Digital Commons Network^™

Proteomics Profiling Of Research Models For Studying Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Mathilde Resell, Hanne-Line Rabben, Animesh Sharma, Lars Hagen, Linh Hoang, Nan T. Skogaker, Anne Aarvik, Eirik Knudsen Bjåstad, Magnus K. Svensson, Manoj Amrutkar, Caroline S. Verbeke, Surinder K. Batra, Gunnar Qvigstad, Timothy C. Wang, Anil Rustgi, Duan Chen, Chun-Mei Zhao

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of 10-15% due to late-stage diagnosis and limited efficacy of existing treatments. This study utilized proteomics-based systems modelling to generate multimodal datasets from various research models, including PDAC cells, spheroids, organoids, and tissues derived from murine and human samples. Identical mass spectrometry-based proteomics was applied across the different models. The preparation and validation of the research models and the proteomics were described in detail. The assembly datasets we present here contribute to the data collection on PDAC, which will be useful for systems modelling, …

Metabolic And Proteomic Signatures Differentiate Inflammatory Phenotypes From Cancer And Predict Treatment Response In Patient Sera, Gabriel Cutshaw, Elena V. Demidova, Philip Czyzewicz, Elizabeth Quam, Nicole Lorang, Al Warith Al Siyabi, Surinder K. Batra, Sanjeevani Arora, Rizia Bardhan

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Tumors shift their metabolic needs to enable uncontrolled proliferation. Therefore, metabolic assessment of cancer patient sera provides a significant opportunity to noninvasively monitor disease progression and enable mechanistic understanding of the pathways that lead to response. Here, we show Raman spectroscopy (RS), a highly sensitive and label-free analytical tool, is effective in metabolic profiling across diverse cancer types in patient sera from both pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). We also combine metabolic data with proteomic signatures to predict treatment response. Our data show RS peaks successfully differentiate PDAC patients from healthy controls. Peaks associated with …

Brightly Visualizing Pancreatic Cancer Margins In Orthotopic Mouse Models With An Anti-Ca19-9 Antibody Conjugated To A Near-Infrared Fluorophore, Kristin E. Cox, Javier Bravo, Sunidhi Jaiswal, Siamak Amirfakhri, Thinzar M. Lwin, Abhijit Aithal, Sumbal Talib, Lily J. Jih, Aylin Din Parast Saleh, Keita Kobayashi, Kavita Mallya, Maneesh Jain, Robert M. Hoffman, Aaron M. Mohs, Surinder K. Batra, Michael Bouvet

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Background/Purpose: The only potentially curative procedure for pancreatic cancer is R0 resection, which is difficult to achieve due to poorly defined tumor margins. In the present study, we used an anti-CA19-9 antibody conjugated to a near-infrared fluorophore in orthotopic mouse models to target and visualize pancreatic cancer. Methods: Orthotopic models of the human pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and BxPC3 were established by implanting tumor fragments into the pancreas of athymic nude mice. Anti-CA19-9 and control IgG were conjugated with IRDye800CW. Mice received 50 µg of CA19-9-IRDye800CW or IgG-IRDye800CW via tail-vein injection and were imaged after 72 h. MIA PaCa-2, …

Niclosamide Nanoparticles Enhance Pancreatic Cancer Sensitivity To Gemcitabine Via Hif-1Α Inhibition, Susheel Kumar Nethi, Venugopal Gunda, Nagabhishek Sirpu Natesh, Brianna M. White, Adam S. Mullis, Balaji Narasimhan, Surinder K. Batra, Surya K. Mallapragada, Satyanarayana Rachagani

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pancreatic cancer (PC) exhibits profound metabolic adaptations that support tumor progression, survival, and therapy resistance. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a key regulator of these processes, promoting metabolic reprogramming and chemoresistance. Given that mitochondrial metabolites modulate HIF-1α stability, targeting mitochondrial metabolism offers a promising therapeutic strategy. Niclosamide (Nic), a clinically approved anthelmintic, disrupts mitochondrial function but is limited by poor bioavailability. To overcome this, we developed polyanhydride-based Nic nanoparticles (NicNps) to enhance bioavailability and efficacy. NicNps impaired mitochondrial function, suppressed metabolism, downregulated HIF-1α, and inhibited growth of PC cells and orthotopic gemcitabine (Gem)-resistant mouse tumor models. Notably, NicNps combined with Gem …

Diastolic Dysfunction With Vascular Deficits In Hiv-1-Infected Female Humanized Mice Treated With Antiretroviral Drugs, Fadhel A. Alomar, Prasanta K. Dash, Mahendran Ramasamy, Zachary L. Venn, Sean R. Bidasee, Chen Zhang, Bryan T. Hackfort, Santhi Gorantla, Keshore R. Bidasee

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Early-onset heart failure is a major treat to healthy aging individuals with HIV-1 infection. Women with HIV-1 infection (WLWH) are especially vulnerable and develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), of which left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, vascular deficits, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis are major components. HIV-infected rodent models that exhibit these pathophysiological features remain under-reported, and this has left a void in our understanding of their molecular causes and therapeutic strategies to blunt its development. Here, we show that female NOD.Cg-Prkdc^scidIl2rgt^m1Wjl/SzJ humanized mice (Hu-mice) infected with HIV-1_ADA and treated for 13 weeks with dolutegravir …

Development Of The Mechanoresponsive Pericellular Matrix Of Chondrons, Donghee Lee, Sydney E. Greer, Andrew T. Dudley

Journal Articles: Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy

Physical properties of cartilage are conferred by the composition and ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix. This study focuses on the development of the pericellular matrix (PCM), a domain that directly contacts the chondrocyte and is a key regulator of biomechanical and biochemical signaling. Using three-dimensional cell culture, microfluidic cell compression platforms, and genetic mouse models, we demonstrated that collagen VI is initially assembled at the cell surface and then displaced to form a shell at the PCM-territorial matrix boundary. Cell surface-bound hyaluronan is crucial for the assembly process, and hyaluronan-aggrecan complexes drive displacement. Integrin adhesion is not required early but …

Fiber Photometry Analysis Of Spontaneous Dopamine Signals: The Z-Scored Data Are Not The Data, Conner W. Wallace, Clare Y. Slinkard, Rachael Shaughnessy, Katherine M. Holleran, Samuel W. Centanni, Christopher C. Lapish, Sara R. Jones

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Fluorescent sensors have revolutionized the measurement of molecules in the brain, and the dLight dopamine sensor has been used extensively to examine reward- and cue-evoked dopamine release, but only recently has the field turned its attention to spontaneous release events. Analysis of spontaneous events typically requires evaluation of hundreds of events over minutes to hours, and the most common method of analysis, z-scoring, was not designed for this purpose. Here, we compare the accuracy and reliability of three different analysis methods to identify pharmacologically induced changes in dopamine release and uptake in freely moving C57BL/6J mice. The D1-like receptor antagonist …

Metaphoric Sense Developments In The Names Of Places Of Worship In Contemporary American English, John G. Newman, Sylwester Łodej

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

This paper offers an account of the metaphorical extension of the names of religious houses of worship such as temple, church, mosque, and synagogue in contemporary American English, reflecting processes of linguistic secularization. Using data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), the study investigates how the meanings of religious terms enter into secular domains, signalling shifts in societal perceptions of religious experience. The findings show that temple and church frequently undergo metaphorization, appearing in phrases like temple of learning and church of football, where non-religious modifiers drive semantic extension. These terms increasingly denote secular places characterized by human …

Dance-Related Fractures Occur In The Upper And Lower Extremities At Similar Rates: An Analysis Of The 2004-2023 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database, Senah E. Stephens, Joshua F. Edwards, Lisa K. Cannada

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction

In the United States, 21% of adolescents participate in dance. Dancers are susceptible to injuries, particularly of the lower extremity, due to extreme positioning, dynamic overload, and repetitive movements.

Objectives

(1) to report the prevalence and describe demographic characteristics of dance-related fractures and (2) to analyze variables associated with disposition status.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, was used to investigate dance-related fractures diagnosed in a sample of 100 emergency departments over 20 years. Descriptive statistics and demographic variables were analyzed using chi square tests. Age was analyzed …

Real-World Interventional Outcomes For Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction, John E. Brush Jr., Ann M. Harper, Luke C. Kohan, Zachary Bouker, Kaivalya Dandamudi, Deepak R. Talreja

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMICS) carries high mortality and remains a major concern. This concern drives use of interventions with marginal benefit and some evidence of harm. The configuration of hospital care and allocation of interventions for AMICS in our health system created a natural experiment to analyze interventional outcomes for patients with AMICS.

Objective

To compare clinical outcomes among AMICS patients treated with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using a micro-axial left ventricular assist device and intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation (IABP).

Design, setting, participants, outcome measures

In this observational study in a large health system, we used clinical registry …

Treatment Of Myocardial Infiltration Of Hodgkins Lymphoma: A Catch-22, Jennifer Priessnitz, Erin Biringen, Fadi Khoury, Christina Bergin

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Cardiac sequelae in Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) can manifest as involvement of the heart and pericardium. Direct cardiac involvement is rare, and myocardial infiltration is distinctly unusual.¹ When it does occur, it is often a late manifestation of lymphoma, with a median onset of 20 months after initial diagnosis, and it is usually associated with advanced-stage disease.²

Case: A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with classic HL by lymph node biopsy. During his hospitalization, the patient remained in sinus tachycardia with heart rate up to 150 with no dysrhythmias. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a reduced ejection fraction (EF) of 36% concerning …

Emergent Transcatheter Tricuspid Edge-To-Edge Repair For Right Ventricular Shock From Tricuspid Regurgitation In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Nicholas J. Valle, Amin Yehya, Animesh Rathore, Erich L. Kiehl, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) is an emerging technology used to treat severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The pivotal trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy of T-TEER exclude patients with severely reduced left ventricular function (≤20%).

Case Summary

We demonstrate the use of T-TEER in a patient with end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who suffered acute, torrential TR and subsequently developed cardiogenic shock as a complication of high-risk transvenous lead extraction. Why Beyond the Guidelines Currently, there are no guidelines addressing the nonsurgical emergent management of acute TR.

Discussion

The TriClip system (Abbott) may have certain advantages when used in managing acute …

The Timing For Primary Prevention For Icd In The Current Era Of Pharmacotherapy, Anastasia Shchendrygina, Amin Yehya, Hadi Skouri

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Recent advances in the pharmacological therapy of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have significantly impacted the overall survival, heart failure hospitalisations and rates of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this context, the relevant timing of placing ICDs as primary prevention is a matter of on-going debate. This manuscript provides evidence for an updated view regarding the timing of implanting ICD in eligible patients with HFrEF receiving optimal guideline-directed medical therapy, accounting for the timing to reverse cardiac remodelling (RCR) occurrence and residual SCD risks over time. Clinically significant RCR occurs beyond 3 months of optimal guideline-directed medical therapy, …

Delayed Hypertension Diagnosis And Its Association With Cardiovascular Treatment And Outcomes, Yuan Lu, John E. Brush Jr, Chungsoo Kim, Yuntian Liu, Xin Xin, Chenxi Huang, Mitsuaki Sawano, Patrick Young, Jacob Mcpadden, Mark Anderson, John S. Burrows, Jordan R. Asher, Harlan M. Krumholz

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Importance Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet delays in diagnosis may limit timely treatment initiation and increase cardiovascular risk.

Objectives To examine the timing of clinical hypertension diagnosis, its association with antihypertensive medication prescribing, and its association with long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health record (EHR) data from an integrated health care system. Adults aged 18 to 85 years with at least 2 outpatient blood pressure (BP) readings of 140/90 mm Hg or more recorded at least 30 days apart from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, …

Left Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy: A Journey To Home And Beyond, Mian Z. Munir, Marissa C. Galicia-Castillo, Mia Achitoov, Amin Yehya

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

[Case] Mr H is a 74-year-old man with history of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) secondary to hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Our patient underwent placement of a HeartMate II (Abbott) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy (DT) at an outside hospital and later came to us (Sentara Heart Hospital) for continued management because he resided in the area. Over a 2-year period, the patient experienced multiple hospital admissions for acute heart failure (HF) exacerbations, delirium, and recurrent low-flow alarms. During his last hospitalization, the palliative medicine team was consulted to facilitate goals-of-care discussions with the patient and his family, …

Group Antenatal Care Positively Transforms The Care Experience: Results Of An Effectiveness Trial In Malawi, Crystal L. Patil, Kathleen F. Noor, Esnath Kapito, Li C. Liu, Xiaohan Mei, Elizabeth Chodzaza, Genesis Chorwe-Sungani, Ursula Kafuulafula, Elizabeth T. Abrams, Allissa Desloge, Ashley Gresh, Rohan D. Jeremiah, Dhruvi R. Patel, Anne Batchelder, Heidy Wang, Jocelyn Faydenko, Sharon S. Rising, Ellen Chirwa

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

We developed and tested a Centering-based group antenatal (ANC) model in Malawi, integrating health promotion for HIV prevention and mental health. We present effectiveness data and examine congruence with only the Group ANC theory of change model, which identifies key processes as supportive relationships, empowered partners in learning and care, and meaningful services, leading to better ANC experiences and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial at seven clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi, comparing outcomes for 1887 pregnant women randomly assigned to Group ANC or Individual ANC. Group effects on outcomes were summarized and evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney, …

Changes In Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Health Care Expenditures Among Patients Prescribed Semaglutide, Yuan Lu, Yuntian Lu, Tedi Totojani, Chungsoo Kim, Rohan Khera, Hua Xu, John E. Brush Jr., Harlan M. Krumholtz, Jason Abaluck

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Importance Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated substantial weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials. However, its association with clinical outcomes and health care expenditures remains underexplored.

Objective To evaluate changes in cardiovascular risk factors and health care expenditures among patients prescribed semaglutide across multicenter cohorts.

Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included 23 522 adults (≥18 years) who received an initial semaglutide prescription between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2025, at Sentara Healthcare and between January 1, 2018, and May 1, 2025, at Yale New Haven Health System.

Exposure The first prescription of …

Oral Microbiome And Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Understanding And Call To Action, Michael Saadeh, Sydney Donohue, Shaina Ailawadi, Gordon Hong, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The oral microbiome is the second largest microbial community in the human body after the gut microbiome. It includes an array of fungi, bacteria, amoebae, flagellates, archaea, and viruses, all of which are potential pathogens. This microbiome can act as a facilitator not only for protection but also for aggravation when dysbiosis occurs. Although conventional thought is this is primarily in terms of oral health issues, such as dental caries and gingival disease. The systemic effects of the oral microbiome however, are relevant to both gastrointestinal (GI) disease and non-GI disease. These systemic risks occur for several reasons, including upregulation …

A Novel D-Peptide Modulates Dclk1 Gelsolin Interactions, Reducing Pdac Tumor Growth, Landon L. Moore, Dongfeng Qu, Parthasarathy Chandrekesan, Kamille Pitts, Randal May, Byron E. Anderson, Milton L. Brown, Courtney W. Houchen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

What drives inflammation-associated tumorigenesis and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)? Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a central driver of inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, with elevated expression linked to worse clinical outcomes. Two isoforms of DCLK1 possess a unique extracellular domain (ECD). DCLK1 isoform 2 contains two microtubule-binding domains, while isoform 4, lacks the microtubule-binding domains but, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. We identified novel D-peptides that selectively target this ECD, significantly suppressing PDAC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft models without inducing cell death. In silico modeling and binding assays revealed DCLK1 isoform 4 interacts with …

Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Research Participation After The United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Scoring Change, Danxun Li, Nina Li, Curt Bay, Uzoma Ikonne

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

The recent transition of scoring for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam from a numerical grading system to pass/fail system has significant implications for residency applicants. It is anticipated that research productivity will gain greater importance in the evaluation process. To understand how medical institutions can best support students, we seek to understand medical students' motivations and experience conducting research in medical school after the USMLE Step 1 scoring change.

Methods

This is a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study that examines the motivations and barriers that medical students face in conducting academic or clinical research. A survey …

Role Of Device Therapy In Complementing Contemporary Medical Management, Yoel Benarroch, Natalie Tapaskar, Amin Yehya

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by signs and symptoms resulting from any structural or functional deficiency of ventricular filling or blood ejection. The mainstay of initial treatment remains lifestyle modifications, guideline-directed medical therapy, and addressing contributing factors. However, the past two decades have come with significant advances in device therapies to improve morbidity and mortality in HF despite evidence-based management as above. Given the rapidly evolving area of HF research and therapeutic development, it is important for clinicians to be familiar with novel therapies and how they can complement medical management. In this review we discuss the …

Percutaneous Closure Of A Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Using A Post-Infarct Vsd Device Guided By Intracardiac Echocardiography, Omar Jafar, Nicholas Valle, Rupinder Bahniwal, Matthew Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a rare, life-threatening complication that may arise after cardiac surgery, myocardial infarctions, or infective endocarditis. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with complex surgical history and prior infective endocarditis who developed an incidental LVPA. Due to lack of surgical repair options, a percutaneous approach was pursued using a post-infarct ventricular septal defect device (PIVSD) under guidance of fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance with successful exclusion of LVPA. This case highlights the utility of multimodal imaging in the percutaneous management of complex left ventricular lesions.

Cardiomyopathies Of Endocrine Origin: A State-Of-The-Art Review, Jenyfer M. Fuentes-Mendoza, Marcio J. Concepción-Zavaleta, Juan C. Morón-Siguas, Juan M. Muñoz-Moreno, Aranza I. Pérez-Reyes, Rodrigo Martinez-Galaviz, Raúl D. Aguilar-Castañeda, Oziel González-Godoy, Luis A. Concepción-Urteaga, José Paz-Ibarra

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Endocrine disorders are increasingly recognized as potentially reversible causes of secondary cardiomyopathies, yet they often remain underdiagnosed in clinical practice. These conditions-including thyroid dysfunction, acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, diabetes mellitus, adrenal disorders, among others-can significantly alter cardiac structure and function through hormonal excess, metabolic remodeling, and neurohumoral activation. Hyperthyroidism may lead to high-output heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation, while hypothyroidism is associated with diastolic dysfunction, pericardial effusion, and accelerated atherosclerosis. Acromegaly promotes biventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis via insulin-like growth factor 1 overproduction. Pheochromocytoma triggers catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, resembling Takotsubo syndrome and carrying a high risk of mortality if left untreated. Diabetes …

Diverticulitis—New Evidence To Share With Patients, Nicholas B. D'Alessandro, Tarun Vippa, Edward C. Oldfield Iv, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Diverticulitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal causes of hospitalization in Western society. While previously characterized as a disease of older patients, new literature highlights an increasing incidence among the younger population. Over the past few decades, the understanding of etiology and management of diverticulitis has changed drastically. New data refute past beliefs while promoting other novel recommendations to mitigate incidence and subsequent complications. Data now confirms the safety and possible protective benefit of particulate food, while highlighting evidence-based approaches for the use of diagnostic imaging and antibiotics. We recognize modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that are commonly seen …

Blunt Trauma Causing Thrombotic Occlusive Myocardial Infarction, Jace Bradshaw, Alleabelle Bradshaw, Rishab Agarwal, P. Logan Weygandt

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Traumatic myocardial infarction (TMI) is a rare but serious complication of blunt chest trauma, typically arising from coronary artery dissection, intramural hematoma, or myocardial contusion. Early recognition and intervention are critical, but diagnosis can be challenging given the broad differential for chest pain in trauma patients.

Case presentation: A 66-year-old female presented to a quaternary academic emergency department after a motor vehicle collision with progressive chest pain. Initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed hyperacute T-waves in lead III, ST depression with T-wave inversion in aVL, and ST depression in V2, with posterior leads revealing ST elevation in V7–V9. Trauma imaging ruled …

Prevalence Of Electrocardiographic Changes And Risk Factors For Qtc Prolongation Among Steady State Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Cooperative Study Of Sickle Cell Disease, Mohammed B. Nawaiseh, Rund R. Haddadin, Yara B. Nawaiseh, Mohammad Z. Salameh, Abdallah A. Shurman, Osama Abu-Shawer, Asma I. Aljesrawi, Ibrahim A. Abuelbeh, Allaa Roto, Hadil Zureigat, Lana Mango, Munir Q. Zaqqa, Hanna K. Al-Makhamreh, Nakhleh Abu-Yaghi

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with several cardiovascular adverse events. Corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is one of the potential life-threatening complications that predispose patients to sudden cardiac death. This study aims to assess the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and to investigate risk factors associated with increased propensity of QTc prolongation. Methods: This study utilized data from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease Cardiac Ancillary Study. QT intervals were corrected using the Bazett formula, and prolongation was defined using sex-specific thresholds. The study population included African American patients with steady-state SCD across four clinical centers located …

Multi-Level Factors Associated With Low Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening In The United States, Tung Sung Tseng, Chien Ching Li, Hui Yi Lin, Kelsey N. Witmeier, Chaoyi Zeng, Yu Wen Chiu, Michael D. Celestin, Edward J. Trapido

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is recommended for high-risk smokers to decrease lung cancer-related mortality and increase prognosis. In the U.S., the uptake of LDCT screening among eligible smokers is suboptimal. The impacts of social-environmental and individual factors on LDCT screening uptake using nationally representative dataset recommendations are understudied. The current study investigated multi-level factors associated with LDCT screening using national data. Methods: The 2017-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, social determinants of health (SDOH) and other state-level variables (Medicaid expansion status and the number of screening facilities using American Lung Association (ALA) 's State of Lung Cancer) …

Meant To Burn: Wildfire In The West (2025), University Of Montana--Missoula. School Of Journalism

Byline

Learning to Live -- Behind the Fireline -- Nowhere to Hide -- Empowered to Fight -- Mann Gulch -- A Way of Life

Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy Study Of Point Of Care Ultrasound Techniques For Detection Of Left Atrial Enlargement By Hospital Medicine Physicians From Archived Echocardiogram Images, Christopher J. Smith, Jesse Umbra, Sofia Quintero, Austin Wilson, Elizabeth Lyden, Nidish Tiwari, Brian Shahan, Jana L. Wardian

Journal Articles: Hospital Medicine

BACKGROUND: Left atrial enlargement (LAE) is predictive of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prior studies of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) interpretation methods for identifying LAE utilized older echocardiographic reference ranges.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the test characteristics of hospitalist-performed POCUS techniques for identifying LAE as compared to contemporary echocardiographic reference ranges.

METHODS: Fully paired, comparative diagnostic accuracy study of two index tests applied to archived echocardiogram images: visual assessment of the left atrium to aorta diameter (LAE sign) and left atrial (LA) anteroposterior diameter >4 cm in the parasternal long axis view. The reference test was moderate to severe LAE by echocardiography-derived left atrial …

Week 96 Results Of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide For Hiv Treatment In People With Substance Use Disorders, Joshua P. Havens, Sara Bares, Elizabeth Lyden, Nada A. Fadul, Susan Swindells

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND: The BASE study (NCT03998176), a phase 4, 48-week (W), single-arm, prospective trial, revealed that the use of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in people with HIV and substance use disorders (PWH/SUD) was safe and effective without emergent antiretroviral resistance despite incomplete adherence. Here, we present the W96 results.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all participants enrolled in the BASE study was completed from W48 to W96. End points of interest at W96 included the proportion of participants with viral suppression (VS; HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL [c/mL]), incidence of protocol-defined virologic failure (PDVF; 2 consecutive ≥400 c/mL), safety, adherence (percentage of days covered [PDC]), retention in care, and prevalence of ongoing substance use.

RESULTS: All enrolled BASE participants (n = 43) were included in the W96 analysis. At W48, 21 participants …