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2025

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Articles 541 - 570 of 2146

Full-Text Articles in Diseases

Efficacy Of Infliximab Versus Vedolizumab In The Management Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Colitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Shreya Shambhavi, Harmanjeet Singh, Ganesh Ramaprasad, Murod Khikmatov, Varun Vankeshwaram, Kumar Ashish, Carlos Valladares, Tanushree Bhatt, Seth D Cohen Aug 2025

Efficacy Of Infliximab Versus Vedolizumab In The Management Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Colitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Shreya Shambhavi, Harmanjeet Singh, Ganesh Ramaprasad, Murod Khikmatov, Varun Vankeshwaram, Kumar Ashish, Carlos Valladares, Tanushree Bhatt, Seth D Cohen

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause severe gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events (irAEs), often leading to treatment interruption and increased morbidity. Immune-mediated colitis (IMC) ranges from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis, sometimes requiring urgent intervention. While corticosteroids are the first-line treatment, selective immunosuppressive therapy (SIT) with either infliximab or vedolizumab is used for steroid-refractory or dependent cases. However, standardized practices are lacking, and treatment decisions are largely left to provider discretion. This study compares infliximab and vedolizumab for IMC, focusing on remission rates, recurrence, SIT dosing, and systemic steroid exposure duration.

METHODS: We identified six retrospective cohort studies that compared …


Beyond Keeping The Lights On: Covid-19’S Impact On Lower Mississippi River Valley Museums And Public History Sites, Liz Skilton, Ian Beamish Aug 2025

Beyond Keeping The Lights On: Covid-19’S Impact On Lower Mississippi River Valley Museums And Public History Sites, Liz Skilton, Ian Beamish

Department of History

This article reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public history sites and museums along the Lower Mississippi River Valley between 2020 and 2024. Constructed from interviews with sixty-seven sites across a four-year period, it uses a regional approach to examine how pandemic closures, reopening processes, and adaptations impacted public history sites and museums in the short-, medium-, and long-term, arguing that the pandemic created lasting changes through adaptation rather than large-scale closure of public history institutions. It concludes with an assessment of what can be learned from the pandemic period’s effect on public history.


Delusional Parasitosis With Depression, Hypertension And Migraine, Mouli Mandal, M Kishor, Mr Murali Aug 2025

Delusional Parasitosis With Depression, Hypertension And Migraine, Mouli Mandal, M Kishor, Mr Murali

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Delusional Parasitosis (DP) , also known as Ekbom Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterised by the unshakeable belief of infestation by parasites, insects or other organisms, despite the absence of objective medical evidence.
This case report presents a 49 year old female with a history of chronic headaches, progressively worsening insect crawling sensations. She was initiated on treatment and supportive psychotherapy.
This case highlights the importance of a thorough multidisciplinary approach in managing Delusional Parasitosis, emphasising the need to differentiate between primary and secondary forms, address the potential medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and implement appropriate pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.


Genotype Distribution Of Human Papillomavirus Among Women With Cervical Cancer Stratified By Hiv Status In Tanzania, Alita Mrema, Mamsau Ngoma, Emmanuel L. Lugina, Atukuzwe Kahakwa, Chacha Josiah Mwita, Salama Iddy, Eulade Rugengamizi, Kandali Samwel, John Ngowi, Salum J. Lidenge, Charles Wood, Julius Mwaiselage Aug 2025

Genotype Distribution Of Human Papillomavirus Among Women With Cervical Cancer Stratified By Hiv Status In Tanzania, Alita Mrema, Mamsau Ngoma, Emmanuel L. Lugina, Atukuzwe Kahakwa, Chacha Josiah Mwita, Salama Iddy, Eulade Rugengamizi, Kandali Samwel, John Ngowi, Salum J. Lidenge, Charles Wood, Julius Mwaiselage

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background Cervical cancer (CC) is the leading cancer among women in Tanzania, especially among those between the ages of 15 and 44. The prevalence of high-risk Human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-16/18 women in the general population at any given time is 3.3%. HR-HPVs 16 or 18 are the primary cause of CC. The distribution of HPV genotypes among women with CC according to HIV status is unknown in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the HPV genotype distribution according to HIV status among women with CC in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study was done at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania …


Gastric Sarcina Ventriculi: A Report On Two Cases, Yaomin Chen, Yu Liu, Zhiyan Fu Aug 2025

Gastric Sarcina Ventriculi: A Report On Two Cases, Yaomin Chen, Yu Liu, Zhiyan Fu

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

: Sarcina ventriculi is a rare Gram-positive coccus that thrives in acidic environments such as the human stomach. It has been increasingly identified in individuals with delayed gastric emptying and has been reported in association with various gastric disorders. However, its exact pathogenic role is not fully understood and remains controversial. : We present two cases of patients, one with a small bowel obstruction and the other with epigastric pain, both diagnosed with Sarcina ventriculi infection by histological examination of gastric biopsies. The patients were managed with a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor, resulting in symptom resolution …


Regulation Of Icer Degradation And Its Role In Melanoma, Justin Wheelan Aug 2025

Regulation Of Icer Degradation And Its Role In Melanoma, Justin Wheelan

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with 100,640 new cases and 8,290 deaths estimated in the United States in 2024. While targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved patient outcomes, resistance remains a major challenge, necessitating new therapeutic approaches. Approximately 50% of melanomas harbor BRAFⱽ⁶⁰⁰ᴱ mutations, leading to constitutive MAPK pathway activation. Targeted small molecule therapies such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors are available and initially reduce tumor burden, however resistance frequently occurs, likely through many pathways including compensatory activation of cAMP signaling. ICER (Inducible cAMP Early Repressor), a transcriptional repressor of CREB-mediated gene expression, is absent in melanoma …


Effects Of Flavonoids On Reducing Colon Cancer Risk Via Macrophage Polarization, Gracien Jules Aug 2025

Effects Of Flavonoids On Reducing Colon Cancer Risk Via Macrophage Polarization, Gracien Jules

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the United States. Chronic tissue inflammation can cause cell proliferation, which leads to tumor formation and cancer development. Macrophages are responsible for maintaining tissue homeostasis and for inflammatory responses. M1 macrophages exhibit proinflammatory responses while M2 macrophages exhibit anti-inflammatory responses. Imbalance between M1 and M2 macrophages is closely related to inflammation-associated disease development. The anti-inflammatory effects of apiaceous vegetable constituents, specifically flavonoids, have been studied for their preventative effects towards reducing disease risk. However, sufficient evidence is lacking on the mechanisms by which flavonoids impact M1/M2 macrophage polarization. RAW 264.7 …


Do Finances Determine Our Fate?: Understanding The Relationships Between Socioeconomic Status, Inflammation, And Cancer Recurrence Risk, Faith Wilbourne Aug 2025

Do Finances Determine Our Fate?: Understanding The Relationships Between Socioeconomic Status, Inflammation, And Cancer Recurrence Risk, Faith Wilbourne

Master's Theses

Individuals of a low socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to experience a cancer recurrence relative to individuals with a higher SES. This may be partially explained by the stressors of living with a low SES. These stressors can increase inflammatory markers known to elevate the risk of cancer development. Health-promoting behaviors such as exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet can reduce systemic inflammation. Health behaviors may therefore moderate any potential relationship between SES and cancer recurrence risk. This study explored associations between SES (income, educational attainment) and inflammatory markers related to cancer recurrence while seeking to determine if …


Host-Virus Interaction Dynamics Using Sulfolobus Spindle-Shaped Virus And Host Sulfolobales System, Yeasin Ahmed Aug 2025

Host-Virus Interaction Dynamics Using Sulfolobus Spindle-Shaped Virus And Host Sulfolobales System, Yeasin Ahmed

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Sulfolobus Spindle-shaped virus (SSV) is among the most studied archaeal viruses, particularly in extreme environments. This virus predominantly infects multiple Crenarchaea from the Sulfolobaceae family. These hosts thrive in extreme environmental conditions, such as sulfuric hot springs, with a pH of 2 to 4 and a temperature of 76-80˚C. Sulfolobales exhibit a wide geographical distribution across volcanic hot springs. The Sulfolobus Spindle-shaped Virus (SSV), encompassing strains such as SSV1 and SSV8, employs a non-lytic replication strategy in hosts belonging to the order Sulfolobales. The SSV-Sulfolobales system can be cultured in liquid and gellan gum solid media. A comprehensive study …


Vascular Risk Factors And 1-Year Cognitive Change Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Andrea L. C. Schneider, Katherine Hunzinger, Benjamin L. Brett, Danielle K Sandsmark, Sonia Jain, Xiaoying Sun, Raquel C. Gardner, Geoffrey T. Manley, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Lindsay D. Nelson, Patrick Belton, Shawn Eagle, Shankar Gopinath, Ramesh Grandhi, C. Dirk Keene, Vijay Krishnamoorthy, Christine Mac Donald, Michael Mccrea, Randall Merchant, Pratik Mukherjee, Laura B. Ngwenya, David Okonkwo, Claudia Robertson, David Schnyer, Sabrina R. Taylor, John K. Yue, Ross Zafonte Aug 2025

Vascular Risk Factors And 1-Year Cognitive Change Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Andrea L. C. Schneider, Katherine Hunzinger, Benjamin L. Brett, Danielle K Sandsmark, Sonia Jain, Xiaoying Sun, Raquel C. Gardner, Geoffrey T. Manley, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Lindsay D. Nelson, Patrick Belton, Shawn Eagle, Shankar Gopinath, Ramesh Grandhi, C. Dirk Keene, Vijay Krishnamoorthy, Christine Mac Donald, Michael Mccrea, Randall Merchant, Pratik Mukherjee, Laura B. Ngwenya, David Okonkwo, Claudia Robertson, David Schnyer, Sabrina R. Taylor, John K. Yue, Ross Zafonte

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and vascular risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment, but it is unknown if individuals with vascular risk factors experience worse cognitive outcomes after TBI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive function among patients with TBI with vs without comorbid preinjury vascular risk factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study examined individuals with TBI enrolled in the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) Study between February 26, 2014, and August 8, 2018, with a 1-year follow-up. Analyses were conducted February 26, 2024, to May 29, 2025.

EXPOSURES: Vascular risk factors (ie, hypertension, diabetes, …


Integrating Bulk And Single-Cell Transcriptomics To Investigate Intratumor Heterogeneity, Shuai Guo Aug 2025

Integrating Bulk And Single-Cell Transcriptomics To Investigate Intratumor Heterogeneity, Shuai Guo

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cancers are heterogeneous mixtures of tumor and surrounding cells, where each component comprises multiple distinct sub-types and/or states. Understanding the cell-type-specific contributions is critical for advancing cancer biology, yet high-throughput expression profiles from tumor tissues only represent combined signals from all diverse cellular sources. Bulk deconvolution with single-cell/nucleus (sc/sn) RNA-seq data has emerged as a powerful approach to dissect both cellular composition and cell-type-specific expression patterns, yet the technological discrepancy across sequencing platforms limits accuracy.

To systematically evaluate the impact of platform discrepancies on bulk deconvolution, we first generated a benchmark dataset of 24 healthy retinas with paired bulk and …


Chronic Cluster Headache Is A Rare Disease: Implications For Diagnosis, Treatment And Public Health, Hsiangkuo Yuan, Jan Hoffmann, Elena Ruiz De La Torre, Michael J. Marmura, Mario F. P. Peres Aug 2025

Chronic Cluster Headache Is A Rare Disease: Implications For Diagnosis, Treatment And Public Health, Hsiangkuo Yuan, Jan Hoffmann, Elena Ruiz De La Torre, Michael J. Marmura, Mario F. P. Peres

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

Cluster headache (CH) is a rare and painful primary headache disorder characterized by severe unilateral pain and cranial autonomic symptoms. This perspective examines the epidemiological evidence supporting the classification of chronic cluster headache (CCH) as a rare disease, noting a prevalence of CH of approximately 124 per 100,000 individuals, with only 3.5-13.7% manifesting CCH. This prevalence meets criteria established by both the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for rare disease designation. The rarity of CCH creates substantial clinical and research challenges, including prolonged diagnostic delays, limited research funding and a dearth of approved treatments. The economic …


Detection Of Activity Cliffs Produced By Anti-Cancer Drugs And An Algorithm For Reliable Predictions In Affected Areas, Sarah Josephine Aurit Aug 2025

Detection Of Activity Cliffs Produced By Anti-Cancer Drugs And An Algorithm For Reliable Predictions In Affected Areas, Sarah Josephine Aurit

Department of Statistics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

An activity cliff (AC) occurs when drugs close in chemical space produce dissimilar biological results. We focus on developing an inferential procedure to detect the presence of ACs in a chemical landscape. If detected, we provide a distance-based procedure that can be used to identify regions of stability in the chemical landscape of interest and generate prediction with higher precision in those areas of stability. We conceptualize the chemical landscape as a spatial random field and use spatial models for prediction of efficacy for new drugs based on “distance” in chemical space. We argue that an AC manifests itself by …


Applications Of Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging In The Treatment Of Traumatic Brain Injury And Understanding Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis, Evan Timothy Curtis Aug 2025

Applications Of Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging In The Treatment Of Traumatic Brain Injury And Understanding Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis, Evan Timothy Curtis

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide the opportunity to investigate research questions that have been left unanswered. In the cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and carotid artery atherosclerosis, MRI is a resource for non-invasively viewing the phenomena taking place. Additionally, potential interventions and treatments can be observed without harm to the subject. This dissertation expands the understanding of two preclinical applications of MRI: traumatic brain injury and carotid artery atherosclerosis in mouse models.

TBI is a leading cause of death and disability for individuals between 15–45 years of age and effective pharmaceutical interventions for treating the secondary damage …


Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury: Treatment Experiences And Effects On Cognition And Functioning, Rachael L. Snyder Aug 2025

Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury: Treatment Experiences And Effects On Cognition And Functioning, Rachael L. Snyder

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can contribute to changes in cognitive and emotional functioning, quality of life, and psychosocial reintegration. Chronic pain is a common consequence of TBI which can uniquely impact such outcomes. Still, the exact nature of the contribution of pain on post-TBI outcomes remains unclear, and there are few existing studies exploring the treatment journey for chronic pain and injury rehabilitation through qualitative methods, specifically individual interviews with TBI survivors. This study aimed to document these narratives and to identify precisely how the experiences of TBI survivors seeking treatments, rather than the treatments themselves, impact outcomes. It also …


Egg White Hydrolysate In Hypertension: A Mechanistic Investigation Of Gut Microbiota Dependent And Independent Pathways, Emerson David Nolasco Aug 2025

Egg White Hydrolysate In Hypertension: A Mechanistic Investigation Of Gut Microbiota Dependent And Independent Pathways, Emerson David Nolasco

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide in which hypertension is a risk factor. Present pharmacological interventions require long-term adherence to the therapy and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Moreover, treatments have overlooked the role of the microbiome in the development of hypertension. Egg white hydrolysate (EWH) has exhibited antihypertensive properties with potential to be used as a natural alternative for the prevention and management of hypertension. However, EWH peptide’s effect on the gut microbiome remains yet to be elucidated. Studies have described that a portion of the ingested protein can remain undigested as …


Cholesterol Crystal Embolization Induced Kidney Disease, Shohan Pervaze, Shreya Mohandas, Pushkas Gopalan, Stephen A. Morse, Siddhartha Bajracharya, Landon A. Krone, Farshid Yazdi Aug 2025

Cholesterol Crystal Embolization Induced Kidney Disease, Shohan Pervaze, Shreya Mohandas, Pushkas Gopalan, Stephen A. Morse, Siddhartha Bajracharya, Landon A. Krone, Farshid Yazdi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) results from the release of cholesterol crystals from ruptured atherosclerotic plaques into circulation, resulting in the occlusion of small arteries and arterioles in various organs. Ischemia triggers a systemic inflammatory response resulting in vascular obstruction and organ dysfunction. Kidneys are often involved because of the proximity to the aorta and CCE in the kidneys can result in acute, sub-acute, or chronic kidney disease. There are many known risk factors for renal involvement of CCE, including iatrogenic and spontaneous causes. The pathophysiology of CCE includes complex pathways that lead to acute and chronic effects that can have …


Il-17a Immune Signature Across Stratified Stages Of Type 2 Diabetes​, Brittney C. White, Antonio Hernandes Chaves-Neto, Peter Elvin, Javier La Fontaine, Eric L. Brown, Walid Fakhouri, Craig Hanis, Claudia Biguetti Aug 2025

Il-17a Immune Signature Across Stratified Stages Of Type 2 Diabetes​, Brittney C. White, Antonio Hernandes Chaves-Neto, Peter Elvin, Javier La Fontaine, Eric L. Brown, Walid Fakhouri, Craig Hanis, Claudia Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: This study investigated whether IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with Th17 cell activity, reflects distinct stages of type 2 diabetes progression.

Methods: Forty-two obese individuals (average age: 60.4 ± 10.3 years; 55% male; BMI: 31.3 ± 4.9) from Starr County, Texas, were matched for gender and BMI and stratified into five metabolic groups based on fasting blood glucose, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c levels. Groups included diabetes-free, isolated impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose impairment, diabetes without complications, and diabetes with lower extremity complications. IL-17A protein levels were quantified from buffy coat samples using ELISA. After excluding …


The Influence Of Ultra-Wide Field Fluorescein Angiography On The Diagnosis And Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Nicole K Scripsema, Tala Al-Khaled, Amy Song, Joelle A Hallak, Rawan Allozi, Aziz A Khanifar, Thanos D Papakostas, Christina Y Weng, Ronald C Gentile, J Peter Campbell, Jessica G Lee, Gennady Landa, Felix Y Chau, William F Mieler, Meenakashi Gupta, Amani A Fawzi, Judy E Kim, Jennifer I Lim, Robison Vernon Paul Chan Aug 2025

The Influence Of Ultra-Wide Field Fluorescein Angiography On The Diagnosis And Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Nicole K Scripsema, Tala Al-Khaled, Amy Song, Joelle A Hallak, Rawan Allozi, Aziz A Khanifar, Thanos D Papakostas, Christina Y Weng, Ronald C Gentile, J Peter Campbell, Jessica G Lee, Gennady Landa, Felix Y Chau, William F Mieler, Meenakashi Gupta, Amani A Fawzi, Judy E Kim, Jennifer I Lim, Robison Vernon Paul Chan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: To study the influence of ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) on the diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods: Ten experts in DR completed an online survey in which they were asked to diagnose and manage DR cases using different imaging modalities. Experts independently reviewed 20 cases of DR and provided a diagnosis and management plan for each case, first based on ultra-widefield color-free and red-free images alone and again with the corresponding ultra-widefield FA images. Experts were polled on their diagnostic confidence, use of FA in clinical practice, and opinions on the value of ultra-widefield FA. Based on …


Contribution Of Pannexin Channels To Afterimage Signals In The Amphibian Retina, Yufei Liu, Nick Libian, Zheng Jiang, Wen Shen Aug 2025

Contribution Of Pannexin Channels To Afterimage Signals In The Amphibian Retina, Yufei Liu, Nick Libian, Zheng Jiang, Wen Shen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms large-pore, single-membrane channels that connect the intracellular and extracellular environments, permitting the passage of ions and small molecules such as ATP. Panx1 channels are involved in diverse signaling pathways that contribute to various physiological processes, including sensory processing, although their precise mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. This study reveals a Panx1-mediated mechanism regulating visual signal processing in the amphibian retina. Using immunolabeling and confocal imaging, we localized Panx1 channels in the cone-dominated On-bipolar cells, specifically at both somas and axon terminals. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that these channels have high permeability to Cl⁻ ions, which …


Metabolic Regulation Of Cardiac Fibroblast Phenotype And Function., Collin Kleis Wells Aug 2025

Metabolic Regulation Of Cardiac Fibroblast Phenotype And Function., Collin Kleis Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiac fibroblasts are central effectors of cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). In response to signaling cues, they differentiate to a range of phenotypes with robust capacities to synthesize and secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) and signaling molecules. Although activated fibroblast phenotypes are associated with pronounced changes in metabolism, it remains unclear how the metabolic network upholds the effector functions of fibroblasts in the post-infarcted heart. Here, we identified that critical enzymes in the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) cycle, i.e. pyruvate kinase muscle-2 (PKM2) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-2 (PCK2), are elevated in the heart after MI and examined their role in regulating post-MI remodeling …


Intestinal Stromal Cells Play A Critical Role In Protection Mediated By Male Microbiota-Derived Metabolites And Androgens Against Disease In Lupus-Prone Mice., Jing Ma Aug 2025

Intestinal Stromal Cells Play A Critical Role In Protection Mediated By Male Microbiota-Derived Metabolites And Androgens Against Disease In Lupus-Prone Mice., Jing Ma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease involving broad immune dysregulation. Despite decades of research, most lupus treatments still have limited effectiveness and can cause serious side effects. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to lupus susceptibility, and a better understanding of how environmental factors influence disease could guide future therapeutic strategies. SLE shows a strong female predominance. Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiota and sex hormones as key environmental contributors to some autoimmune diseases, including lupus. The gut microbiota can influence host immune function, and interestingly, recent studies have revealed sex-bias in microbiota composition and function. Moreover, …


Identifying And Breaking Barriers: Addressing Disparities In The Care Of Patients With Gynecologic Cancers, Bhavana Pothuri, Michele Muir, Jean Hurteau, John Farley, Michelle D. Lightfoot, Summer Dewdney, Tara Castellano, John K. Chan, Sharad Ghamande, Al Asante-Facey, Marina Stasenko, B J. Rimel, Electra D. Paskett Aug 2025

Identifying And Breaking Barriers: Addressing Disparities In The Care Of Patients With Gynecologic Cancers, Bhavana Pothuri, Michele Muir, Jean Hurteau, John Farley, Michelle D. Lightfoot, Summer Dewdney, Tara Castellano, John K. Chan, Sharad Ghamande, Al Asante-Facey, Marina Stasenko, B J. Rimel, Electra D. Paskett

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Significant disparities exist in the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies. Higher incidences of gynecologic malignancies among underrepresented subpopulations (eg, racial, ethnic, and/or LGBTQAI+) and lack of representative enrollment within clinical trials have highlighted the need to improve healthcare equity. We aimed to identify barriers to equitable health care and clinical trial participation for specific diverse populations of patients with gynecologic malignancies and to identify potential solutions for overcoming these barriers. METHODS: A series of 4 live and 3 asynchronous advisory boards facilitated by GSK was conducted between January 2023 and July 2024; live advisory boards were population specific. …


Microbial Metabolite Regulation Of Microglial Ahr Signaling In Alzheimer’S Disease, Ghalya E. Alrousan Aug 2025

Microbial Metabolite Regulation Of Microglial Ahr Signaling In Alzheimer’S Disease, Ghalya E. Alrousan

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline. Recent evidence suggests that systemic factors, particularly the gut microbiota and its metabolites, play a significant role in shaping brain immune responses, including microglial activation. However, the mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to microglial dysfunction in AD are poorly understood. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor responsive to tryptophan metabolites, has recently gained attention as a key regulator of neuroinflammation and microglial function. I hypothesize that the loss of beneficial microbial AHR ligands, specifically indole derivatives, during aging and AD …


Identifying Critical Evidence Gaps In Wound Closure And Incision Management After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Delphi Panel Insights, Margaret Ainslie-Garcia, Lucas Anderson, Benjamin Bloch, Tim N Board, Antonia Chen, Samantha Craigie, Walter Danker, Najmuddin Gunja, James Harty, Victor Hernandez, Kate Lebedeva, Mitchell Ng, Daniel Hameed, Michael Mont, Ryan Nunley, Javad Parvizi, Sean Sequeira, Carsten Perka, Nicolas Piuzzi, Ola Rolfson, Joshua Rychlik, Emilio Romanini, Pablo Sanz-Ruiz, Rafael Sierra, Linda Suleiman, Eleftherios Tsiridis, Pascal-André Vendittoli, Helge Wangen, Luigi Zagra Aug 2025

Identifying Critical Evidence Gaps In Wound Closure And Incision Management After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Delphi Panel Insights, Margaret Ainslie-Garcia, Lucas Anderson, Benjamin Bloch, Tim N Board, Antonia Chen, Samantha Craigie, Walter Danker, Najmuddin Gunja, James Harty, Victor Hernandez, Kate Lebedeva, Mitchell Ng, Daniel Hameed, Michael Mont, Ryan Nunley, Javad Parvizi, Sean Sequeira, Carsten Perka, Nicolas Piuzzi, Ola Rolfson, Joshua Rychlik, Emilio Romanini, Pablo Sanz-Ruiz, Rafael Sierra, Linda Suleiman, Eleftherios Tsiridis, Pascal-André Vendittoli, Helge Wangen, Luigi Zagra

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: In total hip arthroplasty (THA), proper management of surgical incisions is essential for optimal wound healing and patient outcomes. Despite advances in surgical techniques, significant challenges remain in preventing complications and infections. This study aimed to identify evidence gaps in THA wound care, including presurgical preparation, intraoperative practices, and postsurgical complications.

METHODS: Using a modified Delphi method, 20 expert orthopedic surgeons from Europe and North America participated in a 3-phase consensus process from April 1 to September 30, 2023. This included a preliminary questionnaire, a remote conference, and a final online survey. The panel reviewed literature and achieved agreement …


Evaluating Covid-19, Influenza, And Rsv Vaccine Effectiveness, Iromi N. Jayawardena Aug 2025

Evaluating Covid-19, Influenza, And Rsv Vaccine Effectiveness, Iromi N. Jayawardena

All Dissertations

Respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, pose significant public health challenges, especially during the respiratory virus season. Vaccination remains the primary intervention to mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary between seasons and populations, necessitating continuous evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, 2024-2025 seasonal influenza vaccine, and single-dose RSV vaccine over two seasons.

Utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) from the Prisma Health healthcare system, this dissertation emulated target trials to assess the vaccine effectiveness of each vaccine. Risk set propensity matching was used to …


Orchestrated Architecture Dismantling: Borrelia Burgdorferi’S Coordinated Destruction Of Adaptive Immune Responses, Craig A. Land Aug 2025

Orchestrated Architecture Dismantling: Borrelia Burgdorferi’S Coordinated Destruction Of Adaptive Immune Responses, Craig A. Land

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Borrelia burgdorferi represents the most prevalent vector-borne bacteria in North America, affecting ~476,000 Americans annually yet persisting despite robust immune responses. This project reveals spirochetes target adaptive immunity through coordinated lymphatic colonization and precision immune dysregulation.

Using comparative host models (C57BL/6 vs. reservoir Peromyscus leucopus), we demonstrate lymph node colonization within 48-hours, with spirochetes exploiting LYVE-1-positive lymphatic structures as dissemination highways while avoiding the interior of follicular regions. Critically, we identify targeted CD4+ T-cell elimination in germinal center border zones at 21-DPI, precisely when these cells should be coordinating protective immunity. Concurrent upregulation of inhibitory receptor CD32b creates molecular …


The Impact Of Estrogen Loss On Caveolin Expression And Cardiac Myocyte Remodeling In Ovariectomized Mice Following Chronic Sympathetic Stimulation, Juliana Barnie Aug 2025

The Impact Of Estrogen Loss On Caveolin Expression And Cardiac Myocyte Remodeling In Ovariectomized Mice Following Chronic Sympathetic Stimulation, Juliana Barnie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) remains the top cause of death globally, with postmenopausal women at higher risk due to estrogen decline. Beta-Adrenergic (β-AR) signaling is a major regulator of heart function. Caveolins, structural proteins of caveolae, coordinate cell signaling activities in the heart by co-localizing with estrogen receptors and β-AR and contribute to maintaining healthy cardiac function. The caveolin scaffolding domain (CSD), a binding component of caveolin, has shown therapeutic potential in animal models of heart disease. However, most studies on CSD have been completed in male mice. This thesis evaluates the therapeutic potential of CSD in female mouse models and …


Genome-Wide Approaches To Bacterial Strain Typing: A History And Review Of Recent Methodological Advances, William C Shropshire, Blake M Hanson, Samuel A Shelburne Aug 2025

Genome-Wide Approaches To Bacterial Strain Typing: A History And Review Of Recent Methodological Advances, William C Shropshire, Blake M Hanson, Samuel A Shelburne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose of review: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has transformed bacterial strain typing, an essential tool for outbreak detection, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and tracking clonal emergence across clinical, research, and public health settings. Herein, we will review recent advances in WGS-based bacterial strain typing methods for purposes of comparison and classification with a focus on improvements in variant identification, strain classification, and transmission assessment.

Recent findings: Advances in sequencing technologies as well as variant calling methodologies and parameter optimization have enhanced the precision and accuracy of single nucleotide variant identification. Hierarchical clustering of gene-by-gene strain typing, combined with novel data management …


Rates Of Appropriate Initiation Of Low Dose Aspirin Prophylaxis As Indicated By The Gestosis Score In Early Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study, Mundlapati Usha, Nathasha Hk, Akkamma A. Satyaraddi, Geetanjali M. Katageri Aug 2025

Rates Of Appropriate Initiation Of Low Dose Aspirin Prophylaxis As Indicated By The Gestosis Score In Early Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study, Mundlapati Usha, Nathasha Hk, Akkamma A. Satyaraddi, Geetanjali M. Katageri

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Pre-clampsia is a multisystem disorder in pregnancy. Initiating Low Dose Aspirin (LDA) in early pregnancy is recommended to prevent development of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. Gestosis score is a simple screening tool for predicting women at risk for developing pre-eclampsia. It can be done by any health care provider even in the periphery. This study highlights the degree of awareness amongst obstetric healthcare providers in prediction and prevention of pre-eclampsia and the rates of appropriate initiation of Aspirin.

Methodology: 134 pregnant women were included in the study. The parameters for calculating the GESTOSIS score were retrieved from …