Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Treatment Guide For African-American And Hispanic People With Eating Disorders, Desere N. Cooper

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project addressed the critical need for a culturally responsive approach to occupational therapy in the treatment of African-American and Hispanic with eating disorders (EDs) in the United States. Although EDs impair physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, these communities often encounter systemic barriers such as cultural stigma, food insecurity, and inadequate assessment tools rooted in Eurocentric norms—that contribute to underdiagnosis, limited access to care, and poorer outcomes. The central issue addressed was the absence of clear, culturally relevant guidance for occupational therapy practitioners working with these underserved populations. The project was informed by a comprehensive literature review and synthesis …

Risk Management Practices In The Healthcare Supply Chain: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Professionals In Saudi Arabia, Maha Ghamedi

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare supply chain disruptions threaten the quality of patient care, and can increase costs, particularly in systems reliant on global suppliers. This study examined the risk management practices of healthcare supply chain professionals in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey of 72 professionals from hospitals, regulatory agencies, and other healthcare organizations revealed that 72.2% experienced supply shortages in the past year, most often involving general medical supplies, specialty medicines, and essential medicines. The most frequently reported risks were supplier shortages, reliance on single-source suppliers, and logistics disruptions, while cybersecurity threats were rarely cited. Although 76.4% of organizations reported having formal risk …

Post-Translational Modifications Of Extracellular Matrix Domains As Prognosticators Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Via Integrative Serum And Spatial Proteomics, Jade K. Macdonald

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge, with rising incidence, high mortality, and a five-year survival rate below 20%. Approximately 90% of HCC cases arise in cirrhosis, a stromal disease characterized by excessive deposition and remodeling of collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM). As HCC progresses, alterations in ECM composition and spatial distribution influence disease progression, emphasizing the potential of the ECM as a biomarker for HCC prognosis and treatment response. However, ECM proteomic analysis is challenging due to complex post-translational modifications, crosslinking, and insolubility. This dissertation molecularly and spatially characterizes the stromal landscape in and around HCC tumors in …

An Evidence-Based Intervention To Increase Trypanosoma Cruzi, A Neglected Parasitic Infection, Diagnosis In Rural And Moderate-Size-City Us Clinics, M K. Lynn, Hunter M. Boehme, Jeffrey Hall, Patrick Kent, Alain H. Litwin, Quang H. Pham, Melissa Nolan Ph.D., Mph, Prisma Chagas Team

Faculty Publications

Background

Chagas disease is a chronic, insidious parasitic infection (Trypanosoma cruzi) that slowly develops to irreversible organomegaly over several decades. The disease is traditionally acquired in endemic Latin American countries during childhood; < 1% of foreign-born adult residents in the United States have been diagnosed or treated with this potentially fatal disease. Low physician knowledge is a primary factor leading to misdiagnosis.

Methods

Starting in April 2022, a 4-part T cruzi clinical education intervention began, which included (i) 2 grand rounds presentations to >100 internal medicine providers; (ii) implementation of a “clinical Chagas champions program” incorporating 14 key clinical staff at varying departments and administrative levels educated on their specific role related to T cruzi screening, diagnosis confirmation, clinical management, and medical billing; ( …

Exploring The Association Between Smartphone-Based Place Visitation Data And Neighborhood-Level Coronary Heart Disease In The United States, Temitope Akinboyewa, Zhenlong Li, Huan Ning, M. Naser Lessani, Louisa M. Holmes, Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 20.5 million adults. Previous studies link health behaviors – such as dietary behavior, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption – to CHD risk. These studies typically use surveys and interviews, which, despite their benefits, are resource-intensive and limited by small sample sizes. Using large-scale national level anonymized smartphone-based location data, our study examines whether health behaviors that are proxy measured by place visitation are associated with CHD prevalence across US census tracts. This study utilized data from multiple sources, including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, …

Advanced Robotic Multimodal Imaging With Real-Time Motion Compensation For Dynamic Structural Health Monitoring, George Papaioannou, Christos Mitrogiannis, Mark Schweitzer, Maria Pappa, Pegah Khosravi, Apostolos Karantanas, Chris Ruberg, Shawn Owens, Nikolaos Michailidis

Publications and Research

Modern composite materials promise superior performance and load-bearing capabilities, yet evaluating their structural integrity remains challenging. Current testing methods, such as visual, thermographic, ultrasonic, optical, electromagnetic, terahertz, shearography, X-ray, and neutron imaging, are hampered by long scan durations, limited field of view, suboptimal accuracy, and high costs, particularly when applied to large structures.

This paper addresses these issues by introducing a novel robotic multimodal imaging system that overcomes the limitations of traditional methods. This system dynamically captures both static and dynamic properties of materials using advanced motion compensation techniques. By integrating multiple radiographic modalities into a coordinated robotic platform, it …

Highly Oligomeric Drp1 Strategic Positioning At Mitochondria-Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Contacts In Adult Murine Heart Through Actin Anchoring, Celia Fernandez-Sanz, Sergio De La Fuente, Zuzana Nichtova, Marilen Federico, Stephane Duvezin-Caubet, Sebastian Lanvermann, Hui-Ying Tsai, Yanguo Xin, György Csordás, Wang Wang, Arnaud Mourier, Shey-Shing Sheu

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Mitochondrial fission and fusion appear to be relatively infrequent in cardiac cells compared to other cell types; however, the proteins involved in these events are highly expressed in adult cardiomyocytes (ACM). Therefore, these proteins likely have additional non-canonical roles. We have previously shown that DRP1 not only participates in mitochondrial fission processes but also regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics in cardiac tissue. However, it is still unknown where the DRP1 that does not participate in mitochondrial fission is located and what its role is at those non-fission spots. Therefore, this manuscript will clarify whether oligomeric DRP1 is located at the SR–mitochondria interface, …

Disentangling The Effect Of Criminal Legal System Involvement On Mental Health In The United States, Pui Ying Chan

Dissertations and Theses

BACKGROUND: Interactions with the criminal legal system (CLS), such as through arrest or incarceration, are relatively common in the United States (US) and are increasingly recognized as social risk factors for poor mental health. Previous studies have reported a positive association between CLS involvement and poor mental health, with some theoretical frameworks, including the ecosocial theory and the stress process paradigm, supporting a plausible causal relationship. However, prior research has significant limitations in providing casual evidence given possible reverse causation in cross-sectional studies and insufficient consideration for the dynamics between CLS exposures, mental health status, and related confounders over time …

Pacific Rxtracts - August 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• Ready. Set. Infuse: TYZAVAN Brings Vancomycin Closer to the Bedside
• ENFLONSIA: A New Era in RSV Prevention for Infants
• A Shot for Peace of Mind: Can Yeztugo Eliminate the Risk of Contracting HIV?
• Ekterly: The First Orally Administered On-Demand HAE Treatment
• Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor CAR T cell Immunotherapy Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Removed
• Early Tirofiban Intervention Lowers Likelihood of Disability Post-Stroke
• Obicetrapib in High Risk Patients: A New Chapter in Cholesterol Management
• Lorundrostat for Uncontrolled Hypertension: Phase 3 Clinical Trial
• The Potential of Cagrilintide/Semaglutide (CagriSema) in Weight Management
• The Unfortunate Link Between GLP-1 RAs and Neovascular Macular …

Reducing Icu Delirium Through Implementation Of The Icu Liberation Bundle, Stacey C. Woodard Dnp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether identifying delirium through the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) assessment followed by treating delirium positive patients with the ICU Liberation Bundle reduced ventilator days or length of ICU stay and increased nursing satisfaction.

Background

ICU delirium is an acute state of confusion that affects up to 80% of ICU patients and increases morbidity and mortality. Decreasing the occurrence of delirium increases patient survivability and improves patient care (Society of Critical Care Medicine, 2023). There is currently no gold standard for managing and treating ICU delirium.

Methodology

This project …

Implementing Interventions To Decrease Readmission Rates In A Behavioral Hospital For People Experiencing Homelessness, Stacy M. Alvarez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE This quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to reduce 30-day psychiatric readmission rates among adults experiencing homelessness by 10% over a 3-month period. Secondary goals included a 15% improvement in medication adherence and completion of follow-up visits.

BACKGROUND Individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness face higher risks of psychiatric decompensation and hospital readmission. At Houston Behavioral Hospital, 13.34% of psychiatric readmissions involved unhoused individuals, highlighting limitations in standard discharge planning.

METHODOLOGY A pre-post intervention model was used to implement a discharge protocol based on the Transitional Care Model (TCM). The intervention included staff training, the use of a resource guide …

Bacteria Recovered From Ear Swab Samples Of Cats With Otitis Externa And Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles In Kayseri, Türkiye, Emre Karakaya, Doğancan Yarim, Özgür Güran, Cansu Güran, Umut Alpman, İzzet Burçi̇n Saticioğlu, Gülteki̇n Atalan, Seçi̇l Abay, Fuat Aydin

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from ear swab samples from cats with otitis externa and to detect the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the recovered isolates. For this purpose, ear swab samples from 100 domestic cats that were detected to have otitis externa were used. The samples collected from the animals were inoculated onto 7% defibrinated sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar, and the media were incubated at 37°C for 24-72h under aerobic/microaerobic conditions. The definition of the isolates was carried out by phenotypic tests, MALDI-TOF MS analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of the obtained …

Beyond Smoking: A Geospatial Investigation Of Factors Associated With Lung And Bronchus Cancer Risk In Pennsylvania, Tesla D. Dubois, Daniel Wiese, Kevin A. Henry, Shannon M. Lynch

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: While smoking is the leading cause of lung and bronchus cancer (LBC), additional exposures have been implicated and may explain the rise in LBC among never-smokers. To better understand the spatial distribution of LBC incidence and associated risk factors, this study aims to identify geographic areas with significantly elevated incidence rates in Pennsylvania and investigate the potential underlying risk factors.

METHODS: Using cancer registry data aggregated to the census tract level, spatial scan statistics were applied to detect areas of higher-than-expected LBC incidence across the state. Associations were then tested between census tract inclusion in a high-incidence area and …

Inter- And Intra-Observer Agreement In Ultrasound Diagnosis Of Steatotic Liver Disease: Implications For Screening In Resource-Limited Settings, Maria Spencer-Sandino, Maya Balakrishnan, David Wynne, Ilona Argirion, Paz Cook, Vanessa Van De Wyngard, Noldy Mardones, Ruth Pfeiffer, Allan Hildesheim, Catterina Ferreccio, Jill Koshiol

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), which is associated with increased risk of cancer-related mortality, needs timely and cost-effective detection. Although liver biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard, its invasiveness and high-cost limit widespread use. Ultrasound is a practical and affordable alternative. We evaluated inter- and intra-observer agreement for ultrasound-based diagnosis of SLD using images from the Chile Biliary Longitudinal Study (Chile BiLS), a cohort of women with gallstones. These women have a high burden of obesity and related metabolic disorders, putting them at higher risk for SLD. A radiologist (observer 1) reviewed a randomly selected subset of 425 baseline images and …

Transcriptional Remodeling Shapes Therapeutic Vulnerability To Necroptosis In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Anna Saorin, Anna Dehler, Bartimée Galvan, Fabio Steffen, Marine Ray, Dong Lu, Xin Yu, James Kim, Aneta Drakul, Samanta Kisele, Jin Wang, Jean-Pierre Bourquin, Beat C Bornhauser

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Insufficient eradication of cancer cells and survival of drug tolerant clones are major relapse driving forces. Underlying molecular mechanisms comprise activated prosurvival and antiapoptotic signaling, leading to insufficient apoptosis and drug resistance. The identification of programmed cell death pathways alternative to apoptosis opens up possibilities to antagonize apoptosis escape routes. We have earlier shown that acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) harbors a distinct propensity to undergo cell death by receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-dependent necroptosis, activated by small-molecule second mitochondria-derived activators of caspase (SMAC) mimetics. Despite demonstrated safety and tolerability of SMAC mimetics in clinical trials, their efficacy as single agent …

Erratum To “Nitrate And Nitrite Le Ate And Nitrite Levels In Cattle F Els In Cattle Feed, Drinking Water Eed, Drinking Water, Rumen , Rumen Content, And Blood Methemoglobin Le Content, And Blood Methemoglobin Levels In Bur Els In Burdur Province Of Vince Of Türkiye”[Turkish Journal Of Veterinary And Animal Sciences 49 (3) 2025 94-101], Reyda Kiyici, Hasan Altan Akkan, Mehmet Karaca, Esra Zeybek, Bayram Kudret Karaayvaz, Fi̇rdevs Mor Savaş, Yahya Öztürk, Asim Kart, Ramazan Yildiz, Murat Bayezi̇t

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

We hereby issue this erratum to address a concern regarding Tables 6, 7, and 8 in the manuscript titled “Nitrate and nitrite levels in cattle feed, drinking water, rumen content, and blood methemoglobin levels in Burdur Province of Türkiye”. Some of the numbers in Tables 6, 7, and 8 were misprinted by mistake during the typesetting process. To ensure the accuracy of the published work, the correct tables are included for your reference.

The original article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0128.4376

Multidimensional Analysis Of B7 Homolog 3 Rna Expression In Small Cell Lung Cancer Molecular Subtypes, Carl M Gay, Taofeek K Owonikoko, Lauren A Byers, Noura J Choudhury, Sajid Ahmed, Zachary Cain, Xiaozhong Qian, Matthew Brentnall, Simon Heeke, Ming Poi, Sharon Wu, Charles M Rudin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) is a promising target for antibody-drug conjugates, with ifinatamab deruxtecan demonstrating an objective response rate of 54.8% in previously treated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This analysis aimed to characterize B7-H3 RNA expression with reference to SCLC molecular subtypes (SCLC-A, SCLC-N, SCLC-P, and SCLC-I) and immune-related parameters.

Experimental design: Tumor RNA expression and mutational burden for 1,721 patients with SCLC were derived from a real-world database (Caris Life Sciences). A predominant molecular subtype was assigned based on RNA expression using a gene-ratio classifier. PD-L1 expression was assessed by IHC (antibody 22C3; positive cutoff: tumor …

Large-Scale Crispr Screening In Primary Human 3d Gastric Organoids Enables Comprehensive Dissection Of Gene-Drug Interactions, Yuan-Hung Lo, Hudson T Horn, Mo-Fan Huang, Wei-Chieh Yu, Chia-Mei Young, Qing Liu, Madeline Tomaske, Martina Towers, Antonia Dominguez, Michael C Bassik, Dung-Fang Lee, Lei S Qi, Jonathan S Weissman, Jin Chen, Calvin J Kuo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Understanding how genes influence drug responses is critical for advancing personalized cancer treatments. However, identifying these gene-drug interactions in a physiologically relevant human system remains a challenge, as it requires a model that reflects the complexity and heterogeneity among individuals. Here we show that large-scale CRISPR-based genetic screens, including knockout, interference (CRISPRi), activation (CRISPRa), and single-cell approaches, can be applied in primary human 3D gastric organoids to systematically identify genes that affect sensitivity to cisplatin. Our screens uncover genes that modulate cisplatin response. By combining CRISPR perturbations with single-cell transcriptomics, we resolve how genetic alterations interact with cisplatin at the …

Iterative Intraoperative 3t Mri (Imri)-Guided Brachytherapy: A Prospective Study On Enhancing Implantation Precision And Dosimetric Gains In Advanced Gynecologic Cancers, Shrikiriti S Rajan, Matthew S Ning, Megan Jacobson, Samantha J Simiele, Teresa Bruno, Ramez Kouzy, Kyoko Yoshida-Court, Tatiana Cisneros-Napravnik, Henry Yu, Jason Stafford, Yusung Kim, Geena Mathew, Rauda Alicia Cordova, Maliah Domingo, Anuja Jhingran, Lilie L Lin, Melissa Joyner, Travis T Sims, Lauren Colbert, Aradhana M Venkatesan, Ann Klopp

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To report on primary outcomes and dosimetric results of a prospective clinical trial and protocol for use of iterative intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in gynecologic brachytherapy.

Methods: Patients with locally advanced cervical or vaginal cancer (FIGO stages IB2 - IVA, and stage II-IVA, respectively) undergoing pulsed dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial (NCT03634267) using iterative 3T iMRI during brachytherapy implant placement. Applicator and optional interstitial needles were placed under iMRI guidance in a 3T clinical MRI scanner. Imaging, dosimetry and clinical outcomes (local control (LC), recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS)), …

Genome Sequences Of Eight Fusobacterium Watanabei Sp Isolates, Martha A Zepeda-Rivera, Falk Ponath, Kaitlyn N Lewis, Rutika P Gavate, Floyd E Dewhirst, Junko Tomida, Yoshiaki Kawamura, Kaori Tanaka, Susan Bullman, Christopher D Johnston

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We report draft genome sequences of eight Fusobacterium watanabei clinical isolates, ranging from 1.95 to 2.09 Mbp. Analysis against the Genome Taxonomy Database indicates that F. watanabei genomes are part of the "Fusobacterium nucleatum_J" group.

An Investigation Of The Association Of Gdf9-C.260g>A Polymorphism With Lamb Live Weight In The Akkaraman Breed, Şeyma Kökkaya, Fadi̇me Daldaban, Davut Bayram, Mehmet Ulaş Çinar, Korhan Arslan, Bi̇lal Akyüz

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, the relationship between the Growth Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF9) gene polymorphism and birth weight, as well as weights on days 30, 60, 90, was investigated in Akkaraman lambs, one of the indigenous sheep breeds of Türkiye. For this purpose, a total of 314 lambs were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c.260G>A in the GDF9 gene. While GG and GA genotypes were observed in the studied breed, the AA genotype was not observed. The results showed that Akkaraman lambs were in Hardy–Weinberg (H–W) equilibrium for the GDF9-c.260G>A polymorphism (p < 0.05). In this study, a significant association was observed between GDF9-HhaI polymorphism and 30th day weight and 60th day weight in Akkaraman lambs. When the animals were analyzed according to birth type, it was observed that this factor was associated with birth weight, as well as weights on days 30, 60, and 90. It is suggested that the c.260G>A coded SNP …

Growth Curve And Serum Calcium And Magnesium Concentrations In Duck Breeders (Anas Boschas) From Hatching To The Prelaying Period Reared Under Subtropical Conditions, Vanessa Peripolli, Fabiano Dahlke, Ellen Karen Dos Santos, Maila Palmeira, Stelamaris Dezen, Robert Lenock, Elizabeth Schwegler, Juahil Martins De Oliveira Júnior, Ivan Bianchi, Paula Gabriela Da Silva Pires, Betina Raquel Cunha Dos Santos, Andressa Fernanda Campos, Fabiana Moreira

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Optimizing duck production requires understanding growth variability and monitoring serum calcium and magnesium levelsas health indicators. This study aimed to analyze the growth curve, mortality, and serum calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in White Mallard ducks from hatching to the prelaying period in subtropical conditions. A total of 1100 females and 270 males were raised for 146 days. At hatch, day 6 (D6), D13, D23, D34, D50, D64, D80, D94, D111, and D146, ducks were weighed separately to assess body weight (BW). Blood samples were collected at hatch, D50, D94, and D146 to determine serum calcium and magnesium levels. …

The Morphologic Structure Of Some Wing Muscles In The Common Pheasant (Phasianus Colchicus), Beste Demi̇rci̇, Murat Erdem Gülti̇ken

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Avians use significant amounts of energy during flight that is supplied by muscles. The Common Pheasant, a member of the Phasianidae family, can fly swiftly over short distances and flies to evade predators. Pheasant species are terrestrial and have a global distribution. This investigation aimed to analyze the anatomical structure of skeletal muscles in pheasants. A cohort of 20 adult pheasants consisting of an equal number of females and males (10 each) was used. Dissections were performed on 5 females and 5 male pheasants for macroscopic evaluation. The remaining samples underwent immunohistochemical staining using an antimyoglobin antibody to measure the …

A Morphological Study On Acanthocephalan Species From Wild Birds In Northern Türkiye, Mehmet Öztürk, Şi̇nasi̇ Umur

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The phylum Acanthocephala contains approximately 1300 acanthocephalan species. So far, only nine acanthocephalan species of wild birds have been reported in Türkiye. To study the context of acanthocephalan diversity in wild birds in Türkiye, we examined 193 birds from 69 species belonging to 16 orders. Acanthocephalans were found in seven bird species: Centrorhynchus aluconis in Buteo buteo and Buteo rufinus, Centrorhynchus spinosus in Buteo buteo and Strix aluco, Mediorhynchus papillosus in Iduna icterina, Mediorhynchus tenuis in Luscinia svecica, Plagiorhynchus cylindraceus in Erithacus rubecula and Turdus merula, Polymorphus contortus in Anas platyrhynchos, and Sphaerirostris turdi in Turdus merula. Except for Plagiorhynchus …

Planetary Health: At The Crossroads Of Cvd Prevention, Tasveer Khawaja, Sanjay Rajagopalan

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose of Review: To highlight important recent findings demonstrating the interconnectedness of planetary and human health with a focus on cardiovascular disease. Recent Findings: Data continue to demonstrate a clear interconnectedness between the health of the planet and human health, with cardiovascular disease as an important outcome. The central roles of air pollution, non-optimal temperatures, water/waste management, and food/biodiversity are highlighted. We also highlight the clear opportunity for healthcare organizations to facilitate change that will yield positive environmental and patient outcomes. Summary: The undeniable interconnectedness of the health of the planet and human health serves as a call to action …

Staff Education To Improve Knowledge And Adherence To Diabetic Foot Ulcer Screening Protocols Using The Brief Diabetic Foot Ulceration Risk Checklist Tool, Sandrine Happi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project implemented a structured nurse education module on the Brief Diabetic Foot Ulceration Risk Checklist to improve knowledge and adherence to diabetic foot ulcer screening, supporting preventive care, clinical consistency, and equitable patient outcomes in primary care. The practice-focused question guiding the project was whether providing structured education on the BDFURC would improve nurses’ knowledge and adherence to DFU screening protocols within 12 weeks. The goal was to equip nurses with standardized screening tools to support the early identification of high-risk patients and reduce the burden of DFU-related outcomes. The project involved 12 nursing staff and used a …

Proteomics-Based Aging Clocks In Midlife Or Late-Life And Their Associated Risk Of Dementia, Sanaz Sedaghat, Saeun Park, Rob F Walker, Shuo Wang, Jialing Liu, Timothy M Hughes, Behnam Sabayan, Weihong Tang, Josef Coresh, James S Pankow, Keenan A Walker, Ramon Casanova, Ruth Dubin, Rajat Deo, Jerome I Rotter, Alexis C Wood, Peter Ganz, Pamela L Lutsey, Weihua Guan, Anna Prizment

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Biological age can be quantified by composite proteomic scores, called proteomics-based aging clocks (PACs). We investigated whether a discrepancy between chronological and biological age in midlife and late-life is associated with cognition and dementia risk.

Methods: We used two longitudinal population-based studies: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). PACs were created in ARIC at midlife (mean age: 58 years, 57% female, n = 11,758) and late-life (mean age: 77 years, 56% female, n = 4934) using elastic net regression models in two-thirds of dementia-free participants and validated in the remaining one-third …

Rna Gene Expression-Based Liquid Biopsies For Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Balvinder Bobbie Saarsal, Ila Chauhan, Jeevan Divakaran, Shizue Mito

School of Medicine Publications

The incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is on the rise, highlighting the urgent need for improved diagnostic biomarkers. To date, no systematic analysis has evaluated international studies using liquid samples to assess the utilization of RNA species as biomarkers for HCC. Liquid biopsies based on RNA expression offer more specific and sensitive diagnostic biomarkers for HCC than alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The inclusion criteria mandated English-language articles, freely available full texts, and primary research published between January 1, 2019, and May 15, 2024. Quantitative analysis was performed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic …

Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Predicts Response To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Faisal Fa'ak, Nicolas Coudray, George Jour, Milad Ibrahim, Irineu Illa-Bochaca, Shi Qiu, Adalberto Claudio Quiros, Ke Yuan, Douglas B Johnson, David L Rimm, Jeffrey S Weber, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Iman Osman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: Cancer treatment has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, a subset of patients do not respond and/or they experience significant adverse events. Attempts to integrate reliable biomarkers of ICI response as part of standard care have been hampered by limited generalizability. We previously reported our supervised machine learning (ML) model in a retrospective cohort of metastatic melanoma.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In this study, we expanded our testing to include larger cohorts of patients with melanoma accrued at several sites, including patients enrolled in clinical trials in both adjuvant and metastatic settings. We examined pretreatment hematoxylin and eosin slides …

The Genetic Architecture Of Cervical Length Is Shared With Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk, Hope M Wolf, Bradley T Webb, Jerome F Strauss 3rd, Adi L Tarca, Roberto Romero, Sonia S Hassan, Shawn J Latendresse, Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa, Stanley Berry, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, Piya Chaemsaithong, Timothy P York

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Sonographic cervical length is a powerful predictor of maternal risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Twin and family studies have established a maternal genetic heritability for sPTB ranging from 13 to 20%, however, there is no corresponding estimate for the heritability of mid-trimester cervical length, or an understanding of how genetic factors contribute to cervical changes across pregnancy.

METHODS: This study was based on a prospective longitudinal cohort of (N = 5,160) Black/African American women who underwent serial sonographic examination of the uterine cervix during pregnancy and were genotyped via next-generation low-pass whole genome sequencing.

RESULTS: Bivariate genetic correlations …