Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Clostridioides Difficile Colonization And Infection In Pediatric Oncology And Stem Cell Transplant Patients, Daniel N Willis, Erik R Dubberke, Robert J Hayashi, Phillip I Tarr, David B Haslam, Tiffany Hink, Jingqin Luo, Yu Tao, Amruta Padhye, Erin M Hall, Gregory A Storch

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients have elevated risk for

METHODS: We retrospectively studied 276 stools longitudinally collected over 34 months from 32 HSCT and 12 oncology patients treated at a single tertiary center. Specimens were cultured for

RESULTS: Baseline cultures were positive in 16 (50%) HSCT patients and 2 (12%) oncology. On subsequent samples, 64% of patients who were initially negative acquired colonization: 8 of 15 (53%) HSCT and 8 of 10 (80%) oncology. Nine clonal strains and 25 multilocus sequence types were identified by whole genome sequencing, with 4 clones found in both cohorts. …

Relationship Between Clostridioides Difficile Stool Concentration, Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Results, And Environmental Contamination, Mary Morgan Lee, Kimberly A Reske, Tiffany Hink, Skye R S Fishbein, Erin P Newcomer, Candice Cass, Margaret A Olsen, Gautam Dantas, Carey-Ann D Burnham, Erik R Dubberke

2020-Current year OA Pubs

We compared rectal swab nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) with stool culture to detect

Exploring Early Antifungal Activity Of Rezafungin As A Stepping-Stone For Shorter Treatment Duration For Candidemia: Pooled Analysis Of 2 Randomized Trials, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, Jalal A Aram, Mark Redell, George R Thompson, Oliver A Cornely, James A Mckinnell, Andrej Spec, Peter G Pappas

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend ≥2 weeks of antifungal therapy after candidemia clearance and for invasive candidiasis (IC). This post-hoc analysis evaluates Day 7 pooled data from the phase 2 STRIVE and phase 3 ReSTORE trials to explore early antifungal activity.

METHODS: Adults with candidemia and/or IC received weekly rezafungin 400/200 mg or daily caspofungin 70/50 mg for ≤4 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated in the modified intent-to-treat population via all-cause mortality (ACM; primary endpoint; 20% noninferiority margin), mycological eradication, and time to negative blood culture (TTNBC) at days 7, 14, and 30 (TTNBC assessed only in patients with candidemia). Day 7 safety …

Visual Recognition Of The Anteroposterior Female Body Axis Drives Spatial Elements Of Male Courtship In Drosophila, Ross M Mckinney, Christian Monroy Hernandez, Yehuda Ben-Shahar

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Drosophila males exhibit a highly stereotypic courtship ritual toward virgin females, which is comprised of a sequence of specific behavioral elements that depend on inputs from diverse sensory modalities. Particularly, the visual system of the male plays an important role in detecting salient patterns, colors, and motion cues from conspecifics, which can promote or inhibit specific aspects of male courtship such as chase and song production. Here, we use a computer vision and machine learning-based approach, with a simplified courtship paradigm, to show that males also depend on visual cues to determine the anterior-posterior body axis of females, which drives …

Hepatitis C Virus Testing In Perinatally Exposed Children, Rachel L Epstein, Sarah Munroe, Elizabeth A Erdman, Amy Bettano, Megan R Curtis, Laura White, Elisha M Wachman, Anthony Osinski, Alexander Y Walley, Benjamin P Linas

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Despite rising hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence in pregnant people, studies demonstrate that fewer than 50% of perinatally exposed infants receive HCV testing. Few studies report treatment of infected infants or factors affecting testing.

OBJECTIVE: To identify birthing parent and child factors associated with appropriate HCV testing for perinatally exposed infants and characterize HCV care for children with HCV.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study included records on testing, care, and treatment for Massachusetts children perinatally exposed to HCV between 2014 and 2021 from a statewide health database linking statewide vital statistics, infectious disease surveillance data, substance use …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Or Sglt2 Inhibitors And Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Taeyoung Choi, Ziyad Al-Aly, Yan Xie

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Plexiform Neurofibromas: Integrating Treatment Across Pediatric And Adult Populations, Amy E Armstrong, Andrea M Gross, Laura J Klesse, Steven D Rhodes, Shivani Ahlawat, Verena Staedtke, Camilo A Molina, Angela C Hirbe

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are a hallmark of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), affecting ∼50% of individuals with the condition. Originating from Schwann cells and other peripheral nerve sheath components, these tumors can cause significant morbidity, including functional impairment, diminished health-related quality of life, chronic pain, and malignant transformation. Managing NF1-PNs is challenging because of disease variability, differing growth rates, and age-related differences in clinical presentation and treatment tolerability. This review examines current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, medical therapies, and emerging treatments, emphasizing individualized care. Highlighted here is the need for age-specific treatment planning, particularly as disease progression, comorbidities, and side-effect profiles …

Differential Regulation Of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate By Phosphodiesterase 3a Discriminates Thrombin-Induced Protease Activated Receptor 1- And 4-Dependent Platelet Activation, Izabella Andrianova, Abigail Ajanel, Jesse W Rowley, Darian C Murray, Yasuhiro Kosaka, Frederik Denorme, Paul F Bray, Robert A Campbell

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Human platelets express 2 thrombin-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), protease activated receptor (PAR)1 and PAR4. Previous studies have demonstrated PAR1 activation to be fast on-fast off while PAR4 activation was slower but more sustained. However, how PARs regulate second messengers such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a negative regulator of platelet activation, remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated how PAR1 and PAR4 activation by thrombin regulates cAMP levels and platelet activation.

METHODS: PAR1 and PAR4 on washed human platelets were inhibited with vorapaxar or BMS-986120, respectively, in the presence or absence of prostaglandin (PG)I

RESULTS: In the presence of …

Selective Retention Of Birdshot Pellets In The Rearfoot: A Case Demonstrating Tissue Preservation And Functional Recovery, Yasim Zafar, Steven Bolton, Alexandria Armstrong, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Level of Evidence: III (Case Study)

Statement of Purpose: Gunshot wounds to the foot pose a unique surgical dilemma—whether to pursue aggressive foreign body removal or to preserve soft tissue integrity. This case highlights the management of a birdshot injury to the rearfoot where selective non-removal of pellets near the neurovascular bundle led to complete healing and full functional recovery. The purpose is to emphasize tissue preservation over aggressive exploration in complex ballistic foot injuries.

Case Study: A 26-year-old female sustained a birdshot gunshot wound to the right rearfoot. Multiple small entry wounds were noted on the posterior and plantar …

Rearfoot Realignment As A Prophylactic Strategy For Recurrent Lateral Column Ulcers In Diabetic Foot: A Case-Based Hypothesis, Christopher I. Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Ali-Abdul Kareem Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Lateral column ulcerations remain a persistent and complex challenge in diabetic foot management. Although procedures such as tailor’s bunionectomy may provide localized pressure relief, they often fail to address the underlying biomechanical contributors, most notably rearfoot deformities such as calcaneal varus or pes cavovarus frequently observed in diabetic patients. These structural abnormalities shift the weight‑bearing axis laterally, increasing ground reaction forces along the fifth metatarsal and predisposing individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and impaired proprioception to recurrent ulceration. This case explores the hypothesis that prophylactic rearfoot realignment may offer superior long‑term outcomes by correcting the mechanical etiology of lateral column …

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome In A 21-Year-Old Male Patient Following A Gunshot Wound (Gsw), Jonathan Rodriguez, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Alexandria Armstrong, Hooman Tabatabai-Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a pain disorder that typically follows several forms of trauma, including surgery or fractures. The diagnostic gold standard for CRPS is the Budapest diagnostic criteria. In the general population, CRPS is 3-4 times more common in middle-aged women. Regarding incidence following injury, it most often occurs after a fracture. CRPS secondary to ballistic trauma is rarer, particularly in the case of a young male individual. The purpose of our case study is to follow a 21-year-old male patient who suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left foot and detail the presentation …

Visits Related To Alcohol, Substance Use, And Mental Health In New Mexico’S Emergency Departments: Social Determinants Of Health And Discharge Disposition, 2021-2024, Samuel L. Swift, Maya Stefanovic, Dylan Pell

Population Health Research and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Dietary Influence And Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: Insight From Alzheimer’S And Parkinson’S Disease, Madison Wirt

Honors Projects

As populations age, neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) become significantly more prevalent and impactful on patients and families. Clinical research has suggested a correlation between diet, gut health, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction to the onset and development of specific and severe NDDs, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research focuses on the relationship behind the gut-brain axis, micronutrient status and how diet influences the development of both AD and PD. Ten randomized, controlled trials were analyzed from the literature to investigate the impact of these factors on the inflammatory, metabolic and antioxidant processes. The studies focused on the use …

Impact Of Gender Trends On Plastic Surgery Fellowship Match: Implications For Surgical Education, Irene Helenowski, Emily Miller, Bridget Foley, Victoria Hodkiewicz, Christopher Kujalowicz, Parinaz Jila Siemers, Bianca Di Chiaro, Eleanor Bucholz

Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background:

No prior study has evaluated gender trends within the plastic surgery subspecialty fellowship match. The purpose of this study is to examine gender trends across fellowship trainee demographics to assess and characterize existing disparities between male and female plastic surgeon counterparts.

Methods:

A review of the new board diplomates listed in the annual newsletter to diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery from 2015 to 2019 was used to identify physicians who pursued various plastic surgery subspecialties. Fellowship match data, including sex, practice type, and prior residency training, were obtained from publicly accessible institutional and private practice websites, …

Digital Assessment Of Subtractive And Additive Cad/Cam Fabrication Methods On The Fit And Accuracy Of Lithium Disilicate Veneers, Sara Fikry Elshafei Dr, Islam Heiba Dr, Basma Fayyad, Maha Nagy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Profile Perceived Stress And Impact On Quality Of Life For Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study In Egypt, Dalia Ghalwash

Dentistry

Recurrent Aphthous Ulcerations (RAU) are among the most frequent oral ulcers with unknown etiology and multiple risk factors. This study assessed the prevalence profile of aphthous ulcers, risk factors, levels of perceived stress, and their impact on quality of life in an Egyptian sample. This study involved screening 4100 individuals from the outpatient clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, and several Egyptian governorates. Patients were subjected to clinical examination and patient interviews for accurate diagnosis and collection of data. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess levels of perceived stress, and the Oral Health Impact …

Postmarketing Safety Of Bimekizumab For Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Early Pharmacovigilance Analysis Using The United States Food And Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, Simona A. Alomary, Nicole J. Baker, Temitayo Ogunleye, Susan C. Taylor

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

Forget-Them-Nots: Ageism, Autonomy, And Dementia In Speech-Language Pathology, Grace Bailey

Graduate Publications

The following qualitative single-case design study investigates the manner in which autonomy is negotiated and supported in dementia care with particular emphasis on communication. Observational data and semi-structured interviews provided raw data that was coded, themed, and interpreted to better understand how decisions were made among the patient with dementia, the caregiver, and her healthcare team. Results fell into two themes where autonomy was limited or autonomy was active, illustrating the continuous negotiation process. Findings indicate that autonomy is relational, directly affected by the individual, their care team, and their corresponding prejudices. Findings also indicate that the removal of autonomy …

Structural Basis Of Anthocyanin-Mediated Modulation Of Il-2, Il-17, And Tnf-Α: A Docking And Molecular Dynamics Study, Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Adolat Manakbayeva, Timur Kerimov, Igor Yershov, Madina Alexyuk, Pavel Alexyuk, Vladimir Berezin, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring flavonoid pigments widely distributed in plants and are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential immunomodulatory effects remain poorly characterized, particularly regarding their direct interactions with key signaling cytokines. In this study, a set of selected anthocyanins was investigated using a hierarchical computational workflow targeting three major pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Molecular docking analyses identified primulin and antirrhinin as the most favorable binders, forming stabilizing hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions within predicted cytokine interaction interfaces. To further assess the stability of these …

Umbilical Cord Milking Versus Early Cord Clamping In Late Preterm And Term Neonates Who Are Non-Vigorous At Birth: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (Cordmilk Trial), Zubair H. Aghai, Sangappa M. Dhaded, S Yogeshkumar, Sunil S. Virnekar, Benjamin L. Leiby, Vinita Jain, Yvonne E. Vaucher, Nitin Chouthai, Meenakshi Girish, Seema Parvekar

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Population Trends In Infant Mortality Before, During, And After Implementation Of Therapeutic Hypothermia Across Racial And Ethnic Groups: United States Period-Linked Data, 2000-2017, Janardhan Mydam, Nitin Chouthai

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains a major cause of neonatal mortality and lifelong morbidity. Following publication of the NICHD Neonatal Research Network trial in 2005, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) became the standard of care for infants with moderate to severe HIE. However, national trends in HIE-related infant mortality before, during, and after TH implementation across racial and ethnic groups have not been comprehensively evaluated.

Objective: To assess the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on HIE-related infant mortality by comparing mortality rates before (2000-2005), during (2006-2009), and after (2010-2017) implementation of TH among different racial and ethnic groups in the …

Comparison Of Gene Up Regulation Between A Mouse Model Of Rop And Extremely Premature Newborns From Days 7 To 14 Of Life, Nitin Chouthai, Nikhlesh K. Singh

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Severe ROP is linked to considerable morbidity in extremely premature newborns. To our knowledge, there are currently no early-phase biomarkers for ROP.

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the retinal RNA expression in mouse pups exposed to oxygen-induced retinopathy with the blood RNA profile of extremely premature newborns during the first two weeks of life, specifically from days 7 to 14 of life.

Design/Methods: Bulk RNA transcriptome analysis was conducted using peripheral blood samples from 21 extremely preterm newborns who were born at less than 26 weeks’ gestation and were between 7 and 14 days …

Secondary Syphilis Mimicking Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma In A 70-Year-Old Man., Hannah Gier, Shannon Trotter

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

No abstract provided.

Detection And Quantification Of Allergen Cross-Contact In Shared Frying Oil Using Targeted Mass Spectrometry, Francisca Asigri

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Cow’s milk and egg allergies are prevalent IgE-mediated food allergies that pose significant public health concerns worldwide. Although strict avoidance remains the primary management strategy, unintended exposure can still occur through allergen cross-contact, particularly in commercial and industrial food operations that utilize shared frying oils. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify allergen transfer in shared frying oil and assess the robustness of existing targeted mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for detecting milk and egg proteins in heated oil matrices.

Heated oil spikes were developed by incorporating non-fat dry milk (NFDM) and whole egg powder (WEP) into oil …

Reducing Unplanned Copd Readmissions Through Utilization Of A Nursing Discharge Checklist, Rachael Mcallister

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

The quality improvement (QI) project aimed to decrease readmission rates at the project site through implementation of a nurse-driven disease-specific discharge checklist when compared to the same timeframe the year prior.

BACKGROUND

The project site’s 2024 national ranking declined due to unplanned chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) readmissions. COPD readmissions remained at national average and was not nationally competitive. This metric increased cost to the hospital and contributed to worse quality outcomes for the patient.

METHODOLOGY

Project design used the IOWA Model Revised framework and supported with an evidence-based review of the literature. PDSA cycles were conducted during implementation. …

Optimizing Vbac Outcomes Through A Structured Tolac Pathway, Alexandra E. Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Evaluate whether implementing a structured TOLAC clinical pathway improves VBAC success, increases TOLAC attempts among eligible patients, and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes. The project was conducted at a Southeast hospital in Houston, Texas. 

Women with a prior cesarean often have limited labor options because many hospitals default to repeat cesarean delivery. TOLAC remains underutilized due to safety concerns, limited provider education, and lack of standardized protocols. Evidence shows that appropriate counseling, standardized management, and close maternal–fetal monitoring can support safe vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

A pre–post implementation design guided by the RE-AIM framework was used. Eligible participants included …

Streamlining Patient Workflow: Enhancing The Screening Process For Social Determinants Of Health To Ensure Consistent Patient Intake In A Medical Clinic, Candice L. Bruce

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase social determinants of health (SDOH) screening rates by incorporating an enhanced patient history form into the patient intake process in a women’s health clinic.

Background: The project was implemented in a small, rural clinic led by advanced practice providers that is affiliated with a large academic healthcare institution in southeast Texas. Addressing SDOH is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting value-based care initiatives, yet screening is often inconsistent in outpatient settings.

Methodology: The Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) framework was used for implementation. A brief SDOH screening tool was embedded …

Hlt 101 Introduction To Public Health, Elyse Gruttadauria

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus, created by Professor Elyse Gruttadauria as part of the CUNY OER Initiatives for HLT 101 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and a link to four OER textbooks.

Factors Associated With Lapses In Care Among People Living With Hiv In South Carolina, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Fanghui Shi, Shujie Chen, Gavi Samuel, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Jiajia Zhang Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Utilizing statewide electronic health records (EHR) data, this study aims to assess the factors determining the occurrence of lapses in HIV care among people with HIV (PWH) in South Carolina (SC). All adult (≥ 18 years old) PWH who were diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2018 with at least two HIV care encounters and at least 1-year follow-up record were included in the analysis. The outcome, a lapse in care, was defined as a repeated measure of HIV care encounter that occurs over a year following the previous visit. Generalized Estimation Equation models were employed. The study cohort had …

Lessons Learned From The Implementation Of A Pragmatic Trial Evaluating Non-Pharmacological Approaches To Dementia Care In Us Nursing Homes, Carin Wong, Catherine V. Piersol, Felicia Chew, Cara Lekovitch, Victoria Shier, Mike Morris, Jenny Martínez, Julie Britton, Natalie E. Leland

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

RATIONALE: The consistent delivery of effective evidence into nursing home practice has been shown to enhance quality of care and residents' outcomes. Pragmatic trials enable the evaluation of efficacious interventions in a real-world context, including care of residents living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Yet, there are limited pragmatic trials conducted in nursing homes and even less evidence on the strategies to successfully conduct such research in this setting.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the lessons learned from a pragmatic trial and provide recommendations for future successful studies in United States (US) nursing homes.

METHODS: Drawing on a case example …