Angela Rose Loczi-Storm

The Dellavalle/Dunnick Dermato-Epidemiology Lab transitioned from a single campus to a dual-campus collaboration between the University of Colorado and the University of Minnesota in 2024. Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory has been operating on Zoom and allows medical students from any institution to join. This innovative laboratory structure offers students and other researchers unique opportunities to engage in dermatological research and develop professional networks across two large academic institutions. The laboratory’s model embraces a virtual collaborative approach, promotes inclusivity, encourages student-led inquiry, and provides a structured environment for professional development and academic output. Through its commitment to diverse student perspectives and interdisciplinary cooperation, the Dellavalle/Dunnick Dermato-Epidemiology Lab creates a new, equitable, nationwide model for research and mentorship in dermatology, supporting medical students, residents, and fellows to navigate future careers in dermatology.

Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic helminth that is vectored through freshwater snails. While the anti-schistosome defense of the South American snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, is well studied, little is known about the immune response of the African snail, Biomphalaria sudanica. We measured expression of five candidate immune genes in B. sudanica 8, 24, and 72 hours post-exposure to S. mansoni using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Expression patterns of incompatible snails were compared to compatible snails and those sham exposed. We also assessed how diet (lettuce vs. pellet) affected expression of three genes, given prior findings that pellet-fed snails were more susceptible to S. mansoni. Results indicated that incompatible snails constitutively expressed higher levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) than compatible snails at multiple time points, and of toll-like receptor (TLR) and granulin (GRN) at a single time point. Parasite-induced expression occurred at 8 hours in SOD1, biomphalysin 2, thioester protein 1 (TEP1), and granulin (GRN); however, for biomphalysin 2 and TEP1, induced expression was only detected for susceptible snails. At 24 hours, biomphalysin 2 expression increased in exposed resistant snails, and at 72 hours, all exposed snails decreased biomphalysin 2 expression compared to controls. Parasite-induced expression of SOD1, biomphalysin 2, TEP1, and GRN supports the hypothesis that these genes play a role in B. sudanica anti-schistosome defense; however, increased expression does not necessarily yield clearance of S. mansoni. SOD1 expression was higher in lettuce-fed snails at 8 and 24 hours, consistent with their greater resistance. Together, these results demonstrate the conserved and unique aspects of the B. sudanica anti-schistosome response.

BACKGROUND Within dermatology, grand rounds serve as a foundational platform for continuing medical education (CME) and clinical development, yet little is known about how these sessions vary across U.S. academic institutions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to address the lack of comprehensive data on regional variation in CME offerings by conducting a comparative analysis of ACCME-accredited dermatology grand rounds at U.S. allopathic medical schools METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 112 dermatology departments affiliated with allopathic medical schools to assess regional differences in the structure of ACCME-accredited grand rounds, including frequency, delivery format, attendance, and CME credit allocation. Departments were eligible if they (1) internally hosted grand rounds and (2) offered ACCME-accredited AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Only departments meeting both criteria completed the full survey. RESULTS Of the 57 programs that responded, 52 (91.2%) host grand rounds, with 44 (84.6%) offering CME credits. Results revealed notable regional variation: the Northeast hosted fewer, higher-credit in-person sessions, while the West favored frequent, lower-credit hybrid or virtual formats. Nationally, higher CME credit was associated with greater attendance, but this trend was not consistent across the regions. CONCLUSIONS The observed variation reflects how institutional priorities, resources, and logistical considerations shape educational offerings. Understanding these dynamics may guide departments in optimizing their CME strategies moving forward.