Digital Commons Network^™

Protocadherin-19 Expression And Function In Vertebrate Brain Review, Makana Mcguire

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For this project, a systematic review will be conducted on published studies on protocadherin-19 expression and function in vertebrate central nervous system development in the last 10 years. Protocadherin-19 (pcdh19) is a member of the cadherin superfamily. Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules show to play important roles in vertebrate tissue development including the formation of the central nervous system. Understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the function of pcdh19 will help aid in understanding disease(s) caused by malfunction of this molecule, and lead to potential strategies for treatment. Data will be collected via online search of databases. The project …

A Conceptual Proposal For The Epigenetically Causal Relationship Between Parental Ptsd And Inflammatory Disease In Post Hoc Offspring., Emma Griffith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Could a combat veteran's horrific experiences in early-2000s Afghanistan have a direct, biological impact his now-adult daughter's risk of a heart attack later in her life? This concept would have been unapologetically mocked a mere twenty years ago, and it has only been in the past decade that the new field of epigenetics has revealed a distinct possibility for this event to actually take place—for parents' experiences to profoundly influence the biology of their children. The major objective of this research project is to argue for the legitimacy of this theoretical phenomenon by discussing the latest data regarding PTSD's interaction …

The Interactive Effects Of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) Polymorphisms And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder On Neurocognitive Functioning In U.S. Military Veterans, Colton Shafer Rippey

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with mild-to-moderate deficits in neurocognitive functioning. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, namely, the Met allele, may also be associated with mild deficits in neurocognitive functioning. However, findings are inconsistent and may be sensitive to environmental epigenetic moderators such as psychopathology.

The current study analyzed data from European-American U.S. military veterans (n = 1,244) who participated in the 2011 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). Multivariate analyses of covariances were conducted to evaluate the unique and interactive effects of the Met allele and probable PTSD on …

Utilizing Acoustic Levitation To Determine Ionic Liquid Effects On Enthalpy Of Polymerization, Davina V. Ho

Honors Theses

Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional organic compounds. The hope with ILs in this project is to incorporate them with resins used in 3D printing to act as plasticizers which will in turn help prolong the life of the printed object. A common issue with plasticizers like phthalate in particular is they can leach out of plastics due to their vapor pressure which leads to decreased performance and can also pose a health risk being released into its surroundings or atmosphere. A major benefit of incorporating ILs in with resins comes from their low volatility …

Community Opioid Overdose Prevention And Naloxone Distribution Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Madison M. Hauge, Kathryn C. Downs, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 100 people die of drug overdose in the United States every day. This frighteningly high mortality rate has created the need for community-based opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs). Currently, there are more than 188 community-run programs operating in the United States. These programs teach individuals how to distribute naloxone and respond properly to a drug overdose situation. This guiding systematic review depicts the current literature available on OOPPs and their effectiveness. The authors performed an article search to discover the most relevant and recent articles, which were graded using a quality …

Novel Mechanistic Insights Towards The Repositioning Of Alogliptin In Parkinson's Disease, Eman Ramadan, Marwa M. Safar

Pharmacy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs people's lives tremendously. The development of innovative treatment modalities for PD is a significant unmet medical need. The critical function of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in neurodegenerative diseases has raised impetus in investigating the repositioning of a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, alogliptin (ALO), as an effective treatment for PD. As a result, the focus of this research was to assess the effect of ALO in a rat rotenone (ROT) model of PD. For 21 days, ROT (1.5 mg/kg) was delivered subcutaneously every other day. ALO (30 mg/kg/day), delivered by gavage for …

Production And Purification Of Titanium-45 For Imaging Of Psma+ Prostate Cancer, Ivis Francis Chaple

All ETDs from UAB

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has revolutionized the world of molecular imaging, increasing the potential for improved diagnosis and characterization of various disease states, including cancer. Molecular biology has afforded the knowledge that each type of cancer cell is different, and these differences can be leveraged to develop methods for targeting these cells for imaging or therapy, as well as understanding of other characteristics. Due to the increased diversity in available targets, there has been an equal need to develop new agents used to image these receptors. Radioisotopes with varying halflives, chemical and nuclear properties have been studied in recent years …

Risk Of Tuberculosis Is Increased In Behçet's Disease Compared To Other Rheumatologicaldisorders After Anti-Tnf∝ Treatments: A Case Series And Review Of The Literature, Ümmügülsüm Gazel, Derya Kocakaya, İrem Hi̇cret Topçu, Hakan Ömer Karataş, Murat Karabacak, Mehmet Pami̇r Atagündüz, Güzi̇de Nevsun İnanç, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-a) antagonists are extensively utilized in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and also shown to be effective in Behçet's disease (BD) patients with major organ involvement. In this study, we aimed to reevaluate the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) infection after anti-TNFa treatments and to reveal the risk of TB in BD. Methods: Data of patients who received anti-TNFa treatment between 2005 and 2018 were assessed retrospectively. Demographic features, TNF-a antagonist type/treatment time, tuberculosis skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON results, isoniazid prophylaxis status, and concomitant corticosteroid (CS) treatments were collected. Results: A total of 1277 (male/female …

Circulating Mir-29c-3p Is Downregulated In Patients With Acromegaly, Hakan Korkmaz, Kuyaş Heki̇mler Öztürk, Bora Torus

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: miRNAs control various biological functions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, signaling pathways, apoptosis and metabolism. Recently, it has been shown that there is a relationship between changes in miRNA expression and the development of acromegaly. Studies are needed to identify new disease-specific miRNAs. The aim of the current study is to evaluate plasma miR-29c-3p, miR-31-5p and miR-18a-5p steady-state levels in acromegaly. Another aim is to investigate whether there is a difference in the levels of these miRNAs in patients with inadequate control and controlled acromegaly with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy. These miRNAs targeting the IGF-1 gene were determined by …

Allergic Reactions Against Covıd-19 Vaccines, Hi̇lal Ünsal, Bülent Eni̇s Şekerel, Ümi̇t Murat Şahi̇ner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the whole world in a short time. One of the most influential public health initiatives modern medicine has to offer, the vaccine has become even more important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen worldwide. Many vaccine trials were launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these vaccines were widely used around the world, offering realistic hope for ending the pandemic. Allergic reactions to vaccines were reported shortly after their approval. These reactions, in general, are rare, but, in some circumstances, they can be serious. Allergy to vaccines can occur because of either the active vaccine …

Are The Criteria Always Right? Assessment Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cases In Livingdonor Liver Transplantation At A High-Volume Center, Yücel Yankol, Gülteki̇n Hoş, Turan Kanmaz, Nesi̇mi̇ Meci̇t, Yilmaz Çakaloğlu, Münci̇ Kalayoğlu, Koray Sadik Acarli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: With the increased experience in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), it has been adopted for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with emerging discussions of criteria beyond tumor size and number. In contrast to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), recipient selection for LDLT is not limited by organ allocation systems. We discuss herein the assessment, criteria, and experience with liver transplantation (LT) in HCC cases at a high-volume LDLT center. Material and methods: Between August 2006 and December 2017, 191 adult LT HCC recipients with at least one-year follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In 191 patients, one-, three- and …

Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Expression In Patients With Myelodysplasticsyndrome And Its Relationship With Prognosis And Treatment, Ege Si̇nan Torun, Aynur Aday, Meli̇ha Nalçaci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enables antibody diversity in B lymphocytes. It may also have an effect on MDS pathogenesis by causing somatic mutations and by inducing epigenetic changes in myeloid cells. This study aimed to compare AID expression of MDS patients with healthy controls, of MDS patients in different risk groups, and of MDS patients according to their treatment. Materials and methods: Total RNA was isolated and complementary DNA (cDNA) was transcribed from the peripheral blood samples of MDS patients and healthy controls. AID and the reference gene HPRT1 were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). AID expression relative …

Assessment Of Erythrocyte Morphology In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilotstudy Of Electron Microscopy-Based Analysis In Relation To Healthy Controls, Tülay Mortaş, Şenay Arikan Durmaz, Şaban Cem Sezen, Yasemi̇n Savranlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The present study aimed to assess erythrocyte morphology in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using scanning electron microscopy. Materials and methods: In total, 30 patients admitted to endocrine outpatient clinics were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their fasting blood glucose levels: type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 15, fasting blood glucose levels ≥ 126 mg/dL) and control (n = 15, fasting blood glucose levels < 99 mg/dL). The patient's demographic characteristics, haemoglobin A1c levels, and scanning electron microscopy findings regarding erythrocyte morphology were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the control and type 2 diabetes mellitus group in terms of the participants' age (51.13 ± 8.53 vs. 50.33 ± 8.72 years, p = 0.8) and the male/female ratio (9/6 vs. 9/6). In the control group, discocytes were abundant, echinocytes were rare, and spherocytes were absent. On the other hand, discocytes were less common and echinocyte-shaped erythrocytes were more common in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group than in the control group. In addition, spherocytes were detected in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group. Moreover, the diameter of discocytes was significantly lower (p = 0.014), and blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05 for both) in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group than in the control group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that high glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients lead to significant alterations in erythrocyte morphology, including decreased erythrocyte deformability and the formation of echinocytes and spherocytes due to eryptosis. The possibility of decreased erythrocyte deformability due to excessive eryptosis may disturb microcirculation in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who do not have any complications.

High Mobility Group Box-1 Levels May Be Associated With Disease Activity Of Behcet's Disease, Di̇lara Dönmez Güler, Ayşe Bahar Keleşoğlu Di̇nçer, Zeynep Ceren Karahan, Hasan Seli̇m Güler, Müçteba Enes Yayla, Serdar Sezer, Emi̇ne Gözde Aydemi̇r Gülöksüz, İlyas Ercan Okatan, Murat Torğutalp, Di̇dem Şahi̇n Eroğlu, Mehmet Levent Yüksel, Tahsi̇n Murat Turğay, Gülay Kinikli, Aşkin Ateş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: High mobility group box- 1 (HMGB- 1) is a nuclear protein acting as a proinflammatory molecule. The serum HMGB- 1 levels were found elevated in chronic inflammatory diseases. In this cross-sectional study, serum HMGB- 1 levels in Behcet's disease (BD) patients and healthy controls (HC) were studied. Also, its association with disease activity scores and clinical findings were evaluated. Materials and methods: Ninety BD patients and 50 age-sex matched HC were included in the study. Disease activity scores were assessed by Behcet Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) and Behcet Syndrome Activity Score (BSAS). Serum HMGB- 1 levels were measured …

Impact Of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Administration On The Clinical Course Of Thecovid-19 Disease, Burcu Yormaz, Di̇lek Ergün, Baykal Tülek, Recai̇ Ergün, Uğur Arslan, Fi̇kret Kanat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Lymphopenia is the most important criterion of mortality and discharging feature for patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment on the clinical course of COVID-19. Materials and methods: Patients' clinical symptoms, radiologic outcomes, hematologic, biochemical, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) results were obtained from their medical records. Participants were separated into 2 groups: one was treated with LMWH and the other was not. Improvement in the patients was compared before and after treatment. Results: Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between April …

Imaging Modalities Used In Diagnosis And Follow-Up Of Patients With Takayasu's Arteritis, Ayşe Bahar Keleşoğlu Di̇nçer, Levent Kiliç, Abdulsamet Erden, Umut Kalyoncu, Tuncay Hazirolan, Sedat Ki̇raz, Ömer Karadağ

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare, large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology, affecting aortic arch, and its main branches. Noninvasive imaging methods are frequently used in diagnosis and follow-up in Takayasu's arteritis. Studies investigating optimal timing of follow up imaging are rare. This study is aimed to investigate the radiologic changes in vascular involvements of Takayasu's arteritis patients one year after diagnosis. Materials and methods: Database of our Vasculitis Center was analyzed retrospectively and 97 patients were included into the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic findings of patients were recorded. Patients with follow-up imaging after approximately one year of …

Does Fludrocortisone Treatment Cause Hypomagnesemia In Children With Primaryadrenal Insufficiency?, İbrahi̇m Mert Erbaş, Selda Ayça Altincik, Gönül Çatli, Tolga Ünüvar, Bayram Özhan, Ayhan Abaci, Ahmet Anik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that secreted from adrenal glands and a known factor to increase magnesium excretion by direct and indirect effects on renal tubular cells. Although the frequency of hypomagnesemia was found to be approximately 5% in adult studies, there is no study in the literature investigating the frequency of hypomagnesemia in children by using fludrocortisone, which has a mineralocorticoid activity. Materials and methods: A multi-center retrospective study was conducted, including children who were under fludrocortisone treatment for primary adrenal insufficiency and applied to participant pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics. Results: Forty-three patients (58.1% male, 41.9% prepubertal) included in …

The Prognostic Value Of Serum Levels Of A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (April) Intreatment-Naïve Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Si̇nem Ni̇hal Esatoğlu, Di̇lek Keski̇n, Ahmet Emre Eşkazan, Tuğrul Elverdi̇, Ayşe Sali̇hoğlu, Muhli̇s Cem Ar, Şeni̇z Öngören, Zafer Başlar, Yildiz Aydin, Hafi̇ze Uzun, Teoman Soysal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) has been investigated as a prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. However, there is no cut-off level for serum APRIL (sAPRIL) levels that predict time to treatment in CLL patients. Materials and methods: Between May and December 2012, 94 consecutive CLL patients and 25 healthy controls were assessed. sAPRIL levels were measured by ELISA. Demographic data and prognostic markers were obtained from the patients' files. Treatment-naïve patients were followed up for 6.5 years for any treatment need. Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups: Treatment-naïve (n = 47), chemotherapy receiving (n = 25), …

Assessment Of St2 And Reg3a Levels In Patients With Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Afterallogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Eli̇fcan Aladağ Karakulak, Haluk Demi̇roğlu, Ümi̇t Yavuz Malkan, Ümi̇t Akman, Hakan Göker, Yahya Büyükaşik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a crucial complication leading to significant morbidity and mortality allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which occurs in approximately half of the transplant recipients. Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) and regenerating islet-derived 3-alpha(Reg3a) might be important biomarkers to predict acute GVHD. Materials and methods: In the present study, blood samples were collected from 17 patients with acute GVHD and 12 control patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. ST2 and Reg3a were measured in plasma samples compared in patients with acute GVHD and the controls. Results: Median age of the study population was 42 years (range 19-49). …

Stereological And Histopathological Evaluation Of The Effect Of Thymoquinone Onperidural Fibrosis Following Laminectomy In Rats, Dursun Türköz, Aytaç Türköz, Mehmet Emi̇n Önger, Eni̇s Kuruoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study's aim was to investigate the effects of thymoquinone, which is the essential bioactive component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa on the peridural fibrosis in rats following laminectomy. Materials and methods: Twenty female Wistar Albino rats were used in our study. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: Sham and Surgery + Thymoquinone. Both groups underwent laminectomy at L1 under general anesthesia. The Sham group was not subjected to any drug application. The 2nd group was treated with intraperitoneal 10-mg/kg thymoquinone once per day for a period of 28 days, following the same surgical procedure. …

Impact Of The Histidine‐Containing Phosphocarrier Protein Hpr On Carbon Metabolism And Virulence In Staphylococcus Aureus, Linda Pätzold, Anne-Christine Brausch, Evelyn-Laura Bielefeld, Lisa Zimmer, Greg A. Somerville, Markus Bischoff, Rosmarie Gaupp

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a common mechanism pathogenic bacteria use to link central metabolism with virulence factor synthesis. In gram‐positive bacteria, catabolite control protein A (CcpA) and the histidine‐containing phosphocarrier protein HPr (encoded by ptsH) are the predominant mediators of CCR. In addition to modulating CcpA activity, HPr is essential for glucose import via the phosphotransferase system. While the regulatory functions of CcpA in Staphylococcus aureus are largely known, little is known about the function of HPr in CCR and infectivity. To address this knowledge gap, ptsH mutants were created in S. aureus that either lack the open reading …

An Evaluation Of The Anti-Carcinogenic Response Of Major Isothiocyanates In Non-Metastatic And Metastatic Melanoma Cells, Melina Mitsiogianni, Sotiris Kyriakou, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Maria V. Deligiorgi, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Malignant melanoma is one of the most deadly types of solid cancers, a property mainly attributed to its highly aggressive metastatic form. On the other hand, different classes of isothiocy- anates, a class of phytochemicals, present in cruciferous vegetables have been characterized by considerable anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer response of five isothiocyanates in an in vitro model of melanoma consisting of non-metastatic (A375, B16F-10) and metastatic (VMM1, Hs294T) malignant melanoma as well as non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte-neighboring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Our aim …

Il-10 As A Th2 Cytokine: Differences Between Mice And Humans, Mahima T. Rasquinha, Meghna Sur, Ninaad Lasrado, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The discovery of interleukin (IL)-10 more than 30 years ago marked the beginning of our understanding of how cytokines regulate immune responses, based on cross-regulation between T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines. Although multiple cell types were shown to produce IL-10, its identity as a Th2 cytokine remained strong since it was rigidly associated with Th2 clones in mice, whereas both Th1 and Th2 clones could secrete IL-10 in humans. However, as new Th1/Th2 cell functionalities emerged, anti-inflammatory action of IL-10 gained more attention than its inhibitory effect on Th1 cells, which may occur as an indirect consequence of suppression …

Distinct Cellular Profiles Of Hif1a And Vegf Mrna Localization In Microglia, Astrocytes And Neurons During A Period Of Vascular Maturation In The Auditory Brainstem Of Neonate Rats, Daphne Chang, Quetanya Brown, Grace Tsui, Ye He, Jia Liu, Lingyan Shi, Adrián Rodríguez-Contreras

Advanced Science Research Center

Defining the relationship between vascular development and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (Hifs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) in the auditory brainstem is important to understand how tissue hypoxia caused by oxygen shortage contributes to sensory deficits in neonates. In this study, we used histology, molecular labeling, confocal microscopy and 3D image processing methods to test the hypothesis that significant maturation of the vascular bed in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) occurs during the postnatal period that precedes hearing onset. Isolectin-B4 histochemistry experiments suggested that the MNTB vasculature becomes more elaborate between …

Association Of Β-Amyloid Level, Clinical Progression And Longitudinal Cognitive Change In Normal Older Individuals, Laura M. Van Der Krall, Thanh Truong, Samantha C. Burnham, Vincent Doré, Rachel S. Mulligan, Svetlana Bozinovski, Fiona Lamb, Pierrick Bourgeat, Jurgen Fripp, Stephanie Schultz, Yen Y. Lim, Simon M. Laws, David Ames, Christopher Fowler, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, Olivier Salvado, Joanne Robertson, Paul Maruff, Colin L. Masters, Victor L. Villemagne, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective To determine the effect of β-amyloid (Aβ) level on progression risk to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and longitudinal cognitive change in cognitively normal (CN) older individuals. Methods All CN from the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle study with Aβ PET and ≥ 3 years follow-up were included (n = 534; age 72 ± 6 years; 27% Aβ positive; follow-up 5.3 ± 1.7 years). Aβ level was divided using the standardized 0–100 Centiloid scale: < 15 CL negative, 15–25 CL uncertain, 26–50 CL moderate, 51–100 CL high, > 100 CL very high, noting > 25 CL approximates a positive scan. Cox proportional hazards analysis and linear mixed effect models were used to assess …

Global Impact Of Physical Inactivity And Implications For Public Health Nursing, Elizabeth A. Moxley, Kashica Webber-Ritchey, Laura Hayman

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Physical inactivity has been a public health problem worldwide for more than a decade. Of those who are physically active, a substantial percentage engage solely in low or very low physical activity (PA) levels. In the last 3 decades, the prevalence of PA in the United States has decreased with approximately 80% of adults not meeting the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening PA. The PA levels of youth have dramatically decreasedwith 85% of adolescents reporting no PA. Regular PA participation can aid in preventing chronic diseases. A strong inverse dose-response relationship exists between PA and the incidence of …

Effectiveness Of Take-Home Naloxone Programs In Athletic Training: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Michael J. Palm, Amanda N. Flanscha, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The number of opioid overdoses (ODs) has risen in recent years and has become more complex due to the co-involvement of both prescription and illicit opioid drug use. Provisional programs for take-home naloxone (a medication designed to rapidly reverse opiate OD symptoms) kits have been distributed to combat this potentially fatal epidemic. Although there is strong evidence to support the efficacy of naloxone in the reversal of opiate OD, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of take-home naloxone (THN) kits. The purpose of this evidence-to-practice review was to summarize a systematic review on the efficacy of THN programs. …

Attitudes Among Collegiate Volleyball And Women’S Soccer Players Prior To The Covid-19 Altered 2020-21 Season, D M. Gallegos, B J. Warner, S A. Cage

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: In response to the global spread of SARS-CoV-2, the National Collegiate Athletic Association cancelled all 2020 winter and spring championships that had not been completed. Additionally, the majority of 2020 fall spring championships were rescheduled to take place in the spring semester of 2021. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes, moods, and motivations of collegiate women’s soccer and women’s volleyball players toward the alteration to the 2020-2021 season. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: Web-based survey. Participants: A total of 46 female collegiate soccer and volleyball players participated in this study (Age = 17.8 years ± …

Role Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Pathway Due To Preeclampsia: A Review, Firdous Ali

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is characterized mainly by hypertension in the mother. The exact pathogenesis of preeclampsia is unknown, although the disease is attributed to a number of factors such as angiogenic factor levels and endothelial dysfunction. Presently, the control program for the disease involves the delivery of the fetus and the placenta. There is a need to develop novel therapies that would control preeclampsia from the moment it is diagnosed to minimize the effects on the mother and child. VEGF is a protein involved in the pathogenesis of the condition. The defect in one of its receptors, …

Minimally Invasive Repair Of Elongated Chordae Tendineae In The Mitral Valve, Walid Abuhashim, Diana Albaba, Austin Ghiates, Rebecca Leiter, Mary Robakowski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In the United States, about 4 million people have been estimated to suffer from severe mitral valve regurgitation [5]. Due to the high risks involved, about half of those patients are ineligible for surgery to repair the valve, because of their poor health [6]. Elongation of the chordae tendineae has been found to be one of the significant causes of regurgitation. To address this, the team has developed a device called “Chord Fastener”, which will restore proper function to the valve via shortening of the chordae tendineae [1]. Via this shortening mechanism, the device will reduce mitral valve regurgitation and …