Immune System Diseases Commons^™

Il-17a Immune Signature Across Stratified Stages Of Type 2 Diabetes​, Brittney C. White, Antonio Hernandes Chaves-Neto, Peter Elvin, Javier La Fontaine, Eric L. Brown, Walid Fakhouri, Craig Hanis, Claudia Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: This study investigated whether IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with Th17 cell activity, reflects distinct stages of type 2 diabetes progression.

Methods: Forty-two obese individuals (average age: 60.4 ± 10.3 years; 55% male; BMI: 31.3 ± 4.9) from Starr County, Texas, were matched for gender and BMI and stratified into five metabolic groups based on fasting blood glucose, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c levels. Groups included diabetes-free, isolated impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose impairment, diabetes without complications, and diabetes with lower extremity complications. IL-17A protein levels were quantified from buffy coat samples using ELISA. After excluding …

Intestinal Stromal Cells Play A Critical Role In Protection Mediated By Male Microbiota-Derived Metabolites And Androgens Against Disease In Lupus-Prone Mice., Jing Ma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease involving broad immune dysregulation. Despite decades of research, most lupus treatments still have limited effectiveness and can cause serious side effects. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to lupus susceptibility, and a better understanding of how environmental factors influence disease could guide future therapeutic strategies. SLE shows a strong female predominance. Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiota and sex hormones as key environmental contributors to some autoimmune diseases, including lupus. The gut microbiota can influence host immune function, and interestingly, recent studies have revealed sex-bias in microbiota composition and function. Moreover, …

Successful Treatment Of Aspergilloma With Antifungal Alone: A Case Of Conservative Management, Ad Rian Chong, Khai Lip Ng, Nai Chien Huan, Nur Husna Mohd Aminudin, Raja Nor Adilla Raja Rahaizat, Kasuma Mohamed Nordin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Pulmonary aspergilloma can cause life-threatening haemoptysis. Surgical resection and/or bronchial artery embolization (BAE) are established treatment modalities, but both can be risky in frail patients with comorbidities. Spontaneous regression of aspergilloma with antifungal agents alone is rare. We report an elderly gentleman with a background history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis, who presented with haemoptysis due to a large left upper lobe aspergilloma. He declined surgery and BAE due to perceived risks. Oral voriconazole and later isavuconazole were prescribed, which led to clinical improvement and significant reduction in the size of the aspergilloma over 6 months. Antifungal agents might be a …

Intention To Take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) As An Hiv Preventive Medication: An Application Of The Health Belief Model And Theory Planned Behavior, Besuthu Nakekelwa Nkambule

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

South Africa (SA) has 7.7 million citizens (12.6% of its 2023 population) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an antiretroviral medication for HIV-negative individuals is a promising HIV prevention strategy in SA that can help the attainment of an HIV free generation. PrEP offers greater than 90% protection against HIV acquisition. Despite SA’s efforts in increasing PrEP coverage for its citizens, primarily to those at substantial risk, its adoption remains relatively low. Structural barriers related to access, costs, lack of awareness, and, more recently, US funding cuts exacerbate the challenges of PrEP’s potential …

Is “Pre-Sepsis” The New Sepsis? A Narrative Review, Rémy Gerard, Antoine Dewitte, Fridolin Gross, Thomas Pradeu, Maël Lemoine, Julien Goret, Maria Mamani-Matsuda

Presidential Fellows Articles and Research

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and high mortality. Despite advances in treatment, sepsis remains difficult to manage. Historically, the concept of sepsis evolved from ancient observations of infection-related decay to the germ theory of the 19th century. The latest Sepsis-3 definition describes sepsis as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response. However, this clinical characterization may be too late for effective intervention. The concept of endotypes and the ontological data applied to sepsis highlight the substantial heterogeneity in pathophysiological pathways leading to this endpoint. We propose …

Diverse Diagnostic And Management Approaches For Acute Rheumatic Fever In Australia And New Zealand: Findings Of A Prospective Clinical Study, Ruwani Peiris, Rachel Webb, Julie Bennett, Jennifer Yan, Joshua Reginald Francis, Bo Remenyi, Florina Chan Mow, Rachel Burgess, Nigel J. Wilson, Alicia Stanley, Laura Francis, Rhonda Holloway, Roxanne Westbury, Shirley Lawrence, Yolanda Hernandez-Gomez, David Broadhurst, Nicole J. Moreland, Reuben Mcgregor, Caroline Motteram, Glenn Pearson, Mark Mayo, Anna P. Ralph, Jonathan R. Carapetis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives To describe diagnostic and management characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) among participants in the € Searching for a Technology-Driven Acute Rheumatic Fever Test' study, in order to answer clinical questions and determine epidemiological and practice differences in different settings. Design Multisite, prospective cohort study. Setting One hospital in northern Australia and two hospitals in New Zealand, 2018-2021. Participants 143 episodes of definite, probable or possible ARF among 141 participants (median age 10 years, range 5-23; 98% Indigenous). Primary and secondary outcome measures Participant characteristics, clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were explored using descriptive data. Associations with length of …

Kshv Vil6 Inhibits Functional B Cell Maturation During De Novo Infection, Wajd Zakir, Jessica M. Osborn, Jennifer Totonchy

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Despite causative links to lymphoproliferative disorders, little is known about early events governing KSHV infection in B lymphocytes. IL-6 signaling plays a critical role in KSHV-mediated disease, with human IL-6 (hIL6) levels correlating with viral load and disease progression. This dynamic is even more complex due to the coexistence of hIL6 and KSHV-encoded viral IL-6 (vIL6) in these diseases. We hypothesize that hIL6 and vIL6 play critical, separable and collective roles in the early stages of KSHV infection in B cells. In this study, we use our ex vivo model of KSHV infection in human tonsil lymphocytes to investigate the …

Long-Term Autoimmune Polyarthritis Due To Covid-19 Vaccine, Ramesh Pandit, Namratha Pallipamu, Trupiti Pandit

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Vaccinations for COVID-19 have played a pivotal role in controlling the global pandemic, with most adverse events being mild and transient. However, rare post-vaccination autoimmune responses have been reported. The understanding of long-term rheumatologic sequelae, particularly autoimmune polyarthritis following COVID-19 vaccination, remains limited.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 41-year-old previously healthy man who developed progressive polyarthritis and systemic symptoms following the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The initial symptoms of joint swelling and arthralgia appeared within a week of the first vaccine dose, subsiding temporarily with medication. After receiving a booster dose, the patient experienced worsening …

A Literature-Informed Nutrition Patient Communication Toolkit For Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis, Kieren Ritter

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This project is intended to help bridge the gap in nutrition education and treatment for the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Current research was synthesized and converted into a communication tool for adults diagnosed with HT. The toolkit was based on 33 articles, from three databases, that passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis. The education toolkit was intended to be practical and valuable for below a high school reading level. The aforementioned articles reviewed the effects of dietary changes on HT with vitamin D, selenium, gluten removal, dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and Autoimmune Protocol, and …

The Impact Of Covid 19 Infection On Graves' Disease, Shadi Jafari-Esfahani, Semenawit B. Burka, Edwardo D. Luna

Research Colloquium

Background: Although there are not many studies regarding the effects of Covid-19 infection on Graves’ disease, few case reports demonstrate the association between the two. The SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin II converting enzyme to gain entry into cells. This results in hyperactive immune response involving Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes which activates proinflammatory cytokines; IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Research shows elevation of IL-6 in patients with Graves’ disease.

Case report: A 22 years old man with no past medical history presented to the Emergency Room for the complaint of generalized weakness and dyspnea of one day. He had associated dry cough, palpitations, …

An Exploratory Pharmacogenetic Pilot Study Of Two Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate And Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, Derek E. Murrell, Benjamin C. Kennard, Maria E. Bertoni, David B. Cluck, Jonathan P. Moorman, Stacy D. Brown, Keshang Wang, Michelle M. Duffourc, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background and Objectives

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are frequently employed in treating human immunodeficiency virus. Further, each form of tenofovir requires laboratory monitoring to determine efficacy and tolerability among patients. This study sought to investigate the relationship, if any, of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and selected clinical parameters.

Methods

The study population, predominantly Caucasian males with a median age of 53.0 years [interquartile range 46.0–59.0], was assayed for genetic variations using an iPLEX ADME PGx Pro v1.0 Panel.

Results

Although several SNP relationships were found with both forms of tenofovir, many of …

Engineering A Novel Treg Population To Control Autoimmune Diabetes, Sofia Colon Guzman, Elly Puckett, Mary A. Markiewicz, Ryan T. Fischer

Research Days

We created a model to test the immunosuppressive capacity of Helios+FOXP3+ eTregs compared to nTregs against islet-specific autoreactive T cells. We also showed that nTregs decrease the response of these cytotoxic T cells when co-cultured with BetaLox5 cells.

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

A Systematic Review Of Neutrophilic Alopecias Of The Scalp In The Pediatric Population, Nesreen Shahrour, Layan Shahrour, Rahib K. Islam, Yoseph Dalia

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Neutrophilic alopecias of the scalp - including dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, folliculitis decalvans, and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae - are rare, scarring, inflammatory disorders with overlapping clinical and histopathologic features that present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric populations. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 35 eligible studies identified through a search of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica Database, Central Cochrane Medical Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science, focusing on treatment modalities and outcomes in children. Patients with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp often present with erythematous, tender …

Autoimmune Encephalitis Presenting As Pseudodementia (Case Report), Renita Ng, Christie Richardson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Patients with autoimmune encephalitis frequently present with psychiatric symptoms including psychosis, behavioral changes, and affective disorders. Because of this, misdiagnosis of a primary psychiatric disorder in a case of autoimmune encephalitis is not uncommon. We present a case of autoimmune encephalitis in a 72 year old who was initially thought to have psuedodementia or catatonia due to variable collateral who later on LP was found to have markers and responded to steroid treatment. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential with patients who present with psychiatric alterations and to consider other causes of behavioral change.

Case Report: Recurrent Miller Fisher Syndrome, Devin Hoover, Andrew Vasta, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 47-year-old male who presented with numbness and difficulty speaking and was diagnosed with Miller Fisher Syndrome, a variant Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The differential diagnosis for numbness and speech difficulty is broad and includes brain stem stroke, Wernicke encephalopathy, botulism, myasthenia gravis, among others. Although Miller Fisher Syndrome is rare, certain factors such as the of tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists may predispose a patient to the disease and its recurrence. As discovery of new tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists continues it will likely result in more presentations of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and its variants to the emergency department.

Miller Fisher Variant Of Guillain- Barré Syndrome, Peter Killian, Kishan B. Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We present a case of a man in his 50s who was evaluated in the emergency department for right facial droop, myalgias, and right lower extremity weakness. The patient required multiple interdisciplinary specialists for treatment and diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The differential for weakness and facial droop is primarily aimed at ruling out an irreversible neurological cause while investigating a potential infectious etiology. Multiple variants of GBS exist and clinical presentations can vary, including the Miller Fisher Variant. This variant features a unique presentation, affecting the corticobulbar tract, evident with the ptosis commonly seen following a gastrointestinal infection.

A Rare Case Of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage In The Setting Of Iga Nephropathy, Vasculitis And Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome In A Previously Healthy Young Adult, Karl Schlicht, Nancy Kaura

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger disease, can precipitate acute renal failure in patients. IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is deposition of protein from IgA into the renal tissue with subsequent renal dysfunction. IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is another condition where similarly the protein of IgA is deposited into the vessels. There are some cases of co-existing atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with IgAN. However, rare combinations seen with all three IgAN, IgAV, and aHUS without any pre-existing conditions nor medical history. Patients that develop any one of these conditions are looking at life long changes with hemodialysis (HD) and organ transplants being …

Navigating Insulin Access For Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Caregivers' Experiences And Challenges, Ella Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations

Between 2012 and 2018, the annual 14% increase in insulin prices made Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) the most expensive chronic health condition, significantly raising out-of-pocket costs for uninsured or underinsured individuals in the United States (Hayes & Farmer, 2020; Willner et al., 2020). This study utilized a qualitative content analysis methodology to explore the challenges and experiences of parents with children diagnosed with T1D with accessing insulin for their child. Five participants from various areas of the United States responded to open-ended questions both in person and via Zoom. The analysis revealed three main themes: pragmatics of managing diabetic care, …

Editorial: Women In Science: Allergy Research, Gemma Carreras-Badosa, Vanesa Esteban, Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, Elina Toskala, Manali Mukherjee, Saba Al Heialy, Karin Fieten

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.