University Of Miami Research Articles

Viscous and turbulent stress measurements above and below laboratory wind waves

Abstract The influence of wind stress, wind drift, and wind-wave (microscale) breaking on the coupled air–sea boundary layer is poorly understood. We performed high-resolution planar and stereo velocity measurements within the first micrometers to centimeters above and below surface gravity waves at the University of Miami’s SUSTAIN air–sea interaction facility. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was adapted and installed in the large (18 m long, 6 m wide) wind-wave tunnel at a fetch of approximately 10 m. In addition, wave field properties were captured by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). Experiments were conducted with wind waves and wind over mechanically generated swell. In this work, we focus on rather smooth, young, wind-generated waves. We present instantaneous velocity and vorticity fields above and below the air–water interface for the same wind-wave conditions. Both instantaneous and phase-averaged fields show strong along-wave modulations in viscous stress. For steeper waves, we observe airflow separation and increased negative turbulent stress below crests, accompanied by sporadic drops in viscous stress below zero. We describe the wave-induced modulations of the airflow structure as well as the wind-induced water dynamics and discuss the importance of the viscous stress for the total momentum budget. Graphic abstract

QLTI-19. PEDIATRIC NEURO-ONCOLOGISTS NAVIGATING AN ADULT WORLD: A TALE OF TWO CENTERS

Abstract BACKGROUND Adolescent and Young Adult Neuro-Oncology(AYA-NO) patients are a distinct cohort with an overlap of tumors found in childhood and adulthood. For adult patients with pediatric-type Central Nervous System tumors, optimal work-flow to manage these patients is unclear. METHODS We examine the work-flow of pediatric neuro-oncologists starting AYA-NO clinics within two high volume adult institutions: the University of Miami(Florida, USA) and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre(Toronto, Canada). RESULTS Over 18 months, the AYA-NO clinics managed 167 patients total with several key differences emerging in both institutions between the pediatric and adult work-flows. Adult providers commonly have neurology backgrounds, while pediatric providers mostly have hematology/oncology backgrounds. In pediatrics, providers typically meet the patient inpatient before pathology results, adult providers meet their patients in outpatient settings once histopathology results are available. Outpatient management in pediatric oncology centers typically includes labs, infusion centers, provider rooms, and social workers in one area while adults, due to the larger volume, have these services on separate units. Chemotherapy related differences included the primary provider for inpatient admissions and the emphasis of adult institutions on outpatient administration when feasible. Psychosocial factors such as the variety of caregivers, increased opportunity for patient autonomy in decision-making, and the increased fragmentation in care magnifies the importance of providers forming a strong rapport with AYA-NO patients. End of life care is vastly different including the inability for adult patients to receive palliative treatment in hospice care and the availability medically-assisted death. CONCLUSION Pediatric neuro-oncologists building AYA-NO workflows within adult settings can provide unique expertise for AYA-NO patients with pediatric-type tumors. Growing AYA-NO clinics can benefit from allocating AYA CNS specific resources such as chemotherapy/targeted therapy provider education, a dedicated hospital/clinic space, chemotherapy nursing, a care coordinator, and a social worker with experience treating this patient population.

DISP-17. OUTCOMES, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF HISPANIC PATIENTS WITH IDH WILDTYPE GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Knowledge about outcomes in Hispanic patients with gliomas is scant and mainly derived from tumor registries. IDH wild-type glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. Hispanics account for 19% of US population, reaching 29% in Florida and 65% in Miami-Dade County. As a reference center for GBM serving the community of South Florida we provide care for many Hispanic patients. Herein, we aim to describe the clinical and molecular features, including RNA seq analysis of Hispanic vs non-Hispanic patients with IDH wild-type GBM. METHODS Retrospective study of adult patients with diagnosis of IDH Wild-type Glioblastoma, who had NGS testing, treated at University of Miami. RESULTS 179 patients were included, 63 (35%) were Hispanic. 41 (65%) of Hispanic patients were males as compared to 65 (56%) of the non-Hispanics. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years (45-67) for the Hispanic vs 62 (54-72) years for non-Hispanic, p=.002. With a median follow up of 17 months (CI 95% 14-19), median overall survival for Hispanic patients was 22 months (18-25) and 23 months (18-28) for non-Hispanics, p=.99. 42 (23%) patients were enrolled in clinical trials, of whom 21 (50%) were Hispanic, meaning 33% of Hispanic patients enrolled. The molecular characteristics from these patients by next-generation sequencing, including RNA seq, are being analyzed. CONCLUSIONS In our series of IDH wild-type Glioblastomas, Hispanic patients were significantly younger at diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic patients, but there were no differences in overall survival. 33% of Hispanic patients were enrolled in clinical trials. As the latest growing ethnic group in the USA, major efforts have to be made to better understand the disease characteristics and outcomes of this particular population. To our knowledge this will be the first report of the molecular characteristics by NGS from Hispanic patients with GBM.

Caribbean Confederations as Relationalities

In this essay, I connect my work on Archipelago studies with Édouard Glissant’s notions of relationality and Caribbean confederations to formulate what I denominate as the erotics of archipelagic thinking. My main goal is to share my process of thinking with and through Glissant’s work to focus on a series of theoretical gestures that have allowed me to propose modes of reading literary depictions of Caribbean con/federations that go beyond the binary opposition between colonialism and nationalism. I am performing an exercise that I assign to my students when I teach the “Introduction to Critical Theory” course at the University of Miami. Instead of writing an essay with a short theoretical introduction followed by a detailed close reading of literary and cultural texts that illustrate a keyword or a theoretical insight, I conduct a methodological meditation in which I theorize the archipelagic as a form of relationality that configures an erotic imaginary beyond the nuclear family and towards affective networks. To think about the Caribbean as an archipelagic formation, I use my comparative work on the Antillean Confederation in the Hispanic Caribbean (1860-1898) and the West Indies Federation in the English Caribbean (1958-1962) as a historical context in which the region congealed as a network of locations “act[ing] in concert."

Adolescent microsurgical varicocelectomy and changes in sperm parameters: A matched cohort analysis.

Varicocele, a common vascular abnormality surrounding the testis, is known to be associated with impaired semen parameters and male infertility in adults. However, its impact on the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is less well known. The study aimed to assess the improvement in sperm parameters following varicocelectomy in the AYA population, comparing them to matched adult counterparts, and investigating potential advantages of early intervention. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a comprehensive database at the University of Miami spanning from 2012 to 2023. We included AYA (under 25 years of age) men who underwent varicocelectomy. To ensure comparability, they were matched with adult patients (over 30 years of age) based on preoperative follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values and varicocele grade in a 1:2 ratio. Semen parameters were evaluated before and after surgery, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall semen quality. We included 45 patients in the Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) category, and matched them with 116 adults based on FSH and varicocele grade, all of whom underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy. The AYA group exhibited greater improvements post-varicocelectomy compared to the matched cohort. Furthermore, postoperative sperm concentration in the AYA men demonstrated a remarkable increase, with a 1.7-fold increase in mean concentration compared to the adult group (p<0.001). Additionally, motility also displayed significant enhancement among the AYA men, with a final mean total motile sperm count (TMSC) improvement of 2.25-fold compared to the adult cohort (p=0.002). This study highlights the potential benefits of varicocelectomy as a viable treatment option for adolescents and young adults with varicocele, particularly those with impaired semen parameters. By intervening at an earlier stage of development, patients in this age group can achieve significant improvements in semen quality, as compared to their adult counterparts. These findings underscore the importance of considering varicocelectomy as a valuable therapeutic approach for the younger demographic, potentially alleviating future fertility concerns.

7765 Exploring the Synergistic Effect of GHRH Receptor Agonist MR-409 and Incretin-based Therapies in Type 1 Diabetes Using a Low-dose Streptozotocin Model

Abstract Disclosure: M. Gonzalez Medina: None. R. Louzada: None. V. Pita-Grisanti: None. M. Blandino: None. T. Cui: None. W. Sha: Owner/Co-Owner; Self; WS. is co-inventor on GHRH agonists MR-409 patent, assigned to the University of Miami and the Veterans Affairs. R. Cai: Owner/Co-Owner; Self; R.C. is co-inventor on GHRH agonists MR-409 patent, assigned to the University of Miami and the Veterans Affairs. A.V. Schally: Owner/Co-Owner; Self; A.V.S. is co-inventor on GHRH agonists MR-409 patent, assigned to the University of Miami and the Veterans Affairs.. E. Bernal-Mizrachi: None. Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have decreased functional β-cell mass due to inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine-induced β-cell death. Clinical trials using a combination of immunomodulatory agents and β-cell protecting medications such as GLP1-R agonists (GLP1-Ra) are being considered. A potential limitation for the clinical efficacy of GLP1-R agonists is the loss of GLP-1-R at the cell surface in states of hyperglycemia. Hence, novel agents that enhance β-cell survival and proliferation through parallel pathways could improve responses to GLP1-R agonists and/or synergistically potentiate β-cell responses. Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor agonists (GHRH-Ra), such as MR-409 on islet preconditioning in transplantation models. Our previous studies showed that GHRH-Ra protects β-cells from autoimmune injury in vitro and improves glucose levels in a model of high-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes via stimulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/IRS2 axis. However, the effects of combination of incretin-based therapy with GHRHRa on β-cell survival in T1D models have not yet been explored. Using the low-dose STZ model in C57/B6 mice, we investigated how MR-409 alone or in combination with GLP1-R agonists (Exendin-4 or Ex-4) promotes β-cell survival and prevents T1D. Low-dose STZ treated mice received daily MR-409 and Ex-4 injections, either alone or in combination for six weeks. We found that, STZ-treated mice that received either MR-409, Ex-4 or combination exhibited better glucose homeostasis while the combination failed to induce any additional effect. Interestingly, glucose tolerance and insulin levels were improved only in the MR-409-treated mice. β-cell mass was similarly increased in mice that received MR-409, Ex-4 and combination groups compared to the vehicle-treated. Further, treatment of human islets with MR-409 and/or Ex-4 induced insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) expression, a master regulator of survival and growth in β-cells, while the combination of both therapies did not have any additional effect. Experiments in human islets exposed to proinflammatory cytokines treatment demonstrated that MR-409 and/or Ex-4 was associated with a decrease in β-cell death and improved insulin secretory function by activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/IRS2 axis. These studies demonstrate that although there was no evidence for a synergistic effect between MR-409 and Ex-4, MR-409 appears to have more potent effects on improving glucose tolerance and insulin levels when compared to the long-term effect of Ex-4 in a low-dose STZ model, suggesting that MR-409 could be an alternative therapeutic agent in the treatment of β-cell death in T1D. Presentation: 6/2/2024

B-241 Next-generation monitoring: M-inSightclinical application in multiple myeloma

Abstract Background The improvement of multiple myeloma (MM) therapy effectiveness has increased the need for precise, sensitive, and dynamic monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). Current MRD assessment methods that are based on bone marrow aspirates, pose limitations due to the invasiveness of the procedure and potential heterogeneous sampling. Recognizing the need for non-invasive, frequent testing, a targeted mass spectrometry, M-InSight®, (MS)-based MRD blood-test was developed. This innovative assay identifies and tracks clonotypic peptides from the patient's monoclonal immunoglobulin, offering a blood-based alternative with equivalent sensitivity to existing bone marrow reliant techniques.Here we employed M-InSight® to sequence and select clonotypic peptides, enabling highly specific, ultra-sensitive quantification of the M-protein. This study examines the correlation between M-protein quantification using M-InSight® and conventional serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) values routinely obtained in clinical settings. Given the established role of M-protein as a biomarker for MM diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring, ensuring concordance between emerging methodologies and existing standards is vital. Methods Serum samples were obtained from the clinical laboratory at the University of Miami and characterized using SPEP (capillary electrophoresis, Sebia), immunotyping (Sebia), and free light chain quantitation (The binding site). Patients with M-protein concentrations ≥0.2 g/dL by SPEP were included. Longitudinal samples were collected. Subsequently, all samples were analyzed using M-InSight®. The initial sample for each patient underwent de novo sequencing of the M-protein by mass spectrometry and was also used to calibrate the concentration with the known value from SPEP. An in-house bioinformatics algorithm aligned, sequenced, and selected patient-specific clonotypic peptides. These peptides were targeted for the M-inSight® follow up assay allowing the quantification of M-protein. Results A variety of M-protein isotypes were successfully sequenced (IgGK, IgGL, IgAK, IgAL, IgMK, IgML, free K, free L, IgDL, biclonal) at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.9 g/dL. M-protein was successfully sequenced and clonotypic peptides were identified in 57 out of 59 patients using the initial sample. A total of 109 serum samples collected during maintenance or post treatment were analyzed, 50 of them were follow-up samples and were used to correlate M-protein values from both techniques. M-protein quantification by M-Insight showed high concordance with the one obtained by SPEP, with a correlation value of 0.88 (intercept set to 0, slope 0.91. Pearson = 0.886, p-value &amp;lt;0.001). Out of 57 patients whose M-protein was sequenced, 55 were positive by SPEP and were successfully quantified by M-InSight®. Furthermore, M-InSight® detected and quantified M-protein on samples of the 2 remaining patients that showed M-protein values below SPEP detection limits, highlighting the higher sensitivity of M-InSight®. Conclusions M-inSight® assay successfully identified clonotypic peptides in 57 out of 59 patients which were used to quantify M-protein concentration and showed a strong concordance with SPEP and affirming the utility of M-InSight® as a reliable method for routine monitoring of MM. The ability to seamlessly integrate M-InSight® into routine monitoring protocols offers clinicians a valuable tool for MRD monitoring, tracking disease progression and response to therapy with enhanced sensitivity and specificity.

Updating the no-history method in intraocular lens power calculation after myopic laser vision correction.

To describe the Shammas-Cooke formula, an updated no-history (NH) formula for IOL calculation in eyes with prior myopic laser vision correction (M-LVC), and to compare the results with the Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH formulas. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI), The Lennar Foundation Medical Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Dean A. McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and private practice, Lynwood, California, and St Joseph, Michigan. Retrospective observational study. We analyzed 2 large series of cataractous eyes with prior M-LVC. The training set (BPEI series of 330 eyes) was used to derive the new corneal power conversion equation to be used in the new Shammas-Cooke formula and the testing set (165 eyes of 165 patients in the DMEI series) to compare the updated formula with 3 other M-LVC NH formulas on the ASCRS calculator: Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH. Mean prediction error was 0.09 ± 0.56 diopters (D), -0.44 ± 0.61 D, -0.47 ± 0.59 D, and -0.18 ± 0.56 D and the mean absolute error was 0.43 D, 0.60 D, 0.61 D, and 0.45 D for the Shammas-Cooke, Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH, respectively. The percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D was 66.7% vs 47.9%, 48.5%, and 65.5%, respectively. The Shammas-Cooke formula performed better than the Shammas PL and Haigis-L (P < .001 for both) and as well as the Barrett True-K NH formula (P = .923).

Assessing racial and ethnic disparities in time to surgery for patients with oral cavity cancers.

109 Background: Despite advances, challenges remain in the early detection and management of oral cancers. Studies have indicated that worse outcomes can be linked to disparities in sex, race, and ethnicity. Research indicates that despite a greater incidence of oral cancer among White patients, the five-year survival rate for Black patients is 52%, compared to 70% for their counterparts (1). While existing research focuses on racial and ethnic disparities in the time to diagnosis and prognosis, there is limited literature that discusses disparities in time to treat. As such, our study aims to evaluate potential racial, ethnic, and/or gender disparities in the time between diagnosis and surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating 185 patients with oral cancer at the University of Miami. Patient information was obtained from electronic medical records. We performed analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests. Levene's test was used to assess the homogeneity of variances assumption. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 68.50 years (SD =13.079 years), with the majority of patients (42%) diagnosed as Stage 1. Our cohort was 46% female and 54% male. 62% identified as White and Non-Hispanic/Latinx, 29% as White and Hispanic/Latinx, 6% as Black, and 3% as other race/ethnicities. We also assessed time to treat as a function of gender, race and ethnicity. We found there was no significant difference between men and women (x̄= 148 vs 136 days) in time to surgery. We also found no difference between Hispanic/Latinx patients and non Hispanic/Latinx patients (x̄= 163 vs 137 days). Although not statistically significant, there was a notable trend in the data that showed a longer time to surgery. Black patients had a much greater time to surgical intervention compared to White patients (x̄= 308 days vs 134 days) (Table). At the time of data cutoff, nearly 81% of patients were alive. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite lack of statistical significant, our study found higher trends to time to surgery between Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic/Latinx, and even more so a much greater difference in time to surgery between Black and White patients. Further research is needed to elucidate these potential systematic, socio-economic or cultural barriers to ensure equitable access. 1. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, National Cancer Institute. Days between diagnosis and surgery. Ethnicity Mean Standard Deviation N Black or African American 308.44 737.375 9 Other 20.33 .577 3 White 134.37 467.579 147 Total 142.08 481.112 159

Autoimmune Metaplastic Atrophic Gastritis (AMAG): Regional Demographics and Their Effect on Prevalence.

Autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG) is a chronic immune-mediated form of gastritis characterized by damage to oxyntic cells, ultimately resulting in both iron deficiency with or without anemia and pernicious anemia. The current dogma is that AMAG is a disease of White Northern European women of advanced age. We, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of AMAG in biopsies obtained from populations enriched for self-identified Hispanics for cross-comparison against data from previously reported populations enriched for self-identified White, non-Hispanic patients. To that end, we prospectively collected 1708 sequential gastric biopsies performed at the University of Miami Hospitals/Jackson Health Systems clinics from 1692 patients over a 1-year period as well as pertinent clinical parameters. These Florida data were then compared against data previously collected from the Baltimore population, which has far lower numbers of Hispanic patients. Self-identified race and/or ethnicity were used. From these 1692 patients, we identified 79 patients (4.6%) with AMAG. These included 60 women (76%) and 19 men (24%), with a F:M ratio of 3.1:1. Patients had a median age of 60 years (range: 15-83). Self-identified race and/or ethnicity were: 60 (76.0%) Hispanic, 9 (11.4%) Black, 9 (11.4%) White, and 1 Asian (1.2%). The median age at initial presentation was: 51 years (range: 15-83) in Hispanics, 77.2 years (range: 46-74) in Blacks, 59 years (range: 49-79) in Whites, and 58 years in the only Asian patient. The overall demographics of AMAG largely mirrored the Florida population, with an over-representation of Hispanics (Florida inhabitants self-report as 70% Hispanic). The overall 4.6% prevalence of AMAG in the Florida population differed significantly from the 1.1% in Baltimore (p < .00001), a finding that presumably reflects the large Hispanic population. In fact, the prevalence of AMAG is far higher in Hispanic patients. Awareness of these data should increase recognition of AMAG in this population.

Cosmic rays, radiocarbon and the beginning of high-energy particle physics: Marietta Blau and the “disintegration stars”

Abstract This brief review describes the discovery of cosmic rays by Victor Hess from the Vienna Radium Institute and the later contribution of Marietta Blau through her observation of “disintegration stars” in photographic emulsion plates exposed to cosmic-ray bombardment. Marietta Blau, a nearly forgotten cosmic-ray pioneer from the Vienna Radium Institute, developed the nuclear emulsion technique for studying nuclear reactions, eventually discovering the disintegration of nuclei through high-energy cosmic rays. Blau survived the Holocaust by escaping to Mexico City from 1939 to 1944. Starting in 1948 at Columbia University, later as a staff member of Brookhaven National Laboratory and then University of Miami, she performed fundamental and original research with nuclear emulsions exposed to 3-GeV protons at the Brookhaven Cosmotron and to 6-GeV protons at the Berkeley Bevatron. Blau returned to Vienna in 1960, where at the Radium Institute a classical β-decay counting facility for radiocarbon dating had been installed, which was finally superseded by the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA), a modern versatile accelerator mass spectrometry facility.

Abstract A105: Clinical characteristics of Hispanic patients ages 50 and younger with lung adenocarcinoma: A multi-center experience

Abstract Introduction: While uncommon, there has been an increase in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases in patients under the age of 50 with little data on young Hispanic patients with NSCLC. This multicenter study describes the clinical characteristics of young Hispanic lung adenocarcinoma patients between two cities with a large Hispanic population. Methods: This retrospective study examined 90 Hispanic patients (18-50 years old) with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma treated at University of Miami (Miami) Sylvester Comprehensive Care Center (n=50), University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Care Center/Los Angeles General Medical Center (n=26), and the Memorial Cancer Institute at West (Memorial) (n=14) from 2009-2023. We looked at age at diagnosis, sex, smoking history, stage at diagnosis, brain metastasis at diagnosis, mutations, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) exposure, and survival status at 24 months, 36 months, and 60 months. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare differences between USC (n=26) in Los Angeles, California, USA and Miami/Memorial (n=64) in Miami, Florida, USA. Results: 63.33% (n=57) of the patients were female. The median age at diagnosis was 41.5 years, including 8.89% (n=8) diagnosed from age 18-30, 33.33% (n=30) diagnosed from age 31-40, and 57.78% (n=52) diagnosed from age 41-50. 63.33% (n=57) identified as never smokers, 30.00% (n=27) identified as former smokers, and 6.67% (n=6) identified as current smokers. 85.56% (n=77) were found to have metastatic disease at diagnosis, including 34.44% (n=31) with brain metastasis at diagnosis. 28.89% (n=26) had an EGFR mutation, 28.89% (n=26) were ALK positive, and 8.89% (n=8) had a KRAS mutation. 55 (61.11%) had been exposed to a TKI. Between treatment sites, there was a greater prevalence of brain metastasis at USC versus Miami/Memorial (15/26, 57.69% vs. 16/64, 25.00%, p&amp;lt;0.01) and a trend towards greater prevalence of EGFR and KRAS mutations (EGFR: 11/26 (42.31%) vs. 15/64 (23.44%), p = 0.12; KRAS: 4/26 (15.38%) vs. 4/64 (6.25%), p = 0.22) and TKI exposure (19/26, 73.08% vs. 36/64, 56.25%, p=0.15) at USC versus Miami/Memorial. Regarding survival for stage IV patients, 37/61 (60.65%) of patients were alive at 24 months, 22/51 (43.1%) at 36 months, and 14/46 (30.4%) at 60 months with a trend towards more USC patients being alive at 36 months (10/18, 55.56% vs. 12/33, 36.36%) and 60 months (6/15, 40% vs. 8/31 25.8%). Conclusion: Young Hispanic lung adenocarcinoma patients are predominantly female, never smokers, diagnosed with metastatic disease, and enriched in EGFR and ALK mutations. There are differences in prevalence of brain metastasis, EGFR and KRAS mutations, TKI exposure, and survival between the USC and Miami/Memorial young lung adenocarcinoma patients. These notable frequencies may be attributed to the different Hispanic subgroups in the west coast versus southeastern USA. This study highlights the need for more attention towards Hispanic ethnicity in the young lung cancer population. Citation Format: Kyle Edwards, Darin Poei, Suset Almuinas de Armas, Coral Olazagasti, Zhonglin Hao, Jorge J. Nieva, Luis E Raez, Gilberto Lopes, Estelamari Rodriguez, Robert Hsu. Clinical characteristics of Hispanic patients ages 50 and younger with lung adenocarcinoma: A multi-center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A105.

Relapsed mantle cell lymphoma manifesting with soft tissue tumors of the extremities: University of Miami experience and review of the literature

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and is characterized by multiple extranodal sites of disease, most notably the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and gastrointestinal tract. Historically the prognosis of mantle cell lymphoma has been poor with median survival of four to five years. With new treatment regimens, however, patients have been able to achieve prolonged remissions and require special attention while being evaluated for relapse. This report describes four patients treated for stage IV mantle cell lymphoma at the University of Miami who developed soft tissue relapse presenting as non-tender large masses of the extremities, including one patient who presented without associated nodal involvement. Average time to soft tissue relapse was 99 months (range: 28–240) following initial diagnosis. Providers who care for patients with mantle cell lymphoma should be aware of soft tissue lesions as a presentation of mantle cell lymphoma that merits evaluation for disease relapse.

Bascom Headen Palmer, Jr, MD (1889-1954)

PurposeMost ophthalmologists in the US recognize the name “Bascom Palmer” but few are familiar with the individual for whom the Eye Institute is named. This article reviews the biography of Bascom Headen Palmer, Jr., MD (1889-1954). DesignHistorical review. MethodsHistorical documents were reviewed, including the archives of the University of Miami, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and other sources. ResultsPalmer, born in Lake City, FL in 1889, was the younger son of a Florida politician. He graduated from what was then called the College of Medicine of the Tulane University of Louisiana (now the Tulane University School of Medicine) in 1914, followed by a two-year internship at Touro Infirmary, service in the army during World War I, and finally a post-graduate course in ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1923. He then moved to Miami, where he became influential in two new organizations: the University of Miami, founded in 1925, and the Florida Association of Workers for the Blind (now the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired), founded in 1930. He forged collaborations between these two organizations which eventually led to the foundation of the eponymous Eye Institute. ConclusionsThe decades-long collaboration between the Miami Lighthouse and the University of Miami, facilitated by Palmer, ultimately led to the founding of the Eye Institute.

Bringing the Value Chain for High-Impact Weather Warnings into the Classroom

Abstract University students can learn about weather warnings and contribute to a database for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) project on value chain approaches to evaluate the end-to-end warning chain. The project offers students a way to understand how information about high-impact weather is created, shared, and used within a complete warning system for a selected event. Their contributions are intended to inform researchers and practitioners on what has and what has not worked well in the warning process. The students use a structured questionnaire designed to collect information on observations, forecasting, hazards, impacts, warning communications, and responses.

AI for learning unleashed: Pioneering generative AI in education at the University of Miami

The University of Miami (UM) is at the forefront of integrating generative AI into education, spearheaded by Ann M. Olazábal, Interim Dean of the Miami Herbert Business School. This case study explores the dynamic landscape of AI adoption at UM, highlighting both the innovative potential and ethical challenges. The university has embraced AI tools like Adobe Firefly and Copilot, aiming to enhance learning experiences and internal processes. However, the misuse of AI for academic dishonesty poses significant dilemmas. The case contrasts two MBA students' approaches to AI: Alex, who uses AI to shortcut his studies, and Jordan, who leverages AI to deepen her understanding and enhance her learning. The narrative underscores the need for ethical AI use and the importance of fostering critical thinking and creativity. Ann’s strategic vision includes forming an AI task force to explore AI’s organizational impacts and potential use cases, such as a smart assistant for student curriculum planning and an AI-powered entrepreneurship lab. The case concludes with a discussion on balancing innovation with academic integrity and the challenges of centralized IT governance. The case serves as a foundation for classroom discussion including a comprehensive examination of the opportunities and risks associated with generative AI in higher education.

On-Demand Circulation of Software Licenses

The Miami University Libraries (MUL) developed an open-source Software Checkout system to allow patrons to make use of software licenses owned by the library. The system takes advantage of user-based licensing under the Software as a Service (SaaS) license model and vendor-created APIs to easily and legally assign access to users. The service currently supports Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, and Logic Pro software. MUL has successfully used this software for three years. This article describes the expansion of offerings and the increasing use of the service over that time. Built on a model developed by Pixar for managing employee software licenses, the Software Checkout system is believed to be the first of its kind for circulating licenses to library patrons. Both this lending model and the open-source software developed by MUL are available to other libraries. This paper is intended to prompt libraries to take advantage of the legal and technical environment to expand software license sharing to other libraries.

Increasing Utilization of Scrubbing Devices for Peripheral Intravenous Disinfectable Needleless Closed Connectors.

Introduction Peripheral intravenous (IV) administration sets are a source of infection that increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In this quality improvement project, we aimed to enhance compliance with peripheral IV hub disinfection at anesthesia induction to follow the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) safe medication injection guidelines. Methods Thisstudy was conducted in the main operating suite of the University of Miami's principal hospital between June and October 2023. Audits of scrubbing device utilization by the anesthesiology team and focus groups were conducted before and after two educational interventions. Educational efforts focused on increasing compliance with peripheral IV disinfection using scrubbing devices. Results Mean use per case, inferred from the number of devices dispensed, nearly doubled from 0.44 (95% CI, 0.37 to 0.59) to 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.88) (P < 0.0001). Implications regarding steps to further enhance compliance are discussed. Conclusions Through a simple educational program, scrubbing device utilization increased significantly from baseline.

The importance of teaching performance artistry

This article will explain the philosophy and methodology behind developing and teaching the performance artistry curriculum at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Students who study performance artistry are more prepared to work in the popular music industry/marketplace – personally, artistically and professionally. They report being more widely informed about the business of their artistry, having clearer goals, owning their identities, embracing communication with their audiences, using a more honest voice on their social platforms, and feeling freer to take risks. Success in this field is a combination of presentation, forethought, execution, content, strategy and effectiveness on top of talent. I will detail performance artistry assignments and illustrate their role in bringing out authenticity and excellence in a collegiate music major population. This curriculum contains valuable training tools in different educational configurations (lecture-style classes, private instruction and workshop/masterclass settings) and all genres.

Physical and Psychological Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers, Including End of Life Care Providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused unprecedented distress in the community but has also resulted in significant physical and psychological exhaustion among healthcare workers (HCWs). This exhaustion could potentially lead to serious effects on our healthcare system. The aim of this study was to gain more insight on the effect of COVID-19 on burnout among oncologists and other healthcare professionals at a large academic center. A 10-minute electronic questionnaire was distributed to actively employed physicians, APRNs, and PAs affiliated with the University of Miami. The survey encompassed a range of personal and professional characteristics, including stress related to COVID-19. The survey was distributed to a total of 739 HCWs, with 182 respondents (24.6%) completing the entire survey. The impact of the pandemic on these professionals included increased workload (59.5%), reduced leadership opportunities (32.2%), job insecurity (28.6%), and rescheduling of professional activities (22.2%). Out of the 182 respondents, 70 were primarily from the fields of Oncology and Palliative Care. Several factors have contributed to increased physical and psychological stress among HCWs, such as extended working hours, sleep deprivation, job insecurity, the shift to telemedicine, the risk of contracting the virus and endangering their families, lack of childcare options, and the added pressure of homeschooling. This study serves as a foundation for more comprehensive research aimed at elucidating and guiding the development of wellness programs crucial for the overall well-being of HCWs.