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Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Sclerotherapy Of A Canine Hepatic Cyst Using Lower-Concentration Ethanol: A Case Report, Minyoung Kim, Dongyeong Lee, Seulgi Bae, Sang-Kwon Lee, Kija Lee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 10-year-old female Pomeranian was referred after a hepatic cyst was incidentally identified during a routine health check. Ultrasound-guided simple drainage was initially performed, and cytological examination of the aspirated fluid confirmed a simple cyst. However, the cyst re-expanded to its original size within 2 weeks. Therefore, ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy was elected using lower-concentration ethanol (83%), a readily available medical disinfectant, rather than conventional high-concentration ethanol. Approximately 50% of the aspirated volume was replaced with 83% ethanol and retained for 20 min to achieve effective epithelial ablation. Post-procedural follow-up revealed a transient increase in cyst size and serum alanine aminotransferase …

Ultrasonography Accompanied By Genetic Testing In Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease, Thao Phuong Vu, Thong Quang Le, Ha Nguyen Nhat Tran, Khoa Hoang Dang Le, Anh Phu Nam Bui

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by the PKD1 c.10063C>A mutation, is a prevalent inherited feline disorder, but its allele frequency in Vietnam remains unidentified. This study aimed to determine the carrier frequency of this variant in British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll cats in Ho Chi Minh City and to correlate genotype with ultrasonographic phenotype. Ninety-seven client-owned cats were genotyped for the pkd1 mutation using PCR-RFLP. A subset of 47 cats also underwent abdominal ultrasonography to detect renal cysts. Genotypic results were correlated with sonographic findings, and risk factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios …

Comparison Of Same-Day Discharge Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy In An Ambulatory Surgery Center Versus Hospital Setting, Nishant S. Kumar Bs, Ranko Miocinovic Md, Tom D. Beris Md, Maya Goyal Bs, Vineet Kumar Bs, Amit R. Patel Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is the predominant surgical approach for localized prostate cancer in the United States and over 50% of RARP are performed as ambulatory or same-day discharge encounters. Current literature supports that RARP performed in the outpatient setting are as effective and have no increase in complications compared to those performed inpatient and cost nearly 20% less than those performed inpatient.

Methods

Between May 2021 and December 2021, two-high volume robotic surgeons at an independent multi-specialty physician group performed RARP in both a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and in an affiliated hospital. Data on demographics, clinical …

Barriers And Facilitators To Lung Cancer Screening In Arab/Middle Eastern And North African (Mena) Communities, Sara Komaiha, Mustafa Sharba, Ahmad Dulli, Faten Abda, Rawan Antar, Dana Sunbulli, Jad Fawaz, Ragad Almsaddi, Jawad Saad, Yasmin Snounu, Morhaf Al Achkar

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Lung cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer worldwide, with an estimated 2.21 million new cases in 2025. Screening rates for colorectal and cervical cancers are consistently lower among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations compared to White populations, suggesting similarly low participation in lung cancer screening (LCS). This study explores multilevel determinants of LCS engagement.

Methods: Using the Socio-Ecological Model and the Health Belief Model frameworks, this qualitative study examines how individual, interpersonal, and community factors shape screening behaviors. Screening-eligible adults and key LCS stakeholders, including clinicians, administrators, and community leaders, are recruited for focus groups and …

Patient Reported Outcome Participation And Completion In Total Joint Arthropathy: A Socioeconomic Analysis, Diana Kernen Ba, Michelle Yi Mse, Kathleen Jahnke Bs, Nevil Khurana Ms, Ezra Goodrich Md, Charles Day Md, Mba

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assess symptoms, function, and overall health from a patient perspective. Although PROM engagement has been studied across orthopaedics, limited work has examined both participation and completion specifically in joint replacement. This study evaluated associations between sociodemographic factors and PROM participation and completion among total joint arthroplasty patients.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of all primary arthroplasties completed by a single surgeon in 2023 at a Midwestern tertiary health system. PROMs included PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, and either HOOS JR or KOOS JR. Demographic data and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) were collected. Participation was defined …

Clinical Insights Into Early-Onset Pancreatic Cancer, Ken Huynh, Ling Huang, Kyra Langley, Julie Clark, David Kwon

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with a 5-year survival of 12.8%. Black patients experience higher incidence, later-stage diagnosis, and worse survival than other groups. Early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC, age < 50 years) represents 5–12% of cases and shows distinct features including male predominance, later presentation, and associations with smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Data on EOPC among Black patients remain limited. Given Detroit’s large Black population, this study characterizes clinical and demographic factors associated with EOPC to identify potential risk patterns.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases (October 2005– February 2025) was conducted using the Henry Ford Health REDCap database. Demographic, clinical, and biomarker data were extracted from electronic records. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or t-tests.

Results: Of 2,436 patients, 243 met inclusion criteria: 86 EOPC, 81 average-onset (AOPC), and 76 late-onset (LOPC). EOPC …

Exploring The Role Of Patient Feedback In Medical Education, Hovhannes John Hayrapetyan, Stella Hayrapetyan, Diane L. Levine Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Patient feedback is increasingly recognized as a valuable yet underutilized component of medical student assessment. When collected reliably, delivered with specificity, and embedded in a supportive learning environment, feedback can improve communication, professionalism, and patient-centered behaviors while promoting reflective, self-directed learning. However, studies highlight limitations including inadequate longitudinal evidence for sustained improvement, inconsistent use of structured tools, and insufficient faculty guidance. Instruments such as the Patient Feedback in Clinical Practice (PFCP) questionnaire show promise but require broader testing, and links between learner feedback and patient outcomes remain weak.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, …

Survivin And Caspases Coordinate Proteolytic Cleavage Of The Saga Chromatin Modifying Complex, Elinor Harrison, Alejandro Damian, Cj Talton

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Survivin and Caspases Coordinate Proteolytic Cleavage of the SAGA Chromatin Modifying Complex

Elinor Harrison¹, Alejandro Damian¹, CJ Talton¹, Jelly H Soffers¹, Abudu I Bello¹, Kara M Costanzo¹, Joe Bean¹, Ryan D Mohan¹

¹Wayne State University School of Medicine

Background: The Spt Ada Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA) chromatin modifying complex is a critical regulator of gene expression. Mutation or stoichiometric imbalance of SAGA subunits leads to a spectrum of diseases in model organisms and in humans, including neurodegeneration. SAGA contributes to gene activation through coordinated …

A Systemic Review Of Functional Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction Across Lower-Limb Prosthetic Types In Military Personnel And Veterans, Emma Ho Harris, Amir Ghafarian, Sen Gao, Khaled Saleh, Jason Pasley

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Military personnel and veterans are at increased risk of lower-limb amputation, often due to combat-related trauma such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as secondary factors including tobacco use, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes. This study systematically reviews and compares lower-limb prosthetic technologies in military personnel and veterans, focusing on functional outcomes, mobility, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed MeSH terms to identify studies examining lower-limb prosthetic use and outcomes among military personnel and veterans. The final MeSH-based search yielded 27 results.

Results: The review included 27 studies on lower-limb prosthetic use …

Data Science In Medicine: Bridging The Statistics & Research Skills Education Gap Through Multi-Platform Bootcamps, Marta Haireek, Muhammad Idrees, Yiannos Demetriou, Laura Benjamins, Alan Dombkowski

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Presently, there is great emphasis on medical students' research output and demand for healthcare practitioners with skills in data appraisal, research methodologies, and evidence interpretation; however, medical students do not receive formal training in research and data science. This presents a major gap in medical education as curriculums focus on USMLE preparation without exposure to statistical software or analytical thinking required for productive research outcomes or evidence appraisal. Accordingly, the “Data Science Research Bootcamp” addressed this gap through workshops focused on Python, R, and SPSS.

Methods

WSUSOM students attended Python (n=22), R (n=9), and SPSS (upcoming) workshops to learn …

Fatty Acid Metabolism And Retinal Endothelial Barrier Functionality, Mason J. Gardiner, Mohamed Shawky, Shaimma El Tanani, Ahmed S. Ibrahim

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: This study examines how fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation pathways support the integrity of the human retinal endothelial barrier under normal conditions and identifies key enzymes required for maintaining barrier stability. Understanding these pathways helps address gaps in knowledge about retinal changes in disease and highlights potential pharmacologic targets.

Methods: Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were cultured on electrode arrays and monitored by Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) until stable membrane resistance was achieved. Media were then replaced with solutions containing published inhibitors of fatty acid synthesis or β-oxidation. Barrier effects were tracked for 80 h. Cytotoxicity (LDH assays) …

Kelim Score Predicts Recurrence And Survival In Bevacizumab-Treated Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Real-World Pilot Study, Mohammed Elshafey, Pontia Doroudian, Madeline Ruth Evans, Ira Winer

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:
The KELIM score, derived from CA-125 kinetics, reflects intrinsic tumor chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer. This retrospective study evaluated whether KELIM predicts clinical outcomes in patients receiving bevacizumab in a real-world setting.

Methods:
Twenty-four patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab at a tertiary center in Detroit, MI, were included. KELIM scores were calculated from CA-125 values during the first 100 treatment days (www.biomarker-kinetics.org) and classified as favorable (≥1.0) or unfavorable (< 1.0). Progression-free survival (PFS) was measured from diagnosis to recurrence, and overall survival (OS) from diagnosis to last contact or death. Surgical outcomes, debulking approach, PARP inhibitor use, and survival status were analyzed descriptively.

Results:
Nineteen patients (79%) had favorable KELIM, and five (21%) had unfavorable KELIM. Compared to the favorable group, the unfavorable group had …

Glucose Metabolic Abnormalities Of Thalamic Nuclei In Patients With Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy: A High-Resolution Pet Study, Halle N. Escher, Maysaa Basha, Otto Muzik, Csaba N. Juhasz

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) is often used during presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsies. Interictal glucose hypometabolism can involve the thalamus ipsilateral to the epileptic focus. As targeted stimulation of specific thalamic nuclei is increasingly utilized to control seizures, analysis of intrathalamic variations of metabolic abnormalities may help identify the optimal target and monitor treatment effects.

Methods

FDG-PET scans performed on a high-resolution PET scanner were used to measure glucose uptake in 12 patients (median age: 27.5 years) ipsi- and contralateral to the epileptic focus in the whole thalamus and five thalamic regions (dorsomedial, lateral, anterior, superior nuclei, and …

Evaluating Relative Value Units For Hypertension And Diabetes Care In A Student-Run Free Clinic: A Retrospective Chart Review, Gabriel Doree, Isabella Imirowicz, Anthony Kavanagh, Emily Yao, Robert Sherwin Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Evaluating Relative Value Units for Hypertension and Diabetes Care in a Student-Run Free Clinic: A Retrospective Chart Review

Gabriel Doree, Isabella Imirowicz, Anthony Kavanagh, Emily Yao, Robert Sherwin, MD

Background: Hypertension and diabetes impose major financial and health burdens in the United States, disproportionately affecting uninsured and unhoused populations. Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) provide critical chronic disease management yet are rarely evaluated using standardized economic metrics such as Relative Value Units (RVUs).

Methods: This retrospective chart review quantified RVUs generated by hypertension and diabetes visits at the Cass-Costea SRFC in Detroit over six months. CPT codes were retrospectively assigned to …

The Use Of Large Language Models In Enhancing Patient Education Materials For Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors, Brendan Dolan, Aniela Crayton, Emerson Woodbury, Miguel Tzita, Eliza Beal Md, Gregory Dyson Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Incidence and prevalence of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs) has increased in recent years. More than half of American adults endorse utilizing the internet within the past year to search for medical information. This study aims to investigate the use of Large Language Models (LLMs), a popular type of artificial intelligence, to improve the efficacy of online patient education materials (oPEMs) in providing accurate and digestible information to patients with a PNET diagnosis.

Methods: Content from 36 web pages related to PNET was transferred to two popular LLMs, Chat GPT and Google Gemini, with the prompt “rewrite the following text …

Evaluating Kwensante's Dual-Channel Health Education: A Pilot Assessment Of Online And Radio Interventions For Metabolic Syndrome Literacy, William M. Davie, Nikuze Poshi, Carline Dugue, Jean-Alix Simeon, Anil Aranha, Marie-Louise Jean-Baptiste

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension,that raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Its prevalence is rising, especially among Haitian immigrants (HI), who face added risks from dietary acculturation and low health literacy. The KwenSante Radio Program (KSRP), launched in Haitian Creole in 2012, provides culturally tailored health education. This study evaluates whether KSRP improves MetS knowledge among HI in Greater Boston.

Methods

A parallel, convergent mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected and analyzed independently before integration. An online survey and interview, developed with Tufts …

A Ubiquitin Code Written In Circadian Time: Evaluating Protein Linkages In A Drosophila Model, Alejandro Damian, Elinor Harrison, Cj Dalton

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Ubiquitin is a small polypeptide that serves many functions within a cell, including modifying proteins, marking them for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Circadian rhythms regulate many cellular processes, but its role on the individual linkages of ubiquitin is poorly understood. This project aims to determine whether there is a circadian pattern for the conjugation of ubiquitin. Methods: Wild-type (Oregon R) Drosophila were entrained to a circadian cycle with standard light and dark environments. The whole heads were then frozen and removed at different times and used to quantify protein linkages using western blotting and antibodies to each …

A Retrospective Study On The Associations Of Clinical Measures To Mortality In Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) Patients, Ammar F. Chauhdri, Ryan Davis Md, Christina Shanti Md, Michelle Veenstra Md, Megan Zacarias, Samantha Carranza, Laura Sansoterra, Nimr Assaf, Christian Hudson-Bradford Md, Elika Ridelman Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

A Retrospective Study on the Associations of Clinical Measures to Mortality in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Patients

Ammar Chauhdri; Ryan Davis, MD; Christina Shanti, MD; Michelle Veenstra, MD; Megan Zacarias; Samantha Carranza; Laura Sansoterra; Nimr Assaf; Christian Hudson-Bradford, MD; Elika Ridelman, PhD

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of temporary cardiopulmonary support used in critically ill pediatric patients when conventional therapies fail, yet survival to discharge remains only ~50% nationwide. Prior studies have identified candidate mortality predictors and developed basic risk scores, but these models have limited accuracy and are often derived from registry-level or narrowly defined …

Effect Of Pre-Training Patients Using A Self-Directed Slideshow Presentation On Visual Field Reliability In First-Time Test Takers, Lillian M. Centlivre B.S., Derek Zahnleuter B.S., Rahul Babu B.S., Chaesik Kim, Kaitlin Ziadeh Md, Hanna Simmons Md, Vivian Rajeswaren Md, Aleskey Parker Williams Do, Jacob Im Md, Aleksey Mishulin Md, Faisal Ridha Al-Timimi Md, Hassan Tokko

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Effect of Pre-Training Patients Using a Self-Directed Slideshow Presentation on Visual Field Reliability in First-Time Test Takers

Authors: Lillian Centlivre BS, Derek Zahnleuter BS, Rahul Babu BS, Chaesik Kim BSEE, Kaitlin Ziadeh MD, Hanna Simmons MD, Vivian Rajeswaren MD, Aleksey Parker Williams DO, Jacob Im MD, Aleksey Mishulin MD, Faisal Ridha Al-Timimi MD, Hassan Tokko MD

Background: Visual field (VF) testing is essential for detecting glaucoma, but reliability is limited by patient inexperience and poor fixation. Prior studies report VF test reliability around 59%, primarily attributed to increased fixation loss (FL). Other studies note 75.9% reliability using training videos …

Hormonal Birth Control Misinformation On Tiktok: A Content Analysis Of Influencer Narratives, Sarah Bdeir, Jana Hatahet, Liselle Tungol, Khush Hussain, Rumyah Rafique, Raneem Sabbaq, Ragad Almsaddi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Hormonal birth control is the most common form of reversible contraception. In the U.S., pharmacy data show oral contraceptive pill prescriptions declined 25.6% from March 2021 to October 2023. Meanwhile, patients increasingly seek health information on social media. On TikTok, “hormone hacking” content has surged, often portraying birth control as artificial, harmful, or even carcinogenic, despite a lack of supporting evidence. While accessible information on social media can be valuable, such narratives risk spreading misinformation, fueling mistrust in women’s health.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative content analysis of 50 TikTok videos (March and September 2025) under #birthcontrol, #hormonehealth, #birthcontroltoxicity, …

Mechanisms Of Ventricular Catheter Obstruction, Mohamed Khalil Attie Ms, Christopher Roberts Ms, Carolyn Harris Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Hydrocephalus is treated primarily with ventriculoperitoneal shunts, which fail over time mainly due to proximal ventricular catheter (VC) obstruction of the drainage holes. Prior computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies based on idealized geometries have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) preferentially enters distal holes due to lower resistance, thereby increasing the risk of obstruction at those locations. However, these models do not incorporate explanted VC data, patient-specific anatomy, or differences in catheter architecture.

Methods: To evaluate whether flow distribution matches failure sites, we compared obstruction patterns from 30 explanted catheters with CFD simulations of four commercial VC designs. For every …

Outreach Challenges And Strategies For Educating Arab/Mena Community On Colorectal Cancer Screening, Rawan Antar, Faten Abda, Dana Sunbulli, Ahmad Dulli, Mustafa Sharba, Sara Komaiha, Jad M. Fawaz, Ragad Almsaddi, Jawad Saad, Yasmin Snounu, Morhaf Al Achkar

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Arab/MENA communities in Michigan face unique cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers that contribute to lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening awareness and uptake. “Trimming the Risks” was a community-engaged educational project designed to reach Arabic-speaking men through trusted social spaces, particularly barbershops, and through community-based Lunch and Learn sessions. This project assesses engagement patterns from this initiative to identify effective strategies and challenges to improve future MENA engagement.

Methods: Our educational initiative implemented two main interventions. Pilot A trained barbers on CRC screening information through a structured 2-hour session, provided iPads with bilingual educational videos, and equipped barbers to guide …

Assessing Functional Visual Recovery After Retinal Regeneration In Zebrafish Using The Optokinetic Response (Okr), Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi, Yeganeh Tabatabaei Alavi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Zebrafish have a unique ability to regenerate retinal neurons through Müller glia-mediated reprogramming, a process not found in mammals. While structural regeneration has been extensively documented, the degree to which regenerated photoreceptors restore functional vision remains unclear. The optokinetic response (OKR), a reflexive eye-tracking behavior triggered by moving visual stimuli, provides a quantitative, non-invasive method to assess visual performance. This study aims to determine whether photoreceptor regeneration following acute and chronic light-induced injury results in functional restoration of vision. Adult zebrafish will be divided into three groups: uninjured control, acute injury (short-term high-intensity light), and chronic injury (long-term low-intensity light). …

Parkinsonism Induced By Carbon Monoxide Intoxication: A “Hidden Gem” In The Neurological Literature, Omer Abdullah, Peter A. Lewitt

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title

Parkinsonism Induced by Carbon Monoxide Intoxication: A Hidden Gem in the Neurological Literature

Authors

Omer Abdullah [1], B.S.; Peter A. LeWitt, M.D., M.Med.Sc. [1,2] Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine [1]; Sastry Foundation Endowed Chair in Parkinson Disease Research, Detroit, Michigan, USA [2]

Background

Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is a well-established cause of central nervous system injury, yet its role in precipitating Parkinsonism remains under-recognized. Early case reports from the 1970s first suggested CO intoxication as a potential cause of secondary Parkinsonism, often linked to bilateral globus pallidus injury. Despite this, the topic has …

Leveling The Playing Field: Ensuring Hydration Equity For Detroit’S Student-Athletes, David Abdelnour, Noah Kos, Alqasim Elnaggar, Jack Mao, Rumyah Rafique, Julian D Johnson, Marley Sternberg, Audrey Millar, Faith Scott, Susan Lagrand, Ammar Chaudhri, Magd Boutany, Rahul Vaidya

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

The Detroit Public Schools Health Corps (DPSHC) provides free sideline medical coverage to Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) athletic events to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. During 408 hours of coverage across 214 games, DPSHC volunteers observed frequent shortages of water and electrolyte drinks among teams. Given the importance of hydration in preventing heat-related illness and optimizing athletic performance, a systematic needs assessment was conducted.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to athletic coaches and administrators across DPSCD schools. Survey questions evaluated the availability of hydration resources, frequency of shortages, responsible providers, and priority needs for additional funding …

Mental Health Rates Across Ethnic Groups In A Small Midwestern Christian University, Arianna Torres

Honors Theses

This study aims to find if there is a significant difference in depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality among students of different ethnic backgrounds at Andrews University. By focusing on ethnic disparities, this research aims to target the mental health issues rising among college students and bring to light the importance of cultural competency in relation to mental health. Results from this study may aid Andrews University in developing more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services and inform broader discussions about mental health equity in higher education. It can also add insight into how mental health rates may vary by …

Opium Of The Masses: An Analysis Of Archeobotanical Research In The City Of Tábor, Czechia And How It Potentially Influenced Forms Of Radical Hussism, Sasha Gladding

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Opium of the Masses performs in depth analysis of the Hussite Wars–a time period lasting from 1419 to 1436, Jan Hus, Hussite factionalism, and archeobotany. This analysis proposes that there are numerous possible contributing factors to the development of the radical Hussite teachings and ways of life. The instability of the Catholic hierarchy and the dissenting teachings of Jan Hus also likely were contributors to the development of the unique sociopolitical and spiritual practices of the radical Hussites. It is also possible that the Hussite factions residing in the Czech (then Bohemian) town of Tábor utilized opium as an entheogen …

Patient-Provider Communication Among Deaf English Users: Disparities And Implications For Cancer Screening, Ciara Luttrell

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Early detection is one of medicine's powerful tools; routine cancer screenings can help diagnose cancer early and enable immediate treatment. Cancer screening and prevention efforts have accounted for 4.75 million (80%) cancer deaths averted between 1975 and 2020 for five major cancer types (NIH, 2025). Nevertheless, this powerful tool is not shared equally. Many deaf adults who use English still experience barriers and disparities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate how deaf English-using individuals in the United States interact with their healthcare providers and whether these interactions are associated with cancer screening interest among these populations. The …

Implementing Measurement-Based Care In Virtual Mental Health Services For Rural Veterans: Provider Insights From A Pre-Implementation Evaluation, Amanda Heeren, Kimberly Mccoy, Lindsey Fuhrmeister, Natalie Suiter, Jan A Lindsay, Chloe Hoang, Laura Marsh, John Fortney, Carolyn Turvey

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background

Measurement-Based Care (MBC) uses repeated standardized psychological assessments to monitor treatment progress and guide clinical decision-making. Although MBC improves outcomes when results are discussed collaboratively, adoption across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) remains below 50%, particularly in virtual and rural settings. This pre-implementation evaluation explored provider perspectives to inform development of a digital MBC workflow for rural tele-mental health settings.

Methods

Using the Alacrity Center’s Discover, Design, Build, and Test model and User Centered Design, we conducted a pre-implementation survey of mental health providers at a VHA Medical Center providing care to rural and highly rural Veterans in South …

Claudins Interact With Lilrb Immune Inhibitory Receptors To Promote Myeloid Immunosuppression In Cancer, Xiaoye Liu, Ryan Huang, Zhiqiang Ku, Jingjing Xie, Heyu Chen, Yubo He, Qi Lou, Chengcheng Zhang, Xing Yang, Cheryl Lewis, Jade Homsi, Ankit Gupta, Lei Dong, Kenian Chen, Annabel Tu, Liming Du, Hailong Yu, Qing Hu, Meng Fang, Bufan Li, A E M Adan Khan, Caroline Simith, Samuel John, Lin Xu, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An, Cheng Cheng Zhang

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

The mechanisms underlying tumor cell-myeloid cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear, and predictive biomarkers for patient response to myeloid checkpoint blockade are lacking. This study identified specific binding between tight junction claudins (CLDNs) and leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B2 (LILRB2) and LILRB5. In multiple human cancer cohorts, the spatial proximity of LILRB2-positive macrophages to CLDN-expressing cancer cells correlated with clinical outcomes, highlighting this spatial relationship as a potential biomarker. In syngeneic LILRB2-transgenic and humanized mouse models, CLDN18.2-LILRB2 interactions triggered bidirectional signaling, enhanced the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid cells, and accelerated tumor progression. These effects were reversed by …