United States

Background
Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to immense physical and psychological stress, potentially impairing neurocircuitry and motor coordination. Recent literature has revealed decreased density in several white matter tracts associated with motor control and coordination alongside well-established deficits in coordinative function post-spaceflight. Virtual reality (VR) could potentially be used to monitor and enhance neurocognitive resilience in space environments. This project involved conducting a literature review, creating a study design, and submitting a NASA grant to fund a VR training program that will be implemented during a future space mission in October 2025.
Methods
We have designed and implemented a VR training program with several games capturing pupillometry, eye tracking, and body kinematic data to test various aspects of cognitive control and psychomotor function. Performance data will be collected by the REACT Neuro VR System through biometric sensors and task analytics. Evaluation will involve outcome measures including ocular dynamics, oculo-motor coordination, accuracy, and reaction time, to compare baseline assessments with post-spaceflight outcomes. Overall task performance will be based on the number of difficulty levels successfully passed. Additionally, astronauts will undergo specialized MRI imaging to quantify white matter changes and associate them with VR metrics.
Results
Preliminary activities include literature synthesis and grant preparation, building a robust framework for this project. Anticipated results, as demonstrated in a test cohort of Air Force C-17 pilots earlier this year, include detection of early psychomotor decline after high-altitude flight and new evidence for the use of VR training to preserve motor coordination and strength in the astronaut population.
Conclusion
This VR analysis program provides a new method for neurocognitive monitoring during spaceflight. It may also support the role of neuroplasticity in psychomotor changes observed after spaceflight. Limitations include small participant sample sizes and delays between spaceflight and MRI imaging, while future directions involve scaling this program to larger cohorts and integrating more neurofeedback metrics. After demonstrating REACT Neuro’s potential to track and rehabilitate coordinative and cognitive deficits in astronauts, we see incredible potential for translating these techniques to patients with similar ailments in the general population.

2025 AMA Research Challenge – Member Premier Access

Virtual Reality Training for Neurocognitive Monitoring in Astronauts

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Introduction:
Thalassemia trait generally has minimal clinical impact, but physiologic changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of anemia, transfusion, and hypertensive disorders. Prior evidence is limited and often conflicting. This study evaluated pregnancy outcomes among women with thalassemia trait using a large, multicenter database.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. Females aged 18–45 with ICD-10 codes indicating pregnancy (Z33.1, O00–O9A, Z34, Z3A) were included. Patients with pregnancy and coexisting thalassemia minor (D56.3) formed the thalassemia cohort (n = 19,369), while those without a thalassemia diagnosis (D56) comprised the control cohort (n = 5,471,214). Propensity score matching (1:1) balanced age, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities including obesity, smoking, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The index event was defined as the earliest date meeting criteria for both pregnancy and thalassemia minor (exposed) or pregnancy alone (controls). Outcomes within one year included anemia, blood transfusion, preeclampsia/eclampsia, cesarean section, venous thromboembolism (VTE), heart failure, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
Results:
After matching, 38,488 patients (19,244 per cohort) were analyzed. Thalassemia trait was associated with increased risks of anemia (RR 3.09, 95% CI 2.94–3.25), transfusion (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.41–1.94), preeclampsia/eclampsia (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.49–1.65), cesarean delivery (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.38–1.56), preterm delivery (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.26–1.53), and IUGR (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.72–2.23), all p < 0.001. VTE risk was also higher (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.40–3.01, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Thalassemia trait in pregnancy was associated with greater rates of anemia, transfusion, and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. These findings highlight the need for tailored peripartum care and close multidisciplinary monitoring in this population.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Thalassemia Trait: A Multi-Center Cohort Study

Background
Hexapod external fixators are used for fracture treatment, deformity correction, and limb lengthening. Although they are very powerful tools, they pose several challenges including their size, pin track infections, and patient physical and mental discomfort.. Therefore, any intervention minimizing the time spent in the frame is desirable. 
In the setting of fractures, controlled micro-motion has demonstrated greater circumferential callus formation and greater mechanical strength compared to rigid fixation. Historically, controlled “accordion” motion at the fracture or osteotomy site has been utilized to promote healing. We have utilized an automated hexapod to provide ongoing mechanical stimulation during deformity correction and/or lengthening. We report on the early results in this case series.
Methods
We queried an IRB approved database for all patients who underwent deformity correction or lengthening with a hexapod external fixator from May 2020 to June 2025. Demographic data as well as treatment parameters were recorded. 
Results
Seven patients were included in our study. Two of these patients had double level osteotomies, totaling nine corrections for this study. Three patients had lengthening ranging from 1.0 - 3.7 cm. The mean time in the external fixator was 190.3 days. Ultimately seven out of seven osteotomies healed with 2 additional osteotomies still in treatment. There was one patient with an unplanned return to the operating room for inadequate frame stability and early conversion to internal fixation. 
Conclusion
The use of HEF with automated mechanical stimulation has potential to assist with healing and bony union. It is difficult to compare results with the existing literature, but these encouraging findings warrant further research to refine these methods and compare its efficacy against alternative techniques. 


A Case Series of Automated Mechanical Stimulation in a Hexapod External Fixator

Background
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants and young children. Although prophylactic agents such as Nirsevimab and maternal Abrysvo vaccination have become available, their real-world effectiveness and equitable uptake across pediatric populations remain unclear. Prior research has largely focused on trial settings, leaving gaps in understanding how these interventions perform in heterogeneous clinical environments, particularly in high-risk and racially diverse groups. This study aimed to evaluate RSV-confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) incidence, hospitalization, and secondary outcomes across developmental risk factors, care settings, prophylaxis strategies, and racial/ethnic groups.

Methods
We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 12,414 pediatric bronchiolitis encounters within a single health system. Patients were stratified by prophylaxis status (Nirsevimab, Abrysvo, combined, or untreated), age, gestational age, APGAR scores, race/ethnicity, and care setting. Outcomes included RSV-confirmed LRTI, hospitalization, wheeze, otitis media, and antibiotic use. Proportions were compared using chi-square and z-tests; risk projections estimated the impact of prophylaxis hesitancy. Analyses were conducted in R (v4.4.1).

Results
RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence was significantly lower among infants who received Nirsevimab versus untreated infants (1.8% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001), and also lower in combined prophylaxis groups versus untreated. Abrysvo alone showed a non-significant reduction (2.2% vs. 3.3%). Infants <12 months and those born prematurely experienced the highest RSV burden, while APGAR scores showed limited predictive value. Although RSV incidence did not significantly differ across racial or ethnic groups (~8.6–8.8%), American Indian/Alaska Native and Black children had notably lower prophylaxis uptake, highlighting inequities in preventive care access. A risk projection suggested that a 20% prophylaxis declination rate could result in approximately 3 additional RSV cases per 1,000 high-risk infants, and up to 6 among preterm infants.

Conclusion
In this real-world cohort, Nirsevimab and combined prophylaxis were associated with significantly reduced RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence. Findings underscore the importance of equitable prophylaxis access and addressing hesitancy, particularly among high-risk and historically underserved populations. Standardized testing, expanded surveillance, and targeted outreach are critical to maximizing the public health benefits of RSV prevention.

Evaluating RSV Burden and Prophylaxis Outcomes Across Pediatric Risk Groups: Real World Evidence from a Multi-Domain Analysis

Paraconduit hernias are a rare but recognized complication that can arise after esophagectomy with gastrointestinal reconstruction. It involves the herniation of intra-abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity through a defect adjacent to the esophageal conduit, typically at the hiatus. Unlike typical hiatal hernias, this type occurs alongside the reconstructed conduit rather than through the original hiatus, often leading to symptoms affecting quality of life. While mesh is commonly used in standard hiatal hernia repairs, its application in paraconduit hernia repair is
less studied, with limited evidence guiding its safety or long-term outcomes. The mesh technique typically includes reduction of the hernia and placement of a synthetic or composite mesh fixed securely around the conduit to prevent recurrence and preserve function. This study aims to fill the gap in evidence by examining real-world outcomes and perioperative characteristics of patients undergoing mesh repair for paraconduit hernias, focusing on effectiveness, recurrence, and prognosis

Surgical Revision of Paraconduit Hiatal Hernia (PCHH) Mesh Repair Following Esophagectomy: A Case-Based Review

Abstract Title: A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to MINOCA with Microvascular Obstruction: The Utility of Cardiac MRI
Background: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) accounts for approximately 5–7% of acute myocardial infarctions (MI) and presents a diagnostic challenge due to its heterogeneous etiologies. It is a descriptive, working diagnosis that requires: (1) fulfillment of the universal definition of acute MI (a 20% change in cardiac troponin with one value above the 99th percentile and evidence of ischemia); (2) absence of obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography (major epicardial vessel stenosis ≤50%); and (3) no overt alternative cause for the acute presentation. In 2019, the American Heart Association emphasized an exhaustive diagnostic approach and endorsed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm myocardial injury, differentiate ischemic from non-ischemic patterns, and assist in narrowing etiologies when angiography is non-revealing.
Case Presentation: A 74-year-old male with hypertension, prior deep vein thrombosis, and suspected thrombophilia on chronic warfarin presented with non-radiating, midsternal, 2/10 acute chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed lateral ST-elevation with reciprocal inferior ST-depression. These findings, in conjunction with an elevated troponin I level of 11.5 ng/mL (normal: <0.04 ng/mL), were consistent with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus, the patient was indicated for invasive coronary angiography, which revealed non-obstructive coronary arteries. The finding of non-obstructed coronary arteries, in addition to ACS symptoms, led to the working diagnosis of troponin-positive non-obstructive coronary arteries (TpNOCA). Thus, cardiac MRI was performed, and indicated an acute transmural MI with microvascular obstruction (MVO) in the left anterior descending artery vascular territory. These findings, along with non-ischemic cardiac and extracardiac causes being ruled out, led to a revised diagnosis of MINOCA. The patient was managed with guideline-directed medical therapy and discharged in stable condition. 
Discussion: This case highlights a rare presentation of transmural MI with MVO in the absence of obstructive coronary disease and underscores the importance of working through the stepwise diagnostic process, from initial suspicion of acute coronary syndrome, to TpNOCA, and ultimately to MINOCA. Cardiac MRI was pivotal in confirming ischemic myocardial injury, ruling out alternative diagnoses, and guiding appropriate management. The patient’s chronic warfarin therapy for suspected thrombophilia may have contributed to spontaneous thrombolysis. Recognition of spontaneous thrombolysis as a mechanism for MINOCA emphasizes the value of a structured diagnostic algorithm combining clinical evaluation, angiography, and advanced imaging.

A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to MINOCA with Microvascular Obstruction:
The Utility of Cardiac MRI

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a 
genetic disorder characterized by iron 
overload, which can lead to elevated 
liver enzymes, increased ferritin and 
transferrin saturation. The condition is 
associated with a heightened risk of 
liver and metabolic complications, 
including fatigue, joint pain, abdominal 
pain and endocrinopathies. 
Emerging preclinical data suggest that 
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) 
may improve hepatic inflammation and 
iron metabolism in HH.

Beyond Phlebotomy: Tirzepatide for Iron Overload in Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Background
COVID-19 has been associated with a broad range of neuropsychiatric sequelae, including new-onset psychosis, mood episodes, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms can develop during active infection or emerge in the weeks that follow. The underlying causes are likely multifactorial involving neuroinflammation, immune response, direct CNS effects, and psychosocial stressors. Patients with chronic psychiatric illnesses may be especially susceptible to decompensation but reports of COVID-19 related psychiatric decline in inpatient psychiatric settings remain limited.
Case Presentation
A 59 year old female with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and polysubstance use was admitted for psychosis and catatonia. She initially was stabilized on sublingual buprenorphine, Invega Sustenna, and Ativan. By hospital day 27, she was discharge ready and denied hallucinations, suicidality or depressive symptoms. Shortly after stabilization, she endorsed symptoms of diarrhea, no URI symptoms, and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Following the positive COVID-19 PCR test, she was placed in isolation and was monitored for additional symptoms. Serial antigen tests 5 and 7 days after were negative. Within days of the initial positive test, she exhibited acute decompensation characterized by increased paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, disorganized behavior, and mania. Despite being on therapeutic doses of antipsychotic medications, she became increasingly labile, exhibited disorganized behavior, and made illogical statements. Management was complicated by suspected akathisia, bradycardia limiting propranolol use, and side effects from Lithium which was discontinued and replaced by Valproic acid for manic symptoms. Trial of Olanzapine was begun but was insufficient. On day 55, Clozapine was initiated due to persistent psychosis and mania. Despite concerns about subjective akathisia, she tolerated the initial titration, and mirtazapine was initiated for adjunctive management of akathisia and mood symptoms. The patient remains hospitalized under close psychiatric monitoring, with ongoing management focused on titration of clozapine and adjunctive pharmacologic support.
Discussion
This case highlights the risk of psychiatric destabilization in patients with severe mental illness following COVID-19 infection, even in the absence of severe respiratory symptoms. Management was further complicated by medication side effects and the need for antipsychotic regimen adjustments during an acute medical illness. Furthermore, careful medical management and early recognition of psychiatric relapse are critical in patients susceptible to COVID-19 in the inpatient psychiatric setting.


Psychiatric Decompensation following COVID-19 Infection in an Inpatient Psychiatric Patient: A Clinical Vignette

Background:
Effective physician-patient communication is essential for building trust, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring treatment adherence. While language barriers are a recognized challenge, cultural differences, such as beliefs about illness, family roles, and healing practices, also significantly impact patient care. Studies show that cultural awareness may improve patient satisfaction even more than racial concordance by fostering individualized, patient-centered care.
Despite its importance, cultural humility training in medical education is often limited to preclinical years, with minimal reinforcement during residency when learners are most involved in direct patient care. This gap is especially concerning given the growing diversity of the U.S. population. Latinos now comprise nearly 20% of the population and represent the largest ethnic minority group in the country. Expanding resident education to include culturally relevant knowledge and skills is critical to improving care for Hispanic/Latine patients. Our project addresses this need by implementing a focused educational curriculum and evaluating its impact on residents’ comfort, communication, and clinical practice.
Methods:
We designed a 60–90 minute, specialty-neutral, case-based curriculum exploring key cultural values relevant to Hispanic/Latine patients, including familismo, personalismo, respeto, simpatía, and espiritualidad. Sessions were interactive and delivered to residents in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Family Medicine, and Surgery. To assess the curriculum’s impact, we administered pre- and post-session surveys using a shortened, customized version of two validated tools: the Cross-Cultural Care Survey and the Cultural Competence Health Practitioner Assessment.
Results:
Prior to the sessions, 47% of residents reported feeling only slightly comfortable identifying cultural customs that could impact care, and 88% expressed a desire for more training. After the sessions, 55% felt somewhat comfortable discussing how culture influences care. Understanding of Latine health beliefs and use of traditional healers improved significantly, with knowledge of traditional healer use increasing from 19% to 47%. While 45% of residents found the sessions extremely helpful, only 50% felt moderately comfortable incorporating the strategies into clinical practice.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight both a clear need and strong demand among residents for cultural humility education. The curriculum improved knowledge and awareness, but the modest increase in comfort applying the material suggests that single-session interventions may not be sufficient. Longitudinal reinforcement and case-based practice may be necessary to build confidence. Incorporating cultural training alongside language-concordant care holds promise for strengthening physician-patient relationships, improving communication, and enhancing outcomes in cross-cultural encounters.


Cultural Humility in Residency: Latine Patient-Centered Teaching

While professional identity formation is recognized as beneficial for medical students’ well-being and relationships with colleagues and patients, students consistently report challenges with engaging in meaningful respite and reflection. Time spent in nature has been repeatedly shown to support well-being, reduce stress, and enhance reflective capacity, yet remains to be used in a reflective practice for students. In contrast, lack of contact with nature is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, decreased creativity, attention difficulties, and decreased overall physical and emotional well-being. This study explores medical students’ reflections on important formative connections to nature and the barriers that limited these connections. 

We collected data from 56 medical students from across the United States who participated in the Backpacking Medicine course offered by the Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) program at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Participants were divided into four focus groups and asked to write on a notecard their favorite memory in nature and a personal barrier to accessing nature. These reflections were discussed within the groups in relation to students’ current experiences in medical school and their future roles as physicians. The written responses were analyzed using thematic analysis, with codes organized into themes and subthemes. 

Three major themes emerged for students’ favorite memory: Family & Social Bonds, Independent Play & Exploration, and Structured Outdoor Programs & Skill Building. Six major themes emerged for students’ barriers to outdoor access: Health & Physical Limitations, Negative or Traumatic Outdoor Experiences, Lack of Social Support or Modeling, Environmental and Structural Access Barriers, Cultural and Generational Barriers, Time & Life Demands. 

Our findings highlight the role of nature exposure in promoting reflective practices, identity development, and well-being in medical students. Students’ favorite outdoor memories emphasized the value of social connection, skill development, and personal growth. Reflections on barriers to the outdoors prompted students to consider both their own access to nature and that of future patients, inspiring creative thinking around the idea of “prescribing” nature in clinical care. A key limitation of this study is sample bias, as participants signed up for this nature-based course and may have held prior interest in or appreciation for the benefits of outdoor experiences. Future research is needed to determine the long-term effects of implementing nature as a reflective tool in medical education. 





Exploring the Use of Nature as a Reflective Tool in Medical Education

Background: Both language concordance and Medicaid acceptance are essential for equitable surgical care. Spanish-speaking and other multilingual surgeons improve comprehension, satisfaction, and outcomes for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), while Medicaid participation ensures economic accessibility. Chicago houses more than 1.7 million residents who speak a language other than English—predominantly Spanish—and over 25 % of city adults rely on Medicaid. Whether large academic health systems have enough Medicaid-accepting, Spanish-
speaking, or otherwise multilingual surgeons to meet this dual need remains unclear. The objective was to determine if Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking or multilingual surgical specialists are disproportionately underrepresented at the five largest academic institutions in Chicagoland.

Methods: In February–July 2025, publicly available roster data were extracted from surgeons in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology, vascular surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, OB/GYN, and dermatology from Rush, Northwestern, the University of Chicago, Loyola, and UIC. Variables collected included languages spoken, accepted insurance plans, and clinical practice ZIP codes. Surgeons were deemed multilingual if ≥2 languages were listed and Spanish- speaking if Spanish was explicitly reported. Medicaid acceptance was coded when any Illinois Medicaid plan (e.g., CountyCare, Meridian, Molina, MMAI) appeared among accepted insurances. Descriptive statistics compared proportions of (1) multilingual, (2) Spanish-speaking, (3) Medicaid-accepting, and (4) Medicaid accepting + Spanish-speaking surgeons across institutions and specialties.

Results: Among 1087 surgical specialists identified, 204 (18.8%) were multilingual, and 96 (8.8%) spoke Spanish. Medicaid was accepted by 278 providers (25.6%); however, only 38 surgeons (3.5%) met the combined criteria of Medicaid-accepting & Spanish-speaking, and 66 (6.1%) were Medicaid-accepting & multilingual. Representation varied markedly by institution: Rush (5.5 %) and UIC (6.3 %) had the highest share of Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking surgeons, whereas Northwestern and the University of Chicago had <3 %. Specialty analysis showed the lowest dual-access representation in neurosurgery (1.8 %) and vascular surgery (2.4 %). Geographic mapping revealed that many Medicaid-accepting multilingual surgeons practiced in affluent downtown ZIP codes, leaving LEP-dense neighborhoods with few or no language-concordant, Medicaid-accessible surgical specialists.

Conclusion: Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking and multilingual surgeons are indeed under-represented within Chicago’s largest academic institutions and are unevenly distributed away from high-need LEP communities. Addressing this dual disparity will require institution-specific recruitment incentives, multilingual training pipelines, and strategic placement of surgical services in linguistically diverse, Medicaid-reliant neighborhoods to close persistent gaps in access and outcomes.

Next from 2025 AMA Research Challenge – Member Premier Access

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Thalassemia Trait: A Multi-Center Cohort Study