Musculoskeletal Diseases Commons^™

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Benefits Of Pet Friendly Work Environments On Physical, Mental, And Social Health Of Office Workers: A Systematic Review, Ahmed Radwan, Jenna Keeman, Tristan Hunzinger, Owen Wilson, Shayla Seymour

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Pet-friendly workplace initiatives are increasingly common, yet the empirical evidence for benefits to office workers’ physical, mental, and social health is scattered and heterogeneous.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on health-related outcomes associated with pet-friendly work environments for office and desk-based workers, and to appraise the current level of evidence.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic search (2014–2024) was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, OVID, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, extracted data, and appraised study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Outcomes were coded and synthesized narratively within three domains: physical, mental, …

Exploring Pediatric Leprosy In An Endemic Area: Case Series Of Eight Patients In Indonesia, Gitalisa Andayani Adriono, Tri Rahayu, Sri Linuwih Sw Menaldi, Nelfidayani Nelfidayani, Retno Sulistyo Wardani, Kahlil Gibran, Malika Sabrina Yunifananda, Kartika Qonita Putri, Yunia Irawati

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Leprosy remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions such as Indonesia. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their naive immunity and close familial contacts. This study aims to report cases of pediatric leprosy in Lembata, Indonesia, focusing on clinical characteristics and associated risk factors.

Case Illustration: A case series of eight pediatric patients (<15 >years) diagnosed with leprosy was conducted during a community-based screening program in Lembata, Indonesia, in 2022. Of 140 individuals examined, 8 were children. Most patients were male (6/8) with a mean age of 11.75 years. Multibacillary (MB) leprosy predominated (7/8), and a history …

Decorin Promotes Nascent Proteoglycan Retention In Cartilage Matrix By Strengthening Collagen Ii-Aggrecan Integration, Thomas Li, Gabriela Canziani, Yuchen Liu, Neil Patel, Biao Han, Mingyue Fan, Annie Porter, Bryan Kwok, Chao Wang, Qing Li, David E. Birk, Renato V. Iozzo, Irwin M. Chaiken, X. Lucas Lu, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), a hydrated collagen II-aggrecan composite, undergoes dynamic turnover during both normal homeostasis and disease-associated remodeling. This study elucidates a crucial role for decorin in promoting the retention and stability of nascent aggrecan within this matrix. By applying bio-orthogonal click-labeling, we demonstrate that loss of decorin accelerates the release of nascent aggrecan under both physiological and inflammatory conditions, without affecting its preferential localization to the pericellular matrix. Conversely, supplementation with exogenous decorin mitigates inflammation-induced loss of nascent aggrecan, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target. At the molecular level, decorin exhibits strong binding affinity for aggrecan, and …

Mri-Based Deep Learning Radiomics Model For Automated Classification Of Disc Degeneration In The Lumbar Spine, Shiv Patil, Om Gandhi, Mert Karabacak, Matthew Carr, Konstantinos Margetis

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Disc degeneration in the lumbar spine is a major cause of low back pain (LBP). The accurate grading of disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical for clinical management and patient selection for spine surgery. This study aims to develop and evaluate machine learning (ML) models that combine features from deep learning (DL) and radiomics for the automated prediction of Pfirrmann grade (PG), a measure of disc degeneration, using multi-parametric lumbar spine MRI. Sagittal T1, T2, and T2 SPACE MRIs of 218 patients with LBP were acquired from the SPIDER dataset. For each intervertebral disc and available sequence, …

Head Impacts In Collegiate Rodeo Athletes: An Observational Study, Colton D. Carlson, Jacob Miller, Jason C. Dorman, Verle D. Valentine, Thayne A. Munce

Scholarship Pathways Program

Head Acceleration Events in Collegiate Rodeo Athletes

Colton Carlson, MS4

Mentor: Thayne Munce, PhD

Introduction: Brain health has been a growing concern across a wide range of contact sports in the last three decades. While most of the early brain health research was focused on identifying and preventing concussions, newer research has found that an accumulation of repetitive head impacts (RHI) is more predictive of long-term brain health than the number of concussions sustained. Consequently, being able to assess RHI in sports despite the lack of outward symptoms has become paramount in promoting the long-term health of athletes. While the …

Tat-Beclin 1 And Exercise: Investigating Their Potential Synergy In Improving Sarcopenia-Related Muscle Changes In A Mouse Model, Shreya Krishnan, Thuan Thien Tchen, Kleiton Silva, Gabryel Sales Nascimento

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Immune Responses Of Macrophages And Neutrophils In Synovial Fluid And Post-Operative Joint Environments, Allison Noelle Snyder

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are devastating complications of total joint replacement (TJA). Even with aggressive antibiotic treatments, PJI recurrence rates are >17%, and 5-year survival is only 87.3%. Understanding the levels of inflammatory markers and cell types present at different timepoints is crucial in maximizing antimicrobial therapy and preventing adverse outcomes following TJA. This study tests the hypothesis that the synovial fluid environment of PJI induces immunosuppression in human macrophages, thereby hindering their ability to kill bacteria.

Case Report: Bilateral Pneumothorax Following T2–T5 Medial Branch Nerve Block, Jenna Rapone Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Bilateral pneumothorax is an uncommon but clinically significant complication of thoracic spinal interventions. We report the case of a 20-year-old female with underlying scoliosis who developed acute pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and persistent cough immediately following bilateral T2–T5 medial branch nerve block injections performed in an outpatient pain management setting.  Thoracic medial branch blocks are generally considered low-risk procedures; however, the proximity of the pleura to posterior thoracic elements places patients at risk for iatrogenic pleural injury, particularly in individuals with altered spinal anatomy such as scoliosis. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for …

Case Report: Vertebral Artery Dissection After Cervical Manipulation, Devin Hoover, Emily Bolinger, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 22-year-old female who presented with dizziness and vomiting after recent cervical manipulation who was diagnosed with a dissection of the vertebral artery. Dizziness can have a variety of causes including vascular etiologies, cerebellar and brainstem lesions, ocular problems, trauma, and others. In the setting of a known trauma and acute vestibular symptoms, it is prudent to consider vascular injuries.

Rethinking Gout Through An Inflammatory Lens, James Espinosa, Alan A. Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This review reframes gout not as a static disease of urate deposition, but as a dynamic inflammatory phenomenon. The emphasis is on immune activation, threshold behavior, and systemic inflammatory context rather than isolated joint pathology.

Brief Review: Quantifying The Risks Of Snow Shoveling: Cardiac, Musculoskeletal, And Environmental Hazards, James Espinosa, Swet A. Patel, James Lee, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Snow shoveling is a common winter activity in cold-weather regions, yet it uniquely combines intense physical exertion, cold exposure, and environmental hazards. Emergency Departments routinely observe seasonal increases in snow-shoveling–related musculoskeletal injuries, falls, and acute cardiovascular events. Despite this, the cardiovascular risk of snow shoveling is not well emphasized in medical education or patient counseling. Snow shoveling is associated with quantifiable and clinically significant risks, including musculoskeletal injury, falls, and acute cardiovascular events, which are reviewed here.

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association With Fractures, Bone Health, And Clinical Outcomes In A Propensity-Matched Cohort, Shefali Waghray, Om Patel, Jashanveer Singh Johal, Jason Hyman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Title: “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association with Fractures, Bone Health, and Clinical Outcomes in a Propensity-Matched Cohort”

Background: GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated benefits beyond glycemic control, but their impact on musculoskeletal and clinical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains poorly defined. We evaluated the association between GLP-1 agonist use and fractures, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, falls, hospitalizations, and mortality in OSA patients without baseline fractures, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, or alcohol use disorder.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network. Adults (≥50 years) with OSA and BMI ≥18.5 kg/m² …

Delay In Care Due To High Number Of Provider Evaluations In Hip Arthroscopy, Kaylin Knapsack, Wynn Bastianelli, Alexander Cabrera, Stewart Meridian, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Diagnosing hip pain in young and middle-aged adults remains challenging due to overlapping intra- and extra-articular pathology. Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognized as major contributors to pain, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation. Despite growing awareness of hip preservation surgery, delays in referral to arthroscopy-trained specialists persist and may contribute to disease progression and inferior outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate delays in surgical management among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labral pathology and identify factors contributing to delayed referral to hip preservation specialists.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy …

Personalized Treatment Of Chronic Tendinopathy Using Ultrasound And Neuroimmune Markers: A Narrative Review, Rohan Phadke, Samer Salman, Kirtan Patel, Jad Wardeh, Akhil Marupudi, Rahul Kumar, Arbaz A. Momin, Alireza Tavakkoli

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: : Chronic tendinopathy affects approximately 30% of musculoskeletal consultations, yet treatment outcomes remain inconsistent despite numerous available interventions. This variability stems from the absence of validated frameworks to match individual patients to optimal treatments based on underlying pathophysiology. To synthesize current evidence on ultrasound imaging biomarkers, neuroimmune mechanisms, and interventional therapies in chronic tendinopathy, and propose a clinically applicable framework integrating ultrasound phenotyping with neuroimmune assessment to guide personalized treatment selection. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through December 2025. Studies examining ultrasound/elastography imaging, neuroimmune mechanisms, or treatment interventions in chronic …

Investigating The Role Of The Fascia In The Development Of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (Fop), Liv Nevo

Honors Scholar Theses

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects connective and muscle tissues. It is characterized by heterotopic ossification (HO), which is the formation of bone tissue where it does not normally form. HO can be triggered by physical trauma, infection, inflammation, or stress. The formation of HO leads to impaired muscle function and reduced patient quality of life. Concurrently, the loss of muscle function indicates there is an impairment in the ability of the muscle to regenerate effectively. The most common genetic cause of FOP is an arginine-to-histidine substitution within the type I bone morphogenic protein …

Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudinal Gaps In Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Diagnosis And Management In The United States, Patrice Lazure, Matthew Drake, Michelle Davis, Corrie Crowe, Zvi Grunwald, Lu Fan, Suzanne Murray

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare and disabling disease. Preventing unnecessary and/or harmful medical procedures to patients requires early and accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and access to specialists with FOP expertise. This study aims to assess the needs of healthcare providers (HCPs) when providing care to patients with FOP. Knowledge, confidence, and management practices were measured through a short awareness survey, completed by 400 HCPs from different specialties who may encounter patients with FOP. Complementary qualitative data were obtained from a dialogue session about FOP. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic …

A “Found-Down” Non-Traumatic Compartment Syndrome Of Upper Extremity Requiring Amputation, Nicholas Ray, Aileen Ebadat

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Podoplastic Approach For Diabetic Charcot Foot Reconstruction: Combined Medial Column Arthrodesis, Muscle Flap Closure And Circular External Fixation, Madison Power-Kruger, Alieu Kanu, Joshua Green, Thomas Zgonis

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.