Digital Commons Network^™

Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis Increases Resistance Gene Prevalence And Α-Diversity But Decreases Β-Diversity In The Gut Microbiome Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Alaric W D'Souza, Eshia Moodley-Govender, Bertram Berla, Tejas Kelkar, Bin Wang, Xiaoqing Sun, Brodie Daniels, Anna Coutsoudis, Indi Trehan, Gautam Dantas

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic cotrimoxazole treatment is recommended in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants, but the effects of this treatment on developing HEU infant gut microbiotas and resistomes are largely undefined.

METHODS: We analyzed whole-metagenome sequencing data from 163 longitudinally collected stool samples from 63 HEU infants randomized to receive (n = 34; CTX-T) or to not receive (n = 29; CTX-N) prophylactic cotrimoxazole treatment. We generated taxonomic, functional pathway, and resistance gene profiles for each sample and compared microbiome signatures between the CTX-T and CTX-N infants.

RESULTS: Metagenomic analysis did not reveal significant differences in taxonomic or functional pathway …

Clip And Massively Parallel Functional Analysis Of Celf6 Reveal A Role In Destabilizing Synaptic Gene Mrnas Through Interaction With 3' Utr Elements, Michael A Rieger, Dana M King, Haley Crosby, Yating Liu, Barak A Cohen, Joseph D Dougherty

Open Access Publications

CELF6 is a CELF-RNA-binding protein, and thus part of a protein family with roles in human disease; however, its mRNA targets in the brain are largely unknown. Using cross-linking immunoprecipitation and sequencing (CLIP-seq), we define its CNS targets, which are enriched for 3' UTRs in synaptic protein-coding genes. Using a massively parallel reporter assay framework, we test the consequence of CELF6 expression on target sequences, with and without mutating putative binding motifs. Where CELF6 exerts an effect on sequences, it is largely to decrease RNA abundance, which is reversed by mutating UGU-rich motifs. This is also the case for CELF3-5, …

Multiomics Characterization Of Preterm Birth In Low- And Middle-Income Countries., Fyezah Jehan, Sunil Sazawal, Abdullah H. Baqui, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Usha Dhingra, Rasheda Khanam, Muhammad Ilyas, Arup Dutta, Dipak K. Mitra, Usma Mehmood, Saikat Deb, Arif Mahmud, Aneeta Hotwani, Said Mohammed Ali, Sayedur Rahman, Ambreen Nizar, Shaali Makame Ame, Mamun Ibne Moin, Sajid Muhammad, Aishwarya Chauhan, Nazma Begum, Waqasuddin Khan, Sayan Das, Salahuddin Ahmed, Tarik Hasan, Javairia Khalid, Syed Jafar Raza Rizvi, Mohammed Hamad Juma, Nabidul Haque Chowdhury, Furqan Kabir, Fahad Aftab, Abdul Quaiyum, Alexander Manu, Sachiyo Yoshida, Rajiv Bahl, Anisur Rahman, Jesmin Pervin, Jennifer Winston, Patrick Musonda, Jeffrey S. A. Stringer, James A. Litch, Mohammad Sajjad Ghaemi, Mira N. Moufarrej, Kévin Contrepois, Songjie Chen, Ina A. Stelzer, Natalie Stanley, Alan L. Chang, Ghaith Bany Hammad, Ronald J. Wong, Candace Liu, Cecele C. Quaintance, Anthony Culos, Camilo Espinosa, Maria Xenochristou, Martin Becker, Ramin Fallahzadeh, Edward Ganio, Amy S. Tsai, Dyani Gaudilliere, Eileen S. Tsai, Xiaoyuan Han, Kazuo Ando, Martha Tingle, Ivana Maric, Paul H. Wise, Virginia D. Winn, Maurice L. Druzin, Ronald S. Gibbs, Gary L. Darmstadt, Jeffrey C. Murray, Gary M. Shaw, David K. Stevenson, Michael P. Snyder, Stephen R. Quake, Martin S. Angst, Brice Gaudilliere, Nima Aghaeepour

All Dugoni School of Dentistry Faculty Articles

Importance: Worldwide, preterm birth (PTB) is the single largest cause of deaths in the perinatal and neonatal period and is associated with increased morbidity in young children. The cause of PTB is multifactorial, and the development of generalizable biological models may enable early detection and guide therapeutic studies.

Objective: To investigate the ability of transcriptomics and proteomics profiling of plasma and metabolomics analysis of urine to identify early biological measurements associated with PTB.

Design, Setting, and Participants: This diagnostic/prognostic study analyzed plasma and urine samples collected from May 2014 to June 2017 from pregnant women in 5 biorepository cohorts in …

Comparison Of Upper Respiratory Viral Load Distributions In Asymptomatic And Symptomatic Children Diagnosed With Sars-Cov-2 Infection In Pediatric Hospital Testing Programs, Larry K Kociolek, Bijal A Parikh, Ariel Hernandez-Leyva, Et Al

Open Access Publications

The distribution of upper respiratory viral loads (VL) in asymptomatic children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. We assessed PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and estimated VL in infected asymptomatic children diagnosed in nine pediatric hospital testing programs. Records for asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with positive clinical SARS-CoV-2 tests were reviewed. Ct values were (i) adjusted by centering each value around the institutional median Ct value from symptomatic children tested with that assay and (ii) converted to estimated VL (numbers of copies per milliliter) using internal or manufacturer data. Adjusted Ct values and estimated VL …

Longitudinal Care Cascade Outcomes Among People Eligible For Antiretroviral Therapy Who Are Newly Linking To Care In Zambia: A Multistate Analysis, Aaloke Mody, David V Glidden, Ingrid Eshun-Wilson, Kombatende Sikombe, Sandra Simbeza, Njekwa Mukamba, Paul Somwe, Laura K Beres, Jake Pry, Carolyn Bolton-Moore, Nancy Padian, Charles B Holmes, Izukanji Sikazwe, Elvin H Geng

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Retention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care is dynamic, with patients frequently transitioning in and out of care. Analytical approaches (eg, survival analyses) commonly used to assess HIV care cascade outcomes fail to capture such transitions and therefore incompletely represent care outcomes over time.

METHODS: We analyzed antiretroviral therapy (ART)-eligible adults newly linking to care at 64 clinics in Zambia between 1 April 2014 and 31 July 2015. We used electronic medical record data and supplemented these with updated care outcomes ascertained by tracing a multistage random sample of patients lost to follow-up (LTFU, >90 days late for last …

Analytical And Clinical Sample Performance Characteristics Of The Onclarity Assay For The Detection Of Human Papillomavirus, Stephen Young, Laurence Vaughan, Karen Yanson, Karen Eckert, Aojun Li, James Harris, Aaron Ermel, James A. Williams, Mohammad Al-Ghoul, Catherine L. Cammarata, Stephanie N. Taylor, Ronald Luff, Charles K. Cooper, Barbara Van Der Pol

Pathology Research and Scholarship

The objective of this study was to determine the result reproducibility and performance of the BD Onclarity human papillomavirus (HPV) assay (Onclarity) on the BD Viper LT platform using both contrived and clinical specimens. Reproducibility was assessed in BD SurePath liquid-based cytology (LBC) medium (SurePath) using contrived panels (HPV genotype 16 [HPV16] positive, HPV18 positive, or HPV45 positive) or clinical specimens (HPV16, -18, -31, -33/58, -45, or -52 positive or HPV negative). In addition, specimens from 3,879 individuals from the Onclarity trial were aliquoted prior to or following cytology processing and tested for HPV. Finally, specimens were collected using either …

Neonatal Mouse Gut Metabolites Influence Cryptosporidium Parvum Infection In Intestinal Epithelial Cells, Kelli L Vandussen, Lisa J Funkhouser-Jones, Marianna E Akey, Deborah A Schaefer, Kevin Ackman, Michael W Riggs, Thaddeus S Stappenbeck, L David Sibley

Open Access Publications

The protozoan parasite

Associations Between Atrial Cardiopathy And Cerebral Amyloid: The Aric-Pet Study, Michelle C Johansen, Thomas H Mosley, David S Knopman, Dean F Wong, Chiadi Ndumele, Amil M Shah, Scott D Solomon, Rebecca F Gottesman

Open Access Publications

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for cognitive decline, possibly from silent brain infarction. Left atrial changes in structure or function (atrial cardiopathy) can lead to AF but may impact cognition independently. It is unknown if AF or atrial cardiopathy also acts on Alzheimer disease-specific mechanisms, such as deposition of β-amyloid. Methods and Results A total of 316 dementia-free participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study underwent florbetapir positron emission tomography, electrocardiography, and 2-dimensional echocardiography. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as ≥1: (1) left atrial volume index >34 mL/m

Comparative Evaluation Of Clinical Manifestations And Risk Of Death In Patients Admitted To Hospital With Covid-19 And Seasonal Influenza: Cohort Study, Yan Xie, Benjamin Bowe, Geetha Maddukuri, Ziyad Al-Aly

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Compared With Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging As A Guide To Optimal Medical Therapy In Patients Presenting With Stable Angina: The Rescue Trial, Arthur E Stillman, Constantine Gatsonis, Joao A C Lima, Tao Liu, Bradley S Snyder, Jean Cormack, Vinay Malholtra, Mitchell D Schnall, James E Udelson, Udo Hoffmann, Pamela K Woodard, Rescue Investigators

Open Access Publications

Background The RESCUE (Randomized Evaluation of Patients with Stable Angina Comparing Utilization of Noninvasive Examinations) trial was a randomized, controlled, multicenter, comparative efficacy outcomes trial designed to assess whether initial testing with coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is noninferior to single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging in directing patients with stable angina to optimal medical therapy alone or optimal medical therapy with revascularization. Methods and Results The end point was first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (cardiac death or myocardial infarction), or revascularization. Noninferiority margin for CCTA was set a priori as a hazard ratio (HR) of …

Approaches To Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas In Less Fit Patients, Nancy L Bartlett

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Treating unfit patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma poses the dilemma of balancing potential cure while minimizing toxicity because of frailty and comorbidities. Age greater than 80 years and common comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus often preclude the use of full-dose anthracyclines and steroids, the backbones of standard regimens for aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Assessing patient fitness remains subjective, with no consensus on best practice or how to integrate assessment tools into decision making. Incorporation of prephase steroids for all unfit patients may markedly improve performance status with consideration of standard dose therapy, especially in patients less …

Comparing The Effects Of Hiv Self-Testing To Standard Hiv Testing For Key Populations: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, T Charles Witzel, Ingrid Eshun-Wilson, Muhammad S Jamil, Nerissa Tilouche, Carmen Figueroa, Cheryl C Johnson, David Reid, Rachel Baggaley, Nandi Siegfried, Fiona M Burns, Alison J Rodger, Peter Weatherburn

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: We update a previous systematic review to inform new World Health Organization HIV self-testing (HIVST) recommendations. We compared the effects of HIVST to standard HIV testing services to understand which service delivery models are effective for key populations.

METHODS: We did a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared HIVST to standard HIV testing in key populations, published from 1 January 2006 to 4 June 2019 in PubMed, Embase, Global Index Medicus, Social Policy and Practice, PsycINFO, Health Management Information Consortium, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. We extracted study characteristic and outcome data …

Stem Cell And Niche Regulation In Human Short Bowel Syndrome, Vered A Gazit, Elzbieta A Swietlicki, Miranda U Liang, Adam Surti, Raechel Mcdaniel, Mackenzie Geisman, David M Alvarado, Matthew A Ciorba, Grant Bochicchio, Obeid Ilahi, John Kirby, William J Symons, Nicholas O Davidson, Marc S. Levin, Deborah C Rubin

Open Access Publications

Loss of functional small bowel surface area following surgical resection for disorders such as Crohn's disease, intestinal ischemic injury, radiation enteritis, and in children, necrotizing enterocolitis, atresia, and gastroschisis, may result in short bowel syndrome, with attendant high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs in the United States. Following resection, the remaining small bowel epithelium mounts an adaptive response, resulting in increased crypt cell proliferation, increased villus height, increased crypt depth, and enhanced nutrient and electrolyte absorption. Although these morphologic and functional changes are well described in animal models, the adaptive response in humans is less well understood. Clinically the …

The Impact Of The Diabetes Management Incentive On Diabetes-Related Services: Evidence From Ontario, Canada., Thaksha Thavam, Rose Anne Devlin, Amardeep Thind, Gregory S Zaric, Sisira Sarma

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

Financial incentives have been introduced in several countries to improve diabetes management. In Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, a Diabetes Management Incentive (DMI) was introduced to family physicians practicing in patient enrollment models in 2006. This paper examines the impact of the DMI on diabetes-related services provided to individuals with diabetes in Ontario. Longitudinal health administrative data were obtained for adults diagnosed with diabetes and their family physicians. The study population consisted of two groups: DMI group (patients enrolled with a family physician exposed to DMI for 3 years), and comparison group (patients affiliated with a family physician …

Participatory Video As A Novel Recovery-Oriented Intervention In Early Psychosis: A Pilot Study., Arlene G Macdougall, Sahana Kukan, Elizabeth Price, Sarah Glen, Richelle Bird, Laura Powe, Joshua C. Wiener, Paul H Lysaker, Kelly K Anderson, Ross Mg Norman

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

BACKGROUND: Personal narrative plays an important role in the process of recovery from psychotic illnesses. Participatory video is a novel, active intervention that can be used as a tool for fostering narrative development among people with psychosis.

AIM: To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential clinical utility of participatory video as an innovative tool for promoting recovery in early psychosis.

METHODS: Ten outpatients of an early psychosis intervention programme were recruited to participate in 13 biweekly workshops to plan, film and produce documentary-style videos of their experiences. Feasibility was measured through recruitment and retention. Acceptability was measured through workshop attendance …

Medicine And Surgery Residents' Perspectives On The Impact Of Covid-19 On Graduate Medical Education., Tanvi Rana, Christopher Hackett, Timothy Quezada, Abhishek Chaturvedi, Veli Bakalov, Jody Leonardo, Sandeep Rana

COVID-19 Papers, Posters, and Presentations

The COVID-19 crisis has had an unprecedented impact on resident education and well-being: social distancing guidelines have limited patient volumes and forced virtual learning, while personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, school/daycare closures, and visa restrictions have served as additional stressors. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of COVID-19 crisis-related stressors on residents' professional and personal lives. In April 2020, we administered a survey to residents at a large academic hospital system in order to assess the impact of the pandemic on residency training after >6 weeks of a modified schedule. The primary outcome was to determine which factors or …

Epidemiology Of Covid-19 And Predictors Of Outcome In Nigeria: A Single-Center Study., Olayinka Rasheed Ibrahim, Bello Muhammed Suleiman, Suleiman Bello Abdullahi, Taofeek Oloyede, Abdallah Sanda, Maruf Sanusi Gbadamosi, Bashir Olajide Yusuf, Rabilu Yandoma Iliyasu, Lawal Magaji Ibrahim, Adamu Danladi Dawud, Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Nwawueze Efam Okonta, Wasinda Francis Umar, Abiodun Gbenga Tekobo, Muhammadu Sani Abubakar, Bashir Taiye Aminu, Shuaibu Onoruoyiza Ibrahim, Rasaq Olaosebikan, Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

There is a paucity of information regarding the epidemiology and outcome of COVID-19 from low/middle-income countries, including from Nigeria. This single-center study described the clinical features, laboratory findings, and predictors of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted between April 10, 2020 and June 10, 2020 were included. Forty-five patients with a mean age of 43 (16) years, predominantly male (87%), presented with fever (38%), cough (29%), or dyspnea (24%). In-hospital mortality was 16%. The independent predictors of mortality were hypoxemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-5.1) and creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (aOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.9-9.8).

Aging, But Not Sex And Genetic Diversity, Impacts The Pathobiology Of Bacterial Endophthalmitis, Pawan Kumar Singh, Sukhvinder Singh, Robert Emery Wright, Ramandeep Rattan, Ashok Kumar

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Services Articles

Purpose: Age, sex, and genetics are important biological variables in determining an individual's susceptibility or response to infectious agents; however, their role has not been evaluated in intraocular infections. In this study, we comprehensively examined the impact of these host biological factors in the pathogenesis of experimental bacterial endophthalmitis.

Methods: Endophthalmitis was induced by intravitreal injection of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) in the eyes of male and female C57BL/6 mice of different ages: group I (young, 6-8 weeks), group II (mid-age, 18-20 weeks), and group III (old, 1 year). Highly heterogeneous outbred J:DO mice were used for genetic diversity analysis. Eyes …

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Effects Of Lebrikizumab On Airway Eosinophilic Inflammation And Remodelling In Uncontrolled Asthma (Clavier), Cary D Austin, Kaharu Sumino, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The anti-interleukin 13 (IL-13) monoclonal antibody lebrikizumab improves lung function in patients with moderate-to-severe uncontrolled asthma, but its effects on airway inflammation and remodelling are unknown. CLAVIER was designed to assess lebrikizumab's effect on eosinophilic inflammation and remodelling.

OBJECTIVE: To report safety and efficacy results from enrolled participants with available data from CLAVIER.

METHODS: We performed bronchoscopy on patients with uncontrolled asthma before and after 12 weeks of randomized double-blinded treatment with lebrikizumab (n = 31) or placebo (n = 33). The pre-specified primary end-point was relative change in airway subepithelial eosinophils per mm

RESULTS: There was a baseline …

Sequence Analysis In Bos Taurus Reveals Pervasiveness Of X-Y Arms Races In Mammalian Lineages, Jennifer F Hughes, Colin Kremitzki, Catrina Fronick, Tina A Graves-Lindsay, Lucinda Fulton, Wesley C Warren, Richard K Wilson, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Studies of Y Chromosome evolution have focused primarily on gene decay, a consequence of suppression of crossing-over with the X Chromosome. Here, we provide evidence that suppression of X-Y crossing-over unleashed a second dynamic: selfish X-Y arms races that reshaped the sex chromosomes in mammals as different as cattle, mice, and men. Using super-resolution sequencing, we explore the Y Chromosome of

The Impact Of Uncorrected Mild Aortic Insufficiency At The Time Of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Yuki Tanaka, Tomohiro Nakajima, Irene Fischer, Fei Wan, Kunal Kotkar, Marc R Moon, Ralph J Damiano Jr, Muhammad F Masood, Akinobu Itoh

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to investigate the progression of uncorrected mild aortic insufficiency and its impact on survival and functional status after left ventricular assist device implantation.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 694 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device between January 2006 and March 2018. Pre-left ventricular assist device transthoracic echocardiography identified 111 patients with mild aortic insufficiency and 493 patients with trace or no aortic insufficiency. To adjust for differences in preoperative factors, propensity score matching was used, resulting in 101 matched patients in each of the mild aortic insufficiency and no aortic …

Redefining Gendered Spaces: The Case Of The Indofijian Female Qawwal, Vicky V. Shandil

Pacific Studies

Qawwali, an IndoFijian musical performance, links directly to first generation Indian indentured laborers brought to Fiji by British colonizers between 1874 and 1916. The form of qawwali considered in this paper is performed as a challenge between two vocalists both assisted by musical ensembles, respectively. Firstly, this paper describes IndoFijian qawwali and its connections to South Asia and then pays attention to IndoFijian identity because the female qawwal’s ethnic identity precedes her performance-based identity. Through Qawwali female performers created a new public identity, that of a female qawwal. This transpired through the inclusion of females on a stage traditionally exclusive …

Positive Information Facilitates Response Inhibition In Older Adults Only When Emotion Is Task-Relevant, Samantha E Williams, Eric J Lenze, Jill D Waring

Open Access Publications

Emotional information is integral to everyday life and impacts a variety of cognitive abilities including response inhibition, a critical skill for maintaining appropriate and flexible behaviour. However, reported effects of emotion on response inhibition are inconsistent in younger adults, and very limited in older adults. Effects of aging are especially relevant because emotion regulation improves with aging despite declining inhibitory control over neutral information. Across three studies, we assessed the impact of emotional facial expressions on response inhibition in younger and older adults while manipulating attention to task stimuli. Emotional faces (versus neutral faces) altered response inhibition only when task …

Clinical Presentation Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) In Pregnant And Recently Pregnant People., Yalda Afshar, Stephanie L Gaw, Valerie J Flaherman, Brittany D Chambers, Deborah Krakow, Vincenzo Berghella, Alireza A Shamshirsaz, Adeline A Boatin, Grace Aldrovandi, Andrea Greiner, Laura Riley, W John Boscardin, Denise J Jamieson, Vanessa L Jacoby

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, symptomology, and disease course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy.

METHODS: The PRIORITY (Pregnancy CoRonavIrus Outcomes RegIsTrY) study is an ongoing nationwide prospective cohort study of people in the United States who are pregnant or up to 6 weeks postpregnancy with known or suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We analyzed the clinical presentation and disease course of COVID-19 in participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and reported symptoms at the time of testing.

RESULTS: Of 991 participants enrolled from March 22, 2020, until July 10, 2020, 736 had …

Model For End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium Underestimates 90-Day Mortality Risk In Patients With Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure, Ruben Hernaez, Yan Liu, Jennifer R Kramer, Abbas Rana, Hashem B El-Serag, Fasiha Kanwal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether the model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score captures the clinical severity of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We compared observed 90-day mortality in patients with ACLF with expected mortality based on the calculated MELD-Na and examined the consequences of underestimating clinical severity.

METHODS: We identified patients with ACLF during hospitalization for cirrhosis in 127 VA hospitals between 01/01/2004 and 12/31/2014. We examined MELD-Na scores by ACLF presence and grade. We used actual and observed 90-day mortality to estimate a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) by ACLF presence and grade. We used transplant center-specific median …

Reflections Of Female Band Directors: The Perceived Effect Of Sex, Gender, And Race On Career Experiences And Professional Practices, Robyn M. Olichwier Lawrence

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to examine the introspections of female band directors, and their perceived beliefs about the effect of sex, gender, and race on their own personal career experiences and professional practices. Participants (N=82) were all current members of Women Band Directors International. After contact through the organization’s website, participants were invited to complete an online survey that consisted of 39 multiple choice, Likert-scale based questions. An optional short answer question was included in the survey (totaling 40 questions), to offer participants the opportunity to share information about personal experiences if they felt comfortable. …

Epilepsy Risk Prediction Model For Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Laura S Farach, Melissa A Richard, Philip J Lupo, Mustafa Sahin, Darcy A Krueger, Joyce Y Wu, Elizabeth M Bebin, Kit Sing Au, Hope Northrup, Tacern Study Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex are at increased risk of epilepsy. Early seizure control improves developmental outcomes, making identifying at-risk patients critically important. Despite several identified risk factors, it remains difficult to predict. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the combined risk prediction of previously identified risk factors for epilepsy in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex.

METHODS: The study group (n = 333) consisted of individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex who were enrolled in the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network and UT TSC Biobank. The outcome was defined as having an epilepsy diagnosis. …

The Cortico-Limbo-Thalamo-Cortical Circuits: An Update To The Original Papez Circuit Of The Human Limbic System, Jochen Profit, Paul J Sharek, Xin Cui, Courtney C Nisbet, Eric J Thomas, Daniel S Tawfik, Henry C Lee, David Draper, J Bryan Sexton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVES: Key validated clinical metrics are being used individually and in aggregate (Baby-MONITOR) to monitor the performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The degree to which perceptions of key components of safety culture, safety climate, and teamwork are related to aspects of NICU quality of care is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to test whether NICU performance on key clinical metrics correlates with caregiver perceptions of safety culture.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 6253 very low-birth-weight infants in 44 NICUs. We measured clinical quality via the Baby-MONITOR and its nine risk-adjusted and standardized subcomponents (antenatal corticosteroids, …

The Dove's Advantage: Impact Of Gender And Conflict On Executive Approval, Micala H. Gillespie

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Do citizens evaluate female vs. male leaders’ foreign policy decisions differently? The number of countries that have had female leaders continues to expand, but little is known about how domestic audiences reward or punish female (relative to male) leaders for foreign policy choices. This study examines how the gender of a national leader conditions the relationship between their hawkish/dovish ideology and public approval for rapprochement policies in militarized interstate conflicts. Results from time-series cross-sectional data using multiple regression models with fixed effects from 31 countries and 127 leaders show that public approval tends to be lower for women leaders and …

Evolution Of The Epigenetic Landscape In Childhood B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And Its Role In Drug Resistance, Shella Saint Fleur-Lominy, Nikki A. Evensen, Teena Bhatla, Gunjan Sethia, Sonali Narang, Jun H. Choi, Xiaotu Ma, Jun J. Yang, Stephen Kelly, Elizabeth Raetz, Richard C. Harvey, Cheryl Willman, Mignon L. Loh, Stephen P. Hunger, Patrick A. Brown, Kylie M. Getz, Cem Meydan, Christopher E. Mason, Aristotelis Tsirigos, William Carroll

Pathology Research and Scholarship

Although B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common malignancy in children and while highly curable, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The outgrowth of tumor subclones carrying mutations in genes responsible for resistance to therapy has led to a Darwinian model of clonal selection. Previous work has indicated that alterations in the epigenome might contribute to clonal selection, yet the extent to which the chromatin state is altered under the selective pressures of therapy is unknown. To address this, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation, gene expression analysis, and enhanced reduced representation bisulfite sequencing on a cohort of …