Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons^™

Patient-Reported Outcomes: Comparing Functional Avoidance And Standard Thoracic Radiation Therapy In Lung Cancer, Spencer Poiset, Joseph Lombardo, Edward Castillo, Richard Castillo, Bernard Jones, Moyed Miften, Brian Kavanagh, Adam Dicker, Cullen Boyle, Nicole Simone, Benjamin Movsas, Inga Grills, Chad Rusthoven, Yevgeniy Vinogradskiy, Lydia Wilson

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Novel methods generate functional images using image processing techniques combined with four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) data (4DCT-ventilation). 4DCT-ventilation was implemented in a phase II, multicenter functional avoidance clinical trial. The work compares functional avoidance patient-reported outcomes (PROs) against historical standards.

METHODS: Patients with locally advanced lung cancer undergoing curative-intent chemoradiation were accrued. 4DCT-ventilation imaging was generated and functional avoidance treatment plans created reduced dose to functional lung. PRO instruments included Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Lung questionnaire and accompanying subscales (including the Trial Outcome Index [TOI]), EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D), and EQ-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). The average change from baseline …

From Lost Balance To Leaky Chyle: A Case Report Of Traumatic Chylothorax, Taylor Johnson, Glenn Carlos

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Electronic And Regular Cigarettes Induce Transcriptional And Physiological Changes In Cardiomyocytes, Hesham Basma, Kajari Dhar, Jason Payne, Stephen I. Rennard, Brian D. Lowes

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is an important etiology for cardiac diseases and electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity. In the current study, we assessed physiological and transcriptional changes in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) after exposure to electronic cigarette extract (ECE) and conventional cigarette extract (CSE).

METHODS: iPS-CMS were plated on multi-electrode array plates (MEA), electrical and contractile properties were determined by Maestro Edge and computer assisted video analysis (MuscleMotion). Transcriptional profiles were accessed by direct digital mRNA detection of heart failure targeted genes.

RESULTS: Both ECE and CSE extracts significantly prolong beat period from baseline compared to …

Use Of Va Ecmo In Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism Presenting With Obstructive Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy, Luke Taylor, Otoniel Espinoza, Omar O. Hernandez, Shannon Biggers, Shirin Miller, Srinivas Yallapragada, Amer Alaiti, Andrew Fredericks, Song Li, Claudius Mahr

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background Patients with massive/sub-massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and right ventricular strain have a significant risk of hemodynamic collapse. VA ECMO support provides an excellent salvage option for patients with acute/unstable pulmonary embolism with obstructive cardiogenic shock undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Using VA-ECMO for a “protective PE” procedure allows control of hemodynamics and enables interventionalists to perform the thrombectomy in a more controlled environment. Here, we present our experience. Methods A retrospective data analysis on consecutive VA ECMO patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to pulmonary embolism was abstracted from August 2022 to June 2024. Results Patient characteristics and outcomes are described in …

Necrotizing Alternaria Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Male, Joel Mathews, Jose Aguilar-Martinez, Sean Sojdie, Zain Tariq, Tamer Hudali

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Abstract: Alternaria species is a rare cause of invasive fungal pneumonia, typically described as an opportunistic pathogen, usually seen in immunocompromised patients producing virulent forms of sinus, cutaneous, and ocular infections. Alternaria species sparingly affect immunocompetent individuals and are often managed without any medical interventions. We present a case of invasive fungal necrotizing pneumonia caused by Alternaria alternata species in an immunocompetent 28-year-old male with only a past medical history of well-controlled asthma managed with an as-needed albuterol inhaler. His complaints included worsening foul-smelling productive cough with yellow-dark brown sputum along with subjective fevers, chills, chest pain, and dyspnea for …

Zinc Promotes Mitochondrial Health Through Pgc-1alpha Enhancing Bacterial Clearance In Macrophages Infected With Mycobacterium Avium Complex, Ruxana Sadikot, Prabagaran Narayanasamy, Zhihong Yuan, Deandra R. Smith, Daren L. Knoell

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as important contributors to immune function, in addition to energy production. They exert this influence through modulation of various signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism and immune function in response to pathogens. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) is the primary transcription factor and regulator involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Long known to be involved in immune function, zinc (Zn) is also required for proper mitochondrial function. It is increasingly recognized that many cellular immunometabolic activities are also Zn-dependent. Taken together, we investigated the role of Zn deficiency, both dietary and genetically induced, and Zn …

Gallium Β-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles Containing Both Gallium Protoporphyrin And Gallium Nitrate Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity Against Nontuberculous Mycobacteria In Vitro And In Vivo, Seoung-Ryoung Choi, Bradley E. Britigan, Prabagaran Narayanasamy

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

Effective and safe antibiotics active against pathogenic mycobacterial species are needed. Iron is an essential element for bacterial survival. Ga(NO₃)₃ (GN) and Ga protoporphyrin (GP) as iron mimetics have each been shown to inhibit the iron metabolism and growth of various mycobacterial species. In this study, the dual cyclodextrin nanoparticle (CDGPGN) is prepared that carries GP and GN using a sonication homogenization technique to increase the efficacy of the combination therapy. CDGPGN shows a long-acting antimicrobial activity against Mycobacteroides abscessus residing in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). A murine pulmonary study showed that the CDGPGN also inhibited the growth …

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In A Young Adult With Long-Term Phenytoin Use, Secondhand Smoke Exposure, And Multiple Allergen Sensitivities: A Clinical Case Report, Dominic Bewley, Karen Valadez-Cuen, Beatrice Odhiambo, Micheline Tantchou

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Rare Case Of Pulmonary Amyloidosis Causing Cystic Lung Disease In Sjogren's Syndrome, Suhas Kandimalla, Jordan Torres, Ramesh Kesavan, Siva T. Sarva

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting As An Anterior Mediastinal Mass: A Rare Manifestation, Maya Khasho, Christopher L. Bray, Miguel E. Rodriguez

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Avatrombopag-Induced Thrombocytosis Leading To Pulmonary Embolism In A Patient With Refractory Itp, Rohit Jaishankar, Kristine Peligrino, Alejandra Rinaldi, Racquel Fournet

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Early Vs. Late Intubation On Morality Among Obese Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Peter Holleb, Enkhbileg Batbileg, Brandon Chong, Jameel Osborne

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Not So Sle-Ghtly Bloody, A Nguyen, Napat Rangsipat, Shai Ring, Suhas Tatapudi, Cassie Robertson, Achi Chary, Damon Cao

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Bleeding Lungs: A Case Of Hydralazine Induced Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage, Damara Miller, Munanchu Poudel, Neil Maithel, Deekshita Valiveti, Arjun Kamath, Rahul Dadhwal, Ali Mohammed, Rene Franco Jr., Abhay Vakil, Zuhair Ali

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Navigating The Complexity Of Ards And Cardiogenic Shock With Veno-Arterial Ecmo: A Case Report, Sanjana Kesireddy, Mohan Sengodan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

INTRODUCTION: When deciding between VA ECMO (veno-arterial ECMO) and VV ECMO (veno-venous ECMO), the primary consideration is the underlying pathology affecting the patient’s heart and lungs. VA ECMO provides support for both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, making it suitable for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock or combined cardiac and respiratory failure. In contrast, VV ECMO is used exclusively for respiratory failure, offering support to patients with severe lung dysfunction but intact cardiac function. CASE PRESENTATION: 41 year old male with no known past medical history presented s/p cardiac arrest secondary to aspiration pneumonia due to alcohol and opioid intoxication. Chest …

Increasing Pediatric Asthma Follow-Up Visits And Decreasing Emergency Department Visits In A Primary Care Setting, Rima M. Basal

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

The implementation of the asthma follow-up visits bundle in the pediatric primary care setting is an evidence-based practice project aimed at improving pediatric asthma management. This manuscript discusses the deployment of the bundle, which includes pre- and post- knowledge assessment for parents/caregivers, asthma education through a short video and handout, administration of the asthma control test (ACT), completion of a written asthma action plan (WAAP), and education about the patient portal and telehealth. The goal is to improve parent/caregiver knowledge, treatment adherence, follow-up visit compliance (in-person or virtual) and reduce emergency department (ED) utilization. Parent/caregiver knowledge increased by 23%, ACT …

Effects Of Educational Intervention On Asthmatic Children, Zoe Coggins

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Children are more vulnerable to asthmatic symptoms due to the physiological immaturity of their respiratory systems. Therefore, irritants are deemed more hazardous for the pediatric population. Pollution is a growing health concern, and within the literature review, several approaches to the measurement of the impact of low air quality and educational interventions are discussed. The themes identified in the literature review are increased risk of pollution-induced exacerbation due to age, behavior, and residential proximity to emission-producing facilities. The review of the literature demonstrated how pollution is a growing public health concern, especially among the pediatric population. Interventions, reviewed in …

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome In A Case Of Septal Occlusion Device Migration, Bike Ozkan, Richard Shalmiyev, Adam Devine, Michael Pelekhach, Siddarth Kathuria, Daniel Heller, Mauricio Danckers

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is defined by dyspnea and hypoxemia in the upright position, which improves upon recumbency. While often linked with hepatopulmonary syndrome, intracardiac etiologies, particularly a patent foramen ovale (PFO), may also be responsible. PFOs are typically managed with device closure, and while rare, device migration can occur unbeknownst to the patient with resultant critical sequelae.

Methods

Here, we present the case of an 89-year-old female with a medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease status post PCI, who arrived with severe dyspnea and was subsequently intubated for profound hypoxia. A chest CT angiogram ruled out …

Oil And Air Don’T Mix: Vitamin E Acetate In Evali, Angelo Lopez-Lacayo, Jordan Taylor-Bentley, Josef Masseli, Michelle Silva, Christy Diaz, Daniel Zapata

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction: Electronic cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) is an acute or subacute condition characterized by acute respiratory symptoms and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates seen in patients who are exposed to electronic cigarettes or vapes. The condition has been strongly linked to inhalation of aerosolized vitamin E acetate, particularly in THC-containing e-cigarette products. Despite regulation of vitamin E acetate in the production of electronic vapes, it continues to be a byproduct of EVALI due to counterfeit electronic vapes. Clinically, patients with EVALI present in various ways but are not limited to fever, shortness of breath, cough, chills, body aches, pleuritic chest …

A Case Of Recurrent Pleural Effusion Secondary To Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome After Discontinuation Of Oral Contraceptives, Kevin Gopala-Rao, Luis Santiesteban, Carmen Tormo Carrillo, Christian Almanzar Zorilla, Mauricio Danckers

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare condition in which functional endometrial tissue spreads to the thoracic cavity. Manifestations of TES include catamenial hemoptysis, pneumothorax, and pleural effusions along with symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and pleuritic chest pain.1 Approximately 6 to 10% of women of reproductive-age women develop TES with concurrent pelvic endometriosis in 80% of patients.2 Treatment of TES includes medical management with progesterone-based oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and surgical management involving cardiothoracic surgery. We present a case of recurrent pleural effusions in a patient who was non-compliant with medical management of TES. Methods: Data was collected during …