Medical Student Submissions [S – T]

Heysel Serra Rodriguez
hserra2@uic.edu
Peoria Campus

Background: Social media enables public health interventions to disseminate resources widely, but accessibility alone does not ensure effectiveness. Racially marginalized communities, including Hispanic/Latino, African-American, and Native American groups, face low health literacy and adverse outcomes. Social media offers a promising tool to engage these communities and address disparities, but gaps remain in measuring its effectiveness.

Aim: Explore social media’s use in disseminating health information to historically marginalized communities, how reach and effectiveness are measured, and gaps in the literature.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles were identified through PubMed, PsychINFO, ERIC, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies focused on minoritized communities and examined social media as a health information platform.

Results: 9 articles met inclusion criteria, covering topics such as HIV and maternal health. Facebook and Instagram were the most utilized platforms. Effectiveness was measured using tools like Google Analytics, and sentiment analysis. Campaigns featuring culturally relevant visuals and language achieved higher engagement.

Conclusion: Social media effectively disseminates health information to marginalized communities but lacks sufficient evidence on its impact on health literacy. Future research should explore its influence on health behaviors and literacy while addressing barriers such as culturally tailored communication strategies.

Jaqueline Serrano Aguilar
jserra37@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Objective: Delays to colposcopy increase risk for cervical cancer development. Our study sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to follow-up after an abnormal screening.

Methods: Patients who did not attend at least one of their appointments at an urban colposcopy clinic between June 2021 and June 2023 were eligible. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis using inductive and deductive coding was completed.

Results: Twenty patients were interviewed. Average age was 34 years old (standard deviation (SD)=10)), and 60% of participants identified as non-Hispanic Black. The average time to colposcopy was 12.5 months (SD=11.9) and median of 6 months (range of 2-36 months). Seven participants remained without follow-up colposcopy at time of interview. Five themes emerged at the individual, interpersonal, clinic, and system level, including 1) fear of pain and/or pelvic examinations 2) patient-provider communication (such as results) 3) clinic interactions (including presence of trainees and continuity issues), 4) scheduling difficulties, and 5) system-level barriers such as loss of insurance. Additionally, current outreach strategies used by the clinic to facilitate follow-up were perceived as both a facilitators and barriers by different participants (e.g. use of electronic health record communication).

Conclusion: A multi-level approach may be needed to reduce delays to follow-up care after an abnormal cervical cancer screening test.

Maryam Shaaban
mshaaban1400@gmail.com
Chicago Campus

Background: HIV-1 reservoirs lead to rebound viremia when treatment fails. However, the main characteristics of these remaining viral populations in the mucosa, lymphoid tissue, and brain are still poorly understood. To eliminate the viral reservoir, it’s important to analyze their tissue microenvironment and associated viral population dynamics during and after treatment.

Methods: Rhesus macaques were intravenously challenged with SIVmac239, ART initiated at week 10 after infection for 54 weeks, followed by PET/CT-guided necropsy after early ATI (4-7 days post-ATI). We optimized a pipeline for immunoPET/CT guided whole genome long-read deep viral sequencing in the same tissue sections from anatomical compartments where env was detected and analyzed viral population dynamics.

Results: Our initial analysis depicts a highly complex intra-host viral population. Early after ATI (5 days), we observe similar viral quasispecies structures between anatomical compartments, indicating possible viral recirculation during ART or immediately after ATI. We can observe significantly different patterns of viral diversification in the tissue reservoirs. Interestingly, GALT and brain consistently detect the highest viral diversity. This observation can reflect higher viral replication and diversification, indicating that they constitute a major source of viremia after rebound.

Conclusion: Our newly developed pipeline allows us to study the nature of SIV tissue reservoirs involved in establishing the viral rebounding population immediately after ART cessation in unprecedented detail.

Nasiruddin Shaik
nshai6@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

This study assesses the effects of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA) on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). GLP-1 RA therapies, commonly used for diabetes and obesity management, may reduce complications post-surgery due to benefits like improved glucose control, reduced inflammation, and adiposity.

Methods: Using the Pearl Diver Mariner 165 database (2010-2022), we identified THA patients with CPT code 27130. Patients on GLP-1 RA therapy were matched 10:1 with those not on the therapy, adjusting for age, gender, comorbidity index, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Paired T-tests and Chi-square tests compared outcomes.

Results: The study included 96,789 patients, with 8,825 on GLP-1 RA therapy and 87,964 as controls. Control group patients showed higher odds of complications, including periprosthetic fracture (1.67x), prosthesis dislocation (1.32x), and revision surgery (1.57x). Additionally, they experienced increased rates of post-op transfusion, hematoma, PE, DVT, UTI, and 90-day ED visits.

Conclusion: GLP-1 RA therapy was associated with lower rates of various complications in THA patients, suggesting its potential role in enhancing recovery outcomes. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings across broader populations.

Nasiruddin Shaik
nshai6@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Background: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) offer benefits like reduced adiposity, improved glucose control, and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially decreasing post-operative complications in orthopedic patients. This study examines GLP-1 RA impact on outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: Using the Pearl Diver Mariner 165 claims database (2010-2022), we identified TKA patients by CPT code 27403. Patients on GLP-1 RA therapy were matched 10:1 with non-therapy patients, adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities. Paired T-tests and Chi-square tests were used for comparisons.

Results: Among 255,959 TKA patients, those not on GLP-1 RAs had higher odds of osteolysis (1.63x), broken prosthesis (1.62x), revision surgery (1.59x), dislocation (1.45x), instability (1.35x), and fractures (1.30x). They also showed increased risks for surgical infections, transfusions (OR 1.70, p<0.001), cardiac events, hematoma, PE, DVT, UTI, and ED visits.

Discussion: GLP-1 RA therapy is associated with fewer postoperative complications in TKA patients, suggesting its potential benefit in reducing osteolysis, fractures, dislocations, and revision rates. Further studies are needed to confirm its broader applicability and optimal dosing.

Eman R Sharif
eshari2@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

This project illustrates the imaging features of common and uncommon breast augmentation-related pathologies, emphasizing key diagnostic pearls for radiologists in training and medical students. Using ultrasound, MRI, and mammography, we highlight imaging findings and their clinical relevance in evaluating post-surgical breasts.

Case 1 depicts extracapsular silicone implant rupture with the snowstorm sign on ultrasound. Case 2 demonstrates diffuse dense masses with rim calcifications on mammography, consistent with silicone granulomas from prior injections. Case 3 features an intracapsular implant rupture in a bilateral mastectomy patient, shown as the œlinguine sign on MRI, alongside peri-implant fluid collections suggesting seroma/hematoma vs peri-implant effusion subtype of associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Case 4 presents anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in a patient with axillary lymphadenopathy on mammography and ultrasound, confirmed by biopsy.

The imaged appearance of the post-augmented breast can make it difficult to differentiate between benign versus malignant pathologies. As a result, radiologists should be familiar with common and uncommon imaging findings related to breast augmentation.

Arthur Sheley
rshele2@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Up to 20% of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) develop advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is an early biomarker of CKD that may identify SCD patients at risk for developing CKD, however, there is high intrapatient UACR variability. Our study investigates the effects of vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), mean arterial pressure (MAP), renin-aldosterone-angiotensinogen system inhibitor (RAASi) and hydroxyurea (HU) use on UACR values within each patient.

A retrospective analysis was performed using the University of Illinois Chicago’s longitudinal sickle cell registry. Patients were selected based on availability of UACR documentation between 1/2010-7/2024. Bivariate regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to associate variables with increasing UACR. In 378 SCD patients, 42% were male, median age was 40 years, and 75% had HbSS/HbSbeta0 genotypes. UACR values varied substantially, with a median of 63 mg/g (IQR 18-286 mg/g). Age, MAP, and genotype were associated with increased UACR values (p<0.0001) in the bivariate and multivariate models while sex, RAASi use, HU use, and proximity to VOE were not associated with increased UACR values.

We observed an increase in UACR with older age, aggressive genotype, and increasing MAP, consistent with the literature. Furthermore, proximity to VOE did not affect UACR, suggesting this variable may not need to be accounted for when assessing CKD in people with SCD.

Euisung Shin
eshin25@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Psychosocial well-being and health status differ by generational status among Asian American individuals, but data on young children are limited. Our study aims to compare young children’s well-being, their health behaviors, and parenting practices among second-generation Asian American, third- or later-generation Asian American, and third- or later-generation non-Hispanic White American families in the US. The study design includes an analysis of 2018-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health data on 42846 participants aged 6mo to 5yr regarding parenting practices and health status. Results show Asian American children were less likely to flourish (OR 0.57 for second-generation; OR 0.82 for third- or later-generation) or have regular bedtimes (OR 0.80; 0.66) compared to White children. Positive parenting practices such as reading to their children were lowest among second-generation Asian American families (49.6 percent), followed by third- or later-generation Asian American families (66.0 pct), and highest in White families (72.7 pct, p less than 0.001). We conclude that second-generation Asian American children experience health disparities at a disproportionate rate compared to later-generation Asian American or White children in the US; promoting positive parenting practices like reading, storytelling, and regular bedtimes may enhance health outcomes in this group. Our study also emphasizes the need for additional Asian American participation in medical research.

Allie Sidwell
alliems2@uic.edu
Peoria Campus

We examine associations between diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and maternal mental health by comparing postpartum psychopathology across patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) versus gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
We collected demographics, social determinants of health, medical comorbidities, psychiatric history, and postpartum psychiatric diagnoses at an academic hospital. Outcomes were compared with chi-square and multivariable logistic regression.
Of 6,186 pregnancies, 111 (3%) experienced PGDM and 871 (23%) GDM. Of these, 424 (43%) identified as Black, 357 (36%) Hispanic, and 733 (74%) used public health insurance. Patients with PGDM showed increased rates of cesarean delivery (X2(1)=9.30, p<.01), hypertension (X2(1)=9.52, p<.01), NICU stay (X2(1)=21.65, p<.0001), and ICU stay (X2(1) = 7.05, p<.01) as compared to those with GDM. Further, the risk of low social connections was higher for patients with PGDM (X2 (1) = 6.97, p<.01) as compared to GDM. Rates of postpartum or pregnancy-related psychopathology were significantly higher in women with PGDM as compared to those with GDM (X2(1) = 21.94, p<.0001). After controlling for measured covariates in a multivariable logistic regression, women with PGDM remained at higher odds of diagnosis with postpartum psychopathology (OR=2.25, 95% CI 1.40-3.60) than those with GDM.
As compared to GDM, PGDM was associated with increased odds of peripartum psychopathology, and medical and social comorbidities.

Anna Snider
asnide4@uic.edu
Rockford Campus

Objective: To identify and categorize methodologies used to communicate mucosal visibility in EGD.

Introduction: Bowel preparation scores are well established for the description of visibility of the intestinal mucosa during colonoscopy. A well-established score and score variables have yet to be agreed upon between clinicians for EGD.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for texts that included information on mucosal visibility in EGD. Covidence was used for abstract and full-text screening and extraction. Citations and grey-literature were searched for additional studies. Extracted data included study characteristics, score makeup, and score reproducibility.

Results: 74 studies were included in the analysis. Most studies were RCTs determining efficacy of mucolytic agents, the remainder were scoring validation studies. Most articles described an unnamed score that ranged from 3 to 4 points based on foam amount, percentage of visible surface, or lavage use. Only 37.3% of studies used validated scores.

Discussion: Included studies pointed to the benefit of mucolytic agents before EGD for visibility. Without a universal mucosal visibility score, comparing studies and clinical outcomes becomes difficult due to inconsistent measuring tools. Due to generic naming and the lack of validation, it’s difficult to rely on existing scores for both reproduced and novel studies. A consensus on a single, validated score is desirable for both clinical practice and research.

Sarah Socha
sochas@umich.edu
Chicago Campus

Regulatory T cells, the principle immune suppressor cells, maintain homeostasis of an immune response and play an active role in preventing autoimmune disorders. Tregs use two main mechanisms of suppression: inhibiting proliferation of self reactive T effector cells and suppressive cytokine action. HuR (Elavl1) is an RNA-binding protein present in all T cell subsets which stabilizes its mRNA targets, resulting in increased RNA stability, exporting to polysomes, and translation. Our research aims to understand the role of HuR RBP in regulatory T cells and its subsequent effect on immune suppression. HuR was ablated in Tregs (Foxp3YFP-Cre HuRfl/fl mouse) in order to compare the functionality of Tregs from mice lacking HuR with control Tregs from wild type mice. Foxp3YFP-Cre HuRfl/fl mice display a hunched and scruffy phenotype; alopecia and stippling of the tail; and inflammation in multiple organs including the lungs, liver, skin, and stomach. Control mice had a normal weight gain over time, while both Both Foxp3YFP-Cre HuRfl/fl females and males displayed a significantly slower progression of weight gain in adults, with a severe failure to thrive in males. This study suggests that mice lacking HuR RBP in regulatory T cells demonstrate impaired ability to maintain peripheral tolerance to self. Our results may have future implications in treatment and regulation of autoimmune disorders.

Max Spiro
Maxspiro32@gmail.com
Peoria Campus

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Crohn’s Disease (CD), and IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U), formerly indeterminate colitis. IBD-U is diagnosed in patients with IBD-like symptoms but without criteria for UC or CD. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, dyschezia, and elevated biomarkers like fecal calprotectin and acute-phase reactants.

Methods: Emerging evidence links IBD-U to higher infection rates. This study classified patients with gastrointestinal inflammation into IBD-U, CD, UC, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) based on endoscopy, biopsy, and fecal calprotectin levels. Patients were prospectively identified over four months from those undergoing calprotectin testing at a tertiary center in Peoria, Illinois.

Results: Patient data, including history, BMI, medication, colonoscopy, biopsy findings, therapy response, and infection history (36 months), were analyzed. Presentation sites included Gastroenterology Outpatient/Inpatient, General Inpatient, Surgery, Emergency, and Primary Care. Control groups were diagnosed with CD/UC or IBS. Infection rates were analyzed using R. IBD-U patients had significantly higher rates of urinary tract, gastrointestinal, CNS, and viral upper respiratory infections than IBS or IBD groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: IBD-U is associated with increased infection prevalence and potentially greater morbidity compared to UC, Crohn's, and IBS, warranting further research into its pathophysiology and manageme

Ria Subramanian
rsubra23@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Background: While multiple initiatives are ongoing to increase clinical trials in Nigeria, there is a dire need to improve the knowledge of and attitude towards clinical trials in the population. Among Black Americans, educational interventions that address mistrust, misinformation, and disinformation have been found to be effective. To assess the need to culturally adapt these US interventions in the Nigerian context, we conducted a qualitative focus group study, which revealed critical social barriers that Nigerian patients encounter when considering clinical trial enrollment.

Methods: 28 participants were divided into 8 focus groups stratified by age, sex, religion, and education level. After watching the US developed Attitudes and Intention to Enroll in Therapeutic Clinical Trials video, patients were interviewed and transcripts were coded using the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework.

Findings: Most participants (96%) expressed willingness to participate in clinical trials if certain needs were met. While financial incentives were not linked to willingness to enroll in clinical trials, patients emphasized social factors. 50% stated needing permission from their relatives; 46% specifically cited their spouses. Religion was also a major factor among Christian patients, as 71% of patients sought support and guidance from their religious leaders. Thus, targeting engagement from family members and religious leaders is key to increasing clinical trial participation in Nigeria.

Aisha Suhaiba
asuhai4@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

After the temporary cessation of elective procedures due to COVID-19 that took place in March 2020, the elective shoulder surgical case volume returned to normal by June 2020, and the case backlog increased by 19%. We evaluated whether there was a difference in management and outcomes for shoulder surgery since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

De-identified data from 2016 to 2022 were obtained from the ACS’ NSQIP database. Shoulder surgeries were categorized into open and arthroscopic, and differences in demographics and outcomes between the groups were analyzed using an independent t-test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables.

From 2016 to 2022, a total of 139,688 patients were included in the analysis, comprising 50,476 open and 89,212 arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. The proportion of open shoulder surgeries increased from 33.1% in 2016 to 42.4% in 2022, while arthroscopic surgeries decreased from 66.9% to 57.6% ( p < 0.001). Pre-COVID, there were fewer complications compared to during COVID in both the open (4.2% vs 6.0%) and arthroscopic (1.1% vs 2.3%) surgery groups (p < 0.001). Open shoulder surgery overall and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair saw decreases in extended hospitalizations during COVID.

During COVID, the proportion of open cases and procedures with complications increased, and the post-operative hospital stays were shorter. Future analyses will include data from 2023 and 2024 and demographic data stratification by era.

Aisha Suhaiba
asuhai4@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Identity-concordant healthcare leads to increased patient satisfaction and adherence. Given that medical students, especially those historically underrepresented in medicine, tend to prefer identity-concordant mentorship, does identity-concordant professional guidance affect medical students’ specialty interests?

This is a cross-sectional survey study to identify the mentorship preferences of medical students and trainees as well as their perceptions of different specialties. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared analysis of relatedness were performed using a third party open-source statistical software.

67% of male participants reported surgical subspecialty preference compared to 17% of female and 0% of non-binary participants (p = 0.026). 100% of Black and Latino, and 70% of Asian respondents indicated that it was important to have a same-race mentor within their chosen specialty compared to 30% of white participants (p = 0.009). 0% of Latino, 10% of Black, and 18% of Asian participants indicated that they were interested in a surgical subspecialty compared to 42% of white participants. 0% of Asian and Latino participants have a mentor in their field who is the same race or ethnicity as them compared to 56% of Black and 58% of white participants.

URMs are still highly unlikely to pursue surgical subspecialties. Optimization of initiatives designed to increase representation may be warranted. We will stratify future data by graduating class, region, and school funding.

Khamis Suleiman
ksulei3@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Background: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, with estrogen playing pro- and anti-inflammatory roles. This study examined associations between current menstruation, oral contraceptive use, and allergen-specific serum IgE (sIgE) levels.

Methods: Using data from the 2005-2006 NHANES, we analyzed sIgE levels for 1,492 females (≥20 years). Outcome was the number of positive allergens via sIgE. Exposure variables included menstruation status, oral contraceptive use (history, duration), and menopause. Linear regression was used for bivariable and multivariable analyses.

Results: No significant association was found between oral contraceptive use and IgE levels (Beta: -0.37; 95% CI: -0.27, 0.76). Duration of use (Beta: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.09) and menopause (Beta: 0.11; 95% CI: -0.31, 0.52) were also non-significant. Black race/ethnicity was consistently associated with higher IgE levels compared to other groups.

Discussion: Oral contraceptive use and menopause were not linked to IgE levels. Black race/ethnicity showed higher IgE levels, suggesting potential genetic or environmental factors. Further studies are needed to explore estrogen’s role in sex-specific differences.

Sweeney, Charles,
Knepper, Man
John Sweeney
jsween6@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Background
Chronic diseases pose a burden to patients and the US healthcare system. Lifestyle medicine (LM) is a new specialty that works with patients to help manage chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. Implementing a LM practice at a public safety net hospital, such as UIH, has yet to be well-delineated. We conducted a pre-implementation assessment to identify patients’ perceived barriers and desires for lifestyle medicine services at UIH.

Methods
Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted key informant virtual interviews to address UIH patients’ demands and needs for LM services. UIH patients with more than one chronic disease were identified and recruited through EPIC to conduct Zoom interviews and were audio-recorded for thematic analysis.

Results
Ten patient interviews have been completed. Patients expressed a strong desire to avoid additional medications. Patients want to utilize non-pharmacological interventions to address the root cause of their chronic illnesses. Participants expressed an interest in a clinic with lifestyle medicine-trained healthcare providers to address their health conditions outside of their primary care visits.

Discussion
The data show strong demands for services that minimize health risks and are low-cost for patients at a safety net hospital. Further study will include learning from established LM practices across the country and determining the specific needs to implement a LM practice at UIH.

Dominic Tagler
tagler2@uic.edu
Rockford Campus

This case study examines the impact of Nabla CoPilot, an AI digital scribe, on the feelings of burnout and documentation time for a family physician. As healthcare providers grapple with increasing administrative burdens, burnout rates have surged, adversely affecting both practitioners and patient care. The integration of AI technologies like Nabla CoPilot shows promise to alleviate some of these challenges by automating the documentation process. This study followed a family physician over a two-month period, comparing metrics of burnout and documentation time before and after the implementation of Nabla CoPilot. Initial results of time spent documenting in the EMR and feedback were positive. Correspondingly, measures of burnout, assessed via the Mini Z Burnout Scale, showed improvements. These findings suggest that AI digital scribes can play a pivotal role in mitigating physician burnout and enhancing the efficiency of clinical workflows. However, further research is needed to generalize these results across different medical settings and to explore long-term impacts. The subjects and investigators hope to continue and expand this study to provide a more robust data set. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of AI tools in healthcare to improve practitioner well-being and operational efficiency.

Aishwarya Tallikar
aat3@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Background
Societal inequities limit access to therapies across medical and educational systems, disproportionately affecting Black, Latino/a/e, and low-income preschoolers with developmental delays (PCw/DD). Preschool and Me (PreM) is a community-clinical linkage (CCL) integrating personalized medical-education care plans with virtual navigator support to reduce disparities in access to Early Childhood Special Education (ESCE).

Objective
As part of a hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized control trial (RCT), we examined PreM’s implementation in a federally qualified health center and an academic-affiliated clinic serving historically marginalized Chicago communities.

Method
Implementation strategies included a learning collaborative, a community advisory board, and a quality monitoring tool. Outcomes (reach, feasibility, fidelity, cost) were assessed using the Proctor framework via EMR, fidelity checks, patient navigator (PN) recordings, process and training logs.

Results
13 students completed PN training (9.5 hours/session). From March-October 2024, 65 families received PreM (125 RCT-enrolled; 50 provider-referred). PNs reached 98% (n=62) of families with 99% fidelity. Of PreM families, 36 (69%) completed Individualized Education Plan (IEP) evaluations, with 30 (83%) eligible for an IEP. Of these, 19 (63%) receive services, and 11 await.

Conclusion
Utilization of key implementation strategies offers a promising solution to inform CCLs to enhance equitable access.

Hesham Tanbour
htanbo2@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most common surgeries performed in the U.S., with demand projected to increase significantly. As the need for revision THA (rTHA) rises, the financial and health burdens also escalate, with costs exceeding $50,000 per procedure and higher complication and mortality rates compared to primary THA. Identifying predictors for aseptic rTHA is crucial for optimizing care and reducing costs. This study aims to identify predictive risk factors for modern aseptic, non-oncologic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). We focus on three primary indications for revision: prosthetic dislocation/instability (PDI), periprosthetic fracture (PF), and mechanical failure (MF). Furthermore, we propose a preoperative algorithm based on this study’s evidence-based validity to enhance decision-making in primary surgeries, ultimately aimed at preventing the need for revisions.

Zhengxin Tang
ztang26@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

How discrimination relates to depression and anxiety symptoms is under-researched. We examine the relationship between perceived discrimination with depression/anxiety symptoms and brain function in emotion and cognition in patients with these disorders, and explore racial/ethnic differences. Analyzed baseline data from a clinical trial included perceived discrimination (PhenX Major Experiences [ME] and Everyday Discrimination [ED] Scales), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and neural activity (amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation via fMRI). Among 161 participants (mean 36.6 [SD 11.8] yrs, 80.8% women, 54.7% Black/Latino), ME and ED scores had significant positive correlations with GAD-7 scores. Racial/ethnic discrimination was significantly associated with higher GAD-7 scores when reported for ED, and was positive but insignificant for ME. When analyzing racial/ethnic differences, Black Americans reported the highest general and racial ME scores, while Black Americans, AAPI, and Latinos reported significantly more racial/ethnic ED than non-Hispanic White participants. Neither ME nor ED scores correlated significantly with PHQ-9 scores or neural targets. In conclusion, perceived discrimination, particularly racial/ethnic discrimination, is associated with increased anxiety but not depressive symptoms or brain activity in the neural regions of interest. Addressing discrimination as a social determinant of health in mental health interventions is warranted.

Janay Taylor
jbtaylr2@uic.edu
Rockford Campus

Rockford is the first community in the US to reach functional zero homelessness for chronic homelessness. Despite this great achievement, there remains a population of unhoused individuals whose health may be negatively impacted by their living conditions. While research shows higher mortality rates for the unhoused, data for Rockford is limited. This study explores healthcare access and resource gaps for unhoused individuals in Rockford. We partnered with the WCHD and NIHC to create a 31-question survey for unhoused adults in local shelters. The survey in paper and electronic formats covers previous housing, current health status, and healthcare barriers. Participants received bus passes and health kits as incentives. Data from 166 participants showed that 64% were male, 47% identified as Black and 32% were aged 51-60. Reported health conditions included hypertension (36%), anxiety (35%), and depression (34%). About 65% reported substance use. Transportation (88%) was the primary healthcare barrier. Many with chronic conditions (38%) did not receive treatment due to these challenges. This study highlights healthcare access barriers, particularly transportation. The most urgent needs were housing (74%), transportation (47%), and employment (46%). These findings stress the need for support services to address healthcare, housing, and employment, to improve the health of this vulnerable population. Further analysis will inform community-based interventions.

Toma Tchernodrinski
ttcher2@uic.edu
Peoria Campus

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common dysbiosis among reproductive-aged women, with an 80% recurrence rate within 9 months. However, studies investigating risk factors for recurrent BV remain limited.

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records from the University of Illinois Hospital and Health System (January 2015 to September 2023). Patients with positive BV tests via nucleic acid amplification tests were included and categorized into single BV (one positive test) and multiple BV (≥2 positive tests within a year). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level <11 g/dL at any time before BV diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed the relationship between anemia and recurrent BV.

Among 6,217 patients with BV, 4,882 had single BV and 1,335 had multiple BV. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant difference in anemia prevalence: 50% of single BV patients versus 57% of multiple BV patients had hemoglobin <11 g/dL prior to BV diagnosis (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis, with single BV as the reference, showed that hemoglobin ≤11 g/dL was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.18 (p=0.029), and severe anemia (hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL) had an AOR of 1.39 (p=0.011) for multiple BV.

Our findings highlight anemia as a significant risk factor for recurrent BV, emphasizing the need for further mechanistic studies to explore potential pathways.

Nicholas Tomaras
natomaras@gmail.com
Chicago Campus

Infectious ocular diseases, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, can lead to significant pain, inflammation, and potential vision loss if not diagnosed early. Current diagnostic methods often rely on invasive techniques or have delayed sensitivity, highlighting the need for more rapid, non-invasive biomarkers. This study aims to explore the potential of proteomic analysis of ocular fluids to predict infectious pain and inflammation. Ocular surface fluid samples were collected from patients with confirmed ocular infections and non-infected controls, and their distinct protein profiles will be analyzed using mass spectrometry to determine potential differences in the abundance of proteins involved in immune response, inflammation, and nociception. The study focuses on both identifying these proteins and their relevance to infection-induced pain and inflammation. By profiling ocular fluids, we aim to develop a non-invasive, reliable diagnostic approach for early detection of infectious ocular diseases. Future mass spectrometry-based analysis will refine these preliminary findings and enable the identification of specific biomarkers that could guide early diagnosis and inform personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of vision-threatening complications.

Nicholas Tomaras
ntomar3@uic.edu
Chicago Campus

This study explores the development of a deep learning algorithm to detect keratoconus using smartphone images of concentric ring reflections on the cornea. Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder that can lead to significant visual impairment if undiagnosed, particularly in regions with limited access to diagnostic equipment. The aim of this research is to design an accessible and efficient screening application for keratoconus detection in underserved areas. We collected 546 photos from 62 patients, 14 of whom were diagnosed with keratoconus, while the remaining 48 served as controls. Using smartphone cameras and a thin cardboard ring sheet, images of concentric ring reflections on the eye were captured, providing a low-cost and portable method for assessment. The reflections are indicative of corneal irregularities that are characteristic of keratoconus. Next, a deep learning model will be trained to classify these images, with the potential to identify keratoconus with high accuracy. This system could function as an initial screening tool, guiding individuals suspected of having keratoconus towards tertiary care centers for further evaluation. By leveraging widely available technology, this approach has the potential to enhance early detection and improve access to treatment, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized optometric services. Future work will focus on further data collection, image analysis, and algorithm development for widespread use.