Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Advancements In Prenatal Genetic Screening And Testing: Emerging Technologies And Evolving Applications, Mona M Makhamreh, Mei Ling Chong, Ignatia B Van Den Veyver

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Advancements in genomic technologies have transformed prenatal genetic testing, offering more accurate, comprehensive, and noninvasive approaches to reproductive care. This review provides an in-depth overview of current methodologies and emerging innovations, including expanded carrier screening (ECS), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and sequencing-based diagnostics. We highlight how next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized carrier screening and fetal genome analysis, enabling detection of a broad spectrum of genetic conditions. The clinical implementation of cfDNA has expanded from common aneuploidies to include copy number variants (CNVs), and single-gene disorders. Diagnostic testing has similarly evolved, with genome sequencing outperforming traditional …

“Part Of Our Work And Need To Deal With It”: A Thematic Analysis Of Emergency Department Doctors’ And Nurses’ Experiences And Attitudes Towards Workplace Violence In Oman – A National Study, Ibrahim S. Al-Busaidi, Badriya M. Al Riyami, Mohammed A. Al-Maskari, Shawana Al Harrasi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Emergency department (ED) staff are disproportionately affected by workplace violence (WPV). Despite its prevalence, qualitative insights into ED staff experiences remain limited, particularly in Oman. As part of the national Workplace Violence against Emergency Department Workers in Oman study (WPV-EDOM), this article explores the perceptions, experiences, and attitudes of ED doctors and nurses towards WPV. Methods: The study was conducted in Oman between June and October 2021. Doctors and nurses from EDs at secondary and tertiary hospitals across nine governorates who had participated in a validated online WPV survey were invited to respond to an open-ended question: …

Characterization Of Suspicious Prostate Lesions At Multiparametric Mri With Dynamic 68 Ga-Gozetotide Pet/Ct, Daniel Parrott, Qing Yuan, Daniella Pinho, Yin Xi, Daniel N Costa, Alberto Diaz De Leon, Marianna Dakanali, Xiankai Sun, Orhan K Oz, Spencer Bowen, Neil M Rofsky, Dana Mathews, Ivan Pedrosa

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) will affect approximately 12% of US men in their lifetime and remains the 2nd most common cause of cancer-specific death. However, there is a broad spectrum of severity of PCa; some require aggressive treatment and others can "watch-and-wait". Distinction of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) from indolent PCA with current imaging methods remains challenging.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate dynamic prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET/CT) in the characterization of suspicious prostate lesions identified on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).

Methods: Prospective study of biopsy-naïve patients with at least one Prostate Imaging and Reporting …

Inhibition Of Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases By Β-Glucan And Cd40 Agonist Is Mediated By Activation Of Macrophages And Nk Cells, Pradeep Shrestha, Rejeena Shrestha, Eugenie S Kleinerman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) lung metastases remain a significant therapeutic challenge. Innate immune activation is a promising therapeutic approach. Innate immune agonists can modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and improve therapeutic response.

Methods: Using an experimental syngeneic OS lung metastasis BALB/c mouse model with K7M3-luc OS cells, we evaluated the antitumor effects of yeast-derived particulate β-glucan in prevention and therapeutic settings. We then assessed whether the CD40 agonist (CD40a) in combination with β-glucan increased therapeutic response in two different immune-competent mouse models of OS lung tumor burden.

Results: In the pretreatment settings, mice treated with β-glucan prior to OS cell infusion …

Integrated Single-Cell Multiomic Profiling Of Caudate Nucleus Suggests Key Mechanisms In Alcohol Use Disorder, Nicholas C Green, Arpana Agrawal, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) induces complex transcriptional and regulatory changes across multiple brain regions including the caudate nucleus, which remains understudied. Using paired single-nucleus RNA-seq and ATAC-seq on caudate samples from 143 human postmortem brains, including 74 with AUD, we identified 17 distinct cell types. A significant portion of the alcohol-related differences in gene expression were accompanied by a corresponding difference in chromatin accessibility within the gene. We observed transcriptional differences in medium spiny neurons that impact RNA metabolism and immune response pathways. A small cluster of D1/D2 hybrid neurons showed AUD-induced differences distinct from the D1 and D2 types, …

A Safety-Ii Approach To Learn From Practice Variation In The Diagnostic Process In The Emergency Department: An Action Research Study, Rick Roos, Laura Zwaan, Myrthe Maranus, Iwan A Meynaar, Vanessa J Valk, Cees Van Nieuwkoop, Gert-Jan Kamps, Hardeep Singh, Maarten O Van Aken

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: The focus on improving patient safety has mainly been by learning from errors and near misses (Safety-I). We applied a novel Safety-II approach to identify and learn from practice variations in the diagnostic process in the emergency department (ED), and subsequently design and implement practice changes.

Methods: In this single-center study, we used action research (cycles of micro-experiments to study and improve processes with active stakeholder involvement) in the diagnostic process. We used three subsequent observation cycles of the following six steps: observations, gathering of follow-up data, analyses, a co-creation session with involved stakeholders, sharing of best practices, and …

Intracranial Neural Biomarkers Of Psychiatric Symptoms And Their Utility For Guiding Neuromodulation Therapy: A Systematic Review, Katherine E Kabotyanski, Nicole R Provenza, Sameer A Sheth

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The quest to develop and improve neuromodulatory therapies for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders has been fueled by the discovery of intracranial neural biomarkers of symptom dimensions. These neural correlates shed light on the underlying neurophysiology of the disorder and may even be useful in guiding therapy delivery. This systematic review summarizes recent efforts in this field relating neural activity to behavior and symptomatology. For years, the majority of these neurobehavioral relationships had been studied in the hospital or clinic environment. Recent technological advances in implanted neuromodulation devices that permit not only stimulation, but also intracranial neural recording have enabled this research …

Risk Factors And Clinical Significance Of Urologic Injury In Cesarean Hysterectomy For Placenta Accreta Spectrum, J Connor Mulhall, Kayla E Ireland, John J Byrne, Patrick S Ramsey, Georgia A Mccann, Jessian L Munoz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is an obstetric condition with placental adherence to the underling myometrium characterized by significant surgical morbidity at time of delivery. PAS delivery is most commonly performed by cesarean hysterectomy. The most common morbidities associated with PAS cesarean hysterectomy are blood transfusion, intensive care unit admission and urinary tract injuries. This requires interdisciplinary team management including obstetricians and urologists. Our objective was to identify pre- and intra-operative risk factors for urologic injury in this high-risk condition.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single tertiary center with the Center for the Management …

Decoding Genetic And Network Signatures Of Susceptibility To Orthodontic Root Resorption: Toward Predictive And Personalized Orthodontics, Casey Morishige, Morgan Mecham, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Functional Roles Of The Complement Immune System In Cardiac Inflammation And Hypertrophy, Kathryn D Hok, Haydn E Rich, Anthony Shadid, Lavanya Gunamalai, Tingting Weng-Mills, Rajarajan A Thandavarayan, Nirmal K Banda, Marie-Francoise Doursout, Marcos I Restrepo, Pooja Shivshankar

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Cardiac inflammation and hypertrophy develop as a pathologic response to an array of insults, such as myocardial infarctions, chronic systemic hypertension, and valvular defects. Due to the high prevalence of such conditions, there is an increasing need to prevent and halt cardiac hypertrophy. Because cardiac damage and subsequent remodeling can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death, inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy is key to reducing cardiovascular-related mortality. The immune system is the driving force behind inflammatory reactions. All three pathways of complement system activation-classical, lectin, and alternative-are implicated in developing cardiac damage, inflammation, and hypertrophy due to …

Emotional Intelligence Training Correlates With Medical Students’ Apprehension Of Ai In Healthcare: A Single-Institution, Observational Study, Austin P. Runde, Shambhavi Mishra, Marina Feffer, Ramzan Shahid

School of Medicine

Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is becoming increasingly widespread. While AI has been touted to improve many aspects of the field, its potential to undermine the doctor-patient relationship has also been recognized. It is not known what future physicians believe regarding the potential effects of AI on physicians' professional relationships. It is also unknown whether formal training in emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience strategies influences medical students' opinions on the use of AI in healthcare.

Objective: To ascertain medical students’ opinion on the potential impact of AI on various EI-related aspects of healthcare, such as its …

A Clinical Investigation Of The Correlation Of Black Stains With Oral Cavity Ph And Dental Caries Presence In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Maguy Sfeir, Nada Chedid

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Black stains (BS) on teeth often lead to dental visits in children due to their esthetic impact. Beyond cosmetic concerns, black stains may play a role in oral health, potentially suggesting a lower risk of dental caries through the regulation of oral microbiota and pH levels. Understanding the association of black stains with oral pH and caries presence can offer insights into protective and preventive strategies in pediatric dentistry.

Objectives: the purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between black stains, oral cavity pH, and the presence of caries in a sample of 6-to 8- …

Establishing Priority Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions In The Us: Findings From A Delphi Consensus Study., Harry Obeng, Emmanuel Tetteh, Sara Malone, Lauren Walsh, Tyler Walsh, Fernando J. Bula-Rudas, Ritu Banerjee, Adam W. Brothers, Joshua C. Herigon, Katie Namtu, Scott Weissman, Daniel Riggsbee, Jared Olson, Debra Lynn Palazzi, Ann L. Wirtz, Matthew Sattler, Jessica Tansmore, Brittany A. Rodriguez, Monica Abdelnour, Joshua R. Watson, Alison C. Tribble, Jessica Gillon, Mari Nakamura, Sarah Jones, Jason G. Newland, Virginia R. Mckay

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, with children at higher risk due to developmental differences in drug metabolism, limited treatment options and inappropriate antibiotic use. Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) face implementation challenges, often relying on adult-based guidelines and limited pediatric-specific evidence. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the most critical areas for pediatric ASP intervention development through a structured, multi-round Delphi consensus process with experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases.

METHOD: A four-round modified Delphi process was conducted to identify and prioritize key pediatric ASP interventions. Experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases …

Genetic Engineering Of Esophageal Organoids: Crispr-Based Knock-In For Cell Lineage Tracing, Kyung-Pil Ko, Jae-Il Park

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Esophageal organoids serve as powerful systems to study epithelial lineage hierarchies and cancer biology. Gene manipulation in these organoids has traditionally involved overexpression or knockout strategies. However, CRISPR-/Cas9-based knock-in (KI) approaches now enable precise cell lineage tracing and live imaging. Here, we describe protocols to generate fluorescent KI organoids from murine esophageal epithelium by tagging Krt13 (BFP) and Sox2 (mNeon). These dual-reporter organoids allow direct monitoring of growth dynamics and differentiation trajectories. We outline CRISPR/Cas9 design, donor construction using homology-independent approaches (CRISPaint), delivery into organoid cells, enrichment and single-clone isolation, and validation by fluorescence. For organoids, homology-directed repair (HDR) can …

Establishing Priority Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions In The Us: Findings From A Delphi Consensus Study, Harry Obeng, Emmanuel Tetteh, Sara Malone, Matthew Sattler, Monica Abdelnour, Virginia R Mckay, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, with children at higher risk due to developmental differences in drug metabolism, limited treatment options and inappropriate antibiotic use. Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) face implementation challenges, often relying on adult-based guidelines and limited pediatric-specific evidence. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the most critical areas for pediatric ASP intervention development through a structured, multi-round Delphi consensus process with experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases.

METHOD: A four-round modified Delphi process was conducted to identify and prioritize key pediatric ASP interventions. Experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases …

Establishing Priority Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions In The Us: Findings From A Delphi Consensus Study, Harry Obeng, Emmanuel Tetteh, Sara Malone, Lauren Walsh, Tyler Walsh, Fernando J Bula-Rudas, Ritu Banerjee, Adam W Brothers, Joshua C Herigon, Katie Namtu, Scott Weissman, Daniel Riggsbee, Jared Olson, Debra Lynn Palazzi, Ann Wirtz, Matthew Sattler, Jessica Tansmore, Brittany A Rodriguez, Monica Abdelnour, Joshua R Watson, Alison C Tribble, Jessica Gillon, Mari Nakamura, Sarah Jones, Jason G Newland, Virginia R Mckay

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, with children at higher risk due to developmental differences in drug metabolism, limited treatment options and inappropriate antibiotic use. Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) face implementation challenges, often relying on adult-based guidelines and limited pediatric-specific evidence. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the most critical areas for pediatric ASP intervention development through a structured, multi-round Delphi consensus process with experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases.

Method: A four-round modified Delphi process was conducted to identify and prioritize key pediatric ASP interventions. Experts in antimicrobial stewardship and infectious diseases …

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

Vision 2050: India’S Path To Becoming A Global Player, Balasubramanian Mahadevan Dr

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

This study examines India’s strategic plan to become one of the top three global economies by 2050 through data-driven analysis and comparisons of economic indicators from 2024 to 2050, utilizing data from trusted sources such as the Reserve Bank of India and NITI Aayog. We analyze India’s economic growth in relation to other major emerging economies, focusing on technology, manufacturing, and service sectors. Findings suggest that with strategic policy reforms, investment in innovation, and enhanced infrastructure, India can achieve significant GDP and productivity growth. This article concludes with actionable policy recommendations for local and global stakeholders.

A Twisting Trail To Diagnosis: Unraveling Morvan’S Syndrome In Caspr2-Associated Autoimmune Encephalitis, Yashfeen M

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

This case snippet describes the diagnostic journey and clinical management of a 72-year-old gentleman who presented with progressive cognitive decline, involuntary myoclonus, and severe insomnia. Through a detailed clinical workup, including electromyography and antibody testing, he was diagnosed with Contactin-Associated Protein-Like 2 (CASPR2) antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis manifesting as Morvan’s syndrome, a rare but reversible neuroimmunological disorder. Prompt initiation of immunotherapy led to gradual improvement, underscoring the value of clinical suspicion, multidisciplinary care, and early intervention. This case serves as a reminder to consider autoimmune etiologies in atypical neuropsychiatric presentations, especially in elderly patients.

Coronary Stent Infection: A Rare Complication Of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Harini Anandan Ms, Balaji Pakshirajan Dr

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Background Since the introduction of coronary stents, less than 40 cases of coronary stent infection have been reported worldwide. Although coronary stent infection is rare, the mortality rate is high. We report the first case of coronary stent infection from our institute, presented as pyrexia of unknown origin.

Case Presentation A 48-year-old male was presented with low-grade fever associated with cough and malaise on the 8th day of the PCI procedure. He priorly underwent a multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at another hospital. He was evaluated elsewhere and treated with antipyretics, but he continued to be symptomatic and failed to …

Teaching Medical English To Non-Native Speakers Involved In Healthcare: A Review Of Challenges, Practical Solutions, And Implications, Elisa Nsanzimana

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Background Teaching medical English to non-native speakers presents challenges that go beyond standard English language instruction. These include specialized medical vocabulary, complex syntax, and the crucial role of culturally appropriate communication in healthcare settings. Such factors can negatively impact learning outcomes and the quality of patient care.

Objective This review aims to identify the key challenges faced by non-native speakers in learning medical English and explore practical, evidence-based solutions to address these obstacles.

Methodology This is a narrative review conducted to review the various literature concerning medical English teaching for non-native speakers. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were …

Revolutionizing Digital Health In Rwanda: Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage, Roméo Bananeza Mr

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Rwanda is an African country that is making rapid progress in all sectors, including digital health. This review explores Rwanda’s transformative journey in digital health, highlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges, community involvement, and future prospects. Rwanda’s commitment is evident in using electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. Rwandan institutions, including Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Health Information Exchange, Rwanda Development Board, Partners in Health, universities, and several nongovernmental organizations, have made significant contributions to revolutionize digital health in Rwanda. However, the country continues to face barriers, including limited digital infrastructure, financial constraints, and disparities in …

Consent For Organ Donation In India: Factors, Challenges, And Opportunities – A Review, Preetha Vijayalakshmi, Yashfeen M

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

India’s organ donation rate remains under 1 per million population, markedly lower than the consent rates observed in Canada and Spain. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from Indian and global literature to explore systemic, sociocultural, and individual factors influencing consent for deceased organ donation in India. Systemic barriers include delayed referrals, inadequate hospital infrastructure, and a shortage of trained transplant coordinators. Sociocultural factors, such as family decision-making under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (1994), religious misconceptions, and concerns about bodily integrity, significantly hinder consent. Individual factors, including low awareness and a knowledge–action gap despite altruistic intentions, impede progress. Comparative …

Assessment Of Microbial Contamination On High-Touch Public Surfaces And Its Implications For Community Health: A Cross-Sectional Study From Urban South India, Muhammed Suhail S

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Objectives High-contact public surfaces, such as bus seatbacks, mall escalator belts, and theater armrests, may act as reservoirs of opportunistic and antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, posing a significant but underreported risk to community health. In urban environments like Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, surface-level microbial surveillance remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the magnitude, composition, and density of microbial contaminants on commonly touched surfaces across transit and commercial hubs.

Methods A total of 30 surface swab samples were collected from five public locations, including intra-city TNSTC buses, inter-state SETC coaches, Brookfields Mall escalator handrails, multiplex theaters and local bus seat-grips. Standardized 25 …

Assessing The Impact: Cerebral Palsy On Domains Of Quality Of Life, Sheetal Malhan

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by a group of permanent movement and posture disorders resulting from nonprogressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain. CP is a chronic condition affecting approximately 1.2–2.5 per 1000 school-aged children, often accompanied by comorbidities such as visual, auditory, and feeding impairments, delayed language development, and epilepsy. These related challenges can markedly reduce a child’s quality of life (QoL), particularly when compounded by social and environmental limitations. Despite the importance of understanding QoL outcomes in this population, limited region-specific data exist. Understanding domain-specific QoL can guide targeted rehabilitation planning.

Methods A cross-sectional survey …

Overview Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grace Ann Steiner

The Kabod

Traumatic events are often unexpected and can be experienced in a variety of ways; individuals may directly be involved, witness the event, or hear about traumatic events occurring to people that they know. Traumatic events can be due to human actions (such as war, terrorism, violence, or sexual abuse), but can also be secondary to nature (such as hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or flooding); the event itself does not determine if an event is traumatic, but rather, the individual’s perception and experience of such an event. Thus, trauma can occur at any developmental age and vary between individuals due to personal …

Types Of Burns And Burn Care, Frances Hagberg

The Kabod

Burn treatment focuses on minimizing tissue damage, preventing infection, managing pain, and promoting optimal healing. The severity of burns—classified as first, second, or third degree—determines the appropriate therapeutic approach, which may include wound cleaning, topical antibiotics, dressings, fluid resuscitation, and surgical interventions such as debridement or grafting. Effective treatment requires careful monitoring and support through each healing stage to reduce complications and improve functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Occupational Therapist’S Role In Medicolegal, Danyl (Jj) W. Litumbe Jr.

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

October 10, 2025 — Letter To Senator Sanders On The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act And Improving Outcomes In Rural And Health Professional Shortage Areas, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

Experiences And Motivations Of Community Volunteers Engaging With A Longitudinal Experiential Interprofessional Education Program, Kathryn Nunes, Nethra S. Ankam, Anne B. Mitchell, Brooke Salzman, Shreyas Chandragiri, Eleanor Matthews, Richard W. Hass, Maria Brucato

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

This mixed-methods study investigated the motivations and experiences of Health Mentors (HMs), community volunteers with chronic health conditions who participated in the Health Mentors Program at Thomas Jefferson University (HMP). During the 18-month three-module program, HMs work with interprofessional teams of healthcare students as they learn about teaming principles and experiences of patients living with chronic conditions. 73 HMs whose time volunteering for HMP ranged from 1 to 15 years completed a survey following module 2 in the Spring of 2020. The survey consisted of quantitative and qualitative questions regarding why they participate, their experiences with the program, and its …