About

Jesse McCarthy is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities and of the Social Sciences in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in English from Princeton University and a B.A. in English from Amherst College. His research interests encompass the novel, African American literature, African diaspora literatures, postwar literary history, American literature, Black studies, modernism, aesthetics, film, intellectual history, the history of criticism, French literature, poetics, and translation. McCarthy has authored several books, including 'The Blue Period: Black Writing in the Early Cold War,' which is forthcoming from the University of Chicago Press and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism. He also published 'Who Will Pay Reparations on My Soul? Essays,' which won the 2022 Whiting Award for Nonfiction, and 'The Fugitivities: A Novel.' Additionally, he has contributed as a co-editor and editor to various critical editions and anthologies, notably editing W. E. B. Du Bois's 'The Souls of Black Folk' and serving as a section editor for the Norton Anthology of African American Literature. McCarthy's scholarly work includes peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics such as literary aesthetics, racial identity, and modernist literature. He has been involved in digital humanities projects, notably co-founding The Shakespeare and Company Project based on Sylvia Beach archives. His essays and cultural commentary have been published in prominent outlets like The New York Review of Books, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Nation. He also engages in public discourse through media appearances and serves as an editor-at-large for The Point and as a literary fiction editor for Public Books.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Physical therapy
• Psychiatry

Selected publications

• Six Year Old With Chronic Headache: An Unexpected Meningitis Mimic.

  PubMed · 2024-05-01 · 1 citations

  article

  The constellation of fevers accompanied by headache and vomiting is a red flag for clinicians that appropriately triggers evaluation for meningitis and other life-threatening diagnoses. When symptoms persist even after these conditions are ruled out, patient care becomes more challenging. We present the case of a 6-year-old male with a history of autism spectrum disorder who presented with 6 months of headaches and associated vomiting and intermittent fevers with negative infectious workup despite cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Serial neuroimaging and laboratory evaluation ultimately led to a diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) presenting as aseptic meningitis. The clinical and radiographic findings of MOGAD are widely variable and overlap with several other inflammatory conditions, which makes diagnosis challenging. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this rare MOGAD presentation as an infectious meningitis mimic.

  Publisher

• Virtual Mechanical Testing of the Distal Humerus of Three French Bulldogs Using Quantitative CT-Based 3D Finite Element Analysis

  Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology · 2024-09-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Growth and maturation of rainbow smelt (<i>Osmerus mordax</i>) at the northern limit of their distribution range (Lake Melville, Labrador): Support for the hypothesized temperature-size rule

  Elementa Science of the Anthropocene · 2024-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), a small pelagic fish found throughout the northwest Atlantic Ocean, experienced a northward retreat of its distribution range over the 20th century and an overall decline in biomass in recent decades, both attributed to warming waters and habitat loss. In the Lake Melville estuary (Labrador, Canada), at the northern limit of its distribution range, smelt represents the main forage species and faces environmental changes from both climate warming and hydroelectric dams. This study aims to improve our understanding of the ecology of rainbow smelt and its vulnerability to climate and anthropogenic changes. We investigated hatching period, growth, and maturation of rainbow smelt in the Lake Melville estuary using trawl surveys and otolithometry. Growth and maturity from rainbow smelt in Lake Melville were then compared to southern populations to test the temperature-size rule, which stipulates slower growth and larger length-at-age of maturity at colder temperatures. In accordance with this rule, adult rainbow smelt in Lake Melville grew slower, matured up to 2 years later, and lived up to 3 years longer compared to southern populations. In contrast to it, larval growth rate was up to 3 times faster than values reported for a more southern population. Our results demonstrate that rainbow smelt in Lake Melville are well adapted to the short growth season and cold water temperatures prevailing at sub-arctic latitudes. Yet, if variation in life history across their range is a plastic response to thermal gradients, populations at their northern limits could benefit from a longer and warmer growth season.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Case 3: Persistent Hypoxemia in a 4-year-old Girl

  Pediatrics in Review · 2024-11-01 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author

  Presented here are three patients who have a common chief complaint. All three cases have discussions on presentation, the differential diagnosis, and management that collectively serve as a Review article. Following the three cases, an expert weighs in in a short commentary with 5 questions for CME credit.A 4-year-old girl with a history of suspected asthma presents to the emergency department with 7 days of rhinorrhea and 2 days of worsening cough and difficulty breathing. Her family had been using 2 puffs of an albuterol inhaler 4 to 6 times daily at home with some improvement in symptoms. The family denies any fevers, excessive sleepiness, irritability, or changes in appetite, and she has been growing appropriately. At age 2 years the patient’s primary care doctor prescribed albuterol for suspected asthma due to recurrent episodes of wheezing, and her parents identify illness and activity as triggers for her symptoms. She is not on a controller medication, and she uses 2 puffs of albuterol with a spacer and mask 1 to 2 times daily for difficulty breathing even when she does not have viral symptoms. She does not wake at night with symptoms but develops cough and difficulty breathing that limit her activity at least once a day.On initial assessment she is in mild respiratory distress but playful and interactive. Her vital signs include a weight of 52.7 lb (23.9 kg) (98th percentile), height of 44 in (112 cm) (92nd percentile), temperature of 98.2°F (36.8°C), blood pressure of 98/65 mm Hg, heart rate of 110 beats/min, respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation of 80% on room air. Physical examination is notable for mild subcostal retractions with transmitted upper airway sounds and diffuse faint end-expiratory wheezes. She has no cyanosis or clubbing, and her heart rate is regular without murmurs, rubs, or gallops. Her tympanic membranes are clear without effusion or erythema, nasal turbinates are not enlarged, and she has no tonsillar or pharyngeal erythema or exudates. Her abdomen is soft, nontender, and nondistended, with normally active bowel sounds and no apparent masses or organomegaly. There are no visible rashes on skin inspection.A chest radiograph reveals mild central interstitial prominence and ill-defined opacities in the right upper lobe and left infrahilar region, thought to represent a viral illness with possible early pneumonia (Fig 1). Complete blood cell count is significant for a hemoglobin level of 15.2 g/dL (152 g/L) and a hematocrit value of 44.7%, with normal platelet and white blood cell counts. Additional laboratory evaluations, including C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, are all within normal limits. Oxygen saturations improve to greater than 90% on 9 liters per minute (lpm) of oxygen via face mask, and she receives a total of 7.5 mg of nebulized albuterol over 2 treatments and 10 mg of intravenous dexamethasone. Her work of breathing improves with treatment, but she still requires 5 lpm of oxygen to maintain saturations of 90% to 92%. She is admitted to the hospital for further evaluation and management of her hypoxemia.Dyspnea and hypoxemia are among the most common hospital admitting diagnoses in pediatrics and have a broad differential diagnosis that can be narrowed based on patient factors. In this case, viral pneumonia is high on the list given her recent upper respiratory tract infection combined with her imaging findings. Bacterial pneumonia is less likely due to her lack of fevers and her nonfocal pulmonary examination findings. An exacerbation of inadequately controlled reactive airway disease should also be considered due to her current viral respiratory symptoms, cough, wheezing, hypoxemia, and frequent albuterol use. A foreign body in the airway is also on the differential diagnosis but would more commonly present with unilateral rather than diffuse wheezing. This patient’s persistent hypoxemia despite high oxygen flow rates in the setting of improving respiratory examination findings and chest radiography suggestive of a viral process also raises concern for a right-to-left shunt.While hospitalized, the patient continues scheduled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids with the addition of an inhaled corticosteroid for improved long-term treatment of her suspected asthma. Over time her wheezing and increased work of breathing resolve, but she continues to require 3 to 5 lpm of oxygen to maintain saturations of 90% to 92%. Her persistent hypoxemia and long-standing history of activity limitations prompt further evaluation. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest reveals pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the right upper and left upper lobes, with each lesion supplied by a prominent pulmonary artery and drained by a prominent pulmonary vein (Fig 2).AVMs are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that bypass the capillary beds. They are associated with several potential complications, including stroke, brain abscess, hypoxemia, and life-threatening hemorrhage, depending on their location in the body. (1) Pulmonary AVMs are different from AVMs in other locations in that they create a right-to-left shunt due to the higher pressure in the pulmonary arteries compared with the pulmonary veins. These shunts cause deoxygenated blood in the pulmonary arteries to bypass the alveolar capillary beds and mix with oxygenated blood returning to the left atrium in the pulmonary veins. This mixture of deoxygenated and oxygenated blood leads to a persistent hypoxemia that does not resolve with higher levels of inspired oxygen because it is the result of blood bypassing the normal gas exchange process. Patients with pulmonary AVMs may be asymptomatic or experience resting dyspnea, can develop clubbing or cyanosis if they have large or multiple AVMs, and hemoptysis may be seen with AVM rupture. (2) Patients may also develop polycythemia, as evidenced by our patient’s elevated levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, to compensate for persistent low oxygen saturations by increasing the blood’s total oxygen binding capacity.Most patients with pulmonary AVMs are found to have hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), and finding pulmonary AVMs should prompt additional diagnostic evaluation for the condition. (3) Also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, HHT is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by frequent epistaxis, iron deficiency anemia, mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and AVMs, most commonly in the brain, liver, and lungs. (3) The clinical diagnostic criteria for HHT include spontaneous and recurrent epistaxis; multiple mucocutaneous telangiectasia at characteristic sites such as the lips, tongue, face, fingers, and buccal and nasal mucosa; AVMs or other visceral involvement; and a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed as having HHT. A thorough history and physical examination are sufficient to meet the criteria related to epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasia, and family history, and AVMs and other visceral involvement can be detected using ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, or CT with angiography, depending on the site being investigated. Patients meeting 3 of these criteria are diagnosed as having HHT, and 2 criteria classifies the patient as having possible or suspected HHT and requires further genetic testing. (3)Regardless of their HHT status, all patients with 1 diagnosed AVM should undergo screening for additional AVMs. The choice of imaging modality among ultrasonography, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging varies based on patient characteristics and the site being investigated. Malformations with a feeding vessel greater than or equal to 3 mm in diameter are considered high risk for complications, including shunting, hemorrhage, and alterations in blood flow leading to organ ischemia, pulmonary hypertension, and portal hypertension. These lesions along with symptomatic lesions can be treated with embolization to close the abnormal connection between vessels provided they are in an accessible location. (4) Patients with pulmonary AVMs are also advised to take prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures because their condition increases their risk of endocarditis and brain abscess related to dental bacteremia. (5)(6) If pulmonary arterial hypertension is present, then referral to cardiology for additional treatment is recommended. (4) Cerebral AVMs can be treated with surgery, embolization, or stereotactic radiosurgery, depending on size, location, and symptoms. (7)Due to the patient’s stable respiratory status, she was scheduled for AVM embolization as an outpatient to allow for complete resolution of her viral illness. Further physical examination noted small telangiectasias on her cheeks, meeting 2 clinical criteria and placing her in the possible HHT category; however, genetic testing was negative for any known pathologic mutations. Before the embolization procedure, her oxygen saturations were in the mid-80 seconds on room air and improved to greater than 95% immediately afterward. At her 3-month follow-up appointment she continued to do well, with her parents reporting that she had no further cough or wheezing episodes, was able to keep up with her peers, and no longer stopped activities early.Persistent hypoxemia in a patient despite supplemental oxygen and other supportive treatments should raise suspicion for a right-to-left shunt.Improvement in respiratory symptoms from treatment with bronchodilators does not rule out an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Patients diagnosed as having a pulmonary AVM should be evaluated for a diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and undergo additional imaging to screen for other significant AVMs.Symptomatic AVMs and those with feeding vessels greater than or equal to 1 to 2 mm in diameter should be evaluated for therapeutic embolization.

  PublisherDOI

• A Unique Case of Coexisting Anaplasmosis and Blastomycosis.

  PubMed · 2024-05-01

  articleSenior author

  INTRODUCTION: In presenting this case of tick-borne illness in a patient with known disseminated blastomycosis, we aim to discuss the clinical reasoning and decision-making process when treating a septic presentation in a complex patient with multiple exposures and risk factors, from identifying and addressing the most devastating differentials to selecting appropriate empiric anti-infective regimens. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 60-year-old male with a medical history of diastolic heart failure, cirrhosis, sarcoidosis, hypertension, splenectomy, and recently diagnosed disseminated blastomycosis, who developed sepsis following a recent tick exposure. DISCUSSION: , including endemic regions and at-risk populations.

  Publisher

• Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction Treated With Immunotherapy: A Case Report.

  PubMed · 2023-03-01 · 4 citations

  articleSenior author

  INTRODUCTION: Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus constitutes 0.1% to 0.5% of all primary malignant esophageal neoplasms. Melanocytes are present within the squamous epithelium of the esophagus in the stratum basale layer with melanocytosis rare within the esophagus. Primary esophageal melanoma is aggressive and has a poor survival rate; 80% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. Resection surgery is usually first-line treatment for localized primary malignant esophageal melanoma, but recurrence rates remain high. Tumor-specific immunotherapy has shown promising results. We report a case of primary malignant esophageal melanoma with metastasis to the liver treated with immunotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman presented with 2 months of progressive dysphagia and 3 episodes of hematemesis the previous night. Endoscopic examination showed a hypervascular distal esophageal mass. Biopsy was positive for S-100, SOX-10, and HMB-45 and showed rare mitotic figures with scattered pigment, consistent with melanoma. She was scheduled for esophagectomy initially, but instead pursued immunotherapy after liver metastasis was diagnosed during preop magnetic resonance imaging. Immunotherapy consisted of 8 cycles of pembrolizumab, followed by 4 months nivolumab and ipilimumab. The patient remains in remission 3 years after completing immunotherapy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Our patient was diagnosed with primary malignant esophageal melanoma of the distal esophagus with metastasis to the liver, a presentation that typically has a poor prognosis. Despite this, remission was achieved with immunotherapy without surgical intervention. Only a small number of cases of primary esophageal melanoma treated with immunotherapy have been reported-one showcasing tumor stabilization following several cycles of therapy with eventual metastasis, while our patient had a stable response to treatment. Further exploration of medical management with immunotherapy should be conducted, as it represents an alternative treatment for patients who do not have the option of surgical management.

  Publisher

• Kwashiorkor in an 8-Month-Old Infant Due to Homemade Formula Use.

  PubMed · 2023-03-01 · 2 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  INTRODUCTION: Kwashiorkor is a malnutrition syndrome most commonly seen in the United States among patients with malabsorptive conditions. While it is rare in otherwise healthy individuals, cases can develop where low nutritional literacy or unorthodox diets are a factor. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an 8-month-old infant who developed kwashiorkor after transitioning to homemade infant formula. DISCUSSION: This patient developed severe malnutrition due to consumption of homemade formula that did not meet nutritional standards. The recipe was promoted by an alternative health organization as a healthy option, and the difficulty in identifying reliable health information online also played a significant role. CONCLUSIONS: Families of young children face many challenges, particularly during the recent infant formula shortage. Maintaining strong relationships and open communication with trusted health care professionals is vital to combating health misinformation and helping patients and families navigate these challenges safely.

  Publisher

• Educational Podcast Impact on Student Study Habits and Exam Performance

  Family Medicine · 2023-01-06 · 10 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Emerging technologies, trainees' proficiency with digital resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the role of mobile and asynchronous learning methods in medical education. Educational podcasts have gained popularity in both formal curricula and independent learning, but their impact on educational outcomes has not been well studied. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of third-year medical students during pediatrics clerkship. An educational podcast series titled "Peds Soup" was introduced to students as a voluntary study resource. We surveyed students at the end of the rotation to assess study habits and perceptions of the podcast. We compared survey responses from podcast users and nonusers, and used standardized pediatrics subject examination scores to measure knowledge differences between groups. RESULTS: Eighty-three students participated in the study. Peds Soup listeners (n=43) reported spending significantly more time studying during clerkship (M=16.5, SD=9.0 vs M=12.4, SD=9.2 hours/week, P=.009) than nonlisteners. Users expressed positive views toward the podcast's impact on introducing, reinforcing, and helping apply knowledge, and endorsed that Peds Soup made it easier to find time to study. Examination scores did not differ between the two groups. DISCUSSION: The podcast demonstrated a reaction-level impact, with users reporting positive attitudes toward the podcast's impact and spending more time studying during pediatrics clerkship. Podcasts have strong potential as a supplement to existing curricula, where they can fill a need for interested learners. Future research should focus on the relationship between time spent and knowledge gain or utilize alternative measures of knowledge.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The role of the college president in senior management evaluation systems.

  Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · 2023-08-15

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Education

  PublisherDOI

• Utopias and dystopias of renewable energy imaginaries

  Elsevier eBooks · 2023-01-01 · 5 citations

  book-chapterSenior author
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Doctoral Dissertation Research: Culturally Influenced Environmental Narratives

  NSF · $18k · 2019–2020

Frequent coauthors

• Kenneth J. Noonan

  Ospedale Bellaria

  25 shared

• Edward J. Carpenter

  San Francisco State University

  20 shared

• Allan R. Robinson

  Harvard University Press

  19 shared

• Randal R. Betz

  18 shared

• Shahriar Salamat

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  16 shared

• Lillian Su

  Phoenix Children's Hospital

  16 shared

• Jean A. Mitchell

  National Institutes of Health

  16 shared

• José Torrealba

  The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

  16 shared

Education

• Ph.D., English

  Princeton University

  2018

• M.A., English

  Princeton University

  2013

• B.A., English

  Amherst College

  2006

Awards & honors

• Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Crit…
• 2022 Whiting Award Winner for Nonfiction