Digital Commons Network^™

Positive Patient Experiences In An Australian Integrative Oncology Centre, Bonnie J. Furzer, Anna S. Petterson, Kemi E. Wright, Karen E. Wallman, Timothy R. Ackland, David J. Joske

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of cancer patients' utilising complementary and integrative therapies (CIT) within integrative oncology centres across Western Australia.Methods: Across four locations 135 patients accessed CIT services whilst undergoing outpatient medical treatment for cancer. Of the 135 patients, 66 (61 ± 12 y; female n = 45; male n = 21) agreed to complete a personal accounts questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions designed to explore patients' perceptions of CIT. All results were transcribed into nVivo (v9) and using thematic analysis, key themes were identified.Results: Of the 66 participants, 100% indicated they would …

Cochlear Development And Auditory Function In The Absence Of Thyroid Hormone Transporters Mct8 And Oatp1c1, Richard Sinn

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for the development and maturation of the nervous system. The thyroid gland secretes an active form of TH, triiodothyronine, and a prohormone, thyroxine, into the blood. TH is charged, which prevents it from passively diffusing across cell membranes and thus requires cell membrane transporters to facilitate its movement into and out of cells. However, whether TH transporters are required for TH-mediated developmental events, including the auditory system, is largely unknown.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate two specific TH transporters, monocarboxylate transporter 8 (Mct8) and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1c1 (Oatp1c1), and …

Self-Reported Juvenile Firesetting, Carrie Howell Bowling, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

In this chapter we address gaps in existing research by examining the relationship between academic performance and attention problems with juvenile firesetting. Two datasets from the Achenbach System for Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) were used. The Factor Analysis Dataset (N = 975) was utilized and results indicated that adolescents who report lower academic performance are more likely to set fires. Additionally, adolescents who report a poor attitude toward school are even more likely to set fires. Logistic regressions were run to determine if attention problems predicted firesetting and the findings indicated that attention problems are predictive of self-reported firesetting. The …

Adolescent Health Issues, Joav Merrick, Ariel Tenenbaum, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

United States: Sexual Behavior In Association With Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination In Young Girls, Wafa R.R. Al Romaih, Said Shahtahmasebi, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The first human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was approved in the United States in 2006 with the potential to reduce cervical cancer and genital warts. Since then, its efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers in both males and females has been promising. Despite CDC recommendations, opponents of the vaccine assert that vaccinating preadolescents and adolescents will increase their sexual activity, as well as overtly condone risky sexual behavior. We analyzed clinic data of 499 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years to explore whether vaccination led to change in sexual behavior after one year. Our results showed no statistically significant …

Dating Violence In Adolescence, Anuja Bandyopadhyay, Amit M. Deokar, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Adolescent dating violence is a health and social problem, worldwide. The objective of this chapter was to identify the risk factors and consequences of dating violence, assess the prevention measures taken to increase awareness regarding it and provide an overview of the screening and interventional tools used to support the teens involved in dating violence. Methods: A review of the literature, published in the last 29 years, was conducted and the content was clinically analyzed. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend of dating violence in a younger population. Consistent definitions, comprehensive assessment tools and focused screening are required to assess …

A Grassroots Program For Youth Suicide Prevention: An Overview Of Participant Comments Following Stop Youth Suicide Conference, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Disability And Women's Health, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Children, adolescents, and women with disabilities experience the same sexual development, pubertal changes, concerns, and desire to reproduce as their typically developing counterparts. However, society has tended to stigmatize women with disabilities as "asexual" and ignore this aspect of their health care. These women are less likely to receive gynecological exams, contraception, and evaluation of sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, having a disability places women at risk for sexual exploitation and abuse as well as sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, reproductive health care for these women is imperative. A number of barriers to receiving reproductive care exist. However, with proper education and knowledge …

Academic Predictors And Characteristics Of Self-Reported Juvenile Firesetting, Carrie Howell Bowling, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The main purpose of this study was to address gaps in existing research by examining the relationship between academic performance and attention problems with juvenile firesetting. Two datasets from the Achenbach System for Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) were used. The Factor Analysis Dataset (N = 975) was utilized and results indicated that adolescents who report lower academic performance are more likely to set fires. Additionally, adolescents who report a poor attitude toward school are even more likely to set fires. Logistic regressions were run to determine if attention problems predicted firesetting and the findings indicated that attention problems are predictive …

Tobacco Control Efforts In The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Achievements And Challenges, S. Hassounah, D. Rawaf, T. Khoja, S. Rawaf, M.S. Hussein, Waris Qidwai, A. Majeed

Department of Family Medicine

This paper reports a review into the current state of tobacco use, governance and national commitment for control, and current intervention frameworks in place to reduce the use of tobacco among the populations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Yemen. It further reviews structured policy-oriented interventions (in line with the MPOWER package of 6 evidence-based tobacco control measures) that represent government actions to strengthen, implement and manage tobacco control programmes and to address the growing epidemic of tobacco use. Our findings show that tobacco control in the GCC countries has witness real progress over the past decades. …

Utility Of Microwave Radiometry For Diagnostic And Therapeutic Applications Of Non-Invasive Temperature Monitoring, Paul R. Stauffer, Dario B. Rodrigues, Paolo F. Maccarini

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

This paper describes the use of microwave radiometry for several diagnostic and therapeutic applications that can benefit from accurate non-invasive measurement of volume average temperature of tissue regions extending 4cm or more into the body. Design features are summarized for an appropriate high sensitivity long term stable system with 2.5 and 7 cm diameter receive antennas and integral 1.35 GHz total power radiometer electronics. Radiometer performance is characterized with electromagnetic and thermal simulations and experimental measurements in realistic models of two typical clinical applications. Results demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to track clinically significant changes in temperature of deep tissue targets for …

Quantification Of Factors Governing Drug Release Kinetics From Nanoparticles: A Combined Experimental And Mechanistic Modeling Approach, Kyle Daniel Fugit

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Advancements in nanoparticle drug delivery of anticancer agents require mathematical models capable of predicting in vivo formulation performance from in vitro characterization studies. Such models must identify and incorporate the physicochemical properties of the therapeutic agent and nanoparticle driving in vivo drug release. This work identifies these factors for two nanoparticle formulations of anticancer agents using an approach which develops mechanistic mathematical models in conjunction with experimental studies.

A non-sink ultrafiltration method was developed to monitor liposomal release kinetics of the anticancer agent topotecan. Mathematical modeling allowed simultaneous determination of drug permeability and interfacial binding to the bilayer from release …

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (Pi3k) As A Therapeutic Target In Nsclc, Christopher W. Stamatkin

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Deregulated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is central to many human malignancies. The functions of this pathway are critical for normal cell metabolism, proliferation, and survival. In lung cancers, the PI3K pathway activity is often aberrantly driven by multiple mutations, including EGFR, KRAS, and PIK3CA. Molecules targeting the PI3K pathway are intensely investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. Although inhibitors of the pathway are currently in clinical trials, rational and targeted use of these compounds, alone or in combination, requires an understanding of isoform-specific activity in context. We sought to identify class IA PI3K enzyme (p110a/PIK3CA, p110b/PIK3CB, p110d/PIK3CD) activities using …

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Are Anti-Inflammatory And Target Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Benjamin J. Fowler

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a principal cause of blindness in the United States and other industrialized nations. An estimated 10 million Americans are afflicted with AMD, which is comparable in scope to the 12 million living with cancer, or the 5 million with Alzheimer’s disease. The prevalence of AMD steadily increases with age, affecting 2% of the population at age 40, and one in four people by age 80. For reasons that are not fully understood, AMD is more common in lightly-pigmented and female populations. Treatment of AMD is largely an unmet need: There are no FDA approved therapies …

Lifelong Learning: Established Concepts And Evolving Values, Jamsheer J Jehangir Talati Professor

Section of Urology

Objective: To summarise the concepts critical for understanding the content and value of lifelong learning (LL).
Methods: Ideas generated by personal experience were combined with those of philosophers, social scientists, educational institutions, governments and UNESCO, to facilitate an understanding of the importance of the basic concepts of LL.
Results: Autopoietic, continuous, self-determined, informal, vicarious, biographical, lifelong reflexive learning, from and for society, when supported by self-chosen formal courses, can build capacities and portable skills that allow useful responses to challenges and society’s new structures of governance. The need for LL is driven by challenges. LL flows continuously in pursuit of …

A Survey Of Social Media: Perceived Effectiveness In Marketing Among Individual Nascar Tracks, Amanda E. Greene, Andy Dotterweich, Mauro Palmero, Don Good

ETSU Faculty Works

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of and attitudes toward social networking as a tool for use by NASCAR speedways and to gauge track perceptions on the effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool. Individual NASCAR tracks were surveyed (n=22, 84.6% response) to explore current track social media practices and the potential impact of social networking sites on NASCAR marketing and consumer relations. Results found that individual tracks as well as the two major ownership groups highly agreed about issues concerning the use of social media to increase sales and to develop fan bases. However, …

Evaluation Of Tissue-Engineered Tendon Enthesis Polymer Constructs, Joshua A. Bundy Bs, Mary Beth Wade Phd, Hitomi Nakao Md, Phillip Mcclellan Phd, Qing Yu Phd, Robin Jacquet-Childs Ms, William J. Landis Phd

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Both scientists and clinicians have proposed tissue engineering as the future of medicine. The possibilities for tissue engineering, that is, fabrication of tissues and organs in the laboratory and their translation to patients, appear to be endless, and many believe that this new approach in medicine will result in abolishing many common ailments, injuries, and congenital defects. Injuries to a tendon enthesis, the normal tissue connection between tendon and bone, are of particular concern to clinicians because of their frequency and failure to repair as a result of surgery. While these injuries may not be life threatening, they can certainly …

The Utility Of A Tablet Computer Device In Comparison To A Standard High Resolution Monitor For Reporting Ct Kub Images, Kenneth Kiriinya Ibeere

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Background: The latest technological developments in the field of digital medical imaging have facilitated the transfer of the power and utility of the personal computer to mobile computing devices. One of these that have been used in diagnostic imaging is a tablet computer. Mobile tele-radiology using a tablet computer device is an apt extension of imaging services, for after-office-hours consultation. It is crucial to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these portable computer devices in order to determine safety for use in diagnostic image interpretation without compromising patient care. Objective: To find out the diagnostic accuracy of urolithiasis (urinary tract calculi) …

Beta-Alanine Suppresses Malignant Breast Epithelial Cell Aggressiveness Through Alterations In Metabolism And Cellular Acidity In Vitro, Roger A. Vaughan, Nicholas P. Gannon, Randi Garcia-Smith, Yamhilette Licon-Munoz, Miguel A. Barberena, Marco Bisoffi, Kristina A. Trujillo

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Deregulated energetics is a property of most cancer cells. This phenomenon, known as the Warburg Effect or aerobic glycolysis, is characterized by increased glucose uptake, lactate export and extracellular acidification, even in the presence of oxygen. beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that has previously been shown to be metabolized into carnosine, which functions as an intracellular buffer. Because of this buffering capacity, we investigated the effects of beta-alanine on the metabolic cancerous phenotype.

Methods: Non-malignant MCF-10a and malignant MCF-7 breast epithelial cells were treated with beta-alanine at 100 mM for 24 hours. Aerobic glycolysis was quantified …

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Pregnant Women On Follow Up In A Tertiary Maternity Hospital, Cornelia Akinyi Ochola

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is the ideal form of infant feeding. Health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to infant and mother are well documented in literature. Despite this, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of infants‘ life in Kenya remains low. National nutrition strategy for maternal, infant and young child has set its 2017 target for exclusive breastfeeding at 80% from 32%. To achieve this target, new strategies are needed to complement current exclusive breastfeeding initiatives. Application of theory of planned behaviour model was used to determine the psychosocial factors associated …

Unintended Pregnancy And Abortion In India: Country Profile Report, Mary Philip Sebastian, M.E. Khan, Daliya Sebastian

Reproductive Health

A review of literature and analysis of large surveys were carried out with funding from the STEP UP consortium led by Population Council to build a coherent body of robust research-based evidence on the situation in India in the context of unmet need for family planning (FP) and safe abortion services. The study found that there is insufficient training of different cadres of health staff in the public health system on abortion provision, post-abortion care, FP counseling of young couples, emergency contraception, and IUD insertion/removal. Despite service delivery guidelines in India expecting providers to provide FP counseling during antenatal visits, …

Dual-Specificity Phosphatase-1 Regulates The Inflammatory Milieu In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Xiaoyi Zhang

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 6% of diagnosed malignancies in the United States, with an estimated 35,000 incidences and over 7,000 deaths every year. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) comprises the majority of head and neck cancers, with a worldwide incidence of more than 500,000 cases. Head and neck cancer patients often present in advanced stages of disease, and despite ongoing research, survival rates remain lower than other more common malignancies. Cytokines and pro-inflammatory factors have been shown to have a critical role in the various steps of malignant transformation, including tumor growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, …

Gender Differences In Self-Esteem In Young Adolescents Of Karachi, Shelina Bhamani, Sabeen Jamil, Falak Zehra Mohsin

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

The purpose of this research was to explore the self-esteem trends in adolescents of Karachi, Pakistan with regard to gender differences. The insights from previous literature helped to form the hypothesis that there will be a significant gender difference on the self-esteem of adolescents variable. There were a total 224 (96 male and 126 female) adolescents chosen for this study and the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Scale: a 36 item and a 3 Likert response scale was adapted for this study with the consent of the author. The data analysis revealed that there is a significant gender difference on the variable of …

Insulin Regulates Glucose Consumption And Lactate Production Through Reactive Oxygen Species And Pyruvate Kinase M2., Qi Li, Xue Liu, Yu Yin, Ji-Tai Zheng, Cheng-Fei Jiang, Jing Wang, Hua Shen, Chong-Yong Li, Min Wang, Ling-Zhi Liu, Bing-Hua Jiang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Although insulin is known to regulate glucose metabolism and closely associate with liver cancer, the molecular mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we attempt to understand the mechanism of insulin in promotion of liver cancer metabolism. We found that insulin increased pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression through reactive oxygen species (ROS) for regulating glucose consumption and lactate production, key process of glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Bel7402 cells. Interestingly, insulin-induced ROS was found responsible for the suppression of miR-145 and miR-128, and forced expression of either miR-145 or miR-128 was sufficient to abolish insulin-induced PKM2 expression. …

Educators' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Concussions And The New Jersey Concussion Law, Einat Katz-Delong

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Recent media attention, lawsuits from retiring athletes, and the early retirement of famous athletes have increased public awareness of sports-related head injuries. High school student athletes are more susceptible to concussions than older athletes. Athletes suffering from concussions may experience long-lasting effects on their lives, particularly in cognitive, emotional, and school functioning. Given the increased rates of concussions and their ramifications, state governments and the federal government have taken action. Beginning with the start of the 2011–2012 school year, the state of New Jersey has implemented legislation that requires all school districts with interscholastic sports programs to develop a written …

In Adult Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Are Intravetrial Bevacizumab Injections More Effective Than Laser Therapy At Improving Best-Corrected Visual Acuity?, Heather Bladek

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not in adult patients with diabetic macular edema intravetrial bevacizumab injections are more effective than laser therapy at improving best-corrected visual acuity.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language non-blinded randomized control trials from 2010 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Non-blinded randomized control trials comparing intravetrial bevacizumab injections to macular laser therapy found using Pubmed and EBSCOhost web databases. All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic …

Molecular Studies On The Anti-Tumor Effects Of Metal-Based Complexes: Involvement Of The Ubiquitin-Proteasome And Apoptotic Pathways, Sara M. Schmitt

Wayne State University Dissertations

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is crucial to normal cellular function, and as such, has been extensively investigated as a potential target for cancer therapeutics. Many compounds have been tested for their proteasome inhibitory ability, including various small peptide aldehydes, and, following the success of cisplatin, several metal-containing complexes. The efficacy of these compounds in preclinical studies ultimately resulted in the development and approval of the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, the use of which, unfortunately, has been hindered by toxicity and resistance. These limitations have led to a massive push toward designing and developing new, less toxic proteasome inhibitors for clinical use. …

Cervical Remodeling/Ripening At Term And Preterm Delivery: The Same Mechanism Initiated By Different Mediators And Different Effector Cells, Juan Miguel Gonzalez Velez

Wayne State University Dissertations

Premature cervical remodeling/ripening is believed to contribute to preterm delivery (PTD), the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite considerable research, the causes of term and PTD remain unclear, and there is no effective treatment for PTD. We tested the hypothesis that complement activation plays a role in cervical remodeling and PTD. We studied cervical remodeling at term.

We studied two mouse models of inflammation-induced PTD. The first model was induced by vaginal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)and the second one by administration of progesterone antagonist RU486. Increased cervical C3 deposition and macrophage infiltration and increased serum C3adesArg and C5adesArg …

Regulation And Targeting Of Fyn In Human Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Sarah Fenton

Dissertations

Fyn, a member of the Src family kinases, is an oncogene in murine epidermis and is associated with cell-cell adhesion turnover and migration. Introduction of active H-Ras(G12V) into the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line resulted in upregulation of FYN mRNA (200-fold) and protein, but did not increase the expression of other SFKs. We identified two nucleotides 74 bases upstream of the human FYN gene transcription start site as necessary for FYN upregulation in HaCaT-Ras cells. Further studies identified Lef-1 as the transcription factor most likely binding to this site and mediating FYN upregulation.

Transduction of active Ras or Fyn was …

Regulation Of Glucose Homeostasis By The Phlpp1 Phosphatase, Kara L. Larson

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects one in ten people in the United States. It is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Disease progression begins with insulin resistance in peripheral tissues followed by pancreatic beta-cell failure. The mechanisms behind disease progression are not completely understood. PH domain leucine rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) is a known regulator of Akt and other members of the AGC kinase family. Akt has been established to play a role in numerous metabolic signaling pathways, including insulin action. It is hypothesized that as a regulator of Akt, …