Medical Sciences Commons^™

Comparison Of The Predictive Value Of Crp/Albumin, Crp/Prealbumin, And The Clinical Frailty Scale For Mortality In Geriatric Intensive Care Patients, Natali T. Aksoy, Bülent B. Güven, Sümeyya M. Soyalan, Dilek Metin Yamaç, Tuna Ertürk, Süheyla Abitağaoğlu

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP)/prealbumin and CRP/albumin ratios, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores, and short-term (first 3 days) and long-term (28 days) mortality in geriatric patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Methods: After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, 213 patients aged 65 years and older were included. Patients discharged within 24 hours, those discharged and readmitted during the study period, those receiving routine albumin replacement, and patients with cirrhosis or undergoing chronic dialysis were excluded. Demographic characteristics, admission diagnoses, chronic comorbidities, frailty scores at admission, and laboratory values, including albumin, prealbumin, and CRP …

Tumor-Associated Neutrophils In Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Predicted By Clinicopathologic Characteristics And Peripheral Blood Markers, Weiwei Hong, Xie Xiong, Chen Fang, Chuanhong Luo, Xiaoying Qian, Xinyuan Yao, Xin Ye, Biao Yu, Bingbiao Zhou, Dengying Chen, Chengsi Shu, Yong Wang, Yong Li

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: The process of analyzing tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) types is complex. This study explored the relationships among clinicopathological characteristics, peripheral blood markers, and TANs. Methods: Clinical information was retrospective gathered for 115 patients in our hospital from May 2019 to May 2021, and multiplex immunofluorescence staining was utilized to access the expression of TANs and analyze the potential relationship between TANs and clinicopathological features or peripheral blood markers. Results: Among the 115 patients, the proportion of female patients within the neutrophils (N1)-low group was notably greater compared to the N1-high group (87.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.022). In nonsmoking patients, …

Clinical Role Of Hematologic Inflammatory Markers In The Diagnosis Of Missed Abortion, Mustafa Bakırcı, Çağlayan Ateş, Ethem S. Yalvaç

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of hematological and biochemical inflammatory markers in distinguishing missed abortions from healthy pregnancies during the first trimester. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between May 2022 and May 2024, included 61 women diagnosed with missed abortion by ultrasound and 100 healthy pregnant women who acted as controls. The following inflammatory markers were calculated from routine blood and biochemistry results: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR). Intergroup comparisons and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Results: The …

Concurrent Appendectomy In Patients Undergoing Surgery For Gynecological Malignancies: A Retrospective Analysis From A Tertiary Referral Center, Gazi Güner, Can Tercan, Emrah Dağdeviren, Ali Selçuk Yeniocak, Ceylin Elbistanli, Sure Nur Erdoğmuş, Ayşe Hazirbulan, Yiğit Mert Bayrak, Neçirvan Çağdaş Çaltek, Gözde Şahin, Ergun Tercan, Figen Efe Çamili, Nazlıaylin Vural, Hüseyin Karatay, Saniye Merve Gül Kara, İlkbal Temel Yüksel

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate appendectomy specimen findings and their association with tumor type and stage. Concurrent appendectomy is frequently performed during gynecologic oncology surgery to prevent postoperative appendicitis and detect occult pathology, yet its value remains debated. Methods: In this study, we reviewed the medical records of 300 women who underwent gynecologic oncologic surgery accompanied by appendectomy at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital (Istanbul, Türkiye) over the period from July 2020 to April 2025. Clinical, surgical, andhistopathologic data were collected. Appendiceal pathologies were categorized as reactive hyperplasia, chronic inflammation, benign neoplasms, metastatic tumors, or primary. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-test, …

Reliability And Validity Of The Arabic Version Of The Nose-Perf Scale, Rayan M. Alfallaj, Abdullah I. Binghaith, Mohammed Y. Alyoussef, Ahmed S. Alsaleh, Saad A. Alsaleh, Abdulaziz A. Alqahtani, Ahmad S. Alroqi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the psychometric validity of the Arabic adaptation of the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation–perforation (NOSE-Perf) scale. To assess how reliable and valid the Arabic adaptation of the NOSE-Perf questionnaire is. Patients with septal perforations, particularly Arabic speakers, lack validated self-assessment tools for subjective symptom evaluation. Methods: Conducted between May 2024 and June 2025, the study included 100 participants—20 patients with septal perforation and 80 controls. Participants filled out a questionnaire consisting of demographic data as well as the Arabic forms of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), NOSE, and NOSE-Perf scales. Cronbach's alpha was applied to determine internal consistency, …

A Multi-Centre Study: Quantitative Evaluation Of Radiation Dose For Adults Head Computed Tomography, Abdulaziz A. Qurashi, Shrooq T. Aldahery

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine regional radiation dose in adults head computed tomography (CT) examinations in Jeddah by assessing the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI_vol) and dose length product (DLP) values. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from February to April 2025 across 10 CT scanners from 5 governmental hospitals in Jeddah. Data for 20 head CT examinations per scanner were collected. Dose metrics including CTDI_vol and DLP (mGy·cm), were extracted from digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images. Mean values per scanner and the 75^th percentile were calculated across centres to identify the regional DRL. …

The Role Of The Delta Neutrophil Index In Determining The Severity Of Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy, Selçuk Atalay, Melike Çaltekin, Nihal Çallıoğlu, Fırat Ersan, Verda Alpay, Yasin Anasız, Ipek Geyikoğlu

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the delta neutrophil index (DNI) in distinguishing patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) from healthy pregnant women, and to assess its potential role in evaluating disease severity. Methods: This retrospective analysis included data from 249 pregnant women. Among them, 131 were identified with ICP, based on clinical symptoms and total bile acid levels ≥ 10 μ mol/L. The remaining 118 participants served as healthy controls. The ICP cases were categorized into mild (TBA 10–39 μ mol/L; n = 90) and severe (TBA ≥ 40 μ mol/L; n = 41) …

Integrative Approaches To Gut Microbiota: Biomarkers, Dysbiosis, And Therapeutic Potential, Zeyad M. Alharbi

Saudi Medical Journal

The human gut contains bacteria, viruses, and archaea that influence health depending on age, diet, and location. An individual harbours about 150 bacterial species. An imbalance of these microorganisms, known as dysbiosis, can negatively impact health. Commensal bacteria maintain microbial homeostasis by building short chain fatty acids. The 2-way communication channel that connects the gut and the brain is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Dysbiosis of the gut leads to some autoimmune diseases. A decline of beneficial bacteria causes the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Gut dysbiosis increases intestinal permeability, allowing toxins and cytokines to enter the bloodstream and damage …

Emerging Nanotherapy Applications In Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review, Waleed H. Mahallawi

Saudi Medical Journal

This comprehensive review synthesizes recent advances in cancer nanotherapy, focusing on 6 emerging categories: immunomodulation, gene/RNA delivery, theranostics, radiosensitization, biomimetic carriers, and artificial intelligence (AI)-guided formulations. These innovative platforms demonstrate transformative potential by overcoming key limitations of conventional cancer treatments. Immunomodulatory nanoparticles reprogram tumor microenvironments and convert immunologically ``cold'' tumors to ``hot'' responsive states. Gene delivery systems enable precise editing with >50% efficiency, while theranostic platforms integrate real-time imaging with targeted therapy. Radiosensitizers amplify local radiation dose by twofold, and biomimetic carriers achieve prolonged circulation through immune evasion. An AI-driven approaches optimize personalized formulations based on patient-specific biomarkers. Clinical evidence …

Treatment Of Odontogenic Sinusitis With Oroantral Communication And Fistula: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Rana R. Alharbi, Omar F. Alnajar, Reham E. Almahdi, Salman A. Alrougi, Remas A. Alshehri, Ruyuf A. Alotaibi, Shahad S. Alharbi, Manal A Eltahir, Yahya A. Fageeh

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess the available data regarding medicinal, surgical, and combination therapy approaches for odontogenic sinusitis linked to OAC and OAF. Oroantral communication (OAC), an atypical connection between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus, commonly arises following upper jaw procedures, trauma, or infection. Chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis may result from OAC developing into an oroantral fistula (OAF) if treatment is not received. Recurrent infections and functional difficulties can be avoided by managing these illnesses effectively. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in National Library of Medicine's (PubMed [MEDLINE]) and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2024. A total …

Mental Health In Relation To Parental Absence: A Systematic Review, Mohammed Barry, Abdulaziz Alyahyawi, Heba Jafar Sabbagh

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the literature based on the relationship between orphaned children and mental health, compared to non-orphaned children. Mental well-being of orphaned children is a profound intricate topic that connects with broader concerns of childcare. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature regarding the relationship between mental health and parental absence. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct in October 2025, with 1017 screened studies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Independent reviewers performed quality assessments using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed when possible. Results: Findings indicate that orphaned …

Feasibility Of Nationwide Remote Chronic Neural Data Collection From Recording-Enabled Deep Brain Stimulation Systems, Kasra A Mansourian, Ajay D Gandhi, Jonathan H Bentley, Kalman A Katlowitz, Danika L Paulo, Nisha Giridharan, Mohammed A Hasen, Tommy B Liu, Zain U Naqvi, Sarah S Soubra, Thomas A Hamre, Rick R Hanish, Eric A Storch, Wayne K Goodman, Sameer A Sheth, Nicole R Provenza

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Bidirectional deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices can continuously record neural activity while delivering stimulation. Due to memory limitations on the implanted device on which data are stored, frequent data downloads are required to prevent data loss. In this study, we present a novel collaborative data collection method utilizing a nationwide network of device representatives to allow frequent data transfer that reduces data loss without imposing travel burden on patients.

Methods: We collected chronic neural data from nine patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who received ventral capsule/ventral striatum DBS treatment between May 2023 and August 2024. We included patients implanted …

Handgrip Strength, Handgrip Endurance And Bmi: A Comprehensive Approach To Health Assessment Among The General Population Of Madikeri, Dr Asha S. Das, Dr Ravikiran Kisan, Dr Suhas Y. Shirur, Dr Narasimha Rai K, Dr Sanjay Bhagoji

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Being physically fit is essential for lowering the risk of illness and enhancing longevity. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is frequently used to evaluate body composition, Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Hand Grip Endurance (HGE) are important indicators of general well-being. Goal: To assess BMI, HGS, and HGE and ascertain how they correlate in a selected group of subjects. Methods: Fifty participants between the ages of 20 and 40 years participated in a comparative cross-sectional study at the Department of Physiology, Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri. Participants were divided into three BMI groups after anthropometric measurements were taken. …

Disruption Of The Lrrk2 Substrate Rab12 Facilitates Neurotransmission And Causes Hyperactivity In Mice, Xingjian Li, Yuanxin Chen, Huaixing Wang, Xue Zhang, Noah Guy Lewis Guiberson, Xianting Li, Jacqueline Burré, Junmin Peng, Hui Zhang, Zhenyu Yue

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

RAB12 is a small GTPase and a validated substrate of LRRK2, a kinase genetically linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). While RAB12-LRRK2 signaling has been implicated in ciliogenesis and immune regulation, the neuronal function of RAB12 remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the role of RAB12 in synaptic physiology using Rab12 knockout (KO) mice. Rab12 KO mice developed normally but exhibited increased locomotor activity in adulthood. Electrophysiological recordings from striatal slices revealed enhanced presynaptic release probability and increased excitatory drive onto medium spiny neurons. Consistently, live-cell imaging of cultured cortical neurons revealed that Rab12 deletion facilitated, while Rab12 overexpression inhibited, synaptic …

Pharmacologic Interventions To Reduce Cardiopulmonary Bypass Induced Inflammation In Cardiac Surgery: A Scoping Review, Wyatt Anderson

Student Works

ABSTRACT

1. Structured summary

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential in cardiac surgery but can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that contributes to postoperative complications. The scoping review conducted has a purpose to map the existing literature on pharmacologic interventions to mitigate CPB related inflammation. While several interventions demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects, findings were inconsistent, and no standardized pharmacologic approach is currently agreed upon.

Methods

This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Both PubMed, and CINAHL were screened for studies published between 2000 and 2024 that evaluated pharmacologic interventions aimed at reducing CPB related inflammation. After screening and duplicate removal, 10 studies met …

Cardiovascular Disease And Dyslipidemia In Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes, Grace K Kim, Preneet Cheema Brar, Nidhi Bansal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose of review

Despite advances in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, mortality is still increased, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause. Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent modifiable CVD risk factor. We reviewed the existing literature on CVD mortality in T1D to highlight CVD risk in pediatric patients with T1D.

Recent findings

Pathophysiology of T1D and premature CVD risk is still not fully understood. Dyslipidemia remains a highly prevalent and undertreated CV risk factor in T1D. Statins have been shown to be safe and effective to improve CVD risk in adults with T1D, and in children with familial hypercholesterolemia, …

Investigating Sertraline‑Mediated Modulation Of Succinate Dehydrogenase To Sensitize Tmz‑Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Supraja Mallapuram

Create@State

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest and most common brain tumor which remains highly resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), contributing to poor patient outcomes. Literature suggests that sertraline, a widely used SSRI, disrupts mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Because GBM depends heavily on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) for oxidative phosphorylation, sertraline‑mediated SDH inhibition may increase metabolic stress and reduce functional TMZ resistance. This poster presents a literature‑based rationale and proposed experimental design to evaluate sertraline‑induced SDH modulation and its potential to sensitize TMZ‑resistant T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings will guide future experimental work.

A Performance And Quality Improvement Intervention Integrating Molecular Testing To Support Personalized Cancer Care In Lung And Thyroid Cancers, Suzanne Murray, Monica Augustyniak, John Vu, Elbert Y. Kuo, Manolo G. Pasia Jr., Sheri L. Rivera, Kelly M. Rodriguez, Vivek Subbiah, Patrice Lazure, Ecaterina E. Dumbrava

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction: Molecular testing has been underutilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, despite its potential to significantly impact clinical decision-making and resulting health outcomes.

Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the process and impact of a performance/quality improvement (PI/QI) intervention to optimize the integration of molecular testing for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or thyroid cancer (TC).

Methods: Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses were engaged in the PI/QI at 2 cancer centers (Site A and Site B) for up to 18 months following a pre-intervention needs assessment. Gaps identified at baseline informed …

First, Do No Trend: Aligning Parenteral Lipid Therapy With Physiology And Evidence In Neonates, Parvesh Mohan Garg, Srinivas Bolisetty, Camilia R Martin, Muralidhar H Premkumar

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Lipid injectable emulsions (ILE) are essential components of parenteral nutrition in neonatal intensive care units. Over the past two decades, the expanded availability of ILE has led to rapid changes in clinical practice, largely driven by concerns about intestinal failure–associated liver disease. Despite these evolving trends, the evidence supporting one ILE over another remains limited and nuanced. Importantly, no currently available ILE replicates the intrauterine supply of critical long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, both of which decline postnatally regardless of emulsion type. Neonates requiring ILE represent a heterogeneous population of preterm and term infants, with …

Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution 0.25% In The Treatment Of Demodex Blepharitis: A Case Report, Paul Karpecki, Brandon Ayres, Eric Donnenfeld, Marjan Farid, Ian Benjamin Gaddie, Preeya K Gupta, Cecelia Koetting, Richard Lindstrom, Selina Mcgee, Kelly K Nichols, Laura M Periman, Stephen Pflugfelder, Christopher Starr, Nandini Venkateswaran, Elizabeth Yeu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Demodex blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory ocular condition caused by Demodex mite infestation of the eyelid that can negatively impact quality of life. Currently, lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% is the only FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis. The Demodex Expert Panel on Treatment and Eyelid Health has established consensus that lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% should be considered the preferred first-line treatment for Demodex blepharitis. We report a patient who presented with collarettes, the pathognomonic sign of Demodex blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and poor visual acuity. The patient also had a history of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Consistent with the Demodex Expert …

Mapping Burdens And Inequalities Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Young Females Across 953 Locations 1990–2040 With Deep Learning Forecasts, Yaling Wu, Wenxiang Cai, Mao Chen, Susu Luo, Robert J Norman, Mahnaz Bahri Khomami, Lisa Moran, Heping Zhang, Suhaniya N S Samarasinghe, Salman Rawaf, Davd A Ehrmann, Liming Pan, Kexin Ding, Shuxian Ma, Lili Zheng, Xian Shao, You Zuo, Baozhen Huang, Fei Li, Mingyang Xue, Tongrui Shang, Guangyao Cai, Yuanyuan Chen, Ying Wang, Yutong Lu, Dong Wang, Yuanyuan Wan, Ningning Wu, Ciqing Lin, Wei Pan, Rui Zhang, Tingting Yao, Yiming Xiong, Kai Chen, Jianli Zhao, Shunrong Li, Liling Zhu, Luyuan Tan, Yinduo Zeng, You Zeng, Lukasz Szarpak, Nadia M Hamdy, Claire Chenwen Zhong, Fa Yuan, Yihang Chu, Xiao Jia, Peng Wu, Linjiang Wei, Yanfang Ye, João Conde, Zimeng Wu, Jinjin Zhang, Yamei Tang, Pengpeng Ye, Dongzi Yang, Shixuan Wang, Azeem Majeed, Helena Teede, Wenyi Jin, Queran Lin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder impacting the health of young female populations. Using harmonized estimates from 953 locations, we assessed temporal trends, geographic inequalities, and forecasts of PCOS among individuals aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2040. Between 1990 and 2021, global prevalence and disability burden increased by more than 30%, with the highest burden observed among those aged 20-24 years. Substantial geographic heterogeneity was identified, with particularly high prevalence in Europe and East Asia. While high-income regions carried the greatest absolute burden, low- and middle-income regions showed the fastest growth, accompanied by widening …

A Digital Diabetes Prevention Program For Hispanic Adolescents (Fit24+): Protocol For A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Erica G Soltero, Marbelly Partida, Sandra Mihail, Lizette Villanueva, Callie Lopez, Salma M Musaad, Teresia M O'Connor, Maria J Redondo, Matthew Buman, Debbe Thompson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hispanic youth are disproportionately impacted by obesity and subsequent type 2 diabetes (T2D) yet remain underrepresented in diabetes prevention research. Digital health interventions hold promise for increasing the accessibility to and engagement in disease prevention programming, particularly among high-risk populations. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding digital T2D prevention programs for adolescents or Hispanic youth.

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe the protocol for examining the feasibility of a 12-week digital diabetes prevention program among Hispanic adolescents with obesity.

Methods: Participants (N=40; aged 12-16 years) will be randomized (1:1) to a 12-week …

International Consensus On The Evaluation And Management Of Hypothalamic Hamartomas: Results From A Modified Delphi Survey, Nathan T Cohen, Xiaotong Li, Madison M Berl, Chima O Oluigbo, Hiroshi Shirozu, Samuel F Berkovic, Margaret Zacharin, Wirginia Maixner, Andreas Schulze-Bonhage, Kerstin Klotz, Nicola Specchio, Sarah Ferrand-Sorbets, Christine Bulteau, Alexis A Arzimanoglou, Jean Regis, J Helen Cross, Martin M Tisdall, Hanna Richardson, Arthur Cukiert, Cristine Cukiert, Julia Jacobs, Elizabeth J Donner, Phillip L Pearl, John F Kerrigan, Angus A Wilfong, Kevin C J Yuen, Dennis J Dlugos, Daniel Curry, Irfan Ali, John Ragheb, Lisa Soeby, Erica Webster, William D Gaillard

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and objectives: Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are rare brain lesions associated with epilepsy and numerous comorbidities. Worldwide treatment is varied. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide treatment. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the evaluation and management of HH.

Methods: A modified Delphi survey was designed by the Medical Advisory Board of Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas and was conducted among 17 International League Against Epilepsy level II epilepsy surgery centers. The survey included 257 questions in round 1 and 81 refined questions in round 2, covering domains of diagnosis, imaging, medical and surgical treatment, neuropsychological …

Dapk2 Regulates Pkm2 Phosphorylation At Threonine 45 To Facilitate Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis, Shuai Guo, Long Xu, Yixin Chen, Yuan Zhao, Yuting Zhang, Runfa Yu, Kaixiang Cao, Litao Wang, Wenjia Ai, Jiang-Yun Luo, Lu Lu, Jun He, Yuan Zhou, Li Wang, Andrew H Baker, Yuqing Huo, Yiming Xu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Oscillatory shear stress (OSS), resulting from disturbed blood flow, is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation by incompletely understood mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the involvement of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) 2 in OSS-induced endothelial cell (EC) activation and atherosclerosis.

Methods: Publicly available resources, including genome-wide microarray, RNA sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing, were utilized to identify key OSS-sensitive regulatory factors. Techniques such as mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, and RNA sequencing were employed to identify pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as the binding protein of DAPK2 and determine the specific site of PKM2 phosphorylation by DAPK2. To assess …

Acute Traumatic Aortic Injury: What The Radiologist Needs To Know, Kristina Ramirez-Garcia, Catalina Jaramillo, Emma Ferguson, Jason Au, Erika Odisio, Gustavo S Oderich, Daniel Ocazionez, Cihan Duran, Thanila Macedo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a rare but life-threatening consequence of blunt trauma that requires prompt diagnosis and accurate imaging assessment. This review presents an imaging-based approach to ATAI, with emphasis on computed tomography angiography (CTA) as the first-line modality for diagnosis, grading, treatment planning, and follow-up. CTA enables the detection of both direct and indirect signs while also allowing for the assessment of lesion severity, extent, and associated findings that may influence management. Familiarity with common mimics and anatomic variants improves diagnostic confidence and helps avoid false positive interpretations. Careful protocol optimization, including multiphasic acquisition, bolus timing, and …

The Role Of The "Indulgent Mindset" As A Modulator For Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers And Self-Reported Mental Wellbeing, Riva Ranier, Anika Anika, Sarah Simon, Ethan Chau, Emma Monte, Madison Retzloff, Johann Luna, Susan Helm

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The Role of the "Indulgent Mindset" as a Modulator for Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers and Self-Reported Mental Wellbeing

Objective: Limited understanding persists regarding how an "indulgent mindset" about food shapes neuropsychiatric outcomes. Building on the "milkshake study" demonstrating that mindset modulates ghrelin response independent of nutritional content, this pilot study examines whether an indulgent mindset intervention affects neuropsychiatric biomarkers and mental wellbeing.

Methods: Women ages 19-65 (n=35; intervention n=17, control n=18) completed a 6-month randomized trial with baseline and post-intervention assessments including 3-day food diaries, mental wellbeing questionnaires, and comprehensive metabolomics (Iollo panel across mental health, metabolic health, gut microbiome, brain health, …

A Tv-Bm3d Iterative Algorithm For Vmat-Ct Reconstruction, Chia-Lung Chien, Beibei Guo, Rui Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Volumetric modulated arc therapy-computed tomography (VMAT-CT), which is the CT reconstructed using the portal images collected during VMAT, can potentially be an effective onsite imaging tool. The goal of this study was to propose an iterative reconstruction algorithm that can further improve the image quality of VMAT-CT and reduce the number of failed reconstructions. An iterative algorithm combining total variation (TV) with block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) was proposed, addressing the L1-L2 regularization problem using the split Bregman method. We collected portal images from 67 VMAT cases including 50 phantom and 17 real-patient cases. Both Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) and TV-BM3D iterative …

A Multidomain Peptide Hydrogel-Liposome Composite For Controlled Release Of A Cyclic Dinucleotide In Oral Cancer, Joseph W R Swain, Andrea H Molina, Gemalene M Sunga, Danielle Chew-Martinez, Neeraja Dharmaraj, Alejandra Cobos Perez, Arghadip Dey, Ephraim J Vázquez-Rosado, Simon Young, Jeffrey D Hartgerink

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

While immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy for cancer, the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with single-agent immunotherapy do not respond. Therefore, researchers are investigating combination treatments with immunostimulatory molecules that can maximize anti-tumor responses. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are STING agonists that hold promise in combination approaches, but they require frequent intratumoral administration when used in both preclinical models of HNSCC and clinical trials. To reduce administration frequency, we have created a peptide hydrogel–liposome composite system, K2-Lip(CDN), for local and prolonged availability of CDN. We investigated the loading limits of cationic liposomes in both …

Car-T Cell Therapy – A Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment Through Precision Immunotherapy, Mackenzie R. Epperson

ATU Scholars Symposium

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a great advancement in the field of oncology, offering a targeted and adaptable cancer treatment. Traditional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often have limitations, such as relapse and resistance, highlighting the need for more precise therapeutic options. CAR-T therapy addresses many of these challenges through engineering a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancerous cells with specificity and long-lasting immune activity. Since being approved by the FDA in 2017, CAR-T therapy has shown success in treating hematologic malignancies, demonstrating high remission rates in patients with previously limited options. Despite …

Contributing Factors Of Contralateral Breast Cancer In Patients With Brca Mutation (On-Brca Ii Study, Korea-Bsg 11), Seon-Hi Shin, Sung Gwe Ahn, Jai Min Ryu, Sae Byul Lee, Hyung Seok Park, Eun-Shin Lee, Janghee Lee, Byeongju Kang, Sanghwa Kim, Eun Young Kim, Young-Joon Kang, Sun Young Min, Moohyun Lee, Se-Kang Kim, Hong-Kyu Kim, Chihwan David Cha

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The cumulative risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) in BRCA1/2 carriers is remarkably higher than in non-carriers. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological predictors associated with the risk of metachronous CBC among breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations using correspondence analysis.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BRCA testing between January 2008 and December 2018. The inclusion criterion was patients being between 20 and 80-years-old with invasive breast cancer (pT1-3, N0-3). We performed univariate and multivariate survival analyses to assess the risks associated with BRCA mutations, and conducted correspondence analysis to identify contributing factors for CBC …