Medical Specialties Commons^™

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.

Viral Hepatitis Screening In Early Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cancer Therapy: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Katherine Klein, Jessica Hwang, Vicente Valero, David Ramirez, Jaime Kaushik

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend screening all patients for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) before initiation of cancer therapy. Cancer patients receiving cancer therapy represent a vulnerable population, and reactivation of undetected hepatitis virus can lead to devastating consequences. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, rates of hepatitis screening for all cancer patients have been historically low. The overall aim of this quality improvement (QI) study was to increase rates of HBV and HCV screening to at least 50% in early-stage breast cancer patients before cancer therapy in the Breast Medical Oncology clinic at MD …

Interprofessional Education Development In An Oncology-Focused Healthcare Institution, Mary Sizemore, Michael Morris, Mohamed Ait Aiss, Gregory Botz, Jolyn Taylor, Joshua Kuban, Diane C. Bodurka

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Despite growing recognition of the value of interprofessional education (IPE), most IPE work has focused on undergraduate learners, leaving a critical gap in postgraduate and clinical environments. This report describes a phase 1, formative, pre-implementation quality improvement (QI) initiative to establish an institution-wide IPE program at an oncology center without a traditional medical school.

Methods: We used a developmental, multiphase mixed methods design integrating 3 inputs: (1) Virtual Interprofessional Teaching and Learning (VITAL) faculty-development feedback, (2) IPE Steering Committee feedback, and (3) simulation evaluation used as an applied context (not the sole focus). Surveys were administered to VITAL participants, …

Spatial Computing With The Apple Vision Pro In Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study, Sydney Cooper, Aaron Kyle Jones, Rahul Anil Sheth, Koustav Pal, Bruno Odisio, Mark Blaylock, Shelita Kimble, Justin Bird, David Rice, Daniel Shoenthal, Emil Patel, Vipin Kamath, Sanjay Gupta, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Joshua Kuban

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once …

Utilization Of Hybrid Angiography-Ct Suites In An Interventional Oncology Practice, David Irwin, Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi, Ryosuke Taiji, Aaron Kyle Jones, Gouthami Chintalapani, Roland Bassett, Steven Y. Huang, Sanjay Gupta

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: To evaluate operational trends in an interventional oncology practice at a tertiary academic center before and after the addition of hybrid angiography–computed tomography (Angio-CT) rooms.

Materials and Methods: The procedure volumes and types performed in the hybrid Angio-CT rooms were retrospectively collected from 2016 to 2020. Procedures were divided into categories, including arteriography, endovascular interventional oncology, ablation, venous intervention, non-vascular catheter placement (biliary, nephrostomy, gastrostomy, etc.), and osseous interventions. Procedural trends in the Angio-CT rooms and the frequencies of combination procedures that used both CT and angiography were assessed.

Results: A major shift of catheter-based tumor-directed cases to Angio-CT …

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 …

Tom: Treatment Outcome Monitor - A Web-Based Tool Designed Specifically For Clinics With Limited Resources, Saurabh Shashikumar Nair, Alba Kihn Alarcon, Maritza Elodia Cupil Barrios, Milton Estuardo Ixquiac Cabrera, Mynor Villeda, Joseph Steyn, Anneray Richards, Ricardo Ruggeri, Loida Orozco, Angel Velarde, Indranil Mallick, Graeme Lazarus, Christoph Trauernicht, Vicky De Falla, Tim Edwards, Johnny Inthaphone, Adenike Olanrewaju, Laurence E. Court, Joshua Niedzielski

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Although three-fourths of cancer deaths are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2030, most cancer research still comes from high-income countries. One barrier to cancer research in LMICs is lack of infrastructure for systematic data collection, including electronic medical record systems. We developed Treatment Outcome Monitor (TOM), a cloud-based tool for tracking cancer patient outcomes, designed specifically for resource-limited settings.

Methods: TOM was developed through iterative design cycles with continuous feedback from health care providers from across the world. We focused on creating a simple, web-based solution that addresses real-world challenges in resource-limited …

Addition Of Prg4 To Optimize The Anti‑Adhesive Properties Of Tissue Barrier Sepraflm®, Ava J. Marks, Khaled A. Elsaid, Ling X. Zhang, Timmy Lin, Janette Baird, Tannin A. Schmidt, Gregory D. Jay

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

Postsurgical adhesion remains a significant clinical challenge. Seprafilm^® is widely used as a barrier to reduce adhesion formation, however its efficacy may be inconsistent. Recombinant human proteoglycan-4 (rhPRG4), a surface-active, anti-inflammatory glycoprotein found in synovial fluid inhibits cell and protein adhesion. This study investigated whether coating Seprafilm with rhPRG4 could enhance its anti-adhesive potential.

Methods

Macrophages (J774), human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS), and melanoma (A375) cells were cultured on tissue culture wells treated with rhPRG4 or bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) to determine optimal seeding density. Seprafilm sheets were coated with rhPRG4 or BSM (0.78–200 µg/mL). Cell adhesion was quantified …

Groove ‘N’ Grow: Promoting Social Participation Through Dance And Movement, Juliana N. Ward, Karen Park

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Groove ‘n’ Grow is a structured pediatric occupational therapy group program designed to improve social participation, engagement, and sensory regulation in children with developmental and sensory processing differences through dance and movement-based activities. The program was developed as part of an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project and implemented within a pediatric outpatient therapy clinic. The purpose of the program is to provide children with developmental and sensory processing differences opportunities to practice peer engagement, cooperative participation, emotional regulation, and emotional awareness in a supportive small-group environment.

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 …

Hydatid Cyst In The Right Ventricle Leading To Tricuspid Stenosis And Heart Failure: A Case Report, Muhammad Sheraz Hameed, Syed Rafay Hussain Zaidi, Shafaq Saleem, Muhammad Ahsan, Sarah Rahman, Azeen Razzaq, Ali Iqbal, Muhammad Sohaib Alvi, Muhammad Usama Naveed

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cystic hydatid infection is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus, most commonly involving the liver and lungs. Cardiac involvement is rare, accounting for less than 2% of cases, with the left ventricle being the most commonly affected site. Involvement of the right ventricle is extremely uncommon and may lead to life-threatening complications such as tricuspid valve obstruction and hemodynamic compromise.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 42-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department with exertional dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain, syncope, peripheral edema, and signs of right-sided heart failure. The patient …

Clinical Factors Associated With Same Day Discharge After Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ryan Mcnassor, Lucas Haase, Brandon Fisher, Kaleb R. Howard, Justin T. Deslaurier, Elijah C. Auch, Alexander Martusiewicz, J Michael Wiater

Conference Presentation Abstracts

OBJECTIVE: Cost conservation and value are major components of orthopedic surgery and health economics. A frequent measure used to mitigate cost is the utilization of same day discharge (SDD) after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to investigate if patient travel distance is associated with safe SDD. Secondarily, we aimed to identify other patient factors associated with safe SDD. Our hypothesis was that increased travel distance would be associated with decreased SDD. METHODS: This retrospective review included all patients undergoing primary anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by at a single institution between January 2021 to …

A Rare Presentation Of Extra-Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Of The Anus, Pincus Joshua, Marianne Estrada, Lance Horner University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

School of Medicine Research Poster Showcase

Introduction: Mucinous neoplasm of the anus is an uncommon malignancy, representing less than 3% of all anal cancers. Even more rare is extra-appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. As a result, limited literature exists to define diagnostic strategies and optimal management. Our case report details the presentation and management of a patient with recurrent mucinous neoplasm of the anus. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed which includes clinic documentation., operative notes, pathology reports. Results: The patient is a 76-year-old male with a history of T3N0M0 anal mucinous carcinoma diagnosed in 2015 and treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation with complete pathological response. In 2024, …

Influence Of Background Music On Proton Dose Monitors, Julia Colangeli, Rachel Felder, Nicole Geer, Favour Ihenwe, Shermineh Roodi, Sandra John Baptiste

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

This study examines the effects of background music, particularly varying bass frequencies, on dose monitor accuracy in proton therapy using the Hitachi PROBEAT-FR proton accelerator.

Health Professional Education Associations: What Other Professions Teach Us About Building Resources, Community, And Advocacy For Midwifery Educators, Kim Q. Dau, Ms, Cnm

Doctor of Midwifery Advances in Midwifery Projects

In response to a looming health care workforce deficit, several health professions have experienced recent rapid workforce growth. These professions are supported by specialized health professional associations designed to promote educational excellence in the face of rapid growth. In contrast, the midwifery profession does not have dedicated professional organizations to support education programs. The purpose of this study is to better understand the various strategies used by selected health professional education associations and their value to the profession. This can be adapted to promote the growth and excellence of midwifery education in the United States, responding to the need for …

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 …

Ms-Gator: Multi-Scale Graph Attention With Topological Reasoning For Segmentation And Classification Of Prostate Cancer Based On Gleason Scores Using Histopathology Images, Sujata Patil, Mahadeva Swamy, Kavitha Sooda, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli, Khalid Nazim Abdul Sattar, Md Rafeeq

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Prostate cancer is one of the prevalent and potentially fatal malignancies, affecting men globally. Accurate segmentation and classification of prostate cancer in histopathology images remain challenging due to complex tissue architecture, staining variability, and high inter-observer differences in manual diagnosis. To address these challenges, this research proposes a Multi-Scale Graph Attention with Topological Reasoning (MS-GATOR) for segmentation and classification of prostate cancer based on Gleason Scores (GS). The MS-GATOR incorporates topological reasoning with hierarchical biological structures by constructing a graph-based representation among three spatial scales such as nuclei, glands, and tissues using Delaunay triangulation to capture both geometric and photometric …

An Emerging Approach To Ibd Treatment: Personalized Nutrition Through Gut Microbiome Optimization., Kafayat Yusuf, Thomas M. Attard, Mazin Al-Kasspooles, Shahid Umar

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by relapsing and remitting disease activity. Despite decades of research, a definitive cure for IBD remains elusive, as cycles of remission and flare-ups mark the disease course and often relies on long-term pharmacologic and supportive strategies. Increasing evidence indicates that diet and nutrition play an important role in modulating the outcomes of IBD. Although a wide range of dietary interventions has been explored, no universally effective approach has been established. Investigations have also proven that different dietary interventions can significantly affect clinical outcomes by altering gut …

Patient's Age Impact On Stroke Risk And Intracranial Aneurysm Occlusion: Scent Flow Diverter Study-A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial On Large And Giant Aneurysms, Ajay K. Wakhloo, Paul Jenkins, Philip M. Meyers, Alexander L. Coon, Peter T. Kan, Ajit S. Puri, Joost De Vries, Giuseppe Lanzino, Mark D. Bain, Koji C. Ebersole, Babu G. Welch, Aclan Dogan, Pascal Jabbour, J. Mocco, Adnan H. Siddiqui, Aquilla S. Turk, Philipp Taussky, Ricardo A. Hanel

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prospective single-arm nonrandomized SCENT (Surpass Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization System Pivotal) trial on flow diverter treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms (IA) was analyzed for patients' age and IA characteristics affecting stroke and occlusion rates over 5 years (Trial registration NCT01716117).

METHODS: Impact on major ipsilateral stroke and IA occlusion was studied by stratifying age as 65 years and younger vs older than 65. Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to both endpoints, stratified by age, were created. Univariate predictors of time-to-stroke were analyzed using univariable proportional hazards regression models. Limited bivariable modeling was also attempted.

RESULTS: Of …

Outcome And Clinical Characteristics Of Diaphragm Dysfunction After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: From Detection To Plication, Muhammad Shahzad, Muhammad Bokir, Haifa Almuhanna, Abdulaziz Alanazi, Zehra Alabbas, Reem Beheri, Yasser Abdulrhman Alheraish, Khaled Alarwan

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background:

Diaphragm paralysis (DP) due to phrenic nerve injury is a rare but serious complication of pediatric cardiac surgery (0.3–5% of cases). It presents as an extubation failure or difficulty weaning from ventilation. Early recognition and management are essential.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristic and outcome of diaphragm paralysis after heart surgery in children.

Methods:

A retrospective single-center review (2019–2024) was conducted of ultrasound-confirmed DP case. Demographics, surgical details, ventilatory course, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. Partial and complete DP were compared using multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors.

Results:

Out of 2,280 surgeries, 108 …

Understanding How Nurses Could Utilize Child Life Specialists, Paige Perkins

Honors Projects

Do pediatric nurses notice improvement in patient education levels when they use the resources of Child Life Specialists, understand their role, and utilize their resources to educate their patients, compared to hospitals without Child Life Specialists?

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …

Stroke Thrombectomy With A Novel Reperfusion System Including A 0.088′′ Aspiration Catheter: The Imperative Trial, William Mack, Reade Andrew De Leacy, Jonathan A. Grossberg, Shahram Majidi, Robert Dana Tomalty, Maxim Mokin, Jan Vargas, Kenneth V. Snyder, Brett L. Cucchiara, Victoria Parada

School of Medicine Publications

Background Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, yet most device trials focus on individual technologies rather than complete systems.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Zoom Reperfusion System compared with performance goals derived from a meta-analysis of trials using established thrombectomy technologies.

Methods Prospective, multicenter, non-randomized, investigational device exemption trial conducted across 26 United States centers from October 2021 to March 2024. Adults with anterior circulation LVO stroke within 8 hours of onset were treated using the Zoom System, which includes aspiration catheters ranging from 0.035″ to 0.071″, and a …

Psychometric Properties Of Ecological Momentary Assessment Of Psychosocial Functioning In Adults With Complications Related To Type 1 Diabetes, Hayley Centola, Melissa Plegue, Dana Albright, Kara Mizokami-Stout, Lynn Ang, Jennifer Iyengar, Emily Hirschfield, Anna Kratz, Evan L. Reynolds, Brian C. Callaghan, Rodica Pop-Busui, Joyce M. Lee

Health Services and Informatics Research

Objectives: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a promising methodology for examining the contextual impact of psychosocial functioning on chronic disease management in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Little is known regarding psychometric properties of EMA of psychosocial functioning in adults with complications related to T1D. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility, reliability, and validity of EMA psychosocial measures examining depression, anxiety, diabetes-related distress, and fear of hypoglycemia in a sample of adult individuals with complications related to T1D.

Methods: Fifty-one participants with T1D completed a 14-day EMA of symptoms of depression, anxiety, diabetes-related distress, and …

Quick! Which Scanner Should The Patient Go To?, Nicholas Johnson, Farnaz Norozian

School of Medicine Research Poster Showcase

Introduction Rarely does a pediatric patient have a stroke, but when they do what imaging modality is best suited? EMS tele comes in activating a stroke alert. An 11 year old otherwise healthy male presented with 10 hours of left sided sensation changes, waking up with dense left hemiparesis.14 days prior he had been on amusement park rides resulting in headache with vomiting since resolved. On arrival, slight hypertension for age otherwise hemodynamically stable, glucose normal, EKG demonstrated sinus rhythm. No history of genetic blood or clotting disorder. PICU and ER attendings discussion resulted in MRI as the initial imaging …

Neuropathological Hallmarks During The Chronic Phase Of Ischemic Stroke In Mice And Humans, Romeesa Khan, Gary Guzman, Trang Do, Patrick Devlin, John Ahn, Chunfeng Tan, Venugopal Reddy Venna, Sean P Marrelli, Haniyeh Koochak, Claudia M Di Gesù, Anthony Flores, Louise D Mccullough, Rodney M Ritzel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Advances in acute stroke care, including endovascular thrombectomy and improved neurocritical management, have increased survival after ischemic stroke. However, stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability, with many survivors experiencing persistent neurological and cognitive impairments. The chronic neurological consequences of stroke, particularly its potential to accelerate brain aging, remain poorly understood.

Methods: We examined chronic neurobehavioral changes at 2 and 6 months after middle cerebral artery occlusion in male C57Bl/6 mice. Behavioral assessments included the open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), fear conditioning (FC), nesting activity, and tail suspension testing. Transcriptomic profiling was performed using …

A Mild Case Of Pseudoachondroplasia In A Child: Lessons For Long-Term Primary Care, Alec J. Pupo D.O., Connor J. Stinson D.O., Autumn Dye D.O.

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Background: Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia caused by pathogenic variants in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene. It is classically characterized by early-onset growth failure, disproportionate short stature, progressive epiphyseal dysplasia, and premature degenerative joint disease. Although phenotypic variability has been reported, PSACH is often regarded as a uniformly severe condition with predictable orthopedic morbidity.

Case Presentation: We report an eleven-year-old female with genetically confirmed PSACH who demonstrates an unexpectedly mild clinical phenotype, despite a maternal history of severe disease requiring bilateral total hip replacement during adolescence. The patient exhibited mild hip dysplasia, evolving genu …

Targeting Oxidative Stress In Cadasil: Case Insights And Therapeutic Approaches, Maria Meshreky, Richard Weinberger, Giana Johnson, Andrew Abraham, Jacob Rosendale

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare hereditary small-vessel disease caused by NOTCH3 mutations, leading to recurrent ischemic strokes, cognitive decline, and early-onset dementia. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease, but therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative injury remain limited. We present a 40-year-old female with recurrent ischemic strokes involving the right and left middle cerebral arteries, persistent hypercoagulability of unknown etiology, and no identifiable inherited or acquired thrombophilia. Despite well-controlled blood pressure and standard medical management, the patient remains at high risk for cerebrovascular injury. An extensive review of …

Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries In Kids—Assessment, Imaging & Return-To-Play, Mike Smith, Kevin Latz Md

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

How should pediatricians triage an acute sports injury—what to check first, what imaging to order, and when to escalate urgently? In this Pediatrics in Practice CME episode, Kevin Latz, MD, MBA shares a practical framework for assessment, red flags, return-to-play counseling, and prevention strategies for active kids.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.