Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Novel Less Invasive Single Port Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device, Li Li, Jinsong Chen, Zhongjiang Zhuang, Stephen Topaz, Masashi Kawabori, Joseph B. Zwischenberger, Cherry Ballard-Croft, Dongfang Wang

Surgery Faculty Publications

A less invasive paracorporeal single port pulsatile ventricular assist device (sppVAD) was developed for cardiogenic shock. This compact sppVAD includes a valved single lumen cannula (VSLC), valveless single port diaphragm displacement pump (spDDP), and portable console. A 33/27 Fr VSLC was fabricated for mock loop testing, a 28/25 Fr VSLC was made for 6 hours sheep testing (n = 5, 44–52 kg), and valveless spDDP with portable console was made. The sppVAD (33/27 Fr VSLC) achieved 6.2 L/min flow in mock loop. In sheep, the 28/25 Fr VSLC was inserted without cardiopulmonary bypass from apex to ascending aorta within 1 …

Hydroxyurea Pharmacokinetics In Children With Sickle Cell Anemia Across Different Global Populations, Alexandra Power-Hays, Kathryn Mcelhinney, Thomas Williams, George Mochamah, Peter Olupot-Olupot, George Paasi, Marvin Reid, Angela Rankine-Mullings, Robert Opoka, John Chandy

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Hydroxyurea provides effective disease-modifying treatment for people with sickle cell anemia (SCA), especially when escalated to maximum tolerated dose (MTD), but has wide interpatient dosing variability due to pharmacokinetic (PK) differences. Whether hydroxyurea PK parameters differ among children with SCA in different global regions is unknown. We compared hydroxyurea PK parameters among children with SCA from five clinical trials: HUSTLE (USA, NCT00305175), TREAT (USA, NCT02286154), NOHARM (Uganda, NCT01976416), REACH (Uganda and Kenya, NCT01966731), and EXTEND (Jamaica, NCT02556099). Key hydroxyurea PK parameters were determined using HdxSim™, a validated hydroxyurea PK-software program. The results were compared across regions by one way analysis …

Investigating Neonatal Sepsis: Anti-Infectives, Diagnostics And Guidelines Used In Health Systems Across Sub-Saharan Africa – The Insights Study, Jack Louis Stanley, David Hettle, Rachel Poffley, Larisse Bolton, Emelyne Gres, Isabel Coelho, Raana Hussain, Gildas Boris Hedible, Gwendoline Lilly Chimhini, Valeriane Leroy

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background Sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where microbiological diagnostic capacity and antibiotic access are limited. High antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates limit the effectiveness of current treatment guidelines, with concern that available antibiotics are rarely adequate treatment for neonatal sepsis in the region.

Methods A cross-sectional online survey was electronically distributed in English, French and Portuguese to neonatal clinicians across SSA between April and June 2025. Questions focused on the management of neonatal sepsis including diagnostic, antibiotic and guideline use. Responses were analysed descriptively and presented as percentages of the total number of responses. …

Location Of Births By Health Facility Type: A Time Trend Analysis From 1995 To 2023 In 130 Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Anna Gage, Madeleine Conrad, Chiara Sumich, Wes Warriner, Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Corinne Bintz, Kelly Bienhoff, Jessica Bishai, Abdu Mohiddin, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: With major increases in facility births in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since 1995, a key question is what types of facilities met the increased demand. Understanding the evolving delivery landscape is crucial to informing debates about optimal models for balancing access, quality, and equity. We studied the distribution of delivery location by health facility level and sector (private versus public) in 130 LMICs from 1995 to 2023.

Methods: We used 745 data sources with delivery location information in our analysis. We first categorised births as in-facility or not, then further classified facility births by level (hospital …

Evaluation Of Peptides And Peptide–Doxorubicin Conjugates Designed And Synthesized For Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Via Cell-Surface Receptors, Shih-Jing (Jane) Yao

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

A significant problem faced in oncology is the lack of chemotherapeutic agents that are tumor site-specific, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy and unintended infliction of harm to surrounding healthy tissues and cells that often lead to serious side effects. Current strategies being explored to circumvent this issue aim to refine delivery of  chemotherapeutic agents specifically to tumor sites, which may be achieved via conjugation of these agents to biomarker-specific ligands. This forms the foundation of ligand-targeted drug delivery. Among different breast cancers, treatment of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype has been particularly challenging, largely due to the absence of …

Amyloid Β-Cholesterol Interplay: Removal Of Cholesterol From The Membranes To Catalyze Aggregation And Amyloid Pathology, Rishiram Baral, Ruan Van Deventer, Yuri L. Lyubchenko

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

The interplay between the cholesterol metabolism and assembly of Aβ42 (the 42-residue form of the amyloid-β peptide) peptides in pathological aggregates is considered one of the major molecular mechanisms in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Numerous in vitro studies led to the finding that high cholesterol levels in membranes accelerate the production of Aβ aggregates. The molecular mechanisms explaining how cholesterol localized inside the membrane bilayer catalyzes the assembly of Aβ aggregates above the membrane remain unknown. We addressed this problem by combining different AFM modalities, including imaging and force spectroscopy, with fluorescence spectroscopy. Our combined studies revealed that …

Chronic In Utero Oxycodone Exposure Alters Placental Small Ev Proteome And Fetal Cardiomyopathy-Linked Pathways, Amin Foroughi Nezhad, Dalia Moore, Victoria L. Schaal, Tousif Ahmed Hediyal, Elizabeth Stone, Sree Kolli, Pranavi Athota, Omar Shukri, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Gurudutt Pendyala

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Aim: The rising prevalence of opioid use during pregnancy poses serious public health concerns. The placenta is a critical organ during gestation, and opioid exposure can disrupt its function and fetal development. However, the molecular mechanisms through which opioids such as oxycodone affect feto-placental development remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic in-utero oxycodone exposure on the composition and signaling functions of placenta-derived small extracellular vesicles (PSEVs) using a rat model.

Methods: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from placental tissue and characterized through nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and label-free quantitative proteomics. …

Novel Mechanistic Divergence Of The Hsp70–Hsp110 Chaperone System In Fungi And Humans, Justin M. Kidd, Ayil Perrott, Cancan Sun, Anusri Arun Prasath, Spoorti Kalashetti, Sky Evans, Vadim Barnakov

Physiology and Biophysics Publications and Presentations

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conserved, ubiquitous molecular chaperones that play various roles in preserving proteostasis, particularly in response to cellular stressors (e.g., heat, oxidation). In addition, their dysregulation is linked to various diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and fungal infections. HSPs are generally grouped by molecular weight into families with related functions. Members of the 70-kDa family (Hsp70s) are central, energy-driven chaperones that bind and release clients in a cyclical manner dependent on ATP hydrolysis, facilitated by multiple co-chaperones such as nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs). In addition to solubilizing protein aggregates, members of the 110-kDa family (Hsp110s) constitute the primary …

Compensatory Responses To Glaucoma Pathology In The Dorsolateral Geniculate Nucleus, Shaylah Mccool, Arnav Jain, Jennie C. Smith, Victoria L. Schaal, Gurudutt Pendyala, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Matthew J. Van Hook

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Glaucoma disrupts the conveyance of retinal signals to visual regions of the brain such as the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) due to degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Although plasticity during development allows altered visual experience to modulate dLGN synapses and excitability, evidence for experience-dependent dLGN plasticity in adults is limited. However, glaucoma might trigger compensatory plasticity in adult dLGN, thereby compensating for diminished RGC synaptic drive. Here, we tested this theory using aged DBA/2J mice, which develop high intraocular pressure and glaucoma. In brain slice recordings, we found that diminished RGC inputs could drive robust action …

Differential Sensitivity Of Leukocyte Populations To Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm, Nichole D. Brandquist, Tammy Kielian

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) typified by biofilm formation. Anti-inflammatory granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) represent the main leukocyte population in a mouse model of S. aureus PJI, followed by neutrophils (PMNs), and macrophages (Mφs), which is also seen during human PJI. Defining how each leukocyte population responds to S. aureus biofilm vs planktonic bacteria could have important implications for how S. aureus evades immune detection to facilitate biofilm persistence. This study compared the kinetics of leukocyte death and relationship to mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production following exposure to planktonic S. aureus or biofilm. Mφs …

Guidance For Authors, Editors And Publishers On The Use Of Generative Ai, Christopher J. Smiley, Julie Frantsve-Hawley Phd, Michael Parks Jd, Ee, Francine Lynch Esq., D.Be, Kelly O'Brien, Ellen Thieme Mlis, Thomas Dodson Dds, Mph, Facs, David Foe, Chester Gary D.D.S., J.D., Kelly Lemke Dds, Ms, Jeffrey Platt Dds, Ms, Ba, Toni M. Roucka Rn, Dds, Ma, Facd, Hugh Wunderlich Dds

Individual Scholarship

This paper from AADEJ presents best-practice guidelines for the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and large language models (LLMs) in the creation, editing, and publication processes in dental writing and publishing. It examines how LLMs, such as ChatGPT, can enhance efficiency across writing and publishing workflows, while also identifying the operational risks associated with their design.

Key areas of focus include the implications of LLM algorithms and training data, particularly regarding the risks they pose to intellectual property, privacy, and the integrity of the profession’s literature. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the legal, ethical, and copyright …

In Vitro Dihalobenzene Nephrotoxicity In Isolated Kidney Cells, Jana Ahmed Sherif

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brominated and chlorinated benzenes are common industrial chemicals linked to kidney injury. This study evaluated the nephrotoxicity of several mono- and dihalogenated derivatives using isolated kidney cells from male Fischer 344 rats. LDH release and trypan blue exclusion were measured after 30- and 60-minute exposures to 0.25–1.0 mM to test compounds. Toxicity increased with increased concentration and longer times. Mixed-halogen bromobenzenes, particularly 1-bromo-4-chlorobenzene, showed one of the highest toxicity levels, while 1,4dichlorobenzene was the most toxic chlorobenzene. Antioxidants (glutathione, ascorbate, and αtocopherol) markedly reduced injury, indicating oxidative mechanisms play a role in toxicity. cytochromes P450 (CYP) inhibitors (piperonyl butoxide and …

Primary Dural Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Report Of A Rare Case And Review Of The Literature., Adetola G Mowo-Wale, Ozo Akah, Shaileshkumar Jagdishbhai Prajapati, Parita Shah, Kaushalendra Mani Tripathi, Neeraj Kancherla, Rohan Raj

Internal Medicine Resident Research

Primary dural lymphoma (PDL) is a rare subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), accounting for fewer than 1% of cases. It originates from the dura mater with no evidence of parenchymal or systemic involvement and is usually a low-grade marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL). High-grade variants, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), are extremely uncommon and clinically more aggressive. We describe the case of a 65-year-old immunocompetent man who presented with progressive headaches and right-sided weakness. Brain MRI revealed a right frontoparietal dural-based enhancing lesion with a dural tail, closely mimicking meningioma on imaging. Subtotal resection was performed, …

Examining The Association Between Ddt Exposure And Parkinson’S Disease, Hodges Mccathern

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, commonly known as DDT, was an organochlorine pesticide widely used in the mid-20th century. It is highly stable and resistant to degradation, leading to its long-term presence in the environment. This chemical bioaccumulates in ecosystems and in human tissue, particularly adipose tissue, raising concerns about chronic exposure. Emerging research links DDT exposure to adverse neurological outcomes, including increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease. Mechanistically, DDT and its metabolites may disrupt dopaminergic neurons, induce oxidative stress, and interfere with mitochondrial function, contributing to neurotoxicity. Understanding the environmental fate of DDT and its bioaccumulative properties is essential for …

The Association Between Personal Particulate Matter Exposures And Cognitive Function Among Stroke Patients, Kentucky, Usa, Nana Afua Ankomah Dei

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Stroke, a major cause of long-term disability and cognitive problems in the U.S., significantly affects people’s quality of life. Exposure to particulate matter (PM_2.5) may result in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. This project thus assessed the relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and its effect on the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. Fifteen stroke patients (9 non-Appalachian and 6 Appalachian) undergone thrombectomy were recruited. Personal PM_2.5 exposure was measured using wearable sensors for a week during the study period. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and covariates …

Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol For Reducing Emergence Delirium In Pediatric Anesthesia: A Scoping Review, Hannah Laxton Bsn, Rn, Hannah Mclain Bsn, Rn, Robert Mohr Bsn, Rn, Sarah Rocha Bsn, Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne, Dwanye Accardo Dnp, Crna, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background 

Propofol is widely regarded as the standard anesthetic agent for preventing and treating emergence delirium, particularly in pediatric patients. Emergence delirium presents as postoperative agitation that may escalate to self-injurious behavior that can lead to disruption of critical lines or equipment. Since its approval in 1999, dexmedetomidine has gained attention for its sedative and sympatholytic properties, offering potential advantages over propofol. This study compares the postoperative effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine in reducing emergence delirium in pediatric surgical patients.

Methods 

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025. Databases searched …

Safety Aware Continual Reinforcement Learning-Based Output Tracking Control Of Nonlinear Continuous-Time Systems, Irfan Ganie, Sarangapani Jagannathan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An output feedback (OF)-based control scheme utilizing both a scalable multilayer neural network (MNN) observer and actor–critic MNN via integral reinforcement learning (IRL)/adaptive dynamics programming (ADP) approach for a class of nonlinear systems with output constraints is introduced. The proposed observer, critic, and actor MNN weight updates are derived using a singular value decomposition (SVD) of MNN activation function gradient along with output error, Bellman and control input errors, respectively. Next, the approach incorporates continual learning (CL), utilizing a penalty function in the weight update laws for both actor–critic MNNs to consolidate knowledge from previous tasks and enhance learning in …

Partial Molar Pregnancy With Extreme Elevation Of Quantitative Β-Hcg, Zachary Franklin, Amanda Royek, Kaitlyn Vu, Anthony Royek

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Surgical Approach To Colon Resection With Colostomy Creation Influences Reversal Rates And Postoperative Outcomes: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis, Benjamin Perkins, Ena Novakovic-Bennet, Salvatore Caleb Jerris, Alyssa Kozlowski, Andrew Schlussel

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Efficiency In Joint Injections In An Outpatient Orthopedic Oncology Clinic Using Lean Six Sigma, William Alexander Byrd

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Prolonged in-room wait time in an outpatient orthopedic oncology clinic was identified as an important driver of dissatisfaction and operational inefficiency. Baseline in-room times in this setting were reported as M=96.2 minutes for patients receiving injections and M=92.9 minutes for those not receiving injections. This quality improvement project used Lean Six Sigma (LSS) DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework to streamline clinic workflow for the joint injection process. Over an eight-week period, four key interventions were introduced: a standardized order set for medications, pre-bundled supplies and portable supply toolbox, telephone pre-consenting of patients, and optimized scheduling of …

Advancing Menstrual Health And Hygiene In Rural Kenya: A Guideline Based Approach, Tessia R. Winnfield

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Objective: To develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for menstrual health management addressing menstrual education, teacher training, menstrual school absenteeism, male student engagement, pain management, and provision of menstrual kits with product options.

Design: This evidence-based practice guideline development project used the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Framework and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHNEBP). I conducted a systematic literature review and a critical appraisal to identify best practices for menstrual hygiene interventions in rural communities.

Setting: The guideline development occurred within an academic Doctor of Nursing Practice program focused on rural communities.

Participants: Seven stakeholders …

Measuring The Impact Of 3d Printers On The Health Of Youth, Alexis Kostin, Olla Obeid, Oz Trost

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

3D printers are used more widely than ever before; they can be found in factories, hospitals, and even schools. However, the health effects of the VOCs and UFPs that these machines emit have yet to be fully understood. In collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, this study utilizes an Air Gradient One sensor at the Diamond Lab to monitor VOC and UFP emissions before, during, and after 3D printing sessions. By comparing these levels to EPA and CDC safety standards, we aim to quantify the respiratory risks posed to youth.

Organizational Support And Burnout In Occupational And Physical Therapists: A Quantitative Correlational Study In The Acute Care Setting, Brenda Ballou-Boyd Mrs.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The United States is positioned for an upcoming healthcare crisis with an estimated deficit of 100,000 healthcare professionals by 2028 (Mercer, 2024). Burnout is well documented among the healthcare community and is a major contributing factor to an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, including occupational and physical therapists. Most prior research has focused on burnout from a personal level, but addressing burnout from an organizational level may be more effective in reducing this phenomenon among occupational and physical therapy providers.

Purpose: Despite the high levels of burnout reported, a substantial gap exists in research dedicated towards the …

Quantification Of Illicit And Prescription Drug Residues In Pasteurized Donor Human Milk: A Comprehensive Analytical Approach, Michelle Brenner, Kaytlin Krutsch, Ashlynn Baker, Dhavalkumar Patel, Palika Datta

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Objective

To assess the risk of infant exposure to illicit and prescription drug residues, from infant-ready, pooled, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) provided by healthy, screened, voluntary non-remunerated donors to a not-for-profit milk bank.

Study Design

A total of 150 pooled samples, representing 742 donor contributions, were analyzed for 15 illicit and prescription drug analytes using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Detected concentrations were evaluated for clinical significance.

Result

All 150 PDHM samples tested negative for residues of marijuana, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine. Three samples (2%) contained trace amounts of oxycodone (< 0.6 parts per billion), yielding exposures over 455 times lower than established standards for infant safety (Relative Infant Dose: < 0.022%; standard safety threshold 10%).

Conclusion

Comprehensive analysis detected no clinically …

Causal Effect Estimates Of Online E-Cigarette Marketing Exposure On Future E-Cigarette Harm Perception And Use, Paul T. Harrell, Nicholas T. Williams, Kara E. Rudolph, Rachel Ayala Guzman, Ateeqa Ijaz, Nicole Rychagov, Aaron Null, Silvia S. Martins

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

Globally, over 10 million youth use e-cigarettes; United States use, in particular, dramatically rose in the late 2010's, exceeding year-over-year increases from any other substance in over four decades. This rise has been partially attributed to youth online e-cigarette marketing exposure, but has not been appropriately studied.

Methods

We examined youth data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) spanning the dramatic increase period (Waves 4, 4.5, and 5; 2016-2019). We estimated average risk differences (RD) for Wave 5 e-cigarette harmfulness perception and use comparing all youth versus no youth reporting past-month online e-cigarette marketing exposure in …

Somatosensory Realignment Following Single And Dual Force-Field Adaptation, Dylan Zangakis, Aaron Wong, Amanda S. Therrien

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Evidence that adaptive motor learning coincides with a realignment of somatosensory perception has led to hypotheses that a shared mechanism underlies both processes. This implies that these two phenomena should exhibit similar properties. However, studies of somatosensory realignment with visuomotor adaptation have shown mixed support, possibly due to a confounding coactivation of sensory prediction errors and multisensory integration. Although the former is thought to drive adaptation, both processes may contribute to somatosensory realignment. Here, we examined somatosensory realignment following force-field adaptation, which is not confounded by multisensory integration. Across two experiments, we tested whether somatosensory realignment mimics three canonical properties …

Comparing The Evolution Of The Advanced Practice Nurse Role: Insights From Switzerland And Kenya, Carole Mackavey, Sara Kohler, Eunice Ndirangu, Rachel Kimani, Constance Shumba, Bernard Mutwiri, Colette Henderson, Anna Jones

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

The article explores the evolution of Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) roles in Switzerland and Kenya, highlighting their development, challenges, and influence on healthcare delivery. Despite notable differences in income levels and healthcare infrastructure, both countries are committed to strengthening primary care through the deployment of APNs. Switzerland uses APNs to address provider shortages and improve chronic disease management, whereas Kenya uses them to increase access in underserved areas. A comparative analysis explores how regulatory frameworks, educational models, scope of practice, and health system priorities influence the adoption of advanced practice nursing (APN). Switzerland’s established healthcare system supports the integration of …

Guidelines For Community Engaged Health Research, Carrie Leach, Hayley Thompson, Alex Sass, Patricia Wren, Rodlescia Sneed, Rhonda Dailey, Elizabeth Towner, Maha Albdour, Carla Caringi, Alyssa W. Beavers, Theresa A. Hastert, Vanessa Rorai, Peter A. Lichtenberg, Angulique Outlaw, Ijeoma Nnodim Opara

Institute of Gerontology

Executive Summary:

Wayne State University’s Guidelines for Community Engaged Health Research provide a practical framework for designing, conducting, and evaluating ethical, equitable, and impactful health research that engages community experts in projects that advance health equity in Detroit.

Purpose 

Developed for WSU faculty, staff, and research teams, the guidelines support the meaningful involvement of community experts across all phases of research. They respond to common challenges in community-engaged work, including limited experience with engagement approaches, the need for reflexive and equitable practices, and the time and coordination required for authentic collaboration.

The document defines Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) as collaborative work …

Differences In Comorbidities, Presenting Symptoms, Demographics, And Patient Reported Outcomes In Long Covid By Initial Test Status, Stephanie Georgoudiou

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Importance Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remains a major global health concern. Recovery may result in persistent symptoms known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID. Most studies focus on individuals with laboratory-confirmed infection; however, some patients with COVID-like illness and negative tests also develop persistent symptoms. Testing status should not delay appropriate interventions or specialist referrals. Early, symptom-based care is essential to improve outcomes.

Objective To compare patient-reported outcomes and demographics between long COVID patients who tested positive versus negative during their initial illness.

Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary …

Spontaneous Vertebral Osteomyelitis Mimicking Spinal Tumor: A Rare Cause Of Complete Paraplegia And Rehabilitation Challenges, Yu-Ting Su, Hung-Hsi Lin, Ying-Chun Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Spontaneous vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) is a rare but severe spinal infection that often presents with non-specific back pain, leading to misdiagnosis as a neoplastic disease. A 53-year-old female presented with progressive lower back pain, rapidly developing sudden complete paraplegia and neurogenic bowel/bladder. Initial MRI revealed T4–T6 vertebral lesions mimicking a spinal tumor. Emergent surgery and cultures confirmed Escherichia coli vertebral osteomyelitis.

Following decompression and targeted antibiotic therapy, a cautious, phase-specific rehabilitation program was initiated. Given the persistent infection and spinal instability, all weight-bearing activities were deferred until infection control and structural stability were confirmed following a spinal fixation surgery. The …