Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Tumor Pigmentation In 6934 Patients With Uveal Melanoma At A Single Center, Samuel Goldstein, Ferris Bayasi, George Thomas, Matthew Barke, Michael Nguyen, Samantha Pastore, Carol Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: To evaluate clinical features and outcomes associated with degree of tumor pigmentation in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) of the choroid and ciliary body. Design: Retrospective observational study. Subjects: Six thousand nine hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with choroidal or ciliary body melanoma between 1971 and 2007 from a single ocular oncology center. Methods: Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment approach, and clinical outcomes were collected. Comparisons between pigmented (>80% pigmentation by surface area), partially pigmented (20%–80%), and nonpigmented tumors (<20%) were performed using relevant hypothesis testing. Survival analyses for metastasis and melanoma-related death were conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank tests for univariate comparisons. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effects of multiple covariates on time-to-metastasis. Main Outcome Measures: Extraocular extension, ocular melanocytosis, time to tumor recurrence, tumor location, and melanoma-related metastasis and death. Results: There were 6934 eyes with UM and the degree of tumor pigmentation was classified as pigmented (n = 3762; 54%), partially pigmented (n = 2115; 31%), or nonpigmented (n = 1057; 15%). Pigmented UM was associated with extraocular extension (P < 0.001), ocular melanocytosis (P = 0.003), earlier tumor recurrence (P < 0.001), and more anterior tumor epicenter location (ciliary body, and equator to ora serrata) (P < 0.001). Pigmented UMs also exhibited the highest 10-year metastasis rate at 26%, compared with 19% for partially pigmented UMs and 16% for nonpigmented UMs (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated differences among the tumor pigmentation groups for melanoma-related metastasis (P < 0.001) and melanoma-related death (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for melanoma-related metastasis showed that pigmented UMs had a 29% higher relative risk of developing metastasis compared with partially pigmented UMs (P = 0.002) and a 54% higher relative risk of developing metastasis compared with nonpigmented UMs (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Pigmented choroidal and ciliary body melanoma is more often associated with ocular melanocytosis, extraocular extension, anterior tumor epicenter, and earlier tumor recurrence. We also revealed that patients with pigmented UMs demonstrate a higher 10-year rate of metastatic disease and have decreased metastatic survival relative to partially pigmented and nonpigmented UMs. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Systemic Arterial Function After Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children Associated With Covid-19, Ketaki Mukhopadhyay, Marla S. Johnston, James S. Krulisky, Shengping Yang, Thomas R. Kimball

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new disease entity occurring in the pediatric population two to six weeks after coronavirus exposure due to a systemic arteritis. We investigated post-hospital-discharge arterial function at short- and mid-term intervals using pulse wave velocity. We assessed associations between arterial function, left ventricular diastolic and systolic function and left ventricular mass. Materials and methods: Retrospective data collection was carried out on 28 patients with MIS-C with at least two outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic visits post hospital admission. The patients underwent assessment of systemic arterial function and cardiac function. Data included pulse wave …

Selection For Robust Metabolism In Domesticated Yeasts Is Driven By Adaptation To Hsp90 Stress, Natalia Condic, Hatim Amiji, Dipak Patel, William Charles Shropshire, Nejla Ozirmak Lermi, Youssef Sabha, Beryl John, Blake Hanson, Georgios Ioannis Karras

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Protein folding both promotes and constrains adaptive evolution. We uncover this surprising duality in the role of the protein-folding chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in maintaining the integrity of yeast metabolism amid proteotoxic stressors within industrial domestication niches. Ethanol disrupts critical Hsp90-dependent metabolic pathways and exerts strong selective pressure for redundant duplications of key genes within these pathways, yielding the classical genomic signatures of beer and bread domestication. This work demonstrates a mechanism of adaptive canalization in an ecology of major economic importance and highlights Hsp90-dependent variation as an important source of phantom heritability in complex traits.

Sociocultural Effects On Suicidal Ideation Among South Asian Immigrants, Rezwana Ahmed Choudhury

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

With the growing South Asian immigrant population in the West, it is necessary to conduct suicide-related studies among this population to understand the reasons behind suicidal ideation faced by this population. This quantitative cross-sectional survey design study aimed to examine sociocultural factors that may be associated to the risk level of suicidal ideation among South Asian immigrants in the United States. A survey questionnaire was developed using a combination of demographic questions and existing instruments: the Suicide Ideation Attributes Scale, Religious Belief Salience Scale, Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants—S. Data were collected from a …

Evaluation Of Patients Admitted To The Hospital With Sepsis, Febrile Neutropenia, Or Pneumonia Following Administration Of Chemotherapy, Abigail Kennedy, Savitri Skandan Md, Dennis Sopka Md, Melissa Kratz Rn, Msn, Aocn

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Adherence To Guideline-Based Treatment Of Recurrent C. Difficile Within Lvhn Hospitals, Zoe Tarun, Kathryn Zaffiri Mph, Eric Young Md, Jarrod W. Kile Rphd

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Performance Of A Biodegradable Temporary Matrix In Clinical Practice, Kurt Glaeser, Laetitia Roegner, Sigrid A. Blome-Eberwein Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Retrospective Assessment Of Donor Site Scarring Following Split-Thickness Skin Graft Procedure, Lauren Thomas, Sakura Helm, Sigrid A. Blome-Eberwein Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Getting Narcan To Post-Partum Patients With Opioid Use Disorder (Oud) At Time Of Discharge, Joshua Raggi, Courtney Boyle Do, Katelin Kimler Pharmd, Kay Young Msn, Rnc-Ob

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Satisfaction Survey Of Living Kidney Donors Patients With Enhanced Recovery Protocol, Aiden Tobin, Jill Knolle Lmsw, Mph, George Rofaiel Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

The Fate Of Post Open-Heart Surgery Patients With Newly Developed Renal Failure, Chris Wickenheiser, Bryan D. Nelson Mba, Nr-P, James K. Wu Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Use Of A Single Question Derivative To Determine Post-Acute Needs Following Total Joint Replacement, Kiya Humphries, Brittany N. Shockency Bs, Carissa Hrichak Mba, Bsn, Rn

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Using Tqip Data To Determine The Effect Of Adding Emergency General Surgery Services To Trauma Outcomes, William Kane, Bree A. Harrison Bsn, Rn, Tcrn, Jaclyn Sharkazy Pa-C, Mspas, Kathryn L Wheel Md, Joseph J. Stirparo Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Developing A Quick Reference Guide For Staff On Ct Policies And Protocols, Rose Morgan, Jason Morgan Md, Kathleen E. Kane Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Efficacy Of A Therapeutic Thermoregulation Protocol (Ttp) For The Burn Surgical Patient, Gwendolyn Minogue, Morgan Strecker, Jill Krystofinski Mantell Dnapc, Crna

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Martian Atmospheric Hydrogen And Deuterium: Seasonal Changes And Paradigm For Escape To Space, John T Clarke, Majd Mayyasi, Dolon Bhattacharyya, Jean-Yves Chaufray, Nicolas Schneider, Bruce Jakosky, Roger Yelle, Franck Montmessin, Michael Chaffin, Shannon Curry, Justin Deighan, Sonal Jain, Jean-Loup Bertaux, Eryn Cangi, Matteo Crismani, Scott Evans, Sumedha Gupta, Franck Lefevre, Greg Holsclaw, Daniel Lo, William Mcclintock, Michael Stevens, Ian Stewart, Shane Stone, Paul Mahaffy, Mehdi Benna, Meredith Elrod

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mars' water history is fundamental to understanding Earth-like planet evolution. Water escapes to space as atoms, and hydrogen atoms escape faster than deuterium giving an increase in the residual D/H ratio. The present ratio reflects the total water Mars has lost. Observations with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spacecraft provide atomic densities and escape rates for H and D. Large increases near perihelion observed each martian year are consistent with a strong upwelling of water vapor. Short-term changes require processes in addition to thermal escape, likely from atmospheric dynamics and superthermal atoms. Including …

An Occupational Perspective On Collegiate Athlete Mental Health, Katelyn D. Cardwell

Graduate Student Scholarship

College can impact mental health for all students, especially those involved in a college sport. Sports require significant time dedication that decreases time available for students to be involved in other activities such as academics or leisure which can lead to increased stress. This study focuses on investigating the impact level of competition and location of school may have on student athletes’ mental health in the state of West Virginia. A mixed methods self-report survey with a total of 75 questions was administered online via Qualtrics software. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stats IQ feature on Qualtrics and qualitative data …

Targeting Astrogliosis In The Retrotrapezoid Nucleus: A Novel Approach To Ameliorate Respiratory Dysfunction And Alzheimer's Pathology In Mice, Zahid Iqbal, Ahmad El Hamamy, Ngoc Mai Le, Arya Ranjan, Yuxing Zhang, Li Qi, Bharti Manwani, Chunfeng Tan, Louise D Mccullough, Jun Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a leading cause of dementia, is associated with significant respiratory dysfunctions. Our study explores the role of astrogliosis in the brainstem retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a key breathing regulatory center, and its impact on breathing control and AD pathology in mice. Using Tg-2576 AD and wild-type mice, we investigated the effect of silencing the transforming growth factor-beta receptor II (TGFβR II) in the RTN. We performed behavioral tests, including the Barnes maze and novel object recognition test, along with whole-body plethysmography to assess breathing disorders. Our results showed that AD mice exhibited increased apneas and cognitive impairment, which …

Influence Of Adiposity And Sex On Sars-Cov-2 Antibody Response In Vaccinated University Students: A Cross-Sectional Esfuerso Study, Adriana L. Perales-Torres, Lucia M. Perez-Navarro, Esperanza M. Garcia-Oropeza, Alvaro Diaz-Badillo, Yoscelina Estrella Martinez-Lopez, Marisol Rosas-Diaz, Octelina Castillo-Ruiz, Laura Yanneth Ramirez-Quintanilla, Leonel Vela, Beatriz Tapia, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga

School of Medicine Publications

Prior studies have identified various determinants of differential immune responses to COVID-19. This study focused on the Ig-G anti-RBD marker, analyzing its potential correlations with sex, vaccine type, body fat percentage, metabolic risk, perceived stress, and previous COVID-19 exposure. In this study, data (available in S1 Data) were obtained from 108 participants from the ESFUERSO cohort, who completed questionnaires detailing their COVID-19 experiences and stress levels assessed through the SISCO scale. IgG anti-RBD concentrations were quantified using an ELISA assay developed by UNAM. Multiple regression analysis was employed to control for covariates, including sex, age, body fat percentage, body …

Transcriptomic Features Associated To Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response In Four Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes, Hedda Michelle Guevara-Nieto, Rafael Parra-Medina, Carlos Alberto Orozca, Alejandro Mejia-Garcia, Jovanny Zabaleta, Liliana Lopez-Kleine, Alba Lucia Combita-Rojas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

12th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research, Virtual, May 5 - 9, 2024

Alpha Angle And Anterior Femoral Neck Offset Identify Different Cohorts Of Cam Morphology: An Osteologic Study, Grigory A. Manyak

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: To explore differences in cam morphology defined by alpha angle (AA) and anterior femoral neck offset (AFNO) in the context of other anthropometric parameters in an osteologic collection to further elucidate whether each measurement tool is identifying the same underlying pathology. Methods: Anthropometric measurements of 992 cadaveric hips from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection were analyzed. Femurs with cam morphology were identified by AA >55° or AFNO <7 mm. Anthropometric parameters stratified by cam morphology were assessed with Wilcoxon rank-sum and Pearson χ2 tests. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed on significant variables in univariate analysis to examine the predictive ability of anthropometric variables to cam morphology. Results: Cam morphology was identified in 242 hips via AA, 344 hips via AFNO, and 123 hips via both measures. Multivariate logarithmic regression analysis demonstrated that sex negatively predicted AA (females with less pathology, β = –0.14, P = .04), race negatively predicted AA (Blacks with less pathology, β = –0.21, P < .01), and proximal femoral osteoarthritis was positively associated with AA (β = 0.16, P = .02), while none of these were associated with AFNO. On the other hand, right-side specimens were associated with AA (β = 0.15, P = .02) and AFNO (β = 0.25, P < .01), whereas the combined version was unassociated with both measures. Conclusions: In conclusion, cam morphology was identified in a modest percentage of osteologic specimens by both AA and AFNO in our study. Further, associations of multiple demographic, anthropometric, and anatomical parameters to AA and AFNO suggest they may identify different subsets of cam morphology. Clinical Relevance: Cam morphology identified by AA versus AFNO may represent 2 different pathologic entities. Future studies should assess differences between these measures in a clinical cohort and determine whether these 2 definitions of cam morphology identify different clinical populations.

Characterizing A Complex Ct-Rich Haplotype In Intron 4 Of Snca Using Large-Scale Targeted Amplicon Long-Read Sequencing, Pilar Alvarez Jerez, Kensuke Daida, Francis P Grenn, Laksh Malik, Abigail Miano-Burkhardt, Mary B Makarious, Jinhui Ding, J Raphael Gibbs, Anni Moore, Xylena Reed, Mike A Nalls, Syed Shah, Medhat Mahmoud, Fritz J Sedlazeck, Egor Dolzhenko, Morgan Park, Hirotaka Iwaki, Bradford Casey, Mina Ryten, Cornelis Blauwendraat, Andrew B Singleton, Kimberley J Billingsley

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant risk proportion driven by genetics. While much progress has been made, most of the heritability remains unknown. This is in-part because previous genetic studies have focused on the contribution of single nucleotide variants. More complex forms of variation, such as structural variants and tandem repeats, are already associated with several synucleinopathies. However, because more sophisticated sequencing methods are usually required to detect these regions, little is understood regarding their contribution to PD. One example is a polymorphic CT-rich region in intron 4 of the SNCA gene. This haplotype has …

Exposure To Light At Night And Risk Of Cancer: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Data Synthesis, Samuel Ma, Yossef Alsabawi, Hashem B El-Serag, Aaron P Thrift

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Emerging interest surrounds the role of environmental factors, notably exposure to light at night (LAN), as a potential cause of cancer. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and, if possible, meta-analysis of observational studies on LAN and cancer risk of multiple types.

METHODS: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, spanning from inception to May 2023, was conducted. Studies focusing on the association between LAN exposure and cancer risk in adult populations were included. We used random effects models to calculate pooled risk estimates (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). …

N-Myc And Stat Interactor Is An Endometriosis Suppressor, Yuri Park, Xiaoming Guan, Sang Jun Han

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In patients with endometriosis, refluxed endometrial fragments evade host immunosurveillance, developing into endometriotic lesions. However, the mechanisms underlying this evasion have not been fully elucidated. N-Myc and STAT Interactor (NMI) have been identified as key players in host immunosurveillance, including interferon (IFN)-induced cell death signaling pathways. NMI levels are markedly reduced in the stromal cells of human endometriotic lesions due to modulation by the Estrogen Receptor beta/Histone Deacetylase 8 axis. Knocking down NMI in immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (IHESCs) led to elevated RNA levels of genes involved in cell-to-cell adhesion and extracellular matrix signaling following IFNA treatment. Furthermore, NMI …

Exposure To Light At Night And Risk Of Cancer: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Data Synthesis, Samuel Ma, Yossef Alsabawi, Hashem B. El-Serag, Aaron P. Thrift

School of Medicine Publications

Simple Summary

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and the causes of cancer are numerous and multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. There is a developing interest in the role of sleep and light at night (LAN) exposure in cancer development. The aim of our study is to further understand the relationship between LAN exposure and the risk of cancer by systematically reviewing existing literature assessing LAN exposure and the risk of various cancer types. We found a positive association between LAN exposure and breast cancer risk, but there was insufficient data to convincingly draw a conclusion …

Global Burden Of Five Major Types Of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Arjun Singh

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers cause major global morbidity and mortality, with over 5 million new cases and 3.5 million deaths in 2020. The most prevalent GI malignancies are colorectal, gastric, liver, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers. Marked geographic variations exist, with high incidence in developed regions contrasting with high mortality in developing areas. These patterns reflect disparities in risk factors and cancer control capacities. However, GI cancer incidence is rising with economic growth and lifestyle changes. Poor prognosis and increasing burden underscore the critical need for expanded prevention and research. This review examines global epidemiology, risks, prevention, detection, treatment, and priorities for …

Porokeratosis Ptychotropica With Scalp Involvement: A Case Report, Kobpat Phadungsaksawasdi, Pravit Asawanonda

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Porokeratosis, a spectrum of disorders characterized by abnormal keratinization, includes the rare variant, porokeratosis ptychotropica, typically manifests with hyperkeratotic plaques on the buttocks and genital area. Its clinical mimicry to various skin diseases, coupled with under-recognition of the disorder, results in frequent misdiagnosis. This challenge is compounded by the resistance of porokeratosis ptychotropica to treatment.

We report a 62-year-old Thai male with persistent pruritic hypertrophic plaques affecting the genitogluteal area, extremities, and scalp over five years, unresponsive to diverse topical agents. Histopathological findings revealed acanthotic epidermis with a cornoid lamella, consistent with porokeratosis ptychotropica. He was given oral acitretin at …

A Rare Presentation Of Giant Hepatic Hemangioma Mimicking Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Bikash Parida, Sherry Garg, Somadatta Das

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Hepatic hemangioma is a frequently occurring benign liver lesion detected on Imaging. It might be challenging to make a definite diagnosis of Hepatic hemangioma since its radiological characteristics can mimic those of hepatic malignancies such as metastatic liver cancer. A 65-year-old female patient complained of a month-long reduction in appetite and distension of abdominal discomfort in the right hypochondriac area. A B-mode ultrasound was suggested for the patient. On USG, there was a large, poorly defined heterogeneous lesion that entirely occupied the right lobe of the liver. It had a hyperechoic periphery, an irregular hypoechoic patch in the center, necrosis, …

Identification And Characterization Of Malaria Box Compounds Possessing Inhibition Effect On The Sars-Cov2 Spike Protein, Chotiyapat Sangvansindhu

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide since 2019. The repurposing existing drugs is a practical and promising alternative.

Objectives: To evaluate the binding interactions and inhibitory effect of malaria box compounds on the B-cell epitope regions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Methods: Molecular docking of 400 malaria box compounds against the predicted B-cell epitopes of the spike was performed. The inhibitory effect of the malaria box compounds on the spike RBD were determined using competitive ELISA. The binding affinity between malaria box compounds and non-RBD epitopes were examined by surface …

The Impact Of Covid-19 Booster Vaccination On Reducing Mortality In Patients Hospitalized With Covid-19 At Sisaket Hospital, Nidhikul Tem-Eiam

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

The COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to decrease hospitalizations and fatalities, even when different vaccine types are administered. Towards the end of 2021, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were guidelines suggesting the administration of booster shots following the completion of the primary vaccine series. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of COVID-19 booster vaccinations and the timing between booster shots in terms of preventing fatalities among COVID-19-infected patients receiving care at Si Sa Ket Hospital

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on individuals aged 18 and above who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection at Si Sa Ket …