Digital Commons Network^™

Confounding Factors Of Cervical Carcinogenesis And Cervical Cancer Health Disparity, Vivek Kumar Kashyap, Namita Sinha, Nadeem Zafar, Murali M. Yallapu, Santosh Kumar, Everardo Cobos, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Clinical studies show that cervical cancer is the most frequently detected cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which has been defined as an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to the general population, and an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer cases are attributable to HIV. Studies suggest that several genes are involved in different molecular pathways, which can influence the vulnerability, severity, or advancement of cervical cancer in the presence of HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) co-infection. Clinical studies have also shown levels of …

Hiv And Bacterial Lps Synergistically Activate Aim2 Inflammasome In Primary Human Oral Keratinocytes, Md Shafayat Jamil, Deepa Roy, Upal Roy, Hansapani Rodrigo, Nirakar Sahoo, Chun Xu

Research Symposium

Background: HIV infection profoundly disrupts the oral microbiome, increasing the presence of Gram-negative bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which is detected in over 80% of cases. P. gingivalis secretes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent immune stimulant that can damage primary human oral keratinocytes (HOK) even in antiretroviral therapy (cART) treated people with HIV (PWH). HOK cells respond to bacterial and viral stimuli by activating inflammasome complexes, including AIM2, a DNA-sensing inflammasome protein. While LPS alone is known to trigger canonical and non-canonical pathways, leading to inflammasome activation, our study investigates how HIV exposure synergizes with LPS to induce the …

Nurse-Driven Innovation: Usability Testing To Improve An Electronic Sepsis Alert, Emily Selby Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn, Susan Dziura, Melinda Jamil

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Sepsis Escape Room: An Innovative Learning Approach For Nurses, Emily Selby, Lauren Knepper

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Leveraging Large Language Models For Knowledge-Free Weak Supervision In Clinical Natural Language Processing, Enshuo Hsu, Kirk Roberts

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The performance of deep learning-based natural language processing systems is based on large amounts of labeled training data which, in the clinical domain, are not easily available or affordable. Weak supervision and in-context learning offer partial solutions to this issue, particularly using large language models (LLMs), but their performance still trails traditional supervised methods with moderate amounts of gold-standard data. In particular, inferencing with LLMs is computationally heavy. We propose an approach leveraging fine-tuning LLMs and weak supervision with virtually no domain knowledge that still achieves consistently dominant performance. Using a prompt-based approach, the LLM is used to generate weakly-labeled …

Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes With Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide: A Quality-Of-Life Evaluation And 2-Year Outcomes Of Bmt Ctn 1703., Shernan G Holtan, Javier Bolaños-Meade, Monzr M Al Malki, Juan Wu, Carrie L Kitko, Ran Reshef, Andrew R Rezvani, Brian C Shaffer, Melhem M Solh, Janny M Yao, Lyndsey Runaas, Hany Elmariah, Karilyn T Larkin, Najla El Jurdi, Mahasweta Gooptu, Alison W Loren, Aric C Hall, Amin M Alousi, Omer Jamy, William Clark, Leslie Kean, Ami S Bhatt, Miguel-Angel Perales, Kristy Applegate, Yvonne Adeduni Efebera, Eric Leifer, Richard J Jones, Mary M Horowitz, Deborah Mattila, Wael Saber, Mehdi Hamadani, Michael J Martens

Oncology Articles

The BMT CTN 1703 phase III trial confirmed that graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), tacrolimus (Tac), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) results in superior GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) compared with Tac/methotrexate (MTX) prophylaxis. This companion study assesses the effect of these regimens on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Using the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Score and PROMIS subscales (physical function, GI symptoms, social role satisfaction) as primary end points and hemorrhagic cystitis symptoms and Lee subscales as secondary end points, responses from English and Spanish speakers were analyzed at baseline and days 100, 180, and 365 after transplant. PRO scores …

Ubiquitous News Coverage And Its Varied Effects In Communicating Protective Behaviors To American Adults In Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Time-Series And Longitudinal Panel Study, Anqi Shao, Kaiping Chen, Branden Johnson, Shaila Miranda, Qidi Xing

Information Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Effective communication is essential for promoting preventive behaviors during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. While consistent news can better inform the public about these health behaviors, the public may not adopt them.

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of different media platforms in shaping public discourse on preventive measures to infectious diseases such as quarantine and vaccination, and how media exposure influences individuals’ intentions to adopt these behaviors in the United States.

Methods: This study uses data from 3 selected top national newspapers in the United States, Twitter discussions, and a US nationwide longitudinal panel survey from …

Development Of A Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus: Immunoinformatics Analysis For South East Asian Hla Alleles, Nelson Chandra, Mochammad Aqilah Herdiansyah, Viol Dhea Kharisma, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Arli Aditya Parikesit

Makara Journal of Science

The monkeypox virus (MPXV), a DNA virus causing zoonotic disease, poses major global public health challenges, with mortality rates between 3%–6%. Although smallpox vaccines provide partial cross-protection, there is a critical need for a dedicated, effective monkeypox (mpox) vaccine. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine specifically adapted to the HLA allele profiles common in Southeast Asian populations, where MPXV cases are rising. Using immunoinformatics, we screened for and detected B and T cell epitopes from the MPXV cell surface antigen and IFN-alpha/beta receptor proteins. The vaccine design was validated through a rigorous evaluation of its antigenicity, immunogenicity, …

Antibacterial Activity Of Endophytic Actinobacteria Isolated From Ziziphus Mauritiana Against Multidrug-Resistant Strains, Hafifatunil Khairani, Jepri Agung Priyanto, Muhammad Eka Prastya, Dwi Retnowati

Makara Journal of Science

Increasing resistance to existing antibiotics has led to a need for new alternative sources. Among the possibilities that need to be explored is the endophytic actinobacteria associated with Ziziphus mauritiana. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of endophytic actinobacteria isolated from Z. mauritiana against five multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Thirty actinobacteria isolates were obtained from the roots, stem, and leaves of the plant using the serial dilution technique. Using a double-layer agar test, we found that colonies from five of the 30 isolates (16%) exhibited antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the M18 strain of Bacillus …

Novel Signaling Pathways Involved In Ybx1 Role In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Dennis Kwabiah, Veerababu Nagati, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Kyle Doxtater, Subhash C. Chauhan, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Background: The most prevalent type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and socioeconomic and health disparities have a major impact on both its incidence and fatality rates. HCC rates are typically greater in areas with poor access to healthcare, high obesity rates, and a high frequency of infectious diseases. Because of risk factors include diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and Hepatitis B and C, HCC is particularly common in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The burden of HCC in this underprivileged area is made worse by McAllen, Texas, which regrettably holds the distinction of being the most obese …

Challenging Masculinity To Combat Gbv In Kenya, Teresa Jacques Valenzuela, Juliet S. Sorrensen, Shannon R. Galvin, Megan M. Osadzinski, Patrick Mbullo Owuor

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, significantly affecting women and girls, particularly in rural areas. This Article examines the importance of involving men and boys in GBV prevention efforts, using insights from Pamoja, a community-based organization in Kisumu, Kenya. Drawing on community-based participatory research, this study highlights the need to address restrictive masculinity norms that perpetuate GBV. The findings underscore the potential of engaging men as allies to foster long-term behavioral change and promote gender equality. By analyzing Pamoja’s intervention strategies, this Article advocates for comprehensive, gender-transformative approaches that challenge entrenched societal norms.

Renal Transplant Recipients And Complicated Utis: A Path Toward Next-Generation Care, Rob E. Carpenter

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers diagnostic potential in managing complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in renal transplant recipients by enabling precise pathogen identification and resistance profiling. Integrating NGS into care protocols can improve graft preservation, reduce hospitalizations, and support antimicrobial stewardship. Policies should prioritize its adoption, while research explores cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes. Medical education must emphasize NGS to prepare clinicians for advanced diagnostic approaches, fostering improved patient outcomes and innovative care solutions. Please cite this paper as: Carpenter RE. Renal transplant recipients and complicated UTIs: a path toward next-generation care. Renal transplant recipients face a heightened risk of complicated urinary …

Genome-Wide Profiling Of Highly Similar Paralogous Genes Using Hifi Sequencing., Xiao Chen, Daniel Baker, Egor Dolzhenko, Joseph M. Devaney, Jessica Noya, April S. Berlyoung, Rhonda Brandon, Kathleen S. Hruska, Lucas Lochovsky, Paul Kruszka, Scott Newman, Emily G. Farrow, Isabelle Thiffault, Tomi Pastinen, Dalia Kasperaviciute, Christian Gilissen, Lisenka Vissers, Alexander Hoischen, Seth Berger, Eric Vilain, Emmanuèle Délot, Uci Genomics Research To Elucidate The Genetics Of Rare Diseases (Uci Gregor) Consortium, Michael A. Eberle

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Variant calling is hindered in segmental duplications by sequence homology. We developed Paraphase, a HiFi-based informatics method that resolves highly similar genes by phasing all haplotypes of paralogous genes together. We applied Paraphase to 160 long (>10 kb) segmental duplication regions across the human genome with high (>99%) sequence similarity, encoding 316 genes. Analysis across five ancestral populations revealed highly variable copy numbers of these regions. We identified 23 paralog groups with exceptionally low within-group diversity, where extensive gene conversion and unequal crossing over contribute to highly similar gene copies. Furthermore, our analysis of 36 trios identified 7 …

Impact Of Chromatin On Hiv-1 Latency: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective, Joanna E. Jones, Chelsea E. Gunderson, Brian Wigdahl, Michael R. Nonnemacher

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that infects multiple immune cell types and integrates into host cell DNA termed provirus. Under antiretroviral control, provirus in cells is able to evade targeting by both host immune surveillance and antiretroviral drug regimens. Additionally, the provirus remains integrated for the life of the cell, and clonal expansion establishes a persistent reservoir. As host cells become quiescent following the acute stage of infection, the provirus also enters a latent state characterized by low levels of transcription and virion production. Proviral latency may last years or even decades, but stimuli such as …

Investigating The Ability Of Foxo1 To Maintain Stem Cells, Stella A. Rios, Megan E. Keniry

Research Symposium

Background: Our group discovered that FOXO transcription factors drive stem gene expression in cancer to promote aggressiveness. Work by our group and others demonstrated that FOXO factors universally maintain stem cells including in cancer, embryonic, hematogenic and neuronal contents. Our current efforts are delineating the molecular underpinnings by which FOXO factors halt differentiation to maintain stem cells.

In this project, we are employing myoblasts as a valuable model to examine how Foxo1 maintains stem cells. Foxo1-regulated genes in myoblasts closely parallel its targets in glioblastoma and basal breast cancer stem cells, including targets such as Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, …

Provider Perspectives On The Challenges And Opportunities In Managing Chronic Pain Among Patients With Hiv And A History Of Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study, Sonya A. Bhatia, Isabella Iregui, Amy Knowlton, Tuo-Yen Tseng

Research Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is common in people living with HIV or opioid use disorder and is complex to clinically manage. Opioid dependence treatment, such as Suboxone (combined buprenorphine and naloxone), is associated with improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy, reduced opioid use, and lower overdose risk. While evidence suggests Suboxone can treat opioid use disorder and chronic pain concomitantly, its use as an analgesic remains off-label. Patients with these co-morbidities, especially prevalent among People of Color, are often underdiagnosed and undertreated . This study explored clinicians’ experiences and opinions on managing chronic pain in (mostly Black) persons living with HIV who …

The Relationship Of Physician Associate Student Satisfaction And Academic Performance, Jed Grant, Nancy Hamler

Pacific Journal of Health

Introduction: Patient and student satisfaction are increasingly important factors in healthcare and higher education, respectively. While satisfaction is important, it may not always correlate directly with outcomes, academic performance, or long-term professional accomplishments. Researchers aim to investigate the relationship between student satisfaction and measures of student success. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 215 students over five PA student cohorts for correlations between student satisfaction and academic performance in core clinical medicine courses, program GPA, and PANCE scores. Statistical analysis was performed by data scientists to test for independence and significance. Results: The systems-based clinical medicine course had a …

Stepwise Regression Analysis To Assess Various Factors Affecting On Fresh Sperm Quality In Ouled Djellal Ram, Yamina Belkhiri, Souheyla Benbia, Farida Bouzebda-Afri, Zoubir Bouzebda, Ramzi Lamraoui

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various factors on fresh semen quality in Ouled Djellal rams. Specifically, we examined the impact of semen collection method, season, ram age, testosterone levels, body weight , and testicular weight. Twelve mature Ouled Djellal rams were used in the trial. Six rams were trained for semen collection using an artificial vagina (AV), while semen from the other six rams was collected using an electroejaculator (EE) biweekly throughout the year. Stepwise regression analysis showed that 62.50% of the variation in sperm volume, 48.60% of the variation in mass motility, 62.70% …

Let’S Worm In To The Guinea Worm Disease, Rachel Decker

Osmosis Magazine

Imagine living with another organism in your body, cohabiting for months before you are even aware of its presence. Slowly, a lesion starts to form on your leg. The lesion grows bigger everyday, starting at a couple millimeters but growing up to a couple centimeters. The burning sensation starts with the lesion and can only be dimmed by submerging your leg in water. Suddenly, a worm emerges from the lesion along with pus and blood. The patient is infected with Guinea Worm Disease.

The Science Of Tattoos, Isabel Dilandro

Osmosis Magazine

From face paint to temporary stick-on tattoos, children are taught that art on bodies is something beautiful and playful, associated with memories of fun and joy. Why is it then that tattoos get such an infamous reputation? The answer is pretty simple: tattoos are not temporary. But why? How does the ink get there? How does it stay put? In order to understand this process a bit more, it is important to have a basic understanding of the skin’s structure and function.

Osmosis Magazine - Fall 2021

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Nursing Now, 2007 September - October, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL: Internal newsletter publication written by nurses for nurses and published 6 times a year (bi-monthly). The mission of NURSING Now was to communicate, educate and motivate CMC nursing professionals towards continued excellence.

Nursing Now, 2005 November - December, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL: Internal newsletter publication written by nurses for nurses and published 6 times a year (bi-monthly). The mission of NURSING Now was to communicate, educate and motivate CMC nursing professionals towards continued excellence.

Nursing Now, 2003 May - June, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL: Internal newsletter publication written by nurses for nurses and published 6 times a year (bi-monthly). The mission of NURSING Now was to communicate, educate and motivate CMC nursing professionals towards continued excellence.

Ivig-Induced Aseptic Meningitis In An Adult Patient With Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report And Literature Review, Brock John Malatches, Ayman Alsaadi, Jemeera Jeyamuhunthan, Sarmad Pirzada, Stefan Odabasic

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapy is used to treat various autoimmune, immunodeficiency, and inflammatory conditions. One of the rare, but serious, side effects is aseptic meningitis. In this case report, we present a 55-year-old female who experienced IVIG-induced aseptic meningitis for treatment of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP).

The Unusual Suspect - Herpes Zoster As The Culprit For Severe Abdominal Pain. A Case Report., Edward Lovering, Ahmad Asif, Sean Sheih, Samuel B Holzman, Yani Zhang

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Reactivation of herpes zoster leading to disseminated and visceral organ involvement is an uncommon phenomenon and almost always associated with immunocompromised patients. Visceral herpes zoster is a challenging diagnosis to make as patients typically present with severe abdominal pain which precedes the typical rash of herpes zoster. We describe the case of a 68-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was subsequently diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster and found to have underlying monoclonal gammopathy.

First Reported Case Of Actinomyces Oris Endocarditis And Bacteremia In The United States: A Case Report, Hajra Nosheen, Josephine R. Pitasari, Khaled Almorsy, Shagufta N. Ali

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction: Actinomyces are Gram-positive bacilli found as normal flora in the oral, urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts. Actinomyces causing endocarditis is extremely rare, with only one prior case of Actinomyces oris endocarditis reported in 2020 in Thailand. We present the first case ever reported in the United States.

Case Description: We present a 58-year-old African American woman with multiple comorbidities, including end-stage renal disease, on hemodialysis who presented with altered mentation. On investigations, she had Actinomyces oris bacteremia, with echocardiography revealing mitral valve vegetation. She was treated with IV antibiotics followed by oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

Discussion: Our case highlights the diagnostic …

Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, Prevention And Clinical Features Of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device (Cied) Infections, Mustafa Shehzad, Humna Younis, Rohail Azhar, Dawood Shehzad, Noor Zara Usman

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are essential therapeutic tools for managing various cardiac conditions but are also associated with the risk of infections, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Risk factors include patient comorbidities, procedural aspects, and device characteristics. Prompt intervention and early recognition of CIED infections, including pocket and systemic infections, are essential for preventing complications. Advanced imaging modalities aid in accurate diagnosis, while a multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists and cardiologists guides treatment strategies. Tailored antibiotic therapy, along with device removal and lead extraction, is crucial in managing CIED infections. This article emphasizes risk factors, …

Pseudogout In An Acute-Care Hospital: Hospitalists As The Key To Optimized Care, Taku Harada, Takashi Watari, Mori Nakai

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis (CPP) or pseudogout commonly affects older adults and may manifest as fever during hospitalization. However, its recognition as a cause of fever remains under-investigated, and diagnostic delays have been reported in approximately 27% of cases. This study evaluated the diagnostic and treatment accuracies of acute CPP in acute-care hospitals over a decade. Out of 47 cases, effective treatment was administered within 24 h in only 40.4% of cases. When managed by hospitalists, the likelihood of a timely and appropriate diagnosis increases, with a reduction of about half in the unnecessary use of computed tomography scans …

Association Of Inflammatory Biomarkers With New Functional Morbidity At Hospital Discharge In Children Who Survive Severe Sepsis, Mallory Perry-Eaddy, Walter Faig, Martha Curley, Scott Weiss

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: New functional morbidity is common in critically ill children who survive sepsis; yet, the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly the impact of inflammation, remain unknown. We sought to test the hypothesis that increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase of pediatric sepsis are associated with new functional morbidity at hospital discharge.

METHODS: We conducted a post hoc secondary analysis of the MitoPSe clinical study, including N = 119 critically ill children who survived sepsis. Data collected included demographic and clinical variables and 31 inflammatory biomarkers collected at three distinct timepoints (within days 1-2 of PICU admission, days 3-5, …