Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Research Highlights, Kusum Lata, Ekta Agrawal

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Isg15 Dysregulates Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Contacts And Calcium Homeostasis In Ataxia Telangiectasia, Oygul Mirzalieva, Ryan E. Reed, Arthur L. Haas, Meredith A. Juncker, Patrick Logarbo, Jennifer M. Klein, David Worthylake, Shyamal D. Desai

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial (ER:Mit) contacts and mitochondrial calcium (mitCa2+) homeostasis are found in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T). However, the cellular basis of these defects remains unclear. Previously, we demonstrated that the aberrantly elevated Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15) pathway inhibits protein polyubiquitylation, its dependent protein turnover, and mitophagy pathways in A-T. Literature indicates that silencing of mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase 1 (MUL1) stabilizes mitofusin2 (MFN2) and attenuates mitCa2+ uptake from ER to Mit (mitCa2+influx) in primary neurons. We have replicated these findings in apparently healthy fibroblasts. We hypothesized that elevated ISG15 may inhibit ubiquitin-dependent MUL1-mediated degradation …

Concentric Macular Rings And Oct Corrugations In Foveal Hypoplasia: Proof Of Concept For An Optical Interference Mechanism, Ari August, Ralph Eagle, Tatyana Milman, Rebecca Procopio, Bruce Schnall, Jose Pulido

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

BACKGROUND: Concentric macular rings (CMR) and Henle fiber layer (HFL) corrugations, potential clinical biomarkers of foveal hypoplasia, have been observed in laser fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, respectively. Some believe these findings represent true anatomical structural changes while others hypothesize that they are artifacts of interference; however, to our knowledge, no previous study has provided evidence to support either theory.

METHODS: This retrospective case series analyzed CMR and OCT corrugations in 3 patients (6 eyes) with foveal hypoplasia. Dark fringe diameters of CMR at different wavelengths (λ: red = 635, green = 532, blue = 488 nm) …

Perspectives On Implementing Environmentally Sustainable Practices In Cataract Surgeries: Interviews Of Administrative And Frontline Healthcare Workers, Daniel Parra, Brooke Sherry, Emma Pak, Lauren Taylor, Erin S. Rogers, Sarah E. Hochman, Maria De Los Angeles Ramos Cadena, Joel S. Schuman, Christina R. Prescott, Cassandra L. Thiel

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

BACKGROUND: Healthcare is responsible for 8.5% of greenhouse gas emission in the United States. Physicians are becoming increasingly concerned about the climate crisis, particularly in the field of ophthalmology where there is a growing body of literature related to sustainability. Although emissions of cataracts surgery, one of the most performed surgical procedures in the world, have been quantified, modifications to practice have yet to be made. This study aims to uplift the perspectives of a diverse set of healthcare workers on implementing environmentally sustainable practices in the cataract surgery setting.

METHODS: 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working in …

The Concise Guide To Pharmacology 2025/26: Catalytic Receptors, Stephen P. H. Alexander, Doriano Fabbro, Chloe J. Peach, Alasdair J. Gibb, Eamonn Kelly, Alistair A. Mathie, Emma L. Veale, Jane F. Armstrong, Elena Faccenda, Simon D. Harding, Christopher Southan, Jamie A. Davies, Annie Beuve, Peter Brouckaert, Clare Bryant, John C. Burnett, Richard W. Farndale, Andreas Friebe, John Garthwaite, Adrian J. Hobbs, Gavin E. Jarvis, Laura Kilpatrick, Doris Koesling, Michaela Kuhn, Birgit Leitinger, David Macewan, Tom P. Monie, Lincoln R. Potter, Michael Russwurm, Harald H. H. W. Schmidt, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Scott A. Waldman

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2025/26 marks the seventh edition in this series of biennial publications in the British Journal of Pharmacology. Presented in landscape format, the guide provides a comparative overview of the pharmacology of drug target families. The concise nature of the Concise Guide refers to the style of presentation, being clear, accessible, and well-structured, rather than the scope of the content, which spans approximately 500 pages. The Concise Guide summarises the key pharmacological properties of around 1900 human drug targets, and nearly 7000 interactions, involving around 4400 ligands. While the content is a substantially condensed version of …

Non-Invasive Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Using Face Mask Sampling: A Prospective Study In Adults, Dariusz Woelk, Lennard Meiwes, Nelly Ciobanu, Valeriu Crudu, Anna-Marya Comanac, Stela Kulcitkaia, Anca Vasiliu, Anna Maria Mandalakas, Christoph Lange, Thomas Theo Brehm, Dumitru Chesov

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Sputum-based diagnostic methods for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), including culture and nucleic acid amplification tests, provide high sensitivity and specificity. However, these methods rely on the patients' ability to produce sputum. In cases where sputum cannot be obtained, invasive procedures like bronchoscopy may become necessary. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of face mask sampling (FMS) as a non-invasive alternative.

Methods: Adults with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB who had received fewer than three days of anti-TB therapy were recruited in Chişinău, Moldova. FMS was conducted and samples were analyzed on-site using Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra. Diagnostic performance was compared …

Black Bone Mri Morphometry For Mandibular Cortical Bone Measurement In Head And Neck Cancer Patients: Prospective Method Comparison With Ct, Lisanne V Van Dijk, Juan Ventura, Kareem A Wahid, Lin L Zhu, Brigid A Mcdonald, Sara Ahmed, Keith L Sanders, Sonja M Stieb, Lance Mccoy, Christina S Sharafi, Kathryn E Preston, Natalie A West, Sarah Mirbahaeddin, Dina M El-Habashy, Travis Salzillo, Samuel Mulder, Joly Fahim, Aubryane Dearmas, Mona Arbab, Yao Ding, Jihong Wang, Bastien Rigaud, Anando Sen, Mark Chambers, Katherine A Hutcheson, Kristy K Brock, Abdallah S R Mohamed, Stephen Y Lai, Clifton D Fuller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Determine the utility of low-flip angle "black bone" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cortical mandibular bone assessment compared to computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Quantification of cortical mandibular bone width was performed per Hamada et al. at 15 cross-sectional interdentium locations on pretreatment black bone MRI and CT for 15 oropharyngeal cancer patients, with interobserver analyses on a subset of three patients by 11 observers. CT and MRI measurements were compared using Bland-Altman analysis, Lin's concordance, and Deming regression; interobserver variability was assessed with absolute variance and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: Bland Altman and Deming regression analyses showed CT …

Sex Differences In Bile Acid Homeostasis And Excretion Underlie The Disparity In Liver Cancer Incidence Between Males And Females, Megan E Patton, Sherwin Kelekar, Lauren J Taylor, Angela E Dean, Qianying Zuo, Rhishikesh N Thakare, Sung Hwan Lee, Emily C Gentry, Morgan Panitchpakdi, Pieter Dorrestein, Yazen Alnouti, Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Ju-Seog Lee, Milton J Finegold, Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the common liver cancer, exhibits higher incidence in males. Here, we report that mice lacking bile acid (BA) regulators, Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR also termed NR1H4) and Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP also termed NR0B2), recapitulate the sex difference in liver cancer risk. Since few therapeutic options are available, we focused on understanding the intrinsic protection afforded to female livers. Transcriptomic analysis in control and NR1H4 and NR0B2 double knockout livers identified female-specific changes in metabolism, including amino acids, lipids, and steroids. To assess translational relevance, we examined if transcriptomic signatures obtained from this murine HCC model correlate …

Batf2 Is A Glutamine-Responsive Tumour Suppressor Required For Type-I Interferon-Dependent Anti-Tumour Immunity, Wang Gong, Hülya F Taner, Yuesong Wu, Yumin He, Xingwu Zhou, Zaiye Li, Xin Hu, Charisse Ursin, Kala Chand Debnath, Kohei Okuyama, Qiang Hu, Christopher R Donnelly, Felipe Nör, Chamila D Perera, Emily Bellile, Arash Yunesi, Zhiqian Zhai, Mei Zhao, Wanqing Cheng, Zackary R Fitzsimonds, Luke Broses, Jiaqian Li, Shadmehr Demehri, Deepak Nagrath, Gregory T Wolf, Andrew G Sikora, Yanbao Yu, Haitao Wen, Lei Wei, Steven B Chinn, Jeffrey N Myers, Shizuo Akira, Yuying Xie, James J Moon, Yu Leo Lei

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Recent evidence highlights the significance of a new type of tumour suppressors, which are not frequently mutated but inhibited by metabolic cues in cancers. Here, we identify BATF2 as a tumour suppressor whose expression is epigenetically silenced by glutamine in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC). BATF2 correlates with type-I interferon and Th1 signatures in human HNSCC, with correlation coefficients even stronger than those of the positive control, STING. The phosphorylation of BATF2 at serine 227 promotes the oligomerization of STING. BATF2 deficiency or high glutamine levels result in higher oxygen consumption rates and metabolic profiles unfavorable for …

Limited Therapeutic Efficacy Of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine In A Mouse Model Of Cln1 Disease, Ewa A Ziółkowska, Nicole A Pagán Torres, Hsintsung Chen, Letitia L Williams, Elizabeth M Eultgen, Agnieszka Nowacka, Joshua T Dearborn, Hemanth R Nelvagal, Ineka T Whiteman, Frances M Platt, Jonathan D Cooper

2020-Current year OA Pubs

UNLABELLED: CLN1 disease, one of the most severe forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs or Batten disease), is a rapidly progressing pediatric neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-32984-x.

Utilization Review Pada Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional: Implementasi, Tantangan Dan Komponen Essensial, Luh Putu Sinthya Ulandari, Putu Ayu Indrayathi

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

Indonesia has implemented the National Health Insurance (JKN) program since 2014; however, various forms of fraud continue to be found. According to regulations, BPJS Kesehatan, as the national social security agency, is required to conduct Utilization Review (UR) as an effort to control costs and improve the quality of healthcare services. The effectiveness of UR remains questionable due to several implementation challenges. This study aims to explore the implementation of UR, identify its challenges, and examine the essential components required for its effective implementation. The study was conducted in August 2023 using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews. Samples were …

Combination Of Prednisolone And Mycophenolate Mofetil For The Treatment Of A Cat With Immune-Mediated Panniculitis: A Case Report, J.H. Kim, M.H. Jeon, Y.S. Kwon, Seulgi Bae

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with severe diffuse skin lacerations and cutaneous nodules with purulent discharge. Primary immune-mediated panniculitis was diagnosed. After surgical excision of the lesions, immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil was initiated. The cutaneous lesions resolved, and no recurrence was observed over a 2-year follow-up period.

Application Of Flexible Endoscopy For Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal In A Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis Macularius), Jang-Hee Han, Seung Yoon Ahn, Do Na Lee, Seong Chan Yeon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A male captive-bred leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) presented with a history of inadvertent ingestion of a rubber tip from forceps during feeding. The foreign body was impalpable on physical examination, while radiographic evaluation confirmed its presence in the stomach. Considering the procedural risks associated with invasive surgical interventions, endoscopic retrieval under general anesthesia was pursued. An initial attempt using a 2.8 mm superfine flexible endoscope with 0.8 mm forceps was unsuccessful due to insufficient stability, which hindered effective navigation to the foreign body. In contrast, a second attempt using a larger 9.2 mm flexible endoscope with 2.3 mm …

Feline Conjunctivitis In Sleman Region Indonesia: Clinical Characteristics, Bacteriological Isolation Of Staphylococcus Aureus, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Agung Budi Pramono, Fatkhanudin Aziz, Faiz Ihsanul Kamil, Soedarmanto Indarjulianto, Ida Tjahajati

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition in domestic cats, often associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Accurate detection and resistance profiling are essential for appropriate therapy. This study aimed to characterize clinical features of feline conjunctivitis, identify S. aureus using phenotypic and genotypic methods, and assess its antibiotic susceptibility. Twenty conjunctivitis-suspected cats in Sleman, Indonesia, underwent clinical examination and conjunctival swabbing. Bacterial isolates were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar and identified by Gram stain, catalase, coagulase, biochemical tests, and PCR targeting 23S rRNA. Susceptibility to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin was tested by Kirby-Bauer. Predominant signs included excessive tearing (95%), hyperemia …

A Pouch Of Trouble For The Pancreas: Unmasking A Case Of Lemmel Syndrome, Aravindharaj Tamilselvan, Sabari Ramesh

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Lemmel syndrome is a rare cause of biliary and pancreatic obstruction arising from periampullary duodenal diverticula. We report a 72-year-old woman presenting with acute pancreatitis, biliary dilation, and a periampullary diverticulum causing distal CBD compression. Multimodality imaging, including CT and MRCP, established the diagnosis. Although ERCP was advised, the patient declined and improved with conservative management. Early recognition of this uncommon entity is essential to prevent recurrent pancreatobiliary complications.

Using Machine Learning To Predict Women At Risk Having A Child With Congenital Heart Defects, Amany M. Abdo Prof., Asmaa M. Mosallam Ms., Laila M. Abdelhamid Assoc.Prof.

Information Systems

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are heart malformations present at birth, affecting heart function and circulation, and are a leading cause of infant mortality. CHD can result from genetic, environmental, and maternal health factors, making early detection essential. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, reducing risks like heart failure or stroke. In countries like Egypt, CHD often remains undiagnosed due to limited healthcare resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve early detection by analyzing risk factors. This study presents a predictive model for CHD using maternal and paternal health factors. Data was collected from 571 families: 260 with a CHD-affected child and …

Radiographic Assessment Of Anterior Maxillary Sites Prior To Immediate Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study On Cbct, Elissa El Alam, Abdallah Menhall, Nabil Ghosn, Pierre Lahoud

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective radiographic study was to measure alveolar bone width at the alveolar crest, intraosseous root length, apical bucco-palatal bone thickness and apical bone height at the anterior maxillary teeth prior to immediate implant placement. Dehiscence and fenestration at these sites were also reported.

Methods: 50 CBCTs were included in this study. Measurements were taken on the right and left sides of the central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine using a 3d slicer program. Frequency of fenestration and dehiscence at these sites were also reported.

Results: Mean bone width at the alveolar crest of the central …

Effect Of Different Deep Margin Elevation Thicknesses Versus No Elevation On The Fracture Resistance Of Indirect Restorations: An In-Vitro Study, Fleurene Daraze, Karim Corbani, Brigitte Douaihy, Hadi Jomaah, Cynthia Kassis

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate whether different deep margin elevation (DME) thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm) influence the fracture resistance and fracture type of molars restored with CAD/CAM lithium disilicate overlays, compared to no elevation.

Methods: Seventy-six extracted human molars were randomly divided into four groups (n=19) based on Deep Margin Elevation thickness: 0 mm (control), 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. Standardized Class II cavities were prepared with cervical margins extending 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. DME was performed using a low-viscosity hybrid composite. Using a CAD/CAM workflow, overlays were designed and milled …

Effectiveness Of Different Home Bleaching Treatments On Color Change And Tooth Sensitivity: A Split-Mouth Design, Tarek Hanbali, Rim Bourgi, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suárez, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska, Walter Devoto, Nicolas Nassar, Naji Kharouf, Louis Hardan

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Dental at-home bleaching is a widely recognized and effective treatment for improving the shade of anterior teeth. However, the impact of varying application times of carbamide peroxide (CP) concentrations on whitening efficacy and tooth sensitivity (TS) remains unclear.

Methods: In this split-mouth, randomized clinical trial, 80 participants were divided into two groups (n = 40 each) to receive either 10% or 16% CP gel for home bleaching. Different application times were tested. Tooth color was measured using the Optishade colorimeter, and TS was evaluated via a five-point analog numerical rating scale. The Friedman test with post hoc Tukey test …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Accurate Diagnosis Of Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis Of The Jaw In Young Patients: An Assessment Of Clinical And Laboratory Data, Alexander Yu Kugushev, Andrey V. Lopatin, Suzan Dagher

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder predominantly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with persistent pain and swelling representing the most frequent and often initial symptoms. These manifestations are commonly localized to the mandible, although involvement of other skeletal sites, including long bones, clavicle, and vertebrae, may occur in more advanced cases. Beyond localized symptoms, some patients exhibit mild systemic features such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or malaise; however, these systemic signs are generally less pronounced than those observed in infectious osteomyelitis. The diagnostic evaluation of CNO is intricate and necessitates …

The Assessment Of Ageism In Dental Hygiene Students And Dental Hygienists: A Cross-Sectional Study, Paolo Boffano, Elena Canciani, Valeria Nikolovska, Francesca Santeusanio, Andrea Melle

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Ageism is a common type of discrimination and prejudice that consists in the stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists and dental hygiene students’ attitudes toward geriatric patients, the perceptions of curriculum suitability, and their confidence in treating geriatric patients, together with an assessment of ageism in the study population.

Methods: A survey was conducted among dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. The first part of the questionnaire contained questions related to demographics, and regarding their opinion on treatment in the geriatric population. The …

Three-Dimensional Evaluation Of Torque Expression In Maxillary Incisors: Influence Of Crown Shape And Collum Angle, Isha Singh, Achint Juneja, Divya Shetty, Monis Raza, Payal Sharma, Udit Chaudhary

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of crown morphology and collum angle of maxillary incisors on torque expression at common bracket-bonding landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: Twenty CBCT scans of individuals aged 18–27 years were analyzed. For each central and lateral incisor, the height of maximum labial contour (HMC), height of the labial anatomic (LA) point, collum angle (CA), and alpha angle at both HMC (αc) and LA (αLA) were measured. Stone casts confirmed LA points. Independent and paired t-tests assessed inter- and intra-tooth differences (α = 0.05).

Results: The HMC was located 2.6 ± 0.3 mm (centrals) and …

Artificial Intelligence, An Aid In Teledentistry: A Review, Kavery Ittira Kuttappa, Mamatha Shetty, Upasana Reddy, Srilakshmi Mahadevan

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

The central question is whether teledentistry can effectively access and provide treatment to dental patients. This review seeks to examine how teledentistry improves oral health services through the use of various enabling technologies. This explores the integration of artificial intelligence in teledentistry in modern oral healthcare. Teledentistry expands its access to dental services, especially in remote and undeserved communities through synchronous, asynchronous and remote patient monitoring while reducing costs, logistical barriers and chairside time. It shifts its dynamic from a curative model to a proactive preventive one which focuses on patient centered care. Artificial Intelligence (AI) includes machine learning, deep …

The Effect Of Loading On The Success Of Dental Implants After Immediate Extraction Compared To Delayed Dental Implants: A Systematic Review, Hassen Merzouk, Samir Habibi, Ben Ali Boutabout

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: The study focuses on dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth. A key decision in implant dentistry is when to place the implant relative to tooth extraction. This review compares two main approaches: immediate implant placement (placing the implant during the same surgery as tooth removal) and delayed implant placement (placing the implant after the extraction site has healed, typically 6 to 12 months later).

Objectives: The study aims to compare the success rates and complications associated with these two-timing strategies, especially concerning the implant’s ability to withstand chewing forces. The primary objective was to compare post-extraction …

Role Of Gut Microbiome In Oncogenesis And Oncotherapies, Renuka Sri Sai Peddireddi, Sai Kiran Kuchana, Rohith Kode, Saketh Khammammettu, Aishwarya Koppanatham, Supriya Mattigiri, Harshavardhan Gobburi, Suresh K. Alahari

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The gut microbiome has emerged as a key regulator of human health, influencing not only metabolism and immunity but also the development and treatment of cancer. Mounting evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis contributes to oncogenesis by driving chronic inflammation, producing genotoxic metabolites, altering bile acid metabolism, and disrupting epithelial barrier integrity. At the same time, the gut microbiome significantly modulates the host response to oncotherapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and especially immunotherapy, where microbial diversity and specific taxa determine treatment efficacy and toxicity. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in both oncogenesis and oncotherapies, focusing …

Metabolic Syndrome As A Risk Factor For Postoperative Complication In Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of More Than 3 Million Cases, Amir-Mohammad Asgari, Farhad Shaker, Mohammad Taha Pahlevan Fallahy, Sourena Sharifkashani, Alireza Soltani Khaboushan, Dorsa Salabat, César Carballo Cuello, James Harrop, Puya Alikhani

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Including conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome disrupts metabolic homeostasis and impairs recovery, increasing the risk of surgical complications. This study evaluates the impact of metabolic syndrome on spine surgery outcomes, addressing inconsistencies in the existing literature.

METHODS: Four databases were searched until December 2024 for studies comparing the postoperative complication rates of spine surgeries between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Following deduplication, 2 authors independently reviewed the studies. For each included study, demographics and incidence rates of postoperative complications were extracted separately by 2 authors. Data analysis was performed using R.

RESULTS: After deduplication, …

Synergizing Digital And Print: Leveraging Spine Surgeons' Social Media To Transform Publishing And Society Interaction, Benedikt W. Burkhardt, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Choll W. Kim, Morgan P Lorio, Oscar L. Alves, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Sergio Luis Schmidt, Hansen A. Yuan, Alex R. Vaccaro

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Social media has fundamentally altered how information is created, disseminated, and consumed, with growing impact on spine surgeons and professional societies. Traditional academic publishing remains the standard for research validation, but digital platforms now shape much of the real-time dialogue in spine care.

OBJECTIVE: To explore strategies for integrating spine surgeons' social media presence with traditional publishing channels to enhance knowledge dissemination, support clinical innovation, and improve member engagement within spine societies.

METHODS: This perspective reviews current patterns of social media use among spine surgeons, focusing on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. It analyzes benefits …

Regenerative And Wellness Medicine: A Boon Or Barrier To Surgical Innovation In Degenerative Spine Care?, Álvaro Dowling, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Morgan P. Lorio, Óscar L. Alves, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Sergio Luis Schmidt, Hansen A. Yuan, Alexander R. Vaccaro

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Regenerative and wellness medicine is rapidly reshaping health care, particularly in the management of degenerative spine conditions. Noninvasive or minimally invasive options such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and holistic wellness programs are increasingly selected by patients who wish to avoid the risks, costs, and prolonged recovery associated with elective spine surgery.

PURPOSE: This perspective article examines whether regenerative and wellness approaches function primarily as a boon or a barrier to innovation in spine surgery and explores their impact on traditional, insurance-based surgical care models.

METHODS: Using a narrative, opinion-based framework, this article synthesizes current trends …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Impact And Prevention - A Narrative Review, Swarna Radhakrishnan, Harini Ramendran, Priyanga Thirunavukkarasu

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent one of the most pervasive and costly occupational health challenges worldwide. Affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and supporting blood vessels, these conditions arise from a complex interplay of physical, psychosocial, organizational, and individual risk factors present across diverse work environments. From factory floors and construction sites to offices and healthcare settings, WMSDs contribute substantially to pain, disability, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and diminished quality of life. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and socioeconomic impact of WMSDs, with particular attention to high-risk occupational sectors. It further discusses prevention …

Retinal Vasculature In Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, Caroline Simon Sherman, Erik Gunnarsson, Nycole Hidalgo, Victoria Chen, Kevin Zhang, Shuo Chen, Hwiyoung Lee, Hugh O'Neill, L Elliot Hong, Osamah Saeedi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The purpose of this research is to determine whether retinal vasculatures differ between participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and controls. Ninety participants (51 SSD, mean age 35.8 ± 13.5, and 39 controls, mean age 35.5 ± 11.4) underwent 3 × 3 mm2 macular and 6 × 6 mm2 optic nerve head (ONH) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans. En face macula and ONH region images were divided into quadrants, binarized, and then skeletonized. Skeletonized vessel densities were compared between our two groups. Additionally, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size and acircularity index were compared between the two groups. There …