Digital Commons Network^™

Percutaneous Closure Of Ventricular Septal Rupture After Myocardial Infarction:, Thomas A. Cook, Simone K. Schumaecker, Anjani Patibandla, Nicholas J. Valle, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) following acute myocardial infarction is a rare but deadly complication with mortality rates exceeding 90% when left untreated. Coronary ischaemia leads to myocardial necrosis and friability resulting in septal rupture, most commonly 3-5 days post-infarction. The sudden development of a left-to-right shunt causes volume overload in the right ventricle, pulmonary vasculature, and left atrium, precipitating biventricular failure, and cardiogenic shock. Management requires careful consideration of timing and modality of closure along with stabilization with mechanical circulatory support in severe cases.

CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old female presented with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by VSR …

International Myositis Assessment And Clinical Studies Guidelines For Risk-Based Cancer Screening: An External Validation In Patients With Dermatomyositis Seen At A Metropolitan Academic Center, Isabel Silva, Jasper Dayanan, Alexandra Nigro, Capriana Jiang, Ma Georgina Erfe, Trixie Rivera, Saakshi Khattri

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) characterized by muscle weakness, skin findings, and increased malignancy risk. Cancer risk is greatest in the three years before or after DM onset, termed paraneoplastic DM. The International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) set forth evidence-based guidelines for risk stratification and cancer screenings for newly diagnosed patients with IIM. '

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 413 patients with a known diagnosis of DM or clinically amyopathic DM at the Mount Sinai Health System (2019-2024). Demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results, myositis autoantibody panels, and cancer screening or diagnosis …

Association Of Valvular Disease Progression Using Echocardiographic Findings In A Large U.S. Cohort, Abes A. Bautista Neughebauer, Amin Yehya, Raymond L. Benza, Deepak Talreja

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

The prevalence of valvular disease in the US is approximately 2.5%. Given that over 5 million Americans are affected, it is crucial to find those at higher risk of progression. The goal of this paper is to uncover which patients are more likely to have valvular disease progression using demographic factors, EKG and echocardiogram (ECHO) findings.

Methods

This paper utilized the EchoNext Database, which pairs 100,000 electrocardiograms and echocardiograms based on specific structural heart disease labels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to find risk factors for progression for aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR), mitral regurgitation (MR), …

Drug-Induced Lichen Planus Associated With Ocrelizumab, Avery Seward, John D. Strickley, Jeffrey P. Callen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

This case report highlights recurrent cutaneous lichen planus as a rare adverse effect of ocrelizumab, with flares occurring after each infusion and improving with prophylactic prednisone. Recognizing this association may help clinicians diagnose and manage similar cases while allowing patients to continue an otherwise effective therapy.

T-Cells May Represent A Novel Biomarker For Female Pattern Hair Loss, Juan Marrero Berrios, Iain Noel Encarnacion, Noelle Desir, Aman Prasad, Matthew Hedberg, Susan Taylor, John T. Seykora

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common non-scarring alopecia classically attributed to androgen sensitivity and genetics. Histopathologic studies have identified perifollicular and perivascular lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltrates, through the composition and clinical relevance of this infiltrate have not been fully characterized.¹ Our study aims to address this gap through detailed quantitative immunohistochemical characterization (IHC) of the inflammatory infiltrate in female patients with AGA compared to telogen effluvium (TE), a non-inflammatory control.

An Analysis Of Heart Failure Among Cancer Patients In The United States Between 1999 And 2020, Abes A. Bautista Neughebauer, Deepak Talreja, Apostolos Gaitanidis

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Cancer and heart failure (HF) are highly prevalent in the population and can co-exist, due to shared risk factors and an aging population. The HF-related mortality burden in cancer patients across in the United States (US) remains poorly understood. The goal of this study is to evaluate the patterns of HF-related deaths among cancer patients in the United States.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database between years 1999 and 2020. HF-related deaths were defined as death certificates listing HF as a contributing cause of …

Missed Opportunities For Stroke Prevention In Patients With Hypertension: A Retrospective Case-Control Study, Huanhuan Yang, Yuntian Liu, Chungsoo Kim, Chenxi Huang, Mitsuaki Sawano, Patrick Young, Jacob Mcfadden, Mark Anderson, John S. Burrows, Harlan M. Krumholz, John E. Brush Jr., Yuan Lu

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke, yet the adequacy of preventative hypertension care in routine clinical practice remains suboptimal, potentially representing missed opportunities for stroke prevention. We evaluated the association between hypertension care delivery and incident ischemic stroke.

Methods

 We conducted a retrospective, matched, nested case-control study among adults with hypertension using data from a large regional health system (2010-2024). Patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke were matched 1:2 to controls on age, sex, race and ethnicity, and calendar time. Three care metrics were assessed: (1) outpatient visits with blood pressure measurement per year; (2) …

Heart Failure Devices: Treatment Options, Underutilization, And A Proposed Trigger System For Patient Referral And Evaluation, Marat Fudim, Dmitry M. Yaranov, Richa Gupta, Laurie Letarte, Samuel F. Sears, Brian G. Howard, Nir Uriel, Vikram Raje Do, Kiran Mahmood, Sean R. Pinney, Amin Yehya, Amit Alam, Pujan Patel, Albert Hicks, Amarinder Bindra, Steven M. Antoine, Jason Feliberti, Allman Rollins, Vishal N. Rao, Patrick Mccann, Nirav Raval, Rachel A. Garcia, Ahmed Sayed

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has substantially prolonged and improved the lives of patients with heart failure (HF). Nevertheless, adherence rates remain suboptimal. Even when successfully maximized and adhered to, there is a substantial residual risk of recurrent HF hospitalization and death. In light of this, there is a strong need for effective interventions that can decrease the high residual risk seen in patients with HF. Several device options exist that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and that have been shown to decrease morbidity and/or mortality in patients among whom GDMT is maximized. These …

Influence Of Serum Vitamin D Levels On Marginal Bone Loss Around Unsplinted Mandibular Implant Overdentures: A Retrospective Study, Rahma El Hussany Mohammed El Desouky, Fatma Ahmad El-Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To investigate the impact of serum vitamin D levels on marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients restored with unsplinted-mandibular-implant overdentures using LOCATOR attachments. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants rehabilitated with three-implant-mandibular overdentures were included. Based on serum vitamin D at the time of prosthetic loading, participants were categorized into two equal groups: a test group with deficient vitamin D (< 20 ng/mL) and a control group with sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). Patients with borderline levels (21–29 ng/mL) were excluded. Peri-implant vertical (VBL) and horizontal bone loss (HBL) were measured at baseline (T0), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12). Results: The vitamin D-deficient group exhibited significantly elevated VBL and HBLover the sufficient group at all-time points (P

The Mitosis-Specific Antibody Anti-Phosphohistone-H3 (Phh3) And Its Relation To The Histopathological And Biological Characteristics Of Ameloblastoma And Ameloblastic Carcinoma, Husam Asadiq S. Alrumayh, Samar Soliman, Khadiga M. Ali, Hoda M Ismail, Azza Abbas El-Sissi

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Aim This study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) in multicystic ameloblastoma (AB), unicystic AB and ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) and to investigate the mitotic activity difference between these lesions. Material and Methods This study was carried out on 30 cases, classified into three groups Group I 13 cases of multicystic AB. Group II 7 cases of unicystic AB Group III 10 cases of AC. These cases were selected from the Oral Pathology Department, Mansoura University and Cairo University archives from 2023 to 2024. Immunohistochemistry for PHH3 was done and the immunoreactivity was evaluated by the …

Effect Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Coating And Artificial Saliva On The Frictional Resistance Of Self-Ligating Ceramic Brackets: An In Vitro Study, Amal Mohammed Al-Hajj Abdo, Reham Ibrahim El-Gazzar, Hagag Mohammed, Ahmed Maher Fouda

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Aim: The objective of this research was to investigate how ZnO nanoparticles and artificial saliva influence the frictional resistance in self-ligating ceramic orthodontic brackets while performing sliding mechanics Materials & Methods : A total of sixty maxillary canine brackets were divided into three groups: uncoated self-ligating ceramic brackets, ZnO-coated brackets, and ZnOcoated brackets tested under artificial saliva. The friction produced by sliding was measured using a universal testing machine with a 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless-steel archwire. One-way ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis, and p-values of ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The results showed a significant difference in …

The Use Of Pekk Versus Peek In The Fabrication Of Maxillary Definitive Obturators, Mostafa S. Swedan, Sherin F. Donia, Salah Af. Hegazy

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of CAD-CAM-milled PEKK frameworks versus PEEK frameworks in the fabrication of clasp-retained maxillary obturators, assessing retention outcomes and patient satisfaction over a sixmonth follow-up period. Materials and Methods. Ten patients with maxillary defects (Armany class I) were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n=5). Group 1 received obturators with CADCAM- milled PEKK frameworks (Pekkton, Cendres+Métaux), while Group 2 received obturators with CAD-CAM-milled PEEK frameworks (Bio-HPP, bredent), both incorporating hollow bulb extensions fabricated from PMMA. A standardized digital workflow including exocad software design, and subtractive manufacturing was employed for all prostheses. Framework …

Effect Of Provisional Restorative Material And Temporary Cement Type On The Marginal Adaptation Of Cad/Cam Three-Unit Provisional Fdps: An In Vitro Study, Mustafa Mohammad Harfi, Ahmed Shams, Shaimaa Ahmed Abo El-Farag

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate and compare the marginal adaptation of CAD/CAM-fabricated three-unit provisional fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) after cementation with either eugenol-free temporary cement or resin-based temporary cement.

Materials/Subjects and Methods: Sixty-four extracted human maxillary premolars and molars were prepared to receive three-unit FDPs and mounted in 32 acrylic resin blocks with simulated periodontal ligament. CAD/CAM provisional FDPs were fabricated from PMMA and PEEK. Specimens were divided according to temporary cement type into two main groups (n = 16) and further subdivided according to restorative material into PMMA and PEEK subgroups (n …

The Disenchanted Grove: Postcolonial Modernity And The Decline Of Ri’I Bamboo Governance In Flores, Indonesia, Handoyo Handoyo, Puji Hastuti, Lukas Rumboko Wibowo, Budiyanto Dwi Prasetyo, Surati Surati, Kresno Agus Hendarto, Lila Juniyanti, Dewi Ratna Kurnia Sari, Desmiwati Desmiwati, Sanusi Sanusi, Ane Dwi Septina, Ramawati Ramawati

Forest and Society

This article explores the erosion of ri’i, a traditional ecological governance system practiced by the Ngadha people in Flores, Indonesia, in the face of modernization and postcolonial development. Based on long-term ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with cultural elders, ritual practitioners, and local authorities, the study documents how ri’i—a ritual-based regulatory system for bamboo resource management—has been progressively dismantled through the combined pressures of technocratic governance, land commodification, and shifts toward individualism. Empirically, the main drivers identified are state land certification (including Sertifikat Hak Milik, SHM) and village modernization campaigns, which reconfigure communal tenure and everyday governance practices. Once embedded …

Influence Of Implant Number On Maximum Bite Force Of Maxillary Implant-Retained Overdentures Opposed By Mandibular Two-Implant Overdentures: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Clinical Study, Shaimaa Ayman Hassan, Noha Hosny El-Shaheed, Mai Ahmed Haggag, Fatma Ahmad El Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective:

To assess the effect of implant number (three, four, and five unsplinted implants) on maximum bite force (MBF) of maxillary implant overdentures opposed by two‑implant mandibular overdentures.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve completely edentulous cases were recruited from the Outpatient Clinic, Prosthodontics Department. Five implants were placed in the maxilla (midline, bilateral canines, and bilateral molars). Using a randomized crossover design, three loading configurations were evaluated sequentially for three months each: three implants (midline and canines), five implants (all implants), and four implants (canines and molars). Maximum bite force was determined utilizing a GM10 occlusal force meter (Nagano Keiki Co., …

Clinical Outcomes Of Topical Phenytoin Loaded On Hydrogel Wound Dressing On Postoperative Sequalae Following Resection Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Abdelrahman Mohammed Yehia Abdellatif, Mohamed Zaghloul Amer, Shadi Awny, Mohammed Abdel-Monem Tawfik

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of topical phenytoin loaded on hydrogel wound dressing on postoperative sequalae following resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Material and Methods: Sixteen patients were selected from the Outpatient Clinic of the oncology center, Mansoura University complain of oral squamous cell carcinoma require major surgery for resection, neck dissection with further reconstruction. Patients were equally categorized into two groups. In study group, eight patients received a phenytoin-based hydrogel wound dressing following resection and reconstruction procedure. While in control group, including eight patients received a conventional wound dressing following resection and reconstruction …

Cbct-Based Three-Dimensional Characterization Of The Greater Palatine Foramen In A Sample Of Egyptian Population, Sara M Elsaid, Fatma Ata, Ghada A. Elhusseiny, Bassant Mowafey

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Background: The greater palatine foramen (GPF) is an important anatomical landmark; precise knowledge of its location and variations is crucial in dental and maxillofacial practice.

Objectives: To assess the position, morphometric characteristics, and anatomical relationship of the greater palatine foramen in a sample of Egyptian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The null hypothesis was that no significant side- or sex-related differences would be observed.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed a convenience sample of 120 CBCT scans. GPF morphology, anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions, location, and the distance to the intermaxillary suture were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed …

Regenerative Potential Of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Media In Medication-Related Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Albino Rats: An Experimental Study, Rawda Muhammed, Ahmad A. Emam, Elham H. Ahmed, Samah K. Ezzat, Y.M. El-Hawary

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the regenerative capacity of conditioned media derived from bone marrow stem cells (BMMSC-CM) in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw induced in a rat model by injecting zoledronic acid.

Material and Methods: Fifteen adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups: zoledronic acid (ZOL) group, zoledronic acid + gelatin sponge (ZOL+ sponge) group and a BMMSC-CM treatment (CM-treated) group. All animals received intravenous zoledronic acid (1 mg/kg) for three weeks, followed by maxillary first molar extraction and surgical bone defect creation. The defects were filled with a 2.5 mm³ gelatin sponge …

Digital Pick-Up Of Attachments Before Registration Of Jaw Relations Versus Intraoral Pick-Up During Insertion Of Cad/Cam 2-Implant Mandibular Overdentures: Effect On Peri-Implant Bone Height, Nesma M. Mousa, Nermeen E. Elkhamisy, Islam H. Kandil, Mohamed M. Fouad

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To compare the effect of digital attachment pick-up technique before jaw relation recording and intraoral pick-up technique during insertion for two-implant mandibular overdentures on peri-implant marginal bone height.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen completely edentulous participants recruited for the study. Conventional complete dentures were constructed, followed by guided placement of two mandibular canine implants with delayed loading. Participants were randomized into two groups based on attachment pickup technique: digital group (n = 8) received a milled overdenture base with digital pickup before the jaw relation record, and intraoral group (n = 8) received a milled overdenture base with intraoral …

Issue 23: A Rights-Based Migration Strategy For Canada: Addressing Inequities In A Time Of U.S. Political Repression, Marika Jeziorek

International Migration Research Centre

This brief argues that the growing appeal of Canada to highly skilled professionals fleeing rights-based repression in the United States presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its skilled migration strategy through an equity-focused and economically sustainable approach. As U.S. professionals—particularly women, racialized individuals, healthcare providers, and academics—seek safety, professional autonomy, and legal protection, Canada has emerged as a key destination (Favaro, 2025; Levinthal, 2024; Malkin, 2016; Jackson, 2024). This appeal is rooted in Canada’s reputation as a rights-based society, one that contrasts sharply with the erosion of freedoms in parts of the U.S. To uphold and deliver on this perception, …

Performance And Improvement Strategies For Adapting Generative Large Language Models For Electronic Health Record Applications: A Systematic Review, Ya-Wen Chuang, Yiming Li, Richard Yang, Pengyu Hong, David W Bates, Li Zhou

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: To synthesize performance and improvement strategies for adapting generative LLMs in EHR analyses and applications.

Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic review of articles from PubMed and Web of Science published between January 1, 2023 and November 9, 2024. Multiple reviewers including biomedical informaticians and a clinician involved in the article reviewing process. Studies were included if they used generative LLMs to analyze real-world EHR data and reported quantitative performance evaluations for an improvement technique. The review identified key clinical applications, summarized performance and the improvement strategies.

Results: Of the 18,735 articles retrieved, 196 met …

External Validation Of A Machine Learning Model To Predict Postpartum Hemorrhage In A Us Northeastern Healthcare System, Kartik K Venkatesh, Eric Jelovsek, David W Bates, Kathryn J Gray

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Timely prediction may prevent adverse maternal outcomes, and efforts are needed to develop accurate predictive tools. A high-performing machine learning model to predict PPH using data from the US Consortium for Safe Labor (CSL) remains to be widely validated in contemporary clinical settings using electronic health record (EHR) data. Our goal was to evaluate the performance of the CSL PPH predictive model using EHR data across a large healthcare system in the Northeastern United States.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study across eight hospitals in the …

Complex Genomic Rearrangement Involving The Tbx4 Promoter Manifesting With Variable Expressivity In A Five-Generation Family, Shruti A Pande, Hiuling Chan Joiner, Przemyslaw Szafranski, Tomasz Gambin, Frank P Edenborough, Rachael E Thompson, Michael J Parker, Carrie Hammond, Shahin Moledina, Justyna A Karolak, Pawel Stankiewicz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Variants involving TBX4 are associated with ischiocoxopodopatellar syndrome with or without pulmonary arterial hypertension (ICPPS; also known as small patella syndrome), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and lethal lung developmental disorders. The variability of penetrance and expressivity of TBX4 variants remains a prominent challenge in understanding their genotype–phenotype correlations. We investigated a five‐generation family with 12 affected individuals presenting with isolated ICPPS, lung‐related manifestations with features of ICPPS, and other milder abnormalities. Whole‐genome sequencing was used to identify the causative and putative modifying variants. Wefound a complex genomic rearrangement (CGR) involving the TBX4 promoter and its 5 ′ untranslated region that …

High Potency Proton Pump Inhibitor Versus Vonoprazan In Helicobacter Pylori Triple Therapy, Mimi C Tan, Robert L Atmar, David Y Graham

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The price of vonoprazan in the United States, as with many newly introduced drugs, is currently high. Here, we examined the cost-effectiveness of vonoprazan clarithromycin triple therapy for treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the United States. We compared cure rates and total treatment costs to achieve ≥ 90% cure with either vonoprazan or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) triple therapy.

Materials and methods: We simulated a theoretical population and compared 4 scenarios comparing vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily or esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily. These included: (1) empiric vonoprazan versus esomeprazole clarithromycin triple therapy, (2) susceptibility-based vonoprazan versus esomeprazole clarithromycin …

Factors Influencing Vaping Behaviors Based On Social Cognitive Theory: A Qualitative Study Among Mexican-American College Students, Bara S. Bataineh, Liza Talavera-Garza, Alexandra Loukas, David J. Badillo, Sherman Chow, Geronimo B. Cardenas, Erika Garza, Anna Wilkinson

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Background: Vaping rates among Mexican-American college students are high, yet the contributing personal and environmental factors remain understudied. The current qualitative study applies Social Cognitive Theory to examine how personal factors (e.g., self-efficacy, beliefs, and outcome expectations) and environmental influences (e.g., social norms and social media) shape vaping behaviors in this vulnerable population. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 Mexican-American college students (ages 18–25 years), 68% of whom were female, and all were current vapers. Participants discussed the personal and social contexts of their vaping experiences, with questions exploring their beliefs and outcome expectations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and …

Heat Misers, Snow Misers, And Cognitive Misers: The 'Nukewarm' Perceptions Of Nuclear Power, Tyler Williams

Dissertations and Theses

Rising energy demand in the United States necessitates alternatives to fossil fuels, yet renewable energy sources alone are insufficient to meet this demand. Nuclear power presents a promising option but faces persistent public hesitancy. This study examines how heuristic-based biases relate to American's risk-benefit perceptions towards nuclear power. Guided by the heuristic-systematic model. Results indicate that competence and affect are related to risk-benefit perceptions, and naturalness shows no relationship with risk perceptions but does correlate with benefit perceptions. Implications highlight the importance of affect-driven communication strategies for nuclear communicators, while also underscoring the need for participatory approaches that foster trust …

Characterization Of The Genetic Diversity Of Curlyleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton Crispus L.) In The Contiguous United States And Canada And Analysis Of Possible Hybrid Potamogeton Crispus Lineages, Mallory M. Kaiser

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Curlyleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.) is a prolific invasive species that has spread across the United States and into parts of Canada since its introduction to North America in the 1840s. It causes extensive economic and environmental damage across its invasive range, and its control and eradication are of utmost importance to agricultural, ecological, recreational, and transportational stakeholders. Developments in molecular ecology and invasive management have found that genetic diversity and hybridization of aquatic macrophytes may affect their susceptibility to herbicide treatments, and genotype or lineage identification are important control variables that must be considered in field and …

Creating The Role Of Passerby And Stationmaster In The Cherry Orchard, Selwyn Ofori

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This paper will serve as a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. It is a detailed account of Selwyn Ofori's artistic process in creating the role of Passerby and Stationmaster in Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard staged at Ted Paul at Minnesota State University, Mankato in Spring 2026. This thesis entails the actor's analysis from pre-production till performance in five chapters, namely: pre-production analysis, historical and critical perspective, journals, post-production analysis, process development, and appendix. The sources of my research are also recorded in the works cited.

Accuracy Of The Phenotypic 1g Test To Detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis And Drug Resistance From Sputa In The Us-Mexico Border, Mia Aguirre, Doris Ayala, Juan Ignacio Garcia, Yoscelina Estrella Martinez-Lopez, Amberlee Hicks, Nadine M. Chacon, Ashley Gay-Cobb, Alyssa Schami, Selena Zavala-Perez, Blanca I. Restrepo

School of Medicine Publications

Background: With >10 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases/year, a limitation to TB control is the lack of simple and accurate tests for TB diagnosis and drug-susceptibility testing (DST) in endemic regions. We evaluated the accuracy of the first-generation, low-complexity phenotypic TB test (1G test), designed for simultaneous Mtb detection and resistance to isoniazid, rifampicin and moxifloxacin, suitable for resource-limited settings.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using sputa from 426 possible pulmonary TB subjects from two small Mexican cities bordering Texas. The 1G test was compared against phenotypic TB detection tests in the region [acid fast bacilli smear microscopy and …

Adult-Onset Still Disease Triggered By Recent Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Diagnosis Of Exclusion And A Review Of The Literature, Luisa Montoya, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Krystal Simono, Singh Ripudaman, Aramide Tijani, Mangina Sunaina

School of Medicine Publications

Adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by quotidian fever, inflammatory arthritis, evanescent rash, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and hyperferritinemia. Because no pathognomonic diagnostic test exists, diagnosis relies on characteristic clinical features and exclusion of infectious, malignant, and autoimmune disorders. Viral infections, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), have been proposed as potential immunologic triggers in genetically susceptible individuals, although causality remains unproven. We report a 47-year-old Hispanic woman with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with one week of daily fever, severe diffuse polyarthralgia, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent erythematous rash that had begun six months earlier. …