Identifying Breathing, Swallowing, And Speech Biosignatures In Parkinson’S Disease Patients With Wearable Devices, Amanda Brandaris, Katherine Shishido, Rohaan Manzoor, Ethan Hampton, Karthik Jasty, Kelvin Guo, Anna Fish, Spencer Peterson, Ulrike H. Mitchell Phd, Phillip Sechtem Phd, Ccc-Slp, Paula Johnson Phd, Anton E. Bowden Phd, Miriam Cortez-Cooper Pt, Phd, Pamela I. Barney Msrt, Rrt, Ae-C, Nps, John A. Kriak Pharmd

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Multimorbidity And Peak Oxygen Uptake In Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation, Pauline F. Gomes, Audry Chacin-Suarez, Sophie A. Miller, Karen M. Fischer, Thomas P. Olson

Einstein Health Papers

No abstract provided.

Genetic Ancestry Concordant Rna Splicing In Prostate Cancer Involves Oncogenic Genes And Associates With Recurrence, Muthana Al Abo, Wen-Chi Foo, Lauren Howard, Shannon Mcgue, Bonnie Lacroix, Julie Kephart, Angela Clayton, Blair Thornburg, Monika Anand, Michael Rothberg, Shannon Mccall, Jiaoti Huang, Thomas Esther, Judd Moul, Michael Ferrandino, Thomas Polascik, Cary Robertson, Brant Inman, Andrew Armstrong, Yuan Wu, Terry Hyslop, Daniel George, Steven Patierno, Jennifer Freedman

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Black men suffer disproportionately from prostate cancer (PCa) compared to men of other races and ethnicities. Comparing the molecular landscape of PCa among Black and White patients has the potential to identify targets for development of new precision medicine interventions. Herein, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of prostate tumors and paired tumor-adjacent normals from self-reported Black and White PCa patients and estimated patient genetic ancestry. Clinical follow-up revealed increased biochemical recurrence (BCR) among Black patients compared to White patients with high-grade PCa. Transcriptomic analysis identified differential alternative RNA splicing events (ARSs) between Black and White PCa patients. Genes undergoing genetic ancestry-concordant …

Clinical Outcomes In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Receiving Cftr Modulators: A Comparison Of Childhood Versus Adolescent Initiation, Eman A. Toraih, Hassan A. Malik, Rahib K. Islam, Humza A. Pirzadah, Ahmed Abdelmaksoud, Rami M. Elshazli, Paul Antwi Boasiako, Shehab Ahmed Alenazi, Angelique Dabel, Jessan A. Jishu, Bandar T. Alenezi, Hani Aiash, Manal S. Fawzy

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic disorder affecting multiple organ systems. This study compared clinical outcomes, hospitalization rates, and survival between children and adolescents with CF who received CFTR modulator therapies (ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TriNetX global collaborative network. Patients with CF aged 2-12 years (children) and 13-18 years (adolescents) who received CFTR modulator therapies were included. The propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics between the two age groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 946 patients per group were analyzed. The incidence of respiratory failure (3.81% …

Does Body Mass Index Influence Intraoperative Costs And Operative Times For Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion? A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis, Danyal A. Quraishi, Advith Sarikonda, Dwight M. Self, Emily Isch, Steven R. Glener, Arbaz A. Momin, Ashmal Sami, Nicholas Clark, Joshua Pelta-Heller, Srinivas Prasad, Ashwini Sharan, Jack Jallo, James Harrop, Alex R. Vaccaro, Ahilan Sivaganesan

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity has raised concerns about its impact on surgical outcomes and healthcare costs. This study evaluates the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) on intraoperative costs and operative times during open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) procedures using a Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) approach.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 279 patients who underwent TLIF between 2019 and 2022. Patients were categorized into 5 BMI cohorts: healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.99), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.99), Class I obese (BMI 30.0-34.99), Class II obese (BMI 35.0-39.99), and Class III obese (BMI >40). Intraoperative costs were calculated using …

Expansion Of Genotypic And Phenotypic Findings In Adamts18-Related Ocular Pathology, Ari August, Rebecca Procopio, Christopher Rapuano, Jose Pulido

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: ADAMTS18-related ocular pathology is rare with few described cases. Features include distinctive facies, refractive error, anterior segment dysgenesis, and retinal dystrophy. Previous patients were found to have ho- mozygous variants in ADAMTS18. Here, we present a patient with compound heterozygous ADAMTS18-related pathology and its associated findings. Observations: A 37-year-old male with a history of bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, dry eye syndrome, mild myopia, and accommodative esotropia presented to the Retina Service. He was found to have multiple features of anterior segment dysgenesis and retinal dystrophy, some of which have not been previously reported in association with ADAMTS18 variants. …

Adenosine-Sensitive Upper Septal Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia Associated With Takotsubo Syndrome, Parker O'Neill, Daniel Underberg, Reginald Ho, Darius Farzad, Gregary Marhefka

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

We describe a rare case of upper septal fascicular ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with takotsubo syndrome that failed to convert with synchronized shock but converted to normal sinus rhythm after intravenous adenosine administration. The excess catecholamine state of takotsubo syndrome likely provided substrate for cyclic adenosine monophosphate–mediated triggered activity, causing fascicular VT.

The C-Terminal Phdvc5hch Tandem Domain Of Nsd2 Is A Combinatorial Reader Of Modified H3k4 And Tri-Methylated H3k27 That Regulates Transcription Of Cell Adhesion Genes In Multiple Myeloma, Andrea Berardi, Charlotte Leonie Kaestner, Michela Ghitti, Giacomo Quilici, Paolo Cocomazzi, Jianping Li, Federico Ballabio, Chiara Zucchelli, Stefan Knapp, Jonathan Licht, Giovanna Musco

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Histone methyltransferase NSD2 (MMSET) overexpression in multiple myeloma (MM) patients plays an important role in the development of this disease subtype. Through the expansion of transcriptional activating H3K36me2 and the suppression of repressive H3K27me3 marks, NSD2 activates an aberrant set of genes that contribute to myeloma growth, adhesive and invasive activities. NSD2 transcriptional activity also depends on its non-catalytic domains, which facilitate its recruitment to chromatin through histone binding. In this study, using NMR, ITC and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the tandem PHD domain of NSD2 (PHDVC5HCHNSD2) is a combinatorial reader of unmodified histone H3K4 and tri-methylated H3K27 …

Reproductive Autonomy In Immunological Intervention: Ethical Boundaries In Maternal-Fetal Immune Therapy, Marium Z. Rizvi

Journal of Health Ethics

Recent advances in immunology have broken barriers in reproductive medicine through immune-modulating therapies that support fertility and pregnancy. Treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and intralipid infusions are increasingly offered to patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) or Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), conditions that result in miscarriages and failed IVF treatments (Pillarysetti et al., 2023). Maternal-fetal immunology reveals a delicate interplay between immune tolerance and defense: the maternal system must accept a genetically foreign fetus while preserving immunological protection. Disruptions in this balance are implicated in implantation disorders and pregnancy failure. As a result, immune-based therapies have emerged as promising …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

Lymphoma Chronicles: Insights From A Distinct Hodgkin's Lymphoma Case Report, Srirangam Shankaralingam, Vibha Nagaragatta

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a kind of lymphatic malignancy distinguished by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. It often manifests as painless lymphadenopathy and systemic symptoms (B symptoms and can affect a variety of lymphoid tissues. The causes of HL are complicated and include genetic predisposition, environmental conditions and viral infections, particularly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The diagnosis is primarily based on histological evaluation of lymph node samples, with immunophenotyping assisting classification. Herein, we report a case of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) in an otherwise healthy 31-year-old male who had a mass per abdomen for a year and recently noticed a …

Wrongful Migration: A Hidden Culprit Behind Flank Pain, Ryan Miller, Anjeza Cipi, Emma Pierce

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

[Introduction] A 32-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with 11 days of fever, fatigue, chills, and new-onset fullness in her left flank. She denied dysuria, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding. Vital signs showed fever and mild hypotension, and the physical examination revealed left-sided abdominal distension. Laboratory results demonstrated leukocytosis and a lactate of 3.2 mmol/L. She appeared nontoxic but was persistently febrile despite initial fluids and antibiotics. Computed tomography—shown in Figure 1, and ultrasound—shown in Figure 2, were obtained and revealed the diagnosis.

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Background

Chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain has long been challenging patients and medical professionals due to its limited response to traditional therapies on top of high recurrence. Physical therapy, oral analgesics, and trigger point injections have only provided partial or short-term relief. As a result, botulinum toxin type A injections have been explored as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have shown promising short-term outcomes, but concerns regarding long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects, particularly in older adults, have remained unresolved. These gaps have highlighted the need for comprehensive evaluation from both clinical and nursing perspectives.

Objective

The …

Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index: Regression Method Comparison And Its Association With Pulse Pressure And Circadian Patterns, José R. Ayala-Hernández, Cristina López-Sánchez, Orlando M. Ayala, Camilo E. Palencia-Tejedor

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) is a calculation obtained through Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), and is an indirect measure of the elastic properties of the arterial wall; but there is heterogeneity in its scope as a predictor of vascular wall health. A comparison is made between linear regression and exponential regression of the AASI, as well as an analysis of variance, according to circadian patterns and pulse pressure (PP) values. This work is an analytical observational study in 106 individuals, most of them women (63%) with a mean age of 53 ± 17.32 years. The coefficient of determination (r2) …

Procedural Skills Gaps And Ultrasound Training In Saudi Medical Interns: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Rajkumar Rajendram, Abdullah Abdulrahman Alshamrani, Waleed Khalid Jarwan, Afnan Ali Alghamdi, Arif Hussain

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Medical internships lay the foundation for physicians' careers. While the scope of medical practice has broadened, the emphasis on procedural skills remains crucial. However, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of current internship training programs, particularly in the context of the increasing importance of ultrasound-guided procedures (UGPs). This study aims to assess the perceived relevance of procedural skills training and identify skill gaps among medical interns at our institution.

Aim: To assess medical interns' perceptions of the relevance of procedural skills training, with a specific focus on ultrasound guidance and to identify skill gaps within the internship program at our …

Motion Artifacts (Ma) At-Rest In Measured Arterial Pulse Signals: Time-Varying Amplitude In Each Harmonic And Non-Flat Harmonic-Ma Coupled Baseline, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Mamun Hasan, Zhili Hao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Motion artifacts (MA) cause great variability in a measured arterial pulse signal, and treatment of MA solely as a baseline drift (BD) fails to eliminate its effect on the measured signal. This paper presents a study on the effect of MA at rest (< 0.7 Hz) on measured arterial pulse signals using a microfluidic-based tactile sensor. By taking full account of the dynamic behavior of the transmission path from the true pulse signal in an artery to a measured pulse signal at the sensor, the tissue-contact-sensor (TCS) stack, an analytical model of MA in a measured pulse signal is developed. In this model, the TCS stack is treated as a 1DOF system for its dynamic behavior; MA is quantified as the displacement (i.e., BD) and time-varying system parameters (TVSP) of the TCS stack. The mathematical expression of MA in a measured pulse signal reveals that while BD remains as low-frequency additive noise, TVSP causes time-varying harmonics in a measured pulse signal. Further time-frequency analysis (TFA) of measured pulse signals validates the existence of TVSP and, for the first time, reveals its effect on a measured pulse signal: time-varying amplitude in each harmonic and non-flat harmonic-MA-coupled baseline.

An Analytical Model Of Motion Artifacts In A Measured Arterial Pulse Signal—Part I: Accelerometers And Ppg Sensors, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Subodh Toraskar, Mamun Hasan, Zhili Hao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper, the first of two parts, presents an analytical model of motion artifacts (MAs) in measured pulse signals by accelerometers and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. As the transmission path from the true pulse signal in an artery to the sensor output (measured pulse signal), the tissue-contact-sensor (TCS) stack is modeled as a 1DOF (degree-of-freedom) system. MAs cause baseline drift of the mass and simultaneously time-varying system parameters (TVSPs) of the TCS stack. With arterial wall displacement and pulsatile pressure serving separately as the true pulse signal, an analytical model is developed to mathematically relate baseline drift and TVSP to a …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electrode For Non-Enzymatic Lactate Sensing, Christopher Animashaun, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

We are reporting the development of a high-performance, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for selective lactate detection, integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesized from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The LIG electrode offers a highly porous, conductive scaffold, while electrodeposited AuNPs enhance catalytic activity and signal amplification. The PEDOT-based MIP layer, electropolymerized via cyclic voltammetry, imparts molecular specificity by creating lactate-specific binding sites. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed successful molecular imprinting and enhanced interfacial electron transfer. The resulting LIG/AuNPs/MIP biosensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range from 0.1 µM to 2500 µM, with a sensitivity of 22.42 µA/log(µM) and …

Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin, Tony Matundura Nyabayo

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its …

Comparative Efficacy Of Hallucinogens In Treating Mood Disorders Through A Meta-Analysis Of Symptom Reduction, Dosage, And Duration, John Marco D.F. Muniz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Hallucinogens including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (as ayahuasca), have re-emerged as potential rapid-acting treatments for mood disorders. We conducted a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials evaluating their efficacy in depression and anxiety disorders. Methods: A systematic review identified 12 trials (Total ≈ 670) meeting inclusion criteria (randomized, placebo-controlled). Data on Cohen’s d and Hedges’ g effect sizes for depression- and anxiety-related outcomes were extracted. We computed pooled effect sizes (weighted by sample size and inverse variance), performed subgroup analyses by drug, diagnosis, follow-up duration, and outcome measure type, and assessed heterogeneity (I², Q …

Implementing A Chatbot To Promote Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetic Screening In Women's Health: Identifying Barriers And Facilitators To Screening Adoption, Easton N. Wollney, Shireen Madani Sims, Luisel J. Ricks-Santi, Elizabeth Eddy, Daniel Wiesman, Carla L. Fisher

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

To promote genetic screening among women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that risk assessment be integrated into practice. Chatbots like the Genetic Information Assistant (Gia®) are increasingly implemented to expand access to hereditary genetic screening. Factors that impact chatbot implementation for HBOC risk screening and women's uptake are not fully realized. To refine implementation strategies prior to full scale implementation, we sought to identify women's perceived facilitators/barriers to adopting Gia screening in a rural population within a large healthcare system in the southern United States.

Methods

We …

Magnetization Transfer Ratio In The Typically Developing Pediatric Spinal Cord: Normative Data And Age Correlation, Sara Naghizadeh Kashani, Iswarya Vel, Zahra Sadeghi Adl, Shiva Shahrampour, Devon Middleton, Mahdi Alizadeh, Laura Krisa, Scott Faro, Slimane Tounekti, Julien Cohen-Adad, Feroze Mohamed

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study presents automated atlas-based magnetization transfer (MT) measurements of the typically developing pediatric cervical spinal cord (SC). We report normative MT ratio (MTR) values from the whole cervical cord white matter (WM) and WM tracts, examining variations with age, sex, height, and weight.

METHODS: MT scans of 33 healthy females (mean age = 12.8) and 22 males (mean age = 13.09) were acquired from the cervical SC (C2-C7) using a 3.0 T MRI. Data were processed using the SC Toolbox, segmented, and registered to the PAM50 template. Affine and non-rigid transformations co-registered the PAM50 WM atlas …

Comparison Of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Intrathecal Clonidine In Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study, Christy Maria Paul, Dr Somsundar R G Associate Professor, Dr Archana B N Assistant Professor, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Intrathecal Clonidine in Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Objective: In the majority of abdominal procedures, transverse abdominis plane block, one of the fascial plane blocks, has been used extensively to treat post-operative pain. Ultrasound has gained popularity in the management of cesarean patients due to its ease of use and reduced adverse effects.To assess the effectiveness of ultrasound guided transverse abdominus plane block with intrathecal clonidine for post surgical pain control in lower segment cesarean patients.

Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was done in …

Identification Of Fiducial Points In Seismocardiographic Cycles Using Manual And Automated Annotation Methods, Jasmine-Vy T. Truong

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There is currently a need for complementary methods for non-invasive cardiac monitoring. Seismocardiography (SCG), the measurement of cardiac-induced vibrations at the chest surface, has shown potential clinical utility. Improving the reliability of detecting fiducial points of electrocardiography (ECG) and SCG, which collectively capture the electro-mechanical cardiac activities, could expand ECG/SCG utility as a low-cost, accessible tool for clinical assessment. This study identifies commonly accepted criteria for fiducial point detection in SCG and ECG through an extensive literature review and signal processing techniques. The previous criteria were evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on the findings, an improved set …

Weighted Family History Density Of Substance Use: Influence On Participant Substance Use Onset, Escalation, And Duration, Carleigh A. Litteral

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Substance use disorders impose a staggering toll on the United States (U.S.), straining healthcare systems, destabilizing communities, and profoundly impacting both individuals and families. Approximately one in six Americans aged 12 and older had a past-year substance use disorder in 2022 (Key Substance Use, 2022), and nearly one-third of adults experience a substance use disorder in their lifetime (Wu, 2010), contributing to an economic burden exceeding $400 billion annually (National Drug Threat Assessment, 2011). Family history of substance use disorders is a key predictor of vulnerability, with individuals who have affected relatives being 2–8 times more …

Late Diagnosis Of Klinefelter Syndrome: Overcoming Phenotypic Variability And Diagnostic Oversights, Amna Kamran, Chinelo Okigbo

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

We report a case of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) diagnosed in adulthood, emphasizing the impact of phenotypic variability and the declining reliance on physical examination in delayed recognition. A 27-year-old male with obesity, low libido, and biochemical and clinical primary hypogonadism was found to have 47, XXY karyotype, consistent with KS. His hypogonadism was initially attributed to obesity and overlooked, despite classic signs of a micropenis and small testes. The case highlights the importance of physical examination, comprehensive history, and clinician awareness in diagnosing KS, particularly in atypical presentations. KS is associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial …

Blood Culture Utilization: How Many Follow-Up Cultures Are Needed?, George Jones, Jennifer Hanrahan

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Follow-up blood cultures (BCx) are ordered after an initial positive culture in many instances. The number of follow-up cultures needed is not clear. Obtaining unnecessary BCx may cause unintended consequences. The optimal balance between stewardship and patient safety warrants investigation. We sought to assess the frequency with which a third set is positive after a negative second BCx. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of BCx submitted to the microbiology laboratory from 1/1/18-11/1/23. We included all patients ≥18 years who had at least two follow-up BCx drawn 24-72 hours after an initial positive culture. Data were collected from electronic …

Effects Of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation On Impulse Control Disorders In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease On Dopamine Replacement Therapy, Katherine Muksuris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that causes motor deficits, cognitive impairment, and depression. The mainstay treatment for motor symptoms is dopamine replacement therapy (DRT). DRT takes the form of levodopa or dopamine receptor agonists (DAs) and can be associated with impulse control disorders (ICDs). Currently, the approach to mitigating these side effects is to decrease or stop DRT, which may cause motor symptoms to return, making the management of the disorder more difficult. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation treatment for multiple disorders, including its approved use for smoking cessation. It has also shown …

A Non-Toxic Analgesic Elicits Cell-Specific Genomic And Epigenomic Modulation By Targeting The Pag Brain Region, Hernan A. Bazan, Brian L. Giles, Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee, Scott Edwards, Nicolas G. Bazan

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acetaminophen (ApAP) is widely used for pain management, but overuse or overdose leads to hepatotoxicity, making it the leading cause of acute liver failure globally. There is an urgent need for safer pain medications, as other non-opioid analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are nephrotoxic. We have identified SRP-001 as a safer, non-hepatotoxic, novel analgesic that overcomes ApAP's limitations by avoiding NAPQI formation and preserving hepatic tight junctions. Using coupled RNA and ATAC sequencing, from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) midbrain region, we compared the genetic and epigenetic signatures of SRP-001 and ApAP treatments following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain …