Digital Commons Network^™

De Novo Missense Variants In Zbtb47 Are Associated With Developmental Delays, Hypotonia, Seizures, Gait Abnormalities, And Variable Movement Abnormalities, Scott K Ward, Alexandrea Wadley, Chun-Hui Anne Tsai, Paul J Benke, Lisa Emrick, Kristen Fisher, Kimberly M Houck, Hongzheng Dai, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Maria J Guillen Sacoto, William Craigen, Kimberly Glaser, David R Murdock, Luis Rohena, Karin E M Diderich, Hennie T Bruggenwirth, Brendan Lee, Carlos Bacino, Lindsay C Burrage, Jill A Rosenfeld

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The collection of known genetic etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders continues to increase, including several syndromes associated with defects in zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZNFs) that vary in clinical severity from mild learning disabilities and developmental delay to refractory seizures and severe autism spectrum disorder. Here we describe a new neurodevelopmental disorder associated with variants in ZBTB47 (also known as ZNF651), which encodes zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 47. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed for five unrelated patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. All five patients are heterozygous for a de novo missense variant in ZBTB47, with p.(Glu680Gly) (c.2039A>G) detected …

International Society For Extracellular Vesicles Workshop Quantitatevs: Multiscale Analyses, From Bulk To Single Extracellular Vesicle, Manuela Basso, Alessandro Gori, Caterina Nardella, Mari Palviainen, Marija Holcar, Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Sylwia Bobis-Wozowicz, Vito G D'Agostino, Elena Casarotto, Yari Ciani, Shiro Suetsugu, Alice Gualerzi, Lorena Martin-Jaular, Daniela Boselli, Anna Kashkanova, Pietro Parisse, Lien Lippens, Martina Pagliuca, Martin Blessing, Roberto Frigerio, Thibaut Fourniols, Ana Meliciano, Anna Fietta, Paolo Vincenzo Fioretti, Karolina Soroczyńska, Silvia Picciolini, Amanda Salviano-Silva, Paolo Bergese, Davide Zocco, Marcella Chiari, Guido Jenster, Levi Waldron, Aleksandar Milosavljevic, John Nolan, Marco P Monopoli, Kenneth W Witwer, Benedetta Bussolati, Dolores Di Vizio, Juan Falcon Perez, Metka Lenassi, Marina Cretich, Francesca Demichelis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The “QuantitatEVs: multiscale analyses, from bulk to single vesicle” workshop aimed to discuss quantitative strategies and harmonized wet and computational approaches toward the comprehensive analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bulk to single vesicle analyses with a special focus on emerging technologies. The workshop covered the key issues in the quantitative analysis of different EV‐associated molecular components and EV biophysical features, which are considered the core of EV‐associated biomarker discovery and validation for their clinical translation. The in‐person‐only workshop was held in Trento, Italy, from January 31st to February 2nd, 2023, and continued in Milan on February 3rd with “Next …

Achieving Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, And Anesthesia (Sota) Care For All In South Asia, Siddhesh Zadey, Shirish Rao, Isha Gondi, Natalie Sheneman, Chaitrali Patil, Anveshi Nayan, Himanshu Iyer, Arti Raj Kumar, Arun Prasad, G Allen Finley, Chellapuram Raja Krishna Prasad, Chintamani, Dhananjaya Sharma, Dhruva Ghosh, Gnanaraj Jesudian, Irum Fatima, Jogi Pattisapu, Justin Sangwook Ko, Lovenish Bains, Mashal Shah, Mohammed Shadrul Alam, Narmada Hadigal, Naveen Malhotra, Nilmini Wijesuriya, Prateek Shukla, Sadaf Khan, Sunil Pandya, Tariq Khan, Tashi Tenzin, Venkat Raja Hadiga, Daniel Peterson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

South Asia is a demographically crucial, economically aspiring, and socio-culturally diverse region in the world. The region contributes to a large burden of surgically-treatable disease conditions. A large number of people in South Asia cannot access safe and affordable surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care when in need. Yet, attention to the region in Global Surgery and Global Health is limited. Here, we assess the status of SOTA care in South Asia. We summarize the evidence on SOTA care indicators and planning. Region-wide, as well as country-specific challenges are highlighted. We also discuss potential directions-initiatives and innovations-toward addressing these …

A Comparative In Vitro Investigation Of Rainbow Trout Vig-3 And Human Isg15, Kristof Jenik, Sarah J. Poynter, Shanee Herrington-Krause, Kayla Samms, Nichole Sanchez Diaz, Stephanie J. Dewitte-Orr, Tania Rodriguez-Ramos, Brian Dixon, Adebisi Sanyaolu, Tamiru Alkie, Bryce M. Warner, Nikesh Tailor, Shawna Semple

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The aquaculture industry is a big part of the global economy, supplying food and supporting many livelihoods, yet it faces formidable challenges from diverse aquatic pathogens, especially viruses. Effective antiviral treatments are lacking for both humans and economically significant farmed fish like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). When viruses invade host cells, pattern recognition receptors detect viral components, initiating intracellular signaling and type I interferon (IFN-I) production. IFN-I triggers interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that establish an antiviral state in infected and nearby cells, curbing viral spread. In rainbow trout, a particularly understudied ISG is viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV)-induced gene 3 (vig-3), …

Activation Of Mechanoreceptor Piezo1 Inhibits Enteric Neuronal Growth And Migration, Chioma Moneme, Oluyinka O Olutoye, Michał F Sobstel, Yuwen Zhang, Xinyu Zhou, Jacob L Kaminer, Britney A Hsu, Chengli Shen, Arabinda Mandal, Hui Li, Ling Yu, Swathi Balaji, Sundeep G Keswani, Lily S Cheng

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunction of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is linked to a myriad of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel found throughout the GI tract, but its role in the ENS is largely unknown. We hypothesize that Piezo1 plays an important role in the growth and development of the ENS.

METHODS: Enteric neural crest-derived progenitor cells (ENPC) were isolated from adult mouse intestine and propagated in culture as neurospheres. ENPC-derived neurons were then subject to

RESULTS: Though stretch did not cause upregulation of Piezo1 expression in enteric neurons, both stretch and Piezo1 activation produced similar alterations in …

Revolutionizing Psoriasis Topical Treatment: Enhanced Efficacy Through Ceramide/Phospholipid Composite Cerosomes Co-Delivery Of Cyclosporine And Dithranol: In-Vitro, Ex-Vivo, And In-Vivo Studies, Sammar Fathy Elhabal, Nashwa Abdelaal, Saeed A S Al-Zuhairy, Mohamed Fathi Mohamed Elrefai, Mohamed Mansour Khalifa, Mohammad Ahmad Khasawneh, Ahmed Mohsen Elsaid Hamdan, Passant M Mohie, Rania A Gad, Soad L Kabil, Mohamed Kandeel El-Ashery, Bhaskara R Jasti, Nahla A Elzohairy, Nehal Elfar, Tayseer Elnawawy, Fatma E Hassan, Mohamed Ahmed El-Nabarawi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE: Improving the treatment of psoriasis is a serious challenge today. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition affecting 125 million people worldwide. It is commonly treated with cyclosporine-A (CsA) and dithranol (DTH). CsA suppresses the activation of T-cells, immune cells involved in forming psoriatic lesions. Meanwhile, DTH is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug that effectively reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms such as redness, scaling, and skin thickness. CsA and DTH belong to BCS class II with limited oral bioavailability. We aim to develop a drug delivery system for topical co-delivery of CsA and DTH, exploring its therapeutic potential. …

How Users' Perceptions Of Friends' Content Influence Their "Annoyance" After Viewing Facebook Posts, Mai-Ly N Steers, Robert E Wickham, Olivia M Tabaczyk, Chelsie M Young, Michelle C Quist, Lindsey B Eikenburg, Jennifer L Bryan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Social media posts may elicit strong, instantaneous feelings of irritation, or "annoyance." The current experiment investigated how participants' ratings of Facebook posts and their levels of closeness to the poster impacted these feelings. Respondents (N = 476) were asked to rate how irrelevant, inappropriate, mundane, and annoying Facebook posts from an imagined close friend, moderately close friend, and acquaintance were. A cross-classified, Bayesian structural equation model determined the unique contributions at the rater level, target level, and the distinct combination of rater and target at the within level. At the within level, results suggested irrelevance, mundaneness, and inappropriateness of posts …

Generation And Characterization Of In Vitro Transcribed Mrna, Cristina Poveda, Yi-Lin Chen, Ulrich Strych

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Here we describe the in vitro preparation of mRNA from DNA templates, including setting up the transcription reaction, mRNA capping, and mRNA labeling. We then describe methods used for mRNA characterization, including UV and fluorescence spectrophotometry, as well as gel electrophoresis. Moreover, characterization of the in vitro transcribed RNA using the Bioanalyzer instrument is described, allowing a higher resolution analysis of the target molecules. For the in vitro testing of the mRNA molecules, we include protocols for the transfection of various primary cell cultures and the confirmation of translation by intracellular staining and western blotting.

Human Rights, Informed Consent, And The Influence Of Gender In Compulsory Vaccination: A Qualitative Analysis To Mediate Public Policy In A Protracted Social Conflict, Shannon Christine Rowles-Mcgighan

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This research study sought to understand the perspectives and experiences related to theCompulsory Vaccination Policy and the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The research objective was to mediate the conflict between the public and the medical community by presenting what William Ury called the “third side.” Uri (1999) studied conflict and found another way to perceive conflict from a larger perspective that emphasizes a fair solution that meets both sides’ needs and the surrounding communities. This study involved qualitative analysis to triangulate the concerns in the conflict through an evaluation of vaccine injury cases, vaccine injury data collection methods, the influence …

ความชุกและปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมในคนไทยวัยผู้ใหญ่ที่โรงพยาบาลมหาวิทยาลัยแห่งหนึ่งในช่วงการแพร่ระบาดของโรคติดเชื้อไวรัสโคโรนา 2019, ภวิกา เสริมศักดิ์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

เมื่อมีการแพร่ระบาดของโรคติดเชื้อไวรัสโคโรนา 2019 ในประเทศไทยจะส่งผลต่อการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมหรือไม่เป็นเรื่องที่มีความน่าสนใจ การศึกษานี้มีวัตถุุประสงค์เพื่อให้ทราบถึงความชุกและปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมในช่วงการแพร่ระบาดของโรคติดเชื้อไวรัสโคโรนา 2019 เป็นการศึกษาเชิงพรรณนาแบบตัดขวาง ทำการเก็บข้อมูลในผู้มารับบริการที่โรงพยาบาลมหาวิทยาลัยแห่งหนึ่งโดยใช้แบบสอบถาม วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วยสถิติเชิงพรรณนาและวิเคราะห์ปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องด้วยสถิติ multiple logistic regression ผลการศึกษาพบว่าจากข้อมูลจำนวน 378 คน พบว่าความชุกของการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมในช่วงการแพร่ระบาดของโรคติดเชื้อไวรัสโคโรนา 2019 อยู่ที่ร้อยละ 46.0 (95% CI = 41.0, 51.1) กลุ่มที่ตอบว่าการไปตรวจฟันและขูดหินปูน/ขูดหินน้ำลายมีความสำคัญมีความสัมพันธ์กับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมเป็น 2.38 เท่า (95% CI =1.19, 4.73) กลุ่มที่มีความกังวลหรือความกลัวในการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมมีความสัมพันธ์กับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมเป็น 0.52 เท่า (95% CI = 0.29, 0.92) กลุ่มต้องการยกเลิกหรือเลื่อนนัดการรักษาทางทันตกรรมมีความสัมพันธ์กับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมเป็น 0.35 เท่า (95% CI = 0.21, 0.60) และกลุ่มมีปัญหาในช่องปากที่คิดว่ามีความจำเป็นต้องไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมมีความสัมพันธ์กับการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมเป็น 2.70 เท่า (95% CI = 1.66, 4.38) สรุปผลการศึกษาได้ว่า ความชุกของการไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรมในช่วงการแพร่ระบาดของโรคติดเชื้อไวรัสโคโรนา 2019 อยู่ที่ร้อยละ 46.0 ปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องได้แก่ ทัศนคติและความรู้ด้านสุขภาพช่องปากและปัญหาในช่องปากที่คิดว่ามีความจำเป็นต้องไปรับการรักษาทางทันตกรรม

Intravenous Contrast Extravasations Of Ct Contrast Media Prevention Bundle, Shakerra T. Brown

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Contrast extravasations pose significant risks during intravenous contrast media imaging procedures, with potential adverse outcomes ranging from minor skin irritation to severe tissue necrosis. Despite technological advancements and procedural safeguards, contrast extravasations remain a concern in healthcare settings. A comprehensive needs assessment at our institution revealed a notable incidence of contrast extravasations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate risk and enhance patient safety. This project aims to explore the complexities of contrast extravasations, examining contributing factors, associated complications, and current prevention and management strategies to inform evidence-based practices and improve patient outcomes. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) …

Chronic Kidney Disease Nutritional Management: Developing A Guideline, Benjamin L. Wallace

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

The global prevalence and incidence of those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. Thirty-seven million adults are estimated to have CKD and need nutritional assessment, education, and management to prevent further kidney damage and mortality (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022; United States Renal Data System, 2022). Maintaining the nutritional requirements for CKD is listed as a global concern in the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD 2020 (Ikizler et al., 2020). After a review of more than 50 publications, five recommendations were developed and proposed. A team of multidisciplinary stakeholders, …

Modulating The Mtor Pathway Using Inducible Retrogradely Transported Aavs As A Novel Approach To Improve Motor Recovery In Spinal Cord Injury, Christopher Bosse-Joseph

Theses and Dissertations--Medical Sciences

Spinal cord injury poses multiple regeneration barriers, including neuronal-intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Overcoming these barriers has stood as a longstanding challenge in neuroscience. A well-studied mechanism to promote spinal cord regeneration and locomotor recovery is activating the PI3K/mTOR pathway by knocking out phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN). PTEN knockout (PTEN-KO) studies have traditionally used adeno-associated virus (AAV) viral vectors to improve functional recovery. The use of traditional AAV serotypes to induce PTEN-KO has shown promise to improve functional recovery in rodent models; however, these approaches show significant limitations for translational utility. Firstly, the use of traditional AAV serotypes to …

Evaluation Of The Cellular And Physiologic Impact Of Mitomycin C On Colon Cancer, Hannah Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with Mitomycin C (MMC) has more than doubled the overall and disease-free survival in patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) due to colorectal cancer (CRC) over the past two decades. Although MMC is the most used HIPEC drug for PM due to CRC, dosing protocols vary dramatically between and within institutions across the world. Additionally, little is known about the impact of hyperthermia and MMC on intracellular pathways for CRC. The aim of this work is to determine the optimal dosing strategy in the clinical application of MMC and hyperthermia for treatment of …

Autonomic Modulation Of Cardiac Function In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Jenna Rose Disser

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic heart disorder. HCM is characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and an increased risk of fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Previous studies in humans with HCM have demonstrated increased cardiac norepinephrine spillover and reduced beta-1 receptor (β1R) expression in the left ventricle (LV). We have previously demonstrated that cardiac sympathetic tone is elevated in an alpha-tropomyosin mutant mouse model of HCM. We hypothesized that HCM mice would demonstrate reduced β1R expression in the LV and attenuated heart rate (HR) and dP/dt max responses to ramped infusion of the β1R agonist, dobutamine. …

Addressing Healthcare Disparities Faced By Aging Down Syndrome Populations, Rhea Mistry

Pitzer Senior Theses

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal genetic condition that impacts the development of the body and brain. The life expectancy of individuals with DS has drastically improved over the decades, increasing from 9 years in 1929 to 25 years in 1983 and further reaching 60 years by 2002. Individuals with DS face a variety of prominent co-occurring health conditions that are subject to change over time, including cognitive, visual, and hearing impairments, sleep apnea, cardiovascular defects, Down syndrome regression disorder, and dementia. Despite this increase in life span, DS is still most familiar to pediatric care providers, resulting in healthcare …

Inflammation And Tumor Progression: The Differential Impact Of Saa In Breast Cancer Models, Daniel Wilhelm Olivier, Carla Eksteen, Manisha Du Plessis, Louis De Jager, Lize Engelbrecht, Nathaniel Wade Mcgregor, Preetha Shridas, Frederick C. De Beer, Willem J. S. De Villiers, Etheresia Pretorius, Anna-Mart Engelbrecht

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: Previous research has shown that the Serum Amyloid A (SAA) protein family is intricately involved in inflammatory signaling and various disease pathologies. We have previously demonstrated that SAA is associated with increased colitis disease severity and the promotion of tumorigenesis. However, the specific role of SAA proteins in breast cancer pathology remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of systemic SAA1 and SAA2 (SAA1/2) in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model.

Methods: Syngeneic breast tumors were established in wild-type mice, and mice lacking the SAA1/2 (SAADKO). Subsequently, tumor volume was monitored, species survival determined, the inflammatory profiles of mice …

Prenatal Androgen Exposure Reduces Ovarian Function, Marlee Weets

All Master's Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive and endocrine disorder, being the leading cause of infertility for females of reproductive age. The etiology of PCOS is not fully known, although it is hypothesized that there is a genetic, epigenetic, and environmental component to the disease. One of the environmental influences that can cause an abnormal reproductive phenotype similar to PCOS is prenatal exposure to excess androgens (male sex hormones). Previous studies have shown that prenatal exposure to androgens in mice can cause a PCOS-like ovarian phenotype similar to people with PCOS. To examine how prenatal androgen exposure causes …

Combinatorial Atoh1, Gfi1, Pou4f3, And Six1 Gene Transfer Induces Hair Cell Regeneration In The Flat Epithelium Of Mature Guinea Pigs, Yujie Liu, Lin Yang, Sunita Singh, Lisa A Beyer, Diane M Prieskorn, Donald L Swiderski, Andrew K Groves, Yehoash Raphael

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Flat epithelium (FE) is a condition characterized by the loss of both hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells and the transformation of the organ of Corti into a simple flat or cuboidal epithelium, which can occur after severe cochlear insults. The transcription factors Gfi1, Atoh1, Pou4f3, and Six1 (GAPS) play key roles in HC differentiation and survival in normal ears. Previous work using a single transcription factor, Atoh1, to induce HC regeneration in mature ears in vivo usually produced very few cells and failed to produce HCs in severely damaged organs of Corti, especially those with FE. Studies in vitro …

Role Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) In Evaluating The Indeterminate Breast Lesions, Jehan Ibrahim M. Altohamy, Nivine Abdel Moneim Chalabi, Mohamed Amr Farouk, Mina Awny Moawad, Shrouk Mohamed Awadallah

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: the number of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) continues to rise, making it the utmost public cause of cancer death among ladies globally. It has been proposed that high-risk individual's get breast MRIs, which are the most sensitive breast cancer screening method that does not use ionizing radiation. Aim and objectives; This research effort assesses breast MRI in order to clarify the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization of indeterminate mammography or ultrasonography examines as well as evaluate the diagnostic reliability of MRI in assessing lesions discovered on screening or diagnostic mammography or ultrasonography that …

Understanding The Effects Of Hormone Treatments On The Transgender Singer: A Pedagogical Study And Voice Studio Guide, Erin M. Hannon

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Transitioning from one gender to another can be an arduous and emotionally charged experience, accompanied by many physical and mental transformations. The journey of self-discovery and vocal explorations is both unique and deeply personal. Modifications that emerge in an individual's vocal characteristics have a profound influence on their capacity to communicate and express themselves.

Transgender vocal students and professional singers must navigate the delicate balance between their vocal and gender identities while considering the possible risks of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy. Though these therapies may significantly alter one's appearance and overall well-being, they are also capable of causing notable declines …

Telemedicine And Physical Visits: A Dynamic Duo In Obesity Management Among Adolescents, Egypt, Enas Sayed Abbas, Safaa Al Hussein Tawfik, Gehan Fouad Ahmad, Lamiaa Ibrahim Haroon, Taghreed K. M. Elhady, Amira Said Nassar

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Childhood obesity, a serious global issue, leads to various health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and psychological issues. In Egypt, inconsistent data shows a significant prevalence of obesity among adolescents, influenced by factors like gender, age, and lifestyle. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of telemedicine, in conjunction with physical visits, for managing obesity among adolescents in Egypt. Telemedicine, a cost-effective and engaging alternative to in-person visits, can help patients lose weight and provide a safe, remote alternative, expanding treatment access to hard-to-reach populations. The study is a controlled clinical trial on overweight or obese adolescents …

Lung Transplant Technology, Lana Tso

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Lung disease is a significant medical problem. Numerous individuals including infants, children, and adults of all ages can all be affected. Because of this, medical research has been heavily invested in advancing technology and finding solutions for what can be the most effective way to perform lung transplants. This literature review will be focusing on what is currently known about the process of lung transplants as well as future directions for research in this area.

Clostridioides Difficile: Identification Of Rival Organisms & Evaluation Of Non-Antibiotic Treatment Implementation, Justin Davis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Clostrioides difficile is a common cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. Patients receiving antibiotic treatment experience dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and C. difficile, normally held in check by the various other organisms, takes this opportunity to propagate. Symptoms of infection generally include diarrhea, colitis, dehydration, and fever. Understanding that C. difficile generally only causes illness when it is the dominant bacterium (i.e. when growth is relatively unchecked by other microbes), it is appropriate to investigate potential competitive organisms that may be introduced after antibiotic courses or during active C. difficile infection to effectively displace it. Fecal samples from the University …

Tim/Tam Receptors: A Potential Biomarker For Predicting Sensitivity To Zika Virus-Induced Oncolysis In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers, Shankari Somasekar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) constitute 80-85% of lung cancers and are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The most common cause is prolonged smoking. Current treatment options for NSCLC include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Although these medications are effective in the short term, patients often face issues of drug resistance and debilitating side effects with prolonged use. Currently, the use of Zika virus (ZIKV) is being researched as a possible alternative treatment for cancer, which minimizes side effects and the risk of drug resistance. TIM/TAM proteins are identified as the putative ZIKV receptors on …

Understanding Guardian Perceptions Of Whole-Foods Plant-Based Diets As Interventions In Pediatric Medicine, Vijay R. Luthra

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The obesity epidemic is widespread in American society, often affecting children who bear its consequences innocently. Due to a lack of nutrition knowledge, children rely on caregivers to meet their nutritional needs and instill healthy habits. This study examines parents' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, as well as perceived barriers to adopting a whole-foods plant-based diet (WFPD) for their children. Using a modified survey instrument by Morton et al., this study focused on parents and children regarding dietary choices. Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic at the Medical College of Georgia between April and May 2023. …

Unraveling The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage: A Comparative Research Of Pre- And Post-Pandemic Samples, Catherine G. Johnston

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus carriage and disease. This study aims to assess these changes by leveraging respiratory samples collected from a longstanding cohort, comparing the genomic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from pre- and post-pandemic periods. We analyzed S. aureus genomes and phenotypically determined macrolide resistance to characterize population structure, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles. Changes in S. aureus carriage rates, macrolide resistance, disease occurrence, and population structure between samples collected pre- and post-pandemic were examined. By using respiratory samples, chart reviews, and risk factor questionnaires of 498 children from a …

Gambian Mothers Lack Obstetric Danger Sign Knowledge, But Educational Intervention Shows Promise, Kara Shannon, Jocelyn Burridge, Brodus Franklin, Sheena Bhushan, Susan Hilsenbeck, Elena V Petrova, James N'Dow, Ibezimako Iwuh, Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Jeffrey P Wilkinson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The Gambia has the 12th highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with 80% of deaths resulting from avoidable causes. Unawareness of pregnancy danger signs (DS) has been shown to be a barrier to seeking obstetric care, while app-based education intervention has shown promise.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess patient awareness of DS, identify barriers to awareness, and evaluate potential for implementing smartphone-based technologies for education.

METHODS: A cross-sectional semi-structured survey was administered to Gambian women (n = 100) across five hospitals/health centers. Data and informed consent were collected via an online survey portal. Analysis included bivariate analysis and …

Mfgm-Enriched Whey Displays Antiviral Activity Against Common Pediatric Viruses, Evelien Kramer, Ketki Patil, Vassilis Triantis, Jan A H Bastiaans, Michela Mazzon, Sasirekha Ramani, Tim T Lambers

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Among the most common mucosal viral infections in infants are rotavirus, one of the main causes of severe gastroenteritis in infants and children up to 5 years, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections. Both human milk and bovine milk derived factors may provide protection against mucosal viral infections. More recently, a similar activity of milk derived proteins was suggested for SARS-CoV-2. The goal of the current study was to test antiviral activity of the bovine milkfat globule membrane (MFGM) against rotavirus, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 and to further characterize MFGM-enriched whey …

Autophagy Determines Distinct Cell Fates In Human Amnion And Chorion Cells, Mary Elise L Severino, Lauren Richardson, Ananth Kumar Kammala, Enkhtuya Radnaa, Kamil Khanipov, Leslie Michelle M Dalmacio, Indira U Mysorekar, Marian Kacerovsky, Ramkumar Menon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human fetal membranes (amniochorion) that line the intrauterine cavity consist of two distinct cell layers; single-layer amnion epithelial cells (AEC) and multilayer chorion trophoblast cells (CTC). These layers are connected through a collagen-rich extracellular matrix. Cellular remodeling helps support membrane growth and integrity during gestation and helps to maintain pregnancy. Preterm prelabor rupture of the human amniochorionic (fetal) membrane (pPROM) is antecedent to 40% of all spontaneous preterm birth. Oxidative stress (OS) induced activation of the p38 MAPK due to various maternal risk exposures and the amniochorion cells' senescence are reported pathological features of pPROM. Our transcriptomics analysis implicated dysregulated …