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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Leveraging Social Media To Disseminate Evidence-Based Messaging About Substance Use To Reduce Stigma And Promote Harm Reduction In Adolescents And Young Adults, Jacob Mihalic, Gregory Jaffe, Md, Msed Feb 2026

Leveraging Social Media To Disseminate Evidence-Based Messaging About Substance Use To Reduce Stigma And Promote Harm Reduction In Adolescents And Young Adults, Jacob Mihalic, Gregory Jaffe, Md, Msed

Phase 1

Introduction

Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in Philadelphia, with adolescents and young adults (AYAs) particularly vulnerable due to peer influence and digital exposure. However, harm reduction messaging rarely targets AYAs directly. This project will explore how AYAs engage with social media, how these platforms shape their perceptions of SUD, and how digital messaging can be leveraged to reduce stigma and support prevention.

Methods

This qualitative project will conduct three focus groups with Philadelphia AYAs aged 13-18, recruited through local Boys and Girls Clubs. Discussions will explore how AYAs engage with SUD-related content online, …


Deafmed Through Deaf Eyes: A Patient-Centered Approach Of The Deafmed Program, Allie Capik, Julia Croce Feb 2026

Deafmed Through Deaf Eyes: A Patient-Centered Approach Of The Deafmed Program, Allie Capik, Julia Croce

Phase 1

Introduction
DEAFMed, a Humanities selective within the JeffMD curriculum, aims to enhance cultural competency in caring for Deaf patients. This study predominantly assesses DEAFMed’s impact from the viewpoint of Deaf patients to determine whether the training improves medical student preparation for culturally competent care.

Methods
Deaf individuals were recruited and trained as Standardized Patients (SPs) for 15-minute history-taking encounters with first-year medical students. Twelve non-DEAFMed-trained and sixteen DEAFMed-trained students were randomized to SPs blinded to their training status. SPs evaluated students quantitatively on trust, eye contact, respect, communication, and comfort, and provided qualitative feedback on strengths and areas for improvement. …


Narrative Perspectives On Providing Gender Affirming Care In Primary Care Settings, Sofia Lemberg, Ma, Robert Mcclowry, Md Feb 2026

Narrative Perspectives On Providing Gender Affirming Care In Primary Care Settings, Sofia Lemberg, Ma, Robert Mcclowry, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Gender affirming (hormone) care (GAC) has come under bureaucratic scrutiny over the 21st century despite increasing social support of LGBTQ+ individuals. Primary care healthcare professionals (PCHPs) are uniquely situated to oversee and maintain patients’ GAC. Despite this, there is little research investigating PCHPs’ experiences providing GAC, particularly from a narrative lens. This approach may help us understand these perspectives, by promoting reflection upon personal experiences and emphasizing what PCHPs think is important for providing GAC.

Hypothesis: This study investigates what perspectives and experiences PCHPs hold regarding providing GAC in primary care settings. The investigators hypothesize that PCHPs will have …


Alumni Reflections On The Impact Of Participating In Artz @ Jefferson, Clarissa Martin, Rosemary Frasso Feb 2026

Alumni Reflections On The Impact Of Participating In Artz @ Jefferson, Clarissa Martin, Rosemary Frasso

Phase 1

Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are becoming increasingly prevalent, with 13.8 million Americans age 65 and older predicted to be living with ADRD by 2060. Humanities-based interventions in medical education can foster person-centered approaches towards people living with dementia (PLWD). ARTZ @ Jefferson pairs health-studies students (mentees) with PLWD and care partners (mentors) in arts-based sessions that facilitate discussion of the lived experience of dementia. This study aims to explore how health-studies’ alumni reflect on the long-term impact of their participation in ARTZ @ Jefferson.

Methods
A qualitative design was used to capture student alumni reflections on their …


Exploring Music As A Therapeutic Tool For Patients, Andrew Rosario, Josh Robinson Feb 2026

Exploring Music As A Therapeutic Tool For Patients, Andrew Rosario, Josh Robinson

Phase 1

Introduction: Music is a remarkably powerful art form that has the potential to impact people in innumerable ways. This project seeks to explore the many ways patients think about and use music in their lives, whether it be as a source of healing, a reminder of their past memories, an outlet to express emotions, or a companion through whatever challenges they may face.

Methods: This project partnered with an existing workshop run by Josh Robinson for patients in the Headache Unit at Jefferson Methodist Hospital. The first part of these sessions involved a “Soundtrack to My Life” activity where …


Patient Perceptions Of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits: Findings From A Pilot Survey, Payton Mccready, Amy Cunningham, Susan Parks Feb 2026

Patient Perceptions Of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits: Findings From A Pilot Survey, Payton Mccready, Amy Cunningham, Susan Parks

Phase 1

Purpose

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) were introduced in 2011 to promote preventive care among Medicare beneficiaries, yet patient satisfaction remains understudied. Participating in the  Age-Friendly Health Systems Initiative, Jefferson Health’s Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) is redesigning its AWVs to align with Age-Friendly principles. This study aimed to obtain baseline data on Medicare patients’ familiarity, experience, and satisfaction with AWVs in a geriatrics practice before implementing the redesigned model.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2025 at Jefferson Health’s CHA, a geriatrics practice serving about 2,000 Medicare patients. Eligible participants were Medicare-enrolled CHA patients. An eight-item survey …


The Effect Of Prior Work And Educational Experience On Medical School Small Group Case-Based Learning, Alexandra Kelleher, Alisa Losasso, Md Feb 2026

The Effect Of Prior Work And Educational Experience On Medical School Small Group Case-Based Learning, Alexandra Kelleher, Alisa Losasso, Md

Phase 1

Purpose

Medical students have varied academic and professional backgrounds, many taking gap years in healthcare or research before matriculation. Prior studies suggest these experiences may reduce burnout, enhance patient skills, and improve teamwork capabilities, but their impact on early case-based learning (CBL) performance and perceived comfort level is unclear. This study explores how prior healthcare and research experience influence perceived preparedness and participation for first-year medical students in CBL at SKMC.

Methods

This mixed-methods study was conducted among 66 rising second-year JeffMD students. Participants completed an online 15-item survey assessing undergraduate background and self-reported confidence in CBL. Ten students were …


Understanding The Benefits Of Sustainable Ir Fellowship To A Large Public Hospital In Kenya, Abigael Gebremariam, Kevin Anton Feb 2026

Understanding The Benefits Of Sustainable Ir Fellowship To A Large Public Hospital In Kenya, Abigael Gebremariam, Kevin Anton

Phase 1

In 2021, Kenya had 10 interventional radiologists for a population of about 54 million. RAD-AID, a non-profit organization improving global radiology, partnered with the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital to establish the first IR fellowship program in Kenya in 2021. Through the program, the number of practicing IRs in Kenya has nearly doubled; however, their practice is limited by capital and supply resources. This study will demonstrate the benefit of the program to the hospital system and the patient population in Kenya.

The project employed a retrospective and comparative analysis of IR services at a large public hospital …


Identification Of Gene Signatures Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Via Whole Transcriptome Sequencing, Chaitanya Karimanasseri Bse, Pongsakorn Choochuen Md, Phd, Yotsawat Pomyen Phd, Hien Dang Phd Feb 2026

Identification Of Gene Signatures Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Via Whole Transcriptome Sequencing, Chaitanya Karimanasseri Bse, Pongsakorn Choochuen Md, Phd, Yotsawat Pomyen Phd, Hien Dang Phd

Phase 1

Introduction
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While the only curative treatment for PDAC is surgical excision of the tumor, often surgery is ineffective due to early metastasis to other organs. A better understanding of PDAC’s risk factors would contribute to earlier PDAC diagnoses and thus more effective surgical resections before metastasis occurs.

One pathology related to PDAC is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a metabolic disease leading to triglyceride accumulation in the liver. MASLD is known to cause worse PDAC outcomes versus non-MASLD PDAC. Further elucidating the mechanism through which MASLD increases …


Mapping The Pathology Competencies For Medical Education (Pcme) To The Sidney Kimmel Medical College’S Jeffmd Gi Curriculum, Emma Sanders, Alexander Macnow, Md, Mhpe Feb 2026

Mapping The Pathology Competencies For Medical Education (Pcme) To The Sidney Kimmel Medical College’S Jeffmd Gi Curriculum, Emma Sanders, Alexander Macnow, Md, Mhpe

Phase 1

Introduction/Purpose: Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s competency-based curriculum, JeffMD, is structured around SMART objectives. However, evaluation of the alignment of these objectives against the PCME, a collection of graduation competencies published by the Association for Academic Pathology, has not yet been performed. This study investigated how comprehensively the GI/Liver block of the JeffMD curriculum addresses the corresponding PCME learning objectives, thereby piloting a pathology curriculum map and allowing evaluation of this curriculum.

Methods: In this study, a curriculum map was created of all learning events covered within the JeffMD GI/Liver block. Each learning event was cross-matched with competencies within the gastrointestinal …


Interviewing Rural Primary Care Physicians To Inform Learning Objectives For A Rural Health Curriculum, Luke May, Caleb Gayman, Robert J. Motley, Md, Mhcds Feb 2026

Interviewing Rural Primary Care Physicians To Inform Learning Objectives For A Rural Health Curriculum, Luke May, Caleb Gayman, Robert J. Motley, Md, Mhcds

Phase 1

Introduction/Purpose: Pennsylvania has a large rural population with too few physicians to meet medical needs. The Physician Shortage Area Program (PSAP) at SKMC works to address the shortage of primary care physicians in rural Pennsylvania. To adequately prepare future rural physicians, this project sought to obtain input from practicing PSAP graduates to inform learning objectives for a future curriculum intervention for preclinical PSAP students.

Methods: The target learner population is preclinical PSAP students at SKMC. A codebook was generated based on SKMC Graduation Competencies. Semi-structured interviews with PSAP graduates were conducted via video call, focused on those graduates practicing primary …


Interviewing Rural Primary Care Physicians To Inform Learning Objectives For A Rural Health Curriculum, Caleb Gayman, Luke May, Robert J. Motley, Md, Mhcds Feb 2026

Interviewing Rural Primary Care Physicians To Inform Learning Objectives For A Rural Health Curriculum, Caleb Gayman, Luke May, Robert J. Motley, Md, Mhcds

Phase 1

Introduction/Purpose: There is a significant shortage of physicians in rural Pennsylvania. Programs like the Physician Shortage Area Program (PSAP) at SKMC aim to address this gap by providing support and guidance for medical students who grew up in rural areas and hope to return to practice in a rural area. This project focuses on identifying rural health topics and modes of delivery recommended by practicing primary care physicians to inform new learning objectives (LOs) for a future curriculum intervention for first and second-year medical students.

Methods: SKMC PSAP graduates practicing in rural areas were interviewed using semi-structured interviews that included …


Artificial Intelligence In Case-Based Learning: A Survey Of Student Current Practices In Small Group Self-Directed Learning Pedagogy, Clarice Pamplona, Joshua Kim Feb 2026

Artificial Intelligence In Case-Based Learning: A Survey Of Student Current Practices In Small Group Self-Directed Learning Pedagogy, Clarice Pamplona, Joshua Kim

Phase 1

Introduction: Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to become an essential clinical tool, its incorporation into the undergraduate medical curricula is disproportionately lacking. Notably, limited research remains on medical student use and perspective on AI, specifically within small-group learning settings. This study explores AI use and perspectives among medical students within Case-Based Learning (CBL) groups at Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) with the aim to establish a formal AI curriculum.

Methods: The population studied includes the Class of 2028 at SKMC. An anonymous Qualtrics survey was distributed within the class Group Me between April and May 2025, exploring student demographics, …


Simulated Or Traditional Clinical Learning Environments: Comparison Survey To Assess Learner Preparation, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Joanne Baird, Phd, Otr/L, Chse, Faota, Jean Prast, Otd, Otrl, Chse, Tracy Van Oss, Dhsc, Otr/L, Chse, Faota, Maureen Hoppe, Edd, Ma, Otr/L Chse, Ketki Raina, Phd, Otr/L, Faota Feb 2026

Simulated Or Traditional Clinical Learning Environments: Comparison Survey To Assess Learner Preparation, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Joanne Baird, Phd, Otr/L, Chse, Faota, Jean Prast, Otd, Otrl, Chse, Tracy Van Oss, Dhsc, Otr/L, Chse, Faota, Maureen Hoppe, Edd, Ma, Otr/L Chse, Ketki Raina, Phd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

  • Occupational therapy is a cornerstone rehabilitation profession that provides client-centered care for individuals experiencing a loss of independence at any age. 
  • Over 90% of occupational therapy educational programs use simulation.6
  • Research suggests that simulation can be used to prepare occupational therapy students for their full-time clinical placements.1,5
  • However, little is known about occupational therapy students' perceptions of the effectiveness of simulations compared to introductory clinical fieldwork experiences to enhance specific clinical skills.


Ai Scribe Use In Residency Training: A Call For Specialty Society Guidance In Graduate Medical Education, Julia A. Giordano, Elizabeth Jones Feb 2026

Ai Scribe Use In Residency Training: A Call For Specialty Society Guidance In Graduate Medical Education, Julia A. Giordano, Elizabeth Jones

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for documentation purposes in clinical practice, yet guidance for resident use is limited. Given the substantial documentation burden on medical trainees, AI-powered scribing tools may offer benefits, but their integration into residency training raises educational, supervisory, and patient safety considerations. This study aimed to assess the availability of resident-specific guidance on AI scribe use from major medical and specialty organizations and to summarize current evidence on AI scribes in residency. We reviewed five major medical and specialty society websites (AAD, AMA, ACGME, AAMC, ABMS) via website searches and direct emails and conducted a PubMed …


Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose As A Mucoadhesive Polymer In Ethanol-Free Buprenorphine Gel For Neonatal Sublingual Delivery, Sanskruti Dave, Viren Soni, Samarth A. Shah, Walter K. Kraft, Gagan Kaushal Feb 2026

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose As A Mucoadhesive Polymer In Ethanol-Free Buprenorphine Gel For Neonatal Sublingual Delivery, Sanskruti Dave, Viren Soni, Samarth A. Shah, Walter K. Kraft, Gagan Kaushal

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Buprenorphine (BUP) is widely used in the treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). However, the most compounded formulation contains 30% ethanol, despite regulatory and clinical concerns regarding ethanol exposure in pediatric patients. Thus, this research aimed to develop an ethanol-free sublingual (SL) gel formulation of BUP that would be safe, stable, and suitable for NOWS. Multiple polymers were screened as gelling agents, with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) emerging as the ideal base polymer for the formulation due to its optimal pH, rheological characteristics, and stability. The formulated gels were stored at room temperature and refrigerated conditions for 30 days and …


Dupilumab Beyond The Airway: Decreased Morbidity In A Real-World Analysis, Emma J. Anisman, Spencer Short, Emma Tam, Benjamin F. Bitner, Abdulghafoor Alani, Marc Rosen, Mindy Rabinowitz, Damaris Pena Evertz, Elina Toskala, Gurston G. Nyquist Feb 2026

Dupilumab Beyond The Airway: Decreased Morbidity In A Real-World Analysis, Emma J. Anisman, Spencer Short, Emma Tam, Benjamin F. Bitner, Abdulghafoor Alani, Marc Rosen, Mindy Rabinowitz, Damaris Pena Evertz, Elina Toskala, Gurston G. Nyquist

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

Background: Post hoc analyses of clinical trials have characterized dupilumab's adverse effects, yet the real-world impact in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and asthma is not well described. This study aims to characterize the risks of lymphoma, cardiovascular events, eosinophilia, joint pain, inflammatory arthritis, and sleep apnea in dupilumab-treated CRSwNP and/or asthma patients compared to those not taking dupilumab, and to other biologics.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used TriNetX, a de-identified database containing over 100 million patient records. Demographics and adverse effects associated with immunotherapy use were collected.

Results: We identified 21,249 dupilumab-treated CRSwNP and/or asthma patients. After …


Shoulder Strength And Total Arc Range Of Motion: Associations With Upper-Extremity Joint Kinetics And Ball Velocity In Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Tomohiro Ide, Stephen J. Thomas, Takato Ogasawara, Adam B. Rosen, Brian A. Knarr, Kazuma Akehi, Samuel J. Wilkins Feb 2026

Shoulder Strength And Total Arc Range Of Motion: Associations With Upper-Extremity Joint Kinetics And Ball Velocity In Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Tomohiro Ide, Stephen J. Thomas, Takato Ogasawara, Adam B. Rosen, Brian A. Knarr, Kazuma Akehi, Samuel J. Wilkins

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Adolescent baseball pitchers are vulnerable to upper-extremity injuries because of the repetitive, high-stress nature of throwing movements. While shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM) are commonly measured, they are often interpreted in isolation during injury prevention assessments.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between clinical measures (shoulder ROM and strength) and throwing arm joint kinetics in adolescent baseball pitchers.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS: This study was conducted in a laboratory setting. A total of 43 adolescent baseball pitchers (age, 15-18 years) were recruited through convenience sampling. Participants underwent clinical assessments of shoulder ROM and isokinetic concentric strength …


Identifying Barriers And Facilitators To Audit & Feedback In General Practice In Italy: A Qualitative Study, Anna Acampora, Andriy Melnyk, Emanuele La Gatta, Angelo Nardi, Laura Angelici, Rosemary Frasso, Nera Agabiti Feb 2026

Identifying Barriers And Facilitators To Audit & Feedback In General Practice In Italy: A Qualitative Study, Anna Acampora, Andriy Melnyk, Emanuele La Gatta, Angelo Nardi, Laura Angelici, Rosemary Frasso, Nera Agabiti

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Audit & Feedback (A&F) interventions are recognized as effective strategies for enhancing healthcare quality, yet they remain relatively underutilized in Italian primary care settings. Recent literature highlights the importance of examining the factors influencing the implementation of these interventions across diverse clinical and organizational settings. Thus, this study aimed to identify such factors by exploring the experiences of professionals involved in an A&F intervention tailored for General Practitioners (GPs) treating chronic illnesses.

METHODS: Using qualitative research methods, this study organized focus groups (FGs) separately for each professional role involved in A&F: GPs, GPs acting as internal group coordinators, Public …


Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Perceptions Among Noncollege Young Adults And Tiktok Influencers: Qualitative Study, Amelia Burke-Garcia, Dasha Afanaseva, Erin Cutroneo, Kayla Madden, Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Estefany Rivera Sanchez, Amy Leader Feb 2026

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Perceptions Among Noncollege Young Adults And Tiktok Influencers: Qualitative Study, Amelia Burke-Garcia, Dasha Afanaseva, Erin Cutroneo, Kayla Madden, Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Estefany Rivera Sanchez, Amy Leader

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a proven and effective tool for preventing several types of cancers, yet vaccination rates among young adults remain suboptimal, particularly among those not enrolled in 4-year colleges. This population can be more difficult to reach due to fewer established institutional touchpoints, limited engagement with campus-based health services, and greater variability in access to preventive care. At the same time, social media has become a dominant source of information for young adults, with TikTok (ByteDance) emerging as one of the most widely used platforms. Approximately 41% of TikTok's users are between the ages of 16 …


Translating Social Accountability Values Into Practice: Doctors’ Experiences From Problem- Based Learning Medical Curriculum In The United Arab Emirates, Nihar Ranjan Dash, Ahmed Alrazzak Hasswan, Mayar Abbas Ahmed Essam Samaha, Kamel A. Samara, Mohamed Hassan Taha Feb 2026

Translating Social Accountability Values Into Practice: Doctors’ Experiences From Problem- Based Learning Medical Curriculum In The United Arab Emirates, Nihar Ranjan Dash, Ahmed Alrazzak Hasswan, Mayar Abbas Ahmed Essam Samaha, Kamel A. Samara, Mohamed Hassan Taha

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Purpose: Medical schools play a crucial role in preparing future doctors to address the health needs of patients and their communities. Graduates are expected to provide socially accountable care by upholding values such as relevance, equity, quality, and cost- effectiveness. This study explores how these values are understood and applied by medical graduates trained in problem-based learning (PBL) curricula. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among University of Sharjah medical graduates to assess their exposure to and practice of social accountability values. Results: Of the 689 graduates invited, 503 (73%) responded, including 329 (65%) women. Most respondents, 375 (75%), …


Mutations Altering The Dna Binding Domains Of The Human Rad52 Protein Exert Distinct Effects On Homologous Recombination Repair In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Glenn M. Manthey, Elise W. Wolf, Jason Xu, M. Cristina Negritto, Renee A. Bouley, Ruben C. Petreaca, Adam M. Bailis Feb 2026

Mutations Altering The Dna Binding Domains Of The Human Rad52 Protein Exert Distinct Effects On Homologous Recombination Repair In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Glenn M. Manthey, Elise W. Wolf, Jason Xu, M. Cristina Negritto, Renee A. Bouley, Ruben C. Petreaca, Adam M. Bailis

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

RAD52 is a conserved member of the homologous recombination repair (HRR) apparatus from yeast to humans. Mutating conserved amino acids in the internal and external DNA binding domains of the human RAD52 protein (HsRAD52) has discrete effects in vitro. Previous studies have shown that HsRAD52 supports multiple mechanisms of HRR in budding yeast, suggesting the utility of this model system for exploring the correspondence between losses of HsRAD52 function in vitro and their impact in vivo. We report that disrupting the internal and external DNA binding domains of HsRAD52 produced distinct effects on the repair of genomic DNA double-strand breaks …


The Heart’S Hidden Influencer: Epicardial Adipose Tissue In The Pathogenesis Of Heart Failure, Aobo Li, Avilash Mondal, Jianli Zhao, John Zhang, Xin-Liang Ma Feb 2026

The Heart’S Hidden Influencer: Epicardial Adipose Tissue In The Pathogenesis Of Heart Failure, Aobo Li, Avilash Mondal, Jianli Zhao, John Zhang, Xin-Liang Ma

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

Abstract – Heart failure (HF) is a complex, multifactorial clinical syndrome with diverse etiologies and phenotypic manifestations, affecting millions of people globally. HF is broadly classified into 3 subtypes: HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Each subtype exhibits distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical trajectories, and therapeutic responses, posing significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a metabolically active visceral fat depot situated in close proximity to the myocardium, plays a dual role in physiological and pathological states, offering potential utility as a biomarker and therapeutic …


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 Feb 2026

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 Feb 2026

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 …


Pilot Evaluation Of The Health Passport (Hse) For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (Pwidd), Sarah Halupa Feb 2026

Pilot Evaluation Of The Health Passport (Hse) For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (Pwidd), Sarah Halupa

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium

Purpose: People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PWIDD) have disparities in health outcomes that are in part due to communication barriers. The Health Passport (HSE) application was developed in Ireland to promote participation and inclusion of PWIDD in their own healthcare experience. This evaluation’s aim was to examine the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of the Health Passport (HSE) among three United States (US) stakeholder groups: PWIDD, care partners, and healthcare and community service providers.

Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach was used in this evaluation. In Phase 1, semi-structured qualitative interviews examined usability, acceptability, and feasibility of the …


Patient Geographical Area As A Risk Factor For Postoperative Outcomes Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery, Brady Stillman, Bs Feb 2026

Patient Geographical Area As A Risk Factor For Postoperative Outcomes Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery, Brady Stillman, Bs

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium

Introduction: Rural communities have limited spine surgery care, which disproportionately affects older adults. Research has evaluated how hospital location affects patient outcomes; however, minimal work has investigated the impact of home location. This work’s purpose was evaluating the impact of patient geographical classification (rural/suburban/urban) on lumbar fusion outcomes.

Methods: Adult patients who underwent elective lumbar fusion (2017-2022) at a single tertiary center were identified via Structured Query Language search. Patient demographic/surgical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. Rural/urban/suburban was assigned by zip code.

Results: 461 patients were included (11.9% urban [U], 78.3% suburban [S], 9.8% rural …


Italian Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs About Medical Marijuana And Their Implications On The Italian Medical Curriculum, Sneh S. Shah, Roberta Pastorino, Phd, Giovanni Gambassi, Md Feb 2026

Italian Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs About Medical Marijuana And Their Implications On The Italian Medical Curriculum, Sneh S. Shah, Roberta Pastorino, Phd, Giovanni Gambassi, Md

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium Posters

Purpose: Medical marijuana is gaining clinical and legislative relevance in Italy, yet little is known about Italian medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness regarding its therapeutic use. As future physicians, medical students will play a key role in integrating cannabis-based therapies safely into patient care. This study assessed Italian medical students’ perceived knowledge, clinical exposure, and attitudes toward medical marijuana, and evaluated implications for the medical curriculum.

Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was distributed to students across Italian medical universities from May 2023 to March 2024. The survey used Likert-scale items to assess attitudes, perceived knowledge, educational exposure, and …


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 Feb 2026

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; …


Health Mentor Perspectives On (In)Effective Healthcare Teams: Insights To Inform Care Coordination For Chronically Ill Populations, Arianna Baffa, Kelly Tran, Jane Tobias, Dnp, Crnp-Pc, Nethra S. Ankam, Md, Maria Brucato, Phd Feb 2026

Health Mentor Perspectives On (In)Effective Healthcare Teams: Insights To Inform Care Coordination For Chronically Ill Populations, Arianna Baffa, Kelly Tran, Jane Tobias, Dnp, Crnp-Pc, Nethra S. Ankam, Md, Maria Brucato, Phd

Phase 1

Background

- Disability and chronic illness are a major public health burden in the US 

  • More than a quarter of Americans report a functional disability1
  • ~129 million Americans have at least one major chronic disease2 

- Interprofessional teamwork and coordination of care have potential to support the quintuple aim of healthcare3

- Patients with multiple chronic conditions and lower confidence in managing their own health experience more care coordination challenges4

- Patient perspectives are needed to improve healthcare services for chronically ill populations, but limited awareness of team approaches in care presents a methodological challenge to …