Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease: Cutaneous Manifestations of Sarcoidosis

Cutaneous Manifestations of Sarcoidosis is a Powerpoint based learning module that depicts fictional patient scenarios detailing sarcoidosis and erythema nodosum. It explores other cutaneous and non-cutaneous manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and medical evaluation of sarcoidosis and the possible etiologies, workup, treatment, and prognosis of erythema nodosum. Health and racial disparities experienced by patients with sarcoidosis are also highlighted and discussed. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. This module was created for use in the VCU School of Medicine M1 Movement block, Rheumatology and Dermatology sections. It is part of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease project, which provides overviews of the identification, diagnosis, and workup for different rheumatologic diseases, with a focus on providing examples from persons of color (POC). The project is a tailored resource for medical learners that addresses a longstanding educational deficit in diverse representation. The OERs will enable us to train future physicians who are not only clinically astute, but also knowledgeable of and sensitive to inequities in healthcare. Ultimately, it is our hope that these OER will aid in fostering a generation of physicians who are truly patient-advocates

Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease: Malignant Cutaneous Tumors

Malignant Cutaneous Tumors is a Powerpoint-based learning module that focuses on skin cancers. It begins with the definition of terms and findings, followed by a review of several clinical cases. The goal of the module is to provide the students with the ability to differentiate the most common types of skin cancer and precancerous lesions and gain an awareness of cutaneous lymphomas. This module will include images and clinical findings from diverse skin tones to prepare students to identify cutaneous findings in a heterogeneous patient population. This module is not a comprehensive review of skin cancers but an introduction to understanding how skin malignancies and physical exam findings interrelate. It is part of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease project, which provides overviews of the identification, diagnosis, and workup for different rheumatologic diseases, with a focus on providing examples from persons of color (POC). The project is a tailored resource for medical learners that addresses a longstanding educational deficit in diverse representation. The OERs will enable us to train future physicians who are not only clinically astute, but also knowledgeable of and sensitive to inequities in healthcare. Ultimately, it is our hope that these OER will aid in fostering a generation of physicians who are truly patient-advocates

Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease: Cutaneous Manifestations of Vasculitides

Cutaneous Manifestations of Vasculitides is a Powerpoint based learning module that begins with the definition of terms and findings often found in vasculitis, followed by a review of several systemic vasculitides, highlighting how characteristic cutaneous lesions may be predictive of the vessel of involvement as well as the associated histologic changes. Moreover, significant clinical and laboratory findings utilized to make the correct diagnosis will be emphasized. This module is not meant to be an exhaustive review of vasculitis, but to serve as an introduction to understanding disease processes and how systemic vasculitis and skin findings interrelate. It is part of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease project, which provides overviews of the identification, diagnosis, and workup for different rheumatologic diseases, with a focus on providing examples from persons of color (POC). The project is a tailored resource for medical learners that addresses a longstanding educational deficit in diverse representation. The OERs will enable us to train future physicians who are not only clinically astute, but also knowledgeable of and sensitive to inequities in healthcare. Ultimately, it is our hope that these OER will aid in fostering a generation of physicians who are truly patient-advocates

IMPROVING SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG LGBTQ+ ADULTS IN DURHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS

This proposal addresses the social determinants of health for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) adults in Durham County, highlighting the importance of social support for their well-being. LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of loneliness, leading to health disparities. An intergenerational community program is proposed to address these challenges by fostering relationships between younger and older LGBTQ+ adults through art and cultural events. This program will reduce isolation, promote social connectedness, and improve emotional and physical health. Collaboration with the Durham County Public Health Department, LGBTQ Center of Durham, and other LGBTQ+ affirming organizations will allow for support and resources. Focus groups, status reports, and evaluation surveys will ensure community engagement and program effectiveness. Establishing a dedicated task force addressing loneliness will demonstrate Durham County's commitment to LGBTQ+ well-being. The initiative seeks to enhance social connectedness and health outcomes for LGBTQ+ adults through community engagement and data-driven improvements.Master of Public Healt

A model of feedback control for the charge-balanced suppression of epileptic seizures

Here we present several refinements to a model of feedback control for the suppression of epileptic seizures. We utilize a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) model of the human cortex. First, we verify the strong convergence of numerical solutions to this model, paying special attention to the sharp spatial changes that occur at electrode edges. This allows us to choose appropriate step sizes for our simulations; because the spatial step size must be small relative to the size of an electrode in order to resolve its electrical behavior, we are able to include a more detailed electrode profile in the simulation. Then, based on evidence that the mean soma potential is not the variable most closely related to the measurement of a cortical surface electrode, we develop a new model for this. The model is based on the currents flowing in the cortex and is used for a simulation of feedback control. The simulation utilizes a new control algorithm incorporating the total integral of the applied electrical potential. Not only does this succeed in suppressing the seizure-like oscillations, but it guarantees that the applied signal will be charge-balanced and therefore unlikely to cause cortical damage

Dipolar interactions and anisotropic magnetoresistance in metallic granular systems

We revisit the theory of magnetoresistance for a system of nanoscopic magnetic granules in metallic matrix. Using a simple model for the spin dependent perturbation potential of the granules, we solve Boltzmann equation for the spin dependent components of the non equilibrium electronic distribution function. For typical values of the geometric parameters in granular systems, we find a peculiar structure of the distribution function of conduction electrons, which is at variance with the two-current model of conduction in inhomogeneous systems. Our treatment explicitly includes the effects of dipolar correlations yielding a magnetoresistance ratio which contains, in addition to the term proportional to the square of uniform magnetization (), a weak anisotropic contribution depending on the angle between electric and magnetic fields, and arising from the anisotropic character of dipolar interactions.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, accepted in PR

Common Genetic Variants and Modification of Penetrance of BRCA2-Associated Breast Cancer

Peer reviewe

Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease: Connective Tissue Disease

This OER is a part of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease project, which provides overviews of the identification, diagnosis, and workup for different rheumatologic diseases, with a focus on providing examples from persons of color (POC). This work seeks to fill gaps and exclusionary practices in medical education practices and resources and diagnostic frameworks in regards to skin of color. This lack of representation bodes significant repercussions on the ability of future physicians to deliver equitable care for an increasingly diverse US population. Each module consists of a similar Powerpoint format, which includes key objectives, hypothetical disease cases, an overview of the pathophysiology, dermatologic features, and sequelae of these conditions, and clinical pearls regarding disease management. Overall, the goal of this project is to provide a tailored resource for medical learners that addresses a longstanding educational deficit. The OERs will enable us to train future physicians who are not only clinically astute, but also knowledgeable of and sensitive to inequities in healthcare. Ultimately, it is our hope that these OER will aid in fostering a generation of physicians who are truly patient-advocates. This module on Connective Tissue Disease goes over findings in systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis. Included in this module is a slide deck filled with information for a lecture or self study, a practice test, a glossary of terms, as well as a summary of notes for quick studying. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. Some images have been removed due to copyright restrictions. When available, the citation for the image was included. The module may be updated as openly licensed images illustrating the discussed topics become available. Students are welcome to find images on VisualDx, the American College of Rheuematology Image bank, and the University of New Mexico Image Bank. This module was created for use in the VCU School of Medicine M1 Movement block, Rheumatology and Dermatology sections. The creation of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Rheumatic Disease project was sponsored in by the part by the 2021 and 2022 Affordable Course Content Awards program. For additional information about the program, please visit guides.library.vcu.edu/acca

A randomized controlled trial of the safety and promise of cognitive-behavioral therapy using imaginal exposure in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from cardiovascular illness.

Objective: We investigated the physical safety of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) utilizing imaginal exposure in patients who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a life-threatening cardiovascular event. Method: In this phase I, prospective, single-blind trial conducted from April 2006 through April 2008, we randomly assigned 60 patients to receive either 3 to 5 sessions of imaginal exposure therapy (experimental group) or 1 to 3 educational sessions only (control group). Criteria for PTSD and other mental health disorders were evaluated according to DSM-IV using the full Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Safety assessments included patients’ blood pressure and pulse before and after each study session and the occurrence of deaths, hospitalizations, repeat myocardial infarctions, or invasive procedures. We also investigated the effects of the treat- ment on PTSD symptoms (Impact of Event Scale and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) scale. Results: There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups and be- tween exposure and nonexposure sessions in any of the safety measures. In addition, confidence intervals were such that the nonsignificant effects of exposure therapy were not of clinical concern. For example, the mean dif- ference in systolic pressure between control and exposure sessions was 0.5 mm Hg (95% CI, −6.1 to 7.1 mm Hg). Nonsignificant improvements were found on all psychiat- ric measures in the experimental group, with a significant improvement in CGI-S in the entire cohort (mean score difference, −0.6; 95% CI, −1.1 to −0.1; P = .02) and a sig- nificant improvement in PTSD symptoms in a subgroup of patients with acute unscheduled cardiovascular events and high baseline PTSD symptoms (mean score differ- ence, −1.2; 95% CI, −2.0 to −0.3; P = .01). Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy that in- cludes imaginal exposure is safe and promising for the treatment of posttraumatic stress in patients with cardio- vascular illnesses who are traumatized by their illness