Digital Commons Network^™

From Bench To Publication: The Hidden Crisis Of Reproducibility In Biomedical Research, Punnya. V. Angadi

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Reproducibility serves as a fundamental aspect of biomedical research, guaranteeing that findings are reliable, precise, and relevant to clinical applications. The growing difficulty in replicating research outcomes has led to what is known as the ``reproducibility crisis.'' This issue has a profound impact on the biomedical field, affecting pharmaceutical research, guiding medical treatment decisions, and influencing public health results. This editorial aims to examine the extent, root causes, and consequences of irreproducibility in biomedical research, with a focus on the contributions of methodological errors, publication biases, and the pressures exerted by academic systems. Additionally, it will propose possible solutions to …

Community Engagement To Rebuild Confidence In Public Health, Donna L. Williams

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

No abstract provided.

Geauxhealth.Org: A Technological Approach To Community Resources In New Orleans, Madelin Mlynczak

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Background: Connecting patients to appropriate community resources remains a significant challenge for healthcare providers in New Orleans. Existing resource guides have limitations in clinical workflows, highlighting the need for a tool tailored to healthcare professionals. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the GeauxHealth.org website in improving medical residents’ and fellows’ knowledge of community resources and decreasing perceived struggle in referring patients to community resources. Methods: We conducted a pre- and post-intervention survey among residents and fellows at two academic institutions in New Orleans. Participants were introduced to GeauxHealth.org, a locally developed and searchable online …

Vol 6. May '26 Full Issue, Donna L. Williams

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

No abstract provided.

In-Use Stability And Device Compatibility Define Clinically Actionable Handling Limits For A Gmp-Produced Attenuated Listeria Monocytogenes Vaccine Expressing Gucy2c, Jagmohan Singh, Taranjot Johar, Vannessa Scully, Scott A. Waldman, Babar Bashir, Adam E. Snook

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Background: Live-attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) vectors are a clinically validated cancer immunotherapy platform, but translation requires reproducible, clinically realistic workflows for dose preparation and infusion. For live bacterial products, in-use stability and device compatibility can drive dose variability through adsorption, settling, and device losses. Methods: We developed and GMP-manufactured an attenuated Lm vaccine expressing human GUCY2C (Lm-GUCY2C) and performed translational characterization, including construct verification and immunogenicity readouts, and defined the administration-focused in-use stability and device compatibility. Post-thaw stability was assessed in primary cryovials and during preparation and delivery from 250 mL saline infusion bags using standard clinical devices (syringes/needles, filter-free …

Circulating Metabolites Associated With Protection Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection And Inhibition Of Mycobacterial Growth, Todia P Setiabudiawan, Lika Apriani, Julian Avila-Pacheco, Edwin Ardiansyah, Vinod Kumar, Bachti Alisjahbana, Ayesha J Verrall, Andrew R Dinardo, Agnes R Indrati, Vera P Mourits, L Charlotte J De Bree, Simone J C F M Moorlag, Clary B Clish, Leo A B Joosten, Arjan Van Laarhoven, Krista E Van Meijgaarden, Mihai G Netea, Simone A Joosten, Valerie A C M Koeken, Philip C Hill, Reinout Van Crevel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

A significant proportion of individuals who are heavily exposed to infectious tuberculosis patients do not acquire Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, as detected by an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). We examined circulating metabolite profiles and metabolic genotypes in 199 heavily exposed IGRA-negative tuberculosis household contacts in Indonesia. Based on differentially abundant metabolites, activity of several pathways including arachidonic acid, arginine and proline, glutathione, and tryptophan metabolism, correlated with a negative IGRA at three months. SNPs near PRODH (involved in arginine and proline metabolism) were associated with circulating proline concentrations and persistently negative IGRA results, while SNPstudys near AFMID (involved in …

Clinical Course Of A Previously Healthy Patient With Chronic Active Ebv Infection, Carina H. Perdew, Nikita S. Raje, Thao P. Le, Cody D. Shopper

Research Showcase

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of individuals worldwide. Acute EBV infection results in lifelong latent infection, but rarely causes chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection or immunodeficiency-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disease. There is no standard treatment approach, making the diagnosis and management of CAEBV challenging.

Objectives/Goal: Upon completion of this session, our aim is for audience members be able to discuss a rare complication of EBV infections and to better formulate management approaches for this multifaceted condition.

Methods/Design: Case Report

Results: A 15-year-old female with a history of atopic dermatitis, headaches, and secondary amenorrhea was hospitalized for persistent tachycardia and …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Steroid Utilization For Pneumonia Treatment In The Critically Ill Population, Cassandra Caringella Pharmd, Amina George Pharmd, Jill Argotsinger Pharmd

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy remains controversial. IDSA guidelines recommend routine steroid use in severe CAP, while SCCM guidelines support corticosteroids based on the recent landmark trial, CAPE COD.

Purpose:

This study evaluated the effect of adjunctive steroid therapy versus no steroid therapy on clinical outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe CAP and real-world adherence to guideline endorsed steroid regimens. Risk factors associated with clinical failure were also assessed.

Methods:

We conducted a multi-center retrospective evaluation of adults ≥18 years …

Reassessing Skeletal Stress Indicators: Implications For Changing Population Health In The Freedman’S Cemetery, Dallas, Tx, Samantha M. Mccrane, Megan Fry, Siobhan A.E. Summers

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

Inferring biological stress from stature and skeletal pathological conditions is common practice in bioarchaeology. Interpretations of these data can greatly enrich knowledge about past peoples’ lifestyles, cultural practices, and socio-political constraints and shifts. However, interpretations are not always clear, are often drawn from a single skeletal indicator of stress and not always subjected to statistical testing. In this study, we reanalyze archaeological data from 742 individuals buried at Freedman’s Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. We focus on four commonly used skeletal measures of ‘stress,’ broadly defined (stature, linear enamel hypoplasia, porotic cranial lesions [e.g., cribra orbitalia & porotic hyperostosis], and bone …

The Node Knows: Histopathology As The Key To Fever Of Unknown Origin In An Adolescent, Annette Mathew Do, Dana Nezon Md, Shalini Vootkur Md, Melissa Tesher Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a common pediatric presentation with a broad infectious and noninfectious differential. Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), also known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), is a rare, self-limited condition characterized by prolonged fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific findings, with definitive confirmation requiring histopathologic evaluation. We describe a case of FUO and cervical lymphadenopathy ultimately diagnosed as HNL.

Description:

A 14-year-old female presented with one month of neck pain, tender cervical lymphadenopathy, and fevers. Initial outpatient treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate did not result in improvement. Reevaluation demonstrated leukopenia and neutropenia, prompting hospital …

Resilience In The Age Of Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study Of Survivors 65 And Older, Kwajulyn Onothia Rucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Few studies have examined resilience among those aged 65+ during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research fills that gap, offering data to guide policies and treatments for future pandemics. The pandemic revealed factors influencing psychological resilience, with stressors linked to health issues becoming chronic worldwide. Older adults faced heightened stress, and 95.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurred in those 50 and older. Lockdowns increased isolation and depression, yet many showed resilience by drawing on strengths, social networks, and circumstances. Key themes from this study included faith, engagement, adaptability, and adversity. Most (80%) adapted well, feeling 'fine' or 'okay' and finding hope through …

Exploring The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Dorothy Elaine Rolling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the role of self-efficacy for nursing students whose primary language was not English and who were enrolled in higher education in the northeastern area of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy. The major tenets of the self-efficacy theory aligned with the metaparadigm of nursing (person, health, environment, nursing) and with the study’s focus, which was to explore how English as a second language (ESL) nursing students could successfully complete the registered nursing program at an institution of higher learning. The central research question was: …

Church Attendance, Post-Pandemic Stress, And Resilience Factors, Pavel Bugriyev

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Stress levels among adults increased, and a sense of community loss occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent events. Despite previous studies establishing an association between religious practice and psychological well-being, much remains unknown about the differences in religious practice format (i.e., in person, virtually, and not at all) with post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined whether the format of church attendance (in-person, virtual, or no church attendance at all) was related to post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. Also, whether hope, making meaning out of hardship, and perceived social support statistically mediated the difference in …

Comparative Hematological And Biochemical Alterations Associated With Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections Of Lower Urinary Tract In Dogs And Cats, Mohamed Alasmar, Maged El-Ashker, Mohammed Albaloushi, Mayyadah Alkuwayti, Mohamed Marzok

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to investigate hematological and biochemical alterations associated with gram-negative bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. For this purpose, 56 dogs and 36 cats were examined between October 2022 and May 2023. Twenty-eight dogs and twenty-two cats with clinical signs of lower UTIs were confirmed using ultrasonography, urinalysis, hematobiochemical analysis, and molecular identification of recovered pathogen. In dogs, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (82%), crystalluria (85.7%), and proteinuria. There was also significant decrease in total protein and globulin levels compared to those in the control. A significant increase in BUN, …

Hantaviruses As Priority Zoonotic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review, Wimbuh Tri Widodo, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Rahmania Ambarika, Widoretno Widoretno, Masri Sembiring Maha, Abdul Hadi Furqoni, Lisa Andriani Lienggonegoro, Bima Putra Pratama, M. Hasinuddin, Zakkiyatus Zainiyah, Eny Susanti, Mufarika Mufarika, Luluk Hermawati, Alvina Setiawardani, Syahputra Wibowo, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Hantaviruses are zoonotic agents that play a significant role in global public health, primarily due to their ability to cause two highly severe clinical syndromes: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which is predominant in Eurasia, and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS/HPS), which is primarily found in the Americas. Although long recognized, the complex interactions between the virus, its rodent reservoir, and environmental factors make hantaviruses still a relevant epidemiological threat today. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their virological characteristics, epidemiological patterns, pathogenesis mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic methods, therapeutic options, prevention strategies, and the latest developments in …

Managing Maternal Anemia In Pregnancy: The Role Of Iron-Rich Foods And Supplementation, Carli Dibler

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Anemia during pregnancy is a large public health concern, which often leads to independent risk factors for fetal and maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhaging, cesarean sections, blood transfusions during and after the labor process, hysterectomies, preterm birth, and infectious diseases. Six level I-III studies were analyzed using the John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model. Findings showed that by using a combined approach of dietary intake and supplementation overall leads to better fetal and maternal outcomes compared to supplementation alone.

The Role Of Pharmacists In Preventing Antibiotic Resistance: A Narrative Review, Kristy Rahayu Martadiani, Widya Norma Insani, Sofa Dewi Alfian

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health threat, driven by irrational antibiotic use, including uncontrolled self-medication, use without proper indication, and non-adherence to medical instructions. This review aims to examine the strategic role of pharmacists in preventing antibiotic resistance through interventions at different points of healthcare services. While the discussion addresses the global pharmacist role, this review places particular emphasis on resource-limited settings, such as those in developing countries, where access to antibiotics is relatively unrestricted, regulatory enforcement is weak, and self-medication practices are more prevalent. Literature findings indicate that pharmacists play an important role as educators and supervisors of …

Combating Β-Lactamase Resistance: From Inhibitor Design To Substrate Evolution, Lian M.C. Jacobs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

β-lactamase production by bacteria is a major mechanism of antibiotic resistance. These enzymes hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics, preventing them from binding to and inhibiting PBPs. Although new β-lactam scaffolds and inhibitors are continually introduced into the clinic, resistance often emerges within a few years. Therefore, the development of cross-class inhibitors with novel scaffolds is critical to mitigate this resistance. In parallel, a deeper understanding of the structural and mechanistic basis of β-lactamase resistance is essential. Together, these approaches provide an effective strategy for combating antibiotic resistance.

The first project addressed the need of effective cross-class β-lactamase inhibitors capable of targeting SBL …

Va Dent J April, May And June 2015

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Letter To The Editor A Malignant Infection Of Dental Origin, Marvin E. Pizer Dds, Ms, Ma, Ficd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Diversity Regulations For Clinical Trials & The Underrepresentation Of Native American Women, Alka Meresh

DePaul Journal of Health Care Law

The exclusion of women and racial minorities from research currently compromises the generalizability of findings. Native American women, are particularly underrepresented in clinical trials due to the complicated history between Native American health and the US government. Congress, the NIH, and the FDA are the most prominent actors involved in regulating the diversity of clinical trial participants. This article will identify and analyze the deficiencies of the current regulations promoting diversity in clinical trials and suggest some solutions to build community with Indigenous communities and promote their participation in clinical trials.

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Longevity Trends And Disparities Among Native Americans And Whites In The Four Corners States, Ashley M. Lenarz, Hyojun Park, Max T. Roberts, Anwesha Pan, Erin Trouth Hofmann, Eric N. Reither

Sociology and Anthropology Student Research

Prior research has shown suboptimal health and longevity among Native Americans in the Four Corners region of the United States, which encompasses Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Our study (1) investigates how life expectancy trends and disparities changed among non-Hispanic Native Americans and Whites in the Four Corners States (FCS) during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) examines the extent to which longevity changes are directly attributable to COVID-19, relative to other causes of death. Data sources include mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics and population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Life expectancy at birth for …

Global Health Financing Of Diagonal Interventions: Building Resilient And Sustainable Health Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Lucy Kim

Master in Public Policy Theses

Background: Global health financing has historically prioritized disease-specific “vertical” programs over broader “horizontal” strengthening of general health systems. Vertical programs in HIV have led to unprecedented reductions in mortality worldwide, but HIV remains a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, where vertical strategies have long been criticized for creating fragmented health systems. In response, global health strategies have shifted towards combining vertical investments with broader horizontal activities, commonly referred to as “diagonal” programming. While evidence suggests that diagonal programming has the potential to create more resilient and sustainable health systems, evaluating its value for money is challenging due to …

Pfas Toxicity: What’S True, What’S Not, And What Really Matters, Jamie C. Dewitt, Ian T. Cousins, Gretta Goldenman, Dorte Herzke, Rainer Lohmann, Mark Miller, Carla A. Ng, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Zhanyun Wang

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

A substantial body of evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a risk to human health. Data from epidemiological studies of those exposed occupationally or environmentally demonstrate adverse health risks, and these health effects are concordant with data from toxicological studies. Systematic reviews, conducted by agencies, organizations, and independent scientists that synthesize and integrate these data streams, have concluded that a range of health risks arise from PFAS exposure, including different types of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancer, metabolic alterations such as increased liver enzymes and increased cholesterol, immune dysfunction such as reduced vaccination …

Toxoplasmosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome In A Patient With Newly Diagnosed Hiv/Aids, Shivam Singh, Divya Samat Md, Viraj Shah, Kelly Brenan-Rothschild, Anthony Donato

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a common cause of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in advanced HIV, and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can precipitate immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Toxoplasma-related IRIS is rare but poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case Presentation: We report a 40-year-old male with advanced HIV (CD4 <35 cells/mm3, viral load 540,000 copies/mL) who initially presented with seizures and multiple ring-enhancing supratentorial lesions. Serology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmedToxoplasma gondii, and he was treated with high-dose sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, dexamethasone, and ART. A lymph node biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with intracellularHistoplasmaspecies. One month later, following brief interruption of anti-toxoplasma therapy, he developed recurrent seizures and radiographic progression despite ART adherence. Repeat evaluation excluded other infections or malignancy. Brain biopsy confirmedT. gondii, and IRIS was diagnosed. The patient improved with re-initiation of high-dose anti-toxoplasma therapy, corticosteroids, and seizure prophylaxis. Discussion: This case illustrates paradoxical toxoplasmosis-associated IRIS in the context of advanced HIV and concurrent opportunistic infection. Early recognition, exclusion of alternative diagnoses, and continuation of ART with targeted antimicrobial therapy are essential. Conclusion: Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for IRIS in HIV patients with CNS …

Adoption And Diffusion Of At-Home Medical Tests, Jerome Christia

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Shift In The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Seasonal Pattern: A Single–Center Retrospective Study In Anhui, China (2023–2025), Yan Lu, Jie Zhang, Keran Zhu, Li Wang, Shenggang Ding, Liping Yuan

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalizations followed a predictable seasonal pattern in Anhui, China, typically beginning in November and lasting until March of the following year. However, city-specific data for Anhui were limited. This study investigated the epidemiological patterns and risk factors associated with severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among hospitalized children in our centre. Methods: We reviewed the records of children aged ≤14 years who were hospitalized with RSV lower respiratory tract infection between June 2023 and May 2025. RSV infection was confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing. Data on …

Pertussis In Adolescents: Nonspecific Findings And The Importance Of Clinical Vigilance - A Single-Center Retrospective Study, Kaan Celebier, Furkan Kalayci, Merve Keser, Metin Yigit, Enes K. Kılıc, Yunus E. Ince, Ahmet A. Gungor, Hande Yigit, Betul Demircioglu Kalayci, Aslınur Özkaya Parlakay

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: In adolescents, pertussis commonly presents with a mild, atypical picture that can delay diagnosis, lead to its exclusion from the differential diagnosis list, and sustain community transmission. Typical paroxysms and laboratory abnormalities are frequently absent or subtle. We aimed to describe qPCR-confirmed adolescent cases and highlight diagnostic challenges. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic records of patients presenting to general pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases clinics between January 2019 and August 2025. Adolescents with a multiplex respiratory panel positive only for Bordetella pertussis were included; co-detections and incomplete data were excluded. Demographics, symptoms, examination and imaging findings, laboratory results, treatment, …

A Clinical Risk Stratification Approach For Sensorineural Hearing Loss In Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Vietnam, Nguyen D. Pham, Toan M. Duong

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To address the long-term burden of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) following pediatric bacterial meningitis and the need for early identification of at-risk children, particularly in resource-limited settings where universal post-meningitis screening is impractical. This study aimed to develop a clinically accessible risk stratification approach, using routinely available variables, to support triage and prioritization of audiological follow-up. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Children’s Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Children aged 1 month to 15 years, who were hospitalized with bacterial meningitis and underwent audiological assessment after recovery, were included. Hearing outcomes were evaluated by auditory …

The Diagnostic Role Of Trimethylamine N-Oxide In Pediatric Acute Appendicitis: An Exploratory Study, Mehmet Sarikaya, Fatma Ozcan Siki, Fadime Ovali, Husamettin Vatansev, İlhan Ciftci

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite derived from gut microbiota, has been linked to various chronic inflammatory conditions. However, its potential role in acute inflammation, such as pediatric acute appendicitis, remains unclear. This exploratory diagnostic study aimed to assess the preliminary diagnostic performance of serum and urinary TMAO levels in differentiating appendicitis subtypes. Methods: In this prospective study, 137 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for suspected acute appendicitis were included. Based on histopathological findings, patients were categorized into negative, non-complicated, and complicated appendicitis groups. Serum and urinary TMAO levels were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Group comparisons were performed …