Introduction: Hand dermatitis is a common dermatologic condition with a lifetime prevalence estimated to be 20%. The objective of this study was to assess the demographics and patch test positivity in adult patients who underwent patch testing at our institution with a focus on patients with hand dermatitis. We hypothesize that tobacco smoking is a […]
Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections acutely threaten intensive care units (ICUs) with studies indicating that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSAR) reservoirs in hospital built-environments can lead to infections and outbreaks. Despite this, it is unclear how pervasively antibiotic resistant organisms (AROs) like PSAR colonize ICU surfaces. We sampled surfaces in a newly-built stem cell transplant and oncology ICU before […]
Introduction: The late onset and unusual microbiology of some breast-implant associated infections suggests local skin microbiota as a possible source of infecting bacteria. Methods: Breast and axillary skin swabs, antibiotics, and skin product use were collected from women planning to undergo mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction during the preoperative and up to four postoperative clinic […]
Introduction: There is a severe shortage of available liver transplants to meet the needs of patients on the waiting list. There are many factors contributing to this shortage and poor organ utilization is a significant one. A large proportion (~20-35%) of livers are discarded based on subjective assessment and concern for organ quality. Objective criteria […]
Introduction: Belimumab (BEL) is a monoclonal antibody which inhibits binding of B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) to its receptors on B cells, thus inhibiting the survival of alloreactive B cells. Given the role of B cells and BAFF in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGvHD) pathophysiology, BEL might have a role in prevention of cGvHD. We hypothesized that targeting […]
Introduction: Genetic variation in nicotinic receptor subunits explains differences in smoking behaviors and risk of smoking-related diseases. Still, it remains unknown whether returning genetic susceptibility results can motivate smoking cessation and personalize treatment. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to investigate the effects of a genetically informed smoking cessation intervention on a) smoking quantity […]
Introduction: Preclinical evidence suggests that responses to IO may be enhanced through the immunomodulatory effects of stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). We hypothesized that clinical outcomes from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) would demonstrate improved overall survival (OS) in mRCC patients receiving IO+SRT versus IO alone. Methods: Patients with mRCC diagnosed from 2012-2016 and receiving first-line […]
Introduction: Cellular stressors play an important role in the emergence of clonal hematopoiesis (CH). Cytotoxic chemotherapy is associated with CH due to mutations in DNA damage response (DDR) genes, such as TP53, ATM, and PPMID. Lung transplant (LTx) recipients receive lifelong immunosuppression therapy and are known to be at increased risk for a broad spectrum […]
Introduction: Prenatal maternal exposures to environmental or psychological stressors increase the risks for developing respiratory diseases, including wheezing and asthma, in children. With the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, which poses dramatic environmental and psychological burdens in affected regions, it is essential to evaluate the risks of developing respiratory diseases among […]
Introduction: High-protein intake is common in Western societies and generally considered healthy. However, results from studies on both participants and mice suggest elevated protein intake is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, although the dose at which protein intake can trigger mTOR activation and reach unhealthy levels and the specific amino acid(s) responsible for […]