Diseases Commons^™

Gross Findings With Point-Of-Care Ultrasound In Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Case Report, Justin Stanziola, Yelena Pecheny, Casey Wilson

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

When To Biopsy Incidentally Noted, Radiologically Relevant Lymph Nodes In Dcis, John B. Chiari, Jillian Giblin, Brooke Hassan, Katie Bennett

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 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 …

Modern Potentiostat Architectures For Electrochemical Sensing: Design, Integration, And Future Directions, Reagan Aviha, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Potentiostats are essential to electrochemical sensing, enabling precise control of electrode potentials and measurement of current responses. As demand grows for portable, wearable, and point-of-care systems, potentiostat design has evolved from benchtop instruments to compact, low-power, and wirelessly connected platforms. This review provides a comprehensive, system-level perspective on modern potentiostat architectures, covering operational principles, analog front-end design, signal generation and acquisition, communication protocols, and software integration. Unlike prior reviews that treat these aspects independently, this work integrates electrochemical theory with electronic design and data communication frameworks. Key components, including operational amplifiers, transimpedance amplifiers, DAC/ADC subsystems, and microcontroller-based control, are examined …

Thoracolumbar Fractures: Historical Systems And Advancements With The Ao Spine Classification, Barry Ting Sheen Kweh, Alex R. Vaccaro, Gregory D. Schroeder, Jose A. Canseco, Maximilian Reinhold, Mohamed M. Aly, Sebastian Bigdon, Mohammad El-Skarkawi, Richard J. Bransford, Andrei Fernandes Joaquim, Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Emiliano Vialle, Rishi M. Kanna, Charlotte Dandurand, Cumhur Öner, Jin Wee Tee

Rothman Institute Papers

Study Design: Systematic Review. Objective: To describe the historical classifications of thoracolumbar injuries and their evolution into the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases was performed in keeping with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: 445 articles were crystallized to 14 included studies. Simple categorization systems offered by Bohler or Watson-Jones merely identify fracture morphology. Holdsworth and Denis conveyed a sense of the stability of injuries by noting columns of stability, but still failed to take into consideration important factors such as neurological status or …

Don't Let Them Fall, Let Ai Call, Ella Mills, Sara Barker, Andreea Ifrim, Yvette Uwase

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This project proposes a nurse-led pilot of AI-supported predictive mobility monitoring on a cardiac medical-surgical unit, to improve early identification of high-risk mobility behaviors and enhance patient safety. Current fall-prevention strategies, such as bed alarms and virtual sitters, often alert staff after unsafe movement has begun, creating a reactive cycle that contributes to alarm fatigue and delayed intervention (Abbe & O’Keeffe, 2020). This initiative uses monitors with contactless infrared sensors to identify movement before patients exit the bed, an alert system that goes straight to the nurse and PCT phones, and a central console for floor management and care coordination. …

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.

Rapid Diagnosis Of Hemorrhagic Shock Due To Upper Gi Bleeding With Point-Of-Care Ultrasound In The Emergency Department, Tamari Ronen, Derrick Huang

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

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.

Wearable Biosensors For Continuous Monitoring Of Chronic Kidney Disease: Materials, Biofluids, And Digital Health Integration, Anupamaa Sivasubramanian, Shankara Narayanan, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disorder affecting over 850 million individuals globally and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Conventional diagnostic approaches rely on intermittent laboratory measurements, including serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary albumin, which provide limited temporal resolution and fail to capture dynamic physiological changes. Recent advances in wearable biosensing technologies offer new opportunities for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of biochemical and physiological markers relevant to renal function. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of wearable biosensors for CKD monitoring, focusing on sensing mechanisms (electrochemical, optical, and field-effect transistor), …

Modulation Of Prussian Blue Redox Signaling By Molecular Imprinting For Reagent-Free Electrochemical Detection Of Emtricitabine, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Reagent-free electrochemical sensors offer significant benefits for rapid, affordable point-of-care drug testing. In this study, we introduce a novel, reagent-free electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) specifically designed for the selective detection of Emtricitabine (FTC), a common antiretroviral used in HIV therapy. The sensor uses laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes, renowned for their high conductivity and porosity, ideal for electrochemical sensing. To enable reagent-free operation, the LIG surface was electrochemically coated with Prussian Blue, serving as a redox-active layer. Next, an MIP-PPy film was electropolymerized onto the Prussian Blue surface in the presence of FTC as a template, …

Biomechanical Effects Of Exercise-Based Interventions In Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lara De Vecchi Machado

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and represents a complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in muscle activation patterns, lumbo-pelvic coordination, and movement strategies. Although exercise is widely recommended as a first-line intervention and its clinical benefits are well established, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying functional improvement remain fragmented in the literature and are rarely synthesized quantitatively.

This dissertation conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the biomechanical effects of exercise-based interventions in individuals with CNLBP. A total of 39 studies were included and …

Devising A Protocol For Mri Clearance In Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (Cied), Sienna Luk, Alvin Mathew, Darshan Bhatty, Kamran Rizvi

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) remains a logistical challenge in many clinical settings. At Medical City Denton, the absence of a standardized institutional policy has led to significant inefficiencies, including prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. The primary objective of this project was to address these barriers by developing a streamlined, evidence-based protocol to improve care coordination and resource utilization for patients with CIEDs requiring diagnostic imaging.

Methods: Launched in 2026, this pilot initiative utilized a multi-stakeholder approach involving hospitalists, EPs, radiology staff, and device representatives. A core component of the …

Excision Followed By Standing Cone Deformity Repair Is Tissue Conservative, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Marshall Hall, Stephen Weis, Dustin Wilkes

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction Elliptical excisions are the most common method to treat benign and malignant tumors in dermatologic surgery. This standardized design is traditionally 3 to 4.5 times longer than the excisional width to prevent unsightly protrusions of skin after primary closure, known as “standing cone,” “Burow’s triangles” or “dog ear” deformities. This results in a scar significantly longer than the original tumor that may be less easily concealed.

Objective To compare the final repair length of a tissue conservative method to remove skin tumors and close resultant defects against predicted repair length of traditional elliptical excision.

Methods Eighteen cases are presented …

Relationship Between Exception Request For Higher Listing Urgency And Aggressiveness In Accepting Heart Offers, Jorim Parmar, Yingxian Liu, Devika Adusumilli, Luke Taylor, Shakir Al-Ezzi, Usman Khan, Claudio Bravo, Claudius Mahr, Song Li

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Transplant programs may submit exception requests to upgrade a listed patient’s priority, often anticipating a higher likelihood of accepting marginal or high-risk donor organs. This study explores whether exception request status is associated with increased risk tolerance in organ acceptance.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), focusing on adult patients (≥18 years) listed for heart transplantation. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS/STAT 14.1. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical variables. Baseline characteristics were compared between recipients with and without exception requests. Primary analysis: Mixed-effects linear regression was used to …

Surgical Management Of A Giant Colonic Diverticulum, Courtney Koplyay, Mason Workman, Michael Truitt, Muhammad T. Siddique

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

INTRODUCTION: Giant colonic diverticulum (GCD), defined as a diverticulum >4 cm, is a rare manifestation of diverticular disease with less than 200 reported case reports. CT imaging is the preferred imaging modality to identify and confirm the presence of a GCD, which provides an accurate depiction of the size, location, and contents of the diverticulum GCD can present with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or an enlarging mass. Given the risk of serious complications, including diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and perforation, early recognition and management are essential to prevent further complications. Surgical management with diverticulectomy or partial colectomy is …

Association Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Postoperative Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair In Patients With Diabetes: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis, Mckenna W. Box, Troy B. Puga, Hans Drawbert, Aysu Erdemir, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background Diabetes impairs tendon healing after rotator cuff repair (RCR), with early postoperative poor glycemic control linked to a higher failure risk in studies. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for glycemic control. Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1RA may benefit rotator cuff healing through anti-inflammatory mechanisms as well. However, real-world data on the effects of GLP-1RAs on RCR outcomes remain incompletely understood.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an institutional dataset (01/01/2016 to 09/30/2024) of adults aged 18-74 years with type 2 diabetes who underwent RCR. GLP-1RA exposure was established by home medication lists. Patients with autoimmune …

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Incidentally Detected On Barium Swallow: A Case Report, Muhammad Rubeel Akram, Aditya Rao, Muhammad T. Siddique

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, and has high rates of recurrence despite curative-intent therapy. While endoscopy with biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, non-diagnostic imaging studies are performed when evaluating for dysphagia, and may bring to light underlying pathology, warranting further workup. Surgical resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation is often performed, but postoperative complications and disease recurrence are important concerns. This case highlights the crucial role of early detection via imaging and the clinical burden associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old female presented with dysphagia and underwent a barium esophagogram, …

Prognostic Value Of Systemic Inflammatory Indices For Predicting Mace In Nstemi Patients Undergoing Pci, Boney Lapsiwala, Aditya Sharma, Usman Khan, Jorim Parmar, Justin Soloman, Veeranna Vibhuti, Mehdi Khalafi

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for nearly one-third of global mortality, with ischemic heart disease caused by a mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Despite advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and contemporary pharmacotherapy, patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) continue to experience substantial residual risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). As traditional risk stratification tools have limited ability to identify high-risk individuals, interest has shifted toward biomarkers reflecting inflammatory pathways central to atherosclerosis and plaque instability. Hematologic inflammatory markers including pan inflammatory value (PIV), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) initially …

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 …

Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants And Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems: Integrated Strategies For Bone Loss Treatment With Cytocompatibility Evaluation, Lucas José Martinho Bizuti

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis intends to investigate the development of different multimodal therapeutic strategies for combating bone loss. Most specifically, this paper will emphasize the utilization of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants (MMNC) and Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems as options for future treatment focus. The effects of biodegradable magnesium implants were evaluated for cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility via Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome staining, as well as radiological images. The Nanobubble-Based Delivery System is being developed and optimized as a delivery system to target osteoclast activity. This paper focused on optimizing experimental parameters, which include Rotational speeds for nanobubble stimulation under microgravity conditions …

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 …

Esophageal Stents: How High Can You Go? A Traumatic Injury Treated With High Esophageal Stent Placement, John W. Surbeck, Anthony P. Melillo, James S. Scott

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Implications Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Semaglutide For Hysterectomy Outcomes, Tess Branstetter, Megan Foster, Abbey Fritzel, Kimberly Swan, Alyssa Kozlowski, Jeffrey Durbin, Jordan Martin, Kari Nilsen

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report: Spontaneous Gastric Intramural Hematoma With Intramural Dissection, Pedro De Castro, Rachel Steffes, John Surbeck, Anthony Melillo, Vince Narciso, Mohsin Soliman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of Multimodal Therapy Including Ketamine And Methadone In Cancer-Related Pain: A Case Report, Austin Mccrea, Carol Elsakr, Tyler Kilgore

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Call Surgery First: Impact Of A Decision Aid Tool For Common Bile Duct (Cbd) Stones, Eleah Porter, Matthew Daniel, Zachery Hensel, Saptarshi Biswas, Andrew Pearson, Wesley Vosburg, B Fernando Santos

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Pants On Fire: Open Surgical Repair Of A Strangulated Pantaloon Hernia With A Multi-Mesh Reconstruction, Carolyn Dudko, Saptarshi Biswas

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.