Digital Commons Network^™

Epidemiology And Risk Factors Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) Infections In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Saudi Arabia: An 8-Year Retrospective Analysis, Jawharah S. Alhazmi, Ameera S. Al-Khaldi, Naoufel M. Kaabia, Nabiha A. Bouafia, Yasser K. Mohammed, Abdulrahman N. Odayani

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To control the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthcare institutions, understanding its local epidemiology is essential. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and bacteriological features of MRSA cases and compare their origin (hospital-acquired versus [vs.] community-acquired) and patient age (pediatric vs. adult). Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted using the electronic database of all MRSA cases reported to the Infection Prevention and Control Center at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia from 2012 to 2020. We collected epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data and performed comparative analyses between groups using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among …

Investigating The Role Of Genetic Variations Of Abcb1 (Rs1045642) And Cyp7a1 (Rs3808607) Genes On Serum Lipid Level Among Malaysian Male Patients Treated With Atorvastatin, Muhammad U. Afzal, Naam B. Adeeb, Nur F. Musa, Dzul A. Noor

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the allele frequency and associations between the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the ABCB1 (rs1045642) and CYP7A1 (rs3808607) genes on lipid-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin among Malaysian male patients. Method: The study included 64 subjects from a previous genetic association study among male patients who were on atorvastatin. The study was carried out at HUSM, Kelantan, Malaysia from December 2023 to October 2024. The patients were split into 2 groups, each consisting of 32 subjects such as controlled (LDL level <3 mmol/L) and uncontrolled (LDL level >3 mmol/L). After genotyping each participant, the influence on their lipid profile was determined. Results: …

Glp-1 Analog Therapy And Hemoglobin Levels: Insights From A Retrospective Study, Sarah A. Almuammar, Hani K. Alzahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the hematological impact of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, specifically changes in hemoglobin and ferritin levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, pivotal in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, exhibit diverse physiological effects. While their impact on glycemic control is well-established, understanding their influence on hematological parameters remains an active area of investigation. Methods: A cohort of 700 patients prescribed GLP-1 analogs between March 2021 and October 2022 was analyzed. Demographic data, baseline hemoglobin, ferritin levels, and subsequent measurements were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, subgroup analyses, and multivariable logistic …

Effectiveness Of Epid-Based In-Vivo Dosimetry With Epigray® Software For Head And Neck Vmat Treatments, Ghassan Al-Murshedi, Yasmin Md. Radzi, Azhar Abdul Rahman

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of in-vivo dosimetry (IVD) utilizing an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) in conjunction with EPIgray ® software (DOSIsoft, Cachan, France) for assessing the accuracy of dose delivery for the patient when undertaking head and neck (H&N) treatments. Methods: Using cross-sectional analysis, data were collected from the linear accelerator of twenty patients undergoing (H&N) radiotherapy treatments using the Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) modality from June 2019 to October 2023 at Gleneagles Hospital Penang, Penang, Malaysia. EPIgray ® software reconstructed the delivered dose based on EPID images. These reconstructed doses were compared with the planned …

Assessing Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Associated With Influenza Vaccination Among The People Residing In Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, Mawada A. Abdelgadir, Amani Khardali, Santhosh J. Menachery, Renju Ravi, Hilal A. Thaibah, Moaddey Alfarhan, Saeed A. Al-Qahtani, Abdulkarim M. Meraya

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To understand the attitude and knowledge regarding influenza vaccine is crucial for developing effective vaccination strategies to improve public health outcomes. Seasonal influenza is a widespread, preventable infection caused by influenza viruses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza vaccination in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 402 participants were surveyed, with the majority being female (80.3%) and Saudi nationals (97.3%). Our results revealed that 69.4% of the participants had been vaccinated, yet significant gaps remained in knowledge, especially regarding high-risk groups …

A 12-Year Analysis Of Seasonal Patterns And Disease Dynamics Of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis In Saudi Arabia, Basmah F. Alharbi, Mawahib A. Ahmed

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate seasonal patterns of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia, examining how incidence rates vary throughout the year. By exploring these dynamics, we aim to gain insights that could improve understanding and prevention strategies for this disease. Cutaneous leishmaniasis , a global parasitic disease affecting millions, presents a significant health challenge. Methods: This study analyzed epidemiological data from Saudi Arabia from January 2012 to December 2023, using records from the Ministry of Health to document incidence. Statistical methods, including Chi-squared tests and ANOVA, were employed, along with correlation and regression analyses to forecast future cases. Results: The findings …

Eosinophilic Infiltration In Gallbladder Pathologies: A Clinical Dilemma, Hüseyin F. Martlı, Arzu H. Aydın, Eda Şahingöz, Sadettin Er, Özgür Akgül, Nesrin Turhan, Mesut Tez

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the clinicopathological features and prevalence of Eosinophilic cholecystitis (EC) with a single-center experience. Eosinophilic cholecystitis is an exceedingly uncommon pathologic issue caused by examining cholecystectomy specimens. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 8,342 cholecystectomy specimens. Of these, 33 pathology results confirmed EC and were re-examined by pathologists. This study obtained demographic data, medical histories, comorbidities, clinical laboratory results, radiological findings, and pathological information from an electronic record system. Results: The average age of the patients was 47 years, with a range of 24 to 82 years. Acute cholecystitis was reported in 5 (15.6%), chronic cholecystitis …

Comment On: Glp-1ra And Sglt2i Utilization In People With Type 2 Diabetes With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (Ascvd) Or At High Risk Of Ascvd In The Gulf Region

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

How Does Body Mass Index Affect Breast Cancer Risk In Postmenopausal Women With And Without Cardiovascular Disease?

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

How Accurately Are Racial Minorities Represented In Us Cancer Registration Systems?

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Semaglutide Medicines And Risk Of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (Naion)

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Social Connection Linked To Improved Health And Reduced Risk Of Early Death

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Computational Learning Across Biological And Industrial Systems: Bayesian And Segmentation Models For Epigenomic And Manufacturing Data, Prosenjit Roy

All Theses

In this thesis, we made a complete dual-domain investigation using a machine learning approach into two different scientific areas which were epigenetic analysis of seal species and pore identification in the work of additive manufacturing. The study showcased the flexibility and strength of modern computational tools in addressing complicated issues in various biological and industrial systems. We further investigated the epigenetics by using the Bayesian Neural Network and other machine learning methods to conduct a study on the DNA methylation pattern within three pinniped species (the northern elephant seal, Hawaiian monk seal, and Weddell seal) with perfect precision on species …

Emotional Pathways To Trauma: Racialized Policing And Psychological Distress In Black Adolescent Males, Rochelle S. Parrish

All Theses

Introduction: Black American males, including adolescents, are disproportionately subjected to aggressive policing, often without criminal wrongdoing (Geller et al., 2014; Sewell et al., 2016). These encounters are frequently described as traumatic, marked by fear, loss, and emotional disruption (Smith Lee & Robinson, 2019). Whether direct or vicarious, such experiences can produce lasting psychological effects, particularly among Black boys who face compounded vulnerability from racialized surveillance and community-level trauma (DeVylder et al., 2018; Smith & Patton, 2016). Proactive policing tactics, such as investigatory stops and verbal aggression, have been linked to symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including hypervigilance, avoidance, …

The Earliest University Of Nebraska Graduate Degrees, 1886-1909, Mark A. Griep

Mark A. Griep Publications

This list of the earliest graduate degrees awarded by the University of Nebraska (NU) in Lincoln was assembled to learn about the university’s research activity that preceded its admission to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) in 1909.

Research On The Relationship Between Manufacturing Process Digitalization And Product Quality Performance: A Case Study Of Discrete Manufacturing, Baozhong Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The study aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on product quality in discrete manufacturing enterprises. As the global economy and technology rapidly advance, the manufacturing industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Digital transformation has emerged as a key strategy for tackling these challenges and has become a significant trend in the manufacturing industry. The discrete manufacturing industry, which demands high product quality, faces even greater challenges in digital transformation. However, if discrete manufacturing enterprises successfully navigate this transformation, they can significantly improve quality, gain a competitive edge, and unlock even greater opportunities for their business.

The study combines …

Computational Fact-Checking With Limited Resources, Fengzhu Zeng

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The rapid dissemination of information through online platforms has sparked widespread concern about the propagation of misinformation. Manual fact-checking by pro- fessional fact-checkers is time-consuming and lacks scalability to address the vast volume of daily information. Consequently, computational fact-checking, driven by automated techniques in natural language processing (NLP), has garnered interest as
a potential solution. However, computational fact-checking faces critical challenges limited resources, particularly due to the issues of data scarcity and computing resource constraints. One key challenge is data scarcity, which arises from the constant generation of new information and emerging events on social media. This scarcity manifests in …

Development Of A Machine Learning Framework For An Irrigation Decision Support System, Eric Wilkening, Derek M. Heeren, Yeyin Shi, Laila A. Puntel, Guillermo R. Balboa, Abia Katimbo, Kuan Zhang, Precious Nneka Amori, Bruno Lena

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Currently used irrigation scheduling techniques often require significant human intervention and are time consuming, particularly for variable rate irrigation. This research aimed to develop a conceptual framework that incorporates disparate data sources leveraging both mechanistic and machine learning (ML) approaches. The overarching objective is to utilize the growing availability of data and technology to manage irrigation more precisely, which will minimize negative impacts of irrigation on our water resources. An initial irrigation machine learning model was proposed and tested in this study as a key component of an edge-cloud computing and federated learning decision-making framework. The specific objectives were (1) …

Activation And Suppression Mechanisms Of The Nrg1 Helper Nlrs, Yu-Ru Wang, Ruize Zhang, Daowen Wang, Yong Wang, Zheng Qing Fu

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Impact Of S-Phase Kinase Protien 2 Blockades On Hematopoetic Stem Cell Metabolism, Nicole Elmaraghy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) quiescence is vital for the success of bone marrow transplantation, as it preserves long term self- renewal and prevents premature exhaustion (Takubo et al., 2013; Wilson et al., 2008). However, bone marrow transplant (BMT) failure remains a clinical challenge, often due to lack of long-term engraftment and insufficient stress reliance. Both of these characteristics are tightly linked to disrupted stem cell quiescence and metabolic imbalance (Anso et al., 2017; Vannini et al., 2016). One key player is S-phase kinase protein (SKP2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets cell cycle inhibitors, like p27, for proteosome …

A Clinic-Based Healthcare Transition Preparation Program For Adolescents And Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Study Protocol For The Shift Randomized Clinical Trial, Laura J Caccavale, Randi Streisand, Jessica Gokee Larose, Edmond P Wickham, Marisa E Hilliard, Laura M Thornton, Melanie K Bean

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: A striking 83 % of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have glycemic outcomes outside the target range, placing them at risk for acute and chronic complications. Identification of evidence-based strategies to enhance T1D management in AYAs, prior to the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, is needed to optimize AYA health and adequately prepare them for independence. We present the design of Supporting Health Improvement for Transition in T1D (SHIFT), a randomized clinical trial of a clinic-based transition preparation intervention for AYAs with T1D.

Methods: Participants will be 50 AYAs with T1D (age 16-22 …

Semaphorin 3e-Plexin-D1 Pathway Downstream Of The Luteinizing Hormone Surge Regulates Ovulation, Granulosa Cell Luteinization, And Ovarian Angiogenesis In Mice, Hanxue Zhang, Jimmy Dhillon, Paul D Soloway, Bo Shui, Seoyeon Lee, Jennifer K Grenier, Paul R Munn, M Cecilia Ljungberg, Rebecca B Williams, Rainer B Lanz, Yu-Hsiang Liao, Yi A Ren

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Ovulation is induced by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and accompanied by granulosa cell luteinization and ovarian angiogenesis. Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E)-Plexin-D1 pathway regulates angiogenesis in other tissues, but its role in the ovary is unknown. Evidence indicates that Sema3E-Plexin-D1 pathway plays an important role in the mouse ovary. The expression of Sema3E and its receptor, Plexin-D1, is dynamically regulated in the mouse ovary downstream of the LH surge. This regulation requires the modulation of chromatin accessibility by CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α and β. Intraovarian injection of recombinant Sema3E results in reduced ovulation, impaired corpus luteum formation, and aberrant ovarian angiogenesis. These …

Prevalence Of Fibrosis In Hepatic Explants And Biopsies From Individuals With Urea Cycle Disorders, Saima Ali, Aisha Nisar, Anqing Zhang, Sandesh Nagamani, Nathalie M Aceves-Ewing, Brandy Rawls, Thu Quan, Greg Enns, John Goss, Daniel H Leung, Benjamin L Shneider, Shilpa Jain, Florette K Hazard, Deborah Schady, Lindsay C Burrage

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Various forms of liver disease have been increasingly reported in individuals with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). In this study, we performed the first systematic and standardized histopathological assessment of the prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis in a large sample of hepatic explants and biopsies from individuals with UCDs at two liver transplantation centers.

Methods: Sixty-seven hepatic tissue samples from 66 individuals with UCDs were staged by two pathologists for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using standard scoring systems at two large liver transplantation centers in the United States. Histopathological findings were correlated with clinical parameters, including UCD type, laboratory parameters, …

The Influence Of Ultra-Wide Field Fluorescein Angiography On The Diagnosis And Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Nicole K Scripsema, Tala Al-Khaled, Amy Song, Joelle A Hallak, Rawan Allozi, Aziz A Khanifar, Thanos D Papakostas, Christina Y Weng, Ronald C Gentile, J Peter Campbell, Jessica G Lee, Gennady Landa, Felix Y Chau, William F Mieler, Meenakashi Gupta, Amani A Fawzi, Judy E Kim, Jennifer I Lim, Robison Vernon Paul Chan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: To study the influence of ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) on the diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods: Ten experts in DR completed an online survey in which they were asked to diagnose and manage DR cases using different imaging modalities. Experts independently reviewed 20 cases of DR and provided a diagnosis and management plan for each case, first based on ultra-widefield color-free and red-free images alone and again with the corresponding ultra-widefield FA images. Experts were polled on their diagnostic confidence, use of FA in clinical practice, and opinions on the value of ultra-widefield FA. Based on …

Contribution Of Pannexin Channels To Afterimage Signals In The Amphibian Retina, Yufei Liu, Nick Libian, Zheng Jiang, Wen Shen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms large-pore, single-membrane channels that connect the intracellular and extracellular environments, permitting the passage of ions and small molecules such as ATP. Panx1 channels are involved in diverse signaling pathways that contribute to various physiological processes, including sensory processing, although their precise mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. This study reveals a Panx1-mediated mechanism regulating visual signal processing in the amphibian retina. Using immunolabeling and confocal imaging, we localized Panx1 channels in the cone-dominated On-bipolar cells, specifically at both somas and axon terminals. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that these channels have high permeability to Cl⁻ ions, which …

Insights Into The Molecular Mechanism Of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis In Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease, Alyssa B Kalustian, Pengfei Ji, Lalita Wadhwa, Christopher A Caldarone, Manish Bansal, Athar M Qureshi, Jeffrey S Heinle, Ravi K Birla

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality for the subset of patients with recurrent or progressive disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development and trajectory of PVS remain unclear. This study characterizes the transcriptome of clinical and phenotypic subtypes of PVS.

Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing analysis was performed on human pulmonary vein tissue samples obtained from surgical interventions for pediatric patients with PVS. Transcriptomic profiles were compared for primary versus postrepair PVS as well as aggressive versus nonaggressive clinical phenotypes. Principal component analysis was performed, the differential gene expression quantified, and pathway analysis conducted …

Addressing Anxiety And Depression In The Allergy Clinic Through Motivational Interviewing, Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, And Curious Questions, Marylee Verdi, Dominic Candido, Juliette Madan, Jonathan A Bernstein, Don Bukstein, Aikaterini Anagnostou, Matthew Greenhawt, S Shahzad Mustafa, Julie Wang, Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, Elissa M Abrams, John Oppenheimer, Alexandra E Conway, Andrew A White, Taylor A Doherty, Richard P Morse, Marcus Shaker

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Allergic diseases, particularly food allergy, can be associated with significant psychosocial impairment. Allergist-immunologists can provide evidence-based information to correct misperceptions and misunderstandings regarding food allergy that may perpetuate cycles of fear and anxiety. Whereas motivational interviewing can be an empathetic approach to empower patients to actualize health goals, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to provide disease-state insight to facilitate an understanding of risk that can transform health beliefs and behaviors. Brief CBT is a clinical approach that can help address ineffective management paradigms through conversations that begin with curious questions. In this review, we discuss evidence supporting implementation of an …

Mood And Sleep In Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Samantha A Carreon, Marissa N Baudino, Charles G Minard, Sarah K Lyons, Randi Streisand, Barbara J Anderson, Siripoom V Mckay, Tricia S Tang, Sara Nowakowski, Ashley M Butler, Sridevi Devaraj, Marisa E Hilliard

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Depression is associated with sleep problems, and both are associated with higher HbA1c in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, little is known about depressed mood and sleep in young adults with T1D. The aims of this secondary analysis were to provide descriptive statistics of multiple aspects of mood and sleep in young adults with T1D and evaluate associations of depressed mood, diabetes distress, and sleep quality and duration.

Methods: At baseline of a behavioral intervention trial, young adults with T1D completed self-report measures of sleep, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms. We described sleep metrics across racial/ethnic groups …

Characterization Of Visual Field Loss Over 4 Years In The Rate Of Progression In Ush2a-Related Retinal Degeneration (Rush2a) Study, Jacque L Duncan, Maureen G Maguire, Lee S Mcdaniel, Nicole R Doucet, Isabelle Audo, Allison R Ayala, Janet K Cheetham, Peiyao Cheng, Todd A Durham, Rachel M Huckfeldt, Robert B Hufnagel, K Thiran Jayasundera, Naheed Khan, Brett Malbin, Ramiro S Maldonado, Michel Michaelides, Mark E Pennesi, Christina Y Weng, Alex Zmejkoski, Shobana Aravind, Hiroshi Ishikawa, David G Birch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: To report visual field loss using static perimetry (SP) and kinetic perimetry (KP) over 4 years in the Rate of Progression of USH2A-related Retinal Degeneration (RUSH2A) study.

Design: Prospective, observational cohort study.

Subjects, participants, and/or controls: Participants had USH2A-related rod-cone degeneration, visual acuity ≥20/80, and KP III4e ≥10° at baseline in the study eye. Preserved cohorts with baseline visual fields sufficient to detect progression were identified.

Methods: Participants were examined annually through 4 years. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the annual, standardized rate, and percentage rates of change.

Main outcome measures: SP measures included hill of vision (total: …

Novel Parent Survey Measures Sensory Behaviors Incorporating Sensory Modality And Stimulus Intensity, Connor Yee, Ellie Rather, Sakib Hoque, Joon Lee, Stephanie Marton, Jill Roth, Frederick L Oswald, Kenneth J Nobleza, Ankona Banerjee, Holly Harris, Ariel M Lyons-Warren

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Sensory behaviors are common, clinically relevant features of many neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. However, existing assessments lack granularity in evaluating hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, particularly in relation to stimulus intensity. We address this gap with our Sensory Response Questionnaire Phenotyper (SRQP), a parent-questionnaire that comprehensively assesses sensory behaviors across five sensory modalities. The purpose of this study was to validate the SRQP against established tools and assess its efficacy in identifying nuanced sensory processing patterns in children with autism.

Methods: A convenience sample of 317 participants (57 with autism, 260 typically developing) aged 3-17 years were enrolled in a cross-sectional …