Publications

December 2022

Başaran, M., Çelik, Ö., Bayrakdar, I.S., Bilgir, E., Orhan, K., Odabaş, A., Aslan, A.F., and Jagtap, R. Diagnostic charting of panoramic radiography using deep-learning artificial intelligence system. Oral Radiology. 2022 Jul; 38(3):363-9.

The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate the performance of a new deep-learning (DL) artificial intelligence (AI) model for diagnostic charting in panoramic radiography. One thousand eighty-four anonymous dental panoramic radiographs were labeled by two dento-maxillofacial radiologists for ten different dental situations: crown, pontic, root-canal treated tooth, implant, implant-supported crown, impacted tooth, residual root, filling, caries, and dental calculus. AI Model CranioCatch, developed in Eskişehir, Turkey and based on a deep CNN method, was proposed to be evaluated. A Faster R-CNN Inception v2 (COCO) model implemented with the TensorFlow library was used for model development. The assessment of AI model performance was evaluated with sensitivity, precision, and F1 scores.

When the performance of the proposed AI model for detecting dental conditions in panoramic radiographs was evaluated, the best sensitivity values were obtained from the crown, implant, and impacted tooth as 0.9674, 0.9615, and 0.9658, respectively. The worst sensitivity values were obtained from the pontic, caries, and dental calculus, as 0.7738, 0.3026, and 0.0934, respectively. The best precision values were obtained from pontic, implant, implant-supported crown as 0.8783, 0.9259, and 0.8947, respectively. The worst precision values were obtained from residual root, caries, and dental calculus, as 0.6764, 0.5096, and 0.1923, respectively. The most successful F1 Scores were obtained from the implant, crown, and implant-supported crown, as 0.9433, 0.9122, and 0.8947, respectively. The proposed AI model has promising results at detecting dental conditions in panoramic radiographs, except for caries and dental calculus. Thanks to the improvement of AI models in all areas of dental radiology, we predict that they will help physicians in panoramic diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as digital-based student education, especially during the pandemic period.
Duman, S., Yılmaz, E.F., Eşer, G., Çelik, Ö., Bayrakdar, I.S., Bilgir, E., Costa, A.L., Jagtap, R., and Orhan, K. Detecting the presence of taurodont teeth on panoramic radiographs using a deep learning-based convolutional neural network algorithm. Oral Radiology. 2022 May 25:1-8.

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques like convolutional neural network (CNN) are a promising breakthrough that can help clinicians analyze medical imaging, diagnose taurodontism, and make therapeutic decisions. The purpose of the study is to develop and evaluate the function of CNN-based AI model to diagnose teeth with taurodontism in panoramic radiography. Four hundred thirty-four anonymized, mixed-sized panoramic radiography images over the age of 13 years were used to develop automatic taurodont tooth segmentation models using a Pytorch implemented U-Net model. Datasets were split into train, validation, and test groups of both normal and masked images. The data augmentation method was applied to images of trainings and validation groups with vertical flip images, horizontal flip images, and both flip images. The Confusion Matrix was used to determine the model performance.

Among the 43 test group images with 126 labels, there were 109 true positives, 29 false positives, and 17 false negatives. The sensitivity, precision, and F1-score values of taurodont tooth segmentation were 0.8650, 0.7898, and 0.8257, respectively. CNN’s ability to identify taurodontism produced almost identical results to the labeled training data, and the CNN system achieved close to the expert level results in its ability to detect the taurodontism of teeth.
Jagtap, R., Yesiltepe, S., Bayrakdar, I.S., Orhan, K., and Çelik, Ö. A deep-learning model for idiopathic osteosclerosis detection on dental panoramic radiographs. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2022 Sep 1;134(3):e77.

The purpose of the study was to propose an automatic idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) detection model based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms in panoramic radiographs using GoogleNet Inception V2 architecture and assess the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI) model compared to the human observer. A total of 493 anonymized panoramic radiographs were used to develop the AI system (CranioCatch, Eskisehir-Turkey) for the detection of IOs. The panoramic radiographs were acquired from the Radiology Archive of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of the Faculty of Dentistry of Eskisehir Osmangazi University. GoogleNet Inception V2 model implemented with TensorFlow library was used for the detection of IOs. A confusion matrix was used to predict model achievements.

Fifty IOs were detected by the AI model from the 52 test images, which had 57 IOs. The sensitivity, precision, and F-measure values were 0.88, 0.83, and 0.86, respectively. Deep learning-based AI models have the potential to detect IOs accurately on panoramic radiographs. AI systems can be used to support clinicians for baseline diagnosis of panoramic radiographs and may eventually replace human observers’ evaluation and support performance in the future.
Momah, T.S. and Hilton, K. Obesity in Adult Sickle Cell Patients: A University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Study. Obesity Journal, 30 (S1), pp. 1-293.

Mississippi has the highest prevalence for obesity in the United States of America (USA) at 39.8%. She also has one of the highest prevalence rates for sickle cell disease (SCD) in the country (at 1 in 964 individuals). With the USA's spiraling obesity rate, a hypothesis of an increased obesity prevalence among sickle cell patients has been postulated by several authors. They postulate that because SCD patients are 99.8% African American, and African Americans make up majority of obese patients in the USA, there is a high probability that SCD patients will be obese or above normal weight. If these postulations were true, there would be no statistically significant difference for obesity and overweight rates between SCD patients and the USA population.

A retrospective chart review of 575 SCD patients in 2019 was conducted at the UMMC by the authors. These patients were de-identified patients, with an ICD-10 diagnosis that showed either sickle cell-related or sickle cell-unrelated medical problems. Data analysis was conducted using the two-sample test, and their medical records were obtained from the hospital's electronic medical records using the Center for Informatics and analytics (C.I.A) personnel. In addition, the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data utilized for this study was obtained from the CDC and used to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, and morbidly obese individuals in the USA.

Of adults >20 years with SCD (n = 575), 21.04% were obese (BMI > 30 < 40). Adult patients with SCD who were stage 3 or morbidly obese had a prevalence rate of 6.09%. These values are statistically significant, and when correlated with obese and morbid obese rates in the USA (NHANES 2018) showed a statistically significant rate of Pr(|Z| > |z|) = 0.0000 and Pr(|Z| > |z|) = 0.00133 respectively. There was, however, a non-significant correlation between patients with SCD who were overweight (27.13%) and the overweight prevalence in the USA (Pr(|Z| > |z|) = 0.0775). Adults with SCD, in UMMC, have lower rates of raised BMI compared to state and national norms. The non-significant overweight rates, between SCD patients and the US population, portend a growing probability of weight gain among the US SCD population and one that could be a nidus for obesity in that population in the near future.
Pearlman, R.L., Nahar, V.K., Sisson, W.T., Clark, J., Ferris, T., Black, W.H., and Brodell, R.T. (In Press). Understanding Downstream Service Profitability Generated by Dermatology Faculty in an Academic Medical Center: A Key Driver to Promotion of Access-to-Care. Archives of Dermatological Research.

Hiring new dermatology faculty at academic medical centers (AMCs) can be a difficult process. Academic dermatology departments, however, must have the financial freedom to nimbly respond to the needs of their community. To determine the downstream revenue and profitability produced by dermatology faculty, a retrospective review of charges and expenses downstream of professional services was performed to assess dermatology faculty and nurse practitioners from January 2019 to December 2020 at a single AMC in the southern United States. We found that faculty of academic dermatology departments produces a great deal more revenue and profitability for AMCs than the sum of their professional charges.
Wells, J., Watson, K., Sharma, M., Davis, R. E., Gruszynski, K., Robertson, S., & Nahar, V. K. (In Press). Application of the Multi-theory Model (MTM) to Explain Intentions to Use Telehealth/Telemedicine among Veterinarians. Veterinary Record.

The goal of this study was to evaluate how effective the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change explains the initiation and sustenance of telehealth use among veterinarians. Based on the findings of this study, researchers, educators and veterinary professionals should consider using MTM as theoretical framework to develop interventions to enhance telehealth use.

October 2022

Agor, A., and Ward, K.H.M. Camouflaging techniques for patients with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 2020 Nov 27;7(2):180-183. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.11.003. PMID: 33937487; PMCID: PMC8072492.

Scarring alopecia is difficult to treat by medical and surgical approaches. Camouflage becomes a critically important approach to managing these conditions in an effort to minimize the impact of this unsightly condition on the quality of life.
Akulian, J., Bedawi, E.O., Abbas, H., Argento, C., Arnold, D.T., Balwan, A., Batra, H., Uribe Becerra, J.P., Belanger, A., Berger, K., Burks, A.C., Chang, J., Chrissian, A.A., DiBardino, D.M., Fuentes, X.F., Gesthalter, Y.B., Gilbert, C.R., Glisinski, K., Godfrey, M., Gorden, J.A., Grosu, H., Gupta, M., Kheir, F., Ma, K.C., Majid, A., Maldonado, F., Maskell, N.A., Mehta, H., Mercer, J., Mullon, J., Nelson, D., Nguyen, E., Pickering, E.M., Puchalski, J., Reddy, C., Revelo, A.E., Roller, L., Sachdeva, A., Sanchez, T., Sathyanarayan, P., Semaan, R., Senitko, M., Shojaee, S., Story, R., Thiboutot, J., Wahidi, M., Wilshire, C.L., Yu, D., Zouk, A., Rahman, N.M., and Yarmus, L.; Interventional Pulmonary Outcomes Group. Bleeding Risk With Combination Intrapleural Fibrinolytic and Enzyme Therapy in Pleural Infection: An International, Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study Chest. 2022 Jun 16:S0012-3692(22)01089-3. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.06.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35716828.

This manuscript report results of the multicenter, retrospective observational study conducted in 24 centers across the United States and the United Kingdom. The study evaluated the risk of pleural bleeding as a complication when using intrapleural fibrinolytics to manage pleural infection. Based on its results, aside from specific scenarios, safety or risk of bleeding alone no longer should be a deterrent to the use of IET in pleural infection.
Bhanat, E., Nahar, V. K., Dobbs, T., Butler, K., Thimothee, J., Parmar, R., Bergin, P., Russell, G., Jones, A., and Navalkelle, B. (2022). COVID-19 related Awareness among Healthcare Professionals and Students at the Medical Center in the Southern United States. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 3(1), 12-17.

This study aimed to assess the COVID-19-related knowledge among faculty and staff working in our healthcare system.
Brumfiel, C.M., Jefferson, I.S., Wu, A.G., Strunck, J.L., Veerabagu, S., Lin, K., Brodell, R.T., and Rosman, I.S. A national webinar for dermatology applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021 Feb;84(2):574-576. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.043. Epub 2020 Sep 17. PMID: 32950550; PMCID: PMC7497741.

This national webinar attended by over 500 medical students from around the United States provided updated information about virtual interviews and other COVID-19 related changes to the application process.
Chelf, S., Davis, R.E., Bass, M.A., Ford, M. Allison, F, Ali D., Leo, J.T. and Nahar, V.K. Osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs among middle-aged men and women in the Southern United States. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2022-0011

This study evaluates the knowledge and health beliefs surrounding osteoporosis in a population of males and females 35-50 years old to determine sex-based differences in osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs and to assess the correlation between perceptions and health motivation. Males and females 35-50 years old perceive themselves to have a low susceptibility to osteoporosis. They do not consider osteoporosis a serious disease and have little motivation to mitigate its inception or progression. Their perceptions show that barriers to exercise impact health motivation more than the perceived benefits of exercise.
Cohen, N., Mathew, M., Davis, A., Brent, J., Wax, P., Schuh, S., Freedman, S.B., Froberg, B., Schwarz, E., Canning, J., Tortora, L., Hoyte, C., Koons, A.L., Burns, M.M., McFalls, J., Wiegand, T.J., Hendrickson, R.G., Judge, B., Quang, L.S., Hodgman, M., Chenoweth, J.A., Algren, D.A., Carey, J., Caravati, E.M., Akpunonu, P., Geib, A.J., Seifert, S.A., Kazzi, Z., Othong, R., Greene, S.C., Holstege, C., Tweet, M.S., Vearrier, D., Pizon, A.F., Campleman, S.L., Li, S., Aldy, K., and Finkelstein, Y. On behalf of ToxIC Pediatric Opioid Exposure Study Group. Predictors of severe outcome following opioid intoxication in children. Clinical Toxicology. 2022;60(6):702-707. PMID: 35333145

This study utilized the national Toxicology Investigators Consortium pediatric opioid subregistry to investigate risk factors for severe outcome in pediatric patients with opioid intoxication. The study reported that exposure to fentanyl and age 10 years or older was associated with an elevated risk of ICU admission or death.
Davis, J., Beneke, L.L., Marlin, M.B., and Vearrier, D. COVID-19’s effect on calls to the Mississippi Poison Control Center. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South. 2022 Sep;3(2).

This observational study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on total calls; calls related to bleach, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers; calls related to ivermectin exposures; calls related to hydroxychloroquine exposures; calls related to COVID-19; and suspected suicide calls to the Mississippi Poison Control Center. The study reported no change in overall call volume or suspected suicide calls, but spikes in calls for exposures to disinfectants and cleaning products, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin.
Davis, R.E., Doyle, N.A., Samuel, K.D., Wilkerson, A.H., and Nahar, V.K. The relationship between trait emotional intelligence and problematic alcohol use among college students. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2022 May 29;12(1):101-109. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2022.13. PMID: 35854853; PMCID: PMC9277283.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and problematic alcohol use among college students while controlling for drug use covariates.
Desrosiers, A.S., Petruzzelli, C.J., Bobo, J.F., Hodge, B.D., Rodgers, J.L., Hollinger, J.C., Byrd, A.C., and Brodell, R.T. Clinical interventions aimed at expanding access to dermatologic care. Dermatology Online Journal. 2021 Mar 15;27(3):13030/qt9w82x2z1. PMID: 33865274.

This article highlights the UMMC rural academic clinic and rural residency slot which have had a significant impact on the provision of care in rural Mississippi
Elston, D.M., Grant-Kels, J.M., Levin, N., Alam, M., Altman, E.M., Brodell, R.T., Fernandez, A.P., Hurley, M.Y., Maize, J., Ratner, D., Schaffer, J., and Kantor, J. Fairness and transparency in medical journals. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021 Jul;85(1):31-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.10.027. Epub 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33157176.

The editors of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology discuss fairness and transparency in the editorial process in this brief editorial.
Folch, E., Guo, M.Y., and Senitko, M. Therapeutic Bronchoscopy for Lung Nodules: Where Are We Now? Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2022;43:480–491

This review article describes the recent advances in endoscopic and percutaneous thermal and non-thermal therapies for non-small cell lung cancer with the focus on their efficacy and safety.
Ezekwe, N., Oberoi, J., and Brodell, R.T. "Numerous Nevi in a 6-Year-Old Boy". Pediatrics in Review: Official Journal of the American Association of Pediatrics. 2020 41 (supplement 1): S75–S78. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2018-0225

A child with numerous pigmented papules was proven to have basal cell nevus syndrome. This is a condition that must be biopsied early to make a definitive diagnosis leading to prompt definitive treatment of new lesions, sun avoidance and sunscreen use.
Gromley, Z., Agwuncha, C., Nahar, V.K., and Gromley, A. The effectiveness of the metabolic map in promoting meaningful learning. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2022 Jan 5;122(3):125-131. doi: 10.1515/jom-2021-0173. PMID: 34982867.

This study explored whether the Pathways of Human Metabolism Map as a study tool helps to connect basic metabolic pathways to clinical applications. Our data show that students who utilized the metabolic map in their studies reported that utilizing the map improved their understanding of medical biochemistry. Our research results suggest that providing study aids like the metabolic map encourages students to minimize rote memorization and promotes integration with clinical context.
Hassan, O.M., Medepalli, V.M., Zieman, D., Ortego, J.R., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. (2022). Translucent Cyst around the Eyelid. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, 14(4), 175-176.

This case demonstrated that eccrine hidrocystoma can be easily diagnosed through teledermatology based on clinical appearance and transillumination of the lesion.
Holmes, M., Tabba, D., Mockbee, C.S., Helms, S.E., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Teledermatology: Allergic Contact Dermatitis After Prior Burn Injury. Journal of Dermatology Nurses Association. 2022 14(5): 238-239. Doi: 10.1097/JDN 0000000000701

A case of blistering, iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis following use of triple antibiotic that was diagnosed utilizing teledermatology is presented.
MacDonald, S., Byrd, C., Barlow, E., Nahar, V.K., Martin, J., and Krenk, D. Efficacy of Red Cell Salvage Systems in Open Acetabular Surgery. Advances in Orthopedics, vol. 2022, Article ID 8276065, 6 pages, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8276065

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CS in decreasing allogenic blood transfusion in acetabular surgery, contribute to the body of literature regarding cell saver use in acetabular fractures, and to identify risk factors for large intraoperative blood loss.
Morrissette, S., Etkin, C.D., Brodell, R.T., and Pearlman, R.L. The Use of Clinical Data Registries to Improve Care and Meet Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation Requirements. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2022 48 (10):549-51. Doi: 10.1016/i.icia.2022.06.003

The DataDerm registry is used as an example to demonstrate that specialty specific registries can be easily utilized to meet the OPPE requirements of the Joint Commission.
Morrissette, S., Pearlman, R.L., Kovar, M,. Sisson, W.T., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Attitudes and perceived barriers toward store-and-forward teledermatology among primary care providers of the rural Mississippi. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022 Jan;314(1):37-40. doi: 10.1007/s00403-021-02208-z. Epub 2021 Feb 25. PMID: 33630147; PMCID: PMC7905757.

This survey-based study of primary care physicians utilizing teledermatology consultations at the University of Mississippi Medical Center revealed that the time required to order a consultation was the primary barrier to more frequent utilization of this service.
Pearlman, R.L, Badon, H., Whittington, A., Brodell, R.T., and Ward, K.H.M. The iso-oncotopic response: immunotherapy-associated bullous pemphigoid in tumour footprints. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. (2022) 47: 1358-1385. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.15177

This article describes a patient displaying the concept of an immunocompromised district within the scars created by treatment of keratinocytic cancers Classic bullous pemphigoid developed principally in these scars.
Pearlman, R.L., Brodell, R.T., and Byrd, A.C. Enhancing Access to Rural Dermatological Care: The Time to Start Is Now. JAMA Dermatology. Published online May 25, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1470

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been taking an “all of the above” approach to access to care problems in our rural state. This editorial discusses the establishment of a rural academic dermatology office, a rural free clinic, and a rural residency slot as well as aggressive efforts to teach rural primary care physicians with Project ECHO and offering efficient teledermatology consultations to these physicians who care for many patients who are unwilling or unable to visit a distant medical center for dermatologic care. The successes of these efforts are chronicled.
Pearlman, R.L., Condie, D.L., Nahar, V.K., and Black, W.H. Adoption of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Dermatologic Surgeons: A Survey Study of American College of Mohs Surgery Members. Dermatology Surgery. 2022 Mar 1;48(3):373-376. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003351. PMID: 35025847.

This survey-based study demonstrated that less than half of surgical dermatologists, especially older physicians have received their HPV vaccination. The importance of vaccination as an approach to prevent HPV and HPV induced malignancies in physicians is discussed.
Pearlman, R.L., Wilkerson, A.H., Ferris, T.S., Griffin, D.B., Cobb, E.K., McCowan, H.K., Bhattacharya, K., Leo, J.T., Melton, S.C., and Nahar, V.K. Skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among non-medical skin care professionals: A narrative review of cross-sectional and interventional studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Aug;20(8):2437-2457. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14260. Epub 2021 Jun 10. PMID: 34047438.

This survey-based study demonstrated that non-medical skin care professionals have the motivation and the ability to triage skin cancers to physicians.
Penman, A., Borst, A., Hubbard, S., and Vearrier, D. Low-cost Options for Keeping Cool During Extreme Hot, Humid Weather. Journal of Mississippi State Medical Association. 2022;63(8):21-213.

This review article describes recommendations for low-cost cooling options that may be useful for Mississippians during hot humid weather.
Pitts, L.E., Wilkerson, A.H., Ferris, T.S., Harrigill, M., Brar, H.S., Sharma, M., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). A Review of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status in USA College-Aged Individuals Affecting Transition to and Adjustment in College. Journal of Health and Social Sciences.

The aim of this paper was to review previous studies on IBD in college students in order to analyze the influence of their disease on their ability to adjust to college life and perform well academically.
Preda-Naumescu, I., Paladi-Noel, I., Preda-Naumescu, A., Huynh, T.N., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Dermatopathologist Perceptions of Overdiagnosis, Physical activity among Long-Term Melanoma Survivors, and Lifestyle Modifications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa [Commentary]. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association.

Commentary on dermatopathologist perceptions of overdiagnosis, physical activity among long-term melanoma survivors, and lifestyle modifications in hidradenitis
Preda-Naumescu, A., Penney, K., Pearlman, R.L., Brodell, R.T., Daniel, C.R., and Nahar, V.K. Nail Manifestations in COVID-19: Insight into a Systemic Viral Disease. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2021 Aug 17;183(6):1-6. doi: 10.1159/000518087. PMID: 34580633; PMCID: PMC8450840.

This review focuses on nail conditions in patients with COVID-19. Proper categorization of nail disease can assist in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and avoid needless worry about concomitant diseases.
Sharma, M., Asare, M., Lakhan, R., Kanekar, A., Nahar, V.K., and Moonie, S. Can the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change Explain the Intent for People to Practice Meditation? Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. January 2021. doi:10.1177/2515690X211064582

This study aimed to test if a fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) could explain the intent for starting and maintaining meditation behavior in a sample of US adults. Based on this study, it can be concluded that MTM offers a pragmatic framework to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based (theory-based) meditation behavior change interventions.
Shenoy, T., Nahar, V.K., Goodwin, M., Helms, S.E., Brodell, R.T., and Black, W.H. (In Press). Forestalling Lidomageddon: Local Solutions to the Nationwide Shortage of Lidocaine. Skin. 2022 6(5): 441-444. Doi.org/10.25251/skin.6.5.17

The nationwide shortage of lidocaine with epinephrine requires a number of possible approaches to maintaining stockpiles of this drug. Compounding and alternative drugs (diphenhydramine) are discussed.
Thomley, M.E., Roland, D.L., Noble, C.A., Sharma, M., Shipley, S.R., and Nahar, V.K. (2021). Skin Cancer in Skin of Color: The Importance of Expanding Education and Prevention Efforts to Include This Community. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, 13(2), 106-109.

This article explores the importance of both public and provider education regarding the prevention and timely diagnosis of skin cancer in skin of color.
Wilkerson, A.H., Davis, R.E., Sharma, M., Harmon, M.B., McCowan, H.K., Mockbee, C.S., Ford, M.A., and Nahar, V.K. Use of the multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022 Mar 2. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02338-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35235004.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.

September 2022

Agor, A., and Ward, K.H.M. Camouflaging techniques for patients with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 2020 Nov 27;7(2):180-183. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.11.003. PMID: 33937487; PMCID: PMC8072492.

Scarring alopecia is difficult to treat by medical and surgical approaches. Camouflage becomes a critically important approach to managing these conditions in an effort to minimize the impact of this unsightly condition on the quality of life.
Akulian, J., Bedawi, E.O., Abbas, H., Argento, C., Arnold, D.T., Balwan, A., Batra, H., Uribe Becerra, J.P., Belanger, A., Berger, K., Burks, A.C., Chang, J., Chrissian, A.A., DiBardino, D.M., Fuentes, X.F., Gesthalter, Y.B., Gilbert, C.R., Glisinski, K., Godfrey, M., Gorden, J.A., Grosu, H., Gupta, M., Kheir, F., Ma, K.C., Majid, A., Maldonado, F., Maskell, N.A., Mehta, H., Mercer, J., Mullon, J., Nelson, D., Nguyen, E., Pickering, E.M., Puchalski, J., Reddy, C., Revelo, A.E., Roller, L., Sachdeva, A., Sanchez, T., Sathyanarayan, P., Semaan, R., Senitko, M., Shojaee, S., Story, R., Thiboutot, J., Wahidi, M., Wilshire, C.L., Yu, D., Zouk, A., Rahman, N.M., and Yarmus, L.; Interventional Pulmonary Outcomes Group. Bleeding Risk With Combination Intrapleural Fibrinolytic and Enzyme Therapy in Pleural Infection: An International, Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study Chest. 2022 Jun 16:S0012-3692(22)01089-3. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.06.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35716828.

This manuscript report results of the multicenter, retrospective observational study conducted in 24 centers across the United States and the United Kingdom. The study evaluated the risk of pleural bleeding as a complication when using intrapleural fibrinolytics to manage pleural infection. Based on its results, aside from specific scenarios, safety or risk of bleeding alone no longer should be a deterrent to the use of IET in pleural infection.
Baxter, C.R., Abbas, A., Lin, A.L. Multifocal Macular Lesions in a Middle-aged Woman. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2022 Apr 1;140(4):428-429. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.4983. PMID: 35113134.

UMMC ophthalmologists present a rare presentation of a genetic eye condition that can sometimes mimic a harbinger of cancer.
Bhanat, E., Nahar, V. K., Dobbs, T., Butler, K., Thimothee, J., Parmar, R., Bergin, P., Russell, G., Jones, A., and Navalkelle, B. (2022). COVID-19 related Awareness among Healthcare Professionals and Students at the Medical Center in the Southern United States. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 3(1), 12-17.

This study aimed to assess the COVID-19-related knowledge among faculty and staff working in our healthcare system.
Brumfiel, C.M., Jefferson, I.S., Wu, A.G., Strunck, J.L., Veerabagu, S., Lin, K., Brodell, R.T., and Rosman, I.S. A national webinar for dermatology applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021 Feb;84(2):574-576. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.043. Epub 2020 Sep 17. PMID: 32950550; PMCID: PMC7497741.

This national webinar attended by over 500 medical students from around the United States provided updated information about virtual interviews and other COVID-19 related changes to the application process.
Chelf, S., Davis, R.E., Bass, M.A., Ford, M. Allison, F, Ali D., Leo, J.T. and Nahar, V.K. Osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs among middle-aged men and women in the Southern United States. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2022-0011

This study evaluates the knowledge and health beliefs surrounding osteoporosis in a population of males and females 35-50 years old to determine sex-based differences in osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs and to assess the correlation between perceptions and health motivation. Males and females 35-50 years old perceive themselves to have a low susceptibility to osteoporosis. They do not consider osteoporosis a serious disease and have little motivation to mitigate its inception or progression. Their perceptions show that barriers to exercise impact health motivation more than the perceived benefits of exercise.
Cohen, N., Mathew, M., Davis, A., Brent, J., Wax, P., Schuh, S., Freedman, S.B., Froberg, B., Schwarz, E., Canning, J., Tortora, L., Hoyte, C., Koons, A.L., Burns, M.M., McFalls, J., Wiegand, T.J., Hendrickson, R.G., Judge, B., Quang, L.S., Hodgman, M., Chenoweth, J.A., Algren, D.A., Carey, J., Caravati, E.M., Akpunonu, P., Geib, A.J., Seifert, S.A., Kazzi, Z., Othong, R., Greene, S.C., Holstege, C., Tweet, M.S., Vearrier, D., Pizon, A.F., Campleman, S.L., Li, S., Aldy, K., and Finkelstein, Y. On behalf of ToxIC Pediatric Opioid Exposure Study Group. Predictors of severe outcome following opioid intoxication in children. Clinical Toxicology. 2022;60(6):702-707. PMID: 35333145

This study utilized the national Toxicology Investigators Consortium pediatric opioid subregistry to investigate risk factors for severe outcome in pediatric patients with opioid intoxication. The study reported that exposure to fentanyl and age 10 years or older was associated with an elevated risk of ICU admission or death.
Davis, J., Beneke, L.L., Marlin, M.B., and Vearrier, D. COVID-19’s effect on calls to the Mississippi Poison Control Center. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South. 2022 Sep;3(2).

This observational study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on total calls; calls related to bleach, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers; calls related to ivermectin exposures; calls related to hydroxychloroquine exposures; calls related to COVID-19; and suspected suicide calls to the Mississippi Poison Control Center. The study reported no change in overall call volume or suspected suicide calls, but spikes in calls for exposures to disinfectants and cleaning products, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin.
Davis, R.E., Doyle, N.A., Samuel, K.D., Wilkerson, A.H., and Nahar, V.K. The relationship between trait emotional intelligence and problematic alcohol use among college students. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2022 May 29;12(1):101-109. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2022.13. PMID: 35854853; PMCID: PMC9277283.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and problematic alcohol use among college students while controlling for drug use covariates.
Desrosiers, A.S., Petruzzelli, C.J., Bobo, J.F., Hodge, B.D., Rodgers, J.L., Hollinger, J.C., Byrd, A.C., and Brodell, R.T. Clinical interventions aimed at expanding access to dermatologic care. Dermatology Online Journal. 2021 Mar 15;27(3):13030/qt9w82x2z1. PMID: 33865274.

This article highlights the UMMC rural academic clinic and rural residency slot which have had a significant impact on the provision of care in rural Mississippi
Elston, D.M., Grant-Kels, J.M., Levin, N., Alam, M., Altman, E.M., Brodell, R.T., Fernandez, A.P., Hurley, M.Y., Maize, J., Ratner, D., Schaffer, J., and Kantor, J. Fairness and transparency in medical journals. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021 Jul;85(1):31-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.10.027. Epub 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33157176.

The editors of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology discuss fairness and transparency in the editorial process in this brief editorial.
Folch, E., Guo, M.Y., and Senitko, M. Therapeutic Bronchoscopy for Lung Nodules: Where Are We Now? Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2022;43:480–491

This review article describes the recent advances in endoscopic and percutaneous thermal and non-thermal therapies for non-small cell lung cancer with the focus on their efficacy and safety.
Ezekwe, N., Oberoi, J., and Brodell, R.T. "Numerous Nevi in a 6-Year-Old Boy". Pediatrics in Review: Official Journal of the American Association of Pediatrics. 2020 41 (supplement 1): S75–S78. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2018-0225

A child with numerous pigmented papules was proven to have basal cell nevus syndrome. This is a condition that must be biopsied early to make a definitive diagnosis leading to prompt definitive treatment of new lesions, sun avoidance and sunscreen use.
Gromley, Z., Agwuncha, C., Nahar, V.K., and Gromley, A. The effectiveness of the metabolic map in promoting meaningful learning. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2022 Jan 5;122(3):125-131. doi: 10.1515/jom-2021-0173. PMID: 34982867.

This study explored whether the Pathways of Human Metabolism Map as a study tool helps to connect basic metabolic pathways to clinical applications. Our data show that students who utilized the metabolic map in their studies reported that utilizing the map improved their understanding of medical biochemistry. Our research results suggest that providing study aids like the metabolic map encourages students to minimize rote memorization and promotes integration with clinical context.
Hassan, O.M., Medepalli, V.M., Zieman, D., Ortego, J.R., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. (2022). Translucent Cyst around the Eyelid. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, 14(4), 175-176.

This case demonstrated that eccrine hidrocystoma can be easily diagnosed through teledermatology based on clinical appearance and transillumination of the lesion.
Holmes, M., Tabba, D., Mockbee, C.S., Helms, S.E., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Teledermatology: Allergic Contact Dermatitis After Prior Burn Injury. Journal of Dermatology Nurses Association. 2022 14(5): 238-239. Doi: 10.1097/JDN 0000000000701

A case of blistering, iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis following use of triple antibiotic that was diagnosed utilizing teledermatology is presented.
MacDonald, S., Byrd, C., Barlow, E., Nahar, V.K., Martin, J., and Krenk, D. Efficacy of Red Cell Salvage Systems in Open Acetabular Surgery. Advances in Orthopedics, vol. 2022, Article ID 8276065, 6 pages, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8276065

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CS in decreasing allogenic blood transfusion in acetabular surgery, contribute to the body of literature regarding cell saver use in acetabular fractures, and to identify risk factors for large intraoperative blood loss.
Momah, T., Patel, K. Acute cholecystitis and diverticular abscess patient with covid-19 infection. West African Journal of Medicine. 2022;39(9):982-984.

This is a case of a 53-year-old African American woman with newly diagnosed concomitant acute cholecystitis, diverticulitis, and SARS-COV-2 infection. She underwent treatment for COVID-19 with antibiotics and supportive treatment, and on day 32 after initial symptoms presented, she had an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our patient was one of the first cases to present with acute cholecystitis and diverticulitis complicated by COVID-19, and serves as a template for surgical management of non-emergent abdominal pathologies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morrissette, S., Etkin, C.D., Brodell, R.T., and Pearlman, R.L. The Use of Clinical Data Registries to Improve Care and Meet Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation Requirements. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2022 48 (10):549-51. Doi: 10.1016/i.icia.2022.06.003

The DataDerm registry is used as an example to demonstrate that specialty specific registries can be easily utilized to meet the OPPE requirements of the Joint Commission.
Morrissette, S., Pearlman, R.L., Kovar, M,. Sisson, W.T., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Attitudes and perceived barriers toward store-and-forward teledermatology among primary care providers of the rural Mississippi. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022 Jan;314(1):37-40. doi: 10.1007/s00403-021-02208-z. Epub 2021 Feb 25. PMID: 33630147; PMCID: PMC7905757.

This survey-based study of primary care physicians utilizing teledermatology consultations at the University of Mississippi Medical Center revealed that the time required to order a consultation was the primary barrier to more frequent utilization of this service.
Pearlman, R.L, Badon, H., Whittington, A., Brodell, R.T., and Ward, K.H.M. The iso-oncotopic response: immunotherapy-associated bullous pemphigoid in tumour footprints. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. (2022) 47: 1358-1385. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.15177

This article describes a patient displaying the concept of an immunocompromised district within the scars created by treatment of keratinocytic cancers Classic bullous pemphigoid developed principally in these scars.
Pearlman, R.L., Brodell, R.T., and Byrd, A.C. Enhancing Access to Rural Dermatological Care: The Time to Start Is Now. JAMA Dermatology. Published online May 25, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1470

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been taking an “all of the above” approach to access to care problems in our rural state. This editorial discusses the establishment of a rural academic dermatology office, a rural free clinic, and a rural residency slot as well as aggressive efforts to teach rural primary care physicians with Project ECHO and offering efficient teledermatology consultations to these physicians who care for many patients who are unwilling or unable to visit a distant medical center for dermatologic care. The successes of these efforts are chronicled.
Pearlman, R.L., Condie, D.L., Nahar, V.K., and Black, W.H. Adoption of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Dermatologic Surgeons: A Survey Study of American College of Mohs Surgery Members. Dermatology Surgery. 2022 Mar 1;48(3):373-376. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003351. PMID: 35025847.

This survey-based study demonstrated that less than half of surgical dermatologists, especially older physicians have received their HPV vaccination. The importance of vaccination as an approach to prevent HPV and HPV induced malignancies in physicians is discussed.
Pearlman, R.L., Wilkerson, A.H., Ferris, T.S., Griffin, D.B., Cobb, E.K., McCowan, H.K., Bhattacharya, K., Leo, J.T., Melton, S.C., and Nahar, V.K. Skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among non-medical skin care professionals: A narrative review of cross-sectional and interventional studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Aug;20(8):2437-2457. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14260. Epub 2021 Jun 10. PMID: 34047438.

This survey-based study demonstrated that non-medical skin care professionals have the motivation and the ability to triage skin cancers to physicians.
Penman, A., Borst, A., Hubbard, S., and Vearrier, D. Low-cost Options for Keeping Cool During Extreme Hot, Humid Weather. Journal of Mississippi State Medical Association. 2022;63(8):21-213.

This review article describes recommendations for low-cost cooling options that may be useful for Mississippians during hot humid weather.
Pitts, L.E., Wilkerson, A.H., Ferris, T.S., Harrigill, M., Brar, H.S., Sharma, M., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). A Review of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Status in USA College-Aged Individuals Affecting Transition to and Adjustment in College. Journal of Health and Social Sciences.

The aim of this paper was to review previous studies on IBD in college students in order to analyze the influence of their disease on their ability to adjust to college life and perform well academically.
Preda-Naumescu, I., Paladi-Noel, I., Preda-Naumescu, A., Huynh, T.N., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Dermatopathologist Perceptions of Overdiagnosis, Physical activity among Long-Term Melanoma Survivors, and Lifestyle Modifications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa [Commentary]. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association.

Commentary on dermatopathologist perceptions of overdiagnosis, physical activity among long-term melanoma survivors, and lifestyle modifications in hidradenitis
Preda-Naumescu, A., Penney, K., Pearlman, R.L., Brodell, R.T., Daniel, C.R., and Nahar, V.K. Nail Manifestations in COVID-19: Insight into a Systemic Viral Disease. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2021 Aug 17;183(6):1-6. doi: 10.1159/000518087. PMID: 34580633; PMCID: PMC8450840.

This review focuses on nail conditions in patients with COVID-19. Proper categorization of nail disease can assist in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and avoid needless worry about concomitant diseases.
Sharma, M., Asare, M., Lakhan, R., Kanekar, A., Nahar, V.K., and Moonie, S. Can the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change Explain the Intent for People to Practice Meditation? Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. January 2021. doi:10.1177/2515690X211064582

This study aimed to test if a fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) could explain the intent for starting and maintaining meditation behavior in a sample of US adults. Based on this study, it can be concluded that MTM offers a pragmatic framework to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based (theory-based) meditation behavior change interventions.
Shenoy, T., Nahar, V.K., Goodwin, M., Helms, S.E., Brodell, R.T., and Black, W.H. (In Press). Forestalling Lidomageddon: Local Solutions to the Nationwide Shortage of Lidocaine. Skin. 2022 6(5): 441-444. Doi.org/10.25251/skin.6.5.17

The nationwide shortage of lidocaine with epinephrine requires a number of possible approaches to maintaining stockpiles of this drug. Compounding and alternative drugs (diphenhydramine) are discussed.
Thomley, M.E., Roland, D.L., Noble, C.A., Sharma, M., Shipley, S.R., and Nahar, V.K. (2021). Skin Cancer in Skin of Color: The Importance of Expanding Education and Prevention Efforts to Include This Community. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, 13(2), 106-109.

This article explores the importance of both public and provider education regarding the prevention and timely diagnosis of skin cancer in skin of color.
Wilkerson, A.H., Davis, R.E., Sharma, M., Harmon, M.B., McCowan, H.K., Mockbee, C.S., Ford, M.A., and Nahar, V.K. Use of the multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022 Mar 2. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02338-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35235004.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.

August 2022

Kodumudi, V., Gronbeck, C., Brodell, R.T., Grant-Kels, J.M., Mostow, E.N., and Feng, H. Dermatology Workforce in the United States – Part 1: Overview, Transformations, and Implications. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Accepted June 22, 2022.

The dermatology workforce evolves to meet the growing demands of the United States population. Part 1 of this continuing medical education (CME) series provides an overview of the dermatology workforce and delineates the motivators and socio-economic implications of significant workforce transformations that impact dermatologic health care.
Kodumudi, V., Gronbeck, C., Brodell, R.T., Grant-Kels, J.M., Mostow, E.N., and Feng, H. Dermatology Workforce in the United States: Part II – Patient Outcomes, Challenges, and Potential Solutions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Accepted June 22, 2022.

Part 2 of this two-part series considers the impact of workforce challenges in dermatology on patient outcomes and discusses the potential actions that can be utilized to optimize workforce organization and care delivery.
Olatunde, O.E., Richards, D.T., Dobbs, P.D., Nahar, V.K., Sharma, M., and Davis, R.E. (In Press). Psychological help-seeking among college students: applying the Multi-theory Model of Health Behavior Change in assessing telehealth use for psychological help-seeking. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

The aim of the current study was to examine telehealth use for psychological help-seeking among college students. A cross-sectional and survey-based study was conducted among students at a large US university (N = 356). Roughly 67% of the sample reported that they needed help dealing with psychological distress, and 56.1%, 43.3%, and 38.7% screened positive for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were positively associated with past 12-month telehealth-based help-seeking. Past 12-month telehealth users reported greater advantages, confidence, and emotional direction toward telehealth-based psychological help-seeking than their counterparts. Participants also perceived higher exhibition of behavioral skills and greater social support to aid help-seeking than their counterparts.
Pearlman, R., Brodell, R.T., and Byrd, A.C. Enhancing Access to Rural Dermatologic Care. JAMA Dermatology. 2022; 158 (7): 725-726.

This article describes the "all of the above" approach taken at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to improve access to care in a rural state with half the per capita dermatologists as the average state. This includes a rural academic office in Louisville, MS, a "free clinic" at Rolling Fork High School, the poorest area of the state (the Delta), assistance to medical students in our Jackson inner City Free clinic, Project ECHO once a month at lunchtime to teach dermatology to primary care physicians around the state and provide free CME, and an aggressive store-and-forward teledermatology program directed to rural primary care physicians.
Powers, C., Badon, H., and Huynh, T. Dermatologic Differences in a Diverse Population. Contemporary Pediatrics. (2022) 40 (5):14-17.

This article reviews the differences in the clinical appearance of a number of skin diseases in children that can impact the ability of physicians to make a prompt diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment.
Warne, M.M., Klawonn, M.M., Brodell, R.T. Bread loaf sections provide useful information on more than 0.5% of surgical margins, British Journal of Dermatology. Accepted July 2, 2022.

It has often been repeated in the dermatologic literature that when “bread loaf” analysis of elliptical excision specimens with step sections is performed less than 0.5% of the surgical margin is assessed. Despite this, high cure rates of > 90% are reported for simple excision of small, low-risk basal cell carcinomas (BCC). A statistical re-assessment of bread loaf sectioning demonstrates that confident margin analysis by proxy is possible in many situations. Still, Mohs surgery with complete marginal control and a 99% cure rate remains the gold standard.
Wyatt, T., Stepleman, L., Coleman, T., Robinson, L., Wylie, K., Levine, D., and Maihle, N. (2022). The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Ovarian Cancer Academy: A new approach to training in biomedical research. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science,6(1), E79. doi:10.1017/cts.2022.404

Researchers have begun to change their approach to training in the biomedical sciences through the development of communities of practice (CoPs). CoPs share knowledge across clinical and laboratory contexts to promote the progress of clinical and translational science. The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP) Ovarian Cancer Academy (OCA) was designed as a virtual CoP to promote interactions among early career investigators (ECIs) and their mentors with the goal of eliminating ovarian cancer.

July 2022

Cui, D. (2011). Atlas of histology : with functional and clinical correlations. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The book covers fundamental histology topics, integrates essential information with clinical considerations, and provides multiple opportunities for student review. It is a useful teaching tool for instructors teach histology course and integrated courses. Each chapter contains Introduction and Key Concepts, Overview, Examples of Cells, Tissues, Organs, Synopsis, Summary Tables, Clinical Correlations, From Histology to Pathology, and Clinical Vignette Questions with Answer. Features of the book include expanded figure legends, effective organization, unique histopathological approach, full-color art, color and EM images, innovative one-page layout, an illustrated Glossary of Histology and Pathological Terms, overview figures, orientation maps, both low and high magnifications. E-book (Kindle and Nook book) and print version of the book available on June, 2022. The book is published by Wolters Kluwer/ Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Ducca, E.L., Gomez, G.T., Palta, P., Sullivan, K.J., Jack, C.R., Knopman, D.S., Gottesman, R.F., Walston, J., Windham, B.G., and Walker, K.A. Physical Frailty and Brain White Matter Abnormalities: The ARIC Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2022 May 21:glac111. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glac111. PMID: 35596270.

This study demonstrated a robust association of white matter hyperintensity volumes with current and future frailty. Although measures of white matter microstructure were altered in frail individuals, these measures were not generally associated with progression from non-frail to frail status.
Gomez, G.T., Gottesman, R.F., Gabriel, K.P., Palta, P., Gross, A.L., Soldan, A., Albert, M.S., Sullivan, K.J., Jack, C.R. Jr, Knopman, D.S., Windham, B.G., and Walker, K.A. The association of motoric cognitive risk with incident dementia and neuroimaging characteristics: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Alzheimers Dement. 2022 Mar;18(3):434-444. doi: 10.1002/alz.12412 PMID: 34786837.

Neuropathological features underlying motoric cognitive risk (MCR), a clinical syndrome characterized by slow gait speed and subjective cognitive complaints, remain poorly understood. This study, which examined brain structural and molecular abnormalities associated with MCR and mild cognitive impairment, suggests that MCR may represent a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by prominent white matter abnormalities and frontoparietal atrophy.
Hicks, C.W., Wang, D., Schneider, A.L.C., Johansen, M.C., Gottesman, R.F., Matsushita, K., Coresh, J., Windham, B.G., and Selvin, E. Associations of Peripheral Neuropathy Defined by Monofilament Insensitivity with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2022 Mar 28:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000523762. PMID: 35344962.

Peripheral neuropathy, defined by monofilament insensitivity, was associated with cognitive status independent of vascular risk factors and regardless of diabetes status. Our findings support a connection between peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment, even in the absence of diabetes.
Jackson, E., Karlson, C. W., Herring, W., Okhomina, V. I., Lim, C. S., Morrow, A., Daggett, C., Arnold, L., and McNaull, M. (2022). Prevalence of raised body mass index in paediatric sickle cell disease. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, (20220713). https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.16118

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have historically weighed less than their healthy peers. More recently, a retrospective chart review from six institutions in New England reported nearly one-quarter of children and adolescents with SCD had raised body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to examine rates of children with SCD with raised BMI in Mississippi compared to state and national norms and assess the correlation between haemoglobin and BMI. A retrospective chart review of paediatric patients with SCD at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) was conducted using data from the most recent clinic visit. Mississippi and national weight status estimates for youth 10–17 years were obtained from the 2016–2017 National Survey of Children's Health. Children with SCD evaluated at UMMC have similar rates of raised BMI compared to state and national norms. Children with raised BMI have higher mean haemoglobin levels compared to children with SCD with low or average BMI.
Jia, X., Sun, C., Nambi, V., Virani, S.S., Taffet, G., Boerwinkle, E., Bressler, J., Ndumele, C., Windham, B.G., de Lemos, J.A., Matsushita, K., McEvoy, J.W., Hoogeveen, R.C., Selvin, E., and Ballantyne, C.M. Midlife determinants of healthy cardiovascular aging: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Atherosclerosis. 2022 Jun; 350:82-89. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.04.028. Epub 2022 Apr 28. PMID: 35550933

More-stringent levels of modifiable risk factors in midlife beyond current clinical practice and guidelines were associated with preserved cardiovascular health in older age.
Monga, D.M., and Wells, C. Nephrology Guidelines. In Adult GerontologyAcute Care Practice Guidelines, 2^nd ed. Hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypermagnesemia, hypomagnesemia, hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypophosphatemia. Chapter 6.4. Editor Catherine Harris. 2022 pending publication. Springer Publishing Company, LLC: New York, NY.

This book is intended for Acute Care Nurse practitioners and students preparing for board certification. Dr. Monga and I wrote this chapter on the managing abnormal electrolytes in the acute care setting. This revision also includes case studies in electrolyte management.
Tin, A., Bressler, J., Simino, J., Sullivan, K.J., Mei, H., Windham, B.G., Griswold, M., Gottesman, R.F., Boerwinkle, E., Fornage, M., and Mosley, T.H. Genetic Risk, Midlife Life's Simple 7, and Incident Dementia in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Neurology. 2022 May 25:10.1212/WNL.0000000000200520. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200520. PMID: 35613930.

Genetics increase risk of dementia. This study found that regardless of genetic risk, higher midlife LS7 scores were associated with lower risk of dementia.
Windham, B.G,, Griswold, M.E., Ranadive, R., Sullivan, K., Mosley, T.H., Mielke, M.M., Jack, C.R., Knopman, D., Petersen, R., and Vemuri P. Relationships of Cerebral Perfusion with Gait Speed across Systolic Blood Pressure Levels and Age: a Cohort Study. Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2022 (In press)

Poorer cerebral perfusion is associated with clinically meaningful slower gait speeds, particularly with older age, but higher perfusion markedly attenuates age differences in gait speed.
Windham, B.G., Parker, S.B., Zhu, X., Gabriel, K.P., Palta, P., Sullivan, K., Parker, K., Knopman, D.S., Gottesman, R., Griswold, M.E., and Mosley TH. Endurance and gait speed relationships with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. 2022;14 (1):e12281. http://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.12281

Gait speed relationships with higher dementia risk diminish at faster gait speeds. Combining endurance with gait speed may yield more sensitive markers of MCI and dementia than gait speed alone.

June 2022

Baltz, J., Rubin, A., Adigun, C., Daniel, C.R., Hinshaw, M., Knacksedt, T., Lipner, S.R., Rich, P., Stern, D., Zaiac, M., and Jellinek, N.J. Expert Consensus on Nail Procedures and Selection of CPT Codes. Dermatologic Surgery. August 2021; 7(8): 1079-1082.

A group of thought leaders in nail surgery developed a consensus of proper coding of nail procedures utilizing the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).
Bhanat, E., Nahar, V.K., Dobbs, T., Butler, K., Thimothee, J., Parmar, R., Bergin, P., Russell, G., Jones, A., and Navalkelle, B. (In Press).COVID-19 related Awareness among Healthcare Professionals and Students at the Medical Center in the Southern United States. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South. Accepted 8.17.21

This study aimed to assess the COVID-19-related knowledge among faculty and staff working in our healthcare system. Overall, respondents reported a mean score of 10.03 (standard deviation = 1.06; range 5–13) on the knowledge questions. About one-fourth (26.8%) reported that they had not received any formal training in hand hygiene in the last three years. In addition, almost as many participants (24.3%) indicated that they would not choose to receive the COVID vaccine in the future. Upon analysis, the question, “Use of a face mask is essential in which of the following groups?” was answered incorrectly by more males (7.4%) than females (2.2%; p = 0.001). The question, “Is COVID a ‘hoax’?” was also answered incorrectly by more male (3.0%) than female participants (0.7%; p = 0.018). We also found that, when participants were asked, “If a proven safe and effective COVID vaccine were made available to you in the future, would you choose to receive the vaccine?” there was a statistical greater difference of “No” responses in females (28.1%) than in male participants (13.4%; p < 0.001).
Boyas, J.F., Woodiwiss, J.L., and Nahar, V. K. (In Press). Examining Intentions to Engage in Sun Protective Behaviors among Latino Day Laborers: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2021;11(3): 351-359.

The present study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to identify intentions of sun-protective behaviors (SPBs) among Latino Day Laborers (LDLs). This cross-sectional study consists of a community-based, non-random convenience sample of 137 LDLs residing in Mississippi and Illinois. Participants completed a self-report survey instrument on health practices and sun-protective behaviors. The present study demonstrates TPB's usefulness for predicting future intentions to engage in SPBs among LDLs. The strongest factor associated with predicting intentions to engage in SPBs among LDLs was perceived control.
Brent, B., Jagtap, R., Griggs, J., and Carr, E. Effect of video-recorded manikin simulation on radiographic technique performance of dental and dental hygiene students: A cross sectional study. Journal of International Oral Health. 2021 Nov 1;13 (6):610.

The purpose of this study was to assess the beliefs, confidence, and perceptions of dental and dental hygiene students before and after watching a video demonstrating the photo-stimulable phosphor (PSP) plate technique. Overall, 40 second-year dental students and 20 first-year dental hygiene students currently enrolled in a radiology didactic course were invited via an institutional email to complete an anonymous, 18-question survey using *survey software* software, view PSP plates training video via *online platform*, and complete a post-video survey assessing the same questions as the pre-video survey. The 10-min video outlined the process for exposing a full-mouth series using PSP plates, including assembly, placement, troubleshooting, and technique. The surveys assessed the students’ beliefs, confidence, and perceptions of PSP plates using either a 5-point Likert scale or 10-point rating scale questions. Of the 60 potential participants, 68% (n = 41) completed both surveys. Of the 18 questions, 4 Likert-type questions and one rating question showed statistically significant differences between pre-video and post-video survey responses. Four of the five questions revealed statistically significant differences with P-values of < 0.001. The four statistically significant results were regarding student confidence. The fifth question that showed a statistically significant difference between pre-video and post-video survey responses dealt with student preparation. The study revealed several items of note, including a statistically significant increase in student confidence with the radiographic technique when exposed to a procedure video. The results also showed statistically significant increases in students’ perceptions of the steps required to expose radiographs with the PSP plates after watching the technique video.
Buttars, B., Brodell, R.T., and Rashid Z. Umbilical Remnant Allograft Application in the Treatment of Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports. 2022(5):70-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdcr.2022.03.001

A stable, powdered form of umbilical remnants was successfully used to treat chronic, treatment-resistant ulcerations of the scalp following trauma or surgery called erosive pustular dermatosis.
Buttars, B., Scott, S.G., Glinka, D., Daniel, C.R., Brodell R.T., and Braswell, M.A. Congenital Malalignment of the Great Toenail, the Disappearing Nail Bed, and Distal Phalanx Deviation: A Review. Skin Appendage Disorders 2022;8:8-12. doi: 10.1159/000518477

Congenital Malalignment of the Great Toenail (CMGT) is an uncommon condition in which the nail plate grows out in a lateral direction 45 degrees from the direction of normal nail growth. This review article highlights the clinical features of CMGT and including newly identified findings including the disappearing nail bed and a variant of this condition with distal phalanx deviation.
Chelf, S., Davis, R.E., Bass, M.A, Ford, M.A., Firouzabadi, A.D., Leo, J.T., and Nahar, V. K. (In Press). Osteoporosis Knowledge and Health Beliefs among Middle-aged Men and Women in the Southern United States. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. Accepted 4/8/22.

This study evaluates the knowledge and health beliefs surrounding osteoporosis in a population of males and females 35-50 years old to determine sex-based differences in osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs and to assess the correlation between perceptions and health motivation. Males and females 35-50 years old perceive themselves to have a low susceptibility to osteoporosis. They do not consider osteoporosis a serious disease and have little motivation to mitigate its inception or progression. Their perceptions show that barriers to exercise impact health motivation more than the perceived benefits of exercise.
Davis, R.E., Doyle, N.A., Samuel, K.D., Wilkerson, A.H., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). The Relationship between Trait Emotional Intelligence and Harmful Alcohol Use among College Students. Health Promotion Perspectives. Accepted May 11, 2022.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and problematic alcohol use among college students while controlling for drug use covariates. The findings from this study show that problematic alcohol use is prevalent among college students and EI may provide a protective effect against this deleterious behavior.
Duman, S., Yılmaz, E.F., Eşer, G., Çelik, Ö., Bayrakdar, I.S., Bilgir, E., Costa, A.L., Jagtap, R., and Orhan, K. Detecting the presence of taurodont teeth on panoramic radiographs using a deep learning-based convolutional neural network algorithm. Oral Radiology. 2022 May 25:1-8.

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques like convolutional neural network (CNN) are a promising breakthrough that can help clinicians analyze medical imaging, diagnose taurodontism, and make therapeutic decisions. The purpose of the study is to develop and evaluate the function of CNN-based AI model to diagnose teeth with taurodontism in panoramic radiography. Four hundred thirty-four anonymized, mixed-sized panoramic radiography images over the age of 13 years were used to develop automatic taurodont tooth segmentation models using a Pytorch implemented U-Net model. Datasets were split into train, validation, and test groups of both normal and masked images. The data augmentation method was applied to images of trainings and validation groups with vertical flip images, horizontal flip images, and both flip images. The Confusion Matrix was used to determine the model performance. Among the 43 test group images with 126 labels, there were 109 true positives, 29 false positives, and 17 false negatives. The sensitivity, precision, and F1-score values of taurodont tooth segmentation were 0.8650, 0.7898, and 0.8257, respectively. CNN’s ability to identify taurodontism produced almost identical results to the labeled training data, and the CNN system achieved close to the expert level results in its ability to detect the taurodontism of teeth. © 2022, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Japanese Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Fulk, T., Wessman, L.L., Gupta, R., Brodell, R.T., Farah, R.S., Smith, C.F., Gaddis, K.J., and Mansh, M. Geographic practice preferences of graduating medical students pursuing careers in dermatology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2022 Mar 9:S0190-9622(22)00388-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.02.061. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35276287.

Medical students who grew up in rural areas are more inclined to express a preference for practicing in rural areas when they complete their dermatology training.
Hassan, O.M., Medepalli, V.M., Zieman, D., Ortego, J.R., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V. K. (In Press). Translucent Cyst around the Eyelid. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. Accepted April 4, 2022.

A case of eccrine hidrocystoma is presented highlighting its clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment.
Holmes, M., Tabba, D., Mockbee, C.S., Helms, S.E., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Teledermatology: Allergic Contact Dermatitis Following Prior Burn Injury. Journal of Dermatology Nurses Association. Accepted April 25, 2022.

A case is reported demonstrating that blistering at the site of a minor injury is commonly the result of allergic contact dermatitis to the application of topical antibiotics.
Krenk, D., MacDonald, S., Byrd, C., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Efficacy of Red Cell Salvage Systems in Open Acetabular Surgery. Advances in Orthopedics. Accepted May 19, 2022.

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Red blood cell salvage (CS) in decreasing allogenic blood transfusion in acetabular surgery, contribute to the body of literature regarding cell saver use in acetabular fractures, and to identify risk factors for large intraoperative blood loss. Our study revealed that patients with blood loss of less than 400 mL were 13 times less likely to receive autologous blood, and patients with hemoglobin less than 10.5 were 5 times less likely to receive autologous transfusion. We also found that no patients with a hemoglobin level less than 10.5 and EBL less than 400 mL received autologous blood return.
Medepalli, V.M., Langley, C., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Yellow Plaques around the eyes. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. 2022 14 (3): 133-134.

A case of xanthelasma is presented highlighting associated findings and treatment.
Medepalli, V.M., Srikakolapu, S., Preda-Naumescu, A., Nahar, V.K., and Brodell, R.T. Teledermatology Viewpoint: Bullous impetigo following an abrasion in a 17-year old female. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses Association. 14 (3): 129-130

Impetigo is classically described as “honey-colored crusting” in an area of infection which is associated with a defect in the skin producing the portal of entry for this bacterial infection. It is important to recognize that bullous impetigo is also common. It is associated with the same exfoliatin toxin that leads to Staph Scalded Skin Syndrome in young babies and adults with chronic renal failure.
Morgan, G.J., O'Callaghan, B.,, Zablah, J.E., Vettukattil, J., Levi, D., Salem, M., Cabalka, A., Anderson, J., Ebeid, M., and Alexy, R. Multi-institutional US experience of the Occlutech © AFR device in congenital and acquired heart disease accepted to be published in Congenital Heart Disease, CHD, 2022, vol.17, no.1, http://dx.doi.org/10.32604/CHD.2022.018590

This paper discusses a device, not yet available in the USA, but one with the promise of helping one of our patients to achieve a reasonable quality of life. We obtained permission from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and the company to use this device specifically with our patient. The paper is a combined experience of multiple centers in the USA who pursued similar action and used the device with their unique patient. This paper includes a discussion on the favorable outcomes that the patients experienced.
Morrissette, S, Etkin, C.D., Brodell, R.T., and Pearlman, R.L. The Use of Clinical Data Registries to Improve Care and Meet Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation Requirements. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. Accepted May 30, 2022

The Join Commission requires Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) for each physician on the staff of accredited hospitals (about 2/3 of hospitals in the US). This requires a personalized plan for collection of information to document the individual physicians performance with a focus on improving quality-of-care. National clinical data registries, such as DataDerm, represent a simple way for physicians to meet this requirement so that hospital can focus their efforts on developing plans for physicians who do not have access to specialty registries.
Moskowitz, W.B., and Ebeid, M.R. Percutaneous management of challenging complex resistive targets in interventional pediatric cardiology. In Debulking in Cardiovascular Interventions and Revascularization Strategies Between a Rock and the Heart; edited by On Topaz Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

This book chapter covers a variety of congenital lesions which require special expertise and techniques to treat in the cath lab. It is an outline for most vascular lesions encountered in patients with congenital heart disease and describes technical aspects, how to avoid complications and how to successfully accomplish the planned procedure focusing on vascular lesions
Pearlman, R., Brodell, R.T., and Byrd, A. Bridging the Access Gap in Dermatological Care to Rural America: The Time to Start is Now, JAMA Dermatology. Accepted March 26, 2022.

Efforts to improve Access to Care in Rural America represent a model for the country and include: the establishment of academic offices in rural areas to serve the needs of patients; development of a rural dermatology residency track which includes 3 months of training in rural academic offices each year; promotion of store-and-forward teledermatology to rural primary care offices; service in free clinics in underserved rural areas; and, training of rural primary care physicians with Project ECHO.
Pearlman, R.L., Condie, D.L., Nahar, V.K., and Black, W.H. Adoption of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Dermatologic Surgeons: A Survey Study of American College of Mohs Surgery Members. Dermatology Surgery. 2022 Jan 11. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003351. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35025847.

This article highlights the fact that only a minority of Mohs surgeons have received the HPV vaccine even though they are a risk of contracting warts from the plume of smoke generated by treating patients with lasers and electrodessication.
Pearlman, R.L., Wilkerson, A.H., Cobbs, E.K., Summer, M., Lawson, F.G., Humphries, L.S., Mockbee, C.S., Ward, K.H.M., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Factors associated with Likelihood to Undergo Cosmetic Surgical Procedures among Young Adults in the United States: A Narrative Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Accepted March 14, 2022.

Over the past decade, cosmetic surgical procedures have become increasingly popular. This trend has been driven by procedural innovations as well as access to Internet and social media. Consequently, patients have been seeking cosmetic surgical procedures at younger ages. In this narrative review, studies assessing attitudes towards cosmetic surgical procedures among college-aged young adults were evaluated.
Penny, K., Sharma, M., Flischel, A.E., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. “Atopic Dermatitis: Preventing and Managing the Itch That Rashes, and a Case for the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) for Health Behavior Change for Educational Interventions: Application of a Novel Theory to Self-Management Behaviors in Atopic Dermatitis”. SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine. 2021 5 (5):462-73. https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.5.5.3

Managing Atopic dermatitis (AD) requires adaptive changes in health behavior involving the patient and often the caregiver. Multi-theory models (MTM) have not yet been used in AD interventions but may prove beneficial as they use behavior concepts to predict both initiation and sustenance in education health interventions. A comprehensive approach fosters such changes by using psychological and educational strategies as adjuncts to conventional therapy. This article reviews the challenges in managing AD and the potential impact of behavioral theories. This is designed to strengthen the argument for using an MTM model in future studies of AD.
Phuong, L., McCowan, N., and Pearlman, R. Case Report: Disseminated HSV Infection in a Well-appearing Neonate. American Family Physician (2021) 104 (4): 332-333.

A case of disseminated Herpes simplex virus is presented in a well-appearing neonate which demonstrates the exception to the rule that these children have significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are required.
Preda-Naumescu, A., Penny, K., Mockbee, C.S., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Sun Protection Behaviors among Outdoor Workers, Dermatology Influencers on Instagram, and Teledermatology [Research Highlights]. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. Accepted 8.2.2021

This paper is a research commentary on sun protection behaviors among outdoor workers, dermatology influencers on Instagram, and teledermatology.
Sharma, M., Asare, M., Lakhan, R., Kanekar, A., Nahar, V.K., and Moonie, S. (In Press). Can the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change explain the intent for people to practice meditation? Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. Accepted November 16, 2021.

This study aimed to test if a fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) could explain the intent for starting and maintaining meditation behavior in a sample of US adults. Based on this study, it can be concluded that MTM offers a pragmatic framework to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based (theory-based) meditation behavior change interventions.
Wells, J., Watson, K., Daniel, C.R., Brodell, R.T., and Nahar, V.K. Holiday Reindeer Trivia for Physicians who Like Hair and Nails. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2022. doi: 10.1159/000521326

This light-hearted look at the phylogeny of human nails in comparison to reindeer hoofs describes the true cause of click-click-click reported in the song “Up on the Housetop”; suggests that all of Santa’s reindeer must be female based on the horns visible in their depictions the world over during the holiday season; and, their dependence on Santa Claus because they are domesticated animals.
Wilkerson, A.H., Davis, R.E., Sharma, M., Harmon, M.B., McCowan, H.K., Mockbee, C.S., Ford, M.A., and Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Use of the Multi-theory Model (MTM) in Explaining Initiation and Sustenance of Indoor Tanning Cessation among College Students. Archives of Dermatological Research. Accepted February 15, 2022.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.

May 2022

Bates, J.T., Farmer, A.P., Bierdeman, M.A., Ederer, D.R., Carney, L.S., Montgomery, D.D., Lirette, S.T., Marshall, G.D.. IgG Antibody Response to the Pfizer BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers with Healthy Weight, Overweight, and Obesity. Vaccines (Basel). 2022 Mar 25;10 (4):512. doi: 10.3390/vaccines10040512. PMID: 35455261; PMCID: PMC9025933.

Obesity is a significant factor for increased morbidity and mortality upon infection with SARS-CoV-2. Because of the higher potential for negative outcomes following infection of individuals with obesity, the impact of body mass index (BMI) on vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy is an important public health concern. Few studies have measured the magnitude and durability of the vaccine-specific response in relation to BMI. We measured the receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific serum IgG and surrogate neutralizing titers in a cohort of 126 vaccinated individuals with no clinical history or serological evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection 50 and 200 days following vaccination. BMI had no significant impact on RBD-specific IgG titers and surrogate neutralizing titers 50 days following immunization, and leptin levels had no correlation with the response to immunization. Two hundred days following immunization, antibody titers in all groups had declined by approximately 90%. The responses were also similar between male and female participants and did not significantly vary across age groups. These results indicate that the magnitude and durability of the antibody response to mRNA-based vaccines are unaffected by BMI in this cohort.
Shalaby, A., Laharwani, H., Bates, J.T., Kyle, P.B. Efficacy of POC Antibody Assays after COVID-19 Infection and Potential Utility for "Immunity Passports". Lab Med. 2021 Nov 14:lmab093. doi: 10.1093/labmed/lmab093. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34791323; PMCID: PMC8690030.

Numerous manufacturers market lateral flow assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, but there are many questions about the reliability and efficacy of these tests. Serum specimens from 60 individuals were analyzed using 2 lateral flow antibody assays, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG chemiluminescent immunoassay. The BioMedomics and Premier Biotech lateral flow assays were positive for IgM in 73.3% and 70% and for IgG in 80% and 73.3% of specimens, respectively. The ELISA assay was positive for IgM and IgG in 73.3% and 86.7% of specimens from infected individuals, whereas the Abbott assay was positive in 80%. The specificities of the 4 assays ranged from 96.7% to 100% for IgM and from 93.3% to 100% for IgG. Results of the 2 lateral flow assays were comparable to those of the ELISA and Abbott assays. Assay efficacy depended on length of time after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

March 2022

Cho, R.J., Senitko, M., Wong, J., Dincer, E.H., Khosravi, H., Abraham III, G.E. Feasibility of using the O-Arm imaging system during ENB-rEBUS-guided peripheral lung biopsy: A dual-center experience. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2021 Oct 1;28(4):248-254. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0000000000000738. PMID: 34085805.

Authors describe a novel adjunctive modality added to navigational bronchoscopy which allows physicians to confirm an instrument location within the lesion in question. Essentially it allows them to bring a CT scanner to the patient in the operating room and confirm that biopsy tools are within the lesion of interested as predicted by the navigational bronchoscopy. Three dimensional imaging during bronchoscopic biopsy is currently getting lots of interest in work up of peripheral lung nodules.
Cumbo-Nacheli G, Colt H, Agrawal A, Cicenia J, Corbetta L, Goel AD, Goga A, Lee HJ, Murgu S, Pannu J, Senitko M, Tarantini F, Vujacich P, Williamson J, Yap E, Lentz RJ. Bronchoscopy in Patients With Known or Suspected COVID-19: Results From the Global Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Bronchoscopy Database (GPS-BD). J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2022 Apr 1;29(2):146-154

Authors describe results of an online survey evaluating indications and experience with bronchoscopy done in patients with suspected or known COVID-19 pneumonia worldwide. Results from this international database provide a widely generalizable characterization of the benefits and risks of bronchoscopy in this patient population.
Senitko M, Oberg CL, Abraham GE, Hillegass WB, Akhtar I, Folch E. Microwave Ablation for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Pilot Study. Respiration. 2022 Mar 22:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000522544. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35316812.

A pilot study describing a novel approach to endobronchial treatment for malignant central airway obstruction. Malignant central airway obstruction is a debilitating complication of primary lung cancer and pulmonary metastases occurring in approximately 30% of patients. The goal of therapeutic bronchoscopy is to recanalize an airway to palliate the symptoms and/or to bridge to further cancer therapy. Authors reported use of microwave energy (MWA) in the first 8 patients to ablate endobronchial obstructing tumors to facilitate the removal from an airway. This is a break through study as this approach has not been described before in the medical literature. The advantages of use of MWA are significant tissue contraction allowing an operator to preserve underlying airway mucosa and maintain airway axis during tumor debulking part of the procedure.

February 2022

Dankhara, N., Thekkeveedu, R.K., Patel, J., & Desai, J. (2022). Association of infantile hemangiomas and retinopathy of prematurity: analysis of the multicenter kid. Biomedicine Hub, 24-30, 24–30. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521413

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and infantile hemangiomas (IHs) both have similar proposed pathophysiological mechanisms. IH is more common in preterm than term infants. Hypoxia-induced mediators like vascular endothelial growth factor have been found elevated in children with hemangiomas. The aim of our study was to determine if there is an association between ROP and IH in preterm infants and to investigate racial/ethnic and gender differences of ROP and IHs in this cohort.
Ferriby, A., Schaefer, A.F. The relationship between anatomical self-efficacy and feelings of burnout in first-year medical students. Medical Science Educator. (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-022-01511-2

Feelings of burnout in professional students have been associated with additional psychological morbidities and decreased academic achievement. Due to the large volume of content that medical students need to learn during gross anatomy courses, it is possible that anatomical self-efficacy may be a contributing factor to feelings of burnout. Anatomical self-efficacy is defined as a student’s judgment of their ability to execute tasks related to learning anatomy and perform course activities (e.g., dissection). First-year medical students were invited to provide basic demographic information at the beginning of the semester and to complete the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-student version (OLBI-SS) and the Anatomical Self-Efficacy Instrument (ASEI); at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester, they were enrolled in gross anatomy. Typical descriptive statistics for the demographic information were conducted, as well as, correlational analyses assessing if the information had a relationship with either anatomical self-efficacy or burnout. Female students were more burnt out than male students. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that students’ feelings of burnout significantly increased from the beginning of the semester to the midpoint and the end of the semester (p < 0.05). Linear regression demonstrated a predictive relationship between anatomical self-efficacy and burnout (p < 0.05) at all three measurement points in which lower self-efficacy was predictive of increased feelings of burnout.
Kalikkot Thekkeveedu, R., Dankhara, N., Desai, J., Klar, A. L., & Patel, J. (2021). Outcomes of multiple gestation births compared to singleton: analysis of multicenter kid database. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-021-00135-5

The available data regarding morbidity and mortality associated with multiple gestation births is conflicting and contradicting. To compare morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) outcomes between multiple gestation (twin, triplet and higher-order) and singleton births. Data from the national multicenter Kids’ Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from the years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016 were analyzed using a complex survey design using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary NC). Neonates with ICD9 and ICD10 codes indicating singletons, twins or triplets, and higher-order multiples were included. Mortality was compared between these groups after excluding transfer outs to avoid duplicate inclusion. To analyze LOS, we included inborn neonates and excluded transfers; who died inpatient and any neonates and excluded transfers; who died inpatient and any neonates who appear to have been discharged less than 33 weeks PMA. The LOS was compared by gestational age groups. Multiple gestation births have higher mortality and longer LOS when compared to singleton births. This population data from multiple centers across the country could be useful in counseling parents when caring for multiple gestation pregnancies.
Moskowitz, W.B., and Ebeid, M.R. Percutaneous management of challenging complex resistive targets in interventional pediatric cardiology. In Debulking in Cardiovascular Interventions and Revascularization Strategies: Between a Rock and the Heart (Topaz, 2022). London: Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2019-0-01779-7

This chapter details background information, preprocedure strategic considerations, appropriate imaging tools, and decisions for selection of interventional technologies and techniques when performing catheter-based interventions in pediatric-aged and young adult patients in and through calcified cardiac tissues and other resistive conditions. Both congenital lesions and those following surgical interventions are discussed.
Wilkerson, A.H., Davis, R.E., Sharma, M., Harmon, M.B., McCowan, H.K., Mockbee, C. S., Ford, M.A., & Nahar, V.K. (In Press). Use of the multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students. Archives of Dermatological Research. Accepted 2.15.2022.

Skin cancers, including melanoma, is the most common cancer worldwide and a significant public health concern. A significant risk factor for melanoma is through increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the use of indoor tanning beds. Although rates of indoor tanning bed use have decreased in recent years, young adults, particularly White, college-age women, comprise the majority of indoor tanning bed users in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.

January 2022

Swede, S.A., Ojo, A.O., Momah, T. Emphysematous Cystitis in an Uncontrolled Diabetic: A Case Report. Cureus. 2021 Dec 10;13(12):e20328. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20328. PMID: 35028224; PMCID: PMC8747979.

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare potentially life-threatening infection of the urinary tract system commonly caused by gas forming micro-organisms like Escherichia coli. It is commonly seen in diabetics and middle-aged-elderly women. Presenting symptoms could be variable and unusual on many occasions. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is crucial in prompt/accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This case report presents emphysematous cystitis in a middle-aged woman with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Pneumaturia and evidence of emphysematous cystitis on computerized tomography were also noted in this case.
Vijayakumar, S., King, M., Nittala, M. R., and Duhe, R.J. (December 24, 2021) Do We Need a New Approach to Cancer Biology Education for Radiation Oncology Residents?. Cureus 13(12): e20662. doi:10.7759/cureus.20662GRANTS

Traditional radiation oncology biology courses largely focus on radiation biology and oncology as needed for passing the boards. Changes in the landscape of oncology necessitate a broader scope. Radiotherapy is an important component of cancer care. Approximately 70% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy during the course of their disease. With the revolution in precision medicine that is unfolding, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics are being ever more integrated into the treatment of cancer. Comprehensive knowledge of cancer biology beyond traditional radiation biology is essential for future advances in radiotherapy and unavoidable for radiation oncology trainees. The importance of a newly designed curriculum to impart broader knowledge to future radiation oncologists is emphasized in this report. A paradigm shift in the approach to the traditional radiation biology course is required to train residents for the future of oncology.

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