Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Spatial Transcriptome Reveals Histology-Correlated Immune Signature Learnt By Deep Learning Attention Mechanism On H&E-Stained Images For Ovarian Cancer Prognosis, Chun Wai Ng, Kwong-Kwok Wong, Barrett C Lawson, Sammy Ferri-Borgogno, Samuel C Mok

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The ability to predict the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer can greatly improve disease management. However, the knowledge on the mechanism of the prediction is limited. We sought to deconvolute the attention feature learnt by a deep learning convolutional neural networks trained with whole-slide images (WSIs) of hematoxylin-and-eosin (H&E)-stained tumor samples using spatial transcriptomic data.

Methods: In this study, 773 WSIs of H&E-stained tumor sections from 335 patients with treatment naïve high-grade serous ovarian cancer who were included in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pan-Cancer study were used to train, and validate, and to test a ResNet101 CNN …

Dna Polymerase Zeta Can Efficiently Replicate Structures Formed By At/Ta Repeat Sequences And Prevent Their Deletion, Mili Das, Suzanne E Hile, Jennifer Brewster, Jan Leendert Boer, Rachel Bezalel-Buch, Qiong Guo, Wei Yang, Peter M Burgers, Kristin A Eckert, Catherine H Freudenreich

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Long AT repeat tracts form non-B DNA structures that stall DNA replication and cause chromosomal breakage. AT repeats are abundant in human common fragile sites (CFSs), genomic regions that undergo breakage under replication stress. Using an in vivo yeast model system containing AT-rich repetitive elements from human CFS FRA16D, we find that DNA polymerase zeta (Pol ζ) is required to prevent breakage and subsequent deletions at hairpin and cruciform forming (AT/TA)n sequences, with little to no role at an (A/T)28 repeat or a control non-structure forming sequence. DNA polymerase eta is not protective for deletions at AT-rich structures, while DNA …

Methylgrapher: Genome-Graph-Based Processing Of Dna Methylation Data From Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing, Wenjin Zhang, Juan F Macias-Velasco, Xiaoyu Zhuo, Edward A Belter, Chad Tomlinson, John Garza, Nina Tekkey, Daofeng Li, Ting Wang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Genome graphs, including the recently released draft human pangenome graph, can represent the breadth of genetic diversity and thus transcend the limits of traditional linear reference genomes. However, there are no genome-graph-compatible tools for analyzing whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data. To close this gap, we introduce methylGrapher, a tool tailored for accurate DNA methylation analysis by mapping WGBS data to a genome graph. Notably, methylGrapher can reconstruct methylation patterns along haplotype paths precisely and efficiently. To demonstrate the utility of methylGrapher, we analyzed the WGBS data derived from five individuals whose genomes were included in the first Human Pangenome …

Piezo1-Mediated Mechanotransduction Regulates Collagen Synthesis On Nanostructured 2d And 3d Models Of Fibrosis, Neda Rashidi, Natalia S Harasymowicz, Alireza Savadipour, Nancy Steward, Ruhang Tang, Sara Oswald, Farshid Guilak

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Progressive fibrosis can lead to tissue malfunction and organ failure due to the pathologic accumulation of a collagen-rich extracellular matrix. In vitro models provide useful tools for deconstructing the roles of specific biomechanical or biological mechanisms, such as substrate micro- and nanoscale architecture, in these processes for identifying potential therapeutic targets. Here, we investigated how the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 influences fibrotic gene and protein expression in adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). Specifically, we examined the role of PIEZO1 and the mechanosensitive transcription factors YAP/TAZ in sensing aligned or non-aligned substrate architecture to regulate collagen formation. We utilized both 2D microphotopatterned …

The Gift Of Life, Nicole Gunawansa

Eastern Virginia Medical Journal

This article does not have an Abstract

Perspectives On A Recently Merged Family Medicine Residency Program: A Post-Match Survey Of Ranked, Unmatched Applicants, John E. Snellings, Karo G. Ohanian, Ismail El Moudden

Eastern Virginia Medical Journal

Introduction: Residency program mergers are a topic of much consternation and relatively little scholarly investigation in graduate medical education. After undergoing a residency merger in July 2020, the newly formed Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Family Medicine Residency Program investigated the effects of the merger on the perspectives of the applicant pool for the subsequent 2020–2021 recruiting season. Methods: We conducted an anonymous survey of EVMS Family Medicine applicants during the 2020– 2021 recruiting season. Students who interviewed with the residency and were subsequently placed on the program’s National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) rank order list (ROL) but did not …

A Half Century Of Criminalizing Serious Mental Illness: Observations And Considerations, Arthur J. Lurigio

DePaul Journal of Health Care Law

This article describes the difficulties of working with people with serious mental illnesses (PSMIs) at every stage of the criminal justice process—from arrest to post- incarceration release from prison. The needs of PSMI for mental health and social services are complex and require different case management plans and strategies at various points in the process. Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), such as schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder, stem from abnormalities in the brain structure and neuroprocessing that cause significant distress and dysfunction. People with serious mental illnesses typically suffer from a variety of other related problems (e.g., addiction) that can …

Mental Health Courts: Is There Any Hope For Mental Illness In An Outdated Criminal Justice System?, Brock Imel

DePaul Journal of Health Care Law

Mental health awareness is an ever-growing field of study that has garnered more attention in America after the COVID-19 pandemic. As far back as colonial America, mental illness was considered taboo in society and often reprimanded with punishable crimes. This article seeks to divulge into the history of mental health and its relation to the law, as well as how the creation of mental health courts has led to a decrease in recidivism.

This article aims to provide the reader with an understanding of the evolving field of mental health courts and provide state legislatures foundational knowledge for creating and …

A More Than Virtual Glimpse Into Academia, Jared Bergman

Virginia Dental Journal

Jared Bergman, a VCU dental student, rekindled his passion for teaching through the ADEA ADCFP fellowship, integrating virtual reality into dental education and pursuing a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The Biggest Yet, Rob Marino

Virginia Dental Journal

The Third Annual Piedmont Smiles MOM event, held on November 2, 2024, at Liberty High School in Bealeton, provided essential dental care to 267 residents from rural communities. Supported by various foundations and local businesses, the event featured volunteer dentists and students from VCU and Howard University. The record turnout highlighted the growing need for affordable dental care in the region.

Dental Detective Series - Word Search, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes December 13, 2024, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry (BOD) meeting on December 13, 2024, covered various topics, including the approval of previous meeting minutes, updates on regulatory matters, and discussions on the dental workforce shortage, particularly concerning dental hygienists. The BOD considered proposals to allow foreign-trained dentists to perform dental hygiene duties and to increase dental hygiene program class sizes to address the shortage. The meeting also included reports on recent conferences, the adoption and repeal of several guidance documents, and a review of disciplinary actions. The BOD plans to respond to a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding dental hygienist …

Revisiting Your Communications Strategies In 2025, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

Refresh your dental practice's communication strategies in 2025 by updating your website, leveraging email marketing, using AI tools for content creation, and planning ahead with a social media editorial calendar.

From The Headlines, Adel Rizkalla Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Experts warn that some dentists are unnecessarily extracting healthy teeth for profit through implants, raising ethical concerns about patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, and veracity in dental care.

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

Through the Looking Glass with Dr. Sarah Glass" explores various oral pathology cases presented by Collin Johnson, a third-year dental student.

2025 Dental Days At The Capitol, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) held its 2025 Dental Days at the Capitol event in Richmond, where dentists, dental students, and other dental professionals gathered to advocate for the profession. Governor Glenn Youngkin and Senator Todd Pillion, DDS, addressed the attendees, highlighting recent initiatives to expand dental coverage, access, workforce, and education. The event focused on addressing the dental workforce shortage and included meetings with legislators to discuss key issues. Participants were encouraged to contact their legislators, sign up for legislative alerts, and contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee.

Vda Pac Update, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

The VDA PAC Update calls for Virginia Dental Association (VDA) members to contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee (PAC) to ensure dentistry's interests are represented in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. Members can contribute through the VDA website or when paying their dues.

Commit To Supporting Your Team’S Mental Health With Safehaven, Shannon Jacobs

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Association (VDA) has partnered with the Medical Society of Virginia to offer the SafeHaven™ program to its members, their teams, and immediate family members. SafeHaven™ provides confidential support for mental health and well-being, including peer coaching, counseling services, leadership development, peer support groups, and a WorkLife Concierge. The program aims to help dental professionals manage stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges without fear of stigma or professional consequences.

Trust Is Not Given; It Is Earned, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, emphasizes the importance of trust in the dental profession and the association's efforts. He highlights the erosion of trust in institutions and media, noting that people increasingly rely on their own research and local sources. Dunn suggests strategies for maintaining trust, including engaging with patients respectfully, leveraging local components, using alternative media, and empowering members to share the benefits of the association.

Transforming Dentistry, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. James Mercer, the new ADA Trustee for the 16th District, discusses the ADA's innovative approach to membership revenue growth. He acknowledges his predecessor, Dr. Gary Oyster, and shares his background in oral maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Mercer emphasizes the need for uncoupling dues from financial sustainability and increasing non-dues revenue to allow for a low monthly subscription to membership. He highlights the ADA's transformational changes under the leadership of Dr. Ray Cohlmia, the new executive director, who aims to increase membership and non-dues revenue.

You’Ve Got Mail, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Dental Journal has transitioned to a digital-only publication as of 2025, following a decision by the Virginia Dental Association’s Board of Directors in September 2023. This change aligns with the broader shift towards digital communication. The Journal is now accessible through the ADA Commons platform, which offers secure, long-term storage and increased discoverability. The platform also allows authors to contribute and access readership metrics. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) will also switch to digital in 2025. Readers are encouraged to ensure their email addresses are up to date to receive notifications about new editions.

Involved Or Committed, Justin Norbo Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Justin Norbo, in his message, emphasizes the importance of being fully present and committed in various roles, whether in professional or personal life. He reflects on a speech by ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler, who highlighted the need for leaders to focus on their current responsibilities without distractions. Dr. Norbo extends this idea, urging members of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) to not just be involved but to be committed to making a difference. He encourages members to actively participate in VDA activities, recruit new members, support the VDA PAC, and volunteer for community services. The overarching message is …

Va Dent J January, February And March 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

The January-March 2025 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 1) highlights various topics relevant to the dental community, including articles on supporting mental health through the SafeHaven™ program, innovative membership strategies from the ADA, and updates on legislative advocacy efforts. It also features academic content, such as pediatric dentistry abstracts and case studies, and showcases the journal's transition to a digital-only format for improved accessibility and archival capabilities. Additionally, the issue provides organizational news, awards, and practical tools for dental professionals.

Provisional Stenting Of Distal Bifurcation Of Left Main Stem With Angle Equal Or More Than 90° With And Without Final Kissing Balloon: One-Year Outcomes, Ali Mahdi Mohammed Abuajmaa, Khalid Ibrahim Amber

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: To identify the outcomes of provisional single stent (PS) strategy without final kissing balloon (FKB) in wide angle (≥90°) distal bifurcation of the left main stem (LMS).

Methods: A pilot study of prospective interventional cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to February 2024. Patients with unprotected LMS - left anterior descending artery with LMS distal bifurcation angle ≥90° were divided into: Group I (Medina class 1,1,0 treated with PS without FKB), Group II (Medina class 1,1,1 treated with PS) which subcategorized into two subgroups; Group IIa (PS with FKB) and Group IIb (PS without FKB). One-year follow-up outcomes …

In Silico Analysis Of Cd40 Mutations And Their Implications For Quinoline-Benzoic Acid Derivatives Based Therapy In Graves' Disease, Luluk Yunaini, Diyah Kristanty, Puji Sari, Surya Dwira, Dwi Anita Suryandari, Arleni Bustami

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the CD40-CD154 interaction plays a critical role in T-cell activation. In this study, in silico methods were employed to analyze the binding interactions of quinoline-benzoic acid derivatives (NSB, FSB, and NQB) with the CD40 receptor and to investigate the implications of specific CD40 mutations for drug efficacy. In this reseach conducted by molecular simulation approach with molecular docking Results Mutation analysis of CD40 identified alterations in key residues, such as R203C, which may impact ligand-independent activation and downstream TRAF binding, crucial for signal transduction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of quinoline-benzoic …

Mental Health In Preprofessional And Professional Circus Artists: A Narrative Review, Melanie I. Stuckey, Stephanie Greenspan, Joanna Nicholas, Veronique Richard, Janine H. Stubbe, Fleur E.C.A. Van Rens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mental health has received little attention in preprofessional and professional circus despite the performance demands, cognitive skill, and emotional labor required. This review aimed to consolidate the literature, identify research gaps, and guide practice priorities for mental health in preprofessional and professional circus artists. A narrative review of the literature was conducted based on the International Olympic Committee’s 2019 consensus statement for mental health in elite athletes. Articles reported on mental health symptoms and disorders (n = 13) and interventions (n = 3) in preprofessional and professional circus contexts. Circus artists may experience more symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and …

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Real World Data Infrastructure: A Big-Data Resource For Study Of The Impact Of Covid-19 In Patient Populations With Immunocompromising Conditions, James M. Crawford, Lynne Penberthy, Ligia A. Pinto, Keri N. Althoff, Magdalene M. Assimon, Oren Cohen, Laura Gillim, Tracy L. Hammonds, Shilpa Kapur, Harvey W. Kaufman, David Kwasny, Jean W. Liew, William A. Meyer 3rd, Shannon L. Reynolds, Cheryl B. Schleicher, Suki Subbiah, Catherine Theruviparampil, Zachary S. Wallace, Jeremy L. Warner, Suhyeon Yoon, Yonah C. Ziemba

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background. We developed a United States–based real-world data resource to better understand the continued impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on immunocompromised patients, who are typically underrepresented in prospective studies and clinical trials. Methods. The COVID-19 Real World Data infrastructure (CRWDi) was created by linking and harmonizing de-identified HealthVerity medical and pharmacy claims data from 1 December 2018 to 31 December 2023, with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virologic and serologic laboratory data from major commercial laboratories and Northwell Health; COVID-19 vaccination data; and, for patients with cancer, 2010 to 2021 National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and …

Development And Preclinical Testing Of A Naloxone Prodrug Depot For Extended Protection Against Opioid Overdose, Hala Aldawod, Arjun D. Patel, Rasha Emara, Dengpan Liang, Joshua S. Ho, Toufiq Ul Amin, Md Tariqul Haque Tuhin, Abdulmalek Balgoname, Avishan Kiani, Jumana M. Ajlouny, Melanie A. Felmlee, Miki S. Park, Bhaskara R. Jasti, William K. Chan, James A, Uchizono, Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh

Pacific Faculty Work

The opioid crisis, driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, demands innovative solutions. The opioid antidote naloxone has a short action (~ 1 hour), requiring repeated doses. To address this, we present a new and simple naloxone prodrug delivery system repurposing a hydrophilic derivative of acoramidis, a potent transthyretin ligand. When the fully soluble prodrug solution is administered subcutaneously, the prodrug forms a zwitterionic depot at physiological pH, enabling extended naloxone release. This non-polymeric depot-forming approach is rare and employs carboxylesterase 2 for selective bioactivation, ensuring controlled drug release. In male rats and cynomolgus monkeys, a single subcutaneous dose provides steady …

Synergistic Effects Of Extra X Chromosome On Development Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus And Sjögren Disease In Klinefelter And Triple X Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Anna-Kay Palmer, Irene J. Tan

Einstein Health Papers

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren disease (SjD) are autoimmune diseases with significant female predominance. The prevalence of SLE is increased in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) compared with the general male population. Our study investigates the dose effects of extra X chromosomes on the development of SLE and SjD in KS and triple X syndrome compared with the general population.

METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study used TriNetX, a global federated research database. Using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, patients with a diagnosis of SLE or SjD in the general population, as well as those …

Social Determinants Of Occupational Injuries Among Us-Based Commercial Fishermen: A Systematic Review, Shannon Guillot-Wright, Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang, Bibiana Toro Figueira, Mary Overcash Jones, Ruhi Maredia, Nikhita Kichili

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Commercial fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry that supports job growth, small- to large- businesses, and port and city revenue. The commercial fishing industry continues to be one of the most dangerous in the US, with a fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the national average. Dangers of the fishing industry are multi-faceted and include hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather. Moreover, a vast majority of fishermen suffer from economic insecurity, including safe and affordable housing and food insecurity.

METHODS: We followed the recommendations and standards set by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods …