Moderated Poster Discussions - T1 Research/Science
Monday, April 13, 2026
4:30 pm - 6:15 pm
T1 Research/Science: Translation to humans, including proof of concept studies, Phase 1 clinical trials, and focus on new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in highly controlled settings.
LINKING INFLAMMATORY AND GLYCATION BIOMARKERS TO WOUND HEALING TRAJECTORIES IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER PATIENTS (Diagnosis or Treatment of a Disease Process or Clinical Syndromes)
Amanda Howitt, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Kinesiology
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect up to 25% of individuals with diabetes and are associated with impaired microvascular function, reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and chronic inflammatory stress. Preclinical and human studies implicate the CCL28/CCR10 signaling axis in endothelial dysfunction through suppression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), while advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute to vascular injury and impaired tissue repair. The translational relevance of these biomarkers to DFU healing has not been established.
DISPROPORTIONATE VASO-OCCLUSIVE BURDEN BUT LOWER STROKE RISK IN AFRICAN AMERICAN ADMISSIONS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE: A NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE STUDY (Hematology and Oncology / Bone Marrow Transplant)
Milan Regmi, MD, Southeast Health Medical Center
While racial disparities in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are well-documented, few studies have dissected the distinct clinical phenotypes and admission patterns between racial groups [1]. In modern literature it is not reported well how these inpatient complications of SCD vary between different racial groups.
THE B12 PARADOX: PARANEOPLASTIC ELEVATION IN SOLID TUMORS WITH INSIGHT FROM MALE BREAST CANCER: LITERATURE REVIEW AND INSTITUTIONAL CASE (Hematology and Oncology / Bone Marrow Transplant)
Bibek Shrestha, MD, University of Toledo
Male breast cancer is an uncommon neoplasm that often presents at an advanced stage because of subtle clinical findings and the absence of screening programs. While elevated serum vitamin B12 levels are classically associated with hepatic or hematologic disorders, recent evidence suggests that unexplained hypercobalaminemia may serve as a paraneoplastic marker in several solid tumors, including breast cancer.
KINETICS OF IMMUNE ACTIVATION DURING IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY AND ASSOCIATION WITH INFUSION TIME OF DAY AND CONCOMITANT MEDICATION USE (Hematology and Oncology / Bone Marrow Transplant)
Tyler Shugg, PharmD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved cancer outcomes, but patient responses vary. Retrospective studies have demonstrated that infusion time of day and certain concomitant medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can impact ICI treatment outcomes, though conflicting findings exist. The biological mechanisms underlying the impact of these factors on ICI outcomes are unknown but may involve alterations in immune activation, the mechanism through which ICIs exert anti-cancer efficacy.
AN ISOFORM-SPECIFIC SIGNAL IN EXTRACELLULAR VESICLE BDNF IDENTIFIED EARLY ALZHEIMER'S-RELATED COGNITIVE CHANGES (Neurology)
Sophie Chong, University of Michigan
As the prevenance of dementia increases, early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial to prevent and slow the progression of irreversible neuronal damage. Neurotrophic factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease related dementia (ADRD) pathogenesis and circulating concentrations are altered across the cognitive impairment continuum. Further, extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be an important source of circulating BDNF.
SPATIAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS UNRAVEL DISEASE SPECIFIC AIRWAY MUCOSAL IMMUNE SIGNATURES (Pulmonary / Critical Care)
Haider Mirza, BS, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
In recent years, advanced multi-omics approaches have been utilized to describe genetic, transcriptional, and proteomic features in pulmonary disease. Yet the lack of spatial resolution has limited our ability to identify variations in the airway niche that may provide new insights into pathogenesis. Spatial transcriptomics analysis tools serve as powerful instruments to bridge this gap, enabling the mapping of gene expression and cellular interaction networks with high spatial acuity. Such techniques are still to be leveraged for the cross-sectional analysis of human airway disease.
LONG-TERM THROMBOEMBOLIC AND BREAST CANCER RISK ASSOCIATED WITH ESTRADIOL THERAPY IN TRANSGENDER VERSUS CISGENDER WOMEN: A 1:1 PROPENSITY-MATCHED COHORT STUDY (Hematology and Oncology / Bone Marrow Transplant)
Bibek Shrestha, MD, University of Toledo
Estradiol therapy is central to gender-affirming care for transgender women, yet concerns regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) and breast cancer risk persist. Prior studies are limited by small sample sizes and inadequate control of baseline cardiovascular risk. We evaluated long-term thromboembolic and malignancy outcomes associated with estradiol therapy in transgender versus cisgender women using a large real-world database.