Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Strep Pasteurianus Toxic Shock Syndrome Revealing Colon Adenocarcinoma, Kendal Hansen, Enrique Urrutia

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Dark And Camouflaged Genomic Regions Remain Challenging In Chm13, Mark E. Wadsworth, Madeline L. Page, Bernardo Aguzzoli Heberle, Justin B. Miller, Cody J. Steely, Mark T. W. Ebbert

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Comprehensive genomic analysis is essential for advancing our understanding of human genetics and disease. However, short-read sequencing technologies are inherently limited in their ability to resolve highly repetitive, structurally complex, and low-mappability genomic regions, previously coined as “dark” regions. Long-read sequencing technologies, such as PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), offer improved resolution of these regions, yet they are not perfect. With the advent of the new Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) CHM13 reference genome, exploring its effect on dark regions is prudent. In this study, we systematically analyze dark regions across four human genome references—HG19, HG38 (with and without alternate contigs), and …

Data-Driven Thresholds For Standardized Classification Of Severe Alzheimer’S Disease Neuropathology Using Digital Neuropathology, Ryan K. Shahidehpour, Allison M. Neltner, Mitchell A. Klusty, Cole Corbett, Angelique D. Gonzalez, David A. Gutman, David W. Fardo, Adam D. Bachstetter, Cody Bumgardner, Margaret E. Flanagan, Peter T. Nelson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes (ADNC)—operationalized with semi-quantitative parameters—represent the consensus-based gold standard for diagnostic evaluation of disease severity. Although useful, ADNC diagnostic frameworks have limitations, particularly in advanced disease stages where pathological severity varies widely within a given diagnostic category. Further, some individuals lacking cognitive impairment are inappropriately categorized as having severe ADNC. In this study, quantitative pathology metrics and alternative tissue sampling schemes were integrated with data about premortem cognitive status, in order to derive clinically informed neuropathologic diagnostic thresholds. Specific goals of the current study were to generate data-driven, standardized diagnostic cut-points, with the most severe stages of …

Clonal Expansion Of Cytotoxic Cd8⁺ T Cells In Lecanemab-Associated Aria, Lance A. Johnson, Kai Saito, Akhil V. Pallerla, Jessica L. Funnell, Ashley R. Ezzo, Chelsea M. Song, Douglas A. Harrison, Noah J. Norton, Lauren C. Moore, Linda J. Van Eldik, David W. Fardo, Greg E. Cooper, Josh M. Morganti

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) are the principal safety concern limiting anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, yet their biology remains unclear. Here we show, through multi-omic profiling of peripheral blood from three ARIA+ patients and matched controls, that ARIA is associated with coordinated reprogramming of CD8 + T cells. CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and terminally differentiated (TEMRA) subsets were expanded, clonally enriched, and transcriptionally primed for cytotoxicity and vascular trafficking. Transcription factor inference and metabolomics converged on glycolytic reprogramming favoring short-lived effector function. Ligand-receptor modeling revealed enhanced monocyte-to-T cell signaling through antigen presentation, adhesion, and chemokine axes, while integration with a …

Knowledge Based Automated Planning For Non-Coplanar Vmat Stereotactic Radiosurgery In Ocular Malignancies, Chase Cochran, Shane Mccarthy, William St. Clair, Damodar Pokhrel

Radiation Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to enucleation in the management of ocular malignancies. SRS/SRT planning is time-consuming, complex, and the plan quality depends on the experience of the treatment planner. We demonstrate the use of RapidPlan modeling in conjunction with HyperArc for the treatment of ocular diseases to improve planning efficiency, consistency, and quality.

Materials and Methods: A HyperArc-based RapidPlan (HARP) model was iteratively trained on 80 patient datasets that simulated ocular malignancies. Twenty additional patient datasets were reserved for model testing and comparison with manual plans. Each testing dataset was both …

Designing Theranostic Radiopharmaceutical Trials For Uterine Cervix Cancer, Denise Fabian, Molly E. Buffington, Brianna S. Cagle, Steve M. Keefe, Michael K. Schultz, Charles A. Kunos

Radiation Medicine Faculty Publications

Designing and interpreting early phase trials of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals remains challenging because it is difficult to isolate effective levels of activity in enriched patient populations that would be worth following up in later-phase development. This study explores the known challenges and emerging opportunities for clinical research on patients with uterine cervical cancer. We identified eight randomized combination trials for advanced-stage uterine cervix cancer that were activated between 2011 and 2022 and tabulated their results to determine whether combinations were better than individual constituents and which suitable study population is best situated for the study of a new theranostic agent. In …

Substitution Of Cannabis For Prescribed Medications In The Management Of Anxiety And Depression Among Midlife Women: A Cross-Sectional Study, Jocelyn Mueller, Jamia Sapp, Jennifer Attonito, Aditya Chakraborty, Karina Villalba

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background and Aims

Given the rising prevalence of cannabis use as an alternative strategy for managing mental health symptoms, there is a crucial need to understand the determinants of substitution behavior, particularly among midlife women who may experience distinct psychosocial and clinical profiles. This study examined the predictors of cannabis substitution among midlife women by comparing profiles of women who substituted cannabis for antidepressant medications versus those who substituted for anxiolytic medications.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 172 women who reported substituting cannabis for either anxiety or depression medications was conducted. Measures included the PHQ-8, OASIS, AUDIT, and ACEs. Logistic …

Reverse Koebner Phenomenon In Linear Scalp Morphea Following Punch Biopsy: A Rare Therapeutic Response, Suhas C. Gowda, Akshay Samagani, Shreyas C. Gowda

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Morphea is a chronic immune-mediated fibrosing disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin. Linear morphea of the scalp (en coup de sabre) commonly demonstrates the Koebner phenomenon, wherein lesions develop at sites of trauma; however, the reverse Koebner phenomenon—trauma-induced regression—is exceptionally rare. We report an unusual case of linear scalp morphea showing early regression following a diagnostic punch biopsy. A 71-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, indurated linear plaque on the scalp of two months’ duration. Histopathology from a 3.5-mm punch biopsy confirmed morphea, demonstrating dense collagen bundles with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. At follow-up eight days after …

Severe Maternal Morbidity According To Sickle Cell Disease Genotype, Tetsuya Kawakita, Natsume Furukawa, Sora A. Jones, Salimah Navaz Gangji

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hemoglobinopathy that disproportionately affects individuals of African descent and is associated with elevated risks of maternal complications. However, the contribution of specific SCD genotypes to severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and postpartum readmission remains poorly characterized at the population level.

Objective

We sought to examine the association between SCD genotypes-hemoglobin SS (HbSS) disease, hemoglobin SC (HbSC) disease, sickle thalassemia, and sickle cell trait-and SMM, hospital readmission, and related adverse maternal outcomes.

Study design

This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 through 2022, representing over 20 million weighted …

Sleepiness In Pregnancy And Adverse Perinatal Outcomes, Rachel Friedlander, Xiaoning Huang, Phyllis Zee, Sadiya S. Khan, Philip Greenland, Francesca L. Facco, Judith Chung, William A. Grobman, Shalini Manchanda, Uma M. Reddy, George R. Saade, Robert M. Silver, Lynn M. Yee

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Sleep disorders in pregnancy have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes mellitus, yet these findings are largely from retrospective studies. Using data from a prospective study that used validated tools to assess sleepiness in pregnancy, we aimed to assess the association of sleepiness in pregnancy with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of data from a large, diverse prospective cohort of nulliparous individuals conducted at eight United States medical centers, those with self-reported sleep data were included. Sleepiness was evaluated in early (6-13 weeks) and mid-pregnancy (22-29 …

Posterior Subperiosteal Abscess Of The Distal Femur In A Pediatric Patient: A Rare Surgical Presentation Of Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis, Michael Dearman, Corey Bindner

School of Medicine Student Publications and Presentations

Introduction: Pediatric osteomyelitis commonly arises from acute hematogenous spread and remains diagnostically challenging due to limited radiographic findings and difficulty obtaining MRI in young children. Subperiosteal abscess formation is an uncommon but serious complication, with posterior distal femoral involvement reported only once previously.

Case Report: A 19-month-old male presented with fever and refusal to bear weight. Initial radiographs were unremarkable. Worsening symptoms prompted admission with rising inflammatory markers and blood cultures positive for gram positive cocci. MRI demonstrated distal femoral metaphyseal osteomyelitis with a posterior subperiosteal abscess. Through an anterior arthrotomy and metaphyseal drilling, osteomyelitis and joint involvement were addressed. …

Fill The Void - An Introductory Guide For Learning Medical Imaging, Reid Faith, Peter Gahan, Adam Trusty, Aleksandr Zyskin, Chukwuka Ukekwe, Denise Nchinda, Amanda K. Burbage, Alberto E. Musto

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

No standardized, comprehensive approach for radiological image interpretation exists among medical schools in the United States of America. In order to rectify this, we outline a model aimed to help improve how medical imaging can be taught in medical schools. The VOID (Visualization, Orientation/Observation, Identification, Description) guide is a proposed universal, stepwise approach to medical image identification, interpretation, and communication. This structured guideline is aimed at building a foundation for students in early medical education. The VOID was applied to CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and x-ray modalities as integrated sessions for medical students during human anatomy laboratory. …

Evaluation Of Micronized, Electrospun Fiber Matrix Effect On Outcomes Of Major Lower Extremity Amputations., Michael Dearman, Brittany Wagner, Alireza Behbudi, Luis Fernandez, Alan Cook, Rebecca Swindall, Brandi Pero, Alisha Thedford

School of Medicine Student Publications and Presentations

Background: Major lower extremity amputations are associated with substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality (Belmont). Restrata is a synthetic electrospun fiber matrix that is engineered to closely resemble human extracellular matrix to facilitate wound healing while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional biologic wound matrices (MacEwan, Fernandez). There have been no studies which have directly compared micronized electrospun fiber matrix (MEFM) to biologic xenograft matrices in patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation. The purpose of this study is to compare postoperative wound recovery in patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation, treated with MEFM (Restrata Minimatrix, Acera, St.Louis, Missouri ) versus a type …

Evaluation Of Micronized, Electrospun Fiber Matrix Effect On Outcomes Of Major Lower Extremity Amputations, Michael Dearman, Brittany Wagner, Luis Fernandez, Alireza Behbudi, Alan Cook, Rebecca Swindall, Brandi Pero, Alisha Thedford

School of Medicine Student Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Proof-Of-Concept Development And Preclinical Evaluation Of A Microarray Patch Platform For Codelivery Of Multiple Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies For Hiv Prevention, M. Melissa Peet, Vivek Agrahari, Parbeen Singh, Lam Luong Hoai Nguyen, Louise A. Ouattara, Eun Sung Yang, Carolina Herrera, Amarendra Pegu, Theodore C. Pierson, Thanh D. Nguyen, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are advancing as a preventative or treatment option for HIV infection, but currently must be administered parenterally, typically as a large injection or infusion, an invasive method of delivery, especially for the pediatric population. Here, we present proof-of-concept data on a minimally invasive microneedle (MN) patch platform codelivering three bnAbs, PGT121, VRC07-523LS, and PGDM1400LS, from separate MN patch units or pixels. Each 1 cm² patch pixel, fabricated via solvent casting, contained similar to 2 mg of one bnAb. In ex vivo porcine skin tests, the MNs effectively penetrated the skin. When tested in vitro in PBS …

Acute Aortic Dissection Masquerading As Testicular Torsion: A Case Report, Bruce M. Lo, Megyn K. Christensen, Coral E. Byrns, Benjamin Chidester

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if diagnosis is delayed. Aortic dissection classically presents with sudden-onset, sharp pain in the chest or back. However, atypical presentations can also occur, which could lead to a delay in diagnosis.

Case Report: A patient initially presented to the emergency department (ED) with left testicular pain ongoing for several hours. On examination, he had tenderness in the left lower quadrant abdomen and left testicle. A testicular ultrasound revealed decreased blood flow to the left testicle, raising concern for testicular torsion. The patient was taken to the …

Cerebral Embolic Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Contemporary Randomized Evidence On Clinical And Disabling Stroke, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Transition From High School (Spanish), Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Parent guide about the transition from high school. Translated into Spanish.

Transverse Myelitis, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with transverse myelitis.

Traumatic Brain Injury, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with traumatic brain injury.

Neuromyelitis Optica, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with neuromyelitis optica.

Optic Neuritis, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with optic neuritis.

Mitochondrial Transfer To Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Augments Immunosuppressive Activity, Prabhakar Arumugam, Cortney E. Heim, Rachel W. Fallet, Dhananjay Shinde, Vinai Chittezham Thomas, Rafael J. Argüello, Tammy Kielian

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

The anti-inflammatory properties of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) promote Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm persistence. Evidence suggests that G-MDSC activity is shaped not only by S. aureus products but also by intrinsic metabolic programs. This study explores whether G-MDSC activity can be modulated by increasing mitochondrial abundance using a co-culture paradigm with macrophages as a mitochondrial donor. Macrophages transfer mitochondria directly to G-MDSCs via tunneling nanotubes, enhancing G-MDSC respiration, as reflected by increased basal, maximal, and spare respiratory capacity. Augmenting mitochondrial abundance in G-MDSCs enhances T cell-suppressive activity and reduces tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production. …

Meta-Analysis: Diabetes Mellitus And The Risk Of Endometrial Cancer, Tricia Ho, Marika Ongpauco, Han Ha Ngoc Nguyen

Physician Assistant Studies | Graduate Research Papers

Background: Many studies have looked at the relationship between diabetes mellitus and development of endometrial cancer. This study provides an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the estimated effect of diabetes and the risk of endometrial cancer.

Methods: Some studies were found on databases such as PubMed and Iceberg. The remaining studies were extracted from the initial studies found. Binary data was collected and the raw data was imputed into a Fixed Effects Model.

Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this meta-analysis, generating statistically significant results (p < 0.001, OR 2.05, 95% Cl 1.92-2.19).

Discussion: Diabetes is found to be …

The Effects Of Antidepressant Medications On Sleep Quality In Dominican University Of California Students, Natalie L. Davis, Kenna Wohlford, Stephanie Lee

Physician Assistant Studies | Graduate Research Papers

We spend approximately one third of our life time sleeping or attempting to sleep. The quality of our sleep is equally, if not more important than the amount of sleep we get. This study assesses the effects that medications, specifically antidepressants, can have on sleep quality in Dominican University of California students. 118 participants completed a Qualtrics survey including questions regarding stress, sleep quality, medication lists, and demographics. This study utilized the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to quantify participants’ sleep quality as the outcome. Participant stress levels were assessed with a Likert scale question asking for stress levels on …

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with generalized anxiety disorder.

Limbic Encephalitis, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with limbic encephalitis.

Leukemia, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with leukemia.

Lupus, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with lupus.

Lymphoma, Children's Health School Services

School Guides

Educator guide about how to support students with lymphoma.