Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Ligation-Independent Sequencing Method Reveals Trna-Derived Rnas With Blocked 3′ Termini, Alessandro Scacchetti, Emily J Shields, Natalie A Trigg, Grace S Lee, Jeremy E Wilusz, Colin C Conine, Roberto Bonasio

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Despite the numerous sequencing methods available, the diversity in RNA size and chemical modification makes it difficult to capture all RNAs in a cell. We developed a method that combines quasi-random priming with template switching to construct sequencing libraries from RNA molecules of any length and with any type of 3' modifications, allowing for the sequencing of virtually all RNA species. Our ligation-independent detection of all types of RNA (LIDAR) is a simple, effective tool to identify and quantify all classes of coding and non-coding RNAs. With LIDAR, we comprehensively characterized the transcriptomes of mouse embryonic stem cells, neural progenitor …

Inflammation-Induced Epigenetic Imprinting Regulates Intestinal Stem Cells, Dongchang Zhao, Visweswaran Ravikumar, Tyler J Leach, Daniel Kraushaar, Emma Lauder, Lu Li, Yaping Sun, Katherine Oravecz-Wilson, Evan T Keller, Fengju Chen, Laure Maneix, Robert R Jenq, Robert Britton, Katherine Y King, Ana E Santibanez, Chad J Creighton, Arvind Rao, Pavan Reddy

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

It remains unknown whether, and how intestinal stem cells (ISC) adapt to inflammatory exposure, and if the adaptation leaves scars will affect their subsequent regeneration. We investigated the consequences of inflammation on Lgr5+ISCs in well-defined clinically relevant models of gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease (GI GVHD). Utilizing single cell transcriptomics, organoid, metabolic, epigenomic and in vivo models we found that Lgr5+ISCs undergo metabolic changes that lead to accumulation of succinate, which reprograms its epigenome. These changes reduced the ability of ISCs to differentiate and regenerate ex vivo in serial organoid cultures and also in vivo following serial transplantation. Furthermore, ISCs demonstrated …

In Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Patients Who Receive Rescue Therapy, Prior Maintenance Therapy And Day 3 C-Reactive Protein After Rescue Therapy Are Associated With 12-Month Colectomy Risk, Jared A Sninsky, Ana-Maria Staicu, Edward L Barnes

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Leptomeningeal Metastases From Solid Tumors: A Society For Neuro-Oncology And American Society Of Clinical Oncology Consensus Review On Clinical Management And Future Directions, Jessica A Wilcox, Ugonma N Chukwueke, Myung-Ju Ahn, Ayal A Aizer, Tejus A Bale, Dieta Brandsma, Priscilla K Brastianos, Susan Chang, Mariza Daras, Peter Forsyth, Livia Garzia, Michael Glantz, Isabella C Glitza Oliva, Priya Kumthekar, Emilie Le Rhun, Seema Nagpal, Barbara O'Brien, Elena Pentsova, Eudocia Quant Lee, Jan Remsik, Roberta Rudà, Inna Smalley, Michael D Taylor, Michael Weller, Jeffrey Wefel, Jonathan T Yang, Robert J Young, Patrick Y Wen, Adrienne A Boire

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are increasingly becoming recognized as a treatable, yet generally incurable, complication of advanced cancer. As modern cancer therapeutics have prolonged the lives of patients with metastatic cancer, specifically in patients with parenchymal brain metastases, treatment options, and clinical research protocols for patients with LM from solid tumors have similarly evolved to improve survival within specific populations. Recent expansions in clinical investigation, early diagnosis, and drug development have given rise to new unanswered questions. These include leptomeningeal metastasis biology and preferred animal modeling, epidemiology in the modern cancer population, ensuring validation and accessibility of newer leptomeningeal metastasis diagnostics, …

Default Mode Network Electrophysiological Dynamics And Causal Role In Creative Thinking, Eleonora Bartoli, Ethan Devara, Huy Q Dang, Rikki Rabinovich, Raissa K Mathura, Adrish Anand, Bailey R Pascuzzi, Joshua Adkinson, Yoed N Kenett, Kelly R Bijanki, Sameer A Sheth, Ben Shofty

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The default mode network (DMN) is a widely distributed, intrinsic brain network thought to play a crucial role in internally directed cognition. The present study employs stereo-EEG in 13 human patients, obtaining high resolution neural recordings across multiple canonical DMN regions during two processes that have been associated with creative thinking: spontaneous and divergent thought. We probe these two DMN-associated higher cognitive functions through mind wandering and alternate uses tasks, respectively. Our results reveal DMN recruitment during both tasks, as well as a task-specific dissociation in spatiotemporal response dynamics. When compared to the fronto-parietal network, DMN activity was characterized by …

The Babyseq Project: A Clinical Trial Of Genome Sequencing In A Diverse Cohort Of Infants, Hadley Stevens Smith, Bethany Zettler, Casie A Genetti, Madison R Hickingbotham, Tanner F Coleman, Matthew Lebo, Anna Nagy, Hana Zouk, Lisa Mahanta, Kurt D Christensen, Stacey Pereira, Nidhi D Shah, Nina B Gold, Sheyenne Walmsley, Sarita Edwards, Ramin Homayouni, Graham P Krasan, Hakon Hakonarson, Carol R Horowitz, Bruce D Gelb, Bruce R Korf, Amy L Mcguire, Ingrid A Holm, Robert C Green

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Efforts to implement and evaluate genome sequencing (GS) as a screening tool for newborns and infants are expanding worldwide. The first iteration of the BabySeq Project (2015-2019), a randomized controlled trial of newborn sequencing, produced novel evidence on medical, behavioral, and economic outcomes. The second iteration of BabySeq, which began participant recruitment in January 2023, examines GS outcomes in a larger, more diverse cohort of more than 500 infants up to one year of age recruited from pediatric clinics at several sites across the United States. The trial aims for families who self-identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino to make …

Whole-Genome Sequencing In 333,100 Individuals Reveals Rare Non-Coding Single Variant And Aggregate Associations With Height, Gareth Hawkes, Robin N. Beaumont, Zilin Li, Ravi Mandla, Xihao Li, Christine M. Albert, Donna K. Arnett, Allison E. Ashley-Koch, Aneel A. Ashrani, Joanne E. Curran

School of Medicine Publications

The role of rare non-coding variation in complex human phenotypes is still largely unknown. To elucidate the impact of rare variants in regulatory elements, we performed a whole-genome sequencing association analysis for height using 333,100 individuals from three datasets: UK Biobank (N = 200,003), TOPMed (N = 87,652) and All of Us (N = 45,445). We performed rare ( < 0.1% minor-allele-frequency) single-variant and aggregate testing of non-coding variants in regulatory regions based on proximal-regulatory, intergenic-regulatory and deep-intronic annotation. We observed 29 independent variants associated with height at P <  after conditioning on previously reported variants, with effect sizes ranging from −7cm to +4.7 cm. We also identified and replicated non-coding aggregate-based associations proximal to HMGA1 containing variants associated with a 5 cm taller height and of highly-conserved variants in MIR497HG on chromosome 17. We have developed an approach for identifying non-coding rare variants in regulatory regions with large effects from whole-genome sequencing data associated with complex traits.

Quality Improvement Of Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Satisfaction Rate At A Utrgv Resident-Led Clinic., Eunbee Cho, Diana Othon Martinez, Jian Garcia Cruz, Nestor Gerardo Astorga, Martha Solis, Oliverio Abarca Guzman, Elimar Gonzalez Morales, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Background: In the US, 77.3% of women aged 21-65 years have had a Pap smear within the past three years and around 75.9% of women aged 50-74 years reported having a mammogram within the past two years as recommended according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). In UTRGV Resident-led Clinic located in Hidalgo County, the quality metrics data demonstrated screening satisfactory rate for cervical and breast cancer to be 18% in August 2023. This Quality Improvement project is aimed at enhancing the screening satisfactory rate of breast and cervical cancer by 20% at UTRGV Knapp IM Clinic by …

A Retrospective Chart Review: The Relationship Between Stroke And Contact Dermatitis In The Rio Grande Valley, Naya Williams, Antoinette Burrell, Erica Walker, Chantal Uzoma, Desiree Brewer, Victoria Elizondo, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens. While the cause of CD is often identifiable, some cases are chronic and affect quality of life [2]. Recent studies suggest inflammation, like CD, may increase stroke incidence and contribute to its pathogenesis [6]. A retrospective cohort study found a 1.1-fold higher incidence of stroke in the CD cohort, indicating a marginal increase in stroke risk [7]. No studies have specifically examined the association between CD and stroke in the Rio Grande Valley. This study aims to explore …

Phytochemical Profiling And Antioxidant Potential Of Methanol Extract Of Vitis Vinifera L Seeds., Sindhuja Lakshmi, Kesavaram Padmavathy Dr, Thirunavukarasu Umaarasu Dr, Dhandapani Prabu Dr

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Grapes are the most widely consumed fruit around the world. Grape seed comprises a group of polyphenols are known to have a broad pharmacological and therapeutic activities. The grape seed extract was known to have counteract against oxidative stress by its free radical scavenging activity.

Objectives: To identify the major phytocompounds of grape seed methanol extract and to evaluate its antioxidant activity

Methods: In this study, the methanol extract of the grape seed was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to identify the major phytochemical compounds and further antioxidant activity was also evaluated by DPPH method using AOAC (Association of …

Evaluation Of The Clinical Performance Of A Multistep Algorithm For The Diagnosis Of Clostridioides Difficile Infection And Patient Characteristics In A Clinical Setting, Mayuree Khantipong, Ajcharaporn Sawatpanich, Kanphai Wongjarit, Somying Tumwasorn, Pattama Torvorapanit, Suwatchareeporn Rotcheewaphan Dr.

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. The diagnosis of CDI relies on clinical presentations confirmed by laboratory investigations.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of current diagnostic tests and examine the characteristics of patients associated with CDI in a real hospital setting.

Methods: A total of 299 unformed stool specimens were collected and analyzed using the C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE and PCR assays. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed from medical records.

Results: The C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE and PCR assays detected toxigenic C. difficile …

Retrospective Analysis Of Sars-Cov-2 Rna Detection In Pooled Saliva Samples: An Effective Cost Saving Method., Jiraphat Charoenkupt, Arkom Chaiwongkot, Ati Burassakarn, Pokrath Hansasuta

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first reported in December 2019. The virus rapidly spread throughout the globe. Laboratory investigations play an essential role in the early and effective detection of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals to prevent transmission.

Objectives: The saliva pooling system to screen SARS-CoV-2 in the population has been applied to increase the surveillance widely and conveniently among healthcare personnel at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The Ct-values of positive pools and positive individual samples were compared, and the cost effectiveness was also evaluated.

Methods: The retrospective study was conducted …

Histone 3 And 4 Acetylation Patterns In Nodular Goiter And Well-Differentiated Thyroid Tumors Compared With Normal Thyroid Tissue, Somboon Keelawat

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Purpose To estimate histone modification (hypoacetylation or hyperacetylation) in thyroid lesions, using immunohistochemistry compared with their normal counterpart.

Methods FFPE sections of surgically removed PTC, FA, FTC, and nodular goiter samples were collected from the archives of the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University from 2016-2018 and stained with anti-acetyl histone 3 antibody (H3K9/K14ac) and anti-acetyl histone 4 antibody (H4K5,8,12 and 16ac). The intensity and proportion of immunostaining of the lesions and their normal thyroid tissue counterparts were automatically scored by Aperio Image Scope software.

Results A total of 147 benign and malignant thyroid lesions cases, including 28 …

Evaluating The Accuracy And Concordance Of The Dmind Ai Application With A Renowned Depression Assessment Tool In Thai Adults, Solaphat Hemrungrojn, Kittipoch Saengsai, Pasit Jakkrawankul, Chanyanart Kiattiporn-Opas, Kantapat Chaichareenon, Arisara Amrapala, Kulvara Lapanan, Titipat Achakulvisut, Peerapol Vateekul, Natawut Nupairoj, Phanupong Phutrakool, Rapinpat Yodlorchai, Narin Hiransuthikul, Sarunya Hengprapom

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: In Thailand, the high prevalence of depression, particularly in rural areas with limited mental health services, poses significant challenges. Advanced technologies like digital phenotyping and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs), offer promising solutions by analyzing digital data to detect early signs of depression.

Objective: This study evaluated the performance of the “Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network of Depression (DMIND)” application, an AI-powered screening tool for detecting depression in Thai adults that analyzes behavioral data from participant responses using machine learning algorithms, such as NLP models and LLMs. The study aimed to …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Among Central Sterile Supply Technicians In Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, Withaya Chanchai Dr, Ratree Nacglud Ms, Keatkongkrai Bunnum Mr., Nureeya Promsorn Mrs., Laddawan Duangmusik Mrs., Warunee Suwanrat Mrs., Wichuda Chantasin, Kritsana Thonnan Ms.

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Central Sterile Supply Technicians (CSSTs) face an elevated risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), notably affecting the back.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among CSSTs in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, assessed WMSDs among CSSTs using self-administered questionnaires on demographics and symptoms. Out of 188 distributed, 179 were completed, evaluating disorder presence and severity during sterilization in 33 hospitals.

Results: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in various body regions, particularly the upper back, at the …

H4k20me3 Is Increased In Human Bladder Cancer Tissues, And It Is Upregulated By Reactive Oxygen Species In Bladder Cancer Cell Lines., Sotida Kayem, Suchittra Phoyen, Patcharawalai Whongsiri, Chaowat Pimratana, Udomsak Wijitsettakul, Chanchai Boonla

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Previously, we demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) provoked oxidative stress, enhanced tumor aggressiveness, and induced a profound change in histone methylation in bladder cancer (BlCa). We also reported an upregulation of H4K20me3 by ROS in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we investigated whether H4K20me3 was upregulated in human BlCa tissues (n = 37) and asked if ROS could induce H4K20me3 formation in BlCa cell lines. Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed in 37 BlCa sections and 6 adjacent noncancerous tissues (as controls). H4K20me3 upregulated by ROS was investigated in three BlCa cell lines (UM-UC-3, VM- CUB-1 and TCCSUP). …

Effect Of Aquatic Exercises On Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction In Middle Age Obese Women, Akshaya Joshi, Sandeep Shinde, Sawani Aphale

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The patellofemoral joint, known for its incongruence, is susceptible to dysfunction due to abnormal pathomechanics, especially with increased body mass causing excessive stress on knee cartilage, leading to degeneration and dysfunction. Dysfunction results in pain, limited range of motion, and diminished quality of life.

Objectives: To determine the effect of aquatic exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women and to compare the effect of aquatic exercises with land-based exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women.

Methods: In this experimental study, 100 subjects with patellofemoral joint dysfunction were separated into group …

Presentation And Study Of The Manuscript Entitled “The Sign Of Happiness In Habitual Foods By Doctor Abu Al-Hasan Ali Ibn Hassan Al-Marakshi”, Abdelhamid Bitari, Rachid Touzani, Belkheir Hammouti, Abdelkhaleq Legssyer

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Introduction: Morocco preserves manuscripts of significant scientific and cultural value, which require presentation, verification, and study. The importance of studying the book "The Sign of Happiness in Common Foods" lies in the fact that it serves as a scientific reference point for understanding the principles of nutrition and medicinal herbs during the Middle Ages, especially in the Islamic world. Objective: Manuscript books represent a cultural and scientific treasure for Moroccan and humanity civilizations. Therefore, they require uncovering, displaying, and studying. Our work in this context involves presenting and studying the manuscript book titled "The Sign of Happiness in Usual Foods …

Online Education And Its Impact On University Students’ Mental Health In The West Bank And Gaza Strip: A Cross-Sectional Study, Bilal Hamamra, Abdelkareem Daragmeh, Oqab Jabali, Guido Veronese, Fayez Mahamid

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: The educational performance stress during the pandemic outbreak has added to the many factors of pressure that students are exposed in Palestine. In addition to economic distress, mobility and access restrictions, lack of digital literacy and competence, and constant internet interruptions have added new burdens and significantly impacted university students' mental health. Objectives: This research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students in Palestinian universities. Methods: Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we identified the economic and political factors, access to educational portals, academic demands, and the general lack of interest …

10-02-24 Hsc Committee Meeting Minutes, Patricia Serna

HSC Committee (A subcommittee of the UNM Board of Regents)

10-02-24 HSC Committee Meeting Minutes

Diversifying Skin Tone Representation In Medical School Dermatology Curriculum, Devin Barzallo, Afua A. Ofori-Darko, Ashley M. Perez, Katherine Disano

Student Scholarship

The lack of diversity in medical education contributes to disparities in dermatologic health outcomes, particularly for patients of color. This study evaluates second-year medical students’ comfort in diagnosing conditions in skin of color (SOC) and explores strategies to improve their confidence. We hypothesize that a curriculum enriched with SOC representation will enhance diagnostic skills. Surveys from Fall 2020 and Fall 2022 showed increased student comfort in diagnosing SOC. Fall 2022 students, exposed to more diverse dermatologic photos, demonstrated greater confidence. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating SOC content into medical curricula to address healthcare disparities.

Microfluidic Affinity Selection Of B-Lineage Cells From Peripheral Blood For Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring In Pediatric B-Type Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients., Malgorzata A. Witek, Nicholas E. Larkey, Alena Bartakova, Mateusz L. Hupert, Shalee Mog, Jami K. Cronin, Judy Vun, Keith August, Steven A. Soper

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) is the most powerful predictor of outcome in B-type acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). MRD, defined as the presence of leukemic cells in the blood or bone marrow, is used for the evaluation of therapy efficacy. We report on a microfluidic-based MRD (MF-MRD) assay that allows for frequent evaluation of blood for the presence of circulating leukemia cells (CLCs). The microfluidic chip affinity selects B-lineage cells, including CLCs using anti-CD19 antibodies poised on the wall of the microfluidic chip. Affinity-selected cells are released from the capture surface and can be subjected to immunophenotyping to enumerate …

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Emergency Department Visits For Opioid Use Disorder Across University Of California Health Centers, Matthew Heshmatipour, Ding Quan Ng, Emily Yi-Wen Truong, Jianwei Zheng, Alexandre Chan, Yun Wang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on mental health and access to addiction treatment in the United States, including in California, which resulted in the highest rates of emergency department visits (ED) for opioid poisoning in 2020. As California slowly returns to pre-pandemic normalcy, it remains uncertain whether the rates of opioid-related events have slowed down over time. We hypothesized that the number of opioid-related ED visits were exacerbated after the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue at a high rate in the present.

Methods: In this analysis we searched the University of California (UC) Health …

Synergic Activity Of Fgfr2 And Mek Inhibitors In The Treatment Of Fgfr2-Amplified Cancers Of Unknown Primary, Andrea Cavazzoni, Irene Salamon, Claudia Fumarola, Giulia Gallerani, Noemi Laprovitera, Francesco Gelsomino, Mattia Riefolo, Karim Rihawi, Elisa Porcellini, Tania Rossi, Martina Mazzeschi, Maria Naddeo, Salvatore Serravalle, Elisabetta Broseghini, Federico Agostinis, Olivier Deas, Roberta Roncarati, Giorgio Durante, Ilaria Pace, Mattia Lauriola, Ingrid Garajova, George A Calin, Massimiliano Bonafè, Antonia D'Errico, Pier Giorgio Petronini, Stefano Cairo, Andrea Ardizzoni, Gabriele Sales, Manuela Ferracin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) carry the double burden of an aggressive disease and reduced access to therapies. Experimental models are pivotal for CUP biology investigation and drug testing. We derived two CUP cell lines (CUP#55 and #96) and corresponding patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), from ascites tumor cells. CUP cell lines and PDXs underwent histological, immune-phenotypical, molecular, and genomic characterization confirming the features of the original tumor. The tissue-of-origin prediction was obtained from the tumor microRNA expression profile and confirmed by single-cell transcriptomics. Genomic testing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis identified FGFR2 gene amplification in both models, in …

Synergic Activity Of Fgfr2 And Mek Inhibitors In The Treatment Of Fgfr2-Amplified Cancers Of Unknown Primary, Andrea Cavazzoni, Irene Salamon, Claudia Fumarola, Giulia Gallerani, Noemi Laprovitera, Francesco Gelsomino, Mattia Riefolo, Karim Rihawi, Elisa Porcellini, Tania Rossi, Martina Mazzeschi, Maria Naddeo, Salvatore Serravalle, Elisabetta Broseghini, Federico Agostinis, Olivier Deas, Roberta Roncarati, Giorgio Durante, Ilaria Pace, Mattia Lauriola, Ingrid Garajova, George A Calin, Massimiliano Bonafè, Antonia D'Errico, Pier Giorgio Petronini, Stefano Cairo, Andrea Ardizzoni, Gabriele Sales, Manuela Ferracin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) carry the double burden of an aggressive disease and reduced access to therapies. Experimental models are pivotal for CUP biology investigation and drug testing. We derived two CUP cell lines (CUP#55 and #96) and corresponding patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), from ascites tumor cells. CUP cell lines and PDXs underwent histological, immune-phenotypical, molecular, and genomic characterization confirming the features of the original tumor. The tissue-of-origin prediction was obtained from the tumor microRNA expression profile and confirmed by single-cell transcriptomics. Genomic testing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis identified FGFR2 gene amplification in both models, in …

Calibrating Tumor Growth And Invasion Parameters With Spectral Spatial Analysis Of Cancer Biopsy Tissues, Stefano Pasetto, Michael Montejo, Mohammad U Zahid, Marilin Rosa, Robert Gatenby, Pirmin Schlicke, Roberto Diaz, Heiko Enderling

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The reaction-diffusion equation is widely used in mathematical models of cancer. The calibration of model parameters based on limited clinical data is critical to using reaction-diffusion equation simulations for reliable predictions on a per-patient basis. Here, we focus on cell-level data as routinely available from tissue biopsies used for clinical cancer diagnosis. We analyze the spatial architecture in biopsy tissues stained with multiplex immunofluorescence. We derive a two-point correlation function and the corresponding spatial power spectral distribution. We show that this data-deduced power spectral distribution can fit the power spectrum of the solution of reaction-diffusion equations that can then identify …

Examining The Relationship Between Ethnocentrism, Perspective-Taking And Cultural Competence In Medical-Surgical Nurses, Lori Ann Palmieri

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This descriptive correlational study explored the relationships between cultural competence, ethnocentrism, and perspective-taking in practicing medical-surgical nurses living in the United States (US). Participants (N=111) were recruited from the New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBON) and from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). The survey consisted of three validated instruments a) the cultural competence assessment instrument (CCA-I); b) the generalized ethnocentrism scale (GENE); c) the perspective-taking (PT) subscale of the interpersonal reactivity index (IRI), and d) demographic profile questions. Data were collected via Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28/29). Ethnocentrism and perspective-taking explained 30.2% of the variance …

Health Literacy And Cumulative Social Disadvantage Are Associated With Survival And Transplant In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Study, Lauren D Nephew, Susan M Rawl, Allie Carter, Nicole Garcia, Patrick O Monahan, John Holden, Marwan Ghabril, Eleazar Montalvan-Sanchez, Kavish Patidar, Archita P Desai, Eric Orman, Naga Chalasani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how individual social determinants of health (SDOH) and cumulative social disadvantage (CSD) affect survival and receipt of liver transplant (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: We enrolled 139 adult patients from two Indianapolis hospital systems between June 2019 and April 2022. Structured questionnaires collected SDOH and social risk factor data. We compared SDOH and CSD by race, gender and disease aetiology, assigning one point per adverse SDOH. Multivariable competing risk survival analysis assessed associations between SDOH, CSD, survival and LT receipt.

RESULTS: Black patients experienced higher CSD than white patients in the cohort (5.4±2.5 vs …

Pulse Oximetry Accuracy In Children With Dark Skin Tones: Relevance To Acute Lower Respiratory Infection Care In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Shubhada Hooli, Tim Colbourn, Manish I Shah, Kristy Murray, Anna Mandalakas, Eric D Mccollum

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) are the leading post-neonatal cause of death in children under 5 years old. There is a high prevalence of pediatric ALRI-related hypoxemia in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO defines clinically meaningful hypoxemia in children as a SpO2 (peripheral oxygen saturation) < 90%. Multiple studies put this convention into question and found SpO2 of 90% to 92% to be associated with child ALRI mortality. An evolving body of evidence suggests that pulse oximeters systematically overestimate oxygen saturation in individuals with dark skin tones. We conducted a narrative review of pediatric studies evaluating pulse oximeter accuracy in children without COVID-19. Four studies, one prospective, examined pulse oximeter accuracy in children of varying ages with dark skin tones. All studies had limitations that affect their generalizability. There is evidence that certain pulse oximeters may overestimate oxygen saturation in children with dark skin tones. Further prospective research is urgently needed to identify affected populations and clinical implications. Despite recognized challenges, we strongly urge continued and expanded use of pulse oximetry as its use will save lives.

Neuron-Glial Interactions: Implications For Plasticity, Behavior, And Cognition, Mauricio Rangel-Gomez, Cristina M Alberini, Benjamin Deneen, Gabrielle T Drummond, Tiina Manninen, Mriganka Sur, Aleksandra Vicentic

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The traditional view of glial cells as mere supportive tissue has shifted, due to advances in technology and theoretical conceptualization, to include a diversity of other functions, such as regulation of complex behaviors. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have been shown to modulate synaptic functions through gliotransmitter-mediated neurotransmitter reuptake, influencing neuronal signaling and behavioral functions. Contemporary studies further highlight astrocytes' involvement in complex cognitive functions. For instance, inhibiting astrocytes in the hippocampus can lead to memory deficits, suggesting their integral role in memory processes. Moreover, astrocytic calcium activity and astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling have …