Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Hypocalcemia On Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 And Hmgb1 In Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients, Haneen Azeez Falih

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is associated with various symptoms including anaemia and bone problems. There is a need for more biomarkers of calcium disorders in TDT patients. In the present study, DKK 1 and HMGB1 are studied in TDT patients with hypocalcemia (TDT+Hypocalcemia) and normocalcemia (TDT+Normocalcemia) as a function of inflammation. Methods: TDT patients were classified according to the cut-off value (2.12 mM) of the adjusted serum calcium (Adj.T.Ca) into TDT+Normocalcemia (n = 54) and TDT+Hypocalcemia (n = 41) groups. Forty healthy controls have participated in the present study. DKK1 and HMGB1 were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Both …

Diversity And Equity In Medical Education Over The Past Decade: Applications, Matriculations, And The Growing Gaps, Gang Lv, Xiangxiang Jiang, Jordan Franklin, Minghui Li, Jing Yuan, Z Kevin Lu Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Diversity and race-concordant relationships contribute to improved patient experiences and outcomes. In contrast, the representation of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) individuals in different medical specialties is declining. The essential pathway to improving diversity within the future workforce centers around the inclusion of a diverse cohort of medical students. We aimed to examine the diversity of medical school applications and admissions across sex, race and ethnicity over the past decade.

Methods

This study used data from the Association of American Medical Colleges from 2015 to 2024. URiM individuals refer to minority populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession, including …

Profile Of Trna-Derived Short Non-Coding Rnas During Monocyte Differentiation And Their Role In Macrophage Survival, Anahita Jayaram, Sanjeev Galande, Soroush Sharbati, Deepak A. Deshpande, Phd, Kamlesh Pawar

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Monocytes, a type of leukocytes, are key players in immune responses, transitioning to macrophages at infection sites. Differentiation, which is crucial for macrophage survival and resistance to apoptosis, is a tightly regulated process. Based on our earlier findings implicating the 5'-fragment of tRNAHisGUG (5'-HisGUG) in macrophage biology, we specifically focused on these fragments to investigate its regulation during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and its role in macrophage survival. We performed small RNA sequencing during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation using THP-1 cells and identified 5'-HisGUG as a prominently regulated tDR. Notably, transfection of 5'-HisGUG in macrophages decreased survival under apoptotic stress. We propose that 5'-HisGUG …

Variation A Blood Culture Testing For Three Common Infections, Smit Shah, Jennifer Goldman, Matt Hall, Jillian Cotter, Samantha A. House, Matthew J. Molloy, Michelle Polich, Michael J. Steiner, John R. Stephens, Michael J. Tchou, Ronald J. Teufel Ii, Irma Ugalde, Andrew Yu, Jessica Markham

Presentations

Background: Routine blood culture (BC) testing in uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), and urinary tract infections (UTI) has demonstrated low clinical utility. Objectives: To evaluate hospital-level BC testing trends and their association with clinical outcome differences for children hospitalized with CAP, SSTI, and UTI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the Pediatric Health Information System database to identify hospitalizations of children aged 3 months-18 years admitted with CAP, SSTI, or UTI from 2016-2023. We excluded patients with complicated infections, medical complexity, ICU admission, or length of stay (LOS) >7 days. Hospital-level BC testing rates were …

The Impact Of Utilizing Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin And Collagen Plugs For Maintaining The Tooth Extraction Socket: A Review Study, Esraa Hameed Hassan, Ali H. Abbas Alhussaini

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Tooth extraction initiates a cascade of biological changes that result in alveolar bone resorption, compromising both the esthetic and functional outcomes of future dental rehabilitations, particularly implant placement. Socket preservation strategies have emerged as crucial interventions aimed at minimizing post-extraction ridge collapse. This review explores the synergistic effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) and collagen plugs in enhancing socket preservation outcomes. Collagen plugs serve as biocompatible scaffolds, promoting hemostasis, cellular migration, and angiogenesis, while supporting soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. Concurrently, I-PRF-an autologous, growth factor-rich biomaterial-provides a dynamic reservoir of platelets, leukocytes, and key cytokines such as Platelet-Derived Growth …

Impact Of Insulin Resistance In Pcos (Lh/Fsh) In A Group Of Woman In Baghdad City, Roua Shehab-Aldeen Ahmed, Fatima Amer Abd Aljabar, Nadia Mohammed Mahdi Al-Shakir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrinological disorder influencing ladies, and it is the foremost common cause of menstrual unsettling influence amid the regenerative age. Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOS) is in fact a chronic form of anovulation that is usually observed besides a large spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. Objectives: The study's main goal is to evaluate the hormonal indicators of ``PCOS'' and insulin resistance and determine how insulin resistance affects these hormones. Materials and methods: This study included 130 women, aged 19--38, who were separated into three bunches: 40 women with ``PCOs'' who were treated with metformin and …

Exploring The Role Of Hepcidin And Some Biochemical Indicators In Β-Thalassemia Major Patients With Negative And Positive Entamoeba Histolytica, Jafar Jamal Abdullah, Mohammed Mezher Hussain, Abdul Rasool Kh. Saeed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Thalassemia syndromes encompass a wide range of hemoglobin disorders characterized by either the absence or diminished production of normal globin chains. Hepcidin, a peptide produced by the liver with antimicrobial properties, is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes situated near the portal veins, which are responsible for transporting dietary iron, as well as by Kupffer cells. Before blood transfusions, increased erythropoietic activity leads to a reduction in hepcidin, resulting in lower hepcidin levels that enhance the absorption of dietary iron. Parasite protozoa depend on iron for their survival, as it plays a crucial role in the growth and enzymatic functions of E. …

A Multipronged Approach To Developing & Marketing Asynchronous Resources To Faculty, Heather Mcneill, Emilie Keeton, Msod, Enam Haddad, Myles Chandler, Eric T. Rush, Jacqueline Hill

Posters

What suggested GFA topic does your submission align with? Organizational Policies, Practices and Procedures Intended/Target Audience Seasoned Faculty and Staff Mid-Career Faculty and Staff New Faculty and Staff Description Faculty have limited time for professional development. We piloted an approach to create and actively promote curated asynchronous professional development resources in five targeted topic areas and recorded resource use over two academic years (July 2023-July 2025). Since July 2023, we had 4,543 unique daily views; more than half (n=2,319) were views of academic promotion resources. Asynchronous resources engaged faculty in professional development topics, especially academic promotion. Additional information: Background: Faculty …

Author Reply: Investment Case For Mental Health, Cyprian Mostert

Population Health, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Clearance Of Acute Bilateral Idiopathic Central Corneal Stromal Haze Likely Due To Topical Losartan, Karen Asfar, Jad F. Assaf, Jeremiah Gendy, Sadeer Hannush, Shady T. Awwad

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

To report the use of topical losartan as a potential treatment of acute bilateral central corneal stromal haze in a patient presenting with a syndrome resembling central toxic keratopathy (CTK).Patient and Clinical Findings:A 51-year-old man presented with clinically significant central corneal stromal haze bilaterally 6 days after a periorbital and facial contact dermatitis secondary to pesticide exposure. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) were 20/80 and 20/70 in the right eye, and 20/200- and 20/150+ in the left eye, respectively. After unsuccessful treatment with topical antivirals, antibiotics and corticosteroids, the patient started off-label treatment with topical losartan …

Validation Of Established Thyroid Ultrasound Volume Norms In A Chernobyl Cohort, Lydia B. Zablotska, Robert J. Mcconnell, Aleksandr V. Rozhko, Patrick O'Kane, Vasilina Yauseyenka, Mark P. Little, Victor Minenko, Vladimir Drozdovitch, Tamara Moskvicheva, Maureen Hatch, Tamara Yeudachkova, Kiyohiko Mabuchi, Elizabeth K. Cahoon

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To establish thyroid ultrasound volume norms appropriate for studies of diffuse goiter in a cohort of children and adolescents from an iodine-deficient population exposed to 131I by the Chernobyl fallout.

METHODS: A cohort of 11,970 Belarusians aged ≤18 years at the time of the 1986 Chernobyl accident with individual thyroid radiation dose estimates was screened 10-18 years later. From these, a low-dose subset of 2,392 with no thyroid diseases was selected to construct age- and sex-specific normative values for thyroid ultrasound volume, compared to Belarusian Ministry of Health (MOH) norms and existing WHO and European standards.

RESULTS: Cohort-specific values …

Evaluation Of Snap-Ed New Mexico’S Pilot “I Choose H2o” Campaign To Increase Water Consumption, Theresa H. Cruz, Mahtab Soleimani, Camille R. Velarde, Belinda E. Vicuna

Reports & Documents

The “I Choose H2O” campaign is a school-based pilot initiative developed by the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center with SNAP-Ed NM funding from the USDA. Designed as a three-week social marketing effort, the campaign aimed to increase daily water consumption and reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among middle school students. The campaign engaged students and staff through activities such as water challenges, events, tastings, and prize incentives, while also encouraging broader school-level policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes.

This evaluation used direct observation before and after implementation to assess changes in water fountain usage and lunchtime beverage …

Characterizing The Influence Of Racism-Related Stress And Pandemic-Related Changes In Social Connections On Cardiovascular Health: Study Protocol And Theoretical Framework, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Victoria Money, Charles Ellis, Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Michelle A. Birkett, Gayenell Magwood

Faculty Publications

Background Cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality among young adults are rising, and disparities between young Black and White women are immense. Health behaviors including physical activity and diet are essential for optimal cardiovascular health. Psychosocial factors, such as racism, perceived stress, and lack of social support, contribute to racial inequities in cardiovascular disease, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed study aims to assess the influence of racism-related stress and other social determinants of health, including social connectedness, on quality of life and cardiovascular-related health behaviors. Methods This is a concurrent, triangulation, mixed-methods study combining survey data on …

Medicaid Managed Care Organization Service Coverage And Diagnosis And Treatment Of Opioid Use Disorder: Evidence From Quasi-Random Auto-Assignment In Kentucky, Shelby R. Steuart, Miguel Antonio G Estrada, Christina Andrews Ph.D., Colleen M. Grogan, Olivia M. Hinds, Emily C. Lawler, Lauren A. Peterson, Felipe Lozano-Rojas, Emily C. Lawler, Lauren A. Peterson, Felipe Lozano-Rojas, Melissa A. Westlake, Coady Wing, Amanda J. Abraham

Faculty Publications

Introduction

Opioid-related mortality continues to claim tens of thousands of American lives annually. Medicaid plays an outsized role in financing opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, paying for almost 40% of all Americans who received OUD treatment in 2017. Methods

Using Medicaid T-MSIS Analytic Files data and a novel data set of Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) plan coverage, we examined the relationship between comprehensiveness of benefits for OUD treatment provided by Medicaid MCO plans and the likelihood of OUD diagnosis and medications for OUD (MOUD) receipt among newly enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky. We use two stage least squares to …

Functional Time Transformation Model With Applications To Digital Health, Rahul Ghosal Ph.D., Marcos Matabuena, Sujit K. Ghosh

Faculty Publications

The advent of wearable and sensor technologies now leads to functional predictors which are intrinsically infinite dimensional. While the existing approaches for functional data and survival outcomes lean on the well-established Cox model, the proportional hazard (PH) assumption might not always be suitable in real-world applications. Motivated by physiological signals encountered in digital medicine, we develop a more general and flexible functional time-transformation model for estimating the conditional survival function with both functional and scalar covariates. A partially functional regression model is used to directly model the survival time on the covariates through an unknown monotone transformation and …

Implementation Of A Zen Room And Mindfulness Techniques To Decrease Perceived Burnout, Danika Scott

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a Zen room and mindfulness techniques, aiming to improve job satisfaction by 65% and reduce perceived burnout by 10% among behavioral health staff. The project was conducted at a substance abuse center in Deer Park, TX.

Background: Behavioral health staff face high levels of emotional exhaustion and job-related stress, leading to increased burnout.

Methodology: The Plan-Do-Study-Act model guided the QI methodology using a sample of 23 behavioral health staff. Interventions included an equipped Zen space and wellness resources. Data collection utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a …

Reporting And Tracking Of Occupational Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures, Olivia Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose/Background: Underreporting of occupational bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposures remains a significant patient and employee safety issue. At UT Health, outdated paper-based systems hindered accurate tracking, timely follow-up, and reporting compliance. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to achieve a 30% increase in quarterly BBP exposure reports, from 30 to 39, by implementing an electronic reporting system between January 1 and March 31, 2025.

Methodology: Guided by the Health Belief Model and using the Implementation and Improvement Science (IIS) Framework, the project replaced the existing paper form with an external, user-friendly digital system. Staff received structured training, and …

Clinically Validated Graphical Approaches Identify Hepatosplenic Multimorbidity In Individuals At Risk Of Schistosomiasis, Yin-Cong Zhi, Simon Mpooya, Narcis Kabatereine, Betty Nabatte, Christopher Opio, Narcis Kabatereine, Goylette Chami

Internal Medicine, East Africa

The global burden of multimorbidity is increasing yet poorly understood, owing to insufficient methods for modelling complex systems of conditions. In particular, hepatosplenic multimorbidity has been inadequately investigated. From 17 January to 16 February 2023, we examined 3186 individuals aged 5–92 years from 52 villages across Uganda within the SchistoTrack Cohort. Point-of-care B-mode ultrasound was used to assess 45 hepatosplenic conditions within the context of schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni). Three graph learning methods for representing hepatosplenic multimorbidity were compared. Thresholds for including graph edges were found using graph kernels and tested with graph neural networks to assess predictive utility for unobserved …

Practicing Dentistry In The Age Of Periodontal Risk Management, Roger N. Warren D.D.S., Liana Umbrio D.D.S., Leena Palomo D.D.S., M.S.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Purpose of review: To provide clinicians with knowledge of periodontal risk assessment that can be applied chairside effortlessly.

Recent findings: Detecting periodontal risk factors early may reduce the morbidity of oral and systemic diseases, as oral and systemic health can have a bidirectional relationship.

Summary: Dental professionals are equipped with evidence-based risk factors to predict and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Implementing chairside risk assessment allows for prevention and early intervention, potentially reducing healthcare costs and promoting simpler solutions in an unpredictable economy.

Turning The Page On The Past, Maurice L. Edwards Dmd

The New York State Dental Journal

Maurice L. Edwards, D.M.D., NYSDA’s 144th President, is committed to making a fresh start for the Association and its members.

Good Faith Estimates And The No Surprises Act, Stuart L. Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

Federal law requires dentists to be up front with self-pay patients about the cost of their treatment. Surprises may lead to penalties.

The No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This is a federal law that applies to all health-care providers, including dentists. The law gives certain rights to patients to help protect them from receiving surprise medical bills. These surprises usually occur when a person has no control over who treats them, such as during an emergency or when they are treated unknowingly by an out-of-network provider.

To Thine Own Self Be True

The New York State Dental Journal

THE NYSDA DIVERSITY and Inclusion Task Force, charged with acknowledging and promoting the disparate components of the Association’s membership, joins in the national observance of June as Pride Month. Designated in 1999, Pride Month commemorates the contributions to life and culture made by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Among those celebrating and being celebrated this month is NYSDA member Alison Rascon, D.D.S., M.S.

Anxiety And Depression In Today's Youth: A Current Look Into Assessment And Treatment., Meredith J. Scafe, Meghan Kanya, Meaghan Flynn, Ram Chettiar

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Rates of anxiety and depression in youth continue at unprecedented levels, contributing to rising numbers of suicide attempts and lowered school attendance. Though many medical providers are trained to assess and provide recommendations for anxiety and depression, many report feeling ill-equipped to address these concerns in a timely, feasible, and effective manner. We review the existing literature on screening for anxiety and depression in the medical setting …

Two Spectroscopy Devices Can Approximate Fruit And Vegetable Intake In A Racially And Ethnically Diverse Sample, Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts, Qiang Wu, Melissa N Laska, Nancy E Moran

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Assessing fruit and vegetable intake is important to determine the effectiveness of nutrition intervention studies. Few objective measures of fruit and vegetable intake have been directly compared within the same study participants.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the relative validity of 2 different skin spectrophotometry devices to serve as biomarkers of plasma carotenoid concentrations, self-reported fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), and carotenoid intake, to examine if both devices can be used to approximate FVI.

Methods: Human skin carotenoid scores (SCS, Veggie Meter-assessed) and color space measurement data from 2 prior studies were used. Participants' skin color space parameters …

A Brief Guide To Statistical Analysis Of Grouped Data In Preclinical Research, Colby J Vorland, Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Clustering and nesting (C&N) arise in many preclinical studies such as when animals are group-housed, share litters, or in cell culture. Ignoring C&N undermines the validity of analyses. We explain how C&N arise and valid designs and analyses.

The Diabetes Prevention Program And Its Outcomes Study: Niddk's Journey Into The Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes And Its Public Health Impact, Jill P Crandall, Dana Dabelea, William C Knowler, David M Nathan, Marinella Temprosa, Dpp Research Group

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The current-day epidemic of type 2 diabetes, largely driven by increased adiposity and reduced physical activity in the setting of genetic susceptibility, is a major public health challenge. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) presciently proposed the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a multicenter randomized clinical trial, designed by investigators in conjunction with NIDDK staff and initiated in 1996. The primary goal of DPP was to determine whether an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS) or metformin in comparison with placebo would reduce the development of diabetes in a high-risk population with prediabetes. After mean 2.8 years, ILS …

To Pause With A Cliffhanger Or A Temporary Closure? The Differential Impact Of Serial Versus Episodic Narratives On Children's Physical Activity Behaviors, Amy Shirong Lu, Melanie C Green, Caio Victor Sousa, Jungyun Hwang, I-Min Lee, Debbe Thompson, Tom Baranowski

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Research has supported the effectiveness of narratives for promoting health behavior, but different narrative presentation formats (serial vs. episodic) have seldom been compared. Suspense theories suggest that serial narratives, which do not provide a full resolution at the end of an episode, may create higher motivation for continued engagement with a story. Forty-four 8 to 12-year-old children were randomly assigned to watch an animation series designed for an existing active video game in which the plot was delivered either continuously across multiple episodes (serial) or in multiple yet relatively independent self-contained episodes (episodic). Controlling for social desirability, children who watched …

Assessment Of Patient Knowledge And Awareness Of Prosthodontics For Student And Patient Education And Communication, Mijin Choi D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., Facp, Tejal Gohil B.D.S., Cristina Osorio D.D.S., Hannah Jeong, Thomas S. Giugliano D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

This study evaluates patient understanding of the scope of prosthodontic treatments. Utilizing an 11-question survey, 149 patients at a postgraduate prosthodontic clinic were queried. Data analysis included frequency summaries, cross-tabulations and Pearson Chi-square tests. Results showed 68.4% of respondents knew about the role of prosthodontists. Their main concerns were improving chewing (43.9%) and smile (42.6%), varying by age. While many recognized prosthodontists’ scope, cosmetic and complex dental treatments were less well known as prosthodontic specialties. This highlights a gap in patient awareness regarding the full range of prosthodontic services.

Orofacial Manifestations Of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (Haart) And Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep): Implications For Dental Care And Guidelines For Management, Alec Donelian, Yuedi Yu, Ezzard Rolle Dds, Alison Newgard Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

HAART and PrEP have demonstrated reduction of HIV-related mortality and HIV infection, respectively. A range of orofacial side effects has been associated with both HAART and PrEP. As PrEP usage has increased, there has also been an increase in sexually transmitted infections that have orofacial symptoms. As oral health-care providers, it is important that we recognize these orofacial side effects and symptoms. Further, we offer clinical recommendations for dental professionals treating patients who are on either HAART or PrEP and their associated risk factors.

Breast Reconstruction In Becker Nevus Syndrome, Alexis K. Schlosser, Mohammed S. Rais, Ruston J. Sanchez

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Becker nevus syndrome is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by the presence of a hyperpigmented patch of skin typically occurring on the upper trunk, often associated with hypertrichosis, and sometimes associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities ipsilateral to the nevus. Becker nevus syndrome can lead to breast hypoplasia. Unlike other forms of breast hypoplasia, treatment should begin before the completion of breast development. Due to the rarity of the disease, breast reconstruction in these patients has no gold-standard approach, and treatment is often delayed. Therefore, our case report highlighted the need for early treatment and provided options for reconstruction in this population. …