Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Comprehensive Characterization Of Chronic Midazolam Exposure On Neonates And Long-Term Neurodevelopment, Nghi M. Nguyen, Pranavi Athota, Adrian Flores, Andrew Trease, Daniel Meyer, Vamsi K. Singu, Chandan Krishnamoorthy, Victoria L. Schaal, Reeyan Bhakat, Kunal Sualy, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Kelly L. Stauch, Sowmya V. Yelamanchili, Gurudutt Pendyala

Journal Articles: Anesthesiology

Approximately 1 in 10 U.S. newborns are born preterm (< 37 weeks of gestation), facing risks of low birth weight, respiratory and birth deficits often requiring surgery, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged sedation. Such long-term exposure to sedatives in these babies can potentially pose neurodevelopmental risks and can further impact changes later in life. The present study focused on midazolam (MDZ), a benzodiazepine class drug commonly used as sedative in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Using a robust preclinical rodent model mimicking chronic MDZ exposure, we did a comprehensive characterization on the phenotypic, molecular, biochemical, and behavioral outcomes in these exposed neonates across key developmental milestones. Our findings indicate that long-term MDZ exposure during the neonatal period negatively affects physical attributes in early childhood. While adult bodyweights between control and MDZ-exposed rats remain comparable, the MDZ rats exhibit accelerated and robust weight gain, potentially indicating a predisposition for binge eating behavior. Additionally, dopamine release in MDZ-exposed rats is markedly reduced in adulthood. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the brain during adulthood suggest a shift in development due to early MDZ exposure. Further, trends of heightened anxiety-like behavior and reduced social interaction during early adolescence compared to other stages were observed. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive assessment of how long-term MDZ exposure during neonatal stages impacts outcomes throughout life, laying the foundation for understanding mechanisms that contribute to neurodevelopmental complications associated with long-term MDZ use in neonates.

Performance Of Urine Reagent Test Strips In Detecting Schistosoma Haematobium Infection In Individual And Pooled Urine Samples, Abraham Degarege, Berhanu Erko, David Brett-Major, Bruno Levecke, Abebe Animut, Yohannes Negash, M. Jana Broadhurst, Tzeyu L. Michaud, Christopher R. Bilder

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

This study evaluated the performance of urine reagent strips (URSs) in detecting Schistosoma haematobium infection in individual and pooled urine samples. Between June 2022 and April 2023, 2634 urine samples (10 mL each) from school-age children (5-15 years) in 15 villages across Ethiopia's Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Gambella regions were tested using urine filtration microscopy (UFM) and URSs for blood, a marker of S. haematobium eggs. Pooled samples from 5, 10, 20, and 40 individuals (one positive, others negative) were examined with both methods. UFM results were used to calculate URSs' sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for detecting infection. A total …

Quantifying The Public Health Impact Of Lyme Disease In Minnesota: A Simulation Analysis Of Reported And Unreported Cases, Kathleen Angell, M. Jana Broadhurst, Jianghu James Dong, Tzeyu L. Michaud, Abraham Degarege, Roberto Cortinas, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background: Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in Minnesota, is estimated to be underreported by a factor of 10. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis may lead to health complications and increased personal and societal costs. Environmental factors can help to predict high disease years, allowing for early intervention to decrease disease burden. Objective: To estimate the health and cost burdens of Lyme disease and the extent to which they could be diminished by public health intervention when high-incidence Lyme disease years are forecasted. Methods: We used 5 two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations to estimate (1) average annual expected burden of Lyme …

Pregnancy Outcomes After Exposure To Tuberculosis Treatment In Phase 3 Clinical Trial, 2016-2020, Ekaterina V. Kurbatova, William C. Whitworth, Kia E. Bryant, Meredith G. Dixon, Kelly E. Dooley, Nigel A. Scott, Rosanna Boyd, Nicole E. Brown, Kimberley N. Chapman Hedges, Wendy Carr, Lakshmi P. Peddareddy, Grace Muzanyi, Rodney Dawson, Ziyad Waja, Neil Martinson, Jyoti S. V. Mathad, Payam Nahid, Susan Swindells, Richard E. Chaisson, Susan E. Dorman, Patrick P. J. Phillips, Aids Clinical Trials Group A5349, Tuberculosis Trials Consortium Study 31

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

A previous study demonstrated noninferior efficacy of 4-month rifapentine/moxifloxacin regimen for tuberculosis (TB) treatment compared with the standard regimen. We analyzed pregnancy outcomes of women who became pregnant during the study. Among 740 women, 97 (13.1%) became pregnant. Of 102 pregnancies (in 97 participants), 30 (29.4%) participants were exposed to study drugs. Fetal loss was reported for 3/13 (23.1%) in the control regimen, 1/9 (11.1%) in the rifapentine/moxifloxacin regimen, and 1/8 (12.5%) in the rifapentine regimen. Among 21 live births in exposed pregnancies (7 in each arm), 1 infant with a congenital anomaly was reported in a participant on the …

The Distinctive Role Of Atp In Hsp110’S “Holdase” Chaperone Activity, Justin M. Kidd, Cancan Sun, Mitchell Keplinger, Alissa Garay, Colin Ritcher, Qinglian Liu

Physiology and Biophysics Publications and Presentations

Hsp110s are a unique class of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and distant homologs of Hsp70s. They act not only as nucleotide exchange factor co-chaperones for Hsp70s (i.e., NEF activity) but also as independent chaperones capable of preventing the aggregation of proteins exposed to cellular stresses (i.e., ”holdase” activity). While Hsp110 NEF activity is well characterized, the mechanisms of holdase activity are less clear. In particular, the role of ATP-binding in regulating holdase activity is poorly understood and has been disputed. In this study, we discovered an undocumented divalent cation inhibitory effect that is reversed by ATP. This finding led us …

An Exploration Of Desired Abstinent And Non- Abstinent Recovery Outcomes Among People Who Use Methamphetamine, Alex Elswick, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Karen L. Roper, Evan Batty, Christopher J. Mclouth, William W. Stoops, Hilary L. Surratt, Carrie B. Oser

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background In the United States, complete abstinence persists as the standard for demonstrating recovery success from substance use disorders (SUDs), apart from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although the FDA has recently indicated openness for non-abstinence outcomes as treatment targets, the traditional benchmark of complete abstinence for new medications to treat SUDs remains a hurdle and overshadows other non-abstinent outcomes desired by people with SUDs (e.g., improved sleep, employment, family reunification). This study sought to expand the definition of recovery to include non-abstinent pathways by exploring non-abstinence-based outcomes desired by people who use methamphetamine (PWUM).

Methods Participants (n = 100) were …

Covid-19 Risk And Crisis Communication Challenges And Opportunities: Qualitative Insights From Rural Wastewater Surveillance Partners, Savannah Tucker, Beverly May, Matthew Liversedge, Scott M. Berry, James W. Keck, Anna G. Hoover

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Objectives: Understand perceptions of COVID-19 messages and information sources among rural wastewater treatment plant operators to inform context-specific communication strategies for implementing wastewater surveillance methodologies locally.

Methods: Eight employees from 7 Eastern Kentucky facilities involved in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance participated in semi-structured interviews. Respondents shared perceptions of traditional and social media COVID-19 information channels in their communities, as well as factors influencing trustworthiness of sources. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) framework, 3 investigators conducted iterative, thematic coding of interview transcripts.

Results: Respondents’ statements most frequently related to “Be Credible,” “Be …

Language In The Teaching Or: Expressing Confidence Versus Community, Aarya Ramprasad, Imaima Casubhoy, Melanie Meister, Brenda Bethman, Austin Bachar, Gary Sutkin

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Isolated Unilateral Medial Rectus Palsy Due To Acute Pontine Infarction, Miranda Bingham, Shterna Frand, Charley Meadows, Sanjay Sharma

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Isolated unilateral medial rectus palsy is a rare but significant clinical manifestation of acute pontine infarction, often presenting without the typical neurological deficits seen in brainstem strokes. This case report highlights a 61-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes who presented with four days of double vision, with no other significant neurological symptoms such as headache, speech disturbances, or focal weakness. On examination, the patient exhibited an isolated inability to adduct his left eye, without any visual deficits or abnormalities in other cranial nerve functions. Neuroimaging, specifically MRI, confirmed the diagnosis of an acute left pontine infarction. The …

Culture Negative Endocarditis Masquerading As Idiopathic Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, Sania Moonnumackel, Manish Pandey, Randy Nguyen, Reuben Abreu, Seline Haci, Neelima Paladugu, Machaiah Madhrira

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a challenging disease to diagnose often presenting with heterogeneous features. Blood cultures are the gold standard for diagnosing endocarditis, but it is important to know that up to 20 % of cases of infective endocarditis have negative blood cultures. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a small vessel vasculitis and is idiopathic in 50% of cases. LCV is a rare but possible presentation of Infective endocarditis. Hence IE should be part of the differential diagnosis when LCV is diagnosed. Case summary: A 53-year-old male patient presenting right lower extremity pain and vesiculobullous lesions over bilateral upper and …

Heterotopic Ossification (Ho) Prophylaxis In Total Hip Arthroplasty (Tha): A Systematic Review Of Level I And Level Ii Evidence Since 2000, Troy Puga, Mckenna Box, Vincent Dieu, Charles Marchese, John T. Riehl

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a somewhat common occurrence after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly with certain approaches. This complication can be detrimental to the success of the surgical outcome. Indomethacin and radiotherapy remain common treatment modalities; however, no true gold-standard treatment is universally agreed upon. This study aims to evaluate Level I and Level II evidence for treatment practices of HO prophylaxis since 2000. Methods: To evaluate HO prophylaxis in total hip arthroplasty, a search was conducted across MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility for …

Unmasking Multicentric Reticulonodular Histiocytoma: A Rare Impostor Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Neil Maithel, Annmary Behanan, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Covid-19-Induced Activation Of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome In A 40-Year-Old Woman With A Family History Of Ahus, Neil Maithel, Ibrahim Musa, Rabia Mahfooz, Ali Asghar, Jorge Garza, Aftab Mahmood

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Effective Managment Of Relapsing Henoch-Schonlein Purpura With Nephropathy In An Adult With Long-Term Use Of Azathioprine, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Neil Maithel, Loiacono Agostina, Minha Aslam, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Unveiling The Mystery: Infected Endocarditis Masquerading As Right Atrial Thrombus In A Port-A-Catheter Patient, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Annmary Behanan, Babivigasan Gunasegaran, Srikrishnan Pichuthirumalai, Hannan Chaugle

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Necrotic Pancreatitis Due To Cronobacter Sakazakii Infection, Daler Kudratov, Jehidy Batista Michelena, David Benitez, Meghan Myppala, Adam Gomez, Oswaldo Renteria, Juan Rodriguez, Kuljot Bansi

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Low Thyroglobulin Levels And Negative Whole Body Scan: A Double Hit, Leading To The Suggested Papillary Thyroid Cancer Remission, Karen Valadez-Cuen, Nikita Patel, Huy Vuong, Sergio Rovner, Cesar Abbud

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Rare Presentation Of Prothrombin G20210a Mutation As A Right Ventricular Thrombus, Amelia Mellor, Abedayo Olusanya, Daniel Ortiz

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Identity: Inpatient Dialogue & Engagement With Nurses To Improve Team Dynamics Final Results, Anna Maria Abi Nehme, Ashley Becker, Raheeq Mohamedsaleh, Shin Zaw, Vigneshwar K. Ramasamy, Richard Henriquez, Jorge Restrepo, Ashwini Komarla

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Almost Partial Colectomy For Suspected Malignant Stricture, Ultimately Saved By Intraoperative Findings, Mahnoor Hashmi, Bushra Bangash, Asad Rehman, Muhammad Durrani, Ismail Hader

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Swelling Mystery: Hereditary Angioedema In Pregnancy, Karen Valadez-Cuen, Andrea Francis, Alison Rossduetscher, Micheline Tantchou

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Silent Signals: Endocarditis Disguised As Low-Back Pain In A Rheumatology Clinic, Ahmad Alomari, Miguel Rodriguez

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Gout Therapy In Patriot Clinic Final Results, Jerativat Satayarekha, Vigelo Servera Jr, Nicholas Maggio, Nathaniel Rosa Santiago, Fariha N. Mirza, Sahar Safavi

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A 40 Year Journey: Adenocarcinoma In A J Pouch Post Prophylactic Surgery For Fap, Osamuyi Asemota, Kayla Brown, Megan Turley, David Fleeger

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Facial Hair And Infection: A Beardly Question With A Bald Spot In The Literature, Kyle O'Connor, Samuel Stegelmann, Hans Drawbert, Edwin Dudoussat, John T. Riehl

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Upholding a sterile environment in orthopedic surgery is vital to minimize surgical site infections (SSIs). Among personal protective equipment, beard covers for surgical staff with facial hair have been recommended as a measure to prevent contamination. However, their effectiveness in reducing SSIs remains uncertain, especially in orthopedic procedures that often involve high-risk implants and extended exposure of surgical fields. This systematic review assesses the current evidence on the role of beard covers in infection prevention during surgery. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched for studies investigating facial hair, beard covers, and infection risk. Eligible studies included comparative studies, …

Case Report: Left Internal Mammary Artery (Lima)/Coronary Steal Syndrome (Css) In Severe Coronary Artery Disease And End-Stage Renal Disease, Fahed Alsayed, Muhannad Badran, Sara Khasawneh, Mohan Sengodan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: LIMA/coronary steal syndrome is a rare but significant complication in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and concurrently have high-flow arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is a preferred conduit for CABG due to its long-term patency and ability to sustain myocardial perfusion. However, in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis, excessive AV fistula flow can divert blood away from the LIMA graft, leading to myocardial ischemia despite graft patency. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are essential to prevent further deterioration of cardiac …

The Impact Of Early Vs. Late Intubation On Morality Among Obese Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Peter Holleb, Enkhbileg Batbileg, Brandon Chong, Jameel Osborne

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Refractory Hydrocephalus Treated With Ventriculo-Cholecystic Shunt In An Adult, Deekshita Valiveti, Munanchu Poudel, Rahul Dadhwal

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Nfl Kick-Off Rule Change: A Comparative Analysis Of Injury Incidence, Troy Puga, Tanner Haechten, Coleman Cush, Mckenna Box, Hans Drawbert, John Riehl

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Kickoffs in the National Football League (NFL) remain one of the most dangerous plays during an NFL game, with high levels of injuries. In 2024, the NFL implemented kickoff rules intended to reduce the number of injuries during this play, and improve player safety. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the 2024 NFL kickoff rules on the incidence of injuries during the kickoff. Methods Injuries on kickoffs were identified for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 NFL seasons using the transcribed game book for each game on the official NFL website. Injury type was confirmed …

Implementation Of Screening For Vte Prophylaxis For The Prevention Of Vte In The Antepartum And Postpartum Period, Elizabeth Campos, Michelle Mieles, Aaron Poole

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.