Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessing The Impact Dynamics Of Less Lethal Ammunition, Steven Bermejo

Student Theses

Less-lethal ammunition is widely used by law enforcement as an alternative to lethal force during crowd control, on-street confrontations, and other situations requiring force. Although these projectiles are intended to reduce risk of fatal injury, serious injuries and fatalities have been reported, highlighting the need to better understand the factors that influence their impact behavior. This study evaluated the impact dynamics of four types of 12-gauge less-lethal ammunition, including rubber buckshot, single rubber ball, double rubber ball, and Byrna kinetic projectile, using kinetic energy calculations derived from projectile mass and velocity measurements. In addition, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared …

Towards The Synthesis Of Dragonamide E And Analogs Thereof, Dante Glover

Chemistry Theses

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a parasite spread through the female sand fly. It is categorized as a Neglected Tropical Disease and can cause very severe symptoms, even death, if left untreated. Symptoms include skin lesions that can cause permanent scarring, and mucosal membrane infections that can cause facial deformities. More aggressive forms of leishmaniasis can lead to infections of internal organs like the liver and/or spleen and can lead to death. Drug resistance of these parasites has rendered treatment limited and the side effects of which can be harmful as well.

Scientists looking towards new treatments for tropical …

Clinical Utility Of An Fda-Authorized Artificial Intelligence Imaging Platform In Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis, Arjun Prakash Tambe, Ryan Boente, Gautam George, Fayez Kheir, Omid Tahamtani Omran, Kavitha Selvan

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is challenging and frequently delayed. Clinically accessible and minimally invasive diagnostic tools are needed to expedite the diagnosis of ILD while minimizing risk to patients. Fibresolve is an imaging artificial intelligence (AI) tool recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in ILD diagnosis and made available to clinicians. The objective of this study was to describe its utility in clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients across the United States (US) in whom Fibresolve was utilized during routine clinical practice between July 2024 and …

Occupational Health Hazard: Silicosis Policy In California's Engineered Stone Industry, Devany G. Rocha

Master's Projects and Capstones

This policy analysis evaluated the effectiveness of current California regulations that were enacted after the STOP Act was passed to address silicosis incidence rates against Australia's complete ban on manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone with greater than 1% crystalline silica content. Silicosis is a deteriorating fibrotic lung disease caused by the prolonged or massive inhalation of crystalline silica (Dynamed, 2023). To assess the scope of the problem under the STOP Act, we used data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) surveillance from 2019 to present. We assessed incidence rates, mortality rates, and patient demographics. We …

Assessing The Feasibility Of A Self-Management Intervention For Individuals With Advanced Prostate Cancer And Comorbid Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Amy L. Shaver, Christina Steinbock-Malfer, William Tester, Patrick Mille, William K. Kelly, Kevin K. Zarrabi, Costas D. Lallas, Mihir M. Shah, Rose Dimarco, Emily Brand, Shawntel Brown, Swapnil Sharma, Nikita Nikita, Cindy Cogen, Scott W. Keith, Grace Lu-Yao

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Many older adults with cancer have at least one comorbidity. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity among patients with prostate cancer (PC) and represents an important consideration in this population. Comorbid T2DM can negatively impact cancer-specific outcomes for patients, suggesting the need for better glycemic management, especially for patients on active cancer treatment. The goal of this modified Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (mDSMES) pilot study was to provide patients with the opportunity to learn methods of diabetes self-management, including how to manage their glucose levels, improve their understanding and utilization of medication to promote improvements in …

Yap1-Dependent Regulation Of Cell Size In Bcam-Positive Limbal Corneal Progenitor Cells, Kosei Suzuki, Shinri Sato, Markus H. Frank, Natasha Y. Frank, Yuzuru Sasamoto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cell size has been associated with stem and progenitor cell states across multiple tissues, yet its regulation in the human corneal epithelium remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to characterize cell-size differences among limbal and corneal epithelial cell populations defined by the limbal stem cell (LSC) marker ABCB5 and the transit-amplifying cell (TAC) marker BCAM, and to investigate the molecular regulators of progenitor cell size. ABCB5-positive LSCs and BCAM-positive TACs were identified and isolated by flow cytometry, and the mean cell size was estimated using forward scatter (FSC). As a result, ABCB5-positive LSCs were significantly smaller than ABCB5-negative limbal epithelial …

The Rpm-1/Phr Signaling Hub Modulates Tau-Induced Neurodegeneration Through Regulation Of Microtubule Stability And Mapk Pathways In C. Elegans, Xinxing Ding

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, are characterized by the accumulation of pathological tau proteins and progressive neuronal loss. Although research regarding tau-mediated toxicity is extensive, the specific pathology that determine whether neurons maintain homeostasis or succumb to collapse under tau-induced stress remain incompletely elucidated. A central, yet still insufficiently understood, feature of these diseases is the disruption of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton . The PHR protein family is evolutionarily highly conserved; within this family, RPM-1 in C. elegans functions as an intracellular signaling hub that regulates axon development, synapse formation, axon termination, and various microtubule-associated processes. This …

The Impact Of Age, Health, And Education On Public Attitudes Towards Covid-19 Vaccines In Ireland, Kate Buckley, Aisling Burke, Chloe Holland, Clodagh O'Flynn

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Abstract:

Introduction: Studies have revealed that age, health status and 3^rd level education influence public attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the public’s attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine two years post-pandemic.

Methods: Ethical approval was obtained for the study. A total of 241 participants who provided informed consent were surveyed anonymously using closed-ended, open-ended and Likert Scale questions. Associations between specific demographics and vaccination attitudes were established using SPSS software.

Results: A higher percentage of 25–34-year-olds and 35–44-year-olds regretted receiving COVID-19 vaccines (46.6% and 37.5% …

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Comment On: Managing Sickle Cell Disease And Related Complications In Pregnancy: Results Of An International Delphi Panel, Deva Sharma, Ilknur Pamuk, Kenneth I. Ataga, Alexandra Benachi, Selim Büyükkurt, Sophie Lanzkron, Hakan Ozdogu, Shivan Pancham, Lydia H. Pecker, Susan E. Robinson, Safak Yilmaz Baran

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

Consensus-based recommendations on managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy were recently published in a hematology journal. As this topic is also of great interest to obstetricians and gynecologists, we summarize some of these recommendations, while highlighting the challenges of providing evidence-based medical care to pregnant individuals with sickle cell disease.

"It's Probably Like A Web": Complex Relationships Between Pain And Mental Health Among Bisexual+ Women With Chronic Pain, Aster Harrison, Mansha Mirza

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Bisexual+ women experience higher rates of both mental illness and chronic pain when compared to either straight or lesbian women. Their experiences of the relationship between their mental health and chronic pain remain underexplored. This article presents an intersectional Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the experiences of six bisexual+ women with chronic pain.

METHODS: Each woman completed two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, beginning with in-depth case study analysis of each person's interviews before moving to comparison across cases.

RESULTS: Results indicated a complex web of multidirectional relationships between mental health and chronic pain. These relationships …

Metastatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Rare Cause Of Hypopituitarism, Smriti Nair, Taskeen Ahmed, Jessica Watari

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Pituitary metastases from pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) are exceedingly rare but should be considered in patients presenting with arginine vasopressin deficiency and panhypopituitarism in the context of known or suspected metastatic lung cancer. Early recognition and prompt initiation of hormonal replacement therapy are essential to prevent life-threatening endocrine crises and to improve symptom burden. We describe a case of a 43-year-old male who presented with dyspnea, weight loss, and weakness who was found to have metastatic LCNEC involving the liver. Endocrine evaluation revealed central hypothyroidism, central adrenal insufficiency, and later arginine vasopressin deficiency manifested by polyuria and hypernatremia. …

Using Fecal Diagnostic Tests To Assess The Prevalence Of Fasciola Hepatica In The United States Sheep Population, Brooke A. Delcambre

LSU Master's Theses

Fasciola hepatica, the common liver fluke, is endemic in the Pacific Northwest and Gulf Coast of the United States. To provide updated information on F. hepatica prevalence, as part of the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System Sheep 2024 study, sheep operations in the top 30 sheep-producing states were identified, and producers were invited to participate. For each operation, feces were collected from at least eight sheep and pooled to form a single composite sample. Two methods were used to identify sheep infected with F. hepatica: fecal sedimentation and indirect sandwich ELISA. At the national level, across 318 operations, 7.1 …

Locoregional Therapy Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery For Liver Cancers, Thomas Eggleston, Bassem Fayek, Jacqueline Kowalke, Mina Makary

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Hepatic malignancies account for a substantial portion of global cancer mortality, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC), and metastatic liver disease representing the most common diagnoses. While surgical resection and liver transplantation remain curative options for eligible patients, most patients are diagnosed at stages unsuitable for surgery. This has shifted medical management towards locoregional therapies (LRTs) which are often catheter-directed. Of these interventions, the use of conventional end-hole catheters for therapeutic infusion has been a mainstay of treatment, but this method is constrained by retrograde particle escape and elevated tumoral interstitial fluid pressure. Together, these factors limit drug penetration …

Neural-Immune-Cardiovascular Axis: From Mechanistic Crosstalk To Therapeutic Targets In Cardiovascular Disease, Junkang Cheng, Shuang Gao, Haowei Zhang, Wei Gao, Zeyuan Mei, Xiaoling Liu, Jocelyn Gao, Chenghu Guo, Guipeng An

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

The neural-immune-cardiovascular axis represents an emerging and highly integrated physiological and pathophysiological concept, describing a complex bidirectional communication network between the nervous, immune, and vascular systems. This review systematically examines the pivotal role of this axis in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We first provide an overview of the fundamental signaling pathways between the components of this axis. Subsequently, we delve into the specific crosstalk mechanisms within the axis in the context of major cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. A central focus is placed on critically evaluating the potential therapeutic targets and …

Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage And Associated Factors Among Women Aged 25-59 In Eswatini: Insights From The 2021 Population-Based Hiv Impact Assessment (Phia), Abenezer Melaku Tafese, Bikiltu Dirbaba, Meseker Fentie, Charnita Zeigler-Johnson

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Eswatini, which reported the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates globally in 2022. However, recent nationally representative published data on cervical cancer screening coverage in Eswatini remain limited. This study aimed to estimate cervical cancer screening coverage and identify factors associated with screening uptake among women aged 25-59 years in Eswatini.

METHOD: Data were drawn from the 2021 Eswatini Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA), a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey. Survey-weighted bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify …

Inhibiting Chikungunya Virus Protease Using Mtase-Like Domain Interactions For Novel Antiviral Therapies, Justin G. Julander

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy As A Chronic Cancer Pain Syndrome: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Limitations, And Future Directions, Reed Firestone, Jamin Morrison

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, dose-limiting complication of cancer therapy and a major contributor to chronic neuropathic pain among cancer survivors. Although traditionally managed as a treatment-related toxicity, persistent CIPN frequently persists long after chemotherapy completion and is increasingly recognized as a major survivorship and palliative care challenge. This review synthesizes current mechanistic, clinical, and translational evidence and reframes persistent CIPN as a chronic neuropathic cancer pain syndrome. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual review of key references and clinical guidelines. Emphasis was placed …

Rare Presentation Of Sequential Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, And Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case-Based Review, Khushi J. Desai, Ansy H. Patel, Patrick T. O’Dowd, Joseph A. Tworek, Preeti G. Misra, Li Ding

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction: Occurrence of 2 (or more) Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma concordantly or sequentially in a single patient is very rare.

Case: An 88-year-old Italian male with a history of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in remission and indolent follicular lymphoma under surveillance, presented with acute autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). While initially speculated to be secondary to follicular lymphoma relapse, stable mesenteric lymphadenopathy compared to prior CT abdomen/pelvis and smudge cells on peripheral smear prompted further evaluation. Peripheral blood flow cytometry indicated a mature B-cell neoplasm, which was confirmed to be chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a bone marrow biopsy. Minimal …

Left-Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy Presenting With Atrial Flutter With Rapid Ventricular Response, Sahil Ghay, Baneet Kaur, J. Armando Talavera, Koushik Sanku, Viky S. Loescher, Julien A. Exposito

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy characterized by prominent trabeculations and deep recesses that predispose to arrhythmias and heart failure. We describe a 42-year-old man with persistent tachycardia and exertional fatigue found to have CTI-dependent atrial flutter with 2:1 conduction. Transesophageal echocardiography showed severe biventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 15%, and cardiac MRI confirmed LVNC with a non-compacted to compacted ratio of 3.3. After successful ablation and normal coronary angiography, he was diagnosed with LVNC. This case highlights an unusual presentation of LVNC with typical atrial flutter and underscores the value of cardiac MRI …

The Effect Of Empiric Initiation Of Treatment On Outcomes Among Patients Presenting With Extrapulmonary Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection In A Community Hospital Setting, Talha Awwal, Faisal Raja Kh, Hanya Awaba, Waseem Anwar, Jinma Ren, Muhammad Aamir Safdar, Saqib Walayat, John J. Farrell

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for ~20% of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in Pakistan. Diagnostic delays are common and may worsen outcomes. We evaluated whether empiric treatment initiation improves outcomes among patients with EPTB at a large public hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Methods: Retrospective cohort of consecutive EPTB cases at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (January–June 2016). Patients were categorized as clinically diagnosed (symptoms/radiology) or laboratory-supported (histology, microbiology, or biochemical tests). Standard Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) based regimens were used. Outcomes were treatment success, failure, loss to follow-up, and mortality; groups were compared using chi-square testing. Results: Of 317 EPTB …

Assessing Current Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management Practices For Sickle Cell Disease In Adults, Shreya Kolipaka, Michelle Axe, Charmaine Wright, Stephanie Guarino

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

OBJECTIVES: Both acute and chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease (SCD) is often managed with opioid therapy despite limited evidence for long-term efficacy. Adequately managing SCD pain requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. In other conditions, peer-mentored group programs are effective in managing chronic pain; however, their role in SCD is not yet described. Our objective is to understand patients' current pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic SCD management practices as well as further exploring perspectives of pain related to SCD.

METHODS: Participants were interviewed using semi-structured format. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed. Descriptive statistics and pain management modality …

Healthcare Access And The Persistent Racial Disparities In Low Birth Weight, Zaheda A. Hussain, Yadanar Moe

DePaul Discoveries

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as less than 2,500 grams, is an influential factor contributing to infant mortality in the United States, with significant racial disparities between Black and White mothers. This study analyzed data from 3,054 Black and White mothers collected from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey to explore the association between access to medical care and LBW within different racial groups. The prevalence of LBW was 8.0%. Overall, mothers without a usual place of medical care had, on average, an 18% higher risk of LBW than those with a usual place (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80–1.74). …

Testing Elicitors Of Homologous Jadr2 Proteins To Regulate Natural Product Production, Carzon J. Williams, Emilee A. Patterson, Allison S. Walker

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has and will contribute to global economic and public health concerns in the foreseeable future leading into 2050. As mortality rates derived from AMR are projected to reach 10 million if no viable solution is found to combat it through hastened drug discovery. The use of natural products to mitigate AMRs effects is viable as more than 50% of FDA approved drugs are natural products. These natural products are synthesized by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC), found in bacteria with a regulatory protein not allowing transcription until unbound . Current methods of eliciting the …

Biotic Therapies For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Current Interventions, Gina Wodarczyk, Maria Winte, Diana Mastellone, Termen Singh, Joshua Desipio, Sangita Phadtare

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without measurable disease processes. Recent research emphasizes the gut-brain-microbiome (GBM) axis and explores how microbiota influence gastrointestinal and central nervous system functions. Here, we first discuss a brief overview of various treatment approaches for IBS, focusing on interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics that target the GBM axis in adults with IBS. Relevant trials discussed the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet In Adult Patients With Mild To Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled-Feeding Trial, Albert Sheng-Yin Chen, Long Nguyen, Brianna Gray, Katherine Williams, Jenny Gurung, Lauren Canha, Jessica Mcgoldrick, Jane Hubbard, Hamed Khalili

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Background and aims: This pilot randomized controlled-feeding trial compared the effect of Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and Mediterranean diet (MeD) in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Seventeen adults were randomized to a 6-week SCD (n = 8) or MeD (n = 9) intervention. Primary outcome was change in partial Mayo Clinic score (pMCS).

Results: The study was discontinued early due to significant dropout (n = 9, 52.9%). There was no significant between-group differences observed for pMCS change (SCD, -0.8; MeD, -1.3; p = 0.499) or secondary outcomes. Exploratory metagenomic analysis revealed enrichment of Parasutterella excrementihominis …

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension With Negative Brain Mri Findings: A Systematic Review Of Diagnostic Strategies And Clinical Outcomes, Marina Romozzi, Giuseppe Garignano, Valid Rastegar, Francesco Onorati, Catello Vollono, Federico Tosto, Masahito Katsuki, Yasuhiko Matsumori, Francesco Signorelli

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a debilitating syndrome typically characterized by orthostatic headache and classic brain MRI findings. However, brain MRI abnormalities are indirect manifestations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume depletion rather than direct evidence of the leak, and some patients may present with unrevealing or absent typical brain MRI findings, posing a considerable diagnostic challenge.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted to perform a systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines, analyzing the available evidence on MRI-negative SIH (patients without typical SIH findings on their initial brain MRI), including its clinical features, …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of Automated Texts To Offer, Screen, And Enroll Patients In A Cancer Clinical Trial Financial Reimbursement Program: Mixed Methods Study, Ashley E Santaniello, Hena Patel, Sarah Milinski, Mohan Balachandran, Vivian Nguyen, E. Paul Wileyto, Robert H. Vonderheide, Dana Dornsife, Robert G. Johnson, Carmen E. Guerra

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Out-of-pocket (OOP) costs pose a significant barrier to participating in cancer clinical trials (CCTs). Financial reimbursement programs (FRPs) that reduce the burden of OOP costs can support participation in CCTs if the information is readily available to participants at the time of enrollment. Prior studies have shown the importance and impact of FRPs, but despite improvements, significant barriers still remain.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of automated texts designed to offer, screen, and enroll CCT participants in an FRP for OOP travel and lodging-related clinical trial costs.

METHODS: This study used a mixed …

Benefits Of Pet Friendly Work Environments On Physical, Mental, And Social Health Of Office Workers: A Systematic Review, Ahmed Radwan, Jenna Keeman, Tristan Hunzinger, Owen Wilson, Shayla Seymour

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Pet-friendly workplace initiatives are increasingly common, yet the empirical evidence for benefits to office workers’ physical, mental, and social health is scattered and heterogeneous.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on health-related outcomes associated with pet-friendly work environments for office and desk-based workers, and to appraise the current level of evidence.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic search (2014–2024) was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, OVID, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, extracted data, and appraised study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Outcomes were coded and synthesized narratively within three domains: physical, mental, …