Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Environmental And Socioeconomic Contributors To Adult Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), comprising the four southernmost Texas counties—Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy—is a predominantly Hispanic region along the United States– Mexico border. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the RGV substantially exceeds both state and national averages, with profound implications for the region’s overall health burden. For instance, large-scale health surveys estimate that between 45% and 50% of Mexican–American adults in the RGV are classified as obese. Genetic predisposition is estimated to account for approximately 50% of the variance in body mass index (BMI), and environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, …

Agenda (Pdf), Lsu Health Sciences Center - New Orleans

Usher Syndrome in Louisiana

Agenda, promotional flyer and resources list for the Usher Syndrome in Louisiana 5th Symposium held September 19, 2025.

Comprehensive Review Of In Vitro Gut-Brain Axis Models In Parkinson’S Disease Research, John Nicholas Cauba, Jihoo Woo, Russell Wiggins, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Background: The pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease (PD) can be attributed to a gradually progressive dopaminergic neuron (DN) degeneration and aggregation of abnormal α-synuclein in the basal ganglia. While the classic paradigm of PD focuses on the role of neurotransmitter imbalance and motor impairments, there has been increasing scientific interest in the link between the intricate connection between gut dysbiosis with synucleinopathies and PD. This review explores the relevance of the Braak hypothesis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in neuronal viability, and gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction through the lens of in vitro modeling.

Methods: A collection of prospective literature was conducted …

Semax For Parkinson’S Neuroprotection: A Qualitative Review Of Preclinical Evidence, Jefferson Tait, Mohammad Yaman Karkoutly, David Rakay, Edurado Aquino

Research Colloquium

Background: The use of peptides as an alternative treatment for neurological disease is an emerging practice that has had tremendous success. Semax, a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–10), is well known and used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for ischemic stroke therapy. Moreover, Semax has also been reported to modulate monoaminergic systems. Because Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons, Semax’s neuromodulatory properties make it a potential candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's. Here, we hope to evaluate whether Semax could be an alternative therapy for PD by reviewing evidence on its effects on …

Wernicke’S Encephalopathy With Classic Triad And Normal Mri In A Young Woman Following Rapid-Sequence Bariatric And Biliary Surgery, Hugo Zamarron, Nina Mourao, Roberto A. Cruz Saldana

Research Colloquium

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a life-threatening neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with alcoholism. However, postoperative nutritional deficiencies in young patients undergoing bariatric procedures are increasingly recognized. This case is unique due to the rapid succession of bariatric and cholecystectomy surgeries, development of classic Wernicke’s symptoms with a normal MRI, and diagnostic delay due to overlapping differential diagnoses including intracranial hypotension and myelopathy.

Case Presentation: A 22-year-old woman with class III obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy in July 2022, followed by significant weight loss and persistent intractable vomiting. Due to suspected gallbladder disease, she underwent a cholecystectomy in …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Bilateral Small Vessel Strokes In A Young Male With Coccidioidal Meningitis And Suspected Cns Vasculitis, Hugo Zamarron, Ahsan Ali

Research Colloquium

Background: Cerebral small vessel strokes in young, otherwise healthy adults without traditional vascular risk factors are rare and warrant further investigation. Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is an uncommon etiology that may be triggered by infections, including fungal pathogens. This case is notable for a suspected primary CNS vasculitis manifesting as bilateral deep infarcts in the setting of Coccidioidal meningitis. It highlights the importance of considering fungal infections and vasculitis in the differential diagnosis of stroke in younger patients.

Case Presentation: A 32-year-old previously healthy male presented with fever, headache, and was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. He was later readmitted …

Aspiration Pneumonitis Mimicking Pneumonia: Diagnostic Reassessment And Antibiotic Stewardship In A Case Of Cerebral Palsy-Associated Dysphagia, Hernan Guanajuato, Jose Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Aspiration pneumonitis, an acute chemical lung injury following the inhalation of gastric contents, is frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial pneumonia. Misclassification often leads to unnecessary antibiotic use. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are critical to avoid overtreatment and associated risks.

Case Presentation: A 21-year-old male with a history of cerebral palsy with quadriplegia, epilepsy, oropharyngeal dysphagia (status post PEG tube), and bedbound status presented to the ED following a witnessed aspiration event. During oral pleasure feeding, he choked, became transiently cyanotic, and had a brief coughing episode after vomiting. Family also reported a one-week history of intermittent cough, subjective …

Comparative Evaluation Of Indirect Sinus Lift Using Cmc Technique Versus Direct Sinus Lift Via Lateral Window Technique In Subantral Type Iv, Dhurgham Hasan Hassan Alkaabi, Sabah Abdulrsul Hamoodi Alheeti, Faaiz Yaqub Al-Hamadani

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a common implant placement procedure when residual bone height (RBH) in the posterior maxilla is limited, especially in subantral type IV cases. A less invasive alternative to the traditional lateral window procedure is the crestal approach using the CMC (Crestal approach with membrane Control) technology. Objective: To evaluate the differences between the CMC technique and the conventional lateral window approach in terms of clinical performance, bone density results, surgical time, and complication rates for sinus lifting in subantral type IV cases. Methods: Twenty patients with posterior maxillary edentulism and RBH < 5 mm were divided into two groups at random: Group A (n = 10) received direct sinus lift using the lateral window approach, and Group B (n = 10) received indirect sinus lift using the CMC technique. Four sites (crestal, apical, buccal, and palatal) in Hounsfield Units (HU) were evaluated for bone density using CBCT scans both before and four months after surgery. A “visual analog scale” was used to quantify patient discomfort, postoperative problems, and surgery time. Results: Both methods proved highly …

Total Synthesis Of The Marine Cytotoxic Mansouramycin And Derivatives, Aditya Dantu, Gabriella L. Madrigal, Neel Gondi, David Osazee, Ahmad Amro, Whard Alsabbagh, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Purpose: Isoquinolinequinones are a group of organic compounds which are composed of an isoquinoline fused to a quinone ring. This class of molecules is known to exhibit a wide variety of biological activities, including cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Among the many families of isoquinolinequinones are the Caulibugulones and Mansouramycins, which exhibit anticancer properties and are thus desirable subjects for cancer-related research. They are obtained by isolation from marine bryozoan Caulibugula intermis and marine Streptomyces sp respectively, however these compounds are difficult to extract. Thus, organic synthesis is being explored as a method of obtaining them; this project focuses on the …

Characterization And Purification Of Muc13 Monoclonal Antibodies: Techniques And Applications, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Mohammed Sikander, Sheema Khan, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Background: MUC13 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is critically involved in the progression of various cancers, including liver, pancreatic, colon, and ovarian cancers. Despite the recognition of its presence and significance in these malignancies, the development of specific antibodies targeting MUC13 remains limited. This study aims to produce a monoclonal antibody against MUC13 and evaluate its effectiveness in assessing differential expression related to cancer progression.

Methodology: We utilized hybridoma technology to generate specific monoclonal antibodies targeting MUC13. Mouse splenocytes were immunized with recombinant MUC13 protein and subsequently fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas. Positive clones were selected through ELISA …

Investigating Cucurbitacin D'S Efficacy In Ameliorating Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Hepatic Injury, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Daniel Zubieta, Anyssa Rodriguez, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly linked to various co-morbidity factors, notably smoking, which introduces benzo[a]pyrene—a potent carcinogen known for its role in liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, yet its hepatoprotective effects remain inadequately explored. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective activity of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog, against benzo[a]pyrene-induced liver injury in human HepG2 cells. To evaluate its protective effects, we conducted proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion assays, alongside Western blotting and qPCR analyses. The DCFDA assay was employed to measure intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in liver cells. …

Disruption Of Β-Catenin Signaling As A Strategy To Suppress Emt In Cervical Cancer, Mohammed Sikander, Shabnam Malik, Sonam Kumari, John Apraku, Theresa M. Biju, Fathi T. Halaweish, Murali Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash Chauhan

Research Colloquium

Cervical cancer (CxC) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. Current chemotherapeutic agents for CxC have shown systemic toxicity in CxC patients. Ormeloxifene (ORM) is a non-toxic and non-steroidal drug with well-defined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in humans. In this study, we introduce a new analogue of ormeloxifene, Bromo-ormeloxifene (Br-ORM), which demonstrates enhanced therapeutic efficacy against CxC in both in vitro and in vivo models. We investigated Br-ORM's effects on CxC cell growth through colony formation and MTS assays, alongside molecular docking studies with βcatenin using AutoDock4. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of Br-ORM on the …

An Unusual Case Of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Due To Weissella Cibaria In A Patient With Decompensated Cirrhosis, Janetly Reinoso, Felipe Diaz Jr, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection commonly encountered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites, usually involving gram-negative organisms. Weissella cibaria is a gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultative anaerobe not typically associated with intra-abdominal infections. This case report highlights an unusual instance of SBP caused by W. cibaria in a cirrhotic patient, emphasizing the clinical importance of identifying atypical organisms and discussing implications for antimicrobial stewardship in vulnerable populations.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman with decompensated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis status post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and recurrent ascites requiring weekly paracentesis presented with altered mental status following …

From Imaging To Impact: A Multi-Disciplinary T32 Program Framework And Initial Insights For Training In Image-Guided Cancer Therapy, Kari J. Brewer Savannah, Stephen Y. Lai, Clifton D. Fuller, Kristy K. Brock

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

As multi-disciplinary image-guided assessment and therapies become increasingly important for precision oncology, the need for comprehensive training opportunities that effectively prepare the next generation of clinician-scientists and scientists is evident. We present an innovative, evidence-based research training framework that integrates the following critical features: 1) intentional and personalized mentoring and career development, 2) immersive research in image-guided cancer therapy, 3) strategic mentored clinical exposure, 4) structured didactic learning and professional development opportunities, and 5) mentored grant writing. Designed to foster scientific rigor, translational thinking, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the Image-Guided Cancer Therapy T32 Training Program (IGCT-T32) aims to prepare postdoctoral fellows …

Antiplatelet Effects Of Angelica Dahurica Root Extract Without Gastric Lesion Formation In Rats, Pitiphat Srisom, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk, Uthai Sotanaphun, Rataya Luechapudiporn

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Platelet aggregation plays a crucial role in hemostasis; however, excessive platelet activation can lead to thrombus formation, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. While aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) is commonly used as an antiplatelet agent, its longterm use is associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Angelica dahurica (AD), a traditional herbal remedy, has shown in vitro antiplatelet activity and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition. However, its in vivo effects on platelet aggregation and gastric safety remain unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether Angelica dahurica root extract (ADE) could inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent aspirin-induced gastric lesions.

Materials and Methods: AD was extracted …

Bone-Sparing Effects Of Pueraria Mirifica Extract On Bone Loss In Androgen-Deficient Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis), Thaweechai Saetae, Taratorn Kemthong, Sukanya Jaroenporn, Suchinda Malaivijitnond

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Synthetic estrogens provide remarkable benefits for bone health in men; however, they also present several drawbacks after long-term use. Pueraria mirifica, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, has garnered attention due to its positive effects and minimal adverse side effects on bone in females. Most research on bone health has been conducted on rodents; however, bone architecture and remodeling in rodents differ from those in humans, making it challenging to apply the results to clinical trials.
Objectives: Thus, this study assessed the bonesparing effects of P. mirifica extract (PME) in androgen-deficient male cynomolgus macaques.

Materials and Methods: Adult male macaques were divided …

Quality By Design Approach To Method Development And Validation For Quantitative Estimation Of Dapagliflozin And Linagliptin In Pharmaceutical Tablet Dosage Forms, Prechha Shrestha, Ashwinee Kumar Shrestha, Rajan Shrestha, Barsha Thapa

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Objectives: The present study utilizes a quality by design approach to develop a simple, robust, and stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying dapagliflozin (DAPA) and linagliptin (LINA) in a fixed-dose combination and validate it according to the ICH-Q2 (R1) guidelines.

Materials and Methods: The effect of critical method parameters (CMPs), namely percentage of acetonitrile (ACN), pH of the buffer, and flow rate, on critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as retention time, area, tailing factor, and theoretical plates was studied using Box–Behnken design (BBD). Response optimizer was utilized to optimize the experimental conditions. The mobile phase (MP) consisted of ACN …

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Self-Monitoring For Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit, Kwanchai Rattanamanee, Nonnachanok Chaiyot, Saranpreeya Srisinroongruang

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) require intensive glucose monitoring to achieve optimal glycemic control and prevent complications. While self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has long been the standard approach, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers real-time data and trend analysis that may enhance clinical decision-making.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether CGM provides superior glycemic outcomes compared with SMBG in individuals with T1DM.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Four randomized controlled trials involving T1DM patients using either CGM or SMBG were included. …

Screening And Evaluation Of Thai Herbal Plants As Multifunctional Agents For Targeting Amyloid Β Pathogenesis In Alzheimer's Disease, Ruedeemars Yubolphan, Suchinda Malaivijitnond, Sukanya Jaroenporn

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder driven by complex pathophysiological processes. Current therapeutic strategies emphasize the development of multifunctional agents, particularly those derived from natural sources, to target multiple stages of the amyloid β (Aβ) cascade, a central contributor to AD pathology.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anti-Aβ activity of nine Thai herbs and evaluate their potential as multifunctional agents for AD treatment.

Methods: Nine Thai herbs—Caesalpinia sappan (CS), Thunbergia laurifolia (TL), Rhinacanthus nasutus (RN), Tabernaemontana divaricata (TD), Cyperus rotundus (CR), Terminalia chebula (TC), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper retrofractum (PR), and Asparagus racemosus (AR)—were screened …

Intelligent Pharmacy: Leveraging Ai And Automation To Enhance Patient Care And Pharmacist Roles, Craig Kimble, Alberto Coustasse, Kasi Gorli, Thomas L. Pile

Management Faculty Research

AI and automation in pharmacies enhance clinical care, operational efficiency, and workforce optimization, with widespread adoption in hospitals and retail chains. Key benefits include reduced medication errors, improved patient satisfaction, and increased pharmacist productivity, allowing focus on higher-value clinical roles. Challenges include high initial costs, cybersecurity concerns, and resistance to change, necessitating thoughtful planning and stakeholder engagement. Preparing pharmacy students for technology-driven environments is essential for successful AI integration and ethical oversight in pharmacy practice.

Validation Of The Jefferson Health-Related Social Needs Screener, Sara Beachy, Kristin L. Rising, Richard W. Hass, Terry Hyslop, Isabella Muti, Mackenzie Kemp, Rhea E. Powell, Cara Martino, Baligh R. Yehia, Joseph G. Cacchione, Patricia C. Henwood

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

INTRODUCTION: Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) is a growing national health priority. While multiple HRSN screening tools currently exist, none to our knowledge have been evaluated using robust statistical analyses. The goal of this work is to provide results from a validation study of the Jefferson HRSN screener conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional psychometric study included HRSN assessments conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings with adult patients from March 2023 to May 2024. The study was conducted across a 17-hospital academic health system serving a diverse community in a 9-county area crossing two states …

Music For Self-Care, A Nurse Well-Being Strategy, Kristen Gilmore Msn, Rn, Cen, Tcrn, Ne-Bc, Nc-Bc, Allison Mccrea Mmt, Mt-Bc, Stephen Didonato Phd, Lcp

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Background

• Evidence suggests that individuals with trauma exposure, such as the impact of crisis such as COVID-19, may benefit from music therapy.
• In 2021, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recognized the importance of ensuring well-being of the nursing workforce identifying the vital role that nursing plays upholding the highest standards of patient care.
• HAP, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, created a three year, first of its kind program, to support the provision of music therapy program services for healthcare workers.
• Through this grant-funded program, Jefferson Health- Pennsylvania hospitals, were awarded $162,000. This grant …

Combined Annual Modulation Dark Matter Search With Cosine-100 And Anais-112, N Carlin, J Y Cho, J J Choi, S Choi, A C Ezeribe, L E França, C Ha, I S Hahn, S J Hollick, S B Hong, E J Jeon, H W Joo, W G Kang, M Kauer, B H Kim, H J Kim, J Kim, K W Kim, S H Kim, S K Kim, W K Kim, Y D Kim, Y H Kim, Y J Ko, D H Lee, E K Lee, H Lee, H S Lee, H Y Lee, I S Lee, J Lee, J Y Lee, M H Lee, S H Lee, S M Lee, Y J Lee, D S Leonard, N T Luan, V H A Machado, B B Manzato, R H Maruyama, R J Neal, S L Olsen, H K Park, H S Park, J C Park, J S Park, K S Park, K Park, S D Park, R L C Pitta, H Prihtiadi, S J Ra, C Rott, K A Shin, D F F S Cavalcante, M K Son, N J C Spooner, L T Truc, L Yang, G H Yu, J Amaré, J Apilluelo, S Cebrián, D Cintas, I Coarasa, E García, M Martínez, Y Ortigoza, A Ortiz De Solórzano, T Pardo, J Puimedón, M L Sarsa, C Seoane

Faculty and Staff Publications

The annual modulation signal, claimed to be consistent with dark matter as observed by DAMA/LIBRA in a sodium-iodide based detector, has persisted for over two decades. COSINE-100 and ANAIS-112 were designed to test the claim directly using the same target material. COSINE-100, located at Yangyang Underground Laboratory in South Korea, and ANAIS-112, located at Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain, have been taking data since 2016 and 2017, respectively. Each experiment published its respective results independently. In this Letter, we present the results of an annual modulation search as a test of the signal observed by DAMA/LIBRA with the first three …

Mitochondrial Methylcytosines As Blood-Based Biomarkers For Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Prognosis, Jordi Gascón-Bayarri, Jose Luis Mosquera, Marta Blanch, Pau Martí, Beatriz Fontal, Carla Trapero, Nuria Rojo, Inma Rico, Jaume Campdelacreu, Cristopher Fowler, Simon M. Laws, Adrià Tort-Merino, Raquel Sanchez-Valle, Joan Bello, Juan Fortea, Alberto Lleó, Courosh Mehanian, Russell H. Swerdlow, Ramón Reñé-Ramírez, Marta Barrachina

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer's Disease Dementia (ADD) prognosis is an unmet medical need. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early AD etiopathogenic factor. The present study analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation patterns in blood samples from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who progressed to ADD (P), MCI remained stable (NP), and Cognitively Normal (CN) individuals. Differentially methylated sites were identified in the D-loop region in both CN vs. NP and NP vs. P comparisons, even before β-amyloid positivity. A Random Forest model was developed using mtDNA methylation data combined with cognitive and risk factor features. Model's performance was assessed by cross-validation and tested on …

Ethnic Disparities In Thoracic Aortic Dissection And Rupture: A Retrospective Analysis Of Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Populations, Manuel Gutierrez

Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses

Background: Aortic dissections and ruptures are even more strongly life-threatening events for patients who are unable to access care promptly. A dissection can reach 50% mortality rate within 24 hours, and a rupture may exceed 90%. Risk factors such as hypertension, genetics, and age play a role in the development of these events; however, few studies have explored whether marginalized groups, such as Hispanics, experience aortic events more frequently. The primary objective of this investigation is to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of thoracic aortic dissections or ruptures driven by ethnicity in patients from the Yale …

Identifying Factors Linked To A Higher Prevalence Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Younger Us Military Veterans, Jordan Hathorn

Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder is a significant public health concern in the U.S., with military veterans disproportionately affected. Although younger veterans exhibit a higher prevalence of PTSD compared to their older counterparts, the mechanisms driving this age-related difference remain unclear. This study examined sociodemographic, trauma-specific, and psychosocial factors that may contribute to the elevated prevalence of PTSD in younger (age < 50) vs. older (age 50 and older) veterans.

Methods: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative sample of US military veterans (n=4,069).

Results: Younger veterans were three times more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to …

Simulation Strategies For Safer Student Medication Administration: A Quality Improvement Project, Rochelle D. Beaver

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Medication administration is an essential skill for nurses, but there are few opportunities for students to practice this skill to prepare for clinical practice. Literature shows that best practice to bridge the gap is simulation. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to implement an evidence-based simulation activity for students. The problem is that not all faculty are trained to teach via simulation. The aim of the project is to increase the nursing faculty’s competence in facilitating a medication administration simulation activity focusing on pre-briefing and debriefing utilizing evidence-based standards from International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. …

Medical Guidelines For Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Frederick S. Kaplan, Mona Al Mukaddam, Genevieve Baujat, Alberto Hidalgo Bravo, Matthew Brown, Amanda Cali, Tae-Joon Cho, Corrie Crowe, Carmen L. De Cunto, Patricia L. R. Delai, Robert J. Diecidue, Elisabeth Marelise W Eekhoff, Lisa Friedlander, Clive S. Friedman, Zvi Grunwald, Nobuhiko Haga, Edward C. Hsiao, Richard Keen, Joseph A. Kitterman, Charles Levy, Vrisha Madhuri, Rolf Morhart, J. Coen Netelenbos, Christiaan Scott, Eileen M. Shore, Michael Zasloff, Keqin Zhang, Robert J. Pignolo

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty Papers

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic condition characterized by congenital malformations of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in specific anatomic patterns. Present management summarized here is focused on early diagnosis, assiduous avoidance of injury and iatrogenic harm, symptomatic amelioration of painful flare-ups, and optimization of residual function. Twenty-one members of the International Clinical Council on FOP (ICC) and seven consultants from 15 countries, chosen for their clinical expertise in FOP, developed this summary statement. Further advances in therapeutics will be based on rigorous clinical trials to assess novel and emerging treatment and prevention strategies. A …

Editorial: Molecular Mechanisms Of Ion Channel Activation And Modulation, Meng Cui, Miao Zhang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

"Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that regulate the passage of ions across cell membranes, thereby shaping processes as diverse as neuronal signaling, muscle contraction, and hormone secretion. Channel activation is typically initiated by a stimulus such as voltage, ligand binding, or mechanical stress that induces conformational changes and opens the channel pore. Beyond activation, channels are subject to fine-tuned modulation by a wide range of endogenous and exogenous agents, from lipids and neurotransmitters to pharmacological drugs. Modulators can stabilize the open, closed, or inactivated states, shift ligand affinities, or alter gating kinetics. Dissecting the structural and dynamic basis of …