Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Outcomes Of Robotic Single-Port Vnotes Versus Robotic-Xi Assisted Single-Incision Transumbilical Surgery For Hysterectomy, Qiannan Yang, David Pasternak, Chunhua Zhang, Xiaoming Guan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: This study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic single-port transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RSP-vNOTES) compared with robotic Xi-assisted single-incision transumbilical surgery (RXi-SITS) for hysterectomy.

Method: A total of 405 patients was retrospectively analyzed, comprising 278 individuals who underwent RXi-SITS hysterectomy and 127 who underwent RSP-vNOTES hysterectomy.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of endometriosis-associated concomitant procedures, including ovarian cystectomy, lesion excision, adhesiolysis, appendectomy, bowel shaving, and bowel oversew, was observed among patients undergoing RSP-vNOTES (all p < 0.05). The RXi-SITS group saw uterosacral ligament suspension and ovarian vein ligation more commonly performed (both p < 0.05). A multivariable linear regression approach was employed to account for heterogeneity in procedural complexity. Following multivariable adjustment, estimated blood loss, hysterectomy time, and postoperative pain outcomes were comparable between the two surgical approaches. In contrast, multivariable linear regression accounting for concomitant procedures demonstrated that the RXi-SITS approach was independently associated with a significantly prolonged total operative time, with an adjusted mean increase of 21.8 min compared with RSP-vNOTES (B = 21.83; 95% CI: 6.05-37.61; p = 0.007). This is despite unadjusted analyses showing a longer median operative time in the RSP-vNOTES group …

Dynamic Progression Of Ectopic Lymphoid Structure Formation In Lacrimal Glands Of A Sjögren’S Disease Murine Model, Sara Abdelhamid, Alison V Ramirez, Emre Aksan, Elizaveta A Demianova, Cintia S De Paiva, Maria C Edman, J Andrew Mackay, Sarah F Hamm-Alvarez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Sjögren's Disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal glands (LG) and salivary glands (SG). In SG, these immune structures have properties of ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) and appear to play a critical role in disease pathology. While the presence of ELS in patients' SG biopsies is linked to disease severity, their presence and composition in LG has not been well characterized.

Methods: The properties and time course of apparent ELS development in LG from the male non-obese diabetes free (NOR) sub-strain of the Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice was investigated at stages encompassing early …

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

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

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

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

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

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

Utilizing A Culture System For Horizontal Cells To Study Neural Circuit Assembly In The Developing Mouse Retina, Ross M Perez, Yong H Park, Ajeet Singh, Collin Todora, Marlon F Mattos, Daniela Becerril, Rajashree Venkatraman, Arlene A Hirano, Nicholas C Brecha, Rinki Ratnapriya, Benjamin J Frankfort, Elizabeth Zuniga-Sanchez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The precise wiring of the nervous system relies on neurons extending their processes at the right time and place to find their appropriate synaptic partner. The mechanisms that determine when and where neurons extend their neurites during synaptogenesis remains a central question in the field. In the present study, we used a cell culture system coupled with live imaging to investigate the wiring mechanisms in the developing mouse retina. We focused on horizontal cells which are a class of interneurons in the outer mouse retina known to synapse selectively to the distinct types of photoreceptors. Previous research has shown horizontal …

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

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

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

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

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

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

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

A Strategy To Identify Biliary Atresia Efficiently: A Perspective From A Texas Center, Sanjiv Harpavat, Tebyan A Rabbani, Ashley M Upton, Sridevi Devaraj, Jose A Hernandez, Benjamin L Shneider

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Infants with biliary atresia are often diagnosed after 60 days of life because the disease is difficult to detect in its early stages. However, infants treated before 30-45 days of life have the best long-term outcomes. To help accelerate the biliary atresia diagnosis, we have developed a streamlined strategy that involves two sequential tests: (1) direct or conjugated bilirubin measurements and (2) a feeding abdominal ultrasound exam. In this review, the strategy is shared to encourage others to provide feedback as well as to consider incorporating portions into their own clinical workflows.

Challenges In The Diagnosis Of Concurrent T-Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma And Thymic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Case Report, Kristen Oliveira, Mary Doan, Ying Pei, Marwan Yared, Songlin Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The co-occurrence of T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and thymic neoplasia is a rare event that can present a diagnostic challenge. In this case report, we describe a 31-year-old man who was found to have thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma and T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma 2 years after initial treatment for T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. The thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma was initially detected in a malignant pleural effusion, and a retrospective review of a preceding lung biopsy suggested the involvement of both tumors within one tissue sample. Immunohistochemical analysis was imperative in highlighting these two elements because despite their unique cytomorphological characteristics, a limited amount of each component was seen …

When Targeted Gene Testing Falls Short: Case Report Of A Novel Slc4a3 F347s Genetic Variant Associated With Short Qt Syndrome, Chelsea A Boyd, Tyler J Novy, Taylor A Beecroft-Dawson, Connor A Bell, Emily M Bland, Christina Y Miyake

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Foundations In Physics And Image Acquisition: An Innovative Hands-On Active Learning Workshop, Cherie Tator, Saul Flores, Alan Riley, Kiyetta Alade

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: We developed an innovative, active learning workshop to introduce foundations of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) physics and instrumentation. The workshop design aimed to reduce cognitive load and encourage learner-centered engagement through hands-on exploration that reinforces key principles and connects theory to practice.

Methods: First-year medical students participated in small-group, student-driven exercises to explore POCUS machine controls, transducers, and image acquisition skills. Each group was supported by a faculty member to guide activities and ensure accuracy. Students scanned pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and olives with pits; these items were selected for their low cost, sonographic characteristics, and recognizability. Later in the semester, …

Host- And Pathogen-Related Determinants Of Pulmonary Versus Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis, Begna Tulu, Thomas Theo Brehm, Reinout Van Crevel, Tobias Dallenga, Andrew R Dinardo, Keertan Dheda, Johanna Eggeling, Wendemagegn Enbiale, Matthias I Gröschel, Jialun Hao, Vinod Kumar, Arjan Van Laarhoven, Rolanda Londt, Gareth Prosser, Philippa Randall, Norbert Reiling, Jan Rybniker, Ulrich E Schaible, Erwin Schurr, Isabelle Suarez, Sebastian J Theobald, Robert J Wilkinson, Christoph Lange

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily manifests as pulmonary TB (PTB), but extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) remains a major clinical challenge. Distinct diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties arise from differences in immune responses, pathogen behaviour and host susceptibility. However, the factors driving disease localisation are still incompletely understood. We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of studies examining differences between PTB and EPTB in terms of epidemiology, mycobacterial factors, genetic and epigenetic determinants, host immune responses, transcriptomic profiles, cytokine and chemokine patterns, and immunophenotypes. EPTB is more common among females, children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals with deficient granuloma formation. This review is intended to provide …

Gould Edu: Cluster-Randomized Trial Of An Educational Intervention To Improve Lipid-Lowering Guideline Adherence, Christopher P Cannon, Christie M Ballantyne, Deepak L Bhatt, James A De Lemos, Qi Gao, Naishu Kui, Robert S Rosenson, Katherine E Mues, Jason Exter, Shushama Alam, Mikhail N Kosiborod

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Adherence to lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) guidelines is suboptimal, leading to poor achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals and elevated risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an educational intervention targeting physicians improves optimization of LLT over 1 year for patients with ASCVD.

Methods: GOULD (Getting to an Improved Understanding of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Dyslipidemia Management) EDU (Education) was a 1-year extension in a subset of sites in the GOULD prospective, observational registry of United States patients with ASCVD. In a cluster-randomized, stepped-wedge design, sites were randomized to …

Hypothyroidism Is Associated With Higher Healthcare Utilisation And Higher Need For Blood Transfusion After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka) In Patients With Osteoarthritis: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis, Sumanth R Chandrupatla, Kranti C Rumalla, Jasvinder A Singh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: To examine the association of hypothyroidism with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes in adults with primary underlying diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: We identified a prospective cohort of patients in the 2016-2020 national inpatient sample (NIS) that received primary TKA with an underlying diagnosis of OA, identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Common Modification (ICD-10-CM) and Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) codes in the primary procedure and diagnosis positions, respectively. We performed multivariable-adjusted regression analyses for healthcare utilisation (length of hospital stay, hospital charges and discharge destination) and clinical outcomes (blood transfusion; prosthetic fracture, dislocation or infection; …

Editorial: New Insights On Vascular And Metabolic Diabetic Complications, Hua Mao, John D Imig, Ricardo Espinosa-Tanguma

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Modulation Of Corneal Sensory Processing And Pain Responses By Dry Eye And Corneal Wounding, Ebru Yaman, Yangluowa Qu, Kaylin C Arpaia, Fairouz Elsaeidi, Uma Lakshmi Balakrishnan, Lance He, Henry Skrehot, Jehan Alam, Rui Chen, Mary Ann Stepp, Cintia S De Paiva, Stephen C Pflugfelder

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface in which tear film instability, epithelial barrier disruption, and neurosensory dysfunction contribute to symptom generation. Although several contributing factors have been identified, how different forms of ocular surface stress affect sensory pathways and behavioral responses remains unclear.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate corneal barrier function, sensory responses, and pain-related behaviors across acute and chronic dry eye and corneal injury models, and to assess stimulus-specific responses associated with TRPV1 and TRPM8 mediated pathways.

Methods: Female C57BL/6 J wild type and Mmp9KO mice were evaluated in acute desiccating …

Strategies And Challenges For The Recruitment Of Young Healthy Participants In The Dietary Approaches To Longevity And Health (Dial Health) Pilot Trial, Hannah E Cabre, Courtney M Peterson, Gareth R Dutton, Kimberly L Drews, Stephanie T Broyles, Robert Dubin, Laura Q Rogers, Catherine Champagne, Dennis T Villareal, Daniel S Hsia, Leanne M Redman, Corby K Martin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Understanding the impact of nutrition on human aging requires long-term trials in young, healthy, unmedicated adults. As part of the Dietary Approaches for Longevity and Health (DiAL Health) pilot project, we evaluated strategies for recruiting this population for aging-related dietary intervention studies.

Methods: We analyzed recruitment costs to enroll 70 participants (ages 25-49, BMI 22.0-29.9 kg/m2) across two DiAL Health sites and used NHANES data (2017-March 2020) to estimate the proportion of U.S. adults meeting partial trial eligibility. Additionally, a formative study surveyed 492 U.S. adults (≥18 years) to assess interest in aging-focused dietary trials.

Results: Of 2049 applicants …

Sewers To Solutions: A Guide To Wastewater Pathogen Monitoring, Justin R Clark, Anthony W Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the analysis of wastewater to detect pathogen levels or activity for public health awareness or action. Pioneered in the 1940s, WBE underwent a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important information about number of cases, outbreaks, and seasonal impact. With advancements in detection technologies and growing interest in environmental surveillance, WBE is poised to become a standard practice in public health monitoring. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the art of pathogen WBE, including methods of molecular detection, analysis of wastewater data, real-world applications and programs, public health interventions, and benefits and …

Identification Of Cand1 As A Dna-Dependent Protein Kinase-Regulated Coactivator Of Androgen Receptor And The Arv7 Splice Variant, Ross A Hamilton, Basil Paul, Ping Yi, Kimal Rajapakshe, Anil K Panigrahi, Sandra L Grimm, Cristian Coarfa, Anna Malovannaya, Nancy L Weigel, David M Lonard, Charles E Foulds

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

ARv7, the most prevalent androgen receptor (AR) variant in castration-resistant prostate cancer, lacks the ligand binding domain (LBD), rendering it resistant to LBD-targeted therapies. Identifying new therapeutic targets requires defining the coregulators and associated regulatory enzymes that govern AR and ARv7 transcriptional activity. Here, we have developed a cell-free DNA pulldown assay employing androgen response elements (AREs) to isolate and characterize the AR- and ARv7-associated coregulator complexes formed on DNA. Mass spectrometry analyses of ARE DNA pulldowns revealed previously unrecognized AR and ARv7 associating coregulators, such as cullin-associated NEDD8-dissociated protein 1 (CAND1), in addition to previously known coregulators. ARv7 showed …

From Local Burden To Global Threat: Neglected Tropical Diseases In An Era Of Climate Change And Human Mobility, Francisco Javier Membrillo, Juan-Carlos Navarro, Diana Marcela Pava-Garzón, Jill Weatherhead, José A Suárez, Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Brain Death Versus Circulatory Death: How Functional Warm Ischemia And Cold Storage Impact Myocardial Membrane Repair In Human Donor Hearts, Shiyi Li, Rishav Bhattacharya, Abdussalam E Elsenousi, Katherine V Nordick, Adel M Hassan, Syed B Peer, Camila Hochman-Mendez, Todd K Rosengart, Kenneth K Liao, Nandan K Mondal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

This study compares myocardial injury responses in human donor hearts from donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD), with a focus on myocardial membrane integrity, pyroptosis, and damage. Unlike DCD hearts, which are exposed to varying durations of functional warm ischemic time (fWIT), DBD hearts, which are never subjected to warm ischemia, served as controls. A total of 24 human hearts were procured, consisting of 6 from the DBD group and 18 from the DCD group. All procured hearts were placed in cold normal saline and stored for up to 6 h. Left ventricular biopsies were …

Mir-302 Regulates Pancreatic Progenitor Pool And Pancreatic Size, Ziyue Z Yang, Caroline G Snider, Ronald J Parchem

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Disruptions in pancreatic development can lead to health issues such as pancreatic agenesis and congenital diabetes mellitus. Understanding pancreatic organogenesis is critical for elucidating disease mechanisms and developing regenerative therapies. The pancreas consists of endocrine and exocrine cells, both of which are derived from multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs). MPC proliferation and differentiation are tightly controlled by multiple mechanisms, including post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs. However, these regulatory factors are not fully understood. Here, we profiled miRNA expression in MPCs and identified that mir-302 was highly enriched during the earliest stages of pancreatic development. Loss of mir-302 resulted in reduced pancreatic size …

Highly Effective Combination Of Brg1/Brm Inhibitor With Bet Inhibitor Or Decitabine For High-Risk Mecom-Rearranged Aml, Warren Fiskus, Christopher P Mill, Jessica Piel, Mike Collins, Murphy Hentemann, Branko Cuglievan, Christine E Birdwell, Kaberi Das, John A Davis, Hanxi Hou, Antrix Jain, Anna Malovannaya, Lauren B Flores, Tapan M Kadia, Naval Daver, Koji Sasaki, Koichi Takahashi, Danielle Hammond, Jian Wang, Sanam Loghavi, Xiaoping Su, Courtney D Dinardo, Ruud Delwel, Kapil N Bhalla

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In AML with 3q26.2 rearrangements (r) the distal GATA2 hematopoietic enhancer becomes aberrantly relocated leading to activation of EVI1 expression. EVI1 is a transcriptional regulator that plays a role in proliferation and maintenance of a stem cell-like phenotype in AML. BRG1 (SMARCA4) and BRM (SMARCA2) are the mutually exclusive ATPases of the BAF (BRG1/BRM-associated factor) chromatin remodeling complexes. They regulate access to enhancers/promoters and gene-expressions orchestrating AML stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. AML with 3q26.2 rearrangements are clinically challenging and prognosis remains very poor. FHD-286 is an orally bioavailable, selective inhibitor of BRG1/BRM under clinical development in AML. Present studies …

A Practical Approach To The Management Of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complications, Tanawat Attachaipanich, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Muzamil Khawaja, Mahboob Alam, Ravi S Hira, Jacob A Doll, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Despite advances in stent design, pharmacotherapy, and procedural techniques that have improved percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes and reduced PCI-related complications, these events still occur and are associated with adverse outcomes. Moreover, complex PCI procedures, which predispose to increased risk of complications, are increasingly performed. Understanding risk factors, underlying mechanisms, evidence-based management, and preventive strategies are essential to optimize procedural outcomes. This review aims to summarize current evidence and highlight gaps in knowledge related to PCI-associated complications.

Methods: This narrative review used a focused PubMed search through October 2025, prioritizing randomized trials, large observational studies, guidelines, and consensus statements. …

Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices: A Contemporary Review Of Techniques, Tips And Tricks, Kamran Namjouyan, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Affan Rizwan, Muzamil Khawaja, Mahboob Alam, Markus Strauss, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 3%-5% of adults and is projected to double in prevalence by 2060, significantly increasing the burden of thromboembolic stroke. This risk is largely attributed to thrombus formation within the left atrial appendage (LAA), particularly in nonvalvular AF, where the LAA's trabeculated anatomy, diverse morphologies (e.g., chicken wing, windsock, cactus, cauliflower), and impaired contractility allows for blood stasis and thrombogenesis. As a result, the LAA has become a focus for stroke prevention strategies. This review demonstrates current evidence on LAA closure by discussing patient selection, anatomical feasibility, procedural workflow, imaging guidance (transesophageal echocardiography vs. intracardiac echocardiography), …

The ‘Obesity Paradox’ In Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. A Specialized Narrative Review, Johao Escobar, Iqra Riaz, Muzamil Khawaja, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Joshua Hahn, Fu''Ad Al-Azzam, Zhen Wang, Mahboob Alam, Markus Strauss, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Obesity has long been identified as a noteworthy risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including aortic stenosis. Nevertheless, an unexplained phenomenon known as the obesity paradox has arisen in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), inquiring conventional beliefs. The obesity paradox refers to better clinical outcomes observed in obese individuals undergoing TAVI. These include reduced all-cause mortality, lower rates of procedural complications, and improved long-term survival rates compared to their lean counterparts. Several theories have been proposed to explain the obesity paradox in TAVI. One of the most popular is the adipose tissue-mediated cardioprotective effect hypothesis. It is known …

Midterm Outcomes Of The Self-Expanding Navitor Transcatheter Heart Valve: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Sahar Samimi, Chloe Kharsa, Mangesh Kritya, Joe Aoun, Syed Zaid, Nadeen N Faza, Stephen H Little, Neal S Kleiman, Michael J Reardon, Sachin S Goel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

• A 19-study meta-analysis (7743 patients) found high Navitor technical/device success.
• ≥Moderate PVL was low: 1.3% at 30 days and 0.6% at 1 year.
• Pacemaker implantation was 16.7% at 30 days and 20.4% at 1 year.
• Thirty-day outcomes were favorable: all-cause mortality 1.5% and stroke 1.7%.

Inheriting Chromosome Conformation, Kyle P Eagen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of In-Frame Indel Variants In An Unsolved Cohort Of Inherited Retinal Diseases Using Machine Learning, David E Rauch, Meng Wang, Muhammad Jafar Hussain Hafiz, Daniel C Brock, Yumei Li, Molly Marra, Mark E Pennesi, Paul Yang, Everett Lesley, Irma Lopez, Robert Koenekoop, Edward Ryan Collantes, Joanne Bolinao, Rui Chen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The standard for in silico pathogenicity prediction of in-frame insertions and deletions (indels) is less established compared to other types of variations. We aimed to systematically assess the performance of in silico machine learning (ML) tools on a patient cohort with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The performance of four ML tools (CADD, FATHMM-indel, VEST4, and MetaRNN-indel) was compared. Among them, MetaRNN-indel showed the best overall results. MetaRNN-indel was then applied to 1013 unsolved IRD patients, identifying two likely pathogenic causal variants in two unrelated IRD patients by confirming clinical phenotypes. Hence, our findings indicate that reliable prediction of the pathogenicity …

Editorial: Advances In Phage Applications: Deciphering Phage Biological And Ecological Mechanisms Through Metagenomics, Tasha M Santiago-Rodriguez, Gary A Toranzos

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.