Digital Commons Network^™

The Burden Of Unintentional Drowning: Global, Regional And National Estimates Of Mortality From The Global Burden Of Disease 2017 Study, Richard Charles Franklin, Amy E. Peden, Erin B. Hamilton, Catherine Bisignano, Chris D. Castle, Zachary V. Dingels, Simon I. Hay, Zichen Liu, Ali H. Mokdad, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background: Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related mortality globally. Unintentional drowning (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes W65-74 and ICD9 E910) is one of the 30 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive causes of injury-related mortality in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. This study's objective is to describe unintentional drowning using GBD estimates from 1990 to 2017.
Methods: Unintentional drowning from GBD 2017 was estimated for cause-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs), age, sex, country, region, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile, and trends from 1990 to 2017. GBD 2017 used standard GBD methods for estimating mortality …

Intestinal Microbiota – A Possible Contributor To Cardiovascular Diseases?, Roua Iorga, Ovidiu Gabriel Bratu, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Mihnea-Alexandru Gaman, Camelia Cristina Diaconu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The intestinal microbiota represents an interesting and emergent field of research, with already known implications in metabolic and immunological functions. Recently, there is increasing evidence that specific gut microbial populations are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Numerous completed and ongoing studies aim to evaluate the potential of intestinal microbiota assessment to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic arsenal of cardiovascular diseases, considering dysbiosis as a cardiovascular risk factor. There is strong evidence for a correlation between intestinal flora imbalance and metabolic changes secondary to bacterial metabolites. In this minireview, we discuss recent data about the connections between intestinal microbiota and cardiovascular …

Therapeutic Potential Of A Ketogenic Diet In The Treatment Of Major Depressive Disorder, Jordan A. Murrin

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second most common mental health condition and a leading cause of disability in the world. It is theorized that MDD develops from a combination of biological, psychological, and social stressors. The condition is typically treated using pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy. However, not all individuals with MDD have access to or choose to use these treatments, or may prefer to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep, and healthy eating. Even with treatment, MDD can alter brain structure and function, leading to the development of comorbid mental health and chronic metabolic conditions like obesity, cardiovascular …

Factors That Impact Glycemic Control In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Kelsey Mcfarling

Theses and Graduate Projects

The incidence of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is increasing worldwide and is diagnosed disproportionately in adolescent populations. Additionally, studies show that adolescents with T1D experience worse glycemic control during this developmental period. Maintaining glycemic control in patients with T1D decreases the risk of developing future diabetic-related complications. Factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and medical comorbidities influence disparities in maintaining glycemic control in adolescents. The recognition of these factors on the management of T1D through an integrative team approach leads to increased glycemic control and decreased diabetic- related complications. This paper explores the effects of …

Medicine And Media: The Ranitidine Debate., Jennifer A. Wagner, Jennifer Colombo

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Ranitidine has been the topic of recent media reports. Current findings, confirmed by the US Food and Drug Administration, indicate that some ranitidine products contain a substance that may be carcinogenic. Providers and patients require additional information on the risks of continuing therapy vs. the benefits of the medication. This article comments on what is currently known about the evolving situation of elevated N-nitrosodimethylamine levels in ranitidine and the limits of the existing information to assess best practices.

Laryngotracheal Stenosis, Kelsey Stuckey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is the luminal compromise at the laryngeal, subglottic, or tracheal level (Gelbard et al., 2014). Various etiologies for LTS exist. Endotracheal cuff over-inflation, inappropriately sized endotracheal tubes, and sudden movements of the tube contribute to injury, as well as anatomical differences(Cardillo et al., 2010; Divatia & Bhowmick, 2005; Medina et al., 2009; Miñambres et al., 2009; Nikolovski et al., 2019; Zaghi et al.,2016). The influence of estrogen may contribute to the development of LTS in women during the third through fifth decades Dedo & Catten, 2001; Poetker et al., 2006; Valdez & Shapshay, 2002). The project goal …

Evaluating The Effects Of Detergent Concentration On The Reendothelialization And Ultrastructure Of Porcine Internal Thoracic Artery Scaffolds, Jesse Bruce Kooistra

Graduate Theses

Cardiovascular disease exerts a consistent force of morbidity and mortality on the global population. This pressure has created a demand for reliable replacement vascular tissues. Current solutions include synthetic grafts and biological transplant options that are associated with a multitude of complications. Therefore, the continued innovation of vascular tissue replacement solutions is warranted. Decellularized vascular tissues have been previously utilized as scaffolds upon which recellularized tissue engineered vascular solutions are constructed. However the interplay between decellularization agent concentration and effective recellularization has not been well documented. Herein we investigate this relationship through a detail oriented research model that both qualifies …

The Effects Of Total Body Proton Irradiation On Mouse Myometrium, Lillith Bulawa

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The boundaries of human space exploration continue to expand with new technology and discoveries making it even more important to investigate the effects of space on biological systems. Although humans have explored space in small increments, reproductive studies must be conducted to determine if stable short- or long-term residences for humans can exist in space. This study explored the effects of whole-body proton radiation on uterine smooth muscle known as the myometrium. Two types of mice utilized in this study were C57BL/6 and B6.129S6Cybbtm1Din/J NOX2 knockout mice. C57BL/6 mice are standard laboratory mice that were used to represent the wildtype …

Equivalency Testing For Two Formulations Of A Clinical Laboratory Control Material, Jessica M. Hart

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Clinical laboratory control materials are an integral part of legally-mandated and highly regulated quality control protocols in all clinical laboratories. These controls ensure accurate performance of the laboratory testing and instrumentation used to produce medical test results for millions of patients. It is of clinical and public health interest to ensure the diagnostic test results which affect so many people are regulated by the most accurate and precise controls.

Formulation changes in control materials have the potential to impact laboratory quality control. In this study, data from two formulations of a hematology control were compared to assess equivalency of the …

Determination Of N-Linked Glycosylation Changes In Hepatocellular Carcinoma And The Associated Glycoproteins For Enhanced Biomarker Discovery And Therapeutic Targets, Connor Allen West

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

With hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remaining as the fifth most common cancer in the world, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually, the need for reliable, early stage diagnoses and preventive treatments is crucial. While serum glycoproteins are hepatic in origin, making them excellent targets for HCC biomarkers, they can originate from both cancerous and non-cancerous regions and direct analysis of cancerous tissue itself is lacking. To counteract this, I hypothesized that direct tissue analysis combined with proteomic analysis could be utilized to identify more potential targets specific to HCC for early detection. This was done with a primary focus on glycosylation—as …

Potential Use Of Dopamine And Dopamine Agonists As Angiogenesis Inhibitors In The Treatment Of Cancer, Benjamin Finley, Katherine Liu, Daniel Powell, Jamie Kellner, David H. Kinder

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

In recent years, there have been numerous developments in monoclonal antibodies used as anticancer drugs with a focus on reducing the ability of cancers to metastasize and produce new vasculature. These agents are called angiogenesis inhibitors and although these agents have been proven effective in treating certain types of cancers, production and administration of monoclonal antibodies comes at a steep cost with a severe side effect profile. Under normal physiologic conditions, angiogenesis is an important mechanism to create new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, usually occurring in adults. Tumor cells can hijack the angiogenesis pathway to produce new distant tumors …

A Comparison Of Lung Function Values Among A Scuba Diver Population And In Comparison To A Non-Diver Population, Gabriel C. Hutson, Jeremy D. Rentsch, Erin M. Eaton

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible correlations between lung function values (PEF, IRV, ERV, and FVC) among a diver population, as well as in comparison to a non-diver population. Independent variables for both populations were biological sex, age, and weekly physical activity. Independent variables for the diver population were dive tenure, number of logged dives, certification level, and gas mixture used. A spirometry test was conducted to collect lung function values of both populations. Data from this study suggest a statistically significant relationship between diver and non-diver sex and FVC, diver age and ERV, diver sex and …

Technical Freediving: An Emerging Breath-Hold Diving Technique, Derek Covington, Robert H. Lee, Steven Toffel, Alberto Bursian, Kirk Krack, Chris Giordano

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Technical freediving can be defined as freediving augmented by the use of oxygen-enriched gases or oxygen before, during, or after a freedive. As a result of these techniques, breath-hold divers can visit and enjoy underwater wrecks, reefs, and other diving locations previously located at depths unreachable to apnea divers. By pre-breathing oxygen-enriched gases in conjunction with hyperventilation—which decreases the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2)—the technical freediver now has additional oxygen to facilitate aerobic respiration during the dive. In addition, pre-breathing oxygen decreases tissue nitrogen tensions, which limits inert gas loading and decreases the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Finally, …

The Correlation Between The Microbiome And Neurodegenerative Disorders Such As Alzheimer Disease, Aurora Mokris

Honors Theses

Recent studies suggest that there are 1.3 times as many microbial cells as human cells in the body (Abbot, 2016). Another study claims that the combined genomes of this microbiota is 150 times that of the human genome (Zhuang & Shen, 2018). If you have ever had the feeling that you are not alone in an empty room you are most certainly correct. Your body is teeming with millions of organisms living in mutualistic symbiosis with you and surrounding microbes, but at times, this seemingly harmonious relationship can be disturbed, resulting in serious physical and psychological changes to the human …

Effects Of Altered Gravity On The Central Nervous System Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Amber M. Paul, Siddhita Mhatre, Janani Iyer, Jhony A. Zavaleta, Ravikumar Hosamani

Publications

A comprehensive understanding of the effects of spaceflight and altered gravity on human physiology is necessary for continued human space exploration and long-term space habitation. Spaceflight includes multiple factors such as microgravity, hyper gravity, ionizing radiation, physiological stress, and disrupted circadian rhythms and these have been shown to contribute to pathophysiological responses that target immunity, bone and muscle integrity, cardiovascular and nervous systems. In terrestrial conditions, some of these factors can lead to cancer and neuroimmunological disorders. In this study, we used a well-established spaceflight model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to assess spaceflight-associated changes in the nervous system. We hypothesize that …

Ultrasound-Triggered Antibiotic Release From Peek Clips To Prevent Spinal Fusion Infection: Initial Evaluations., Lauren J. Delaney, Daniel Macdonald, Jay Leung, Keith Fitzgerald, Alex M. Sevit, John R. Eisenbrey, Neil Patel, Flemming Forsberg, Christopher K. Kepler, Taolin Fang, Steven M. Kurtz, Noreen J. Hickok

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Despite aggressive peri-operative antibiotic treatments, up to 10% of patients undergoing instrumented spinal surgery develop an infection. Like most implant-associated infections, spinal infections persist through colonization and biofilm formation on spinal instrumentation, which can include metal screws and rods for fixation and an intervertebral cage commonly comprised of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). We have designed a PEEK antibiotic reservoir that would clip to the metal fixation rod and that would achieve slow antibiotic release over several days, followed by a bolus release of antibiotics triggered by ultrasound (US) rupture of a reservoir membrane. We have found using human physiological fluid …

Detection Of Human Plasma Glucose Using A Self-Powered Glucose Biosensor, Gymama Slaughter, Tanmay Kulkarni

Bioelectrics Publications

This work presents the characterization of a self-powered glucose biosensor using individual sequential assays of human plasma glucose obtained from diabetic patients. The self-powered glucose biosensor is exploited to optimize the assay parameters for sensing plasma glucose levels. In particular, the biofuel cell component of the system at pH 7.4, 37 °C generates a power density directly proportional to plasma glucose and exhibited a maximum power density of 0.462 mW·cm⁻² at a cell voltage of 0.213 V in 5 mM plasma glucose. Plasma glucose is further sensed by monitoring the charge/discharge frequency (Hz) of the integrated capacitor functioning as …

Investigation Of The Role For Methyl-Cpg Binding Protein 2 Variant Mbd2_V2 In Cancer Stem Cells And Obesity-Associated Cancers, Emily A. Teslow

Wayne State University Dissertations

Obesity is a risk factor for both TNBC and PCa, and pro-inflammatory features associated with obesity, including upregulated production of ROS, promote CSCs. Previously published work from the Bollig-Fischer laboratory established that TNBC CSCs could be inhibited by neutralizing ROS in culture with H2O2 targeted antioxidants. In this report, antioxidant treatment resulted in the downregulation of mRNA splicing variant MBD2_v2. MBD2_v2 was highly expressed in CSCs versus bulk TNBC cells and supported self-renewal in vitro. As obesity is coupled with increased ROS, we hypothesized that obesity could drive CSCs via MBD2_v2 expression. The work presented in this thesis addressed this …

Triggers, Protectors, And Predictors In Episodic Migraine., Michael J. Marmura

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A wide variety of triggers prompt attacks in episodic migraine. Although experimental triggers such as glyceryl trinitrate reliably produce migraine, natural triggers are much less predictable and vary in importance between individuals. This review describes the most common triggers in episodic migraine and provides strategies for managing them in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple migraine attack triggers have been established based on patient surveys, diary studies, and clinical trials. Stress, menstrual cycle changes, weather changes, sleep disturbances, alcohol, and other foods are among the most common factors mentioned. Clinical studies have verified that fasting, premenstrual periods in …

The Comparison Of Skin Irritation Level Between Topical Cajeput Oil And Telon Oil: A Pilot Study, Sri Esa Ilona, Aris Cahyono, Endra Yustin Ellistasari, Muh. Eko Irawanto, Harijono Kariosentono

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Cajuputi/Cajeput/Melalueca leucadendron oil is a type of essential oil, widely known and used by Indonesian for infants, children, and elderly. It is also included in telon oil compositions (±42%). Excessive application of cajeput oil and telon oil may lead to skin irritation.

Methods: This randomized single-blind control trial was conducted with 10 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. Four areas with diameter of 10 mm each were made on the flexor surface of the upper arm. Area 1 was designated as negative control. Area 2 to 4 were pre-irritated with tape stripping for 40 ± 10 times …

Hematological Changes In Response To A Drastic Increase In Training Volume In Recreational Cyclists, Jessie Axsom

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

Changes in blood volume contribute to improvement in oxygen utilization (VO2max) with chronic endurance exercise training. Although hematological changes resulting from long-term endurance training have been well documented, it has not been well established whether an increased volume of endurance training preferentially affects plasma volume or red blood cell volume. To answer this question, I studied seven female and four male recreational cyclists before and after exposure to drastic increases (632%) in training volume. Following the 10-week training period, the mean hematocrit (Hct) of the 11 subjects who completed the study significantly (p0.05) correlated with the change in self-reported weekly …

Androgenic Alopecia; The Risk–Benefit Ratio Of Finasteride, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei, Ioana Păunică, Petrișor Banu, Mihaela F. Nistor, Stana Păunică, Vlad D. Constantin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Finasteride is currently approved and largely used as a therapeutic option for androgenetic alopecia. Apparently a safe drug and effective at the onset of its application, several concerns have since appeared over the years regarding the frequency and magnitude of finasteride adverse effects, which in some cases appear irreversible even after drug termination.

This paper discusses the use of finasteride for androgenic alopecia from two distinct perspectives. On the one hand, androgenic alopecia is a condition that especially affects a person’s self-image and esteem, aspects that are subjectively-constructed and thus relative and changeable. On the other hand, this condition involves …

Effects Of The Na-Cl Co-Transporter (Ncc) In Western Diet Induced Metabolic And Cardiac Dysfunction, Zachary S. Cutter

Theses and Dissertations

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in maintaining metabolic homeostasis; however, also capable of inducing cardiac dysfunction. Additionally, IL-18, has been shown to bind to a novel receptor, the Na-Cl Co-transporter (NCC). We hypothesized that NCC mediates IL-18 metabolic and cardiac signaling in mice. Using male C57BL/6J mice, we compared the metabolic and cardiac function changes after at least 8 weeks of high-saturated fat high sugar diet (Western Diet) in NCC knockout (NCCKO), IL-18 knockout (IL-18KO), and wild-type mice. We show that NCCKO mice have significantly increased body weight gain from baseline, no difference in fasting …

Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species In Lipotoxic Hearts Induces Post-Translational Modifications Of Akap121, Drp1 And Opa1 That Promote Mitochondrial Fission, Kensuke Tsushima, Heiko Bugger, Adam R. Wende, Jamie Soto, Gregory A. Jenson, Austin R. Tor, Rose Mcglauflin, Helena C. Kenny, Yuan Zhang, Rhonda Souvenir, Xiao X. Hu, Crystal L. Sloan, Renata O. Pereira, Vitor A. Lira, Kenneth W. Spitzer, Terry L. Sharp, Kooresh I. Shoghi, Genevieve C. Sparagna, Eva A. Rog-Zielinska, Peter Kohl, Oleh Khalimonchuk, Jean E. Schaffer, E. Dale Abel

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Rationale: Cardiac lipotoxicity, characterized by increased uptake, oxidation and accumulation of lipid intermediates, contributes to cardiac dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. However, mechanisms linking lipid overload and mitochondrial dysfunction are incompletely understood.

Objective: To elucidate the mechanisms for mitochondrial adaptations to lipid overload in postnatal hearts in vivo.

Methods and Results: Using a transgenic mouse model of cardiac lipotoxicity overexpressing long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 in cardiomyocytes, we show that modestly increased myocardial fatty acid uptake leads to mitochondrial structural remodeling with significant reduction in minimum diameter. This is associated with increased palmitoyl-carnitine oxidation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation …

Computational Modeling For Abnormal Brain Tissue Segmentation, Brain Tumor Tracking, And Grading, Syed Mohammad Shamin Reza

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation proposes novel texture feature-based computational models for quantitative analysis of abnormal tissues in two neurological disorders: brain tumor and stroke. Brain tumors are the cells with uncontrolled growth in the brain tissues and one of the major causes of death due to cancer. On the other hand, brain strokes occur due to the sudden interruption of the blood supply which damages the normal brain tissues and frequently causes death or persistent disability. Clinical management of these brain tumors and stroke lesions critically depends on robust quantitative analysis using different imaging modalities including Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Digital Pathology …

Intracranial Eeg Fluctuates Over Months After Implanting Electrodes In Human Brain., Hoameng Ung, Steven N. Baldassano, Hank Bink, Abba M. Krieger, Shawniqua Williams, Flavia Vitale, Chengyuan Wu, Dean Freestone, Ewan Nurse, Kent Leyde, Kathryn A. Davis, Mark Cook, Brian Litt

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Implanting subdural and penetrating electrodes in the brain causes acute trauma and inflammation that affect intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings. This behavior and its potential impact on clinical decision-making and algorithms for implanted devices have not been assessed in detail. In this study we aim to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of continuous, prolonged human iEEG recordings.

APPROACH: Intracranial electroencephalography from 15 patients with drug-refractory epilepsy, each implanted with 16 subdural electrodes and continuously monitored for an average of 18 months, was included in this study. Time and spectral domain features were computed each day for each channel for …

Meta-Regression: Prognostic Models As Objective Predictors Of Mortality Among Icu Cancer Patients, Sheila Donnell

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) may be experiencing complications of disease or treatment-related effects. While acute complications related to disease and/or its therapeutic management vary in severity, the approach to ICU-centered care is complicated by actual versus perceived risks of poor outcomes. Prognostic models that inform clinical judgment of nurses and physicians may prove helpful in this population. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) are ICU-based models predicting 30-day mortality among the general ICU population. Although studies have been …

Body Size Predicts Cardiac And Vascular Resistance Effects On Men's And Women's Blood Pressure, Joyce M. Evans, Siqi Wang, Christopher Greb, Vladimir Kostas, Charles F. Knapp, Qingguang Zhang, Eric S. Roemmele, Michael B. Stenger, David C. Randall

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Key Points Summary

• We report how blood pressure, cardiac output and vascular resistance are related to height, weight, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) in healthy young adults at supine rest and standing.
• Much inter-subject variability in young adult's blood pressure, currently attributed to health status, may actually result from inter-individual body size differences.
• Each cardiovascular variable is linearly related to height, weight and/or BSA (more than to BMI).
• When supine, cardiac output is positively related, while vascular resistance is negatively related, to body size. Upon standing, the change in vascular resistance is positively related to size. …

Oncology Section Edge Task Force On Urogenital Cancer Outcomes: Clinical Measures Of Lymphedema—A Systematic Review, Joy C. Cohn, Hannah Geyer, Jeannette Lee, Mary Insana Fisher

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Valid and reliable tools to assess lymphedema are necessary to accurately evaluate status and to objectively document and measure the results of interventions. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each measure can inform the clinician's choice of the appropriate tool to be used in the clinic or research setting.

Purpose: To identify reliable and valid measurement techniques that are sensitive to change for assessing edema volume or soft tissue change in the lower extremities or genital region of patients with lymphedema.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the published psychometric properties and clinical feasibility …

Hemodynamic And Metabolic Responses During Self-Paced And Ramp Graded Exercise Testing Treadmill Protocols, Nicholas Mark Beltz

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Purpose: To investigate: 1) if a self-paced (SP) graded exercise testing protocol elicits similar and reliable maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) responses compared to a ramp (RAMP) treadmill protocol; 2) the impact of SP on cardiac output (Q), stroke volume (SV), and arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO_2diff); and 3) the metabolic response during SP through blood lactate (BLa^-) accumulation and ventilatory threshold (VT) attainment. Methods: Sixteen recreationally trained men (23.7±3.0 yrs) completed two separate treadmill graded exercise testing protocols. SP consisted of five 2-min stages (10 min total) of increasing speed based on the Borg …