Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Concomitant Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair For Mitral And Tricuspid Regurgitation For Polyvalvular Disease, Omar Khan, Matthew Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

This patient is a 77-year-old male with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and moderate mitral regurgitation who underwent simultaneous transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of both mitral and tricuspid valves. Post-procedure, the patient exhibited significant symptomatic improvement and reduced regurgitation severity, highlighting the feasibility of dual-valve TEER in high-risk patients.

Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia: A Rare And Rapidly Progressive Hematologic Malignancy—Case Report And Literature Review, Jennifer Priessnitz, Ali Hariri, Yuliya Levkiavska, Kyle E. Bonner, Stephan I. Fisher, Joshua M. Sill

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a rare, fulminant hematologic malignancy characterized by neoplastic proliferation of mature NK cells. It is frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, although EBV-negative cases have also been reported. While typically observed in young to middle-aged adults of East Asian descent, increasing recognition has led to identification of ANKL across diverse age groups and ethnicities. The disease is defined by a rapid clinical course and poor prognosis, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment. We present a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male who developed fever, altered mental status, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, …

Combined Snare And Buddy-Balloon Strategy For Failed Valve Crossing In Valve-In-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Hira Sarfraz, Muhammad U. Javed, Parth K. Parikh, Joshua A. Cohen, Raymond L. Benza, Matthew R. Summers, Deepak R. Talreja

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background Retrograde valve crossing during valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) may fail despite modern delivery systems. Case Summary A 67-year-old man with a degenerated 27-mm Magna Ease bioprosthesis and unfavorable aortic geometry (kinked ascending aorta at a prior surgical graft site) underwent ViV TAVR, where retrograde valve crossing failed despite multiple stiff guidewires and snare traction alone. Successful delivery of a 29-mm Evolut FX+ was ultimately achieved by combining gooseneck-snare traction for coaxial realignment with a partially inflated Tyshak buddy balloon acting as a mechanical ramp across the surgical valve frame. Discussion This case demonstrates a structured, stepwise …

Antibody-Drug Conjugates Beyond Her2 In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc): Mechanisms, Emerging Targets, And Future Directions, Ahmed Ismail, Akash Desai, George R. Simon, Yanis Boumber

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are a rapidly evolving class of oncology therapeutics that enable precise delivery of potent cytotoxic agents to tumor cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. While HER2-targeted ADCs such as trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in HER2-mutant, Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-Dxd) in EGFR-mutant, and telisotumumab vedotin (Teliso-V) in MET IHC 3+ expressing lung cancer have already established a clinical role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), multiple ADCs targeting alternative antigens, including additional TROP2 ADCs, HER3, MET, CEACAM5, B7-H3, Nectin-4, and others, are now in advanced clinical development. This review synthesizes the current evidence for non-HER2 ADCs in NSCLC, highlighting mechanisms of …

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 …

When Unilateral Leg Swelling Is Not Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Case Of Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma Revealing Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Ahmed Ismail, Zachary Wilson, Thomas Currow, Michael Dileonardo, Carsten Kirby

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancy that can involve the skin, lymph nodes, and visceral organs in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report the case of a 35-year-old man with no known prior medical history who presented to the charity care clinic complaining of recurrent thrush and two weeks of progressive right lower extremity swelling. His physical examination revealed painful, pruritic violaceous papules and plaques over the proximal right thigh that had been present for one week. He was referred to the emergency department (ED) for further workup. Venous duplex ultrasonography was negative …

Baseline Lymphopenia Predicts Survival In Ici-Naïve Solid Tumor Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Propensity-Matched Real-World Pan-Cancer Analysis, Ahmed Ismail, Nina Balanchivadze, George R. Simon, Yanis Boumber

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Baseline lymphopenia is common among advanced solid tumors and may influence the efficacy/safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but large real-world evidence is limited. We evaluated the association between baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and clinical outcomes in adults with solid tumors treated with ICIs in routine practice. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX. Adults with solid tumors who received pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or atezolizumab (ICI-Naïve) between January 2015 and June 2026 were included. Baseline ALC was measured within 30 days before first treatment and was classified as lymphopenic (ALC < 1.5 × 10⁹/L) or non-lymphopenic (ALC ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L). Propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 5249 patients per group. The index date was the first immunotherapy date, and outcomes were assessed at 6, 12, 24, 36 months, and 5 years. The primary outcome was 24-month overall survival (OS); secondary outcomes were OS at 6 and 12 months and 6-month risks of healthcare utilization, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and serious infections; and exploratory outcomes included OS at 36 months and 5 years. All outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox proportional hazards models, and risk ratios. Subgroup analysis included OS stratified by solid tumor subtypes and prior lines of therapy. Results: After matching, patients with baseline lymphopenia …

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.

Performance And Safety Of A Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test: The Pathfinder 2 Study, Nima Nabavizadeh, Charles Mcdonnell, Dax Kurbegov, Marc Matrana, Shirish Gadgeel, Raymond H. Kim, Gretchen Stipec, Kevin C. Oeffinger, Michael J. Demeure, James W. Lillard Jr., Rebecca Kaltman, Jennifer Tran, Alan Roth, Samia Tahhan, Andrews Poklepovic, Donald Richards, Margarita Lopatin, Celine Marquez, Margaret Mccusker, Karthik V. Giridhar

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Early cancer detection improves survival; however, most cancer types do not have guideline-recommended screening. We previously reported the first PATHFINDER study that established feasibility of cancer screening with a blood-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test that predicts cancer signal origin (CSO) to guide diagnostic workup. The prospective, interventional PATHFINDER 2 study expands clinical evidence for the MCED test by evaluating co-primary endpoints of MCED performance metrics and safety in participants aged 50 years or older without clinical suspicion of cancer. Performance measures included cancer detection rate, positive and negative predictive values, episode sensitivity, specificity and CSO prediction accuracy. Safety was …

Thermoregulation And Associated Disorders: 3pm-Guided Holistic Approach Bridging Innovative And Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhuo Wang, Liu, Yueqiang Xu, Weijie Cao, Youxin Wang, Haifeng Hou, Xiuhua Guo, Olga Golubnitschaja, Wei Wang, Yuguang Du, Suboptimal Health Study Consortium, European Association For Predictive, Preventive, Personalised Medicine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Accurately performed thermoregulation is life-important for the human body. Therefore, a relatively narrow temperature range of 36.5–37 °C, which all our biochemical reactions are adapted to, is rigorously kept by the body allowing for the most effective kinetics of all physiological processes. In contrast, feeling inappropriately cold or too hot in the environment with comfortable temperature ranges are symptoms of an altered or even disordered thermoregulation described for a number of syndromes as well as patient cohorts. The rationale of the paper is to contribute to the paradigm shift from reactive to proactive healthcare considering thermoregulation deficits as an important …

A Blood-Based Test For Colorectal Cancer Screening, Joshua Cullison

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Within the United States (US), colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the fourth most common malignancy and is responsible for over 50 000 deaths annually, second only to lung cancer in cancer mortality. Despite increased public awareness and increasing screening rates, the US remains far below the 80% screening mark set by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable at 59%. The addition of non-invasive blood-based tests for CRC screening could potentially increase screening rates and lower CRC deaths.

I performed a PubMed search using the search term “blood-based colorectal cancer screening.” I was particularly interested in articles that looked at Shield, which is …

Cytomegalovirus As A Potential Trigger For Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case Of Nstemi In A Previously Healthy Patient, Hussam Al Hennawi, Muhammad Sabri, David Teng, Maxwell Berman, Botros Shenoda

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been implicated in endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis, yet its role as a potential trigger for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains underrecognized. We present a case of a 32-year-old male with no prior medical history who developed non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and was subsequently found to have active CMV infection. The patient had no known history cardiovascular disease, though subsequent testing did reveal additional underlying risk factors. This case highlights the need to consider infectious etiologies, including CMV, as contributors to ACS in young, otherwise apparently healthy individuals. Understanding the interplay between viral infections and atherosclerotic …

The Effect Of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy On Perioperative Outcomes In Rectal Cancer Patients Following Stoma Reversal-A Retrospective Cohort Analysis, Mary Junak, Rosemarie Turk, Mohammad Afaque Alam, Eli Thompson, David Schaub, Joseph Gunderson, Anesu S. Masango, Srikar Kollipara, Andrea Moreno, Daniom Tecle, Valentine N. Nfonsam

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak after reversal of an ostomy is a significant complication in rectal cancer patients. The effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) on outcomes following stoma reversal are not well established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of NCRT on outcomes in rectal cancer patients following stoma reversal. METHODS: We performed a [2005-2012] retrospective cohort analysis of the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), including adult (≥18 years) rectal cancer patients who had elective stoma reversal. Patients were stratified into those who received NCRT and those who did not. Primary outcomes were anastomotic …

Inflammatory Co-Regulation Of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels And Na,K-Atpase In Metastatic Breast Cancer, Steven D. Scahill, Kelly Jean Sherman, Dennis Paul

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Sodium regulation is a potentially major driver of cancer metastasis. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and Na,K-ATPase are sodium transporters that are upregulated in many advanced carcinomas and are implicated as metastatic drivers. However, little is known about what drives this overexpression, how these proteins influence metastatic behavior, or whether these complementary sodium transporters are co-regulated in cancer. Using sodium transporter regulation in healthy neurons as a model, the present study demonstrated that the inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) affects the expression of VGSCs and Na,K-ATPase in an in vitro model of metastatic breast cancer. Acute TNFα challenge increased …

Analysis Of Demand And Supply Of Radiotherapy Services At Dr.M.Djamil General Hospital Padang, Viola Shinta Dewi, Catur Suharinto, Zarni Zamzahar, Yulhaini Yulhaini

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Around 10 million cases of cancer are discovered in the world per year, and it will continue to increase. Half of cancer cases require radiotherapy as treatment therapy. Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, in 2021, has only 1 Cobalt radiotherapy. This study aimed to analyze the demand and supply of radiotherapy services at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang. This descriptive study was conducted at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang from May to December 2022. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis to describe the variables studied. This study reported that 241 patients were registered and received radiotherapy services. …

Us Drug Policy Does Not Align With Experts' Rankings Of Drug Harms: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Michael Broman, Alan K. Davis, Stacey Armstrong, Adam Levin, Kaltum Ahmed, Gustavo A. Angarita, Brooke J. Arterberry, Cecilia Bergeria, Mitch Earleywine, Kathryn S. Gex, Tom Gregoire, Jamey J. Lister, David S. Mathai, Nicky J. Mehtani, Nathan Menke, Charles D. Nichols, Hillary Shaub, Alayna P. Tackett, Brandon Weiss, Nefize Yalin, Lawrence D. Phillips

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background United States drug policy is primarily based on the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and largely contradicts scientific evidence about how to mitigate drugs' harms. Expert consensus on drug harms could inform policy that improves the health of people who use drugs while reducing negative societal impacts of drug use. Therefore, this study adapted and extended the relevant 2010 United Kingdom multi-criteria decision analysis, rating drug harms by criteria comprising health and social impacts to people who use drugs and their families, communities, and society.Methods Seventeen experts on drug use in the US, including three with lived experience of …

Mental Health And Beliefs About Abortion Access Following Changes To Reproductive Healthcare Laws In 2022: Findings From Oklahoma, Munjireen S. Sifat, Laili K. Boozary, Tina N. Le, Julia Mcquoid, Brittany Zaring-Hinkle, Sarah Tonkin, Lizbeth Benson, Bingjing Mao, Motolani Ogunsanya, Ruosi Shao, Amy M. Cohn, Allyson Shortle, Darla E. Kendzor

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data was conducted to characterize beliefs about abortion access in Oklahoma, measure stress associated with the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (2022), and evaluate the potential relationship between post-Roe stress (PR stress) and mental health. METHODS: From August through September 2022, adult Oklahomans (N = 1793) were surveyed about their sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs about abortion access, frequency of past-month stress related to the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and mental health. Beliefs about abortion access were characterized overall and within sociodemographic groups. The relationship between PR stress and mental health was evaluated, and …

Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Surveillance: A Delphi Panel Consensus, Juan Alban, R. Christopher Bowen, David A. Reichstein, Meredith Mckean, Jose Lutzky, Ezekiel Weis, Richard D. Carvajal, Susan Dulka, Brian G. Morse, Marcus O. Butler, Suthee Rapisuwon, Kevin B. Kim, Sanjay Chandrasekaran, Allison Betof Warner, Jonathan S. Zager, Bartosz Chmielowski, Sapna P. Patel, Leonel Fernando Hernandez-Aya, Zelia M. Correa, Leslie A. Fecher, Yana G. Najjar, Kamaneh Montazeri, Alexander N. Shoushtari, Asad Javed, Dan S. Gombos, April K. S. Salama, Katy Tsai, Frank H. Miller, Nikhil Khushalani, Rino S. Seedor, Evan J. Lipson, Sunil A. Reddy, Elizabeth Buchbinder, Shailender Bhatia, Anna Pavlick, Inderjit Mehmi, Thomas Aaberg, Alexandra P. Ikeguchi, Ivana K. Kim, Scott D. Walter, Arun D. Singh, Ryan J. Sullivan, Jacob S. Choi, Basil K. Williams, Marlana Orloff, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, Megan D. Schollenberger, Namita Gandhi, J. William Harbour, Sunandana Chandra

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Uveal melanoma is a rare but aggressive intraocular malignancy that metastasizes in up to half of patients, most commonly to the liver, despite effective local treatment. In the absence of robust evidence, there are no standardized guidelines for post-treatment surveillance, resulting in wide variation in imaging modalities, frequency, and duration across physicians and institutions. This study aimed to develop expert consensus recommendations for surveillance strategies in patients with uveal melanoma.

METHODS: A modified Delphi method was conducted across three iterative survey rounds between September 2024 and February 2025 using an online platform. Panelists included medical oncologists, ocular oncologists, radiologists, …

Electrochemical Sensors Based On Graphene Oxide/Pedot:Pss Composite Decorated With Bimetallic Gold–Silver Nanoparticles For H2o2 Detection, Rayyan Azzahra Hidayat, Budi Riza Putra, Munawar Khalil, Wulan Tri Wahyuni

Makara Journal of Science

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a biomarker that indicates oxidative stress levels in the human body; thus, rapid and accurate detection methods are necessary to diagnose various disorders. This study developed a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for detecting H₂O₂ using bimetallic gold–silver nanoparticles (Au–Ag NPs) combined with graphene oxide and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)-modified glassy carbon electrode. The surface properties of the modified electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrodes was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The bimetallic Au-Ag …

Korelasi Antara Intensitas Doomscrolling Konten Negatif Kehamilan Di Media Sosial Dengan Tingkat Stres Dan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil, Besse Aismaria Am, Yudiarsi Eppang B, Jusniati C

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background.The rapid development of social media has significantly influenced information-seeking behavior, including among pregnant women. One emerging phenomenon is doomscrolling, defined as the excessive consumption of negative information, which may trigger stress and anxiety.

Aim. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the intensity of doomscrolling of negative pregnancy-related information on social media and levels of stress and anxiety among pregnant women in Pare-Pare City.

Method. This study employed a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of all pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health centers in Pare-Pare City, …

Mental Health And Beliefs About Abortion Access Following Changes To Reproductive Healthcare Laws In 2022: Findings From Oklahoma, Munjireen Sifat, Laili K. Boozary, Tina N. Le, Julia Mcquoid, Brittany Zaring-Hinkle, Sarah Tonkin, Lizbeth Benson, Bingjing Mao, Motolani Ogunsanya, Ruosi Shao, Amy M. Cohn, Allyson Shortle, Darla E. Kendzor

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data was conducted to characterize beliefs about abortion access in Oklahoma, measure stress associated with the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (2022), and evaluate the potential relationship between post-Roe stress (PR stress) and mental health.

METHODS: From August through September 2022, adult Oklahomans (N = 1793) were surveyed about their sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs about abortion access, frequency of past-month stress related to the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and mental health. Beliefs about abortion access were characterized overall and within sociodemographic groups. The relationship between PR stress and mental health was evaluated, and …

Microglial Expression Of Serotonin Receptors Reveals Parallel Regulation Of 5-Ht2b And Bdnf In The Rat Hippocampus, Andrei Turkin, Maria Sidorova, Ekaterina Kurilova, Natalia Alenina, Oksana Tuchina, Friederike Klempin

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Growing evidence suggests that psychiatric disorders are characterized by a prolonged inflammatory state, which may influence the efficacy of compounds targeting serotonin. Serotonin is a key signaling molecule in neuroplasticity of the adult hippocampus and involved in antidepressant action. Recent in vitro studies indicate the neurotransmitter may also facilitate the response to inflammation and potentially modulate microglial function towards neuroprotection. Using Tph2−/− rats depleted of brain serotonin, we examined microglial expression of various serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) in vivo in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and assessed mRNA levels of cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We observed age-dependent and …

Concentric Macular Rings And Oct Corrugations In Foveal Hypoplasia: Proof Of Concept For An Optical Interference Mechanism, Ari August, Ralph Eagle, Tatyana Milman, Rebecca Procopio, Bruce Schnall, Jose Pulido

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

BACKGROUND: Concentric macular rings (CMR) and Henle fiber layer (HFL) corrugations, potential clinical biomarkers of foveal hypoplasia, have been observed in laser fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, respectively. Some believe these findings represent true anatomical structural changes while others hypothesize that they are artifacts of interference; however, to our knowledge, no previous study has provided evidence to support either theory.

METHODS: This retrospective case series analyzed CMR and OCT corrugations in 3 patients (6 eyes) with foveal hypoplasia. Dark fringe diameters of CMR at different wavelengths (λ: red = 635, green = 532, blue = 488 nm) …

Subgroup Analyses Of The Phase 3 Focus Study Of Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System In Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, Jonathan S. Zager, Marlana Orloff, Pier Francesco Ferrucci, Junsung Choi, David J. Eschelman, Evan S. Glazer, Aslam Ejaz, Erika Richtig, Sebastian Ochsenreither, Sunil A. Reddy, Michael C. Lowe, Georgia M. Beasley, Anja Gesierich, Martin Gschnell, Reinhard Dummer, Ana Arance, Stephen William Fenwick, Joseph J. Sacco, Johnny John, Matthew Wheater, Christian H. Ottensmeier

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy and safety in subgroups of patients treated with Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System (melphalan/HDS), a drug/device combination for liver-directed treatment of metastatic UM (mUM) patients. Previously reported FOCUS study results indicated melphalan/HDS treatment provides a clinically meaningful response rate and favorable benefit-risk ratio in patients with unresectable mUM.

METHODS: Patients with mUM received treatment with melphalan (3.0 mg/kg ideal body weight) every 6-8 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Post hoc analyses of efficacy and safety were conducted for patient subgroups based on demographic and baseline disease characteristics.

RESULTS: 102 patients with mUM were enrolled; treatment was attempted …

Application Of Flexible Endoscopy For Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal In A Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis Macularius), Jang-Hee Han, Seung Yoon Ahn, Do Na Lee, Seong Chan Yeon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A male captive-bred leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) presented with a history of inadvertent ingestion of a rubber tip from forceps during feeding. The foreign body was impalpable on physical examination, while radiographic evaluation confirmed its presence in the stomach. Considering the procedural risks associated with invasive surgical interventions, endoscopic retrieval under general anesthesia was pursued. An initial attempt using a 2.8 mm superfine flexible endoscope with 0.8 mm forceps was unsuccessful due to insufficient stability, which hindered effective navigation to the foreign body. In contrast, a second attempt using a larger 9.2 mm flexible endoscope with 2.3 mm …

Role Of Gut Microbiome In Oncogenesis And Oncotherapies, Renuka Sri Sai Peddireddi, Sai Kiran Kuchana, Rohith Kode, Saketh Khammammettu, Aishwarya Koppanatham, Supriya Mattigiri, Harshavardhan Gobburi, Suresh K. Alahari

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of human health, influencing not only metabolism and immunity but also the development and treatment of cancer. Mounting evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis contributes to oncogenesis by driving chronic inflammation, producing genotoxic metabolites, altering bile acid metabolism, and disrupting epithelial barrier integrity. At the same time, the gut microbiome significantly modulates the host response to oncotherapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and especially immunotherapy, where microbial diversity and specific taxa determine treatment efficacy and toxicity. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in both oncogenesis and oncotherapies, focusing …

Incidental Cardiac Metastasis In Breast Carcinoma, Yaomin Chen, Haibo Wang, Zhiyan Fu, Ellen Elizabeth Connor

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Clinical Significance: Metastatic breast cancer is a major global health burden, with common metastatic sites including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Cardiac metastasis is rare and often clinically silent, leading to underdiagnosis. Recognizing cardiac involvement, even when asymptomatic, is important for understanding the full extent of disease and ensuring optimal patient care. Case Presentation: We report the case of a woman with advanced breast carcinoma who showed no clinical or imaging evidence of cardiac involvement throughout the course of her illness. Following her death from progressive metastatic disease, an autopsy revealed metastatic carcinoma infiltrating the myocardium and …

Prediction Of Lung Vital Capacity Value From Thoracoabdominal Expansion In Young Adults, Aung Myo Htun, Aung Aung Nwe, Chatchaya Jaimanee, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Saowanee Nakmaroeng, Chatchai Phimphasak

Journal of Health Research

Background: Vital capacity (VC) is a fundamental indicator of pulmonary health, but its routine assessment often depends on spirometry devices that may be unavailable (i.e. because of access, cost) in many clinical or community settings. In contrast, lower costal (LC) and upper abdominal (AB) expansions are simple, equipment-free methods commonly used in physiotherapy.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed at developing prediction equations for VC using LC or upper AB expansion alongside demographic and anthropometric variables. The study involved 116 healthy nonsmokers (53 male and 63 female individuals) aged 18–39 years. VC was measured via spirometry using a …

Successful Management Of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis With Cyclosporine In Hiv-Infected Patient, Rasinta Ayudya Deltania, Anggun Putri Yuniaswan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) can be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, making its management more challenging and complex. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine in HIV-associated GPP.

Case illustration: A 31-year-old male with a six-year history of HIV on antiretroviral therapy presented with rapidly spreading erythematous plaques with scaling and patches, along with “lakes of pus”, involving 50% of the body surface area (BSA). He reported oral burning, dysgeusia, and odynophagia; tongue Gram stain showed budding yeast and pseudohyphae. The patient was diagnosed with GPP and oral candidiasis in the setting …