Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Heritability And Genetic Associations Of Triglyceride And Hdl-C Levels Using Pedigree-Based And Empirical Kinships, Nicholas B. Blackburn, Arthur Porto, Juan M. Peralta, John Blangero

School of Medicine Publications

The heritability of a phenotype is an estimation of the percent of variance in that phenotype that is attributable to additive genetic factors. Heritability is optimally estimated in family-based sample populations. Traditionally, this involves use of a pedigree-based kinship coefficient generated from the collected genealogical relationships between family members. An alternative, when dense genotype data are available, is to directly measure the empirical kinship between samples. This study compares the use of pedigree and empirical kinships in the GAW20 data set. Two phenotypes were assessed: triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels pre- and postintervention with the cholesterol-reducing drug …

Reliability Of Genomic Predictions Of Complex Human Phenotypes, Arthur Porto, Juan M. Peralta, Nicholas B. Blackburn, John Blangero

School of Medicine Publications

Genome-wide association studies have helped us identify a wealth of genetic variants associated with complex human phenotypes. Because most variants explain a small portion of the total phenotypic variation, however, marker-based studies remain limited in their ability to predict such phenotypes. Here, we show how modern statistical genetic techniques borrowed from animal breeding can be employed to increase the accuracy of genomic prediction of complex phenotypes and the power of genetic mapping studies.

Specifically, using the triglyceride data of the GAW20 data set, we apply genomic-best linear unbiased prediction (G-BLUP) methods to obtain empirical genetic values (EGVs) for each triglyceride …

Epigenetics, Heritability And Longitudinal Analysis, Haakon E. Nustad, Marcio Almeida, Angelo J. Canty, Marissa Leblanc, Christian M. Page, Phillip E. Melton

School of Medicine Publications

Background

Longitudinal data and repeated measurements in epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) provide a rich resource for understanding epigenetics. We summarize 7 analytical approaches to the GAW20 data sets that addressed challenges and potential applications of phenotypic and epigenetic data. All contributions used the GAW20 real data set and employed either linear mixed effect (LME) models or marginal models through generalized estimating equations (GEE). These contributions were subdivided into 3 categories: (a) quality control (QC) methods for DNA methylation data; (b) heritability estimates pretreatment and posttreatment with fenofibrate; and (c) impact of drug response pretreatment and posttreatment with fenofibrate on DNA …

Gaw20: Methods And Strategies For The New Frontiers Of Epigenetics And Pharmacogenomics, Nathan L. Tintle, David W. Fardo, Marzia De Andrade, Stella Aslibekyan, Julia N. Bailey, Justo Lorenzo Bermejo, Rita M. Cantor, Saurabh Ghosh, Philip Melton, Xuexua Wang, Jean W. Maccluer, Laura Almasy

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

GAW20 provided a platform for developing and evaluating statistical methods to analyze human lipid-related phenotypes, DNA methylation, and single-nucleotide markers in a study involving a pharmaceutical intervention. In this article, we present an overview of the data sets and the contributions analyzing these data. The data, donated by the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) investigators, included data from 188 families (N = 1105) which included genome-wide DNA methylation data before and after a 3-week treatment with fenofibrate, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, metabolic syndrome components before and after treatment, and a variety of covariates. The contributions from individual …

Extracellular Interactions Between Fibulins And Transforming Growth Factor (Tgf)-Β In Physiological And Pathological Conditions., Takeshi Tsuda

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional peptide growth factor that has a vital role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, inflammation, and repair in a variety of tissues, and its dysregulation mediates a number of pathological conditions including fibrotic disorders, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer progression. Regulation of TGF-β signaling is multifold, but one critical site of regulation is via interaction with certain extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironments, as TGF-β is primarily secreted as a biologically inactive form sequestrated into ECM. Several ECM proteins are known to modulate TGF-β signaling via cell⁻matrix interactions, including thrombospondins, SPARC (Secreted Protein …

An Evalutaion Of The Physical Properties Of A New Atraumatic Restorative Treatment Material Containing Azadirachta Indica (Neem), Divya P. Kumari, Shahnawaz Khijmatgar, Avidyuti Chowdhury, Philippe B. Wilson, Edward Lynch, Martin Grootveld, Chitta Ranjan Chowdhury

Dental Medicine Faculty Research

BACKGROUND This in vitro experimental study investigated and compared the physical properties of three newly developed atraumatic restorative treatment materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Atraumatic Restorative Treatment materials (ART) with three different compositions were prepared by varying the percentage of Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract within the materials. Micro-hardness, compressive strength, marginal adaptation to tooth structure of the atraumatic restorative treatment materials were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used- Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. One-Way ANOVA, Tukey's Highly Significant Difference (HSD), Scheffe's tests were conducted to assess the level of significance of differences between mean values in post-hoc testings. P …

‘Ripple’ Effect On Infant Zbmi Trajectory Of An Internet-Based Weight Loss Program For Low-Income Postpartum Women, S. Phelan, T. A. Hagobian, A. Ventura, A. Brannen, K. Erickson-Hatley, A. Schaffner, K. Muñoz-Christian, S. Mercado, D. F. Tate

Kinesiology and Public Health

Background: Weight loss interventions can have positive ‘ripple’ effects on untreated partners in the home, but ripple effects on infants are unknown.

Objective: To examine whether a 12-month internet-based weight loss intervention for postpartum mothers had a positive ripple effect on participants’ infants.

Methods: A 12-month cluster randomized, assessor-blind, clinical trial enrolling 371 postpartum women at 12 Women, Infants, Children clinics in CA. Clinics were randomized to standardWomen, Infants, Children or an internet-based weight loss intervention for mothers.

Results: A total of 333 of the 371 (89.8%) mothers assented for infant participation. Infants were 5.3 ± 3.2 months; 75.9% were …

Micro-Computed Tomography Enables Rapid Surgical Margin Assessment During Breast Conserving Surgery (Bcs): Correlation Of Whole Bcs Micro-Ct Readings To Final Histopathology., David M. Mcclatchy Iii, Rebecca A. Zuurbier, Wendy A. Wells, Kieth D. Paulsen, Brian W. Pogue

Dartmouth Scholarship

BACKGROUND:

Roughly 23% of breast conserving surgery (BCS) patients undergo a second re-excision procedure due to pathologically positive surgical margins. We investigated the feasibility and potential value of micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) as a surgical margin guidance tool during BCS.

METHODS:

A cohort of 32 BCS specimens was prospectively imaged with a pre-clinical micro-CT system upon arrival in the surgical pathology laboratory. Reconstructed micro-CT scans were evaluated retrospectively by an experienced breast radiologist, who provided binary determinations whether lesions extended to the specimen margin. These readings were then compared to the final pathological diagnosis and to 2D specimen radiography readings.

RESULTS: …

Genome-Wide Linkage Scan For Loci Influencing Plasma Triglyceride Levels, Juan M. Peralta, Nicholas B. Blackburn, Arthur Porto, John Blangero, Jac C. Charlesworth

School of Medicine Publications

We conducted a genome-wide linkage scan to detect loci that influence the levels of fasting triglycerides in plasma. Fasting triglyceride levels were available at 4 time points (visits), 2 pre- and 2 post-fenofibrate intervention. Multipoint identity-by-descent (MIBD) matrices were derived from genotypes using IBDLD. Variance-component linkage analyses were then conducted using SOLAR (Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines). We found evidence of linkage (logarithm of odds [LOD] ≥3) at 5 chromosomal regions with triglyceride levels in plasma. The highest LOD scores were observed for linkage to the estimated genetic value (additive genetic component) of the log-normalized triglyceride levels in plasma. Our …

Clozapine Is Associated With Secondary Antibody Deficiency, Mark Ponsford, Daniel Castle, Tayyeb Tahir, Rebecca Robinson, Wendy Wade, Rachael Steven, Kathryn Bramhall, Mo Moody Mo Moody, Emily Carne, Catherine Ford

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Schizophrenia affects 1% of the population. Clozapine is the only medication licensed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and is intensively monitored to prevent harm from neutropenia. Clozapine is also associated with increased risk of pneumonia although the mechanism is poorly understood.AimsTo investigate the potential association between clozapine and antibody deficiency.

Methods: Patients taking clozapine and patients who were clozapine-naive and receiving alternative antipsychotics were recruited and completed a lifestyle, medication and infection-burden questionnaire. Serum total immunoglobulins (immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, IgM) and specific IgG antibodies to haemophilus influenzae type B, tetanus and IgG, IgA and IgM to pneumococcus were measured.

Results: Immunoglobulins …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - September 16, 2018, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the September 16, 2018 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

• USA College of Medicine Prepares for LCME Accreditation Visit
• USA Health Names Dr. Michael Chang as Chief Medical Officer
• USA Health Welcomes Dr. Adam Herring to Internal Medicine
• USA College of Medicine Announces New Educational Loan Program for Faculty
• USA Pediatrics Welcomes Nurse Practitioner Kaitlin Brantley
• Med School Café - Expert Advice for the Community

Remote Cerebellar Haemorrhage: A Potential Iatrogenic Complication Of Spinal Surgery, Muhammad Atif Naveed, Rajiv Mangla, Hajra Idrees, Rashi I. Mehta

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

We report the case of a 51-year-old man with no significant past medical history, who underwent elective revision spinal surgery and subsequently developed intracranial hypotension, remote cerebellar haemorrhage (RCH), and mild hydrocephalus on the fourth postoperative day. Remote cerebellar haemorrhage is a known complication of supratentorial surgery. This iatrogenic phenomenon may also occur following spinal surgery, due to dural tearing and rapid cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage, resulting in intracranial hypotension and cerebellar haemorrhage. This complication may result in severe permanent neurologic sequelae; hence, it is of pertinence to diagnose and manage it rapidly in order to optimise patient outcome.

Roche Phase 3 Clinical Trial For Huntington’S Disease Gene-Slicing Drug To Enroll Volunteers In Early 2019, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Lean Mass Mediates The Relation Between Temporal Summation Of Pain And Sex In Young Healthy Adults, Abdulaziz Awali, Ali Alsouhibani, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Previous studies have shown that women experience greater temporal summation (TS) of pain than men using a repetitive thermal stimulus. These studies, however, did not individualize the thermal stimulus to each subject’s thermal pain sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in TS using an individualized protocol and potential mediators that have been shown to influence TS including physical activity and body composition.

Methods

Fifty young healthy men and women (21 men) participated in the study. Subjects completed TS testing on the right forearm using a repetitive thermal stimulus at a temperature that the subject …

Research Symposium - Health Disparities 2018: Closing The Gap, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley. School Of Medicine

School of Medicine Publications

With the theme of “Health Disparities: Closing the Gap,” this symposium aims to showcase the work done by researchers here in the Valley and beyond toward improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve and society as a whole.

Non-St-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Early Versus Delayed Cardiac Catheterization, Teresa Colelli, Adrianna Clapp, Rudy Wenner, Blake J. Arthurs

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

An informed consent conversation regarding early vs. delayed cardiac catheterization for patients with NSTEMI.

Editorial: Clinical Practice Can Save Evidence-Based Medicine From Itself, James Peter Meza, Nicholus Yee

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

Although imperfect, the structure of this journal and its publications are demonstrations of clinicians attempting to actualize the wisdom of these foundational thinkers. We need to leave examples and guideposts to the next generation of clinicians of how to fulfill this vision of being excellent clinicians, through both formal education and role modeling.

Treating The Full Humanity Of Our Patients By Acknowledging Our Limitations, Kamal Al-Shalby, Blake S. Sanford

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A reflection on a clinical experience with a severely anemic Jehovah's Witness Patient who refused blood transfusion.

Pneumatic Balloon Dilation Versus Myotomy For The Treatment Of Achalsia, Benjamin E. Ueberroth

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Moonen A, Annese V, Belmans A, et al. Long-term results of the European achalasia trial: A multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing pneumatic dilation versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Gut. 2016 May;65(5):732-9. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310602.

Fecal Transplant Is Superior To Oral Vancomycin For Treatment Of Recurrent Clostridium Difficile, Kassandra J. Weber

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Van Nood E, Vrieze A, Nieuwdorp M, Fuentes S, et al. Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):407-415. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1205037.

Equal Efficacy Of Clopidogrel Versus Ticagrelor As Monotherapy In Peripheral Artery Disease, Aimee L. Vos

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Hiatt H, Fowkes G, Heizer G, et al. Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in symptomatic peripheral artery disease. N Engl J Med. 2017;376:32-40. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1611688.

Lurasidone Is Not Associated With Risk Of Qtc Prolongation, Halimah Y. Oral

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Meltzer HY, Cucchiaro J, Silva R, Ogasa M, Phillips D, Xu J, Kalali AH, Scheizer E, Pikalov A, Loebel A. Lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and olanzapine-controlled study. Am J Psychiatry. 2011 Sep;168(9):957-67. doi: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.10060907.

Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy Is Just As Effective As Amputation For Foot Osteomyelitis In Diabetics Without Peripheral Arterial Disease, Christopher Hopper

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Lázaro-Martínez JL, Aragón-Sánchez J, García-Morales E. Antibiotics versus conservative surgery for treating diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a randomized comparative trial. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(3):789-95. doi: 10.2337/dc13-1526.

Ssri Maintenance Therapy Reduces Rate Of Recurrence For Elderly Patients With First Episode Of Major Depression, Blake J. Arthurs

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Reynolds CF 3rd, Dew MA, Pollock BG, et al. Maintenance treatment of major depression in old age. N Engl J Med. 2006 Mar 16;354(11):1130-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa052619. Based on the appraisal, long term SSRI maintenance therapy is recommended for elderly patients suffering from first episode of major depression.

My Patient Chose To Not Use Daily Azithromycin To Prevent Exacerbation Of Copd, Jacob Oblak

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Albert RK, Connett J, Bailey WC, et al. Azithromycin for prevention of exacerbations of COPD. New Eng J Med. 2011;365:689-698. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1104623.

Abstinence From Alcohol Improves Survival In Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients, Perry Zong

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Alvarez MA, Cirera I, Solà R, Bargalló A, Morillas RM, Planas R. Long-term clinical course of decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2011;45(10):906-911. doi: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e3182284e13.

Therapeutic Hypothermia For Children After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Not Helpful, Bradley Kolb

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

An informed consent discussion regarding the merits of therapeutic hypothermia in a comatose pediatric patient following in-hospital cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation.

Institutional Protocols Can Improve Ivc Filter Retrieval Rates, Madeline Ross, Gong He, Veronica Santana-Ufret, Anjali Sundar

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Lynch FC. A method for following patients with retrievable inferior vena cava filters: results and lessons learned from the first 1100 patients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2011;22:1507–1512. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2011.07.019

Prothrombin Complex Concentrates Or Recombinant Factor Viia Are More Effective Than Fresh-Frozen Plasma At Lowering Inr In Patients With Liver Disease, Abel J. Ignatius

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Kwon JO, MacLaren R. Comparison of fresh-frozen plasma, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates, and recombinant factor VIIa to facilitate procedures in critically ill patients with coagulopathy from liver disease: a retrospective cohort study. Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(10):1047-1054. doi: 10.1002/phar.1827

Contemplative Pedagogy In The Classroom: Engaging Students’ Self-Awareness To Enhance Learning, Michele Mcgrady

Academic Leadership Academy

Contemplative pedagogy offers unique opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and focus through introspection, reflection, and stillness. Contemplative practices, such as meditative exercises, movement, and writing allow students to understand the nature of their minds and the learning process. Through the use of contemplative practices, students experience increased attention, connection, creativity, as well as a deeper understanding of course material. Although critics may question the appropriateness of these practices in the classroom, contemplative pedagogy has the ability to positively impact students’ learning. This presentation invites participants to explore contemplative pedagogy and discuss ways to integrate practices into learning activities.