Medical Specialties Commons^™

Multifaceted Roles For Stat3 In Gammaherpesvirus Latency Revealed Through In Vivo B Cell Knockout Models, Chad H Hogan, Shana M Owens, Glennys V Reynoso, Yifei Liao, Thomas J Meyer, Monika A Zelazowska, Bin Liu, Xiaofan Li, Anna K Grosskopf, Camille Khairallah, Varvara Kirillov, Nancy C Reich, Brian S Sheridan, Kevin M Mcbride, Benjamin E Gewurz, Heather D Hickman, J Craig Forrest, Laurie T Krug

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Cancers associated with the oncogenic gammaherpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, are notable for their constitutive activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). To better understand the role of STAT3 during gammaherpesvirus latency and the B cell response to infection, we used the model pathogen murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68). Genetic deletion of STAT3 in B cells of CD19cre/+Stat3f/f mice reduced peak MHV68 latency approximately sevenfold. However, infected CD19cre/+Stat3f/f mice exhibited disordered germinal centers and heightened virus-specific CD8 T cell responses compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. To circumvent the systemic immune alterations observed in …

Economic Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Families Of Children With Autism And Other Developmental Disabilities., Olivia M. Pokoski, Hayley Crain, Carolyn Diguiseppi, Sarah M. Furnier, Eric J. Moody, Cy Nadler, Karen Pazol, Jessica Sanders, Lisa D. Wiggins, Maureen S. Durkin

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: To control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many jurisdictions throughout the world enacted public health measures that had vast socio-economic implications. In emergency situations, families of children with developmental disabilities (DDs), including autism, may experience increased difficulty accessing therapies, economic hardship, and caregiver stress, with the potential to exacerbate autism symptoms. Yet, limited research exists on the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of children with autism or another DD compared to families of children from the general population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess impact of the COVID-19 pandemic related to parental employment and economic difficulties in …

Synergic Effect Of Cai2 And Lii On Ionic Conductivity Of Solution-Based Synthesized Li7p3s11 Solid Electrolyte†, Tran Anh Tu, Tran Viet Toan, Luu Tuan Anh, Le Van Thang, Nguyen Huu Huy Phuc

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Li7P3S11 doped with CaX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) and LiI solid electrolytes were successfully prepared by liquid-phase synthesis using acetonitrile as the reaction medium. Their structure was investigated using XRD, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. The data obtained from complex impedance spectroscopy was analyzed to study the ionic conductivity and relaxation dynamics in the prepared samples. The XRD results suggested that a part of CaX2 and LiI incorporated into the structure of Li7P3S11, while the remaining part existed at the grain boundary of the Li7P3S11 particle. The Raman peak positions of PS43- and P2S74- ions in samples 90Li7P3S11-5CaI2 and 90Li7P3S11-5CaI2-5LiI …

Pediatric Spinal Ependymoma With Chromothripsis Of Chromosome 6: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature., Keela R. Scott, Melissa Gener, Elena Repnikova

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Ependymomas are the third most common central nervous system tumor in the pediatric population; however, spinal ependymomas in children are rare. Ependymomas affecting the spinal cord most frequently occur in adults of 20-40 years of age. The current World Health Organization classification system for ependymomas is now composed of ten different entities based on histopathology, location, and molecular studies, with evidence that the new classification system more accurately predicts clinical outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 16-year-old Caucasian female patient with a history of type 2 neurofibromatosis with multiple schwannomas, meningioma, and spinal ependymoma. Chromosome analysis …

Sugar-Binding And Split Domain Combinations In Repeats-In-Toxin Adhesins From Vibrio Cholerae And Aeromonas Veronii Mediate Cell-Surface Recognition And Hemolytic Activities, Mustafa Sherik, Robert Eves, Shuaiqi Guo, Cameron J Lloyd, Karl E Klose, Peter L Davies

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Many pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria use repeats-in-toxin adhesins for colonization and biofilm formation. In the cholera agent Vibrio cholerae, flagellar-regulated hemagglutinin A (FrhA) enables these functions. Using bioinformatic analysis, a sugar-binding domain was identified in FrhA adjacent to a domain of unknown function. AlphaFold2 indicated the boundaries of both domains to be slightly shorter than previously predicted and assisted in the recognition of the unknown domain as a split immunoglobulin-like fold that can assist in projecting the sugar-binding domain toward its target. The AlphaFold2-predicted structure is in excellent agreement with the molecular envelope obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of …

Drug Resistance Assessed In A Phase 3 Clinical Trial Of Maribavir Therapy For Refractory Or Resistant Cytomegalovirus Infection In Transplant Recipients, Sunwen Chou, Sophie Alain, Carlos Cervera, Roy F Chemaly, Camille N Kotton, Jens Lundgren, Genovefa A Papanicolaou, Marcus R Pereira, Jingyang J Wu, Rose Ann Murray, Neil E Buss, Martha Fournier

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: This drug resistance analysis of a randomized trial includes 234 patients receiving maribavir and 116 receiving investigator-assigned standard therapy (IAT), where 56% and 24%, respectively, cleared cytomegalovirus DNA at week 8 (treatment responders).

Methods: Baseline and posttreatment plasma samples were tested for mutations conferring drug resistance in viral genes UL97, UL54, and UL27.

Results: At baseline, genotypic testing revealed resistance to ganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir in 56% of patients receiving maribavir and 68% receiving IAT, including 9 newly phenotyped mutations. Among them, 63% (maribavir) and 21% (IAT) were treatment responders. Detected baseline maribavir resistance mutations were UL27 L193F (n …

Early Renal Denervation Attenuates Cardiac Dysfunction In Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction, Jake E. Doiron, Zhen Li, Xiaoman Yu, Kyle B. Lapenna, Heather Quiriarte, Timothy D. Allerton, Kashyap Koul, Andrew Malek, Sanjiv J. Shah, Thomas E. Sharp, Traci T. Goodchild, Daniel R. Kapusta, David J. Lefer

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The renal sympathetic nervous system modulates systemic blood pressure, cardiac performance, and renal function. Pathological increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We investigated the effects of renal sympathetic denervation performed at early or late stages of HFpEF progression. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male ZSF1 obese rats were subjected to radiofrequency renal denervation (RF-RDN) or sham procedure at either 8 weeks or 20 weeks of age and assessed for cardiovascular function, exercise capacity, and cardiorenal fibrosis. Renal norepinephrine and renal nerve tyrosine hydroxylase staining were performed to quantify denervation …

The Il6/Jak/Stat3 Signaling Axis Is A Therapeutic Vulnerability In Smarcb1-Deficient Bladder Cancer, Chandra Sekhar Amara, Karthik Reddy Kami Reddy, Yang Yuntao, Yuen San Chan, Danthasinghe Waduge Badrajee Piyarathna, Lacey Elizabeth Dobrolecki, David J H Shih, Zhongcheng Shi, Jun Xu, Shixia Huang, Matthew J Ellis, Andrea B Apolo, Leomar Y Ballester, Jianjun Gao, Donna E Hansel, Yair Lotan, H Courtney Hodges, Seth P Lerner, Chad J Creighton, Arun Sreekumar, W Jim Zheng, Pavlos Msaouel, Shyam M Kavuri, Nagireddy Putluri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

SMARCB1 loss has long been observed in many solid tumors. However, there is a need to elucidate targetable pathways driving growth and metastasis in SMARCB1-deficient tumors. Here, we demonstrate that SMARCB1 deficiency, defined as genomic SMARCB1 copy number loss associated with reduced mRNA, drives disease progression in patients with bladder cancer by engaging STAT3. SMARCB1 loss increases the chromatin accessibility of the STAT3 locus in vitro. Orthotopically implanted SMARCB1 knockout (KO) cell lines exhibit increased tumor growth and metastasis. SMARCB1-deficient tumors show an increased IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling axis in in vivo models and patients. Furthermore, a pSTAT3 selective inhibitor, TTI-101, reduces …

Microsporidiosis: Reviewing Clinical Presentation And Treatment Strategies, Julienne Zhou, Belinda Liu, Megan Dearmond, David Banach, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection caused by obligate intracellular pathogens within the taxon Microsporidia. Infection is zoonotic and has been associated with patients experiencing immunodeficiency, though incidence is increasing among other populations. Most commonly, the disease is gastrointestinal, typically by Enterocytozoon bieneusi and less commonly by Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Symptoms present with diarrhea and vomiting, and severe cases can lead to wasting and mortality. While the incorporation of anti-retroviral therapy for HIV patients has significantly decreased mortality in a subset of the vulnerable populations, treatment for microsporidiosis is still not standardized or well explored. Resistance to first-line treatment albendazole is increasing, …

Educational Intervention For Delirium Assessment In Intensive Care Units Using The Confusion Assessment Method, Nathan Nguyen, Kaylee Putney, Alana Whittaker

Annual Research Symposium

Delirium frequently occurs in severely ill adults, leading to worse outcomes and increased duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, along with higher associated expenses. The 2018 clinical practice guidelines for Pain, Agitation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption (PADIS) recommend that all adult ICU patients be regularly assessed for delirium. At Valley Hospital Medical Center, the utilization of Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) for monitoring delirium is infrequent, typically taking place either after the adjustment of sedatives or in response to nursing reports of positive neurologic assessments indicating signs of delirium.

Ergonomics And Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Students And Practitioners, Ardra Nair S Intern, Sudeep C. B Professor And Head Of The Department Public Health Dentistry

Annual Research Symposium

study to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental students and dental practitioners in Calicut district.

Challenges In Diagnosing Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Series, Aratara Nutcharoen, Elliott Beard, Anupa Thirmiya, Omar Taher, Jacob Adams, Mark Mortensen, John Pelham

Annual Research Symposium

Challenges in Diagnosing Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

Pharmacognosy And Trichomoniasis: A Scoping Review Protocol, Claire Hartwell, Melanie Arslanian, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Trichomoniasis, also called “trich”, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI). Its etiological agent is the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, against which first-line antiparasitics usually work. However, resistance is on the rise. Trich has traditionally been considered a nuisance infection, with many (particularly AMAB patients) being asymptomatic. But research in recent years has begun to unravel correlations of trichomonal infections with a myriad of comorbitidies, including infertility, cancers, the pathogenesis of AIDS, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Between the rise of drug resistance and the incidence of these comorbidities, new treatments are needed. In this work, we are …

Behind The Spine: Investigating The Role Of Cervical Posture And Range Of Motion On Mental Health, Layla Risdon, Luis Alvarez, Cassidy Byers, Davis Byers, Louis Michelon, Tallon Muhlestein, Natalie Tate, Garret Vincent, Christina Small, David Sant, Kurt Alexander, Kyle Bills

Annual Research Symposium

This research explores the correlation between abnormal forward head posture, cervical range of motion, and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, the study examines the relationships between the loss of cervical lordosis and anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of manipulative therapy on forward head posture and provided a link between postural alignment and cognitive function. This investigation aims to build on existing literature and enhance understanding of how loss of cervical lordosis impacts cervical and overall range of motion as well as its potential association with psychiatric conditions.

Effectiveness Of Omt On Cardiovascular Function: A Systematic Review., Sarah Legrand

Annual Research Symposium

Vascular disease is responsible for the top two causes of death worldwide. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is currently utilized mostly for alleviating musculoskeletal symptoms, but it has shown promise as a non-invasive approach to improve cardiovascular function. There is currently no consensus that OMT can have short-term or long-term effects on cardiovascular function. The utility of OMT in maintaining cardiovascular system health is an emerging area of practice. The purpose of this systematic review project is to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of OMT on cardiovascular function and its regulators in the nervous and endocrine systems.

Correlation Between Salivary Levels And Tissue Expression Status Of Her2 In Breast Cancer Patients - A Cross-Sectional Study, Arthi Sri A.S, Massillamani F, Vinothkumar Thilla Sekar

Annual Research Symposium

The study aims to investigate if soluble salivary human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) would play a role in the diagnosis of breast cancer patients and also to find out the influence of demographic and hormonal factors on the salivary HER2 levels in breast cancer.

Fit Evaluation Of Soft Milled Zirconia And Cocr By Microcomputed Tomography, Elie Daou

Annual Research Symposium

Statement of problem. The absolute marginal fit of CAD-CAM presintered fixed partial dentures has been poorly documented. Purpose. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fit of presintered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and zirconia 3-unit fixed partial dentures by using X-ray microcomputed tomography (mCT).

Material and methods. A metal model was prepared from a typodont to receive fixed partial dentures (N=12). The maxillary first premolar and first molar were prepared with a circumferential 1.2-mm chamfer and 2-mm occlusal reduction. The dies were scanned and assigned to 1 of 2 groups to receive the prostheses made of presintered …

Smile Miles Away: Navigating The Future Of Teledentistry, Farhad Jafeen J, Prem Blaisie Rajula, Pl Ravishankar, Shivani Senthilkumar

Annual Research Symposium

Teledentistry is a combination of telecommunications and dentistry involving the exchange of clinical information and images over remote distances for dental consultation and treatment planning. Teledentists are capable of improving access to oral healthcare, increasing the provision of oral health care and reducing its costs. The disparities in oral health care between rural and urban areas could also be eliminated. This article analyses the origin, rationale, scope, basis and requirements of teledentistry in conjunction with current evidence available in the literature. Ethical and legal issues relating to teledentistry, as well as the future of this alternative and innovative way of …

Analysis Of Adolescent Malnutrition On Oral Health: A Systematic Review, Amy Blazejewski

Annual Research Symposium

This review aimed to explore the relationship between malnutrition and oral health in adolescents.

A literature search in PubMed, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on September 13th, 2023. Peer-reviewed articles written in English and published from 2013 containing information on the negative impact of adolescent malnutrition on oral health were considered eligible for review. From the 594 studies obtained from the literature search, 88 studies were included.

Evidence Of Prostate Cancer Progression In Transgender Women After Hormone Replacement Therapy - Scoping Review Protocol, Emily Nelson

Annual Research Symposium

This scoping review aims to determine the extent and quality of evidence regarding prostate cancer progression outcomes in transgender women who have undergone hormone replacement therapy. Notably, transgender females undergoing hormone replacement therapy as a component of the gender affirmation treatment commonly have their prostate, rendering them vulnerable to developing prostate cancer. There is no current agreement about the likelihood of transgender women developing prostate cancer or the impact of hormone replacement therapy on oncogenic molecular pathways. Unfortunately, due to a lack of scientific data and inadequate trust and awareness in the medical community, transgender women are often not provided …

Relationship Between Periodontal Disease And Coronary Heart Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis, Xiaowen Bo, Wenpeng Song

Annual Research Symposium

Periodontal disease (PD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are both prevalent diseases worldwide and cause patients physical and mental suffering and a global burden. Recent studies have suggested a link between PD and CHD, but there is less research in this field from the perspective of bibliometrics. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the literature on PD and CHD to summarize intellectual bases, research hotspots, and emerging trends and pave the way for future research.

Efficacy Of Concentrated Growth Factor Membrane Versus Collagen Membrane In Treating Gingival Recession, Shazneen Kandawalla

Annual Research Symposium

Creating a beautiful smile has always been a cornerstone of dental practice. Gingival recession, characterized by a downward shift of the gum line, causing uneven gum margins and an unattractive appearance.

The Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique, introduced by Zadeh in 2011, offers an innovative solution for root coverage. Concentrated Growth Factor Membrane (CGF) further enhances dental repair.

Spatial Analysis Of Maxillary Central Incisors In Relation To The Nasopalatine Canal And Surrounding Alveolar Bone, Harnoor Dhillon

Annual Research Symposium

The use of mini-implants in orthodontics has enabled greater retraction of incisors than previously achievable. This change underscores the need to understand how incisors relate to the alveolar bone and nasopalatine canal. The varying labiolingual inclination of incisors during orthodontic treatments may influence these anatomical relationships. Our study aimed to assess the spatial relationship between maxillary central incisors and the surrounding alveolar bone and nasopalatine canal.

Implementation Of Best Practice When Collecting Blood Cultures In The Emergency Department (Ed), Parker Grossman

Annual Research Symposium

The purpose of this study is to compare blood culture contamination rates in the ED before and after educational in-services on best practice.

Photodynamic Therapy Effects In The Treatment Of Residual Periodontal Pockets, Kade Janes

Annual Research Symposium

This systematic review examined the adjunctive effect of photodynamic therapy to treat residual pockets.

A Case Report And Review On The Anesthetic Considerations Of Anterior Mediastinal Masses, Carter A. Schulz, Joshua D. Mohs, Andrew M. Reuter

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Case summary: A 15-year-old female presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and weight loss. A chest X-ray and subsequent CT scan revealed a large anterior mediastinal mass with cervical lymphadenopathy and pericardial effusion. Two biopsies under general anesthesia were performed, with the latter confirming classic Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype.

Discussion: This case underscores the significant clinical challenges posed by anterior mediastinal masses due to their proximity to vital cardiovascular and respiratory structures. Physiologic changes during general anesthesia can exacerbate these challenges. Preoperative assessment, including imaging and symptom evaluation, is crucial to guide operative planning. It is key to individualize the …

Chatgpt Can Offer Satisfactory Responses To Common Patient Questions Regarding Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, William Johns, Alec Kellish, Dominic Farronato, Michael G. Ciccotti, Sommer Hammoud

Rothman Institute Papers

PURPOSE: To determine whether ChatGPT effectively responds to 10 commonly asked questions concerning ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction.

METHODS: A comprehensive list of 90 UCL reconstruction questions was initially created, with a final set of 10 "most commonly asked" questions ultimately selected. Questions were presented to ChatGPT and its response was documented. Responses were evaluated independently by 3 authors using an evidence-based methodology, resulting in a grading system categorized as follows: (1) excellent response not requiring clarification; (2) satisfactory requiring minimal clarification; (3) satisfactory requiring moderate clarification; and (4) unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification.

RESULTS: Six of 10 ten responses were …

Pain Screening In Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: A Quality Improvement Study, Dennis C. Vroom, Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick, Amma Owusu-Ansah, Jeffery A. Dusek

Student Scholarship

Background: Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) face several challenges as they age, including increased pain frequency, duration, and interference. The purpose of this study was to (i) determine the feasibility of routine pain screening; (ii) identify and describe various clinical pain presentations; and (iii) understand preferences/resources related to engaging in integrative health and medicine (IHM) modalities within an outpatient pediatric SCD clinic. Methods: During routine outpatient visits, patients aged 8–18 completed measures of pain frequency, duration, and chronic pain risk (Pediatric Pain Screening Tool [PPST]). Participants screening positive for (i) persistent or chronic pain or (ii) medium or high …

Measures Of Function In Physical Therapy Assessment Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Clinical Audit, Marvin D. Zotomayor

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: The assessment of outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is important for monitoring their progress, evaluating interventions, and guiding health policies. This study aimed to (1) identify the most common outcome measures used in the clinics to assess function in children with CP, and (2) determine whether the outcome measures used in the clinics meet the current standards of assessment for the purpose of improving patient care decisions, research, and quality assurance.

Methodology: A retrospective record audit study design was used to determine if the current practice in the clinics on the assessment of function in children with …

Moving Toward Elucidating Alternative Motor Pathway Structures Post-Stroke: The Value Of Spinal Cord Neuroimaging, Ramiro Oquita, Victoria Cuello, Sarvani Uppati, Sravani Mannuru, Daniel Salinas, Michael R. Dobbs, Kelsey Potter-Baker

School of Medicine Publications

Stroke results in varying levels of motor and sensory disability that have been linked to the neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation that occur in the infarct and peri-infarct regions within the brain. Specifically, previous research has identified a key role of the corticospinal tract in motor dysfunction and motor recovery post-stroke. Of note, neuroimaging studies have utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to describe the timeline of neurodegeneration of the corticospinal tract in tandem with motor function following a stroke. However, research has suggested that alternate motor pathways may also underlie disease progression and the degree of functional recovery post-stroke. …