Diseases Commons^™

Il-37 Suppresses Cns Autoimmunity By Increasing The Frequency Of Treg Cells And Reducing Cd4 + T Cell-Derived Il-10 Production, Reza Yazdani, Hamed Naziri, Gholamreza Azizi, Bogoljub Ciric, Mozhde Askari, Amir Moghadam-Ahmadi, Jaya Aseervatham, Guang-Xian Zhang, Mohamad Rostami

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-37 (IL-37) has anti-inflammatory properties in innate and adaptive immunity. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), have increased serum levels of IL-37. However, it is unknown whether IL-37 has an inhibitory effect on ongoing autoimmune neuroinflammation, thus offering a potential MS therapy.

AIM: Here, we examined the effect of IL-37 in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model after disease onset to determine if it was protective.

FINDINGS: IL-37-treated mice developed a less severe disease than control mice, with reduced demyelination as determined by increased expression of myelin basic protein. …

Convexity Dural Hemangioma: Illustrative Case, Ellery A. Hayden, Jack A. Leoni, Frank Culicchia

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Dural hemangiomas are a relatively rare form of intracranial mass, as hemangiomas tend to present in bone or as intraparenchymal lesions and only around 5%-13% have been reported to originate from the dura mater. Here, the authors present the case of a 46-year-old female who underwent craniotomy for a suspected convexity meningioma resection, which was unexpectedly found to be a dural capillary hemangioma. OBSERVATIONS: The patient was a 46-year-old female who presented with a left frontal intracranial mass found incidentally and showed significant growth over 4 years. The mass was suspected to be a meningioma as it was homogeneously …

Endovascular Removal Of A Symptomatic Intracranial Foreign Body Via Contact Aspiration: Illustrative Case, Jared M. Robichaux, Sarah E. Lawhon, Taylor W. Girolamo, Kapland Q. Owens, Lucido L. Ponce Mejia

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: With the growing utilization of general endovascular techniques, iatrogenic endovascular foreign bodies have become more prevalent. Contact aspiration has proven to be a valuable technique in treating ischemic strokes by removing the intraluminal thrombus causing cerebral perfusion deficits and neurological symptoms. The authors present a case of the removal of a foreign body from the vasculature via contact aspiration, which had embolized in a delayed fashion after aortic valve replacement. OBSERVATIONS: A 54-year-old male developed intermittent left-sided weakness 8 days after aortic valve replacement. A head computed tomography scan showed a metallic foreign body within the origin of the …

Global, Regional, And National Stillbirths At 20 Weeks' Gestation Or Longer In 204 Countries And Territories, 1990–2021: Findings From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Gbd 2021 Global Stillbirths Collaborators, Veincent Christian Pepito

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background

Stillbirth is a devastating and often avoidable adverse pregnancy outcome. Monitoring stillbirth levels and trends—in a comprehensive manner that leaves no one uncounted—is imperative for continuing progress in pregnancy loss reduction. This analysis, completed as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, methodically accounted for different stillbirth definitions with the aim of comprehensively estimating all stillbirths at 20 weeks or longer for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

We extracted data on stillbirths from 11 412 sources across 185 of 204 countries and territories, including 234 surveys, 231 published …

Life Course Stressors, Latent Coping Strategies, Alcohol Use, And Adherence Among People With Hiv, Amrita Gill, Gretchen Clum, Patricia Molina, David Welsh, Tekeda Ferguson, Katherine P. Theall

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

People with HIV (PWH) have often experienced chronic stressors across their lifespan, including adverse childhood experiences (ACES), lifetime economic hardship (LEH), and concurrent stressors associated with living in urban areas (urban stress). Prolonged exposure to stressors might result in differential coping patterns among PWH that can impact care trajectories. We utilized a life course-informed approach to examine chronic stressors as antecedents of latent coping strategies among PWH in care. High-risk alcohol use and non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) were examined as consequences of latent coping strategies. Data were utilized from the baseline and interim follow-up visit of the New Orleans …

Therapeutic Effect Of Recombinant Echinococcus Granulosus Antigen B Subunit 2 Protein On Sepsis In A Mouse Model, Ya-Yun Qian, Fei-Fei Huang, Si-Yu Chen, Wei-Xiao Zhang, Yin Wang, Peng-Fei Du, Gen Li, Wen-Bo Ding, Lei Qian, Bin Zhan, Liang Chu, Dong-Hui Jiang, Xiao-Di Yang, Rui Zhou

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that threatens millions of lives worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus antigen B (EgAgB) is a protein released by the larvae of the tapeworm. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune response. In this study we expressed EgAgB as soluble recombinant protein in E. coli (rEgAgB) and explored its protective effect on sepsis.

METHODS: The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effect of rEgAgB on sepsis was performed by interperitoneally injecting 5 µg rEgAgB in …

The Use Of Real-World Evidence To Generate Cost Analysis Of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (Ast) In Patients With Elicobacter Pylori Treatment Failure In Thailand: A Large Population-Based Study, Natsuda Aumpan, Pornpen Gamnarai, Arti Wongcha-Um, Muhammad Miftahussurur, Yoshio Yamaoka, Ratha-Korn Vilaichone

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND:H. pylori eradication is effective for gastric cancer prevention. Treatment failure is caused by increased antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to determine eradication rates and perform cost analysis between susceptibility-guided therapy and empirical treatment in patients with H. pylori treatment failure.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with dyspepsia undergoing gastroscopy at tertiary care center in Thailand from March 2014 to October 2021. Treatment failure was defined as persistent H. pylori infection after ≥1 regimen completion. Early AST was defined as AST performed shortly after first-line treatment failure. Demographic data, AST results, eradication regimens, and medication costs were …

What Do Cancer Genetic Providers Want Us To Know About Variant Reclassification And Recontact That We Are Not Asking? A Thematic Analysis Of Open-Ended Survey Responses, Kerri Brown, Marisel Ponton, Elenita Davidson, Banu Arun, Robert J Volk, Sanjay Shete, Susan K Peterson, Sukh Makhnoon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Accurate variant classification and relaying reclassified results to patients is critical for hereditary cancer care delivery. Over a 5- to 10-year period, 6%-15% of variants undergo reclassification. As the frequency of reclassifications increases, the issue of whether, how, when, and which providers should recontact patients becomes important but remains contentious.

METHODS: The authors used inductive thematic analysis to analyze open-ended comments offered by oncologists and genetic counselors (GCs) from a large national survey.

RESULTS: Of the 634 oncologists and cancer GCs, 126 (20%) offered substantive free-text comments. Four thematic areas emerged: 1) ambiguity over professional responsibility to recontact, 2) …

The Role Of Sox9 In Epicardial-Mediated Cardiovascular Development And Valve Homeostasis, Andrew Brantley Harvey

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects in humans, affecting as many as 1% of live births, thereby representing a major public health burden. These defects arise when signaling pathways and mechanical forces guiding heart development are disrupted, either by genetic mutations, aneuploidies, environmental influences, or any combination of these factors. The vast majority of CHDs have undetermined etiologies. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of normal heart development is critical for unraveling the origins of CHDs and for developing more effective diagnostics and interventional treatments for those affected by cardiovascular diseases of developmental origin.

The epicardium …

Ansa Cervicalis-To-Phrenic Nerve Transfer: Technical Note With Potential Application For Diaphragmatic Reanimation In Patients With High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Jonathan Melnick, Mohammadali M. Shoja, Gary B. Schwartz

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective. This study was conducted to determine whether utilization of the superior root of ansa cervicalis (SRAC) as the donor for phrenic nerve (PN) transfer is technically feasible. Background. In patients with high cervical spinal cord injury resulting in diaphragmatic paralysis, another donor, the spinal accessory nerve, has been used successfully to reinnervate the PN and restore diaphragmatic function. Methods. Eight neck sides underwent cadaveric surgery. The sternocleidomastoid muscle was retracted posteriorly, the SRAC and PN were isolated, and the SRAC was cut near its distal end and transposed to the ipsilateral PN as it crossed the anterior scalene muscle. …

An Epidemiological Approach To The Rise In Syphilis In The United States Between 2018 And 2022, Ashley Forrest, Erica Rankin, Lahana Maharjan, Cyril Blavo, Jyotsna Chawla

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the recent increase in syphilis rates from 2018 to 2022, utilizing publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background. Syphilis has seen a dramatic resurgence since 2018, reaching levels not observed since the 1940s. While this increase has prompted significant discourse among healthcare professionals, a comprehensive demographic analysis remains limited. Methods. CDC public datasets from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed descriptively, followed by chi-squared tests and logistic regression modeling conducted using R. The analysis examined syphilis rates across different demographic and behavioral factors, including sex, race/ethnicity, and reported sexual …

Impact Of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Disturbances In The Pathogenesis Of Alzheimer's Disease: A Scoping Review, Daniel Malak, Paul Mikhail, Joseph Mikhail, Joseph Swaress, Khavir Sharieff

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Background: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disturbances have been implicated in accelerating cognitive decline in aging individuals and those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review explores the relationship between REM sleep disruptions and the progression of AD. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted in June 2024 across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms, “Alzheimer’s,” “REM,” and “sleep disturbances.” Articles focused on REM sleep disturbances in AD patients, excluding those with underlying sleep disorders, comorbidities, or genetic predispositions, were selected. Key data on tau pathology, beta-amyloid accumulation, cognitive decline, and neuroimaging findings were independently extracted and analyzed by …

Bilateral Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome: A Rare And Challenging Case Report, Jose Burgos, Gabriela Llerena, Spencer Rheingold, Jorge De La Portilla

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Bilateral Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome: A Rare and Challenging Case Report Burgos, Jose Julian, MD, MDIV, HCA Florida Kendall Department of Vascular Surgery Miami, Florida. Llerena, Gabriela2, OMSIV, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Rheingold, Spencer, MSIV, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine. De La Portilla, Jorge MD, assistant professor, HCA Florida Kendall Department of Vascular Surgery Miami, Florida1 Objective: This case describes an atypical presentation of PES in an older male patient who presented with a sudden onset of symptoms without a history of claudication. Background: Popliteal entrapment syndrome (PES) is a …

Management Of Covid-19 In A Patient With Kartagener Syndrome: A Case Report, Yatin Ramesh Babu, Shivani Patel, Andy Aleman Espino, Mallory Kazaleh, Hamlet Monteagudo, Odalys Frontela

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

The unprecedented global health challenge posed by COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has driven research into its diverse clinical manifestations and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This report explores the interplay between pre-existing conditions, particularly Kartagener Syndrome, and COVID-19 outcomes. Kartagener Syndrome, characterized by primary ciliary dyskinesia, presents a unique perspective due to its anatomical and physiological features. The case details a 63-year-old female with Kartagener Syndrome admitted with COVID-19 symptoms. The gold-standard approach for Kartagener Syndrome involves comprehensive management strategies, including airway clearance techniques, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions. The patient's treatment encompassed bronchodilators, antibiotics, and subsequent improvements, leading to discharge with a …

To Be Or Not Tb, Gerald Chang, Leidy Huie Martinez Md, Carlos Correa Md, Jose Melendez Md, Brittany Puebla Ms, Yeissen Godinez Md

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an aerosol-transmitted disease that primarily affects the lungs, with active infection presenting as fever, night sweats, weight loss, and productive cough. While it is prevalent worldwide, there may be a lower degree of clinical suspicion in developed countries where it remains uncommon. Therefore, it is important to focus on certain risk factors (travel history, immunosuppression, certain living conditions) in the patient workup. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the presentation and management of a patient with active TB presenting atypically. Case Description: The 47yo male patient with a recent history of pneumonia presented …

Sex-Specific Changes In Gene Expression In Response To Stress In Individuals With Gulf War Illness, Lily Tehrani, Joshua Frank, Melanie Perez, Oskar Zarnowski, Raquel Rossman, Abraham Edelstein, Sadhika Uppalapati, Ana Reuthebuck, Rajendra Pangeni, Lubov Nathanson

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objectives The main objectives of this research proposal are to evaluate sex differences in circulating immune cells gene expression in GWI patients in response to stress modeled by exercise challenge, and sex differences in onset and progression of GWI. Background The underlying mechanisms associated with the onset and progression of GWI, a condition characterized by symptoms such as easy fatigability, memory problems, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, neurological problems, and hormonal imbalance remains unclear. Methods We evaluated differentially expressed genes (DEG) (fold change ≥ 1.5, FDR ≤ 0.1) by RNA-seq in circulating lymphocytes of 20 GWI female and male …

Malignancy-Related Ascites: Thinking Outside The Liver, Nisha Chachad, Erica Pieper Do, Nisha Chachad, Ana Angeli, Pedro Bayonas Md, Jose Gonzalez-Pantaleon Md

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction. Our objective in discussing this case is to explore an approach to the various etiologies of ascites, thereby encouraging clinicians to consider extrahepatic differentials during disease management. To do so, we examined the following case of ascites in the setting of underlying malignancy. Case Presentation. An 85-year-old female presented with rapid-onset abdominal distension as well as dark stools and shortness of breath. She had also experienced progressive weakness, malaise, and weight loss over the last year. Past medical history was notable for endometriosis, hyperlipidemia, and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. She was mildly tachycardic on admission. Labs were notable for leukocytosis with …

A Qualitative Evaluation Of Huntington’S Disease Perspectives On Social Media, Paige Conrad, Heather Sterchele, Ryan Wong, Sahar Sarrami Amini

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

A Qualitative Evaluation of Huntington’s Disease Perspectives on Social Media Paige Conrad OMS-III Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Heather Sterchele OMS-III Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ryan Wong OMS-III Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sahar S Amini D.O. Objective: The objective of this study is to qualitatively examine the content of the most watched videos related to HD on the social media application Tik Tok and explore how social media is being utilized to discuss the disease. Background: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder …

Physician Modified Stent Grafts Created Using 3-Dimensional Printing In The Management Of Aortic Disease: A Systematic Review, Gregory Alfieri, Jack Stensland, Sydney Elness, Khavir Sharieff Do,Mba

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness and applicability of PMSGs created from 3D-printed models in managing aortic disease. Background: Endovascular treatment of aortic disease can be challenging, especially with complex anatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models, derived from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, have been used to create physician-modified stent grafts (PMSGs) for vascular procedures involving the aorta. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in July 2024 across Embase, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science using PRISMA guidelines. Keywords included “aorta”, “3-dimensional printing”, and “implant”. Only studies reporting use of 3D printing-assisted PMSGs in aortic disease repair, …

Skin Manifestations In People With Hepatitis C, Erjola Toska, Cameron Minars, Suzanne Riskin

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Skin Manifestations in People with Hepatitis C Authors: Erjola Toska, OMS-III, Cameron Minars, OMS-II, Suzanne Riskin, M.D. Objectives: This study is aimed to summarize the association between hepatitis C infection and dermatological manifestations from the past decade. Background: Hepatitis C is a growing global health concern, with rising incidence rates and an increased likelihood of extrahepatic manifestations, including dermatological conditions. Despite research into the connection between hepatitis C and skin disorders, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on this subject. Methods: Four databases—PubMed (NLM), EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science—were searched for peer-reviewed articles written in English, focusing on …

Use Of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators In High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion, Soumya Malhotra, Khavir Sharieff

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Use of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators in High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion Authors: Soumya Malhotra, BA., MS1 & Khavir Sharieff, DO, MBA2 1Class of 2027, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2Assistant Professor of Surgery, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa Bay, FLNova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the advantages of EBGSs following high-risk spinal fusions. Background: Pseudarthrosis is a condition where bones fail to fuse after an injury or surgery. It causes significant …

Emerging Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Kiarra Krulikowski, Jake Darbhanga, Suzanne Riskin

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: The obesity epidemic has pushed fatty liver disease to the forefront of the 21st century. Disease identification can be done invasively with a liver biopsy or noninvasively through elastography and measurements of biomarkers. Presently, there are no FDA-approved drugs on the market to treat the disease. Alternative medicinal treatments have been investigated, which include altering the intestinal microbiota and consuming anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications. Methods: In this study, multiple databases were used to identify articles pertaining to fatty liver disease (FLD). All articles gathered from the databases were peer-reviewed and less than 10 years old to ensure …

Nosebleed No More: Recognizing And Diagnosing Factor Viii Inhibitor, Salam Harb, Leidy Huie Martinez Md, Jose Alvarado Md, Ajit Koli Do, Hazem Nasef Ms4

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Acquired hemophilia is a condition characterized by the unexpected onset of severe bleeding due to an issue with coagulation factors. Typically, this disorder results from the production of autoantibodies against the Factor VIII coagulation factor. Although acquired hemophilia is an extremely rare condition, with an annual incidence of just 1.5 cases per million, it is crucial to recognize and understand it. This is because diagnosing this disorder is intricate, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to high levels of morbidity and mortality. This case stands out as the condition typically targets older adults, with around 80% of …

Nourishing Skin Health: The Impact Of A Balanced Diet On Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Archana Banda

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the influence a balanced diet has on the outcome of specific dermatologic conditions notably psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Background: Nutritional status is pivotal in shaping holistic wellness, which extends to skin health. Adequate nutrition can prevent the worsening of inflammatory conditions. Methods: A literature review was conducted to analyze how specific dietary habits for selected chronic inflammatory cutaneous conditions influence the presentation and overall clinical outcome. Results: The analysis indicates a higher incidence of flare-ups with diets heavily consisting of carbohydrates, red meat, alcohol, and fats. Specific diets, such as the Western …

Preferences For Starting Daily, On-Demand, And Long-Acting Injectable Hiv Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In The United States (2021-2022): Nationwide Online Cross-Sectional Study, Duygu Islek, Travis Sanchez, Jennifer L. Glick, Jeb Jones, Keith Rawlings, Supriya Sarkar, Patrick S. Sullivan, Vani Vannappagari

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Long-acting (LA) injectable preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and on-demand PrEP may improve overall PrEP uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM), but little is understood about the PrEP option preferences of MSM in practical scenarios where they may choose between various PrEP options. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the preferences for starting various PrEP options among a US nationwide online convenience sample of MSM from September 2021 to February 2022. METHODS: Participants reporting no prior HIV diagnosis were provided brief descriptions of each PrEP option and were asked, "If [PrEP option] were available from your local doctor …

Preeclampsia As A Risk Factor For Developing Heart Failure, Blessing Akomas, Confidence Nwalor, Tara Li

Master's Projects

Title: Preeclampsia as a Risk Factor for Developing Heart Failure

Introduction: Preeclampsia affects a significant number of pregnancies worldwide. Preeclampsia has been linked with increased cardiovascular risks for women later in life, thus threatening their life. This literature review examines the existing scientific evidence on the relationship between preeclampsia and the long-term risk of heart failure in postpartum women over a 10-year period.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The Melnyk Level of Evidence tool was used to evaluate 10 studies. Identified studies were published between 2019 and 2023. Thematic analysis was used to …

Long-Read Sequencing Of An Advanced Cancer Cohort Resolves Rearrangements, Unravels Haplotypes, And Reveals Methylation Landscapes, Kieran O'Neill, Erin Pleasance, Jeremy Fan, Vahid Akbari, Glenn Chang, Katherine Dixon, Veronika Csizmok, Signe Maclennan, Vanessa Porter, Andrew Galbraith, Cameron J Grisdale, Luka Culibrk, John H Dupuis, Richard Corbett, James Hopkins, Reanne Bowlby, Pawan Pandoh, Duane E Smailus, Dean Cheng, Tina Wong, Connor Frey, Yaoqing Shen, Eleanor Lewis, Luis F Paulin, Fritz J Sedlazeck, Jessica M T Nelson, Eric Chuah, Karen L Mungall, Richard A Moore, Robin Coope, Andrew J Mungall, Melissa K Mcconechy, Laura M Williamson, Kasmintan A Schrader, Stephen Yip, Marco A Marra, Janessa Laskin, Steven J M Jones

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The Long-Read Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) dataset comprises a cohort of 189 patient tumors and 41 matched normal samples sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies PromethION platform. This dataset from the POG program and the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network includes DNA and RNA short-read sequence data, analytics, and clinical information. We show the potential of long-read sequencing for resolving complex cancer-related structural variants, viral integrations, and extrachromosomal circular DNA. Long-range phasing facilitates the discovery of allelically differentially methylated regions (aDMRs) and allele-specific expression, including recurrent aDMRs in the cancer genes RET and CDKN2A. Germline promoter methylation in MLH1 can …

The Complex Relationship Between Tuberculosis And Hyperglycemia, Michelle Byers, Elizabeth Guy

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Hyperglycemia and tuberculosis are dual global pandemics. Each has a propulsive and amplifying effect on the other, and, because of this, we must consider hyperglycemia and tuberculosis together. Hyperglycemia is immunosuppressive and increases the risk of tuberculosis by threefold. It also leads to a more advanced presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis, thus increasing the likelihood of being smear positive and having cavitating lesions, and it impacts the duration and outcomes of treatment, with an increased one year mortality seen in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes. Additionally, any degree of hyperglycemia can have an impact on susceptibility to tuberculosis, and this effect …

Tumor-Promoted Changes In Pediatric Brain Histology Can Be Distinguished From Normal Parenchyma By Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Ana L Seidinger, Felipe L T Silva, Mayara F Euzébio, Anna C Krieger, João Meidanis, Junier M Gutierrez, Thais M S Bezerra, Luciano Queiroz, Alex A Rosini Silva, Iva L Hoffmann, Camila M M Daiggi, Helder Tedeschi, Marcos N Eberlin, Livia S Eberlin, José A Yunes, Andreia M Porcari, Izilda A Cardinalli

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most frequent type of neoplasm in childhood and adolescence, after leukemia. Despite the incorporation of molecular classification and improvement of protocols combining chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, CNS tumors are still the most lethal neoplasm in this age group. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool to map the distribution of molecular species in tissue sections. Among MSI techniques, desorption electrospray ionization (DESI-MSI) has been demonstrated to enable reliable agreement with the pathological evaluation of different adult cancer types, along with an acceptable time scale for intraoperative use.

Methods: In the …

Meca In Streptococcus Mutans Is A Multi-Functional Protein, Kassapa Ellepola, Robert C. Shields, Jessica K. Kajfasz, Hua Zhang, Jose A. Lemos, Hui Wu, Zezhang T. Wen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

UNLABELLED: Our recent studies have shown that deficiency of MecA in Streptococcus mutans significantly affects cell division, growth, and biofilm formation. In this study, an in vitro mixed-species model, proteomics, and affinity pull-down assays were used to further characterize the MecA-mediated regulation in S. mutans. The results showed that compared with the wild type, UA159, the mecA mutant significantly reduced its production of glucans and weakened its ability to facilitate mixed-species biofilm formation. Relative to the wild type, the mecA mutant also displayed unique characteristics, including colony morphology, growth rate, and biofilm formation that did not fully resemble any of …