Digital Commons Network^™

Panda-Plus-Bench: A Clinical Benchmark For Evaluating The Robustness Of Ai Foundation Models In Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Joshua L. Ebbert, Dennis Della Corte

Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence foundation models are increasingly deployed for prostate cancer Gleason grading, where GP3/GP4 distinction directly impacts treatment decisions (active surveillance vs. intervention). However, these models may achieve high validation accuracy by learning specimen-specific artifacts rather than generalizable biological features, limiting real-world clinical utility. We introduce PANDA-PLUS-Bench, a curated benchmark dataset derived from expertly annotated prostate biopsies designed specifically to quantify this failure mode. The benchmark comprises nine carefully selected whole slide images from nine unique patients containing diverse Gleason patterns, with non-overlapping tissue patches extracted at both 512 × 512 and 224 × 224-pixel resolutions across eight augmentation conditions. …

Unbiased Niche Labeling Maps Immune-Excluded Niche In Bone Metastasis, Zhan Xu, Fengshuo Liu, Yunfeng Ding, Tianhong Pan, Yi-Hsuan Wu, Yujiao Han, Jun Liu, Igor L Bado, Weijie Zhang, Ling Wu, Yang Gao, Xiaoxin Hao, Liqun Yu, Xuan Li, David G Edwards, Hilda L Chan, Sergio Aguirre, Michael Warren Dieffenbach, Elina Chen, Siyue Wang, Yichao Shen, Dane Hoffman, Luis Becerra Dominguez, Charlotte Helena Rivas, Xiang Chen, Hai Wang, Yibin Kang, Zbigniew Gugala, Robert L Satcher, Xiang H-F Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Metastatic cancer cell fate is shaped by the local microenvironment niches. To unbiasedly define the cellular and molecular features of metastatic niches, we developed sortase A-based microenvironment niche tagging (SAMENT), which selectively labels cells encountered by cancer cells during metastasis. Applying SAMENT across multiple cancer models and target organs revealed shared niche features, including macrophage enrichment and T cell depletion, alongside marked organ-specific phenotype heterogeneity in niche macrophages. In bone, metastatic niches are enriched for macrophages expressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) with active ERα signaling. Conditional deletion of Esr1 in macrophages significantly impaired bone colonization by enabling T cell infiltration. …

Increased Neural Activity In The Bed Nucleus Of The Stria Terminalis Of Uninfected Canaries After Observation Of Infected Conspecifics, Madeleine Chang, Sophia Santangelo, Devon Comito, Bennett Hardy, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Recent evidence suggests that the immune system may be upregulated in anticipation of pathogen exposure, yet the neural mechanisms that respond to and signal impending infection risk remain poorly understood. We investigated neural responses to infection risk in uninfected hosts observing infected conspecifics, using the canary (Serinus canaria domestica)—Mycoplasma gallisepticum host–parasite system. We focused on five brain regions of interest, comprising three nodes of the social decision-making network—preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and hippocampus—a stress modulatory region (paraventricular nucleus) and a visual processing region (nucleus rotundus). After 1 h of observing infected canaries, …

Environmental And Pharmacological Modulation Of Opioid-Mediated Behavioral Effects In Rats, Corinne Ann Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and opioid-associated overdoses continue to pose significant burden to US healthcare systems—both financially and in lives lost. It is imperative to identify risk factors which may predispose vulnerability to OUD development, which could aid in discovery of new therapeutic strategies for susceptible populations. This dissertation investigated the impacts of two such risk factors which modulate opioid-induced reward and behavioral effects: adolescent stress and the adulteration of illicit opioids by xylazine. In Chapter 2, we examined the effects of acute adolescent stress on oxycodone self-administration in rats, and the potential involvement of the locus coeruleus in these …

Mitochondria-Er Contact Sites (Mercs) In The Cell Cycle: Molecular Architecture And Functional Remodeling Across Cellular States, Eduardo Silva-Pavez, Bruno Torres-Gonzalez, Michelle Sotomayor, Benjamín Cartes-Saavedra, Dorian V. Ziegler, Yessia Hidalgo-Fadic, Ulises Ahumada-Castro

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCS) are nanoscopic, dynamic platforms integrating metabolism, signaling, and stress responses to regulate cell fate. These nanoscopic interfaces remodel continuously to meet the demands of proliferating, quiescent, and senescent cells. We synthesize evidence that MERCS actively coordinate local Ca2+ signaling, non-vesicular lipid transfer, and proteostasis to shape mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis. We discuss how MERCS architecture changes across the cell cycle and during arrest, distinguishing adaptive from maladaptive remodeling, and consider therapeutic potential in aging and age-related disease.

Early Life Exposure To Antibiotics Increases The Risk Of Myopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Peng-Tai Tien, Chang-Ching Wei, Sheng-Chun Lin, Ping Ping Meng, Yu-Te Huang, Jamie Jiin-Yi Chen, Ming-Yen Wu, Ying-Hsiu Shih, Tzu-Ju Hsu, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Yao-Chien Wang, Hui-Ju Lin, Lei Wan

BioMedicine

Background

Myopia is a growing health issue, expected to affect nearly half of the global population by 2050. Genetic predisposition and early environmental influences both play crucial roles in the development of myopia. Identifying modifiable risks and early interventions is critical. Antibiotics, commonly given to young children, may disrupt gut microbiota, which has been linked to ocular diseases in humans and animals.

Aim We aimed to investigate the association between antibiotic use in early life and the risk of developing myopia.

Methods Retrospective cohort study using data from a national health insurance database examined children aged three years or younger, …

Unveiling Immune-Related Gene Signatures In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Through Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis, Priyanga Paranthaman, Ramanathan Karuppasamy, Shanthi Veerappapillai

BioMedicine

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly immune-related gene networks, is critical for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Aim: This study aimed to identify immune-related hub genes involved in TNBC progression by integrating microarray and RNA sequencing data. Methods: We integrated microarray and RNA sequencing datasets from five Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) studies (GSE36295, GSE37751, GSE61724, GSE38959, and GSE58135) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database. Key modules and hub genes were identified through network analysis. …

Evaluation Of Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala)-Based Herbal Formulae In Breast Cancer: Implications For Metastasis Via Zeb1 And Slug Modulation, Yen Shen Lu, Pei Yen Yeh, Ling-Chun Yeh, Chia-Lin Lee, Ying-Chyi Song

BioMedicine

Background: Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. [Asteraceae]) is classified in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an herb that targets the gastric and pancreatic meridians to support normal nutrient uptake. As such, Bai-Zhu is commonly included in herbal formulations for treating gastrointestinal dysfunction and alleviating pain and swelling. Formulae containing Bai-Zhu are also frequently used as complementary or alternative therapies to mitigate the side effects of tumor treatments. However, their direct effects on cancer cells remain inadequately understood in modern biomedical science. This study aims to characterize the impact of Bai-Zhu-containing formulae on breast cancer cells using contemporary molecular and cellular …

Impacts Of Dna Ligase I Genotypes On Taiwan Parkinson’S Disease, Chao-Hsuan Chen, Wen-Shin Chang, Chia-Wen Tsai, Da-Tian Bau, Shih-Wei Hsu, Kun-Ting Hong, Chon-Haw Tsai, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Ming-Kuei Lu, Jai-Sing Yang

BioMedicine

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair pathways can modulate

DNA repair capacity and influence susceptibility to aging-related disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study evaluated the association between the DNA ligase I rs20579 polymorphism and PD risk.

Materials and Methods: Genotyping of DNA ligase I rs20579 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in

123 PD patients and 492 age- and sex-matched controls of Taiwanese Han ethnicity.

Associations between rs20579 genotypes and PD risk were analyzed.

Results: Among controls, the genotype distribution of rs20579 was 78.7% GG, 19.3% AG, and 2.0% AA, compared with 75.6%, 21.1%, and …

Hepatoprotective Evaluation Of Benzoylated Emodin Derivatives: Integrating Bioinformatics And In Vitro Studies, Firdayani Firdayani, Putri Hawa Syaifie, Siska Andrina Kusumastuti, Muthia Rahayu Iresha, Wirawan Adikusuma, Dhecella Winy Cintya Ningrum, Etik Mardliyati, Ayu Masyita, Ariza Yandwiputra Besari, Fathir Azzaki Iradata, Lucy Arianie

BioMedicine

Background: Emodin exhibits various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective effects. However, its clinical application is limited by poor absorption and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to optimize emodin through benzoylation and to assess the hepatoprotective potential of the resulting derivatives integrating bioinformatics and in vitro methods.

Methods: We conducted network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict potential targets and interactions of benzoylated emodin derivatives. The derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. The hepatoprotective effects were assessed in vitro using a paracetamol-induced HepG2 cell injury model.

Results: Network pharmacology analysis and gene …

Acidic Extracellular Ph-Induced Pth Secretion In Male Mouse Parathyroids Is Ogr1-Dependent, Yanmei Yang, Mengcun Chen, Mingshu Cui, Elisabeth Lashbrooks, Bin Wang

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

The role of extracellular acidity in regulating PTH secretion in cultured mouse parathyroid glands (PTGs) has not been studied to date, largely because of the technical difficulty of isolating mouse PTGs. We hypothesized that acidic extracellular pH directly stimulates PTH secretion through activation of a proton-sensing receptor, specifically ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1, also known as GPR68). To test this, we developed a method to reliably identify and isolate PTGs from male mice by administering 5-aminolevulinic acid, which induced selective fluorescence in these glands. Using this model, we demonstrate that acidic extracellular pH significantly stimulates PTH secretion in …

Brain Age Prediction In Generalized Anxiety Disorder Using A Convolutional Neural Network, Corey Richier, André Zugman, Anita Harrewijn, Elise M Cardinale, Parmis Khosravi, Moji Aghajani, Willem B Bruin, Kevin Hilbert, Narcis Cardoner, Daniel Porta-Casteràs, Marta Cano, Savannah Gosnell, Ramiro Salas, Andrea P Jackowski, Pedro M Pan, Giovanni A Salum, Karina S Blair, James R Blair, Mohammed R Milad, Katie L Burkhouse, K Luan Phan, Heidi K Schroeder, Jeffrey R Strawn, Katja Beesdo-Baum, Neda Jahanshad, Sophia I Thomopoulos, Jared A Nielsen, Jordan W Smoller, Jair C Soares, Benson Mwangi, Mon-Ju Wu, Giovana B Zunta-Soares, Michal Assaf, Gretchen J Diefenbach, Paolo Brambilla, Eleonora Maggioni, David Hofmann, Thomas Straube, Carmen Andreescu, Rebecca B Price, Gisele G Manfro, Federica Agosta, Elisa Canu, Camilla Cividini, Massimo Filippi, Milutin Kostić, Ana Munjiza Jovanovic, Brenda Benson, Gabrielle F Freitag, Ellen Leibenluft, Grace V Ringlein, Kathryn Werwath, Hannah Zwiebel, Hans J Grabe, Sandra Van Der Auwera, Katharina Wittfeld, Henry Völzke, Robin Bülow, Nicholas L Balderston, Monique Ernst, Lilianne R Mujica-Parodi, Helena Van Nieuwenhuizen, Hugo D Critchley, Elena Makovac, Matteo Mancini, Frances Meeten, Cristina Ottaviani, Gregory A Fonzo, Martin P Paulus, Murray B Stein, Raquel E Gur, Ruben C Gur, Antonia N Kaczkurkin, Bart Larsen, Theodore D Satterthwaite, Jennifer Harper, Michael T Perino, Chad M Sylvester, Qiongru Yu, Patrick Mcclure, Francisco Pereira, Ulrike Lueken, Dick J Veltman, Paul M Thompson, Nynke A Groenewold, Janna Marie Bas-Hoogendam, Dan J Stein, Nic J A Van Der Wee, Anderson M Winkler, Daniel S Pine, Chelsea K Sawyers

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Higher predicted brain age difference has been associated with several psychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with markers of accelerated aging. In this study, we determined brain predicted age difference (PAD) in individuals with GAD and healthy controls (HC) as well as group differences in PAD variability using voxel-wise structural MRI. The training dataset included 3511 controls, and the testing dataset included 1595 individuals with GAD and 4552 HC from the ENIGMA-Anxiety GAD Working Group. A convolutional neural network model using four input modalities per subject and a model ensemble approach was used to predict brain age. The …

Identifying Modulators Of Stable Klrg1+Il7ra+ Memory Cd8+ T-Cells, Christina Ocampo Valdez

Honors Projects

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease targeting the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The discovery of insulin revolutionized the treatment of T1D, but current research into T1D has progressed from disease management to possible prevention or delayed onset of diagnosis. One drug currently in use is teplizumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody that has been shown to delay the onset of T1D in some, but not all, at-risk individuals. High levels of a subset of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells we call SKIMs (stable KLRG1+ IL7Ra+ memory cells), which include MAIT (mucosal-associated invariant T) cells, have been associated …

Accelerating Wound Healing Rates With Cucurbita Pepo Leaf Extract Loaded Electrospun Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Halloysite/Chitosan/ Caco₃ Composite Nanofibers Through In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Cucurbita pepo leaf extract (CPE) was incorporated into electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate)/ halloysite/chitosan/ CaCO₃ (PMMA/Hal/CS/CaCO₃) composite nanofibers to develop a novel biomaterial for accelerating wound healing rates. The different nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis revealed uniform, smooth nanofibers, while FTIR and XRD confirmed the integration of CPE into nanofiber matrix, indicating an amorphous structure and effective dispersion of the extract. In vitro agar well-diffusion and antibiofilm assays revealed that the optimized formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against wound-associated pathogens. The nanofibers composite based on …

Foveate, Dahlia Aggarwal

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates how textiles can unsettle visual assumptions, encouraging a perceptual shift. Through weaving, upholstery, and spatial installation, the work stages a tension between what a surface appears to be and how it is encountered by the body. Through woven pattern, tactile texture, and trompe l’oeil textile surfaces, perception is something negotiated rather than fixed: the eye anticipates one reality while the hand discovers another.

Drawing on a range of sensations gathered from observing landscape formations and textures, it translates enduring scale and material qualities into an interior landscape of woven surfaces and textile-based furniture. Rather than serving as …

Somatic Prosthetics For Planetary Resonance, Disha Dharesh Kumar R

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates how industrial design can transcend extractive technological paradigms in favor of relational interfaces that foster planetary attunement. Framing the climate crisis as a 'crisis of imagination', the research challenges the Western bifurcation of nature and culture by drawing on Indic cosmologies- which recognize stones, plants, and ecosystems as conscious at different levels and participants in a shared cosmic field. By synthesizing research in Biosemiotics, Quantum Information Pansycishm, and Neuroscience, the project redefines intelligence as a distributed, more-than-human phenomenon.

The research materializes as a speculative design artifact: a device that functions as a somatic prosthetic for planetary resonance. …

O-Glcnacylation As A Metabolic Integrator In Cardiovascular Physiology And Disease, Saima Shakil Malik, Xinchun Pi, Liang Xie

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Titanium Dioxide: An Inquiry Into The Mechanisms And Implications Of Exposure In Gut Dysbiosis And Metabolic Disorders, Meghan Gardiner

Senior Honors Theses

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most prevalent food additives utilized in commercial products in the United States. While TiO₂ was originally hailed as a nontoxic and cost-effective additive, studies are beginning to reveal that TiO₂ is not as safe as it once seemed. TiO₂ may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders through direct and indirect mechanisms. The compound induces gut dysbiosis, leading to alterations in bacterial metabolites and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which results in the selective resistance of glucocorticoid receptors. Additionally, TiO₂ itself can translocate from the gut to …

Circulating Metabolites Associated With Protection Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection And Inhibition Of Mycobacterial Growth, Todia P Setiabudiawan, Lika Apriani, Julian Avila-Pacheco, Edwin Ardiansyah, Vinod Kumar, Bachti Alisjahbana, Ayesha J Verrall, Andrew R Dinardo, Agnes R Indrati, Vera P Mourits, L Charlotte J De Bree, Simone J C F M Moorlag, Clary B Clish, Leo A B Joosten, Arjan Van Laarhoven, Krista E Van Meijgaarden, Mihai G Netea, Simone A Joosten, Valerie A C M Koeken, Philip C Hill, Reinout Van Crevel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

A significant proportion of individuals who are heavily exposed to infectious tuberculosis patients do not acquire Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, as detected by an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). We examined circulating metabolite profiles and metabolic genotypes in 199 heavily exposed IGRA-negative tuberculosis household contacts in Indonesia. Based on differentially abundant metabolites, activity of several pathways including arachidonic acid, arginine and proline, glutathione, and tryptophan metabolism, correlated with a negative IGRA at three months. SNPs near PRODH (involved in arginine and proline metabolism) were associated with circulating proline concentrations and persistently negative IGRA results, while SNPstudys near AFMID (involved in …

Early Chemical Markers Of Spoilage In Thermally Processed Tomato Paste: A Rapid Approach For Shelf-Stable Foods, Hussein Ali Shaghati, Rawia Mahmood Yousif

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

This study aims to reduce the incubation period (commercial sterility test) of tomato paste cans before the bacteriological inspection in quality control laboratories. 62 cans of tomato paste were incubated under temperatures (mesophilic 25,37°C and thermophilic 55°C) to accelerate potential spoilage. Chemical indicators(pH, titratable acidity, and lactic acid) and microbial indicators (Total plate count and yeast/molds) were monitored daily to identify the earliest reliable spoilage signals. Incubation at elevated temperatures accelerated acid buildup. D+L lactic acid levels measured using a rapid enzyme assay increased with titratable acidity, while pH decreased. Meanwhile, total platelet counts remained at very low levels, while …

Elucidating The Potential Impact Of Solute Carrier Family2 (Glut4) In Newly Diagnosed Dm-2 Patients, Marwa Ghanim Hashim, Zahra'a Abdul Al-Aziz Yousif, Farah A. Al-Waeely, Raya Khalel Ibrahem

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic condition marked by hyperglycemia due to irregularities in insulin production or activity, leading to poor carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Dysfunctional glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) activity, characterized by insufficient expression or poor redistribution to the cell membrane, is a critical element in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This defect limits cellular glucose uptake, leading to energy deficits and elevated blood glucose levels. Objective: What is the clinical diagnostic potential of serum GLUT4 levels in newly identified type 2 diabetic people, and how do these levels correspond with established metabolic parameters? Materials …

Environmental Impact Of Benzo[A]Anthracene Exposure On Liver Biomarkers And Covid-19 Severity: Evaluation Of Combined Clinical And Molecular Modeling, Osamah Alkilidar, Hayder G. Jawad, Hasan K. Nimr

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly benzo[a]anthracins (BaA), and the severity of the inflammatory response and liver dysfunction in COVID-19 patients, using a combination of statistical analysis and molecular modeling. Molecular docking studies revealed stable and robust interactions between benzo[a]anthracins and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, suggesting that these interactions may contribute to increased oxidative stress and hepatocyte damage. The statistical analysis included 70 COVID-19 patients, stratified by benzo[a] anthracene exposure. The results showed statistically significant associations between exposure to this pollutant and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as a significant increase …

Evaluation Of Complement Deficiency In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients And Its Effect On Clinical Manifestations And Immunological Markers, Zahra'a Abdul Al-Aziz Yousif

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Background and Aim:\ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune chronic disease resulting in multi organ damage and impairment of immune response. Complements such as C3 and C4 are considered important in disease progression and often used for disease activity measurements. The purpose of this research is to assess the frequency of complements deficiencies in SLE patients, and identify associations with symptoms and disease severity. Material and Methods:\ This single-center, cross sectional study involved 50 SLE patients classified in to four groups according to their serum C3 and C4 values. Symptoms, signs of disease severity, immunologic indicators [Erythrocyte Sedimentation …

Methyldopa: Chemistry, Structural Modifications, Pharmacological Activities, And Clinical Applications — A Comprehensive Review, Rania Kadhim, Emad Yousif, Suhad Ibrahim, Nany Hairunisa

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Methyldopa (α -methyldopa) is a centrally acting antihypertensive drug that has been extensively prescribed for the management of hypertension, particularly in pregnant women, due to its established safety profile and non-teratogenic nature. Beyond its clinical use, methyldopa has attracted increasing scientific interest because of its unique chemical structure, which contains multiple oxygen- and nitrogen-donor functional groups capable of undergoing structural modification and metal coordination. This comprehensive review highlights the chemical structure of methyldopa, its synthesis pathways, spectroscopic characteristics—particularly FTIR analysis—and its pharmacological mechanisms of action as an α ₂-adrenergic receptor agonist. Special attention is given to methyldopa-induced adverse effects, …

Advantages Of Treatment Pollution By Nanomaterial: Review, Riyam Lateef Khalaf, Ola Abdulkareem Nori

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Pollution remains one of the most pressing global environmental challenges and is increasing day by day, with serious implications for public health and the environment. Among the various approaches to address this issue, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution due to its unique properties, such as high surface area, reactivity, and catalytic efficiency. There are four types of pollution that can be treated by nanotechnology, air pollution, soil pollution, water pollution and light pollution. This review studies recent research on the use of nanoparticles for pollution treatment, focusing on the mechanisms through which they degrade pollutants, the diverse applications …

Allopurinol Beyond Hyperuricemia: A Multifaceted Therapeutic Agent With Expanding Clinical, Safa Khaldoon, Emad Yousif, Khawla A. Kasar, Hazim F. Abbas

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Allopurinol is a well-established xanthine oxidase inhibitor widely used in the management of hyperuricemia, gout, tumor lysis syndrome, and uric acid nephrolithiasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of its pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and emerging insights from recent clinical and translational studies. Despite being in clinical use for over five decades, allopurinol remains the first-line urate-lowering therapy worldwide due to its proven efficacy, favorable safety profile, and cost-effectiveness. Beyond its classical role in inhibiting xanthine oxidoreductase, increasing evidence highlights additional therapeutic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The structural similarity of allopurinol to purine …

The Ramification Of Mutations In Sonic Hedgehog Gene On The Occurrence Of Deformities In The Course Of The Embryonic Development Stage, Umalbaneen Hilal Hadi, Safa J. Al-Yassiri

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most significant genes regulating embryonic development in mammals, playing a pivotal role in cell differentiation, tissue fate determination, and regulating lateral symmetry of the embryo. The results of this research show that any mutation whether, a loss of function or a change in the regulation of gene expression in SHH gene leads to severe and highly complex consequences for embryonic development.as a result for that, severe disorders of CNS development SHH is a morphogen essential for germline formation and neuronal differentiation. Mutations in this gene result in failure to develop properly the cerebellum, …

Effect Of Different Methods Of Smoking On Serum Level Of Vitamin D Among University Students In Baghdad, Sabiha Aljubory, Usama Salman Altimari

Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences

Vitamin D has different biological actions in the body. Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects in multiple organ systems. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have an inverse relationship with tobacco smoking. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of Vitamin D level and its correlates with tobacco smoking among University student male and female. Volunteer was conducted on a sample of university student, both males and females Iraq, during the period from January to December 2020. A pretested questionnaire was used for data collection adopted from previous standard national surveys and studies, and the questionnaire included …

Beyond Stabilization: Biological Healing, Structural Exclusion, And The Recovery Gap After Border-Fall Trauma At The U.S.-Mexico Border, Julia Robinson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines the biochemical, ethical, and public health consequences of insufficient post-operative follow-up care for undocumented immigrants injured in border falls. Discussing pathways of inflammation resolution, wound healing, and bone remodeling, this thesis argues that recovery depends on tightly regulated molecular and cellular processes that are highly vulnerable to disruption without continued monitoring and rehabilitation (Loi et al., 2016; Maruyama et al., 2020). When follow-up care is absent, these processes can be predicted to derail, leading to infection, impaired healing, and permanent disability (Chung & Sohn, 2025; Howard et al., 2020; Kruidenier et al., 2018). Framed through principles …

Phkg2 Confers Resistance Of Escc To Cisplatin And Enhances Cxcl8-Dependent Immunosuppression To Exacerbate Tumorigenesis, Jiayan Wu, Chengrui Zhong, Haosheng Zheng, Fei Qin, Xianyu Qin, Yuzhen Zheng, Junguo Chen, Gengfeng Wang, Bozhu Jian, Zui Liu, Xingping Yang, Chao Cheng, Guolin Li, Hongying Liao

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Cisplatin (DDP)-based chemotherapy serves as a foundational cornerstone in the clinical management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to DDP persists as a significant clinical challenge, severely undermining therapeutic efficacy and contributing to unfavorable patient prognoses. Through functional screening with a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library, transcriptomic profiling of cisplatin-resistant cell lines and clinical specimens, and in vitro/in vivo validation assays, we identified PHKG2 as a key mediator of cisplatin resistance in ESCC. Mechanistically, PHKG2-mediated cisplatin resistance is driven by the phosphorylation of IGF2BP3 at residues T225 and T306. This post-translational modification enhances IGF2BP3 phase separation, thereby …