Publications

May 2022 

1. 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.

2. 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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.