Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Measuring Quality Of Life In Advanced Chronic Liver Disease With Fact-Hep: Findings From The Pal Liver Trial, Manisha Verma, Binu John, Don Rockey, Sid Barritt, Victor Navarro, Linda Shaw, Andrzej Kosinski, Elliot Tapper, Archita Desai

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly incorporated into hepatology research, yet few have been rigorously evaluated, particularly among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) captures multidimensional liver disease-specific burden, while the disease-agnostic PROMIS-29 assesses physical and mental health broadly. We evaluated the performance of FACT-Hep and its relationship to PROMIS-29 among participants with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) enrolled in a prospective multicenter clinical trial.

METHODS: Baseline data were analyzed from 935 participants enrolled in the PAL LIVER trial. This study enrolled patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) B/C cirrhosis and/or with HCC. Health-related quality of …

Sonographer Clinical Skills Training: What Can We Learn From International Education And Clinical Training Models To Address The Workforce Shortage?, Jennifer Alphonse, Gill Harrison, Christopher Edwards, Rebecca Perry, Afrooz Najafzadeh Abriz, Ignatius Pereira, Tara Chegwin, Pauline A. Mitchell, Adrienne J. Young, Shelley A. Park, Kate Russo, Michelle Fenech, Ann Quinton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The sonographer workforce shortage is worldwide, with limited access to clinical training positions a major contributing factor to qualified sonographers entering the workforce. Our aim is to examine sonographer training models in English-speaking countries where sonographers are the primary providers of diagnostic ultrasound services and clinical training (work integrated learning/WIL) is embedded within accredited course curricula to troubleshoot the sonographer workforce shortage.

Methodology: An extensive search of Australian and international sonography course providers was performed. Accredited courses where WIL is a curriculum component and is assessable were included. Courses from Australia were compared to international courses and course elements …

Bridging Data Gaps In Retinal Imaging: From Structural Domain Adaptation To Topology-Aware Synthesis, Gözde Merve Demirci

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Comprehensive visualization of the retina is essential for diagnosing and monitoring blinding diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), where pathological changes often extend beyond a single field of view. Despite significant advances in automated retinal image analysis, clinical deployment remains limited by two fundamental data gaps: a structural learning gap, arising from scarce expert annotations and poor generalization across imaging domains, and a spatial coverage gap, caused by the difficulty of acquiring multi-view retinal images in fragile populations. Although these challenges are often addressed independently, this dissertation argues that they are tightly coupled: accurate, …

Opioid Free Anesthesia In Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Feasible Approach To Patient Care, Carson Gifford, Denise Vidal, Dail Kim, Austin Goff, Paul Reynolds

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The opioid epidemic has prompted exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) techniques, but the optimal approach is still debated. While some OFA protocols substitute opioids with other agents, these alternatives can introduce their own risks. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eliminating intraoperative opioids without analgesic substitution in arthroscopic knee procedures affects postoperative pain control and opioid requirements.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee procedures between August and November 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative fentanyl (25-200 mcg, n = 144) and those who received …

Psychological Adaptation In Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings, Anuja L. Sarode, Emily M. Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.

Methods

This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping …

Development Of Ultrafast Protein Digestion And Standards Free Quantitation Methods For Mass Spectrometric Analysis, Praneeth Ivan Joel Fnu

Dissertations

A wide variety of biologically important molecules, such as enzymes, antibodies, hormones, transporters and receptors are proteins by composition and they play key roles in biological functions such as cellular regulation, communication, metabolism and physiological function. Protein dysfunctions and abnormalities are associated with numerous diseases, making proteins critical targets for understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic interventions. Protein-based therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies, hormones and vaccines gained popularity due to their high specificity, efficacy, and ability to treat complex diseases that are often difficult to address with small-molecule drugs.

Given the important role of proteins in a variety of biological …

Mitochondrial Trna-Derived Fragments As Candidate Metastasis-Modifying Rna, Katy L. Swancutt, R. Mckinnon Walsh, Sydney Quijano, Emily Schueddig, Devin C. Koestler, Adam D. Scheid, Tony Vanden Bush, Yi Jing, Isidore Rigoutsos, Danny R. Welch

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

UNLABELLED: How mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms influence complex phenotypes remains poorly understood. Using mitochondrial-nuclear exchange mice, we previously showed that mtDNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) modify metastasis, cardiovascular disease, and epigenetic marks independently of metabolic differences. The only mtDNA SNP correlating with these phenotypes resides in the gene encoding mitochondrial transfer RNA (tRNA)-arginine [mt-tRNAArg (UCG), mt-TR], suggesting a role for non-protein-coding loci. In this study, we identify and preliminarily characterize previously undescribed tRNA-derived fragments (tRF) generated from mt-TRs. Northern blotting revealed distinct tRF that are differentially expressed among mtDNA SNPs, between lung and liver, and between sexes. Surprisingly, small RNA sequencing …

Valvular Heart Failure Is A Distinct Heart Transplant Phenotype With Comparable Adjusted Survival To Other Heart Failure Etiologies, Devon Kelley, Varun Kathawate, Joyce Ho, Andrew Belec, Takahiro Tashima, Kazuhiro Ueno, Jessica Dominic, Pavan Atluri

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Valvular heart failure (VHF) accounts for 1-5% of heart transplant listings. Comparative outcomes relative to other heart failure etiologies remain poorly characterized. This study defines the VHF phenotype and compares waitlist and transplant outcomes to other heart failure recipients.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study uses the UNOS thoracic transplant database to analyze adult, first-time, heart-only listings with a diagnosis of heart disease. Patients were grouped by diagnosis as VHF or non-VHF. The primary outcome was waitlist events; post-transplant survival and outcomes were secondary analyses. Subgroup analysis was performed in the post-2018 allocation era.

RESULTS: VHF recipients were older (55.3 …

Machine Learning For Functional Outcome Prediction After Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Systematic Review And Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis, Shiva Nischal, Shaan Patel, Musa China, Kush Kale, Yi Hein Chai, Santosh Guru, William Muirhead, Patrick Grover

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly applied to predict postoperative facial nerve dysfunction and hearing preservation after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. However, reported performance varies substantially, and the overall diagnostic accuracy and clinical reliability of these models remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis to characterise the current state and methodological readiness of ML-based prediction of these outcomes.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies evaluating ML-based prediction of facial nerve function or hearing preservation following VS surgery were included. Diagnostic performance metrics were pooled using random-effects …

Remarkable Seizure Reduction With Trofinetide Treatment In An Adult With Rett Syndrome: A Case Report, Semihan Adegbite, Pooneh Memar Ardestani, Maromi Nei

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Double-Port Totally Endoscopic Mitral Valve Replacement Through A Prosthesis-Sized Working Incision With Posterior Subvalvular Preservation, Cao Dang Khang, Tran Duc Quang, Phan Quang Thuan, Vuong Ngoc Minh, Pham Tran Viet Chuong, Nguyen Hoang Dinh

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of totally endoscopic non-robotic mitral valve replacement using a double-port DCT approach with posterior subvalvular preservation.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective observational study, 76 consecutive patients underwent totally endoscopic non-robotic mitral valve replacement between November 2023 and December 2025. The DCT approach was defined by exclusive endoscopic visualization, no rib spreading, a camera port and prosthesis-sized working incision placed in the same intercostal space, and thoracoscopic intracardiac instrumentation. Posterior ventricular-annular continuity was preserved whenever feasible by posterior leaflet preservation, native chordal preservation, or artificial chordal reimplantation after leaflet resection. Outcomes were reported …

Closing The Loop: Strengthening Cauti Prevention With Urinary Catheter Management, Erika N. Braun

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common preventable healthcare-associated infections and are associated with significant patient harm and increased healthcare costs. Baseline assessment across five adult cardiovascular and critical care units within a community-based acute care hospital identified four CAUTI events during the first half of 2026 and revealed important nursing knowledge deficits related to bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices. Aim: This Quality Improvement (QI) Project aimed to improve nursing knowledge of evidence-based bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices through targeted educational interventions implemented over a 10-week period, with …

A Dosimetric Comparison Of 6-Mv Flattening Filter And Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beams For Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Of Adrenal Tumors, Sarah Mcintosh

Masters Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to compare dosimetric characteristics and treatment delivery efficiency between 6-MV Flattening Filter (FF) and Flattening Filter-Free (FFF) photon beams for adrenal Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). While FFF beams have demonstrated dosimetric and efficiency advantages at other SBRT sites, there is limited data about their use in adrenal SBRT.

Methods and Materials: A retrospective dosimetric comparison was performed using 10 patients previously treated with adrenal SBRT. For each patient, two Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) plans were generated in Eclipse: one using 6-MV FF beams and one using 6-MV FFF beams, resulting in 20 total treatment …

Resource-Conscious Care: Time To Pregnancy And Iui Cycle Outcomes In Female Same-Sex Couples, Lea George, Devika Sachdev, Kassie Bollig

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) for the first cycle, time to pregnancy, and cumulative CPR up to six consecutive cycles differ between female same-sex couples undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) alone and those undergoing IUI with ovarian stimulation?

DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 554 female same-sex couples undergoing IUI alone (n = 264) or IUI with ovarian stimulation (n = 290) at a single centre using cryopreserved donor spermatozoa from January 2012 to January 2022.

RESULTS: Overall, CPR for the first cycle was 17.9% (99/554). In adjusted analyses, there was no significant difference in CPR in IUI …

Dibh Liver Sbrt: Comparative Analysis Of Vmat 6fff And 10fff For Safety And Efficiency, Justen Hudson

Masters Projects

Purpose:

To evaluate the dosimetric performance and delivery efficiency of 6MV flattening filter free (6FFF) and 10MV flattening filter free (10FFF) VMAT beam energies for deep inspiration breath- hold (DIBH) liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with emphasis on treatment time, breath-hold demands, and organ at risk (OAR) sparing.

Methods:

Ten previously treated DIBH liver SBRT patients were retrospectively replanned using standardized VMAT geometry, identical optimization objectives, and consistent contouring. Each patient received paired 6FFF and 10FFF plans generated in Eclipse using AcurosXB. Dosimetric endpoints included target coverage, conformity index (CI), gradient index (GI), and OAR dose metrics based on …

Stemless Arthroplasty For Avascular Necrosis Of The Humerus: Implant Survival And Outcomes, Alyssa R. Henriquez, Damon V. Briggs, Eoghan T. Hurley, Samuel Lorentz, Christopher S. Klifto, Michael A. Moverman, Oke Anakwenze

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head often affects younger patients and may lead to progressive pain and functional deficits. While stemmed hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are established treatments for advanced-stage AVN, stemless arthroplasty offers potential advantages including bone preservation and facilitation of future revision. However, the impact of bone necrosis on stemless humerus fixation is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of stemless hemiarthroplasty and TSA in treating humeral head AVN and, further, to determine if stemless humeral fixation is appropriate in this population.

METHODS: This retrospective …

Predictive Factors For Humeral And Ulnar Stem Loosening After Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Akash Singh, James Satalich, Miguel Fiandeiro, Harrison S. Fellheimer, Matthew Ramsey, Surena Namdari

Rothman Institute Conference Posters

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in the use of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in advanced osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and complex distal humerus fractures. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of total elbow loosening and association with patient demographics, implant specifications, and cement mantle characteristics.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent primary TEA between 2013 and 2022 at a single institution. Revisions and conversions from prior open reduction and internal fixation were excluded. Pre-operative distal humeral cortical thickness and bone quality were assessed. Variables included anterior humeral flange contact with …

Administrative And Clinical Impacts Of Theranostic Program Expansion In Nuclear Medicine, Karmela Kljajic Pascual

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on theranostic trials, nuclear medicine clinical workflow models, and organizational readiness, with a focus on how healthcare organizations and medical imaging leaders are adapting to the rapid expansion of theranostic services.

Method A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria required peer‑reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2026 addressing nuclear medicine leadership, theranostic implementation, workflow design, and organizational factors influencing theranostic program development. Exclusion criteria removed editorials, blog posts, and nonpeer‑reviewed sources.

Results Four major themes emerged: workforce and staffing demands, infrastructure and resource requirements, regulatory and administrative pressures, …

Clinical Utility Of An Fda-Authorized Artificial Intelligence Imaging Platform In Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis, Arjun Prakash Tambe, Ryan Boente, Gautam George, Fayez Kheir, Omid Tahamtani Omran, Kavitha Selvan

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is challenging and frequently delayed. Clinically accessible and minimally invasive diagnostic tools are needed to expedite the diagnosis of ILD while minimizing risk to patients. Fibresolve is an imaging artificial intelligence (AI) tool recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in ILD diagnosis and made available to clinicians. The objective of this study was to describe its utility in clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients across the United States (US) in whom Fibresolve was utilized during routine clinical practice between July 2024 and …

Assessing The Impact Of Knowledge-Based Planning On Dosimetric Performance In Adaptive Prostate Sbrt Planning, Kayla Kenny

Masters Projects

Daily adaptive prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is now feasible with advances in adaptive radiotherapy and automated optimization. However, the dosimetric quality of Ethos Intelligent Optimization Engine version 2 (IOE v2) automated plans may vary because optimization is based on user-defined templates rather than patient-specific dose guidance. This retrospective study evaluated whether integrating RapidPlan knowledge-based planning (KBP)–derived optimization objectives into the Ethos IOE v2 adaptive planning workflow improved dosimetric quality for prostate SBRT. Fifteen intact prostate SBRT patient datasets were evaluated. For each patient, three plans were generated: a baseline Ethos IOE v2 reference plan (Ref), a plan incorporating …