Therapeutics Commons^™

Unlocking Hope: Mirtazapine's Promise In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment, Rebecca K. Hicks, Iram Kingson, Jordan Gaal, Suzanne Holroyd

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are first-line treatments for OCD, a significant proportion of patients remain refractory to these interventions. Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant with unique pharmacological properties, has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant OCD. This review synthesizes existing evidence regarding the efficacy and safety profile of mirtazapine in OCD management. We analyze clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports, distinguishing high- vs. low-quality evidence, and discuss mechanisms underlying mirtazapine's therapeutic effects. Additionally, …

Novel R Shiny Tool For Survival Analysis With Time-Varying Covariate In Oncology Studies: Overcoming Biases And Enhancing Collaboration, Yimei Li, Yang Qiao, Fei Gao, Jordan Gauthier, Qiang Ed Zhang, Jenna Voutsinas, Wendy Leisenring, Ted Gooley, Corinne Summers, Alexandre Hirayama, Cameron Turtle, Rebecca Gardner, Jarcy Zee, Qian Vicky Wu

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: Our study is motivated by evaluating the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for ALL, a debated topic. Because patients may receive HCT at different times after CAR-T infusion or never, HCT post-CAR-T should be considered as a time-varying covariate (TVC).

METHODS: Standard Cox models and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves (naïve method) assume that TVC status is known and fixed at baseline, which can yield biased estimates. Landmark analysis is a popular alternative but depends on a chosen landmark time. Time-dependent (TD) Cox model is better suited for TVC although visualizing survival curves …

Women With Moderate Anaemia Prior To Conception Benefited Most From Nutrition Interventions: A Secondary Analysis Of The Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial, Sumera Aziz Ali, Ka Kahe, Jeanine Genkinger, Linda Valeri, Sarah Saleem, Saleem Jessani, Robert Goldenberg, Jamie Westcott, Jennifer Kemp, Ana Garces, Lester Figueroa, Shivaprasad Goudar, Sangappa Dhaded, Richard Derman, Antoinette Tshefu Kitoto, Adrien Lokangaka, Melissa Bauserman, Elizabeth Mcclure, Marion Koso-Thomas, Louise Kuhn, Nancy Krebs

Global Health Articles

INTRODUCTION: The Women First (WF) Preconception Maternal Nutrition trial found greater benefits of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) for intrauterine growth among anaemic versus non-anaemic women at preconception. We investigated whether the benefits of SQ-LNS in improving markers of intrauterine growth occurred evenly across the mild to moderate spectrum of pre-pregnancy anaemia.

METHODS: We analysed WF data (n=2443 maternal-newborn dyads) from Pakistan, India, Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Women received SQ-LNS either ≥3 months preconception through pregnancy (Arm 1); starting in the late first trimester (Arm 2); or not at all (Arm 3: control), with all supplementations discontinued …

Nature-Based Approaches To Dementia, Cognitive Impairment, And Caregiver Well-Being: A Scoping Review Of Gardening And Therapeutic Strategies, Mary Dioise Ramos, Marcy Purnell, Jolie Harris, Gloria Giarratano

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Dementia is a growing global health concern, with behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) contributing significantly to diminished quality of life and caregiver burden. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as gardening and nature-based therapies, are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to: (1) map existing evidence on gardening and garden-based interventions for individuals with dementia; (2) assess impacts on caregivers; (3) identify mechanisms of benefit; and (4) summarize effective design and implementation strategies. Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across five databases. Studies were screened using Covidence. Inclusion criteria …

Synergistic Anti-Tumor Activity Of Ciclopirox Olamine And Metformin In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Yakun Wu, Hui Lyu, Congcong Tan, Margaret E. Larsen, Shou Ching Tang, Shile Huang, Bolin Liu

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Phase 1b/2 Study Of Bms-813160, A Ccr2/5 Dual Antagonist, In Combination With Chemotherapy Or Nivolumab In Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Or Colorectal Cancer, Dung T. Le, Gunnar Folprecht, Anna M. Varghese, Martin Gutierrez, Marcus Noel, Nikolaos A. Trikalinos, Eric Chen, Farshid Dayyani, S. Lindsey Davis, Wen Wee Ma, Atrayee Basu Mallick, Ignacio Garrido-Laguna, Mayu Osawa, Shaun O'Brien, Ruslan D. Novosiadly, Ke Xu, Danielle M. Greenawalt, Santanu Dutta, Christina Twyman Saint Victor, Heinz-Josef Lenz

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptors 2 (CCR2) and 5 (CCR5) contribute to immune suppression in tumor microenvironments. CCR2 and CCR5 antagonists have demonstrated antitumor activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. This phase 1b/2, open-label study evaluated BMS-813160, a CCR2/5 dual antagonist, in combination with chemotherapy±nivolumab in advanced PDAC or metastatic CRC.

METHODS: Part 1 included patients with metastatic untreated (first-line (1L)) PDAC, 1L CRC, or previously treated (second or third line (2/3L)) microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Patients received 2 weeks of BMS-813160 monotherapy (300 mg two times a day, 600 mg once daily, 300 mg once …

Perioperative Fluid Management In Pancreaticoduodenectomy In The Era Of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy: A Review Of The Literature, Meghan D Grim, Richard Zheng, Nader Hanna, Harish Lavu, Charles J. Yeo, Avinoam Nevler

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the only curative option for localized pancreatic head and periampullary malignancies. However, PD is associated with significant perioperative morbidity. Perioperative fluid management has emerged as an important modifiable factor influencing surgical outcomes in PD.

METHODS: In this qualitative review, PubMed/Medline searches were performed between March and August 2025 to review the terms "pancreaticoduodenectomy," "fluid management," "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery," "complications," and related terms.

RESULTS: Historically, liberal fluid administration was favored to compensate for third-space losses, but contemporary evidence has linked excessive fluid volumes to complications, such as postoperative pancreatic fistula, anastomotic edema, and increased inflammatory responses. …

Zoliflodacin Versus Ceftriaxone Plus Azithromycin For Treatment Of Uncomplicated Urogenital Gonorrhoea: An International, Randomised, Controlled, Open-Label, Phase 3, Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial, Alison Luckey, Manica Balasegaram, Lindley A. Barbee, Teresa A. Batteiger, Helen Broadhurst, Stephanie E. Cohen, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Henry J.C. De Vries, Jodie A. Dionne, Katherine Gill, Chris Kenyon, Rossaphorn Kittiyaowamarn, Drew Lewis, John P. Mueller, Vimla Naicker, Seamus O'Brien, John P. O'Donnell, Nittaya Phanuphak, Elizabeth Spooner, Subasree Srinivasan, Stephanie N. Taylor, Magnus Unemo, Zinhle Zwane, Edward W. Hook, Zoliflodacin Phase 3 Study Group

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background Development of new treatments for gonorrhoea is a global public health priority. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zoliflodacin versus ceftriaxone plus azithromycin in patients with uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea. Methods In this phase 3, multinational, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial, participants aged 12 years and older with clinical suspicion of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea were eligible for inclusion. The trial was done in 17 outpatient clinics in Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, and the USA. Participating countries with high disease prevalence were identified for participation in the study. Sites selected for participation were led by …

Making The Most Out Of Advanced Directives: A Qi Project, Brissa Mundo-Santacruz, Joseph Freeze, Jesus Dorado, Nina Ball

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Survival Following Extreme Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis In A Patient With Acute-On-Chronic Kidney Disease Managed With Crrt, Phil Khong, Danielle Sudilovsky, Logan Blackney, Ryan Spilman, Alex Enurah

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Successful Weaning From Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Systematic Review And Random-Effects Meta-Analysis, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation Reported To The North American Snakebite Registry, Joshua Unger, Spencer Greene

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Emergent Tandemheart-Extracorporal Membrane Oxygenation For Refractory Ischemic Ventricular Arrhythmia, Mukhtar Al-Saadi, Aswin Srinivasan, Mohammed Rajab, Alexander Rhodes, Negar Niknam, Pranav Loyalka

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Neurologic Complications In Adult Va-Ecmo: Incidence, Phenotypes, And Mortality From Contemporary Elso Registry Analyses And Meta-Analytic Evidence, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Stewards In The Making: Approaching "Penicillin-Allergies" With Confidence, Trent Percy, Craig Spergel

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Tricenarian Seizure Cascade: Uremic Encephalopathy And Suspected Dialysis Disequilibrium, Purva Dahat, Jessica Nguyen, Sara Abuelayyan, Amnah Andrabi

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction Uremic encephalopathy and dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) are distinct neurologic complications of renal failure that can precipitate seizures. While uremic encephalopathy reflects toxin-mediated metabolic dysfunction, DDS may occur during hemodialysis initiation from rapid osmotic shifts. They are usually described as separate entities, particularly in established CKD. Sequential neurologic events spanning the pre-dialysis period and dialysis initiation in previously undiagnosed renal failure are poorly characterized.

Case presentation A previously healthy African American man in his 30s with no known history of kidney disease presented with new-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizure accompanied by respiratory distress. Initial laboratory testing revealed profound azotemia with …

Empiric Antibiotic And Corticosteroid Prescribing For Hospitalized Acute Exacerbations Of Copd: Associations With Length Of Stay And Readmissions In A Large Multicenter U.S. Cohort, Kumar Abhishek, Pratyush Kumar, Archana Machavarapu, Munaf Siyamwala, Michael Waxman, Jeffrey Durbin, Kari Nilsen

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Modulating Ezh2 Activity And Methionine Metabolism To Improve Treatments In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Avery Childress

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Immunotherapies, such as those targeting the PD1/PD-L1 axis to allow the patient’s own immune cells to target the tumor, have improved outcomes. However, sustained responses are observed in only a fraction of patients. Finding ways to boost immunotherapy responses is the central goal of this project. Many groups are testing additional drugs or dietary intervention to reprogram the tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions from one that allows tumor growth and resistance to one that has robust anti-tumor immunity. One attractive target for …

Drug-Induced Ild Requiring Ecmo, Arjun Kamath, Jose Garza, Matthew Wagner, Deekshita Valiveti, Percy Thomas, Christopher Ganson, Abhay Vakil, Zuhair Ali

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Modulating Oran Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria To Enhance Nitric Oxide Bioavailability As A Therapeutic Target For Atherosclerosis, Donovan C. Davidson

CMC Senior Theses

Atherosclerosis remains the primary driver of global cardiovascular disease, yet clinical interventions are largely restricted to high-cost, invasive procedures only after it has reached a critical stage. Recent research has identified a connection between the oral microbiome and vascular health via the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitic oxide (NO) pathway. Oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (ONRB) drive the synthesization of NO by reducing dietary nitrate into nitrite, which is then converted into bioavailable NO. NO is a potent vasodilator that maintains endothelial health by suppressing inflammation through inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. However, this pathway is easily compromised by dysbiotic oral …

Conduction System Pacing Vs Biventricular Pacing: A Meta Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials In Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, Mustafa Tahir, Muhammad Abdullah, Jaafar Hamdan, Michael D. Moore, Nagaraja D. Sharma, Olu Oyesanmi, Salman M. Muddassir

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Ivig As Salvage Therapy In Refractory Antisynthetase Syndrome-Associated Ild: A Three-Case Series, Shine Vazhappilly, Julio Paoli-Gonzalez, Jose Herazo-Maya

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Prophylactic Distal Perfusion Catheters In Femoral Va-Ecmo: Association With Lower Limb Ischemia And Major Limb Outcomes (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis), Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Test Cases For Commissioning, Qa, And Benchmarking Of Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithms In 1⁹2ir Hdr Gynecologic Tandem And Ring Brachytherapy, Vasiliki Peppa, Maude Robitaille, Fatemeh Akbari, Shirin Enger, Rowan Thomson, Firas Mourtada, Gabriel Fonseca

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: To develop clinically relevant test cases for commissioning Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithms (MBDCAs) for ¹⁹²Ir High Dose Rate (HDR) gynecologic brachytherapy following the workflow proposed by the TG-186 report and the WGDCAB report 372.

ACQUISITION AND VALIDATION METHODS: Two cervical cancer intracavitary HDR brachytherapy models were developed based on a real patient, using either uniformly structured regions or realistic segmentation. The patient's computed tomography (CT) images were processed, converted to a series of digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) CT images, and imported into two treatment planning systems (TPSs), the Oncentra Brachy and BrachyVision. The original segmentation …

Comparative Analysis Of Serum-Free Culture Conditions On Cell Proliferation And Extracellular Vesicle Production By Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, Ayna Ghulldu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising candidates in regenerative medicine due to their proliferative capacity, self-renewal, and secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that mediate intercellular communication. Serum-free media has been increasingly explored for MSC culture as it eliminates xenogeneic components, improving human therapeutic suitability. However, comparative evaluation of distinct serum-free formulations on ADSC proliferation and EV output simultaneously remains limited. This study compares a serum-containing medium to three proprietary serum-free media prototypes differing in composition, including the presence or absence of extracellular matrix proteins, to inform the optimization of culture conditions for clinical use. Proliferation, EV characteristics, and gene expression …

Improving Antibiotic Prescribing For Urinary Tract Infections In Urgent Care Centers, Alexis Alastanos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections that require antibiotic therapy. Providers working in three urgent care clinics located in Eastern West Virginia diagnosis and treat UTIs based on their clinical judgement. Variability in clinical judgement results in inappropriate antibiotic use which has implications on antibiotic resistance and the financial burden of the patients as well as the entire organization.

Evidence Review: A total of 10 articles were evaluated to support the implementation of antibiotic stewardship initiatives that provide guidance in caring for this population. Interventions include electronic health record enhancements, provider education, and tracking …

Oxytocin Dosing During Trial Of Labor After Cesarean To Minimize The Risk Of Uterine Rupture: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pierpaolo Nicolì, Moti Gulersen, Jordan Beacham, Hila Hochler, Alessandra Familiari, Anna Locatelli, Cynthia Abraham, Ettore Cicinelli, Amerigo Vitagliano, Vincenzo Berghella

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Oxytocin remains the mainstay for induction and for the management of labor arrest during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Therefore, the clinical question should be not whether to use oxytocin, but how to optimize its administration. This meta-analysis aimed to assess which oxytocin protocol, in terms of initial dose, amount of increase, timing to next increase, and maximum dose, may minimize the risk of uterine rupture (UR) during TOLAC.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched up to September 21, 2024.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomized and nonrandomized studies evaluating the association between induction and/or augmentation with oxytocin …

Post-Metabolites Of Two Commensal Bacteria Suppress Dna Damage In An Experimental Model Of Acid Reflux Disease, Maanya Pradeep

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 25% of the US population [1]. Repeated bile acid exposure from the regurgitation of stomach contents leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative DNA damage and promote genomic instability [2]. Barrett’s esophagus (BE), which can develop as a response to chronic bile acid exposure, increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) by 30% to 125% [1].

There are more than 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer in the United States each year, and while its incidence is relatively low compared to other cancers, its mortality …

The Myopia Epidemic: Integrating Genetic, Environmental, And Epigenetic Pathways To Define A Critical Window For Intervention, Pranavika Balaji

UROP Posters

Myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased rapidly worldwide and is now a major public health concern caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Current understanding shows that too much near work, limited time spent outdoors, and prolonged screen use contribute to abnormal eye growth in individuals who may already have a genetic predisposition. At the molecular level, epigenetic changes and shifts in DNA activity, often influenced by environmental conditions, affect the signaling pathways that regulate eye development and may help explain why myopia is increasingly common among children. This paper synthesizes recent environmental, genetic, and epigenetic research to explain how these …

Healing Times Of Mohs Defects Using Cellular, Acellular, And Matrix-Like Products Compared With Secondary Intention In A Single Patient, Benjamin R. Cooper, Anthony Concilla, Kathleen Ward, Taha Rasul, Arianne E. Chavez

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.