Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Gene Expression Profiling And The Role Of Hsf1 In Ovarian Cancer In 3d Spheroid Models, Trillitye Paullin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, with over 200,000 women diagnosed each year and over half of those cases leading to death. These poor statistics are related to a lack of early symptoms and inadequate screening techniques. This results in the cancer going undetected until later stages when the tumor has metastasized through a process that requires the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In lieu of traditional monolayer cell culture, EMT and cancer progression in general is best characterized through the use of 3D spheroid models. In this study, we examine gene expression changes through microarray analysis in …

Adaptive Styles And Coping Strategies Of Youth Diagnosed With Cancer: Relationship To Well-Being, Psychosocial And Educational Adjustment, And Parents’ Adaptive Styles, Renee Corbett

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although almost 16,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, the incident rates have remained stable over recent years, and mortality has decreased consistently since 1975 (American Cancer Society, 2016). With increased survivorship, research and practice in pediatric oncology has focused more on the psychosocial well-being of patients during and after treatment. With research repeatedly indicating that patients and families appear to exhibit great resilience and adjustment, and low incidences of psychosocial difficulties (e.g., Kazak, 1994, Eiser et al. 2000), some researchers have examined adaptive style as a possible construct that may help explain the predominantly positive outcomes …

Regulation Of Nachrs And Stemness By Nicotine And E-Cigarettes In Nsclc, Courtney Schaal

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women, nationally and internationally and kills more people each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common histological subtype of lung cancer, and accounts for 85% of all cases. Cigarette smoking is the single greatest risk factor for lung cancer, and is correlated with 80-90% of all lung cancer deaths. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco smoke, is not a carcinogen and cannot initiate tumors itself; however, it is known to act as a tumor promoter, by enhancing …

Moderation Analysis Of Bowel Function Among Nutrients And Physical Function Or Depression, As Well As Whether Bowel Function Is Related To Cognition In Older Adults, Jessie Alwerdt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As we age, the risk for gut issues, such as smooth muscle tone, may be an underlying indirect or direct cause or risk factor for many age-related issues, such as frailty. Consequences of decreased motility and depleted epithelial barrier may result in nutrient deficiencies that may increase the risk for malnutrition (Brownie, 2006). Further, there is increasing evidence that there is a gut-brain-axis relationship that may influence cognition and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. While there are relationships established, the interconnections of these factors have yet to be fully understood.

This dissertation examined several relationships specific to …

Care Setting Of The Last Resort: Care Transitions For Nursing Home Residents Directly Admitted From The Community, Amanda A. Holup

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Since the late 1980s, policymakers have attempted to reduce the institutional bias of their long-term services and supports by investing in more accessible home and community-based services for older adults with long-term care needs and adults with disabilities. To further advance rebalancing discussions, this study examined the resident, facility, and state characteristics associated with the admission of community-dwelling older adults to the nursing home and the subsequent discharge of this population back to community settings. Data from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 were used to construct episodes of care for all newly-admitted residents aged 65 and older to any …

Using Instructions And Behavioral Skills Training To Teach Facebook Skills To Seniors, Alison Ann Oconnell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The senior population is growing faster than any other population group, and life expectancy is increasing. E-mail and social media enable people of all ages to stay in touch, and find information, resources, and entertainment. Positive effects are associated with computer and internet use for older adults, but not all seniors have embraced technology and some seniors feel negatively about it. Several different methods have been used to teach seniors computer skills, including mentoring, lecturing, and providing instructions, but not many procedures have been evaluated for effectiveness. In the current study, we recruited three to five seniors, taught them to …

Inhibiting The Interaction Between Grp94 And Myocilin To Treat Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Andrew Stothert

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative protein misfolding disorder classified by increases in IOP, damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve (ON) head damage, and progressive irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma, constituting over 90% of clinical cases. POAG is observed in patients where normal outflow channels, mainly the trabecular meshwork (TM), are exposed at the angle formed by the iris and cornea. However, due to TM cellular dysfunction, aqueous outflow resistance is increased preventing normal circulation of aqueous humor. Recent studies have shown that in 2-4% of POAG cases, increased intracellular levels of …

Changes In Physical Functioning And Muscle Strength In Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer: A Controlled Comparison, Brian D. Gonzalex, Heather S. L. Jim, Brent J. Small, Mayer N. Fishman, Babu Zachariah, Randy V. Heysek, Paul B. Jacobsen

Aging Studies Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine changes in muscle strength and self-reported physical functioning in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer compared to matched controls.

Methods: Prostate cancer patients scheduled to begin ADT (n = 62) were assessed within 20 days of starting ADT and 6 and 12 months later. Age and geographically matched prostate cancer controls treated with prostatectomy only (n = 86) were assessed at similar time intervals. Grip strength measured upper body strength, the Chair Rise Test measured lower body strength, and the SF-12 Physical Functioning scale measured self-reported physical functioning. …

Targeting Histone Deacetylases In Melanoma And T-Cells To Improve Cancer Immunotherapy, Andressa Sodre De Castro Laino

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key mediators of gene expression and, thus, major regulators of cell function. As such, HDACs play a role in orchestrating tumor biology, and the use of small inhibitors targeting theses proteins is attractive for the field of cancer therapy. Indeed, several HDAC inhibitors have received FDA-approval for the treatment of malignancies, while a myriad of these compounds continue to be evaluated in clinical trials. Besides their direct impact on tumor growth, HDAC inhibitors have been shown to increase immunogenicity of cancer cells, facilitating generation of a productive immune response against tumors. Immunotherapeutic approaches take advantage of …

Multiple Case Study Of Factors Associated With Enrollment Of Women With Persistent Or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer In Clinical Trials In Central Florida, Judith Ann Ebbert

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Study Purpose: Ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic cancer, has had a relatively stable mortality rate since 1975, despite a decrease in mortality for all gynecologic cancers combined. Standard-of-care advances are needed to reduce ovarian cancer morbidity and mortality. Advances must, however, undergo a long, rigorously controlled research process that can take more than ten years before becoming available to the public. Further, few women with persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer are offered or enrolled in the clinical trials that do exist at select sites throughout the nation. The purpose of this multiple-case study is to identify necessary and/or sufficient …

Incidence, Persistence, And Recurrence Of Anogenital Α- Mucosal Hpv Infections (Hpv 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 And 58), Shitaldas J. Pamnani

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The aims of this study were to: 1) Assess whether naturally induced anti-HPV antibodies are associated with subsequent acquisition of genital HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 infections in men, 2) assess the recurrence (redetection) of genital HPV infections of the 9-valent vaccine HPV types and investigate factors associated with recurrent infections among men, and 3) assess the risk of type-specific sequential acquisition of anal HPV infection following a genital HPV infection of the 9-valent vaccine HPV types among men who have sex with women (MSW).

Methods: 4,123 healthy men were followed every six months (median follow-up time 4.1 …

Fear Conditioning And Extinction In Youth With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Joseph F. Mcguire, Scott P. Orr, Monica S. Wu, Adam B. Lewin, Brent J. Small, Vicky Phares, Tanya K. Murphy, Sabine Wilhelm, Daniel S. Pine, Daniel Geller, Eric A. Storch

Psychology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Fear acquisition and extinction are central constructs in the cognitive-behavioral model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which underlies exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Youth with OCD may have impairments in fear acquisition and extinction that carry treatment implications. We examined these processes using a differential conditioning procedure.

METHODS: Forty-one youth (19 OCD, 22 community comparisons) completed a battery of clinical interviews, rating scales, and a differential conditioning task that included habituation, acquisition, and extinction phases. Skin conductance response (SCR) served as the primary dependent measure.

RESULTS: During habituation, no difference between groups was observed. During acquisition, differential fear conditioning was observed …

Antigen Specific Induced T Regulatory Cellular Therapy For Graft-Versus-Host Disease Following Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation, Jessica Lauren Heinrichs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) has been a successful cellular therapy for patients suffering from hematological malignancies for many decades; however, the beneficial effects of graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) are classically offset by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD occurs when major and/or minor human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches between donor and recipient cause rapid expansion and activation of donor effector T cells (Teffs) resulting in end organ damage to the recipient’s epithelial tissues. Given the lymphoproliferative nature of this disease, the standard treatment option is broad immunosuppression, which can result in primary disease relapse, steroid refractory GVHD, and/or opportunistic infection. A more …

Cutaneous Human Papillomavirus Infection And Development Of Subsequent Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Skin, Shalaka S. Hampras, Rhianna A. Reed, Spencer Bezalel, Michael Cameron, Basil Cherpelis, Neil Fenske, Vernon K. Sondak, Jane Messina, Massimo Tommasino, Tarik Gheit, Dana E. Rollison

Pathology and Cell Biology Faculty Publications

The role of cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown. Pathologically confirmed cases of SCC () enrolled in a previously conducted case-control study were included in a retrospective cohort study to examine the association of cutaneous HPV at the time of SCC diagnosis with the risk of subsequent SCC development. Data on HPV seropositivity, HPV DNA in eyebrow hairs (EB) and SCC tumors were available from the parent study. Incidence of subsequent SCC was estimated using person-years of follow up. Cox Proportional Hazards ratios were estimated to evaluate the associations …

Editorial Comment: Laparoscopic Single Port Cystolithotomy Using Pneumovesicum, Trushar Patel

Urology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Retroperitoneoscopic Pyelolithotomy: A Good Alternative Treatment For Renal Pelvic Calculi In Children, Lucas Wiegand

Urology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Rare Case Of The Simultaneous, Multifocal, Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma To The Ipsilateral Left Testes, Bladder, And Stomach, Michael Kongnyuy, Samuel Lawindy, Daniel Martinez, Mary Hall

Urology Faculty Publications

We describe the rare case of a 68-year-old gentleman with the history of a hand-assisted laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy for a T2bN0M1 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Seven years after surgery and with clean surveillance imaging for metastasis/recurrence the patient presented with three separate tumors suspicious for malignancy. A bladder lesion was found during workup for hematuria, a stomach lesion during diagnostic endoscopy, and a testicular lesion during self-exam. He underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor, left inguinal orchiectomy, and upper endoscopic ensnarement. All specimens surprisingly showed RCC by histology and immunostaining. These three sites are rare for RCC …

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating The Safety Of One-Year Administration Of Green Tea Catechins, Nagi B. Kumar, Julio Pow-Sang, Philippe E. Spiess, Jong Park, Raoul Salup, Christopher R. Williams, Howard Parnes, Michael J. Schell

Urology Faculty Publications

Purpose: Although preclinical, epidemiological and prior clinical trial data suggest that green tea catechins (GTCs) may reduce prostate cancer (PCa) risk, several preclinical studies and case reports have reported liver toxicities and acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Based on these observations, regulatory bodies have required stringent inclusion criteria with frequent, excessive toxicity monitoring and early stopping rules in clinical trials. These requirements have impeded recruitment and retention of subjects in chemoprevention trials and subsequent progress in agent development efforts.

Experimental Design: We conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of Polyphenon E® (PolyE®), a proprietary mixture of decaffeinated GTCs, containing 400 mg (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate …

Progression Of Friedreich Ataxia: Quantitative Characterization Over 5 Years, Maya Patel, Charles J. Isaacs, Lauren Seyer, Karlla Brigatti, Sarah Gelbard, Cassandra Strawser, Debbie Foerster, Julianna Shinnick, Kimberly Schadt, Eppie M. Yiu, Martin B. Delatycki, Susan Perlman, George R. Wilmot, Theresa Zesiewicz, Katherine Mathews, Christopher M. Gomez, Grace Yoon, Sub H. Subramony, Alicia Brocht, Jennifer Farmer, David R. Lynch

Neurology Faculty Publications

Objective Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of adults and children. This study analyzed neurological outcomes and changes to identify predictors of progression and generate power calculations for clinical trials.

Methods Eight hundred and twelve subjects in a natural history study were evaluated annually across 12 sites using the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS), 9-Hole Peg Test, Timed 25-Foot Walk, visual acuity tests, self-reported surveys and disability scales. Cross-sectional outcomes were assessed from recent visits, and longitudinal changes were gaged over 5 years from baseline.

Results Cross-sectional outcomes correlated with measures of disease severity. Age, genetic severity (guanine-adenine-adenine …

Application Of Pre-Participation Cardiovascular Screening Guidelines To Novice Older Runners And Endurance Athletes, Justin R. Abbatemarco, Courtney Bennett, Adrian J. Bell, Laura Dunne, Martin E. Matsumura

Neurology Faculty Publications

Objectives: Despite robust growth in participation in marathons and endurance sports among older individuals, guidance regarding pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation of these athletes is lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of currently available pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation guidelines as applied to a cohort of older novice endurance athletes.

Methods: We applied data from 1457 novice runners and endurance athletes aged 35 years and older to two pre-participation screening tools, the American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine Pre-Participation Questionnaire and the 2001 Working Group recommendations for pre-participation screening of masters athletes (2001 Masters).

Results: Application of the …

Unusual Late Onset Of Parenchymal Neuro-Behçet Disease, Wai Wai Miller, Demetrios Konstas, Chetan Gandhy, Derrick Robertson

Neurology Faculty Publications

Neuro-Behçet disease (NBD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by oral lesions, genital lesions, uveitis, and neurological deficits. If left untreated, it may lead to worsening neurological function and can be fatal. Here we present a case of a 52-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Behçet disease (BD) as a teenager and had a relatively mild disease course. Decades later after her initial DB diagnosis, she presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of headache. She did not have focal neurological deficits or any active mucosal lesions. Upon further investigation, the patient was found to have multiple inflammatory changes …

Three Year Old Male With Multiple Dieulafoy Lesions Treated With Epinephrine Injections Via Therapeutic Endoscopy, Christina L. Baldwin, Michael Wilsey

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Dieulafoy lesions, vascular anomalies typically found along the gastrointestinal tract, have been viewed as rare and obscure causes of sudden intestinal bleeding, especially in pediatric patients. Since their discovery in the late 19th century, the reported incidence has increased. This is due to an increased awareness of, and knowledge about, their presentation and to advanced endoscopic diagnosis and therapy. Our patient was a three-year-old male, without a complex medical history. He presented to the emergency department with acute hematemesis with blood clots and acute anemia requiring blood transfusion. Endoscopy revealed four isolated Dieulafoy lesions along the lesser curvature of the …

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following Bilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps, Eric Clayman, Kristen Marcet, Lauren Kuykendall, Dunya M. Atisha

Surgery Faculty Publications

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an atypical ulcerative cutaneous condition, with an estimated six cases per million people per year in the United States.[1] One-half of patients have idiopathic disease, and it is most commonly associated with underlying systemic inflammatory conditions or hematologic malignancies.[1] [2] There have been several reported cases of PG following breast reduction procedures; however, postsurgical PG (PSPG) is rarely seen following autologous tissue breast reconstruction.[3]

In this article, the authors report the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of a patient diagnosed with PSPG following a delayed breast reconstruction with …

Comparing Single And Dual Console Systems In The Robotic Surgical Training Of Graduating Ob/Gyn Residents In The United States, Emad Mikhail, Jason L. Salemi, Stuart Hart, Anthony N. Imudia

Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective. To assess the impact of a single versus dual console robotic system on the perceptions of program directors (PD) and residents (RES) towards robotic surgical training among graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents. Design. An anonymous survey was developed using Qualtrics, a web-based survey development and administration system, and sent to obstetrics and gynecology program directors and graduating residents. Participants. 39 program directors and 32 graduating residents (PGY4). Results. According to residents perception, dual console is utilized in about 70% of the respondents’ programs. Dual console system programs were more likely to provide a robotics …

Evidence-Based Cesarean Delivery For The Nonobstetrician, Joshua D. Dahlke, Hector Mendez-Figueroa, Jeffrey D. Sperling, Lindsay Maggio, Brendan D. Connealy, Suneet P. Chauhan

Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Cesarean delivery (CD) is one of the most common major surgeries performed in the United States and worldwide. Surgical techniques evaluated in well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that demonstrate maternal benefit should be incorporated into practice. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of surgical techniques of the procedure and review the evidence basis for them for the nonobstetrician. The following techniques with the strongest evidence should be commonly performed, when feasible: (1) prophylactic antibiotics with a single dose of ampicillin or first-generation cephalosporin prior to skin incision; (2) postpartum hemorrhage prevention with oxytocin infusion of 10 …

Association Between Fellowship Training, Surgical Volume, And Laparoscopic Suturing Techniques Among Members Of The American Association Of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Emad Mikhail, Lauren Scott, Branko Miladinovic, Anthony N. Imudia, Stuart Hart

Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Study Objective. To compare surgical volume and techniques including laparoscopic suturing among members of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) according to fellowship training status. Design. A web-based survey was designed using Qualtrics and sent to AAGL members. Results. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (FMIGS) trained surgeons were more likely to perform more than 8 major conventional laparoscopic cases per month (63% versus 38%, , OR [95% CI] = 2.78 [1.54–5.06]) and were more likely to perform laparoscopic suturing during these cases (32% versus 16%, , OR [95% CI] = 2.44 [1.25–4.71]). The non-fellowship trained (NFT) surgeons …