Digital Commons Network^™

Cytotoxic And Antimicrobial Effects Of Plant-Derived Compounds Used In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Amanda Ly, Diane Sun, Shelbi Salinas, Victor M. Jimenez

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections In Saudi Arabia: Incidence, Timing, Causative Organisms, And Outcomes – A Multicenter Study, Saad Albogami, Wael Alqarawi, Ahmed Alfagih, Hiatham Alenzi, Mohammad Alshehri, Mossab Aljuaid, Saeed Alqahtani, Norah Alswaidan, Mohammad Alharbi, Norah Alkaltham, Lama Alasmri, Rghd Sadkh, Muna Albashari, Nour Alhouda, Imad Tleyjeh

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) substantially improve outcomes in cardiac patients, but device-related infection can negate these benefits. Data on the epidemiology of CIED infections in Saudi Arabia are limited. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients receiving CIEDs (pacemakers [PPM], implantable cardioverter-defibrillators [ICD], and cardiac resynchronization devices [CRT]) at three tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2017 through December 2021. Patients were followed for at least one year post-implantation. Data collected included patient demographics, device type (new implant, replacement, revision), infection timing and microbiology, management (device extraction vs conservative treatment), and outcomes. …

Mycobacteria Infection Induced Cascade Of Epigenetic Alterations Promote Training In Bystander Macrophages, Shah E. Jahan Gulzar Mr

Theses and Dissertations

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remodels host cell functions to support its intracellular persistence. While the effects of Mtb infection on infected macrophages are well characterized, responses of uninfected bystander cells in the same microenvironment remain poorly understood. Here, we show that Mtb infection triggers widespread epigenetic reprogramming not only in infected macrophages but also in neighbouring bystander cells. These bystander macrophages acquire active chromatin marks, exhibit distinct transcriptional changes, and display enhanced immune responsiveness, thereby increasing resistance to both homologous and heterologous infections. We identify interleukin-1 beta secreted by infected cells as a key mediator of this process. Functionally, trained bystander …

Treatment Outcomes And Factors Associated With Treatment Failure Among Mild-Moderate Covid-19 Patients Receiving Five-Days Oral Molnupiravir Vs Three-Days Intravenous Remdesivir In A Real-World Practice, Sarawut Kittikasemsook, Pattama Torvorapanit, Chotirat Nakaranurack

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The initiation of antiviral treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is based on the patient's risk of developing severe symptoms. Molnupiravir and remdesivir are new antiviral agents with limited data in real-world practice, especially in Thailand.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and factors associated with treatment failure in mild-moderate symptoms of adult COVID-19 who received molnupiravir or three days- intravenous remdesivir at the initiation of treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society. The inclusion criteria were mild-moderate symptoms of COVID-19 patients …

Hyperdensity On Head Ct—An Imaging Review, Ramsis Benjamin, Christian Menard, Erik Larson

School of Medicine Publications

The 3D images derived from non-contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) scans provide a glimpse into the intra- and extracranial structures, based on the ability of electromagnetic X-rays to penetrate through various tissue densities. The gray matter, for example, possesses a higher density than the white matter, absorbs more X-rays, allows less penetration (attenuation), and thus has larger Hounsfield units (HU), the mathematical value of attenuation coefficient. The CT scanner’s wide availability and ease of use allow for quick assessment of acute neurosurgical abnormalities, such as hemorrhages, mass effect, hydrocephalus, and traumatic injuries. An attenuation value of +60 to +90 HU generally …

Heme And Hemozoin Induce Platelet Cell Death Through Upr-Induced Apoptosis And Ferroptosis In Vivax Malaria, Milena Tavares Gomes, Robert A Campbell, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Malaria is a highly prevalent infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium intraerythrocytic replication leads to hemolysis-driven intermittent febrile crises in patients. In addition, the lysis of unparasitized red blood cells contributes to anemia and endotoxemia. Because thrombocytopenia is an important feature of vivax and severe falciparum malaria, we hypothesized that increased hemolysis in malaria contributes to severe thrombocytopenia by releasing endogenous and parasite toxins (ie, heme and hemozoin) capable of inducing programmed cell death in platelets. Using complementary biochemical, ultrastructural, pharmacological, and molecular approaches, we examined response to stress and cell death pathways that were elevated in the transcriptome …

A Demographic Analysis Of Shaker Mortality Trends, John E. Murray

Communal Societies

No abstract provided.

The Vipeholm Experiments: A Case Study Of Unethical Dental Research, Lainie Ross Md, Phd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Modern-day research ethics training often begins with a discussion of the medical research atrocities committed by Nazi health care professionals and the resulting 10-principle Nuremberg Code, which is often considered to be the beginning of modern-day medical research regulations. It is occasionally mentioned that Nazi dentists also conducted unethical research in the concentration camps, and a few were brought to trial. In this manuscript, I compare two studies (one medical and one dental) conducted after World War II that violated the Nuremberg Code.

I describe and compare the well-known Willowbrook Hepatitis studies conducted by infectious disease doctors on vulnerable institutionalized …

Discovery And Characterization Of A Novel Pseudomonas Phage Of A New Genus, Paul Nicholls, Justin R Clark, Anthony Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Bacteriophages exhibit great diversity and are classically divided into lytic and temperate lifestyles. Commonly, bioinformatics is used to predict the temperate lifestyle. As the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common in freshwater, this biome represents an ideal location for the discovery of Pseudomonas phages.

Materials and methods: We characterized a genetically distinct species of Pseudomonas phage using next-generation sequencing and conventional microbiological methods. We characterized its lifestyle by purifying infected colonies and identifying persistent phage production.

Results: Genetics revealed a phage of a novel genus. Characterization showed a narrow host range and bioinformatics suggested a lytic lifestyle. Experimental data …

Preliminary Development Of Visual And Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays For Megalocytivirus Detection In Betta Fish (Betta Splendens), Kitikarn Sakuna, Supaporn Noochu, Kittichon U-Taynapun, Nion Chirapongsathonkul, Saransiri Nuanmanee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study developed rapid detection of Megalocytivirus using visual and real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. The primer was designed with the major capsid protein gene of Megalocytivirus, including red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), and turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV). The visual and real-time LAMP assays were evaluated using DNA extracted from symptomatic betta fish that tested negative for Megalocytivirus by the broad-range PCR assay, as well as a chemically synthesized Megalocytivirus DNA template. Visual LAMP was found sensitive enough to detect up to 10 pg per reaction of the target DNA …

A Retrospective Review Of Antimicrobial Usage And Indications At End-Of-Life For Oncology Patients In A Tertiary Cancer Center In Saudi Arabia, Nabil A. Almouaalamy, Lama A. Banjar, Hattan A. Hassani, Ahmed A. Alqerafi, Abdulrahman I. Ezzi, Bader K. Alaslab, Abdulaziz K. Allhybi, Abdulaziz N. Aljohani, Nora N. Almouaalamy, Hassan A. Almarhabi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate antimicrobial usage patterns, indications, and outcomes in end-of-life (EOL) oncology patients at Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The use of antimicrobials in oncology patients in EOL care has raised concerns about their appropriateness and the increasing issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods: The study is a retrospective chart review of cancer patients treated at the PNOC from January 1, 2017, to January 31, 2022. The inclusion criteria included cancer patients ≥18 years who died during their admission. The exclusion criteria included subjects who did not meet the inclusion criteria.

Results: Among …

Biomarkers Of Multiorgan Failure In Covid-19: A Predictive Framework For Disease Severity And Clinical Outcomes, Wesam A. Nasif, Mohammed H. Mukhtar, Mohammad Althubiti, Abeer Shaker El Moursy Ali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of inflammatory, liver, renal, and cardiac biomarkers in relation to the progression of multiorgan failure (MOF) in COVID-19 patients. A primary goal was to identify which of these markers served as the most discriminative predictors of disease severity.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out between December 2020 and February 2023 to collect data from 1,803 COVID-19 patients from data records in different hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The ROC curve analysis evaluated the diagnostic and predictive performance of selected biomarkers.

Results: Inflammatory markers such as CRP and D-dimer were evaluated, but ferritin …

Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Infectious Diseases And Antimicrobial Resistance: A Comprehensive Review On Diagnostic, Treatment, And Prevention Aspects, Naveed Ahmed, Mansoor Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in managing infectious diseases by enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures. AI-assisted tools have predictive analysis ability for incoming outbreaks, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AI-assisted tools facilitate the treatment methods by tailoring personalized medicine according to the specific disease history of the patient, immune response, and genetics. Advanced vaccine development by various AI-assisted in silico tools is becoming easy, leading to faster vaccine discovery and more efficient vaccine design with a more immunogenic response. Despite huge benefits, a few limitations are also encountered, including biases in algorithms, data privacy, and …

Childhood Obesity: Global Burden, Multifactorial Etiologies, Biological Mechanisms, And Emerging Interventions For Prevention And Management, Fahad H. Baali

Saudi Medical Journal

Childhood obesity, characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that adversely affects health, is a global public health challenge. It affects approximately 8.2% of children and adolescents globally and contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases in later life. Obese children are at increased risk of developing metabolic disorder cluster, type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD), and psychosocial complications. Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity imposes substantial economic costs and highlights the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. The causes of childhood obesity are multifactorial including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Early …

Early Detection Of Infectious Diseases: A Review Of Recent Advances In Pathogen Identification, Molecular Tools, And Metabolomics-Driven Biomarker Discovery, Patrica Ivy Agorsor, Michael O. Eze

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has heightened public interest in noninvasive methods for early diagnosis of infectious diseases. In addition, various government agencies have implemented "infectious disease preparedness" to mitigate future outbreaks. This review highlights conventional and advanced methods for infectious disease diagnosis with an emphasis on emerging mass spectrometry methods. Conventional methods for pathogen identification, such as culture-based techniques and molecular methods, have limitations with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. Recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry have revolutionized the field of infectious disease biomarker discovery. These techniques enable the comprehensive profiling of metabolites in various biological samples, identification …

Staff Education To Nurse Practitioners On Proper Std Treatment, Jolanda Monique Amey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project implemented a structured staff education project to strengthen nurse practitioner knowledge related to the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in a public health setting. Nurse practitioners often serve as the primary providers of sexually transmitted disease care for underserved and uninsured populations. Maintaining current knowledge of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) treatment guidelines is essential to reducing reinfection, limiting transmission, and promoting safe, evidence-based care. When guideline knowledge is inconsistent or outdated, opportunities for appropriate treatment may be missed. The practice-focused question guiding this project was “Among nurse practitioners in …

A Measure Of Acceptance, Floyd Skloot

Creative Nonfiction Magazine

No abstract provided.

Notes On My Dying, Ruthann Robson

Creative Nonfiction Magazine

No abstract provided.

Notes On My Dying, Ruthann Robson

Creative Nonfiction Magazine

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Risky Health Behavior Among College Students, Azait Imtiaz

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

This research explored the behavior of college students before and after the implementation of a mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at a public university in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia with 807 college students. The study assessed various factors, including living arrangements (shared living spaces such as rooms and bathrooms), social behavior (including social gatherings), adherence to mask protocols during gatherings, and hygiene practices (such as hand sanitization). The results indicated significant differences in social behavior (M_before = 19.82, M_after = 25.85, p =.001), mask-wearing (M_before = 20.73, M_after = 31.41, p …

The Ivermectin Conspiracy: Cure For Covid Or Risky Remedy?, Isabelle Cobb

Fresh Voices: Composition at Cal Poly

No abstract provided.

Staff Education For Timely Sepsis Intervention At The Medical Center, Latonya Summers-Oliver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project developed a staff education program to clarify the concept of “time zero,” essential for timely sepsis intervention, in alignment with the SEP-1 core measure by CMS, which prescribes evidence-based treatment bundles within specific time frames. Aiming to improve staff knowledge in sepsis identification, treatment, and management, the program incorporated a literature review supporting educational strategies that enhance mortality rates and clinical outcomes. Using pre- and posttest assessments, the study demonstrated significant improvements in staff knowledge following targeted education on sepsis recognition and timely management. The findings underscore the importance of standardized, accessible training programs to improve clinical response, …

Translating Social Accountability Values Into Practice: Doctors’ Experiences From Problem- Based Learning Medical Curriculum In The United Arab Emirates, Nihar Ranjan Dash, Ahmed Alrazzak Hasswan, Mayar Abbas Ahmed Essam Samaha, Kamel A. Samara, Mohamed Hassan Taha

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Purpose: Medical schools play a crucial role in preparing future doctors to address the health needs of patients and their communities. Graduates are expected to provide socially accountable care by upholding values such as relevance, equity, quality, and cost- effectiveness. This study explores how these values are understood and applied by medical graduates trained in problem-based learning (PBL) curricula. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among University of Sharjah medical graduates to assess their exposure to and practice of social accountability values. Results: Of the 689 graduates invited, 503 (73%) responded, including 329 (65%) women. Most respondents, 375 (75%), …

Zingiber Officinale-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Maureen Bakor Tabe, Ovgu Isbilen, Jennifer N Walker, Ender Cinar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The fight against infectious diseases has transformed over the past century with the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, where pathogens that exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotic classes leading to significant challenges to modern medicine. Zingiber officinale is well-documented to exhibit diverse biological activities, including strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized cost-effectively and are widely utilized in biomedical applications, including their use as anticancer agents and drug-delivery systems, as well as for their intrinsic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we aimed to take a combinatorial approach to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Z. …

Endothelial Oncogenic Kras Mutation Drives The Dynamics Of Microglia And Macrophages In Brain Arteriovenous Malformation, Hyejin Park, Jung-Eun Park, Bridger H Freeman, Bosco Seong Kyu Yang, Shun-Ming Ting, Alexander K Suh, Jude Pj Savarraj, Shuning Huang, Jakob Körbelin, Huimahn Alex Choi, Sean P Marrelli, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Peng Roc Chen, Eunhee Kim, Eun S Park

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutation of KRAS in endothelial cells (KRAS-EC) leads to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM), resulting in severe disabilities or even death. However, it is unclear what causes this hemorrhagic conversion of bAVM. Here, using a locally established, clinically-relevant sporadic bAVM mouse model, created by overexpressing mutant KRAS (KRASG12V) in the brain EC, we demonstrate that KRAS-EC act as trigger for microglia (MG) activation and infiltration of macrophages (Mϕ). Using three-dimensional immunostaining approach with cleared human and mouse bAVM tissues, we demonstrate an abundance of MG/Mϕ around the bAVM nidus. The presence of MG/Mϕ are correlated to the …

Green Technology: A Systematic Review Of Ai And Iot Solutions For A Sustainable Future, Nesma Abd El-Mawla, Mohamed A. Berbar, Nawal A. El-Fishawy, Mohamed A. El-Rashidy, Mahmoud Badawy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Green technology offers a solution to the pressing environmental crisis. It can change the structure and generation of waste so as not to harm the earth, and people can become environmentally friendly. To address complex environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, innovative Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are essential. These technologies can help optimize resource use, reduce waste, and promote sustainable development. However, it's crucial to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection when implementing green technologies. This survey paper systematically examines the landscape of Green Technology, focusing on its pivotal components: Measures of …

A Case Of Fulminant West Nile Virus Encephalitis Presenting With Non-St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Nstemi) And Diagnostic Discordance, Jayanjali Bodavula, Mindi S. Garner

Student Publications

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that typically causes mild febrile illness but can progress to neuroinvasive disease and even death, particularly in older adults with comorbidities. We describe a 77-year-old male with coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, who was notified that his recent blood donation had tested positive for WNV by nucleic acid testing (NAT) on initial screening, with confirmatory testing pending. Shortly thereafter, he developed a fever, confusion, dizziness, and worsening gait instability. On admission, he was febrile to 103.6°F, hypotensive at 97/65 mmHg, and noted to have monocytosis, elevated troponin, and …

Staff Education To Enhance Nursing Knowledge Of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prevention Bundles On A Solid Organ Transplant Unit, Amina Cole-Kangbai

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I conducted this staff education quality improvement project to develop and implement an education program addressing nurses’ knowledge gaps on evidence-based, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention bundles on a solid organ transplant unit. CLABSIs are preventable infections disproportionately affecting immunocompromised transplant patients, increasing morbidity, mortality, and costs. Addressing this issue is critical because nurses provide frontline central line care, and their knowledge directly influences patient safety.

Understanding The Epidemiology Of Malaria In Zanzibar Through Molecular And Serological Analysis Of Samples Collected During Reactive Case Detection, Vanrun Goel, Wahida Hassan, Caroline Murphy, Barbara B. Choloi, Mohamed Ali, Shija J. Shija, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Anders Björkman, Billey E. Ngasala, Eric Rogier, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jessica T. Lin

Faculty Publications

Background

The Zanzibar archipelago has been a pre-elimination region for malaria thanks to rigorous control interventions, but recent surges in malaria cases have been observed. The contribution of non-falciparum species to the current malaria situation is unknown.

Method

This study investigates the epidemiology of falciparum and non-falciparum malaria species in Zanzibar. Leveraging plasma extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) collected during reactive case detection (RCD) activities across Unguja island from May 2022 to January 2023, we measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to Plasmodium MSP1-19kD antigens using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Additionally, active infections were detected using species-specific real-time PCR.

Results …

Gene Regulatory Programs Of Nk Cells Show That Ncam1 (Cd56) And Kirs Are Controlled By Genetically Polymorphic Distal Regulatory Elements, Mariam A. Salem, Aditi Varkey, Matthew D. Estrada, Kruthika Sharma, Caprice D. Eisele, Nitin Chakravarti, Dean A. Lee, Aharon G. Freud, Bethany L. Mundy-Bosse, Patrick L. Collins

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Owing to their immunoprotective properties, natural killer (NK) cells are critical for the innate immune response to pathogens, as well as a new wave of cancer immunotherapy that harnesses natural cytotoxicity. We sought to study the genetic and epigenetic drivers behind human-specific NK cell receptors, so that we can better understand the underlying cellular function. Here, we present a transcriptomic, proteomic (CITE-seq), and chromatin (single nuclei ATAC-seq) profiling of human peripheral NK cell subsets, which was then compared with genomic databases. Through integrative multi-omics, we demonstrate that CD56^bright versus CD56^dim NK cell subsets have differential distal regulatory element …