Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Covid-19 Risky Health Behavior Among College Students, Azait Imtiaz

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

This research explored the behavior of college students before and after the implementation of a mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at a public university in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia with 807 college students. The study assessed various factors, including living arrangements (shared living spaces such as rooms and bathrooms), social behavior (including social gatherings), adherence to mask protocols during gatherings, and hygiene practices (such as hand sanitization). The results indicated significant differences in social behavior (M_before = 19.82, M_after = 25.85, p =.001), mask-wearing (M_before = 20.73, M_after = 31.41, p …

Two Faces Of Mitral Stenosis: Uncovering Structural And Hemodynamic Signatures Of Rheumatic And Mitral Annular Calcification-Induced Disease, Mohammad S. Hashemi, Peter Abdelmaseeh, Atif Nehvi, Gregg S. Pressman, Arash Kheradvar

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common and associated with increased cardiovascular risk and, when severe, mitral stenosis (MS). MAC-related MS differs anatomically and hemodynamically from rheumatic MS (RMS), challenging standard diagnostic methods. This study compares structural and flow characteristics, including  kinetic energy losses, across MAC-related MS, RMS, and normal mitral valves, and evaluates the applicability of conventional diagnostic metrics in MAC.

METHODS: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic data sets from 70 patients (22 normal mitral valves, 26 RMS valves, 22 MAC valves) were used to obtain linear, area, and volumetric measurements for valve comparison. Representative valves from each group were converted …

Epidemiology Of Healthcare-Associated Ventriculitis And Meningitis (Hcavm) And Community-Acquired Meningitis/Encephalitis And Evaluation Of An Off-Label Pcr Panel For Hcavm Diagnosis, Jaime Nassur, Katarina Schnell, Christine Dolon, Laura Walters, Devin Weber, Matthew Pettengill

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis (HCAVM) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but rapid diagnostic tests intended to cover microorganisms that typically cause HCAVM are not commercially available. We sought to evaluate the etiology of HCAVM compared to community-acquired meningitis/encephalitis (CAME) at our healthcare system, and to study the utility of repurposing a multiplex molecular panel intended for positive blood cultures for HCAVM cases. Our epidemiologic review demonstrated that HCAVM cases were primarily caused by bacteria and fungi also associated with bloodstream infections, in contrast with CAME cases, which were primarily caused by herpesviruses and Cryptococcus. Eighty-two cerebrospinal fluid …

Increasing Physical Activity In Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol For A Two-Stage Randomized Controlled Trial Of A Remote, Mhealth-Enhanced Intervention, Tessa Hart, Monica Vaccaro, Lauren Krasucki, Inna Chervoneva, Amanda Rabinowitz

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

OBJECTIVE: Protocol for randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining effects of novel, remotely delivered intervention (called GetUp&Go) to increase physical activity (PA) in chronic, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI), including a mobile health (mHealth) component.

DESIGN: RCT (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06028334) with 1:1 randomization to 10 weeks of immediate treatment (IT) or waitlist (WL), with primary outcome measured at 10 weeks. A second randomization to 10 weeks of continued mHealth support vs. no treatment will allow for examination of effects of mHealth on maintenance of treatment gains.

PARTICIPANTS: 70 community-dwelling adults ≥6 months post msTBI; medically cleared and physically/ cognitively able to participate; …

National Landscape Of Pediatric And Adult Inpatient Sickle Cell Disease Care, Ashley M. Jenkins, Spoorthy Vangala, Matthew Mcintosh, Robert Legros, Sophie Lanzkron, Kevin Fiscella

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Acupuncture To Address Health Disparities In The Treatment Of Low Back Pain, Vivian Li, Alexander Reals, Deepa Manda, Elizabeth Loomis

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability, and treatment often involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Acupuncture is a medical treatment and ideology rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that utilizes applying small needles or pressure to specific points in the body. Utilized as an adjunct to supplement standard medical care, acupuncture is a procedure that can be done in a primary care setting. Multiple studies have shown efficacy in treating acute or chronic back pain, with up to 1.5% of the US population having used acupuncture at one point.

In the pursuit of holistic health, …

Rare Event: Neonatal Anaphylaxis Following Hepatitis B Vaccination – A Case Series From A Tertiary Care Center In India, Aarthi Ma, Revanth R

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

We report two cases of anaphylaxis following Hepatitis B vaccination in one-day-old neonates at a tertiary care hospital in India. Both cases presented with similar patterns of cutaneous reactions and respiratory symptoms shortly after intramuscular administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine. To our knowledge, this is among the few documented case series of neonatal anaphylaxis post–Hepatitis B vaccination, underscoring its rarity yet clinical importance. The cases highlight the critical importance of vigilant post-vaccination monitoring and prompt recognition of vaccine-associated adverse events in neonates. This report reviews current literature on anaphylaxis following vaccination and discusses optimal management strategies.

Late Bioprosthetic Valve Migration- A Rare Entity After Tavi, Sahej Arora, Ghazi Khan, Jeremiah Depta

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

We present a case of hemolytic anemia due to a rare complication of late bioprosthetic valve migration, who underwent successful treatment with valve in valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Our patient with symptomatic moderate aortic stenosis underwent the index procedure a year ago and treated for bacteremia 3 months ago, presented with hemolytic anemia and echocardiography revealing aortic paravalvular leak. The hemolysis was attributed to Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction after a negative hematological workup. The patient's aortography revealed ventricular migration of the valve, not seen on a cardiac CT scan performed before. This was followed by a successful valve in valve …

Prompt Thyroid Hormone Replacement Reversing Severe Bradycardia & Syncope, Cassie R. Girardin, George Vega, Rohail Baig

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, can significantly affect the cardiovascular system, leading to structural, functional, and conduction abnormalities. Hypothyroidism decreases inotropy and chronotropy and may cause bradycardia or conduction defects. Although these changes are typically reversible with thyroid hormone replacement, severe cases may necessitate pacemaker placement. This case describes an 82-year-old female with hypothyroidism, atrial fibrillation, and left bundle branch block (LBBB) who presented with recurrent syncope due to hypothyroidism-induced bradycardia with sinus pauses. Her symptoms resolved with thyroid hormone optimization, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of hypothyroidism-related cardiac manifestations to prevent unnecessary pacemaker implantation.

Rare Presentation Of Omental Tuberculosis With Drug-Induced Jaundice In A Teenage Female: A Case Report, Archana Venkatesan, Krishna Ravi

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Omental tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of abdominal TB, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that mimic malignancies. We report a case of a 16-year-old female from India who presented with abdominal distension, vomiting, weight loss, and amenorrhea. Imaging revealed an abdominal mass, and a diagnosis of omental TB was confirmed via histopathology. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by such atypical presentations, especially in TB-endemic regions. The patient also developed rifampicin-induced jaundice, which resolved upon drug cessation and supportive care. Anti-TB therapy was cautiously reintroduced at a modified dose. This report underscores the need for high clinical suspicion, …

Incidence And Predictors Of Encephalopathy In Patients Admitted With Lower Urinary Tract Infections: A Nationwide Analysis, Purva Shah, Shiamak Cooper, Ali Jaan, Basil George Verghese

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background. There are no large-scale study assessing the incidence and predictors of encephalopathy in patients with UTI. Also, there is a lack of data on encephalopathy outcomes in patients hospitalized with UTI. We aim to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and impact of encephalopathy on the outcomes of LUTI hospitalizations

Methods. Retrospective cohort study using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2017–2020). We included adult patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted with a principal diagnosis of lower urinary tract infection (LUTI), utilizing the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modifications (ICD-10- CM) codes. Multivariate logistic and linear regression …

Variation In Antiviral Immunity And Inflammation Pathways Precedes Hiv-1 Infection In A High-Risk African Cohort, Mwikali Kioko, Shaban Mwangi, Lynn Fwambah, Amin Hassan, Jason Blackard, Philip Bejon, Eduard Sanders, Thumbi Ndung’U, Eunice Nduati, Abdirahman Abdi

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

BACKGROUND. Susceptibility to HIV-1 infection varies between individuals, but the biological determinants of acquisition risk remain poorly defined.

METHODS. We conducted a case-control study nested within a high-risk cohort in Kenya. We compared the plasma extracellular RNA collected before HIV-1 acquisition with that from matched uninfected individuals acting as controls to identify immunological processes linked to infection risk.

RESULTS. Individuals who later acquired HIV-1 exhibited upregulation of immune processes that facilitate viral infection, including T cell suppression and type II IFN and Th2 immune responses. In contrast, processes associated with antiviral defence and tissue repair, such as …

Age And Sex Impact The Role Of Thrombospondin-2 And Thrombospondin-5 In Response To Hindlimb Ischemia, Irene Helenowski, Ashley Peters, Melissa Rangel, Corinne Bunn Md, Xuerong Wang, Kristopher Maier, Vivian Gahtan

Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Peripheral arterial disease progression to critical limb ischemia remains a significant burden in the aged, necessitating revascularization. Therapies to enhance neovascularization, such as angiogenesis or arteriogenesis, may provide an option for patients not suitable for surgery. The thrombospondins (TSPs) are secreted matricellular glycoproteins, with TSP-1, TSP-2, and TSP-5 implicated in neovascularization. Currently, there is little data regarding the effects of TSP-2, TSP-5, sex, and aging on angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. In vitro, the effect of TSP-2 or TSP-5 on early or late passage endothelial cell (EC) tubule formation or disruption was assessed. In vivo, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis in male and female, …

Recurrent Miller Fisher Syndrome: A Case Report, Larry Vernier, Griffin B. Gilmore, Kelsey Van Housen, Xiao C. Zhang

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Guillain-Barré syndrome can manifest with progressive paralysis, requiring careful monitoring and treatment with steroids or intravenous (IV) immunoglobin. While this disease can be devastating and require intensive care unit level of care, there are few incidences of relapses.

CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old man with a past medical history of Miller Fisher syndrome variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, with complete recovery, presented to the emergency department (ED) with ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, dysphonia, and ambulatory dysfunction. The patient noticed his neurologic symptoms after waking up, and he presented to the ED with physical examination positive for difficulty with upward gaze, mild right lower …

Are Berberine-Based Treatments Effective In Reducing Hemoglobin A1c (Hba1c%) In Adults With Type Ii Diabetes?, Queenie Douangpraseuth

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Are berberine-based treatments effective in reducing Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c%) in adults with type 2 diabetes?”

STUDY DESIGN: A review of 3 randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2015 to 2020 DATA SOURCES: Articles were found on PubMed and Google scholar. Selected articles were published in peer-reviewed journals in English and were chosen based on applicability to clinical questions posed in the objective and meeting inclusion criteria.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three RCTs measured the mean HbA1c% over time. A blood sample is taken and laboratory tests are …

A Case Report Of Milk-Alkali Syndrome Secondary To Excessive Antacid Use, Samir Beso, Layla Abubshait

Einstein Health Papers

INTRODUCTION: Milk-alkali syndrome is characterized by the triad of hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney injury resulting from excessive intake of calcium and absorbable alkali. Despite falling out of prominence with the advent of modern ulcer treatments, milk-alkali syndrome has experienced a resurgence with the widespread availability of over-the-counter calcium preparations, which now account for up to 10% of hypercalcemia cases.

CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presented to the emergency department with altered mental status after his scheduled kyphoplasty was canceled due to concerning neurological findings. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe hypercalcemia, marked metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney …

High-Flow Oxygen Therapy In Ild Exacerbations: An Imperfect Therapy, Kathleen Spritzer, Jesse Roman, Ross Summer, Gautam George

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

No abstract provided.

Dual Tyk2/Jak1 Inhibition By Brepocitinib Reprograms Synoviocyte Pathobiology: Mechanistic Insights Into Targeted Therapy For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Umar Saeed, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial hyperplasia, persistent inflammation, and joint destruction. Targeted inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT, has improved RA treatment outcomes, though safety and selectivity remain as concerns. Brepocitinib, a dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, has shown clinical efficacy in the management of autoimmune diseases, yet its mechanistic impact on synoviocytes remains underexplored.

Objectives:

To investigate the molecular and functional effects of brepocitinib on MH7A and RA-FLS synoviocytes, a key effector cell type in RA pathogenesis.

Methods:

MH7A and RA-FLS cells were treated with brepocitinib (0.5 µM, 1 µM, and 5 …

Evaluation Of Large Language Models As Decision Support Tools For Head And Neck Cancer Management: A Blinded Multidisciplinary Simulation Study, Sholem Hack, Ron J. Karni, Antonino Maniaci, Christopher E. Fundakowski, Luca Castellani, Fabiola Incandela, Remo Accorona, Miguel Mayo-Yanez, Martina Violati, Lorenzo Giannini, Niccolo' Mevio, Alberto Maria Saibene

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The management of head and neck cancer relies on multidisciplinary expertise; however, access to tumor boards remains variable. Large language models (LLMs) may support guideline-based decision-making, although performance in complex oncologic scenarios is not well defined.

METHODS: Fourteen synthetic cases based on real tumor board encounters were evaluated. Five blinded comparator arms produced recommendations: a human expert, Non-RAG-GPT-4, Non-RAG-GPT-5, RAG-GPT-4, and RAG-GPT-5. Eight head and neck oncologic surgeons scored each recommendation for appropriateness, clarity, specificity, and feasibility using 5-point Likert scales. Paired permutation testing and inter-rater reliability were assessed.

RESULTS: LLM outputs showed close alignment with expert recommendations. RAG-based …

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …

Factors Associated With Upstaging In Patients With Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Modern Institutional Sample, Sneha Alaparthi, Hamza Rshaidat, Luke Meredith, Scott H. Koeneman, Christina Grindley, Jacob Heilizer, Purab Kothari, Prarthna Chandar, Tyler Grenda, Nathaniel R. Evans Iii, Olugbenga T. Okusanya

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: There is significant value in predicting and better assessing patients who are at risk of post-surgery upstaging in lung cancer. The objective of this study is to review patients who were upstaged following resection and evaluate their clinical and demographic data to elucidate which factors portend an increased risk of pathologic upstaging at our institution (the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital).

METHODS: A retrospective review of institutional data was performed between 2011 and 2023. Patients with stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were included. Patients were excluded if they received neoadjuvant systemic therapy, including chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy, and were …

Clinical Outcomes Of Patients Hospitalized For Conventional Pacemaker Implantation With Protein-Energy Malnutrition, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Chalothorn Wannaphut, Hamza Tahir, John Malin, Thanathip Suenghataiphorn, Kanokphong Suparan, Aman Amanullah

Einstein Health Papers

INTRODUCTION: The impact of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) on patients hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation remains poorly understood.

METHODS: We utilized the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to evaluate the impact of PEM on the in-hospital outcomes of patients who underwent conventional pacemaker implantation. Patients aged 18 and older were identified by ICD-10 CM and PCS codes. Multivariable survey logistic and linear regression analyses were employed to examine in-hospital outcomes, including in-patient mortality, system-based outcomes, and post-procedural complications.

RESULTS: A total of 108 020 patients were identified with 4315 (3.99%) diagnosed with PEM. The mean age of the cohort …

Use Of Electrocardiograms To Identify Coronary Artery Disease: Cross-Validation Of An Artificial Intelligence Model, Michael Leasure, Indu Poornima, Adam Butchy, Utkars Jain, Devin Vasoya, Michael Warnick, Brent Williams, John Rehder, Prahlad Menon, Veronica A. Covalesky, Gary S. Mintz

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The current gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is invasive angiography; however, it is an invasive procedure. Therefore, we developed an artificial intelligence model designed to predict significant CAD from a resting digital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study assessed the model's ability to predict clinically significant CAD in a patient population presenting for coronary angiography.

METHODS: From 2019 to 2021, 16,476 patients had a resting 12-lead digital ECG recorded within 90 days prior to coronary angiography. The artificial intelligence model was developed using 10-fold cross-validation methodology. Clinically significant disease was defined as angiographic …

Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Behaviors Towards Invasive Meningococcal Disease And Its Vaccination Among Young Adults In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Wesam Osama Mandoura, Anmar Abdullah Bijar, Anmar Aiman Rehbini, Ghali Ghalib Alhindi

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a life-threatening infection associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity. Effective vaccines are available but meningococcal vaccination in Saudi Arabia is not mandatory outside specific high-risk groups. Public knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) toward IMD and its vaccination play a pivotal role in disease prevention and vaccine uptake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 residents of Saudi Arabia between July and August 2024 using a validated, Arabictranslated questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of IMD, attitudes toward vaccination, vaccination behaviors and sources of information. Knowledge scores were …

N-Acetylcysteine Is Associated With Changes In Functional Connectivity In Patients With Parkinson's Disease, Daniel A. Monti, George Zabrecky, Daniel Kremens, Tsao-Wei Liang, Nancy A. Wintering, Faezeh Vedaei, Emily Navarreto, Monisha Gupta, Alicia Steinmetz, Anthony J. Bazzan, Feroze Mohamed, Andrew B. Newberg

Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the changes in functional connectivity from resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) given N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), the prodrug to L-cysteine and a precursor to the natural biological antioxidant glutathione (GSH). The aim of this study was to determine whether NAC is associated with changes in functional connectivity, particularly in the basal ganglia, and improvements in Parkinson's symptoms.

METHODS: Forty-four patients with PD were randomized to either weekly intravenous infusions of NAC (50 mg/kg) plus oral doses (500 mg twice per day) for six months plus standard of care, or standard of …

Spatially Distinct Cellular And Molecular Landscapes Define Prognosis In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Kavitha Mukund, Darya Veraksa, David Frankhouser, Lixin Yang, Jerneja Tomsic, Raju Pillai, Srijan Atti, Zahra Mesrizadeh, Daniel Schmolze, Jovanny Zabaleta, Xiao-Cheng Wu, Mary-Anne Leblanc, Lucio Miele, Augusto Ochoa, Victoria Seewaldt, Shankar Subramaniam

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a prevalent breast cancer subtype with the lowest 5-year survival. Several factors influence outcomes, but their inherent molecular and cellular heterogeneity are increasingly acknowledged as crucial determinants. Here, we report on the spatio-molecular heterogeneity underlying TNBC tumors in a retrospective, treatment-naive cohort with differential prognoses (17 good prognoses [GPx] >15-year survival and 15 poor prognoses [PPx] < 3-year survival]) profiled using GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler. Analyses reveal that epithelial and microenvironment (TME) states are transcriptionally distinct between groups. Invasive GPx epithelia show an increase in immune transcripts, with a more immune-rich TME (via IF). PPx epithelia, in contrast, are more metabolically and translationally active, with a mesenchymal/fibrotic TME. Pre-cancerous epithelia in PPx exhibit a presence of aggressiveness, marked by increased EMT signaling and complement activity. We identify distinct epithelial gene signatures for PPx and GPx that can accurately classify diagnostic samples and likely inform therapy.

Editorial: Advancing Musculoskeletal Health: Bridging Basic And Clinical Research On Biomechanical Properties Of Joints, Ligaments, Tendons, And Associated Structures, Xin Jin, Snehal S. Shetye, Mengcun Chen

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Apolipoprotein E4 And Its Later-Life Health Effects On The Multiple Sclerosis Population, Dean Zeldich, Chia Hsin Cheng, Yi Guan, Sriman Narain, Bang-Bon Koo

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele, a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's Disease, accelerates cognitive decline and neuroinflammatory processes, including blood-brain-barrier disruption. This study explores the impact of APOE4 on later-life health in MS patients using biomarkers from the UK Biobank.

METHODS: MS patients were grouped by APOE4 carrier status: MS-E4 and MS-nonE4. Age- and sex-matched non-MS controls (control-E4, control-nonE4) were included for comparison. Analyses assessed retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) from optical coherence tomography (OCT), blood biomarkers, cognitive performance, and brain magnetic …

Race And Patient-Physician Communication On Blood Pressure Management: Helping Improve Care, Samar A. Nasser, Ashley Pender, Ayan Ali, Kardie Tobb, Keith C. Ferdinand

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the relationship of race and ethnicity and patient-physician/clinician communication on blood pressure management.

RECENT FINDINGS: The suboptimal interactions experienced by patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations may be improved by enriching relationships among clinicians, population health scientists, policymakers, and community members/leaders. Current care communication and policies for managing hypertension appear to be insufficient. Implementing and disseminating effective strategies to efficiently improve the quality of hypertension care and recognize social determinants of health among minoritized populations is intertwined with enhanced communication.

SUMMARY: Approaches such as self-affirmation—encouraging patients to reflect on their strengths …

Post-Traumatic Rupture Of Primary Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm (Spen) Of The Pancreas In A Male Adolescent: A Case Report, Paulo Castro, Heather Hartman, Yashasvi Shukla, Michael Moore, Dennis Drehner, Harish Lavu

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction Solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) is a rare pancreatic tumor that typically presents in adult women and is usually asymptomatic. Case presentation A 12-year-old male presented to the emergency department with worsening abdominal pain one day after suffering mild abdominal trauma during a soccer match. Physical exam showed diffuse abdominal tenderness and guarding. CT abdomen with IV contrast showed a heterogeneous, round structure adjacent to the pancreatic tail with mass effect upon the spleen. MRI abdomen revealed a “claw sign” of pancreatic tissue surrounding the structure, suggesting a an underlying pancreatic mass with capsular rupture measuring 8.3 x 8.1 …