Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Engineering Enac Constructs To Examine Pip2 And Ubiquitin Competition On Enac Regulation And Stability, Lacie Johnson

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a critical role in sodium homeostasis, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation. ENaC activity is tightly controlled by post-translational mechanisms, including ubiquitination-mediated degradation and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) dependent channel activation. PIP2 is a phospholipid necessary to facilitate the maximal channel opening. Previous studies suggest that intracellular PIP2 binding sites are located in proximity to ubiquitination sites on ENaC subunits, raising the possibility of PIP2 binding to influence channel stability and function. This thesis aimed to engineer and validate molecular tools capable of examining the interplay between PIP2 binding and ubiquitination in ENaC regulation. A …

Supporting Latine Older Adults’ Nutrition And Physical Health Goals In Counseling, Zachary Mcniece, Jacqueline Bergman

Adultspan Journal

Latine older adults face disproportionate risk of chronic nutrition-related conditions and food insecurity, which can exacerbate or contribute to mental health-related concerns. Cultural stigma toward mental illness can result in Latine clients, especially older adults, somatizing symptoms and focusing on physical health goals in counseling. Despite these intersecting needs, counselors often overlook their clients' physical health goals due to limited training and the assumption that medical providers alone should address these needs. This article advocates for the integration of basic, culturally responsive nutrition information into counseling practice to support client well-being while remaining within the scope of practice. We offer …

Cleavage And Polyadenylation Specificity Factor Subunit 5 Regulates Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Expansion And Hypoxic Response, Scott D Collum, Lisha Zhu, Tingting W Mills, Rene Girard, Jamie Tran, Tinne C J Mertens, Cory Wilson, Nancy Wareing, Erik E Suarez, Howard J Huang, Rahat Hussain, Bindu Akkanti, Wenjin J Zheng, Hari K Yalamanchili, Bela Patel, Eric J Wagner, Sandeep Agarwal, Harry Karmouty-Quintana

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal condition that affects individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a multiorgan fibrotic disease with limited treatment options. A central feature of PH is vascular remodeling, defined by the narrowing of the arteriole lumen due to cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Herein, we identify a central mechanism that can regulate multiple transcripts important for vascular remodeling. The highlight of our study is the demonstration that reduced pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASMC) Nudt21, which codes for the RNA binding protein Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor Subunit 5 (CPSF5) The, known to regulate alternative polyadenylation, results …

The Role Of C-Terminal Crosslinking Telopeptide Of Type Ii Collagen (Ctx-Ii) After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review., Ali Naderi, S Ali Ghasemi, Andrea Fabregas, Gene Shaffer, James Raphael

Orthopedic Surgery Resident Research

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are known to accelerate cartilage degradation and predispose patients to early-onset osteoarthritis. C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), a biomarker of cartilage breakdown, can be detected in various body fluids, including urine, offering a non-invasive method for evaluating cartilage degeneration. This systematic review aimed to assess existing evidence on urinary CTX-II (uCTX-II) levels following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). A systematic search of two medical databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were screened for inclusion based on their assessment of CTX-II in human subjects undergoing ACLR, and methodological quality was evaluated using …

Rectal Adenocarcinoma Presenting As Full-Thickness Prolapse With External Haemorrhoids: Case Report., Samantha Temucin, Sean Singh, Valerie Bauer, Roy Sandau

General Surgery Resident Research

We present a case of a 51-year-old male with a colonic adenocarcinoma that presented as a full-thickness rectal prolapse with external haemorrhoids. This patient had no significant medical or surgical history and presented to the emergency department with a rectal prolapse which had become incarcerated and increasingly painful over the previous 2 weeks. A computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis appeared benign, demonstrating a full-thickness rectal prolapse with no definite rectal mass. A colonoscopy was performed, revealing anterior rectal mucosal edema, fibrosis, and a possible mass. This prompted the patient to be taken to the operating room for a low …

Insomnia In Stimulant Use Disorders: Prevalence And Associations With Negative Affect, Isabella G Bourtin, Constanza De Dios, Jessica Vincent, Joy M Schmitz, Scott D Lane, Heather E Webber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Research suggests that sleep disturbances are common among people who use psychostimulants, including cocaine use and methamphetamine use. These sleep disturbances hinder recovery, heighten relapse risk, and worsen physical and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and severity of insomnia among individuals who use cocaine and methamphetamine and to explore potential psychological factors that are associated with more severe insomnia. The sample included participants who completed in-person screening assessments for ongoing studies at an outpatient research clinic. As a part of this screening, participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and validated assessments of psychological domains …

Mindfulness Approach Used To Reduce The Impact Of Internalized Psychopathology: Anxiety And Depression, Taniyah Drayton

The Kean Review: Journal in Student Research

The emergence of mindfulness practices has increased in medical spaces throughout recent years. Mindfulness was once seen strictly for its spiritual origins, yet beginning in the late 20th century it began being assessed for its reliability in treating individuals who experienced extreme levels of pain and stress. Its origin “is often spoken of as ‘the heart of Buddhist meditation,’” as Kabat-Zinn discusses (Kabat-Zinn, 2011). Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, introduced a new translation for mindfulness in 1979 through highlighting the skills individuals can learn and apply throughout their daily life. Kabat-Zinn …

Dean's Research Newsletter, February 2026, Neil W. Schluger

SOM Dean's Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Variation In Antiviral Immunity And Inflammation Pathways Precedes Hiv-1 Infection In A High-Risk African Cohort, Mwikali Kioko, Shaban Mwangi, Lynn Fwambah, Amin Hassan, Jason Blackard, Philip Bejon, Eduard Sanders, Thumbi Ndung’U, Eunice Nduati, Abdirahman Abdi

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

BACKGROUND. Susceptibility to HIV-1 infection varies between individuals, but the biological determinants of acquisition risk remain poorly defined.

METHODS. We conducted a case-control study nested within a high-risk cohort in Kenya. We compared the plasma extracellular RNA collected before HIV-1 acquisition with that from matched uninfected individuals acting as controls to identify immunological processes linked to infection risk.

RESULTS. Individuals who later acquired HIV-1 exhibited upregulation of immune processes that facilitate viral infection, including T cell suppression and type II IFN and Th2 immune responses. In contrast, processes associated with antiviral defence and tissue repair, such as …

Baystate Health Nursing: Together In Excellence Newsletter - February 2026, Brenda Simpson Rn

Baystate Health Nursing: Together in Excellence Newsletters

Baystate Health Nursing: Together in Excellence Newsletter - February 2026

Himmelfarb Headlines - February/March 2026, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Headlines (2009 - present)

News, information, and resources relating to Himmelfarb Library that is of interest to patrons.

Improvements In Eeg Tracing Following Initiation Of Cannabidiol: A Case Report, Katherine Horman, Ara Hall, Kailash Pawar

Posters

No abstract provided.

Elevated Serum Lipopolysaccharides And Intrinsic Factor Autoantibodies Correlate With Macrocytic Anemia Among People With Hiv, Daniel Amakye, Samuel Hammond, Osbourne Quaye, Upal Roy, Peter Puplampu, Vincent Ganu, Emmanuel Ayitey Tagoe

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with various comorbidities, including macrocytic anemia, though the role of the infection is unclear. HIV has been implicated in microbial translocation and altered immune responses. This study aimed to establish the relationship between gut microbial translocation and immune response, and macrocytic anemia among people with HIV (PWH).

Materials and methods: Fifty-five PWH on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) were age-matched with 55 HIV-negative individuals. Demographic data and blood samples were collected from February to July 2023. Hematological indices, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were measured. …

Feasibility And Implementation Of Interval-Gap4: A Global Randomised Controlled Trial Of Intense Hybrid-Supervised/Self-Managed Versus Self-Directed Exercise For Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Stacey A. Kenfield, Nicolas H. Hart, Kerry S. Courneya, Rosemary Greenwood, June M. Chan, Jennette Sison, Li Zhang, Sarah Rudman, Leah Ung, Moritz Schumann, Erin L. Van Blarigan, Sam Mckeown, Charles J. Ryan, James Catto, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton, Fred Saad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and objective: Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of mortality in men with prostate cancer (PC); yet, randomised controlled trials with survival endpoints are nonexistent. INTense ExeRcise for surviVAL-Global Action Plan 4 (INTERVAL-GAP4) was a global phase 3 trial designed to test whether structured, hybrid-supervised/self-managed exercise improves survival in men with metastatic PC. The trial was stopped early due to poor accrual. This paper reports feasibility and implementation outcomes. Methods: Men with metastatic PC were randomised (1:1) to a supervised/self-managed moderate- to high-intensity resistance and aerobic programme (three sessions per week for 2 yr) or to self-directed …

Making It Up As We Go: Midwives’ Perceptions Of Preparedness And Role Clarity In Surrogacy Birth Care, Jutharat Attawet, Leo Ng, Yunjing Qiu, Evie Kendal, Myles Ojabo, Sarah Jefford, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Surrogacy poses unique clinical, psychosocial, and organisational challenges. Midwives, often with limited experience, education, and guidance, may feel uncertain about providing appropriate care, potentially affecting the quality of care and experiences of surrogates, intended parents, and newborns. Objective This study explored how midwives navigate surrogacy birth care, with a focus on role clarity, involvement of intended parents, and preparedness across the intrapartum and postnatal continuum. Method An interpretative phenomenological design was adopted. Five midwives with experience in surrogacy births were recruited through professional networks and the Australian College of Midwives newsletter. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using reflexive …

Missed Care Prevalence And Associated Factors In Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Afia Achiaa Sarpong, Lucy Gent, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of the study was to comprehensively analyse the prevalence and factors associated with missed nursing care in acute care settings. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to estimate the prevalence of missed nursing care, types of activities missed and associated factors in acute care hospital settings. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PubMed and Scopus) were searched from inception to 14th December 2022. Type of missed care and associated factors were classified based on missed care concepts, definition and measurement. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate proportions and levels of types of nursing activities missed. Results: …

Peak Lower Limb Joint Angles Are Weak Predictors Of Hamstring Length Change During Sprinting, Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Anthony J. Blazevich, Daniel Kadlec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Non-contact hamstring injuries (HSIs) commonly occur during the late swing phase of sprinting, when muscle–tendon units (MTUs) approach maximum length. Although sagittal-plane pelvis, hip and knee angles are often used as surrogate measures of overall hamstring lengthening, their predictive validity remains uncertain. This study investigated whether peak three-dimensional lower limb joint angles predict length change in the biarticular hamstring MTUs from peak hip flexion through to toe off (0–100 %) in fourteen intermediate-level male soccer players sprinting at maximal speed (8.56 ± 0.47 m·s−1). Participant-specific musculoskeletal models were used to compute MTU lengths for the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), …

Comment On ‘Muscle-Specific Strength Better Predicts Physical Performance Decline Than Conventional Metrics: The I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study’ By Chien Et Al., Ricardo M. Lima, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Harmonizing Neuropsychological Test Data Across Prospective Studies, Rosita Shishegar, James D. Doecke, Yen Ying Lim, Pierrick Bourgeat, Vincent Dore, Bhargav Tallapragada, Simon M. Laws, Tenielle Porter, Samantha Burnham, Azadeh Feizpour, Ashley Gillman, Michael Weiner, Jason Hassenstab, Christopher C. Rowe, Victor L. Villemagne, Colin L. Masters, Jurgen Fripp, Hamid Sohrabi, Paul Maruff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) research relies on large datasets and advanced statistical models. However, individual population studies often lack sufficient sample size for conclusive results. Harmonizing cognitive test data across studies can address this gap, despite differences in testing protocols. This study harmonizes cognitive data from three major AD cohorts to support robust clinical–pathological modelling. Methods: Information from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (N = 1446); Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (N = 1764); and Open Access Series of Imaging Studies-3 (N = 440) were integrated, including cognitive scores, demographics, genetics, and clinical and neuroimaging data. Neuropsychological tests relevant to …

Pathological Response Calculation Assessment Remains Accurate With Reduced Tumor Bed Examination After Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy In Clinically Detectable Stage Iii Melanoma, R. V. Rawson, N. G. Maher, A. M. Menzies, S. N. Lo, N. Mesbah Ardakani, L. A. Jackett, I. A. Vergara, T. E. Pennington, K. F. Shannon, S. Ch’Ng, M. Gonzalez, E. M. Burton, M. W. Lucas, I. L.M. Reijers, E. A. Rozeman, D. E. Gyorki, S. Sandhu, M. S. Carlino, J. Howle, M. Khattak, A. Van Der Westhuizen, M. C. Andrews, V. Atkinson, A. C.J. Van Akkooi, A. J. Spillane, R. P.M. Saw

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy produces event-free survival advantage over adjuvant therapy for patients with surgically resectable macroscopic stage IIIB/C/D melanoma. Pathological response, determined as percentage residual viable tumor (% RVT), provides critical prognostic information and informs management decisions. Here, we assessed accuracy of %RVT calculation when reduced tumor bed (TB) was examined and leverage these results proposing streamlined protocols for pathological examination. Patients and methods: Comprehensive histopathological examination was carried out on 134 patient specimens after neoadjuvant immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. Impact on %RVT when evaluating less TB than recommended by the initial International Neoadjuvant Melanoma Consortium (INMC) protocol was …

Plasma Biomarker Progression Across The Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid Beta And Tau Positron Emission Tomography Trajectories, Rodrigo Cánovas, Christopher J. Fowler, Azadeh Feizpour, Vincent Dóre, Pierrick Bourgeat, Ziad S. Saad, Gallen Triana-Baltzer, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Manu Vandijck, Gwendlyn Kollmorgen, Clara Quijano-Rubio, Jurgen Fripp, Simon Laws, Anthony W. Bannon, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Sulantha Mathotaarachchi, Christopher C. Rowe, Colin L. Masters, James D. Doecke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: With increased uptake in disease-modifying treatments for amyloid beta (Aβ) removal, it is important to measure performance of highly sensitive plasma biomarkers to detect the presence of Aβ and tau in cognitively impaired populations. Methods: In this study, we investigated a large set of plasma biomarkers for their capability to predict Aβ and tau positron emission tomography (PET) and their association with increasing Aβ and tau burden. RESULTS: From the biomarkers assessed, tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (pTau217) showed the largest increases across the full range of Aβ and tau levels. Furthermore, pTau217/Aβ42 had the smallest proportion of participants …

Taurine Supplementation And Human Heat Tolerance: Mechanisms, Evidence, And Integration With Heat Acclimation, Cooling, And Hydration, Siavash Naddafha, Jeffrey R. Stout, Cassandra Evans

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Heat exposure during strenuous exercise increases core temperature and cardiovascular strain, impairing performance and elevating the risk of heat illness. Standard countermeasures include heat acclimation, cooling, and hydration/electrolyte planning. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid present in excitable tissues and widely used as an oral supplement; emerging human trials suggest it can augment thermoregulation, primarily by enhancing eccrine sweating and evaporative heat loss. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and applied evidence on taurine during exercise in hot environments and evaluates potential interactions with acclimation, cooling strategies (pre- and per-cooling), and hydration practices. Across a small number of randomized, mostly double-blind …

Children's Experiences Of Functional Constipation: A Qualitative Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Gunilla Flankegård, Patrik Rytterström, Berit M. Gustafsson, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Childhood functional constipation, a common concern within child healthcare, necessitates oral and rectal medical treatments, that are mostly administered by parents in the home environment. It is important to gather children's perspectives in child- and family-centred care. The private nature of toileting, bowel movements, and faecal incontinence are areas of taboo and stigmatisation. Research is scarce on how children perceive this common but private situation of oral and rectal constipation treatment. Objective: To explore children's experiences of functional constipation and its treatments. Design: A qualitative interview study with a constructionist epistemology and a predominantly experiential orientation. Setting: Individual interviews …

Contemporary Structures, Processes, And Outcomes Of Critical Care Nursing Education: An Integrative Review, Farida Saghafi, Carol Grech, Belinda Causby, Angelique Clarke, Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke, Deb Massey, Kaye Rolls, Kylie Thompson, Melanie Greenwood

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The critical care workforce requires nurses who are specialised, educated, and adaptable to manage complex situations, with the capability to make informed decisions for optimal patient care. The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses supports evidence-based practice through an education position statement, which is periodically updated to reflect evolving needs. In this review, our aim was to inform revisions to the position statement on critical care nurse education by examining the structure, processes, and outcomes of contemporary education programs designed to enhance the capability of registered nurses working in critical care environments internationally. Review method used: An integrative review …

Effects Of Dual-Eligible Integrated Care Plans On Medicaid Enrollment And Retention: Evidence From The Implementation Of Medicare-Medicaid Plans, Eric T Roberts, Eliza Macneal, Kenton J Johnston, José F Figueroa

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs that together cover 13 million low-income older adults and people with disabilities, known as dual-eligible individuals. Concern about a lack of coordination across Medicare and Medicaid has prompted the development of Integrated Care Programs (ICPs). Although the primary goal of ICPs is to coordinate financing and care across Medicare and Medicaid, ICPs may also influence whether low-income individuals obtain or keep Medicaid. We evaluated whether the rollout of Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs)-one of the largest ICPs-was associated with changes in Medicaid take-up and retention among Medicare beneficiaries residing in high-poverty zip codes. Using a stacked …

Perceptions Of Family Medicine Among First-Year Medical Students At Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, Catherine Gathu, Lucy Mwangi, Peter Kioko, Tatiana Elwes

Family Medicine, East Africa

Background: Family Medicine (FM) is vital in delivering comprehensive and continuous care essential for robust primary healthcare systems. However, it remains underappreciated in many settings, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the perceptions of FM among first-year medical students at Aga Khan University (AKU), Kenya.

Setting: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and September 2024 among the first-year medical students at AKU. All were invited to participate via email.

Methods: An 18-item questionnaire focused on three areas: perception and choice of medicine as a career, perception of FM and choice of FM as a …

Worldwide Procedural Variations Of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention For St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights From The "Stent - Save A Life!" Initiative, Hélder Pereira, Ana Pereira, Rita Calé, Dejan Orlić, Rhena Delport, Sayfollah Abdi, Bagrat Alekyan, Khalid Alhabib, Carolina Artucio, Mzee Ngunga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background

Methods

Results

Recommended Best Practices For Construct-Centered Adaptation Of The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, Emily M. Briceño, Darina T. Bassil, Pranali Khobragade, Anthony Ngugi, Martine El Bejjani, Eric Ochieng, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Salima Douhou, Kazione Kulisewa

School of Medicine Publications

Objectives: The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) neuropsychological assessment approach aims to support the collection of harmonizable data on cognitive function for cross-national cognitive aging and dementia research. As the measurement of cognition is sensitive to differences in contextual, cultural, educational, linguistic, social, and other factors that may influence cognitive test performance, HCAP requires adaptation to be appropriate for the contexts in which it is administered. We aim to provide methodological recommendations for the adaptation and implementation of the HCAP and other cognitive data collection tools in novel settings.

Methods: We drew from existing guidelines on cross-cultural psychological test adaptation …

A Narrative Review On The Therapeutic Potential Of Stem Cells In Neurodegenerative Diseases: Advances, Insights, And Challenges, Tirath Patel, Fathimathul Henna, Iman Sharif, Inaya Javed, Fatima Mustafa, Hannan Sharif, Fatima Nasir, Mirat Javaid

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD) are set apart by progressive neuronal loss and concomitant functional decline. Traditional therapies are equipped with only symptomatic relief, devoid of neurorestorative properties. Stem-cell-based therapies have the potential to revolutionize neurological care by replenishing lost cells, mitigating inflammation, and fostering a neuroprotective environment.

Objectives: This narrative review aims to appraise the treatment potential of various stem cell types in managing NDs, highlighting their functional pathways, delivery methods, and current experimental validation.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out based on …

Pericardial Effusion, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways

No abstract provided.