shakti Nayar, Angela Genge, Margaret Frey, Chad Heatwole, Daphne Lew

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, modulates pre-mRNA splicing to produce full length survival motor neuron protein in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It was approved in the US for SMA in all ages based on evidence in children. In adults, studies of nusinersen rely on real-world observational data and show stability or small improvements over time. We performed a prospective, 30 month longitudinal, observational multi-center study of adults initiating nusinersen with SMA types II/III to examine its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness. 43 participants (20 female; 14 ambulatory; 3, 17, and 23 with 2, 3, and ≥4 SMN2 copies, respectively), mean (SD) age …

Adventitial Macrophage Accumulation Impairs Perivascular Nerve Function In Mesenteric Arteries With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Elizabeth A. Grunz, Benjamin W. Jones, Olubodun Michael Lateef, Sidharth Sen, Katie Wilkinson, Trupti Joshi, Erika M. Boerman

Biomedical Sciences

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease involves aberrant immune responses and is associated with both cardiovascular disease risk and altered intestinal blood flow. However, little is known about how inflammatory bowel disease affects regulation of perivascular nerves that mediate blood flow. Previous work found perivascular nerve function is impaired in mesenteric arteries with Inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of impaired perivascular nerve function.

Methods: RNA sequencing was performed on mesenteric arteries from IL10−/− mice treated with H. hepaticus to induce disease (inflammatory bowel disease) or left non-gavaged (Control). For all other studies, Control and …

From Data Digitization To Personalized Care: Deep Learning And Decision Analytics In Healthcare Systems, Ahla Ko

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation traces a progression from foundational data infrastructure to individualized clinical decision-making, developing and evaluating three computational frameworks that advance healthcare efficiency and personalization through deep learning and decision analytics. The first study presents an end-to-end pipeline for automated recognition of handwritten medical forms, addressing persistent challenges in health data digitization. Integrating a YOLO-based field detection model, a Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (CRNN) for text transcription, and a confidence-based human-in-the-loop quality assurance framework, the system achieved 99.75\% Exact Match Accuracy and a 0.13\% Character Error Rate on medical forms collected from a tuberculosis research project in Moldova. A GPU-accelerated …

Investigating The Influence Of Dietary Phytogenics And Postbiotics On Horizontal Transmission Of Histomonas Meleagridis In Commercial Turkey Poult Hens, Diego Fernando Cortes Velez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Histomonas meleagridis is a parabasalid protozoan and the causative agent of histomonosis, or blackhead disease, in turkeys. Withdrawal of the last remaining in-feed arsenical from the market in 2015 led to the re-emergence of the disease. As a result, there is a need to investigate alternatives, such as dietary inclusion of postbiotic and phytogenic compounds, to reduce H. meleagridis transmission and disease severity in commercial turkey flocks. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the influence of dietary inclusion of three different combinations of postbiotic and phytogenic compounds on H. meleagridis transmission in turkey poult hens. A thesis introduction …

Caregiver Self-Reflection: Does It Matter? A Study Of The Relationship Between Caregiver Self-Reflection And Participation In Home Programs In Outpatient Pediatric Physical Therapy Settings, Andrea Myane

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite evidence that caregiver coaching can improve patient outcomes and caregiver participation, little information exists on the effects of its individual components. Additionally, previous research has highlighted the importance of home programs in improving pediatric physical therapy outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the role that caregiver self-reflection, a component of caregiver coaching, plays in facilitating outcomes in the pediatric physical therapy outpatient setting. Caregivers will be asked to complete a series of self-reflection questions based on Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, while also recording the number of minutes they spend facilitating a prescribed home program. All study participants …

Developmental Assets And Risk-Related Restraint And Resistance Orientations Among Emerging Adult College Students: Examining Protective Associations, Summer N. Beck

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Background: Although developmental assets are well established as protective factors during childhood and adolescence, less is known about their role during emerging adulthood, a period when the prevalence of several types of risk behaviors peak. For the U.S. college student, campus can provide ideal conditions for supporting the extended transition to adulthood. However, that same environment may increase exposure to health risk behaviors. This study examined associations between developmental assets and the risk-related restraint and resistance orientations involving sexual activity, alcohol, and illicit drugs among emerging adult college students. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample …

Dental Therapy: From Resistance To Responsibility, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.

Macomb Dental Society Journal Spring 2026

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

In the Spring 2026 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• MDS General Meeting

• Defever Seminar

• Ski Seminar

Also included are regular columns from the President, Executive Director and Editor, as well as news shorts and information on upcoming events.

Personality Characteristics Of Emergency Nurses And Their Subjective Fit In The Emergency Department, Jose Michael Maria

Theses & Dissertations

Nursing workforce challenges in the United States persist despite widespread recruitment and retention efforts, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated shortages, turnover, and workforce instability. Despite interventions such as residency programs, financial incentives, and organizational initiatives, long-term retention remains inconsistent, particularly in high-demand settings like emergency departments. Ongoing issues such as overcrowding, rising patient acuity, and workforce attrition contribute to burnout, compassion fatigue, and compromised patient outcomes, perpetuating a cycle of staffing strain. Grounded in Person–Environment Fit theory, this research proposes that aligning emergency nurses’ personality traits with the specialty practice environment, the emergency department, may offer a more …

Caring For Transgender People In Healthcare: A Qualitative Descriptive Study With Nurses Working In An Acute Healthcare Setting, Gabriela Roxana Matson

Theses & Dissertations

Transgender individuals frequently encounter numerous obstacles when accessing healthcare services, including stigma, discrimination, and inadequate understanding from healthcare providers. Structural, interpersonal, and anticipation barriers significantly hinder transgender patients' access to care. Structural barriers include a lack of healthcare providers knowledgeable in transgender health and financial constraints. Interpersonal barriers involve discrimination, such as refusal to use correct pronouns or provide gender-affirming care. Anticipation barriers stem from fear of mistreatment, causing many to avoid seeking medical care altogether. Nurses play a vital role in upholding inclusive and affirming healthcare This qualitative descriptive study explored the subjective experiences of registered nurses who provided …

The Impact Of Structured Family Meetings In The Intensive Care Unit, Loyce T. Mofor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The Impact of Structured Family Meetings in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Purpose

Train providers at an academic institution in a large metropolitan area to conduct family meetings using a structured approach and evaluate this intervention's impact on family satisfaction with communication in the ICU.

Background

Inadequate communication between families and healthcare teams leads to lower family satisfaction, heightened feelings of guilt, and diminished capacity for making clinical decisions.

Methodology

VitalTalk training was utilized to improve providers’ communication skills. Structured family meetings were conducted for Surgical and Thoracic ICU patients with an ICU length of stay of > 5 days or …

Improving The Quality Of Bone Marrow Specimen Collection Through Powered Bone Marrow Device Simulation And Supervised Procedures, Ethel C. Estrada

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Improving the Quality of Bone Marrow Specimen Collection Through Powered Bone Marrow Device Simulation and Supervised Procedures

Purpose

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement powered bone marrow simulation training and supervised procedures for the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) proceduralists to increase proceduralists' use of powered bone marrow devices and reduce poor bone marrow sampling.

Background

This project was implemented within the Bone Marrow Aspiration Clinic (BMAC) of an academic cancer center in Houston, Texas.

Methodology

Five APP proceduralists completed powered bone marrow device simulation training on the Bone Marrow (BM) Skills Simulator, followed by supervised procedures. Data were …