Diseases Commons^™

Climate-Driven Potential For Tularemia In East Africa: Skill Testing And Ecological Consistency Of A Transferred Risk Model, Komi Mensah Agboka, Allan Muohi Ngángá, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Steve Soh Bernard Baleba, Tobias Landmann, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Souleymane Diallo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Tularemia, a neglected zoonosis, remains underreported in Africa despite growing concern over its climate-driven expansion. This study aims to quantify the specific contribution of climate to tularemia risk using a climate attribution framework. We trained a Least Squares Dummy Variable (LSDV) fixed-effects panel model on United States (U.S.) county-level tularemia incidence data from 2011–2020 (n = 500, R² = 0.90), incorporating only climatic predictors: cumulative temperature, cumulative precipitation, and their respective variabilities. The climate-only model explained 86% of variance in the training data, demonstrating strong climate influence on tularemia disease dynamics. We then applied the model to East Africa, using …

A Severe And Unusual Case Of Propriospinal Myoclonus, Mouhannad Azzouz, Robert Young, Ammar Md Bata, Thaiddeus Dillie, Anam Sabzwari

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Propriospinal myoclonus (PSM) is a rare disorder characterized by axial muscle jerks originating in the thoracoabdominal region; medical management of this disease is extremely challenging given the paucity of trials and few reported cases only. Chronic cough has not been described in the literature in association with PSM. We describe a 51 year old female presenting with chronic unexplained cough along with myoclonic jerking, ultimately diagnosed with severe PSM. Fortunately our case after different medication trials showed great response to lacasomide which has been rarely reported in PSM management.

Mirm In An Adolescent Male: A Diagnostic Challenge And Review Of The Literature, Emily Saurborn, Savannah Carty, Shane Cook, Lauren Tufts

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Mycoplasma-Induced Rash and Mucositis (MIRM) is a subset of Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption (RIME), most commonly associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. MIRM commonly presents with significant mucositis and mild or absent cutaneous involvement. MIRM exists on a spectrum with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Due to the significant clinical overlap, early diagnosis of MIRM can be challenging. We report a case of a 19-year-old male who presented with a two-day history of worsening throat pain and decreased oral intake after initiating Augmentin for treatment of community acquired pneumonia. During hospitalization, he developed progressive ocular, oral and genital …

Diagnosis Of Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon In A Newborn, Kiersten Ricci, Sara Basala, Edward Raykhelson, Aaron Mcguffin

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon (KMP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening coagulopathy that has high bleeding risk and is characterized by severe thrombocytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential, as untreated kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) or tufted angioma (TA) associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) can result in significant morbidity and mortality..

We report a case of a full-term female neonate who was noted to have a large vascular scalp mass at birth. The tumor was initially misidentified as an infantile and a congenital hemangioma. Upon specialty evaluation at a vascular anomaly center and additional diagnostics, the child was diagnosed with KHE …

Atypical Abdominal Pain: Uncovering Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma In Suspected Crohn's Disease: A Case Report, Catherine Loehr, Lara Boudreaux, Ann Porter Uhlhorn, Nisha Loganantharaj

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer from the serosal membranes of the abdominal cavity. In the United States, MPM accounts for about 10-15% of all mesothelioma cases, and translates into approximately 600 new cases diagnosed annually. It is typically diagnosed in Caucasian individuals, and while asbestos exposure is a well-established risk factor for pleural mesothelioma, its association with peritoneal mesothelioma remains less clear. Clinical symptoms of MPM, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss, overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders, which often leads to delayed diagnosis. This case report presents a unique instance of MPM …

Induction Of Myelopoiesis By Candida Dubliniensis Drives Protective Trained Immunity Against Sepsis In A Card9-Dependent Manner, Shannon Esher Righi, Elizabeth A. Lilly, Amanda J. Harriett, Patrick W. Daly, Maryjane Jones, Chad Steele, Mairi C. Noverr, Paul L. Fidel

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Trained immunity is a long-term functional reprogramming of innate cells that allows for the formation of immune memory akin to adaptive responses, but with a more rapid nonspecific response. We recently identified an anti-inflammatory trained immunity response, termed trained tolerogenic immunity (TTI), induced by low virulence Candida dubliniensis, that protects against acute lethal polymicrobial sepsis via myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Trained immunity and MDSCs arise following hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion in the bone marrow. Here, we show that C. dubliniensis induces inoculum-dependent protection and HSPC expansion, whereas depletion of HSPCs following C. dubliniensis immunization abrogates protection. We …

Runx2 Cooperates With Srebp1 To Rewire Cancer Metabolism And Promote Aggressiveness, Emanuele Vitale, Mila Gugnoni, Veronica Manicardi, Silvia Muccioli, Federica Torricelli, Benedetta Donati, Simonetta Piana, Gloria Manzotti, Elisa Salviato, Francesca Reggiani, Cristian Ascione, Rebecca Vezzani, Moira Ragazzi, Mattia Forcato, Oriana Romano, Silvio Bicciato, Aaron Goldman, Marco Tigano, Alessia Ciarrocchi

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Embryonic Transcription Factors (TFs) are often reactivated in cancer, driving developmental gene programs that support phenotypic plasticity. Metabolic adaptation fuels this plasticity by supplying energy and molecular building blocks for growth. RUNX2, the master regulator of bone morphogenesis, is ectopically expressed in epithelial cancer, promoting metastasis through trans-differentiation processes like Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and osteomimicry. By combining omics data with functional validation, we demonstrated that RUNX2 drives cancer cell metabolic rewiring by repressing mitochondrial respiration while promoting anabolic processes. We showed that RUNX2 upregulates key genes of lipid biosynthesis by regulating and cooperating with SREBP1. In vivo expression analysis in …

Urinary Vitamin D Binding Protein And Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Are Potent Predictors Of Acute Kidney Injury After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Shiyi Li, Iván Murrieta-Álvarez, Katherine V Nordick, Zachary Gray, Camila Hochman-Mendez, Alexis E Shafii, Kenneth K Liao, Carl P Walther, Nandan K Mondal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This study aimed to predict AKI within 90 days post-LVAD by evaluating urinary levels of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 29 advanced heart failure patients undergoing LVAD implantation and categorized them into four groups based on pre-LVAD kidney function and hemodynamic stability. Early-morning urine samples were collected 24 h before and 1 week after surgery. Urinary VDBP and KIM-1 levels, normalized to creatinine, were measured.

Results: Thirteen patients developed AKI …

Determinants Of Abdominal Obesity In Adults (19 – 44 Years Old) In Riau Islands Province (Analysis Of Ski 2023 Data), Hanifah Mulia Rachman, Triyanti Triyanti, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Kusharisupeni Djokosujono

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Abdominal obesity is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the abdominal region, which can increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. In 2023, Riau Islands Province recorded the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity in the island of Sumatra, at 42.5%. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of abdominal obesity among adults aged 19–44 years in Riau Islands Province based on gender, using secondary data from the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey (SKI). A total of 3,466 respondents were analyzed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the prevalence …

Perceived Benefits And Side Effect Of High-Fiber, High-Protein Meal Replacements In Weight Loss Programs, Esti Nurwanti, Harry Fl Muhammad, Naufal M. Nurdin

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and early mortality. Although dietary counseling is essential in managing obesity, maintaining a calorie deficit and preventing weight regain remain difficult. Functional foods like high-protein, high-fiber meal replacements may enhance adherence and support weight loss. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the subjective outcomes of a weight loss program incorporating a protein- and fiber-enriched meal replacement among 73 overweight women aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=38), receiving dietary counseling plus one daily meal replacement, or a control group (n=35), receiving counseling alone. Both groups followed an 8-week …

Analysis Of Macronutrient Content, Antioxidant Activity, And Organoleptic Quality Of Snack From Jackfruit Seed Flour (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) And Pigeon Pea Flour (Cajanus Cajanus) As A Snack For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Maya Siwi Tri Nugroho Heni, Tesa Rafkhani

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Snack bars with functional ingredients such as legumes may help regulate blood glucose levels. Jackfruit seeds and pigeon peas are sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze macronutrient content, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic quality of jackfruit seeds and pigeon pea flour snack bars. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) one factor with two replications. The proportions of jackfruit seeds and pigeon pea flour are: F1 (30%:70%), F2 (40%:60%), F3 (50%:50%). Macronutrient content was analyzed using proximate analysis, antioxidant activity using the …

Finding A Certified Lymphedema Therapist: Access To Lymphedema Treatment In Minnesota, Emma M. Tsai, Linda Koehler

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction

Lymphedema is a progressive disease that leads to chronic swelling. Lymphedema treatment includes complete decongestive therapy (CDT) provided by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). Locating CLTs can be difficult for patients and providers. Our aims were to 1) describe a method for assessing accessibility of lymphedema treatment in a specific region, and 2) apply this method to a specific region (Minnesota) to describe the lymphedema care in that region.

Methods

This cross-sectional study searched therapist directories on websites related to lymphedema and lymphatic diseases (e.g. lymphedema training programs, professional associations) to assess the current distribution of CLTs in Minnesota. …

Increased Risk Of Renal Disease In Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study Utilizing Trinetx, Tyler Hernandez, Christopher Haas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Surgical Refusal On Overall Survival In Patients With Rectal Cancer, Vishal Abhimutt Mahesh, Anjali Yadav, Harsheen Kaur Manaise, Berkay Demirors, Paola Berrios Jiminez, Angel Aguayo-Merly, Jade C. Bowers, Bansi P. Savaliya, Reed Popp, Ramin Shekouhi, Guido Chiriboga, Syeda Hoorulain Ahmed, Fatima Mubarak, Esinam Ekpeh, Emmanuel Gabriel

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND/AIM: While surgery is a major component of treatment for managing rectal cancer, some individuals opt against it, potentially affecting their chances of survival. This study investigated the clinical and demographic elements linked to the decision to refuse surgery and assessed the potential impact of this decision on overall survival (OS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the U.S. National Cancer Database to analyze factors linked to surgery refusal in patients with rectal cancer. Clinical, demographic and treatment characteristics were compared using Pearson chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Among the 115,066 patients with rectal cancer …

Cmc Arthroplasty For Treatment Of The Painful And Arthritic Thumb: A Review Of Surgical Treatment Options With Preferred Technique, Jon E. Hammarstedt, Yehuda A. Masturov, Sebastian D. Arango, Jacob Zeitlin, Samuel H. Payne, Mark S. Rekant

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint is a prevalent and often disabling condition for many older adults. The diagnosis is typically established through a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and confirmatory radiographs. Nonsurgical management with splinting and anti-inflammatory medication has demonstrated effectiveness. Several surgical options have proven effectiveness for those who fail nonsurgical management. Surgical options include silicone implantation, resection arthroplasty, tendon interposition, ligament reconstruction, denervation, and joint implant arthroplasty. In the following review, we will elaborate upon the array of therapeutic approaches, culminating in the delineation of our preferred method.

Sexual Activity And Functioning After Breast Cancer Treatment: Perspectives On The Importance Of Pleasure From A Radiotherapy Cohort, Melanie Besculides, Lauren Carney, Ksenia Gorbenko, Sheryl Green, Melissa Brito, Jezelle Lynch, Carly Feldman, Cindy Munoz, Madhu Mazumdar, Deborah C. Marshall

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects millions of women and while treatment can be lifesaving, it also has numerous side effects, including those related to sexual function, which often impact the ability to experience pleasure from sex. This study aimed to understand how breast cancer survivors define sexual activity, identify important aspects, and ascertain perceived impacts of treatment on sexual activity and function, particularly related to pleasure.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who were breast cancer survivors at least one-year post-radiation. Priority populations were oversampled (racial/ethnic/sexual/gender minorities, those aged over 65 or under 45). The sample included 23 participants: 11 …

Rebound Bursting Selectively Enables Fast Dynamics In Dopamine Midbrain Neurons Projecting To The Dorsolateral Striatum, Strahinja Stojanovic, Christopher J. Knowlton, Richard Egger-Mackrodt, Johanna Mankel, Josef Shin, Stephan Lammel, Carmen C. Canavier, Jochen Roeper

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Dopamine (DA) midbrain neurons are involved in a wide array of key brain functions including movement control and reward-based learning. They are also critical for major brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease or schizophrenia. DA neurons projecting to distinct striatal territories are diverse with regard to their molecular makeup and cellular physiology, which are likely to contribute to the observed differences in temporal DA dynamics. Among these regions, the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) displays the fastest DA dynamics, which might control the moment-to-moment vigor and variability of voluntary movements. However, the underlying mechanisms for these DLS-specific fast DA fluctuations are unresolved. …

Short Term Hemodynamic Effects Of Atrial Fibrillation In A Closed-Loop Human Cardiac-Baroreflex System, Oluwasanmi Adeodu, Michelle Gee, Babak Mahmoudi, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli, Mayuresh V. Kothare

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the leading cardiac cause of stroke and AF-related death rate in the United States has been increasing for over twenty years. While the effect of standalone AF on heart rate is well established, there is a lack of clarity on its impact on other critical hemodynamic metrics. This is ostensibly due to interaction with other common comorbidities, especially hypertension. In addition, AF has a complex relationship with the state of the baroreflex. Evidence indicates that baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), the ability of the intrinsic cardiac control system to initiate parasympathetic response, is suppressed during AF. Therefore, a …

Managing Anticoagulation In A Patient With Calciphylaxis And Mechanical Valve: A Therapeutic Dilemma, Qutaiba Qafisheh, Abdalhakim Shubietah, Mohanad Qwaider, Muath A. Baniowda, Abdalrahman Assaassa, Roaa Aljunaidi, Abubakar Nazir

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening vasculopathic syndrome most commonly seen in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and associated with high mortality. Vitamin K antagonists complicate management in patients with mechanical valves by potentially exacerbating vascular calcification while remaining essential for thromboprophylaxis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old woman with ESRD on hemodialysis and a mechanical mitral valve on warfarin presented with severe abdominal pain and rapidly progressive necrotic ulcers. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics and sodium thiosulfate, lesions worsened. Biopsies were nondiagnostic; however, the clinical phenotype was consistent with calciphylaxis. A multidisciplinary team transitioned anticoagulation from warfarin to subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (UFH) (333 U/kg …

Effect Of Valemetostat On The Pharmacokinetics Of Midazolam And Digoxin: A Phase 1 Drug-Drug Interaction Study In Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Masaya Tachibana, Steven Horwitz, Eric Jacobsen, Francine Foss, Pamela Allen, Pierluigi Porcu, Tatyana Feldman, Jia Ruan, Jonathan Brammer, Jie Wang, Shinichi Inaba, Yuka Iko, Keiko Nakajima, Yasuyuki Kakurai, Noriaki Kitami, Yang Chen, Yvonne Lau

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Valemetostat tosylate (valemetostat) is an oral, potent, dual inhibitor of enhancer of zeste homolog (EZH)2/1, under investigation in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and solid tumors. In vitro, it inhibits cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) when combined with sensitive CYP3A or P-gp substrates. This drug–drug interaction (DDI) sub-study is part of the phase 1 trial of valemetostat monotherapy (DS3201-A-J101; NCT02732275), assessing the effect of valemetostat on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of sensitive CYP3A and P-gp substrates midazolam and digoxin, respectively, in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL, and its safety and efficacy. Patients received two simultaneous single doses of midazolam and …

Adherence To Integrative Care, Oncology Healthcare Utilization, Opioid Use And Hospitalization, Eran Ben-Arye, Dan Greenberg, Noah Samuels, Ana Maria Lopez, Tzahit Simon-Tuval

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Research on the relationship between integrative oncology (IO) programs and dispensing of chemotherapy agents and supportive care drugs, and hospitalization rates is limited. The present study examined these outcomes in chemotherapy-treated patients with cancer, comparing patients highly adherent to integrative care (high-AIC) to those with low adherence (low-AIC). Data from patients with cancer treated with taxane and/or platinum-based agents participating in an ongoing prospective, controlled pragmatic trial were examined retrospectively. Patients were referred to an IO consultation and weekly treatments at 3 medical centers in Northern Israel, with high-AIC defined as attending ≥4 sessions at 6 weeks; low-AIC, 0-3 sessions. …

Designing An Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Information Infrastructure Supported By The Re-Aim Implementation Framework, Amy C. Moreno, Angela Peek, Toshiko S. Stein, Kevin R. Shook, Sara M. Ali, Laia Humbert-Vidan, Aileen Chen, Miriam Lango, Anna Lee, Michael Spiotto, William H. Morrison, Adam S. Garden, Jack Phan, Steven J. Frank, Katherine Hutcheson, David I. Rosenthal, Clifton D. Fuller, G Brandon Gunn

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Objective: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) contain valuable information that can be leveraged by providers to perform timely interventions and improve quality of life and survival. However, the implementation of electronic PROs (ePROs) remains a challenge from technical and evaluation perspectives. Our objective was to construct a robust electronic health record (EHR)-integrated ePRO information infrastructure founded on RE-AIM (reach-effectiveness-adoption-implementation-maintenance) principles.

Materials and Methods: We used Epic Systems as our EHR platform to build the MD Anderson Symptom Index Head and Neck Module (MDASI-HN) for release to all patients undergoing evaluation and/or treatment in our HN Radiation Oncology clinics. RE-AIM metrics were …

Management Of Stone Disease In The Spina Bifida Patient, Meghan F. Davis, Kyle L. Yu, Arun K. Srinivasan

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review provides a detailed overview of the specifics of presentation, diagnosis, and management of upper and lower urinary tract stone disease for individuals with spina bifida.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies highlight the significant burden of stone disease for spina bifida patients. Individuals with spina bifida require lifelong urologic care. They are more likely to have stone disease and have complications from management. This is a particularly salient issue for patients who have undergone bladder augmentation. Given the frequency and severity of these issues, it is critical that urologists be familiar with the nuances of stone …

Validation Of A Prognostic Nomogram For Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy With/Without Systemic Therapy, P. Bossi, R. Gili, S. Calza, L. Licitra, M. Maddalo, A. Bacigalupo, L. Belgioia, J. Cacicedo, N. Facchinetti, A. Garcia Castano, M. Oliva, P. Bonomo, G. Sanguineti, P. Franco, A. Argiris, A. Psyrri, E. Orlandi

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), exhibits diverse prognostic factors influenced by demographic and lifestyle variables. Prognostic nomograms, such as the one developed by Fakhry et al., incorporate clinical and biological markers to predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in OPC patients. However, their applicability to European populations remains unverified. This study aimed to externally validate Fakhry's prognostic nomogram in a large European cohort of locally advanced OPC patients treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with or without systemic therapy.

METHODS: This is a retrospective external validation study conducted on 805 OPC patients …

Cd5 Expression In Ctcl And Its Implications For Anti-Cd5 Car T-Cell Therapy, Leena Wardeh, Madeline Williams, Courtney Prestwood, Zachary Wolner, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogenous group of T-cell malignancies in the skin and have poor treatment outcomes in advanced stages. CD5, a surface glycoprotein expressed on most mature T cells, has emerged as a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in systemic T-cell lymphomas. However, its expression profile in CTCL and relevance for targeted therapy remain unclear. Notably, in CTCL, the cell surface expression of receptors, such as CD7 and CD26, tends to become downregulated on the surfaces of malignant T cells In this study, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from patients at …

Female Cardioprotection In A Mouse Model Of Alcohol-Associated Cardiomyopathy, Joshua M. Edavettal, Meagan Donovan, Nicholas R. Harris, Xavier R. Chapa-Dubocq, Keishla M. Rodríguez-Graciani, Janos Paloczi, Liz Simon, Bysani Chandrasekar, Jason D. Gardner

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Chronic alcohol misuse is the leading cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol-associated cardiomyopathy (ACM), particularly regarding sex-specific susceptibility and mitochondrial contributions, are not fully known. In this study, we utilized a preclinical model of chronic + binge ethanol consumption to investigate sex differences in disease severity and mitochondrial function. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed ethanol or control liquid diets for 30 days, with 2 binge episodes on days 10 and 30. Cardiac morphology was assessed via echocardiography and cardiac function via left ventricular pressure-volume catheterization. Mitochondrial function was evaluated ex …

Social Vulnerability Associations With Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment And Prognostic Disparities, Camaren M. Cuenca, David M. Bruss, David J. Fei-Zhang, Jill N. D'Souza, Anthony M. Sheyn, Jeffrey C. Rastatter, Daniel C. Chelius

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Prior studies investigating the impacts of social determinants of health (SDoH) on hypopharyngeal cancer have only assessed the impact of individual factors on patient outcomes. This study uses the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and a national patient cohort to examine how the interrelational influence of SDoH affect hypopharyngeal cancer prognosis, treatment, and follow-up. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients from 1975 to 2017 with a diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma in the NCI-SEER database. Net social vulnerability and its contributions from 15 SDoH variables were ranked and scored across all US counties, yielding a SVI. SVI scores were …

Overview Of Exosomal Non-Coding Rnas In Cardiovascular Disease Using High Throughput Sequencing, Mortaza Eivazi, Leila Abkhooie, Kamran Hosseini, Parnia Mobasheran, Tahereh Ebrahimi, Vahideh Tarhriz, Eric Lazartigues

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Non-coding RNAs including miRNAs, long-ncRNAs, and circular RNAs play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. They control gene expression at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational, thereby influencing associated signaling pathways. Encapsulated within exosomes, micro-vesicles, and apoptotic bodies, ncRNAs can be transported between cells while being protected from harsh environmental conditions. Studies have shown various expression patterns across different cell types and in various physiological and pathological states. However, the precise correlations and extent of their contribution to diseases are still under investigation. Recent studies have reported the involvement of extracellular vesicle-associated ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of …

Predicting Intravitreal Treatment Response Using Ultrawide-Field Angiographic Biomarkers In Diabetic Retinopathy, Karthik Reddy, Callie Deng, Boonkit Purt, Yue Liang, Nikhil Bommakanti, Gina Yu, Julie Rosenthal, Yannis M. Paulus

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening retinal disease with pathological mediation by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are commonly used to manage DR. Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA) can assess DR severity and characterize the amount of non-perfused retina (non-perfusion area, NP), neovascularization (neovascular area, NV), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). However, the association between anti-VEGF treatment and NP, NV, and FAZ characterized by UWF-FA is not well established.

METHODS: A retrospective, single-center cohort study involved eyes of patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus with at least one UWF-FA image. The area of the FAZ, …

Additive Effects Of N-Acetylcysteine And [R4W4] Combination Treatment On Mycobacterium Avium, Kayvan Sasaninia, Iffat Hasnin Era, Nezam Newman, Jesse Melendez, Wajiha Akif, Eashan Sharma, Omid Nikjeh, Ira Glassman, Cristián Jiménez, Navya Sharma, Ama Xu, Maria Lambros, Miou Zhou, Rakesh Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Mycobacterium avium is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading contributor to nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, treatment duration, antibiotic toxicity, and resistance present challenges in the management of mycobacterium infections, prompting the need for novel treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity, while antimicrobial peptides such as the cyclic [R₄W₄] have shown additive effects when combined with first-line antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism and efficacy of NAC and [R₄W₄] combination therapy against M. avium. A membrane depolarization assay was used to evaluate the effects of …