Digital Commons Network^™

Antidepressant Use In Older Age Bipolar Disorder (Oabd): Results From The Gage-Bd International Consortium, P. J. Chen, Lisa T. Eyler

Faculty Scholarship

Background Antidepressants are still commonly prescribed in bipolar disorders, despite ongoing controversy of the potential risk of inducing hypomania/mania. There is limited knowledge about the characteristics of antidepressant use in older age bipolar disorder (OABD; age ≥50) in the current literature. Aim To describe antidepressant use, sociodemographic and clinical correlates of a global sample of OABD individuals. Methods The Global Aging and Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder (GAGE-BD) consortium provided cross-sectional international data on OABD individuals ( n = 746) and younger-age bipolar disorder (YABD, age <50 years; n = 692) regarding antidepressant use. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess the association between AD use with demographic and clinical variables. Results Of 1252 participants, 33.1 % of OABD individuals and 38.1 % of YABD individuals were using antidepressants. In multivariable models among OABD, antidepressant use was associated with BD type II (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.38), higher depression severity (mild-to-moderate: OR = 1.86, 95 % CI: 1.13–3.06; severe: OR = 4.23, 95 % CI: 2.38–7.50), lower YMRS scores (OR = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.89–0.97), female sex (OR = 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.00–1.89), lower education (OR = 0.61, 95 % CI: 0.43–0.86), and being unemployed (OR = 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.50–0.96). Antidepressant monotherapy was reported in 18 % of OABD users ( n = 46) and 19 % of YABD users ( n = 51). These findings suggest that both clinical severity and sociodemographic characteristics influence antidepressant prescribing in OABD. Conclusion Antidepressant use was less prevalent in OABD compared to YABD, and associated with female sex, lower education, lack of occupation, type II BD, higher depression severity and lower mania scores. In OABD, antidepressants appear to be used more commonly in contexts where they may be clinically more indicated, such as increased depression severity.

The Effect Of Uterine Entry Technique On Chorioamniotic Membrane Separation In Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation For Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Brian A Burnett, Jessian L Munoz, Rebecca M Johnson, Christian M Parobek, Luis E Delgadillo Chabolla, Cara Buskmiller, Roopali V Donepudi, Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Michael A Belfort, Ahmed A Nassr

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CAS) is a recognized complication of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), associated with increased risks of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm birth (PTB). Although CAS is well described, its incidence and relationship to specific surgical techniques, particularly the method of uterine entry, are not well defined in the published literature. No randomized trials have evaluated whether entry technique influences the risk of CAS.

Methods: We present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing sharp-trocar and Seldinger uterine entry techniques for FLP in TTTS diagnosed between 16 + 0 …

Identifying Compounds To Treat Opiate Use Disorder By Leveraging Multi-Omic Data Integration And Multiple Drug Repurposing Databases, Jeran K Stratford, Megan Ulmer Carnes, Caryn Willis, Melyssa S Minto, Logain Elnimeiry, Ravi Mathur, Matthew Schu, Bryan C Quach, Javan Carter, Tracy Nolen, Nathan Vandergrift, Thomas R Kosten, Eric Otto Johnson, Bradley T Webb

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Genes influencing opioid use disorder (OUD) biology have been identified via genome-wide association studies (GWAS), gene expression, and network analyses. These discoveries provide opportunities to identifying existing compounds targeting these genes for drug repurposing studies. However, systematically integrating discovery results and identifying relevant available pharmacotherapies for OUD repurposing studies is challenging. To address this, we've constructed a framework that uses existing results and drug databases to identify candidate pharmacotherapies. For this study, two independent OUD related meta-analyses were used including a GWAS and a differential gene expression (DGE) study of post-mortem human brain. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) sub-networks enriched for GWAS …

Diras3-Derived Cyclic Peptides Disrupt Kras-Raf Interaction And Kras Nanoclustering, Suppressing Kras-Driven Pancreatic And Ovarian Tumors, Joshua P Gray, Gamze Bildik, Ha-Neul Kim, Margie N Sutton, Jing Wang, Amarachi O Osuji, Nefeli Batistatou, Hailing Yang, Weiqun Mao, Zhi Tan, Geneviève M C Gasmi-Seabrook, Junchen Liu, John F Hancock, Christopher B Marshall, Joshua A Kritzer, Mitsuhiko Ikura, Robert C Bast, Steven W Millward, Zhen Lu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Mutations in KRAS drive 88% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) and up to 40% of low-grade serous ovarian cancers (LGSOC), making KRAS a long-standing therapeutic target. We previously showed that DIRAS3 binds RAS, forming heterodimers that disrupt RAS clustering and downstream MAPK signaling. Building on this, we developed conformationally constrained DIRAS3-derived peptides using two cyclization strategies and characterized them by NMR and biolayer interferometry. These cyclic peptides attenuate the interaction between KRAS and the BRAF RAS-binding domain, penetrate cells efficiently, and inhibit KRAS nanoclustering on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Functionally, they reduce cell viability and suppress PDAC …

Deletion Of Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitors-Specific Follistatin Impairs Muscle Function And Accelerates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy In Obese Mice, Muhammad Rahil Aslam, Muhammad Bilal, Allah Nawaz, Tomonobu Kado, Shinya Abe, Nguyen Quynh Phuong, Memoona, Sana Khalid, Le Duc Anh, Ayumi Nishimura, Yoshiyuki Watanabe, Yoshiko Igarashi, Naeem Iqbal, Maki Yokoyama, Yasuhiro Onogi, Kennichi Hirabayashi, Hiroyuki Miwa, Takumi Era, Martin M Matzuk, Seiji Yamamoto, Koichi Ikuta, Isao Usui, Kohta Kobayashi, Toshihiko Satake, Masaru Kato, Shiho Fujisaka, Kazuyuki Tobe

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Follistatin is a potent regulator of various TGF-β superfamily members, including myostatin (MSTN) and activin A. Previous studies have shown that follistatin is crucial in enhancing myogenesis during acute muscle injury. The mechanism by which fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs)-specific follistatin influences muscle homeostasis in obese mice remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the physiological role of follistatin in PDGFRα-positive FAPs in the regulation of muscle homeostasis and exercise in obese mice.

Methods: A PDGFRα-specific follistatin knockout (follistatin KO) mouse model was generated using PDGFRα-GFP-CreERT2 (PDGFRα-GCE) and follistatinflox/flox mice. These mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks, followed …

Multi-Parametric Profiling Of Il-7-Augmented Gd2cart Products In A Phase 1 Clinical Trial, Sarah Schulenberg, Martí Farrera-Sal, Michelle Loeser, Lukas Ehlen, Stephan Schlickeiser, Samira Picht, Lena Peter, Marco Mai, Candise L Tat, Jacqueline Keye, Desiree Kunkel, Frank Lin, Cliona M Rooney, Bilal Omer, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

CAR T cell (CART) therapy holds promise for cancer treatment, but heterogeneity among products limits clinical effectiveness, making systematic profiling essential to identify predictors of success. Recently, a phase 1 clinical trial investigated whether a constitutively active IL-7 receptor (C7R) could safely improve the function and persistence of GD2-directed CARTs (GD2.CARTs) in pediatric patients with high-grade CNS tumors. We analyzed infusion products from trial participants using a custom-designed 33-color full spectrum flow cytometry (FSFC) panel combined with an image-based tumor killing assay to characterize CART products and evaluate the impact of C7R on GD2.CART performance. Patient-specific variations in T cell …

Alteration Of Gut Microbial Ecology By The Direct Activation Of The Brain: Inverse Gut-Microbiome-Brain Dynamics, I-Ching Wang, Jessica L Swanson, Jillian L Waters, Mikhail Y Kochukov, Shelly A Buffington, Sean W Dooling, Benjamin R Arenkiel, Mauro Costa-Mattioli

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The gut-microbiome-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system influencing host physiology and overall fitness. While "bottom-up" effects-where gut microbes influence brain function and behavior-are well established, direct evidence for "top-down" modulation-where the brain shapes the gut microbial ecology-remains elusive. Here, we show that the selective expression of the bacterial ion channel mNaChBac in glutamatergic lateral habenula (LHb) neurons increases their bursting activity and leads to endophentypes associated with depression. Importantly, this chronic activation leads to changes in the gut microbiome composition over time, as reflected by shifts in alpha-diversity and alterations in specific microbial taxa. These findings provide direct evidence …

Early Versus Late Weight-Bearing After Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Comparative Review, Bishr Elsharydah, Sarah N. Powell, Urvaksh Avanthsa, Zachary Shorts, Hannah Sudhakar, Megan J. Blount, Ivan Marrufo, Irina D. Sokolik

Student Publications

Early weight-bearing (EWB) and late weight-bearing (LWB) protocols are the two primary regimens implemented for patients following ankle fracture surgery, yet their outcomes remain variable. This review aimed to assess these protocols, including their limitations and implications, to support more tailored postoperative management and ultimately improve patient recovery. EWB demonstrated superior short-term outcomes compared to LWB, including higher functional assessment scores, improved range of motion, and earlier return to work times. However, patients in this group revealed lower protocol adherence and higher wound-related issues in select patients, including complication and reoperation rates. As a result, LWB is more often favored …

Isolated Ipsilateral Hemiparesis From A Pyramidal Decussation Infarct: A Rare Case Confirmed By Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ali Thahab, Sumeet Bhardwaj, Maher Asfour, Belal Asfour

Student Publications

A 38-year-old male smoker with chronic hypertension, anxiety secondary to alcohol withdrawal, chronic alcohol use, and a history of noncompliance with prescribed medications presented with 2 weeks of progressive left-sided weakness, numbness, dizziness, and gait instability. He also reported a month-long history of facial drooping that had not been formally evaluated. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small acute/subacute infarct in the left posterolateral cervicomedullary junction, at the level of the pyramidal decussation, which produced ipsilateral motor and sensory symptoms. This is a rare presentation of a stroke causing purely ipsilateral neurologic deficits and served as an important reminder of …

Mpox Insights: From Structure To Human Cell Interaction, Md. S. Zaman, Robert C. Sizemore, Draven Rodriguez, Emilio Lopez, S. M. Golam Alam, Suleyman Tufa, Juan C Lopez Alvarenga, Nuraly S. Akimbekov, Mohammed S. Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

Mpox, a zoonotic viral disease, has emerged as a global concern due to outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic regions in 2022. Rodents, including African squirrels and Gambian pouched rats, are suspected key reservoirs, with human infections occurring through direct contact with infected animals or bushmeat consumption. Previously confined to rural Africa, mpox has spread via international travel and the exotic pet trade. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly via respiratory droplets and direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions. The virus has a double-stranded DNA genome within a lipid envelope. Despite lower mutation rates in DNA viruses, mpox has developed mutations, …

Martial Arts Studies: A Commentary On The Exploration Of Consciousness In Modern Martial Arts, James H. Sutton

Journal of Conscious Evolution

The rapid globalization of martial arts has reconditioned how the beliefs, customs, and philosophies of traditionally based systems are interpreted and applied in modern practice. As contemporary scholarship struggles to accommodate the cultural histories, myths, and traditions that permeate the perception of martial arts in modern contexts, the focus of inquiry has shifted towards explaining cultural variations in practice rather than understanding the nature of self-awareness derived from self-practice. Consequently, the deeper meanings of martial arts as pathways to personal and transpersonal awareness are often invalidated in favor of objective and verifiable explications. In short, the role of consciousness is …

Reproducibility In Modeling Of Knee Joint Mechanics, Maryam Nazem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational modeling of knee joint biomechanics can provide valuable insights into joint function, injury mechanisms, and patient outcomes, and can support surgical planning and informed clinical decision-making. However, achieving consistent and repeatable results, or reproducibility, is a significant challenge that affects the credibility of these models. This thesis addresses reproducibility through two studies related to the KneeHub Project, which is a multi-institutional collaboration designed to investigate reproducibility in finite-element modeling of the knee.

The first study involved model benchmarking, where predicted results of the calibrated models were compared with the experimental data to evaluate model reproducibility. While all models replicated …

Heart To Heart: Pediatric Cardiologists On Caring For Children With Congenital Heart Defects, Michael Smith, Jeffrey Shuler, Aseel Dabbagh

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with leading pediatric cardiologists to explore the complexities and compassion behind caring for children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From early diagnosis and surgical planning to long-term management and family support, our guests share their insights on what it takes to guide patients and families through every stage of the journey. They also discuss the latest advancements in pediatric cardiology and the importance of coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a parent, or simply curious about the field, this conversation offers a meaningful look into the heart of pediatric cardiac care.

Click …

Toxic Truths: Pediatric Poisonings And The Antidotes That Save Lives, Michael Smith, Michelle Dephillips

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle DePhillips, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, to explore the critical topic of pediatric poisonings. From household items to medications, children are exposed to a wide range of toxic substances—and quick, informed action can make all the difference. Dr. DePhillips shares real-world cases, essential antidotes every pediatrician should know, and practical prevention strategies for families. Whether you're in primary care or the emergency department, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you respond confidently when minutes matter.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Epidemiology Of Metabolic Syndrome In Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Level Cohort Study From The United States, Aakash Desai, Himsikhar Khataniar, Jana G. Hashash, Priya Sehgal, Francis A. Farraye, Gursimran S. Kochhar

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the United States (US) Collaborative Network (TriNetX) to obtain data for patients with IBD between 2010 and 2023. The primary aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of MetS in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Prevalence was further characterized by age, sex, race, disease location, IBD medications, history of surgery, and IBD phenotype.

RESULTS: Among 100,890 patients with IBD, metabolic syndrome (MetS) affected 34.4% overall (UC 32.4%, CD 34.3%). Prevalence rose sharply …

Between Utterance And Action: The Shaping Of Social Accountability In India’S Coastal Commons, Nayana Udayashankar, Aarthi Sridhar

Journal of Law and Public Policy

Judicial orders, management plans, and zonation maps prepared in relation to environmental laws encode the jurisprudence on accountability. Laws such as India’s Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (CRZ Notification) 2019 serve as sources of discourse on use and access rights. Such laws are crucial in shaping developmental decisions and democratic practice along the coast. As an environmental law that contains detailed articulation on judicially mandated planning, mapping, and public access to regulatory information, the CRZ Notification 2019 offers a good case to understand the relation between legal discourse and citizens’ agency. Citizens of the state of Tamil Nadu representing its small-scale …

Examining Microbial Biomass And Soil Organic Carbon In Annual Vs. Perennial Agricultural Ecosystem Soils, Paige Kenyon, Jacob Rutz, Kelsey S. Bitting

RURALS: Review of Undergraduate Research in Agricultural and Life Sciences

Soil systems have the ability to store large amounts of carbon for both short and long periods of time, much like other carbon pools such as oceans and forests. As increased amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere via anthropogenic means, including the agricultural industry, scientists have been researching how to increase the amount of carbon cycled from the atmosphere and into soils as a climate change mitigation strategy. Soil systems have the capacity to sequester carbon in part due to fungal and bacterial community activity. Differences in soil microbial biomass levels between annual and perennial agricultural systems …

Rees-Jones Center For Foster Care Excellence Collection: Resources For Providers, Caregivers, Child Welfare Professionals And Others, Amy Six-Means, Erinne Conner

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

The Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence, a primary integrated care program for children who have experienced the child welfare system, regularly provides trainings on topics related to understanding and navigating the effects of trauma on children and families. Utilizing our collection on the Children Health Scholarly Collection, the experts at the Rees-Jones Center share recorded trainings and resources, using the platform in a unique way to make information easily accessible to those working with and caring for children and youth who have experienced trauma (e.g. caregivers, child welfare professionals, health care professionals). The Rees-Jones Center repository offers information on …

The Grad Duck Observes The Worldwide Commencement On The U.S.S. Midway In San Diego, Ca, Alexander Siedschlag

Night Flight: Online Literary Journal

The Embry-Riddle Worldwide | College of Arts & Sciences Grad Duck is seen observing the Embry-Riddle Worldwide Commencement this past August 2025 on the deck of the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, CA.

Evidence-Informed Decision Making At Monash Health, Cassandra Gorton

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

This presentation explores the development, implementation, and value of the Evidence Report Service at Monash Health Library – an initiative designed to reinforce evidence-informed decision-making across one of Australia’s largest public health services. The service provides timely, tailored evidence summaries in response to clinical, operational, and strategic queries from Monash Health employees, helping inform policy, practice, and service improvements. This presentation will outline the collaborative workflows that underpin the service, from question clarification and systematic searching to screening and report building. Following a systematic literature search, reports are produced by health librarians in a consistent, branded format that enhances readability …

Expanding Our Ir After Health System Combination: Nurses Lead The Way, Jennifer Deal, Karen Hanus

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

In 2022, Advocate Aurora Health in Wisconsin and Illinois combined with Atrium Health in North Carolina and Georgia with Wake Forest School of Medicine as our academic core. The combined organization called Advocate Health includes multiple legacy libraries with one library serving the Advocate Health Midwest region (legacy Advocate Aurora Health) and four libraries serving different markets and educational schools in the Advocate Health Southeast region. The Midwest region has an institutional repository (SHARE) that collects scholarly activity for all Midwest teammates. No libraries in the Southeast region had an institutional repository at the time of combination. Nursing as a …

Clearing The Hurdles: Strategies For Accessibility Remediation In A Digital Repository, Laura Riley, Lori Micho

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

In July 2024, a new accessibility law in Colorado took effect, which requires state and government agencies—including libraries—to make their digital content accessible to users with disabilities. Recognizing that digital accessibility is both a legal obligation and a fundamental part of equitable access to information, the Strauss Library at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus developed a step-by-step remediation plan to bring its institutional repository into compliance. The project began by rewriting outdated accessibility policies, then transitioned towards assessing collections, setting priorities, and developing workflows to remediate inaccessible files. This presentation will outline the strategic approach the library adopted …

Lessons Learned From Showcasing Repository Usage Statistics To Inform And Inspire, Hilary Davis, Avkash Chandra

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

After one year of going live with our repository, researchers are capitalizing on the repository's benefits to enhance the impact of their work. One key set of data that has driven more inspiration and inquiry from our internal stakeholders is the repository statistics. We know that data dashboards are a common leverage point in our organization, so we decided to bring the repository statistics into the internal environment in which our stakeholders are already investing their time and resources. Our challenge was to create a dashboard of repository usage statistics to inform, inspire, and motivate uploads to our digital repository. …

Working With Local Government Planning Staff: The Need-To-Know Basics, Kimberly K. Gerhart-Fritz

Civil Engineering Professional Development Seminar

Many civil engineers will need to interact with local government during their careers. Understanding WHAT local government planners do and WHY they do it can make that process much easier to navigate, for all involved.

Unwilling, Unable, Unsafe: A Policy To Meet Unusual Sharing Requests, Abigail Goben, Andrew Boyd

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

As funders require increased sharing, researchers are facing increased requests where they have concerns about sharing the data both in and beyond repositories. In order to anticipate these requests and establish a mechanism for response, the University of Illinois Chicago developed a data policy and framework to address sharing requests where a research is unwilling to share the data, unable to share the data, or they feel that the request makes them or their study subjects unsafe. This lightning talk will provide an overview of the considerations of the policy, the framework of the committee who will implement it, and …

The Case For Data Sharing: Generalist Repository Real-World User Stories, Lisa Curtin

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

The NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy presents a significant challenge for librarians tasked with guiding researchers through a complex data repository landscape. This session will provide attendees with both practical tools and illustrative examples to support open data sharing practices at their institutions. The first part of the session (5 minutes) will provide an overview of the Generalist Repository Ecosystem Initiative (GREI) toolkit. We will highlight key resources—such as the generalist repository comparison chart (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3946719) and a data submission checklist (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14278906)—which can be used to facilitate researcher consultations and clarify the process of complying with the NIH policy. …

Contributors

Regeneración: A Xicanacimiento Studies Journal

Contributor bios of Regeneración v.2.

A Plática With Jimmy Santiago Baca, Nick Daniel Rivas

Regeneración: A Xicanacimiento Studies Journal

A Plática with Jimmy Santiago Baca, interview by Nick Daniel Rivas.

A Trauma-Informed Approach To Video Review In Medical Institutional Repositories, Amanda Greenwood

Medical Institutional Repositories in Libraries (MIRL) Symposium

Since the 1970s, the University of Virginia School of Medicine’s Medical Center Hour has hosted speakers who explore the relationship between medicine and society. When patrons request access to recordings that have not been digitized, staff must carefully review the footage to identify sensitive material such as PHI and apply redactions before making the video accessible. While this process ensures compliance with privacy and confidentiality requirements, it can surface deeper emotional and ethical concerns. Staff may be exposed to distressing content during review, and patrons may be confronted with emotionally challenging material with little preparation. This presentation discusses how trauma-informed …

Re-Membering Self, Rewriting Histories, Reclaiming Futures: Chicanafuturist Agency In V. Castro's The Haunting Of Alejandra, Julia Reade

Regeneración: A Xicanacimiento Studies Journal

Re-membering Self, Rewriting Histories, Reclaiming Futures: Chicanafuturist Agency in V. Castro's The Haunting of Alejandra by Julia Reade.