Diseases Commons^™

Improving Data For Decision-Making: A Toolkit For Cervical Cancer Prevention And Control Programmes, Elkanah Omenge, Edwin Were, Oliver Rode, Kapten Muthoka, Michael Byczkowski, Heike Sartor, Davy Vanden Broeck, Dietmar Schmidt, Miriam Reuschenbach, Magnus Von Knebel Doeberitz

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Screening of unvaccinated women remains essential to mitigate the high morbidity/mortality of cervical cancer. Here, we compared visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), recommended by WHO as the most cost-effective screening approach in LMICs, with HPV-based screening, and usage of p16INK4a/Ki-67 dual stain cytology.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled women participating in a VIA-based cervical cancer screening program in two peri-urban health centers of Kenya. Consenting women had a VIA examination preceded by collection of a liquid-based cytology sample from the cervix stored in PreservCyt medium (Hologic®). Analysis of all samples included a hrHPV DNA test and evaluation of a …

Effect Of Bout Length On Gait Measures In People With And Without Parkinson’S Disease During Daily Life, Vrutangkumar Shah, James Mcnames, Graham Harker, Martina Mancini, Patricia Carlson-Kuhta, John G. Nutt, Mahmoud El-Gohary, Carolin Curtze, Fay Horak

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Although the use of wearable technology to characterize gait disorders in daily life is increasing, there is no consensus on which specific gait bout length should be used to characterize gait. Clinical trialists using daily life gait quality as study outcomes need to understand how gait bout length affects the sensitivity and specificity of measures to discriminate pathological gait as well as the reliability of gait measures across gait bout lengths. We investigated whether Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects how gait characteristics change as bout length changes, and how gait bout length affects the reliability and discriminative ability of gait measures …

Reorganising For Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review Of Structural Modifications By The Department Of Internal Medicine In Low To Middle-Income Countries, Shakeel Ur Rehman, Muhammad Arslan Ahmed, Ghufran Adnan, Maria Ali Khan

Department of Medicine

Scientists classified the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a novel coronavirus on January 7, 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the SARS-CoV-2 outburst a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. Since its origin, this virus has disrupted the best healthcare systems, economies, and strained financial resources; and for underdeveloped countries' healthcare systems, the virus has become a crisis. To tackle the potential hazards from this virus, our Department restructured the services that not only helped us to cope with the pandemic, but also provided an example to copy for other contemporary institutes. …

Human Genes Differ By Their Uv Sensitivity Estimated Through Analysis Of Uv-Induced Silent Mutations In Melanoma, Ivan P Gorlov, Christopher I Amos, Spiridon Tsavachidis, Colin Begg, Eva Hernando, Chao Cheng, Ronglai Shen, Irene Orlow, Li Luo, Marc S Ernstoff, Joel Parker, Nancy E Thomas, Olga Y Gorlova, Marianne Berwick

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We hypothesized that human genes differ by their sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. We used somatic mutations detected by genome-wide screens in melanoma and reported in the Catalog Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer. As a measure of UV sensitivity, we used the number of silent mutations generated by C>T transitions in pyrimidine dimers of a given transcript divided by the number of potential sites for this type of mutations in the transcript. We found that human genes varied by UV sensitivity by two orders of magnitude. We noted that the melanoma-associated tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A was among the top …

Mir-30a Targets Gene Networks That Promote Browning Of Human And Mouse Adipocytes, Pradip K Saha, Mark P Hamilton, Kimal Rajapakshe, Vasanta Putluri, Jessica B Felix, Peter Masschelin, Aaron R Cox, Mandeep Bajaj, Nagireddy Putluri, Cristian Coarfa, Sean M Hartig

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

MicroRNA-30a (miR-30a) impacts adipocyte function, and its expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) correlates with insulin sensitivity in obesity. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrates that miR-30a expression contributes to 2% of all miRNA expression in human tissues. However, molecular mechanisms of miR-30a function in fat cells remain unclear. Here, we expanded our understanding of how miR-30a expression contributes to antidiabetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist activity and metabolic functions in adipocytes. We found that WAT isolated from diabetic patients shows reduced miR-30a levels and diminished expression of the canonical PPARγ target genes ADIPOQ and FABP4 relative to lean counterparts. In human adipocytes, …

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma Of The Face Successfully Treated With Ingenol Mebutate 005% Gel: Case Report And A Review Of The Literature, Theodore Rosen, Kami Lowery

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

A 64 year-old Caucasian male patient with a long history of ultraviolet light exposure and multiple actinic keratoses presented with a large, erythematous, and scaly plaque on his forehead. Biopsies revealed superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Because the patient wanted the shortest possible topical regimen, his sBCC was treated with two overnight ingenol mebutate (IM) 0.05% gel applications. He tolerated the local skin reaction (LSR) well, and at approximately six weeks post-treatment, biopsies showed no evidence of sBCC. The patient was happy with the cosmetic outcome and has remained free of clinical recurrence for 18 months. Although IM gel is …

Usability Testing Of A Sensor-Controlled Digital Game To Engage Older Adults With Heart Failure In Physical Activity And Weight Monitoring, Kavita Radhakrishnan, Christine Julien, Matthew O'Hair, Thomas Baranowski, Grace Lee, Catherine Allen, Atami Sagna, Edison Thomaz, Miyong Kim

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Poor self-management of heart failure (HF) has contributed to poor health outcomes. Sensor-controlled digital games (SCDGs) integrates data from behavior-tracking sensors to trigger progress, rewards, content, and positive feedback in a digital game to motivate real-time behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the usability of an SCDG prototype over a week of game-playing among 10 older adults with HF in their homes.

METHODS: During initial play, participants' SCDG experiences were observed in their homes using a checklist based on the seven-item Serious Game User Evaluator (SeGUE) instrument. After a week of game-playing, participants completed a survey guided by the Intrinsic Motivation …

Gastrointestinal Symptoms In Patients With Covid-19, Mohammed Abbas, Rafik Elbeblawy, Islam Gadelmoula, Suvarna Rekha, Bettina Sinanova, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Though coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is predominantly a respiratory illness, a growing number of studies reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among these patients. We examined the incidence of GI symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and GI symptoms as the initial presentation of the disease.

Methods: We examined peer-reviewed studies in English of patients with COVID-19 that reported GI symptoms. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published up to June 30, 2020, by using the keywords ``COVID-19,'' ``Coronavirus,'' ``severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,'', ``SARS-CoV-2,'' ``gastrointestinal tract,'' ``gastrointestinal diseases,'' and ``gastrointestinal symptoms and signs.'' Studies with fewer than 30 …

The Library Is Open --And Some Tips For Using, Peter Gavin Ferriby

University Briefings & Virtual Events

The Library staff is so glad to have everyone back—let’s stay strong and finish the semester!

Plasma Proteins That May Cause Parkinson’S Disease And Multiple Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study, Brigid A. Staley

Dissertations and Theses

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are progressively disabling neurologic disorders that profoundly affect quality of life and shorten life expectancy. There is no cure for either disease, and current treatments only alleviate symptoms and may cause serious side effects. The causes of MS and PD are not well understood. Previous epidemiologic studies have documented numerous environmental risk factors for both diseases. However, these studies are inherently prone to bias from confounding which may generate spurious results. The lack of unbiased evidence on environmental causes of MS and PD has been a critical barrier to fully understanding their pathophysiology. …

Isolated Central Nervous System Metastasis From Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Of The Cervix Without Pulmonary Metastasis, Fabiola Valenzuela, Sohum Desai

School of Medicine Publications

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) accounts for 2% of all cervical cancers. Brain metastasis is rare, with few cases described in the literature, and is usually associated with preceding pulmonary metastasis. We describe an additional case of isolated brain metastasis without pulmonary metastasis from NECC and reflect on unique management.

A 37-year-old woman with a history of NECC presented with severe headache post-total hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection. The computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated obstructive hydrocephalus with several intra-axial lesions located in the pineal region, left cerebellar hemisphere, and left frontal operculum. A right frontal ventriculostomy was initially …

Endoscopic Removal Of Fractured 3d-Printed Nasopharyngeal Swabs From The Olfactory Cleft During Covid-19, Matthew Miller, Kristy Carlson, Jayme Dowdall, Christie Barnes, Sam Pate

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

The severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed significant challenges to hospital and public health systems in the United States. In response to a shortage in nasopharyngeal swabs, our institution developed, tested, and deployed 3D-printed swabs to obtain a specimen for testing. A patient was tested in preparation for a scheduled Esophagogastrodeuodenoscopy. During the procedure the swab broke and a portion remained in the superior meatus and olfactory cleft. This case study describes the process of locating and removing the broken sections of the 3D-printed swab. In response to this incident, 3D-printing teams test swabs for sample collection and …

New Onset Murmur Or Hamman’S Sign: Mid-Systolic Click In A Suspected Case Of Connective Tissue Disorder, Amanda Dave, Jodi Cantrell

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

We present the case of a 15 y/o previously healthy male who presented to CHMC from an OSH with a 3 day history of shortness of breath, audible clicking noise, and chest discomfort after playing at the batting cages 4 days prior. No history of trauma. He was transferred to CHMC for further evaluation after identification of a pneumothorax on chest CT performed at OSH.

With respect to family history, the patient is one of 8 children. Of note, per discussion with family, his older siblings are all tall and have some connective tissue anomalies. Two siblings were noted to …

Laryngeal Histoplasmosis In Patients With Crohn’S Disease Undergoing Treatment With Humira (Adalimumab): A Case Series, Jenna Berg, Jonathan Blecha, Chris Bingcang, Justin Oltman, Jayme Dowdall, Subodh M. Lele

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

The FDA has advocated for increasing awareness of histoplasmosis for patients undergoing TNF blockers as delay in diagnosis can lead to a poor outcome.¹ Laryngeal histoplasmosis is a rare entity that should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients receiving immune suppression for Crohn’s disease. Patients with laryngeal histoplasmosis often report hoarseness, mucosal ulcerations, dysphagia, and odynophagia. We present a series of two cases of laryngeal histoplasmosis in patients with Crohn’s. These cases illustrate the high index of suspicion required to make the diagnosis of laryngeal histoplasmosis, especially in the Midwestern United States. Diagnosis is made quickly and …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 96, No. 6, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Reynolds, Easton. 8 Juveniles Responsible for Recurring Water Throwing Harassment
• Thornton, Maggie. Marching at a Distance – Marching Band
• Reynolds, Easton. Local Small Businesses Work to Recover from Pandemic Losses
• Hendricks, Allie & Preston Romanov. Art for All – SoKY Marketplace
• Cox, Alex. Editorial Cartoon re: Breonna Taylor
• Bunton, Gabrielle. I Choose Black Women Every Time
• Nash, Slim. Commissioner Candidate Slim Nash: Your Right to Vote is Special
• Hargrove, Matthew. Hilltoppers Look to Bounce Back Against Middle Tennessee State University – Football
• Kieser, Nick. Budget …

Cytokine-Targeted Therapeutics For Kshv-Associated Disease, Nedaa Alomari, Jennifer Totonchy

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is linked to several human malignancies including Kaposi sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) and recently KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). As with other diseases that have a significant inflammatory component, current therapy for KSHV-associated disease is associated with significant off-target effects. However, recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of KSHV have produced new insight into the use of cytokines as potential therapeutic targets. Better understanding of the role of cytokines during KSHV infection and tumorigenesis may lead to new preventive or therapeutic …

Clinical Efficacy Of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy For Recurrent Hepatitis C Virus Infection After Liver Transplantation In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Mohamed Saleh Ismail, Manal Hassan, Saira Aijaz Khaderi, Wael Ahmed Yousry, Maha Mohsen Kamal El-Din, Mohamed Mohamed Bahaa El-Din, Osama Aboelfotoh El Sayed, Ahmed Omar Kaseb, John Alan Goss, Fasiha Kanwal, Prasun Kumar Jalal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of transplanted liver allografts is universal in patients with detectable HCV viremia at the time of transplantation. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has been adopted as the standard of care for recurrent HCV infection in the post-transplant setting. However, there are insufficient data regarding its efficacy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the risk of HCC recurrence after DAA therapy is unknown.

AIM: To demonstrate predictors of DAA treatment failure and HCC recurrence in LT recipients.

METHODS: A total of 106 LT recipients given DAAs for recurrent …

My Covid-19 Experience And Social-Distance Graduation, Hailey Gabettie

Community Reflections

This global pandemic was quickly changing the way we live our lives. One of my most memorable moments through this pandemic was my high school graduation.

The World Pressed A Pause On Life, Cassandra Anonymous

Community Reflections

Class assignment HI 102 Western Civilization: Since 1500.

For many weeks I looked at the disadvantages that COVID-19 brought, and then I started seeing personal positives.

My Baseball Season That Was Canceled, Ryan Wicker

Community Reflections

My experience posted describes my experience from my baseball season that was canceled because of COVID-19.

Living Our Lives With Uncertainty, Jenna Seggio

Community Reflections

This is a look into how my life was during the Covid-19 pandemic. I think it is crazy how I am living through history and I want future generations to know how my life was during this pandemic. I hope that when people read my contribution to remember Covid-19 that they get a feel for how everyone had to live through 2020. I am grateful for all of the health care workers and for everyone doing their part and wearing their masks and social distancing.

The World Came To A Screeching Halt, Anonymous

Community Reflections

March 12th, that is the first day I realized Covid’s severity. NBA player Rudy Gobert tests positive for Covid and the entire NBA season was paused. At this point I’m thinking, if someone as big and famous as Gobert contracted the virus then anyone can get it.

A Break From The Outside World, Anonymous

Community Reflections

I took quarantine as a break from the outside world and used it as a time to work on my mental health. I looked at it as a time to self-reflect and learned to take things day by day.

Expect The Unexpected, Anonymous

Community Reflections

The content shows how Covid affected me and my family and what I want future generations to know.

A Monster No One Had Conquered Before, Anonymous

Community Reflections

My experience of the Covid-19 pandemic starting in March 2020 and going through September 2020. It has been a struggle living through this pandemic, but my hope and faith in God has kept me going and will continue to sustain me until we reach the end.

A Rollercoaster Of Emotions, Anonymous

Community Reflections

COVID-19 has been a surreal experience but one that has made me stronger. I am proud of myself and the people in our country who quarantined so that we could save lives.

A Whole New Lifestyle, Anonymous

Community Reflections

I never thought I would ever have to be told to “social distance” from people I call my best friends.

When Is This Going To Be Over?, Anonymous

Community Reflections

Assignment for the class Western Civilization.

For future generations, living life during this pandemic was having a perpetual thought of “when is this going to be over?” To look at life beforehand and not take anything for granted and live in the moment because one may never know when something drastic like a virus can change life in a blink of an eye.

Time To Reflect On What Really Matters, Brandon Sweeney

Community Reflections

While the world took a loss from this virus it gave me time to reflect on what really matters. I am grateful for all the blessings in my life. Every day I will not take for granted because you never know what can happen in the next.

Class assignment, Professor Marino, HI-102, Western Civilization.

Long Months Of Loneliness And Mental Instability, Anonymous

Community Reflections

I went from hanging out with my friends every day to being completely isolated. Watching my family struggle more and more with finances because my father was out of work was devastating. I ended up meeting with a therapist over zoom to find some positivity and hope in my life. After a few sessions I started becoming more hopeful.