Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Longitudinal Plasma Amino Acids During Pregnancy And Neonatal Anthropometry: Findings From The Nichd Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort, Claire Guivarch, Jing Wu, Ruijin Lu, Jagteshwar Grewal, Guoqi Yu, Ling-Jun Li, Jiaxi Yang, Wei Wei Pang, Dong D Wang, Natalie L Weir, Zhen Chen, Michael Y Tsai, Cuilin Zhang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Amino acids (AAs) during pregnancy are crucial for fetal growth. Prior studies measured AA concentrations at single time points in pregnancy, despite their fluctuations throughout pregnancy. We measured plasma AA profiles in blood samples longitudinally collected from early through late pregnancy and evaluated their associations with neonatal anthropometry.

METHODS: Concentrations of plasma aromatic AAs, branched-chain AAs, and AAs involved in one-carbon metabolism were assessed at 10-14, 15-26, 23-31, and 33-39 gestational weeks (GW) among 321 women from a case-control study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort. Associations …

Lrrc8 Channel Complexes Counterbalance Katp Channels To Mediate Swell-Secretion Coupling In Mouse Pancreatic Β Cells, Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz, Chen Kang, Litao Xie, John D. Tranter, Sumit Patel, Rahul Chadda, Maria S. Remedi, Rajan Sah

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells is initiated by membrane potential depolarization, followed by activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to trigger Ca2+-mediated insulin vesicle fusion with the β cell plasma membrane. Here, we show that β cell swelling associated with glucose metabolism was sensed by LRRC8 channel complexes and contributed to insulin secretion. Hypertonic perfusate (360-380 mOsm) dose dependently impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by counteracting β cell swelling. Hypotonic perfusate alone, independent of glucose stimulation or KATP channel closure, was sufficient to increase β cell intracellular Ca2+ and trigger insulin secretion. Inhibition of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter-1 with bumetanide, which diminished the …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Eutectic Mixture Of Local Anesthesia Cream And Vapocoolant Spray In Mitigating The Pain Associated With Ear-Tagging In Pre-Weaned Calves, Yu-Jhe Lo, Thomas Chia-Tang Ho, Jacky Peng-Wen Chan

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study evaluated the efficacy of a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream and vapocoolant spray (VS) in preventing pain in calves following ear-tagging. Thirty-four calves were randomly assigned to three groups: no anesthesia control (CON, n=11), EMLA applied 60 minutes prior (EMLA, n=11), and five-second VS application immediately prior (VS, n=12). Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured at 18±1 days of age, with the left ear of the CON group serving as the sham group (Sham, n=11), followed by ear-tagging at 21±1 days. Post-tagging assessments included pain-related behaviors, serum cortisol levels, heart rate, and wound scores. The PPT …

Simple And Complex Phonic Tics In Tourette Syndrome, José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo, Joseph Jankovic

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Tourette syndrome (TS) is the most common cause of tics. Tics are classified as motor and phonic tics. The latter (previously also referred to as “vocal tics”) are manifested by simple sounds (simple phonic tics) or complex, often semantically meaningful utterances (complex phonic tics). Methods: We compared the clinical and demographic features of consecutive patients with TS who exhibited simple and complex phonic tics. Results: There were 149 patients, 117 (78.5%) of whom were males; the mean age at evaluation was 19.61 ± 12.97 years. In total, 35 (23.5%) of these manifested complex phonic tics, and 26 (17.4%) had verbalizations. …

Temporal Modeling And Forecasting Of Blood Glucose Dynamics In Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus, Mj Ruff

University Honors Theses

People living with Diabetes Mellitus face significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The unpredictable nature of glucose levels can lead to dangerous conditions such as ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia. This study employs advanced time series analysis tools to forecast the glucose levels for an individual diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Supra Inguinal Fascia Iliac Versus Peng Block For Post-Operative Pain Management Of Hip Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Megan S. Walker, Mary O'Dell Duplechin, Drake P. Duplechin, Charles J. Fox, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D. Kaye

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Effective post-operative pain management following hip arthroplasty is critical to improving recovery, reducing opioid consumption, enhancing mobility, and reducing the risk of complications for patients. Multimodal anesthesia strategies, including the supra inguinal fascia iliac block (SIFIB) and the periarticular nerve group (PENG) block have become the new point of focus as opposed to traditional methods previously used. This narrative review compares the SIFIB and the PENG block in their efficacy to treat post-operative pain management. Mechanism of action, safety, patient outcomes, and clinical applications are compared between the two blocks for evaluation. Clinical studies have indicated that both blocks reduce …

Uncovering The Efficacy Of A Natural Homemade Sunscreen In Protection From Ultraviolet Radiation, Furkan Akif Ince, Julianne Clare Nayar, Alicia Lauren Wong, James Andrew Mcclelland, Andrew J.A. Holland, Harvey Stern, Myriam Abboud, Rebecca Sara Mason, Katie Marie Dixon

All Works

In Australia, skin cancer has the highest incidence of all cancer types, where Therapeutic Goods Association-approved, broad-spectrum sunscreens are recommended to prevent skin carcinogenesis. Commercial sunscreen ingredients, however, have been associated with negative impacts on human health, animal health and the environment. Together, the perceived harmful effects of commercial sunscreens have driven a trend towards home formulation of natural sunscreens, recipes for which are widely available online. Scientific evidence to support the efficacy of natural sunscreens, however, is lacking. We tested the efficacy of a natural homemade sunscreen (NHSS) published online by a wellness blogger with the aim to determine …

Prevention Of Nerve Growth And Evoked Pain With A Nerve Cap Graft Device, Sydney Borcherding, Matthew D Wood, Sai L Pinni, Lauren Schellhardt, Anne E Faust, Marissa N Behun, Clint Skillen, Pooja Chawla, Mangesh Kulkarni, Elena A Demeter, Andrew D Miller, Mark A Mahan, Bryan N Brown, Lorenzo Soletti

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Neuroma following nerve injury and/or amputation is a debilitating condition with significant impacts on quality of life. Several approaches exist to prevent or treat neuroma and/or reduce associated pain; however, these approaches are not consistently effective, facile, or widely accessible. The present study characterizes a xenogeneic nerve cap graft device (NCGD) composed of decellularized porcine nerve. The NCGD was assessed for its ability to inhibit nerve growth, neuroma formation, and pain in rodent models of sciatic neurectomy and tibial neuroma transposition. The NCGD provided a neuroinhibitory substrate that abated and interrupted nerve growth within 5 mm of the nerve stump …

Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact Of Technology On Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, A Case Study, Joy Williams, Joanne Pho

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program.

Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over …

Etchings Of The Exiled, Jan A. Wozniak

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

No abstract provided.

Agenda (Pdf), School Of Dentistry

LSU School of Dentistry Research Day

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography And Cardio-Specific Markers For Early Detection Of Cardiotoxicity In Patients With Breast Cancer, Begimaia Akbalaeva, Salman Khan, Priti Singh, Mukhtar Ansari, Muteb Alanazi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) treatment often involves cardiotoxic chemotherapy, leading to potential cardiac dysfunction. Early detection of cardiotoxicity is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiospecific markers in detecting early signs of cardiotoxicity in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: The study included 45 women (mean age, 55.8±12 years) diagnosed with HER-2 positive BC. They were treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for the first four cycles (group-1), docetaxel and Trastuzumab for the second four cycles (group-2), and Trastuzumab for the third four cycles or more subsequent …

Evaluating Depression In Adults Undergoing Substance Abuse Treatment: A Program Evaluation Of Intensive Outpatient Program, Chidochomoyo E. Zvirawa

Dissertations

Problem: Depression and substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently co-occur, complicating recovery outcomes. Despite screening recommendations, depression remains underdiagnosed in many SUD treatment settings.

Methods: This mixed-methods program evaluation examined depressive symptoms among adults in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Depression screenings were conducted at intake, four weeks, and eight weeks. Eight participants meeting inclusion criteria were assessed. Data included demographics, treatment engagement, and PHQ-8 scores.

Results: PHQ-8 scores significantly declined from baseline (M = 11.75, SD = 6.52) to eight weeks (M = 5.13, SD = 5.05), t(7) = 2.76, p = .028, indicating …

Persistent Activation Of Cardiac Fibroblasts Contributes To Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis And Left Ventricular Dysfunction In Heart Failure, Rachel Biggs

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that is defined by an inability of the heart to meet the oxygen demands of the body. Myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF), the diffuse overaccumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the cardiac interstitium, contributes to ventricular dysfunction in HF. Mechanical devices designed to alleviate left ventricular deficiencies, termed left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), provide a pump that delivers oxygenated blood to the aorta thereby decreasing hemodynamic load on the ventricle. This end-stage HF therapy alleviates symptomatic burden for HF patients, however, LVAD support does not reduce MIF in the LV, and myocardial …

Large Right Subclavian Artery True Aneurysm Treated With Hybrid Surgery, Melissa Xu, Ioannis Tsouknidas, Alec Krosser, Gaurang Joshi, Babak Abai, Michael Nooromid, Paul Dimuzio, Dawn M. Salvatore

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Introduction

Subclavian artery (SCA) aneurysms are exceedingly rare (~0.13% of peripheral aneurysms).

There are no criteria regarding size cut off for repair.

Surgery is indicated given risk of complications (thrombosis, embolization leading to CVA or UE ischemia, compression of adjacent structures).

• Open surgery (via median sternotomy, hemisternotomy, lateral thoracotomy, supraclavicular or axillary incision),
• Endovascular (stent graft, aneurysm sac coiling, kissing stents or combination)
• Hybrid (endovascular + extra-anatomic bypass).

Policy Paper Assessing The Risk Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In The College Football Player, Joseph C. Archer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked component of athletic performance, particularly in collision sports such as football. Despite growing evidence connecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risk, and injury, standardized screening is rarely implemented in collegiate athletics. This project aimed to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in college football players aged 18–25 using the STOP-BANG screening tool and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of athletic trainers. The purpose was to identify at-risk athletes early, promote timely intervention, and improve athletic trainers' understanding of OSA. The project addressed …

Best Practices For Creating An Addiction Curriculum Within Family Medicine Residency Programs: A Qualitative Analysis Of Expert Opinion, Gregory A. Jaffe, Barisue Brodsky, Jacob Buckley, Brooke Mauriello, Corey Pasakarnis, Paul Rizzo, Madison Smith, Randi Sokol

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Background and Objectives: Primary care physicians are well-positioned to be at the forefront of screening for and treating substance use disorders (SUDs). In addition, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has deemed addiction training a common program requirement for all residency programs. With less than one-third of family medicine residency programs providing addiction training, understanding best practices for addiction training is important.

Methods: We interviewed 12 faculty at family medicine residency programs across the country who have a strong reputation for addiction training. We analyzed interview transcripts thematically to identify best practices for creating and providing addiction curricula.

Results: …

A Multi-National Questionnaire-Based Analysis Of Dental Students’ Knowledge Of The Management Of Deep Caries And The Exposed Pulp, Venkateshbabu Nagendrababu, Arindam Dutta, Ana Arias, Aleksandar Jakovljevic, Ahmed Hieawy, Frank C. Setzer, Jugoslav Ilic, Milos Beloica, Meric Karapinar Kazandag, Nandini Suresh, Paul V. Abbott, Raghavendra M. Shetty, Srinivasan Narasimhan, Victoria Sh Yu, Vellore Kannan Gopinath, Ya Shen, Henry F. Duncan

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Introduction and aims: To evaluate knowledge regarding the management of deep carious lesions and exposed pulps among undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic students from ten dental institutions across ten countries, and the impact of operator (material, antibiotic prescription) and patient-related (age, symptoms) factors on their treatment protocols. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to evaluate student knowledge of the management of deep caries and exposed pulp related to four clinical scenarios. Simple descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and McNemar tests were employed to identify significant differences between the scenarios. The P-value was set at 5%. Results: A total …

Fluorescence-Guided Ureteral Identification In Robotic Surgery For Advanced Endometriosis: A Comparison Of Junior Versus Senior Surgeons, Linda A Alpuing Radilla, Qiannan Yang, Daniel Y Lovell, Tamisa Koythong, Brooke Thigpen, Luis E Delgadillo Chabolla, Qianqing Wang, Xiaoming Guan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Identifying the ureters in patients with advanced endometriosis and severe pelvic adhesive disease can be challenging. Adhesiolysis along the deformed pelvic sidewall may increase the risk of prolonged operative time and incidental ureteral injury. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and surgical outcomes of using Indocyanine Green (ICG) under near-infrared fluorescence for intraoperative ureteral localization and preservation during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for advanced endometriosis, comparing procedures performed by two junior surgeons to those performed by one senior surgeon. This was a retrospective observational case series conducted by three minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons (X.G., T.K., B.T.) at a single …

Exploring Muslim American Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing: Perceptions, Barriers, And Ethical Considerations, Hannah Mahmoud

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward genetic testing within the Muslim American community, a group often underrepresented in genomic research and public health discourse. Using a community-distributed digital survey, data was collected from 50 self-identified Muslim Americans on their familiarity with genetic testing, reproductive and ethical considerations, and the influence of religious factors. While only 18% had undergone genetic testing themselves, many were familiar through family or friends, and most expressed cautious interest—especially when results could influence future family planning. Education level, age, and religious values shaped both comfort and understanding.

A key theme was the desire for culturally …

Forecasting Influenza Rates Using Machine Learning: A Study Of Chatgpt's Predictive Accuracy, Sara Saleh

University Honors Theses

This study evaluates ChatGPT's ability to forecast influenza rates, such as the number of flu cases, hospitalizations, and death during peak season periods using CDC data, and comparing forecasts against actual results to calculate statistical accuracy and consistency. Influenza forecasting is essential for public health planning, but traditional methods may not always provide timely or accurate predictions. In this research study, ChatGPT was utilized to predict the influenza rates for the following week based on the previous week's data obtained from the FluView surveillance system. The predicted rates were compared to the actual influenza rates to assess the model's overall …

The Mechanisms Of Heterogenic Necrotic And Apoptotic Cell Death Fates In Human Epidermal Keratinocytes Following Uvb Exposure, Madeline Zoe Tara

Master's Theses

UVB radiation is a carcinogen that triggers inflammation and contributes to skin carcinogenesis. Although UVB exposure can induce apoptosis, this form of cell death is non-inflammatory and thus cannot explain the inflammatory response observed following UVB. Necrotic regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, namely necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis, are inherently pro-inflammatory, and thus this study focused on characterizing these in irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes. Keratinocytes were irradiated, treated with cell death inhibitors, and analyzed for apoptotic and necrotic RCD markers using immunofluorescence (IF). Despite uniform UVB exposure, keratinocytes displayed heterogeneous cell death responses, and these findings were validated in ex vivo …

Translation Suppresses Exogenous Target Rna-Mediated Microrna Decay, Tianqi Li, Lu Li, Nicholas M Hiers, Peike Sheng, Yuzhi Wang, Conner M Traugot, Jessi F Effinger-Morris, Pitchaporn Akaphan, Yanyan Liu, Jiang Bian, Kotaro Fujii, Mingyi Xie

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with the target mRNAs to induce translational repression and mRNA degradation. Interestingly, miRNAs themselves can turnover rapidly when binding to a target RNA with extensive complementarity, a phenomenon called target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD). To date, all validated TDMD "triggers" can induce miRNA degradation reside in non-coding regions of the RNA. We found that TDMD triggers placed in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of a reporter degraded miRNAs more effectively than those in the coding sequence (CDS). Inhibiting translation of the reporter enhanced miRNA degradation by the CDS trigger, indicating that ribosome-free CDS triggers are more accessible to …

Forum Of Esrd Networks: 50 Years Of Collaboration, Innovation, And Education To Promote Equitable And Optimal Kidney-Patient Centered Care, David Henner, Daniel Landry, Donald A Molony, Andrew Howard, Mary Albin, Mary Baliker, Dawn P Edwards, Dee Leduc, Ramin Sam, Preethi Yerram, Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Rewired M6a Of Promoter Antisense Rnas In Alzheimer’S Disease Regulates Neuronal Genes In 3d Nucleome, Benxia Hu, Yuqiang Shi, Feng Xiong, Yi-Ting Chen, Xiaoyu Zhu, Elisa Carrillo, Xingzhao Wen, Nathan Drolet, Chetan Singh Rajpurohit, Xiangmin Xu, Dung-Fang Lee, Claudio Soto, Sheng Zhong, Vasanthi Jayaraman, Hui Zheng, Wenbo Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal RNA modification that can impact gene expression at both post-transcriptional and transcriptional levels. However, the landscapes and functions of m6A in human brains and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are under-explored. Here, we examined RNA m6A methylome using total RNA-seq and meRIP-seq in middle frontal cortex of post-mortem brains from individuals with or without AD, which revealed m6A alteration on both mRNAs and various noncoding RNAs. Notably, many promoter-antisense RNAs (paRNAs) displayed cell-type-specific expression and changes in AD, including one produced adjacent to MAPT that encodes the Tau protein. MAPT-paRNA is highly expressed …

Evaluating Impacts Of Improved Flooring On Enteric And Parasitic Infections In Rural Households In Kenya: Study Protocol For A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial, Katherine E. Halliday, Stella Kepha, Hugo Legge, Elizabeth Allen, Robert Dreibelbis, Lynne Elson, Beatrice K. Kakoi, Carlos Mcharo, Sharon Muli, Jacinta Mwongeli, Doris Njomo, Margaret M. Njoroge, Victoria Ochwal, William E. Oswald, Martin Rono, Tuva K. Safari, Ulrike Filinger, James Wambua Kaluli, Charles S. Mwandawiro, Rachel L. Pullan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction Earthen floors are often damp or dusty and difficult to clean, providing an ideal environment for faecal pathogens and parasites. Observational studies have revealed associations between household flooring and health outcomes, but robust experimental evidence is scant. This study will evaluate the impact of an improved household flooring intervention on enteric infections, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and tungiasis through implementation of a cluster-randomised trial in two rural settings in Kwale and Bungoma Counties, Kenya. Methods and analyses 440 clusters (households) across both sites are allocated to control or intervention group, in which a low-cost, sealed, washable, cement-based floor is …

Assessing Older Adult Behavioral Health Diagnoses In Oregon By Geographical Area, Physical Disability Status, And Age., N F. Parsons, Allyson Stodola, Ellis Hews, Nirmala Dhar, Sheryl Elliott, Sarah Dys, Walter D. Dawson

Institute on Aging Publications

This repeated cross-sectional study aims to assess potential differences among behavioral health (BH) diagnoses for older adults. Differences in services across urban versus rural/remote areas may contribute to deeply entrenched barriers to improved BH for this population.

Self-Collection For Cervical Cancer Screening In A Safety-Net Setting: The Prestis Randomized Clinical Trial, Jane R Montealegre, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Shaun Bulsara, Susan L Parker, Trisha L Amboree, Matthew L Anderson, Maria Daheri, Maria L Jibaja-Weiss, Kathleen M Schmeler, Ashish A Deshmukh, Elizabeth Y Chiao, Michael E Scheurer

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Importance: There are limited data on the effectiveness of mailed self-collection to increase cervical cancer screening (CCS) participation in underresourced health care settings.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of mailed self-collection kits, with and without patient navigation, to telephone reminders to increase CCS in a safety-net health system.

Design, setting, and participants: This pragmatic, parallel, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial within a publicly funded safety-net health system in Houston, Texas, compared (1) telephone reminder (TR) for clinic-based screening, (2) TR with mailed self-collection (SC), and (3) TR with mailed SC and patient navigation among a random sample of CCS-eligible patients not …

A Histological Analysis Of The Superior Capsule Of The Glenohumeral Joint And The Supraspinatus Tendon, Nabil Mehta, Allison K Perry, Deborah J Hall, Ian M Clapp, Derrick M Knapik, Grant E Garrigues, Nikhil N Verma

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Complete understanding of rotator cuff pathology relies on a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomic relationships between the supraspinatus tendon (ST) and the superior capsule (SC) of the glenohumeral joint. However, the native anatomy of these structures across the glenohumeral joint and at their attachment sites remains incompletely understood.

PURPOSE: To (1) determine the histological anatomy and absolute and relative thicknesses of the SC compared with the ST across the glenohumeral joint at the anterior, midpoint, and posterior portions of the ST; (2) quantify the percentage of the humeral footprint occupied by the SC versus the ST; and (3) measure …

Review Of Bronchiectasis Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Children And Young People (0-18 Years Old), André Schultz, Anne Chang

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that often commences during childhood. The disease is often under-recognised but can have a significant lifelong impact and shorten survival. This review discussed bronchiectasis in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The review includes section on disease prevalence, risk- and protective factors, prevention diagnosis and treatment, the role of the health system, government initiatives and future directions.