Diseases Commons^™

A Review Of Gut Failure As A Cause And Consequence Of Critical Illness, Danielle E. Soranno, Craig M. Coopersmith, Jessica F. Brinkworth, Faith N. F. Factora, Julia H. Muntean, Monty G. Mythen, Jacob Raphael, Andrew D. Shaw, Vidula Vachharajani, Jeannette S. Messer

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

In critical illness, all elements of gut function are perturbed. Dysbiosis develops as the gut microbial community loses taxonomic diversity and new virulence factors appear. Intestinal permeability increases, allowing for translocation of bacteria and/or bacterial products. Epithelial function is altered at a cellular level and homeostasis of the epithelial monolayer is compromised by increased intestinal epithelial cell death and decreased proliferation. Gut immunity is impaired with simultaneous activation of maladaptive pro- and anti-inflammatory signals leading to both tissue damage and susceptibility to infections. Additionally, splanchnic vasoconstriction leads to decreased blood flow with local ischemic changes. Together, these interrelated elements of …

Impact Of Voluntary Exercise On Systemic Inflammation In A 2? Hit Model Of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction., Heather Quiriarte, Eunhan Cho, Youyoung Kim, Jake E. Doiron, Gregory Davis, James Stampley, Robert C. Noland, Zhen Li, Sanjiv J. Shah, Brian A. Irving, Guillaume Spielmann, David J. Lefer, Timothy D. Allerton

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Editorial: Review Of Hyperbaric Therapy & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy In The Treatment Of Neurological Disorders According To Dose Of Pressure And Hyperoxia, Paul G. Harch, George Mychaskiw, John H. Zhang, Dominic P. D'Agostino, Keith Van Meter, Enrico M. Camporesi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Axillo-Caval Extra-Anatomic Venous Bypass Creation Via Direct Percutaneous Puncture Of The Superior Vena Cava, Stephan S. Leung, Patrick Lee, Anthony N. Hage, Robert W. Ford

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Rectus Abdominis Repair Compared To Posterior Wall Mesh Reinforcement In Athletes With Sportsman's Hernia: A Systematic Review, Jonathan Mckeeman, Benjamin Johnson, Jessica C. Rivera

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Athletic pubalgia is a relatively uncommon injury that is not fully understood. There are few high-level studies comparing treatments of athletic pubalgia, and this investigation seeks to utilize original articles to compare two common techniques for treatment of athletic pubalgia. The purpose of this study is to compare two prominent procedures, i.e., rectus abdominus repair and posterior wall reinforcement, through a systematic review. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were identified and then applied to search strategies in PubMed and MEDLINE. Two reviewers screened articles based on the agreed-upon criteria in a primary screen of titles and abstracts and a secondary screen of full-text …

Clozapine Induced Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion With Peripheral Eosinophilia After Two Years: A Case Report And Literature Review, Emiliya Boriskina, Christopher J. Etterle

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

There has been a steady increase in reports of clozapine causing eosinophilic pleural effusions (EPEs). For an effusion to be classified as eosinophilic it must have greater than 10% eosinophils, and is commonly associated with peripheral eosinophilia. Numerous etiologies exist for EPEs, and symptoms include dry cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and acute to chronic sputum production. The effusions are usually exudative and unilateral. When considering medication-induced EPEs, an extensive work-up should be done as it is a diagnosis of exclusion. If suspected, then the Naranjo probability scale can be applied. Despite the growing list of implicated medications, …

Development And Validation Of Risk Stratification For Heart Failure After Acute Coronary Syndrome Based On Dynamic S100a8/A9 Levels, Jie Ma, Ke Ma, Jing Chen, Xinying Yang, Fei Gao, Hai Gao, Hui Zhang, Xin-Liang Ma, Jie Du, Ping Li, Yulin Li

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The early assessment of heart failure (HF) risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can help reduce mortality. S100A8/A9 is not only rapidly released after myocardial ischemia, but is also involved in reperfusion injury, which is an important predictor of HF after ACS. We attempted to construct a reliable HF risk stratification tool for evaluating patients with ACS after reperfusion therapy based on S100A8/A9 dynamic changes.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective study included 3 independent cohorts of patients with ACS who received reperfusion therapy. The discovery cohort was divided into 2 subgroups: the longitudinal subgroup (n=264) with serum …

Aortoduodenal Syndrome: A Rare Case Of Duodenal Obstruction Due To Endovascular Aneurysm Endoleak., Raksha Adhikari, Parth Patel, Christopher Tait

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Aortoduodenal syndrome results from expansion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, leading to symptoms of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Endovascular aneurysm repair of large or symptomatic aortic aneurysms has become an important treatment modality for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, a large proportion of these grafts are complicated by endoleaks that can lead to a spectrum of significant symptoms. We present a case of rapidly worsening gastrointestinal obstructive symptoms in a patient with an already repaired aortic stent graft and a solitary kidney, found to be due to a type III endoleak that improved after emergent repeat endovascular aneurysm repair.

Palovarotene In Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Review And Perspective, Vincent Verheij, Robert Diecidue, Esmée Botman, Joseph Harrington, Nobuhiko Haga, Alberto Hidalgo-Bravo, Patricia Delai, Vrisha Madhuri, Mona Al Mukaddam, Keqin Zhang, Tae-Joon Cho, Rolf Morhart, Richard Keen, Carmen De Cunto, Clive Friedman, Zvi Grunwald, Michael Zasloff, J. Coen Netelenbos, Edward Hsiao, Frederick Kaplan, Robert Pignolo, Christiaan Scott, Elisabeth Marelise Eekhoff

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Palovarotene is a retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist that was studied in phase-2 and phase-3 clinical trials for the inhibition of new heterotopic ossification (HO) in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Despite numerous setbacks and regulatory delays, palovarotene is now the first approved FOP treatment in the U.S.A., Canada and Australia but remains unapproved in Europe where concerns surrounding the drug and its path to regional market authorization persist.

AREAS COVERED: The developmental history of palovarotene and an overview of the clinical trials and the regulatory approval journey are discussed by global FOP experts.

EXPERT OPINION: While post hoc analyses …

Nrf2/Cyclooxygenase 2 Signaling In Cr(Vi)-Induced Carcinogenesis, Lei Zhao, Yi-Fang Wang, Andrea Adamcakova-Dodd, Peter Thorne, Ranakul Islam, Ke Jian Liu, Fei Chen, Jia Luo, Ling-Zhi Liu

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] has been linked to lung cancer, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a well-known inflammatory factor. However, the role and mechanism of COX-2 in Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis are not clear yet. To address this question, we employed a mouse model exposed to Cr(VI) through intranasal instillation of particulate zinc chromate (ZnCrO4) for 12 weeks. Metabolomics and RNA-seq assays revealed enhanced activity of the arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosanoid metabolism pathway in lung tissues from mice exposed to Cr(VI). COX-2, the key enzyme of the AA/eicosanoid pathway, was significantly upre- gulated in Cr(VI)-exposed lung tissues, as well as in the …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Changes In Occupational Exposures Among Healthcare Facility Workers, David Gimeno Ruiz De Porras, Jenil Patel, Sadie Conway, Lisa Pompeii, Laura E Mitchell, Arch Carson, Lawrence W Whitehead, Inkyu Han, Jan-Paul Zock, Paul K Henneberger, Riddhi Patel, Joy De Los Reyes, George L Delclos

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Adult-onset asthma, notably prevalent among healthcare professionals, especially nurses, is often attributed to occupational factors such as exposure to cleaning agents. Studies consistently underscore the substantial role of such exposure in work-related asthma among hospital staff. We aimed to (a) identify and characterize current practices in cleaning and aerosolized medication administration; (b) assess changes in practices since a similar 2003 study of Texas healthcare workers; and (c) identify factors contributing to diverse exposures within healthcare job categories. We conducted focus groups with 38 participants in 6 healthcare settings, analyzing current practices, changes since 2003, and factors contributing to exposure diversity. …

Characterizing Prodrome (Premonitory Phase) In Migraine: Results From The Prodrome Trial Screening Period, Todd Schwedt, Richard Lipton, Peter Goadsby, Chia-Chun Chiang, Brad Klein, Cory Hussar, Chengcheng Liu, Sung Yun Yu, Michelle Finnegan, Joel Trugman

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Limited data are available describing the frequency, severity, and consistency of prodromal symptoms followed by headache. This analysis of the PRODROME trial screening period characterized prodromal symptoms in people with migraine, including the most common symptoms and their severity, and the frequency and consistency with which prodromal symptoms were followed by headache.

METHODS: PRODROME was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial conducted in the United States that enrolled adults with 2-8 migraine attacks per month who stated they could identify prodromal symptoms that were reliably followed by a headache. The trial included a 60-day screening period …

Atypical Presentation Of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma With Metastasis To Breast Tissue, Tylar P. Seckman, Diane Krutzler-Berry, Mohamed Ashal, Waqas Mahmud, Krista L. Denning, Logan M. Lawrence

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Malignant neoplasms of the lung commonly metastasize to lymph nodes, bone, brain, and liver via hematogenous and lymphatic routes. Much less commonly, metastasis occurs in the breast. Secondary metastatic disease of the breast is very rare, with a reported incidence ranging from 0.4-1.3%­­—with primary lung cancer being one of the most anomalous sources. This case details non-small cell lung cancer metastasis to the breast with proven primary contralateral lung origination. This atypical finding prompts medical professionals to consider these malignant cells' immunologic, histologic, and pathologic makeup to understand further and treat the neoplasm.

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 …

Pulmonary Pathology In Culture-Negative Sepsis: A Potential Confounder For Sepsis Treatment And Research, Brett Biebelberg

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

No abstract provided.

Comparative Outcomes Of Endovascular Vs. Surgical Treatment In Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Basel Musmar, Joanna Roy, Atakan Orscelik, Sravanthi Koduri, Spyridon Karadimas, Saman Sizdahkhani, Elias Atallah, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Michael Gooch, Hekmat Zarzour, Ritam Ghosh, Richard Schmidt, Robert Rosenwasser, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistulas (CCJ-DAVFs) are rare and complex vascular malformations that are challenging to diagnose and treat. This study aims to compare surgical and endovascular treatments for CCJ-DAVFs through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to July 2024.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 266 patients were included. Of these, 143 (53.8 %) patients underwent surgical treatment alone and 123 (46.2 %) underwent endovascular treatment alone. In the surgical group, the complete obliteration rate at last …

Hiv Associated Epigenetic Trends And Chronic Diseases: Insights Into The Hidden Burden Of Chronic Infection, Courtney G. Wallace, Zachary Capriotti, Zachary Klase

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major health challenge despite dramatic advances in treatment and prevention. People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities, including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, oncologic, and neurocognitive disorders. These conditions persist under viral suppression, underscoring the lasting biological impact of infection. Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a key driver of these outcomes. HIV integration, viral proteins, chronic inflammation, and ART exposure have all been reported to alter DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factor networks, and noncoding RNA regulation. These changes extend beyond infected cells, reprogramming uninfected immune and tissue compartments. Long-lived …

Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Risk After Catheter Ablation In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pongprueth Rujirachun, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Svita Taveeamornrat, Patompong Ungprasert, Nithi Tokavanich, Krit Jongnarangsin

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) is well-established. However, data on the impact of RA on AF recurrence postcatheter ablation (CA) remain unclear. This current study aimed to assess the impact of RA on AF recurrence after catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation.

METHODS: Potentially eligible studies were identified from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to December 20, 2023. Eligible study must consist of two cohorts of patients with and without RA who underwent catheter ablation for AF. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using Dersimonian and Laird's random-effect, …

Rapid Neurological Decline Due To Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Nicole Tesoro, David Blackwood, Robert Reif, Samuel Miller, Kalyan Paudel, Christopher Haas

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is an exceedingly rare condition with an incidence of one case per million people worldwide. It is diagnosed with symptoms of rapid neurological decline, positive CSF biomarkers, and diagnostic findings on MRI and EEG. There is no known effective therapy for CJD and prompt diagnosis is required to prepare for the expected disease prognosis and goals of care discussions.

Exploring Microrna Pathways And Metformin's Anti-Inflammatory Potential In Osteoarthritis, Quang D La, Benjamin Tangkamolsuk, David F Lo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

No abstract provided.

Is There An Association Between Living In A Rural Area And The Incidence Of Postoperative Complications Or Hospital Readmissions Following Left Ventricular Assist Device (Lvad) Implantation, Compared To Urban Lvad Recipients? A Systematic Review., Samrat Gollapudi, Abhiram Gollapudi, Sri Banala, Sheraj Singh, Kiran Tadi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are utilized as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. While LVAD implantation can enhance survival rates and quality of life, the procedure has its risks, and postoperative complications are common. This review aims to investigate whether there is an association between living in a rural area and the incidence of postoperative complications or hospital readmissions following LVAD implantation, compared to urban LVAD recipients.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review examined studies that compared postoperative outcomes between rural and urban LVAD recipients. Data on adverse events, hospitalizations, and mortality rates were extracted, focusing …

Research Priotitization In Hernia Surgery: A Modified Delphi Achqc And Vhoc Expert Consensus, Rachel Wright, Daphne Remulla, Mazen R. Al-Mansour, Christopher Schneider, Sharon Phillips, William W. Hope

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Ventral Hernia Repair Preoperative Risk Assessment Review, Sophia Ahmed, J Griepentrog, M Phillips, K Blake

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Severe Synodic Stenosis In A Patient With Granalomatosis With Polyangitis Requiring Tracheostomy, Yousuf Sherwani, Mohan Sengodan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterized by vasculitis of small and medium sized blood vessels and granulomatous lesions of the upper respiratory tract. A rare condition associated with GPA, subglottic stenosis, presents in about 20% of cases on inpatient GPA. Symptoms such as stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea and dysphagia are hall marks of subglottic stenosis. Here we present the case of a male patient with life threatening subglottic stenosis that required tracheostomy.

Facial Hair And Infection: A Beardly Question With A Bald Spot In The Literature, Kyle O'Connor, Samuel Stegelmann, Hans Drawbert, Edwin Dudoussat, John T. Riehl

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Upholding a sterile environment in orthopedic surgery is vital to minimize surgical site infections (SSIs). Among personal protective equipment, beard covers for surgical staff with facial hair have been recommended as a measure to prevent contamination. However, their effectiveness in reducing SSIs remains uncertain, especially in orthopedic procedures that often involve high-risk implants and extended exposure of surgical fields. This systematic review assesses the current evidence on the role of beard covers in infection prevention during surgery. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched for studies investigating facial hair, beard covers, and infection risk. Eligible studies included comparative studies, …

Assessing And Improving Resident Understanding Of Inpatient Sepsis, Hamza Naveed, E'Joven Reed, Mike Wong

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Navigating The Complexity Of Ards And Cardiogenic Shock With Veno-Arterial Ecmo: A Case Report, Sanjana Kesireddy, Mohan Sengodan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

INTRODUCTION: When deciding between VA ECMO (veno-arterial ECMO) and VV ECMO (veno-venous ECMO), the primary consideration is the underlying pathology affecting the patient’s heart and lungs. VA ECMO provides support for both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, making it suitable for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock or combined cardiac and respiratory failure. In contrast, VV ECMO is used exclusively for respiratory failure, offering support to patients with severe lung dysfunction but intact cardiac function. CASE PRESENTATION: 41 year old male with no known past medical history presented s/p cardiac arrest secondary to aspiration pneumonia due to alcohol and opioid intoxication. Chest …

A Rare Case Of Cutaneous Vulvar Leiomyoma Complicated By Postoperative Hematoma Formation, Ariel Moskowitz, Kimberly Udell

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Leiomyomas are benign, well-circumscribed, monoclonal smooth muscle tumors. While leiomyoma of the uterus are exceedingly common, soft tissue leiomyomas are rare and often misdiagnosed. While excisional therapy is the mainstay of treatment, wide vulvar excisions can cause significant discomfort and disfigurement of the vulva. Here we present a unique case of a vulvar hematoma excision complicated by hematoma formation. A 39-year-old female presented to the ambulatory gynecology clinic with a 4-month history of an enlarging vulvar mass. On exam, a 4-cm mass was seen arising from the right upper labium. Office biopsy showed a well-circumscribed spindle cell lesion without nuclear …

Pathogenesis And Pathophysiology Of Celiac Disease, Kendall N. Reece

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Celiac Disease is an allergic response to foods that contain the protein gluten. Celiac Disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which specifically deteriorates the villi of the jejunal segment of the small intestine. Specific topics analyzed within this thesis include some physical attributes of Celiac Disease such as weight loss, diarrhea, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. The basis of classification is discussed and the negative effects Celiac Disease has on the body, such as malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and damage to the villi. Diagnostics such as biopsy and blood tests, treatments both experimental and adhering to a gluten-free diet are discussed. Origination …

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome In A Case Of Septal Occlusion Device Migration, Bike Ozkan, Richard Shalmiyev, Adam Devine, Michael Pelekhach, Siddarth Kathuria, Daniel Heller, Mauricio Danckers

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is defined by dyspnea and hypoxemia in the upright position, which improves upon recumbency. While often linked with hepatopulmonary syndrome, intracardiac etiologies, particularly a patent foramen ovale (PFO), may also be responsible. PFOs are typically managed with device closure, and while rare, device migration can occur unbeknownst to the patient with resultant critical sequelae.

Methods

Here, we present the case of an 89-year-old female with a medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease status post PCI, who arrived with severe dyspnea and was subsequently intubated for profound hypoxia. A chest CT angiogram ruled out …