Research & Publications

    1. Aldana-Bitar, J., Fazlalizadeh, H., Kinninger, A., Anderson, L., Rahban, H., Manubolu, V., Ramirez, N., Ramos, J., Ichikawa, K., Benzing, T., Krishnan, S., Kianoush, S., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2024). Comparison of AI vs human expert reading in gated coronary artery calcium score by vessel. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 18(4, Supplement), S11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2024.05.026

    2. Aldana-Bitar, J., Fazlalizadeh, H., Kinninger, A., Anderson, L., Rahban, H., Manubolu, V., Kianoush, S., Ramirez, N., Ramos, J., Ichikawa, K., Benzing, T., Krishnan, S., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2024). Factors influencing divergent calcium scores: A comparison of artificial intelligence and expert human readers in gated scans. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 18(4, Supplement), S62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2024.05.146

    3. Kianoush, S., Aldana-Bitar, J., Kinninger, A., Anderson, L., Rahban, H., Fazlalizadeh, H., Manubolu, V., Ghoto, A., Rojas, D., Ichikawa, K., Benzing, T., Krishnan, S., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2024). Comparison of coronary artery calcium scoring in gated and non-gated CT imaging as interpreted by artificial intelligence. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 18(4, Supplement), S62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2024.05.144

    4. Kianoush, S., Aldana-Bitar, J., Kinninger, A., Anderson, L., Fazlalizadeh, H., Rahban, H., Manubolu, V., Javier, D., Deljavanghodrati, M., Ichikawa, K., Benzing, T., Krishnan, S., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2024). Comparison of coronary artery calcium scoring in gated and non-gated CT imaging by human expert reading. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 18(4, Supplement), S61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2024.05.143

    5. Karlsberg, R. P., Nurmohamed, N. S., Quesada, C. G., Samuels, B. A., Dohad, S., Anderson, L. R., Crabtree, T., Min, J. K., Choi, A. D., & Earls, J. P. (2024). Performance of an artificial intelligence-guided quantitative coronary computed tomography algorithm for predicting myocardial ischemia in real-world practice. IJC Heart & Vasculature, 53, 101433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101433

    6. Aldana-Bitar, J., Golub, I. S., Moore, J., Krishnan, S., Verghese, D., Manubolu, V. S., Benzing, T., Ichikawa, K., Hamal, S., Kianoush, S., Anderson, L. R., Ramirez, N. R., Leipsic, J. A., Karlsberg, R. P., & Budoff, M. J. (2024). Colchicine and plaque: A focus on atherosclerosis imaging. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 84, 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2024.02.010

    7. Aldana-Bitar, J., Fazlalizadeh, H., Kinninger, A., Anderson, L., Rahban, H., Manubolu, V., Ramirez, N., Ichikawa, K., Pourafkari, L., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2023). Comparison of AI-derived gated versus non-gated coronary artery calcium score by vessel. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 17(4, Supplement), S57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2023.05.141

    8. Karlsberg, R., Quesada, C., Samuels, B., Dohad, S., Anderson, L., Nurmohamed, N., Choi, A., Min, J., & Earls, J. (2023). High diagnostic accuracy of a novel artificial intelligence guided quantitative computed tomography algorithm for predicting myocardial ischemia. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 17(4, Supplement), S28–S29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2023.05.071

    9. Anderson, L. R., Aldana-Bitar, J., Manubolu, V. S., Verghese, D., Alalawi, L., Ramirez, N. R., Budoff, M. J., & Karlsberg, R. P. (2023). Encapsulated calcified hematoma mimicking a cardiac tumor, diagnosed 25 years post-traumatic injury. JACC: Case Reports, 18, 101917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaccas.2023.101917

    10. Aldana-Bitar, J., Cho, G. W., Anderson, L., Karlsberg, D. W., Manubolu, V. S., Verghese, D., Hussein, L., Budoff, M. J., & Karlsberg, R. P. (2023). Artificial intelligence using a deep learning versus expert computed tomography human reading in calcium score and coronary artery calcium data and reporting system classification. Coronary Artery Disease, 34(6), 448–452. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCA.0000000000001244

    11. Cho, G. W., Anderson, L., Quesada, C. G., Samuels, B., Manubolu, V. S., Benzing, T., Kinninger, A., Krishnan, S., Budoff, M. J., & Karlsberg, R. P. (2022). Serial analysis of coronary artery disease progression by artificial intelligence-assisted coronary computed tomography angiography: Early clinical experience. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 22, 506. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-022-02951-9

    12. Aldana-Bitar, J., Ramirez, N. R., Jaffe, A. S., Manubolu, V. S., Verghese, D., Hussein, L., Anderson, L. R., Budoff, M. J., & Karlsberg, R. P. (2022). Serial changes in troponin I in COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis. Cardiology Research, 13(4), 222–227. https://doi.org/10.14740/cr1412

    13. Aldana-Bitar, J., Cho, G., Anderson, L., Manubolu, V., Verghese, D., Hussein, L., Quesada, C., Budoff, M., & Karlsberg, R. (2022). 492 CAC score correlation between artificial intelligence augmented cardiac CT and expert human readers: Early clinical experience. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 16(4, Supplement), S45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2022.06.103

    14. Cantlay, C., Telluri, A., Alarfaj, M., Bourne, M., Swamy, S., Griffin, W., Sidahmed, A., Anderson, L., Zeman, R., Katz, R., Karlsberg, R., Rahban, H., Crabtree, T., Earls, J., & Choi, A. (2022). 414 Opportunities for enhanced preventive therapies through AI-QCT: Multicenter study. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 16(4, Supplement), S7–S8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2022.06.019

    1. Mindful Self-Compassion Study- UCLA (Aug. 2023–July 2024)

      Graduate Student Researcher. A mindful self-compassion intervention to address co-occurring PTSD and substance use in unhoused women. This study uses a community-engaged approach to explore how a self-compassion intervention might help reduce PTSD and substance use in women who have experienced homelessness and trauma. (Funded by the Department of Defense) Dana Rose Garfin, Ph.D-PI.

    2. Victorion-1-Prevent- Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Feb. 2023–July 2023)

      Lead Coordinator. A pivotal Phase III study designed to hypothesize that treatment with inclisiran compared to placebo will reduce the risk of 4P-MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events in adult patients at high risk of their first major cardiovascular event. (Interventional; Phase 3) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    3. KARDIA-2- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Jan. 2023–July 2023)

      Research Assistant. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zilebesiran Used as Add-On Therapy in Patients with Hypertension Not Adequately Controlled by a Standard of Care Antihypertensive Medication. (Interventional; Phase 2) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    4. Lp(a) FRONTIERS CAVS- Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Dec. 2022–July 2023)

      Lead Coordinator. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial assessing the impact of lipoprotein(a) lowering with pelacarsen (TQJ230) on the progression of calcific aortic valve stenosis. This study also employs multimodality imaging, including echocardiography and computed tomography angiography. (Interventional; Phase 2) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    5. ISIS 678354-CS-9- Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Dec. 2022–July 2023)

      Lead Coordinator. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study of olezarsen (ISIS 678354) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (established or at increased risk for) or with severe hypertriglyceridemia. (Interventional; Phase 3) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    6. POSEIDON (Oct. 2022–July 2023) 

      Lead Coordinator. This study used patient CCTA (coronary computed tomography angiography) comparative imaging to analyze the effectiveness of PCSK9 treatment and plaque reduction over 2-4 years. The analysis informed a better use of PCSK9 medications and if they could contribute as quality preventive medications against coronary artery disease. (Investigator-led Registry) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI, Rene Packard, MD-PI.

    7. Coreline- AVIEW (Aug. 2022–July 2023)  

      Lead Coordinator. Evaluating the effectiveness of AI-based coronary artery calcification and lung analysis software: Coreline AVIEW CAC on gated and non-gated chest CT images. This study was performed in partnership with the Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA. This study is being conducted after submitting a grant proposal from the Government of South Korea for $200,000. This study tested and proved the hypothesis that Coreline AVIEW artificial intelligence software will have an excellent correlation in calcium scoring and lung nodule detection compared to human experts. Jairo Aldana-Bitar, MD, Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI, Matthew Budoff, MD-PI.

    8. CERTAIN–Cleerly, Inc. (Jul. 2022–July 2023)

      Lead Coordinator. Changes in CAD diagnosis, imaging, intervention, and medication with AI-QCT. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate if CCTA plus artificial intelligence (AI) QCT (depicting plaque, stenosis, and ischemia) will lead to significant changes in coronary artery disease diagnosis, imaging, intervention, and medication plans as compared to cardiac CT angiography human reads alone. (Registry) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    9. GC43343- Genetech (Jun. 2022–July 2023) 

      Research Assistant. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics following 4 weeks of NLRP3 inhibition with selnofast in participants with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study tested the hypothesis that in participants with CAD and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, inhibition of NLRP3 via selnoflast (an oral medication) will be safe and will decrease hsCRP levels. This was my first time working on a Phase 1c study and it was an honor to have our site selected during this beginning phase of a trial testing the safety of a new drug in patients. (Interventional; Phase 1c) Carlos Quesada, MD-PI.

    10. Victorion Plaque with CCTA–Novartis Pharmaceuticals. (Apr. 2022–July 2023)  

      Lead Coordinator. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase IIIb study evaluating inclisiran in plaque regression assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) in participants without previous cardiovascular events and a diagnosis of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Inclisiran is a new drug that uses advanced mRNA technology for lipid-lowering therapy. It was approved by the FDA in December 2021, but this trial focused on the indication of reducing the amount of plaque formed in the coronary arteries. Our site was the first initiated site in the world and a recruitment leader. (Interventional; Phase 3b) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    11. CCTA/Orticumab–Abcentra LLC. (Mar. 2022–July 2023) 

      Lead Coordinator. A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Proof-of-Activity Study With Orticumab in Subjects With Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. (Interventional; Phase 2) Matthew Budoff, MD-PI.

    12. VictORION-2 PREVENT–Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Aug.  2021–July 2023)  

      Research Assistant. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, assessing the impact of inclisiran on major adverse cardiovascular events in participants with established cardiovascular disease. (Interventional; Phase 3) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    13. CLARIFY–Cleerly, Inc. (Nov. 2021–July 2023) 

      Lead Coordinator. CT Evaluation by Artificial Intelligence for Atherosclerosis, Stenosis and Vascular Morphology (CLARIFY): A Multi-center, international study. This study was performed in partnership with George Washington University. (Registry) Andrew Choi, MD-PI.

    14. Lp(a)HORIZON–Novartis Pharmaceuticals. (Jul. 2021–July 2023) 

      Research Assistant. Assessing the Impact of Lipoprotein(a) Lowering with Pelacarsen (TQJ230) on Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with CVD. This pivotal phase 3 study was designed to support an indication for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with cardiovascular disease and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. Pelacarsen is not yet approved by the FDA, but there are currently no other therapies available that focus on lowering Lp(a) levels. (Interventional; Phase 3) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    15. CONFIRM2–Cleerly, Inc. (Aug. 2021–July 2023)   

      Lead Coordinator. Coronary CT Angiography Evaluation for Clinical Outcomes: An International, Multi-dimensional, Multi-analytics, Quantitative Registry. Artificial intelligence software was used to develop decision support. A total of 150,000 subjects will be enrolled worldwide. (Registry) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    16. VESALIUS CV–Amgen, Inc. (Apr. 2021–July 2023)  

      Research Assistant. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the impact of Evolocumab on Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk without Prior Myocardial Infarction or Stroke. Evolocumab (Repatha) has been approved for high-risk patients with cardiovascular events, but in this trial, they were studied in patients who had not had heart attacks or strokes to determine if similar powerful findings were present. (Interventional; Phase 3) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.

    17. BaroPace, LLC (Jul. 2021–Oct. 2022)

      Research Assistant. Safety and efficacy of right atrial pacing regulated by systolic blood pressure compared to standard pacemaker rate modulation programming during a low-level treadmill exercise test in patients with hypertension and HFpEF (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction). This study was initiated by Dr. Eli Gang hypothesizing that adjusting right atrial pacing in patients with pacemakers can lower blood pressure. (Investigator-led) Eli Gang, MD-PI, Carlos Quesada, MD-PI.

    18. PRECISE–HeartFlow, Inc. (Apr. 2021–Apr. 2022) 

      Research Assistant. Prospective Randomized Trial of the Optimal Evaluation of Cardiac Symptoms and Revascularization. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in comparison to other cardiovascular imaging modalities in evaluating cardiac symptoms and cardiovascular events. (Interventional) Ronald Karlsberg, MD-PI.






    1. “Empowering & Elevating: Building a Better World with Corporate Social Responsibility.” August 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    2. “How to Start a Non-profit Organization.” June 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    3. “Understanding Access to Healthcare.” May 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    4. “Public Health & Homelessness.” April 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    5. “Affordable & Accessible Housing.” March 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    6. “Employment Opportunities for People Facing Homelessness.” March 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    7. “Honoring Black History Month.” February 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    8. “Understanding the State of Poverty.” January 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    9. “Comparative Approaches to Homelessness Around the World.” January 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    10. “Changes in Homelessness Over the Years.” January 2023. Canadian Courage Project.

    11. “Mental Health Promotion for the Holidays.” December 2022. Canadian Courage Project.

    12. “Educational Barriers to Upward Financial Mobility.” December 2022. Canadian Courage Project.

    13. “Cyclical Structural Oppression & Classism.” November 2022. Canadian Courage Project.

    14. “Substance Abuse and Harm Reduction in the Homeless Population.” November 2022. Canadian Courage Project.

    15. “Abuse in Homelessness: Victims of Domestic Violence.” October 2022. Canadian Courage Project.

    16. “The Impact of Living in a Food Desert: A Lack of Adequate Access to Nutritious Food.” October 2022. Canadian Courage Project.