Digital Commons Network^™

What's New In Ovarian Cancer, Jessica L. Kozuki

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

No abstract provided.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma In Kenya: Myc, Bcl2, And The Cell Of Origin, Jonathan Wawire, Shahin Sayed, Zahir Moloo, Aliyah R. Sohani

Pathology, East Africa

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults in Kenya. Cell of origin (COO) and double expression of MYC and BCL2 are two important prognostic factors for DLBCL. A small subset (5% to 10%) of DLBCL cases show positivity for CD5 and are associated with poor prognosis, whereas CD30 antigen, seen in up to 10% of cases, may be a useful target for therapy. We sought to determine the prevalence of MYC/BCL2 double expression, COO, and proportion of Epstein-Barr virus positivity among patients with DLBCL diagnosed at a tertiary referral laboratory in Kenya. …

Differential Microrna Expression Of Mir-21 And Mir-155 With Oral Cancer Extracellular Vesicles In Response To Melationin, Matthew Hunsaker, Greta Barba, Karl Kingsley, Katherine M. Howard

Dental Medicine Faculty Research

Objective: Extracellular vesicles derived from oral cancer cells, which include Exosomes and Oncosomes, are membranous vesicles secreted into the surrounding extracellular environment. These extracellular vesicles can regulate and modulate oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression through the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules including proteins, lipids and microRNA (miRNA). The primary objective of this study was to examine the potential to isolate and evaluate extracellular vesicles (including exosomes) from various oral cancer cell lines and to explore potential differences in miRNA content. Methods: The OSCC cell lines SCC9, SCC25 and CAL27 were cultured in DMEM containing 10% exosome-free fetal bovine serum. …

Cultural Work In Addressing Conflicts And Violence In Traumatized Communities, Eugen Koh

New England Journal of Public Policy

There is a growing appreciation that conflict and violence in many communities have their origins in a history of traumatic experiences. Why this link exists and how it comes about is still unclear. We have no unified psychology of traumatized communities, and little is known about how to address these traumatic origins collectively in these communities. This article proposes a psychodynamic model of collective trauma and a psychoanalytically informed approach to working with traumatized communities to address their issues of conflict and violence. It highlights the impact of collective trauma on the culture of a community, which is its collective …

Differential Iron Regulatory Genetics In 2d & 3d Culture Of Breast Cancer Cells, Tyler Hanna, Suzy Torti Ph. D, Frank Torti M.D., Mph, Nicole Farra Ph. D.

Honors Scholar Theses

The iron regulatory axis has consistently been shown to be perturbed in cancer cell lines relative to non-cancerous cell lines. As cancer cells rapidly divide and grow, they require iron to fuel many intracellular processes, including DNA replication and protein synthesis. Three-dimensional cell culture is an increasingly popular method of culture that purportedly more accurately mimics the in vivo microenvironment of cancers over traditional two-dimensional culture. This project was prompted by previous lab results to investigate differential iron regulatory gene expression in 2D and 3D spheroid culture models. We replicated the findings that the gene hepcidin is induced in 3D …

Seeing Eye To Eye: A Machine Learning Approach To Automated Saccade Analysis, Maigh Attre

Honors Scholar Theses

Abnormal ocular motility is a common manifestation of many underlying pathologies particularly those that are neurological. Dynamics of saccades, when the eye rapidly changes its point of fixation, have been characterized for many neurological disorders including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and Parkinson’s disease. However, widespread saccade analysis for diagnostic and research purposes requires the recognition of certain eye movement parameters. Key information such as velocity and duration must be determined from data based on a wide set of patients’ characteristics that may range in eye shapes and iris, hair and skin pigmentation [36]. Previous work on saccade analysis has …

A Bilingual Approach To Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Importance Of Communication Between Providers & Spanish-Speaking Families In Northwest Arkansas, Emily Ann Davidson

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the demographic demands of Northwest Arkansas and the prevalence of disparities in health care, this study aims to assess the current practices, perceived need, and willingness to provide bilingual Spanish-English outpatient pediatric occupational therapy options in Northwest Arkansas. The hope of this study is to better inform pediatric occupational therapy providers of the growing need for bilingual services so that they may respond appropriately in order to better serve Latino and Spanish-speaking patients and their families or caregivers.

An Evaluation Of The Supply And Demand Of Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists In The United States., Christine Marie Swanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: This dissertation is a mixed methods evaluation of the radiation oncology medical physics workforce in the United States. Radiation oncology medical physicists serve a vital role in the safe treatment of patients with radiation therapy. While cancer incidence continues to rise, the pathways to board certification in radiation oncology medical physics continue to narrow causing a potential shortage of radiation oncology physicists in the United States. While there is no lack of data about the medical physics community it has scarcely been used to evaluate the current state of the workforce. In order to ensure patient safety, appropriate physics …

An Integrative Approach To Mindfulness-Based Symptom Management For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lisa Barer

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic health condition; its etiology is poorly understood, and treatment options are limited to management of symptoms. Current recommended treatment options are controversial, and evidence of effectiveness is limited. This paper proposes a novel model for symptom management of ME/CFS using mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques. A comprehensive review of available evidence is used to support this approach. The idea is that, working synergistically, these three approaches, grounded by mindfulness-based principles, can address many of the symptoms of the illness and help patients better cope and manage their day-to-day …

How To Conduct Clinical Trials In Children: A Tutorial., Valentina Shakhnovich, Christoph P. Hornik, Gregory L. Kearns, Jaylene Weigel, Susan M. Abdel-Rahman

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Despite a growing interest in, and commitment to, implementing pediatric clinical trials, approximately one in every five trials in children fails because of inappropriate study design, suboptimal experiment planning, or inadequate participant enrollment. This tutorial, presented from the perspectives of seasoned pediatric investigators, an experienced research coordinator, and an established pediatric clinical trials network, is designed to provide practical guidance for successfully implementing pediatric clinical trials at an academic center or another comparable institution.

Is A Varicocelectomy Beneficial In The Era Of Assisted Reproductive Technologies?, Chukwuka Oscar Nnoli

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Clinical varicoceles are the most frequent physical finding associated with infertile men and impaired semen parameters. There is evidence that suggests varicocele repair improves semen parameter and increases the chances of natural pregnancy. Today, varicocele repair is often combined with assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in Vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In this literature review, data examining whether varicocelectomy before ART leads to improved pregnancy outcomes is reviewed. Current data suggest that there is a significant clinical benefit when correcting a varicocele in oligospermic men before IVF/ICSI. Similarly, men with non-obstructive azoospermia also …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Multi-Parametric Mri In Diagnosis Of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer, Mariah Obino

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Background: Traditionally, the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been based on an elevated prostate specific antigen or an abnormal digital rectal examination and confirmed histologically following prostate biopsy. This has led to a number of men without cancer or with clinically insignificant disease undergoing unwarranted prostate biopsies and suffering consequent complications. Pre-biopsy multi-parametric MRI plays a vital role in determining men with clinically significant cancer who need biopsy and those with a negative MRI who can safely avoid an unwarranted biopsy. Whereas studies on the value of multi-parametric MRI have been done elsewhere, there is variation in prevalence of prostate …

Left Atrial Model, Borna Sobati, Sarah Porello, Tess Pate

Biomedical Engineering

The objective is to produce an electrophysiological model of an adult human left atrium. This model will be used to test mapping probe catheters used for locating cardiac arrhythmias against current technology used in practice. Dr. Chris Porterfield requested this model and other physicians or probe catheter manufacturers may also use this product in the future. Dr. Porterfield also discussed the possibility of future senior project groups using the model as a bench test for designing new catheter tips. The model will precisely simulate electrical behaviors of the heart in normal as well as arrhythmic conditions. Ideally, the model will …

Potential Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor As A Biomarker Of Coronary Artery Disease In Subjects Undergoing Cabg Surgery, Teaka Jackson, Sarah Peterson, Amanda Favreau-Lessard, Joanne Burgess, Susan Bosworth-Farrell, Robert S. Kramer, Douglas B. Sawyer, Sergey Ryzhov, Michael P. Robich

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Introduction:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) causes local hypoxia due to reduced blood flow

• Hypoxic conditions are known to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, a key contributor to angiogenesis

• The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of VEGF as a marker of myocardial stress in subjects with CAD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery

Quantifying Expression Of Interneuron Subtype Markers For Dlx-2 Transfected Ng2 Cells, Timothy Nolan

Honors Scholar Theses

Neurons are a post-mitotic cell population, and therefore, they are not able to regenerate in vivo after a traumatic injury. Because inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are derived from the same precursor, recent studies have focused on transforming these OPCs into GABAergic neurons. However, there are different types of GABAergic interneurons that have different electrophysiological responses, which can lead to functional differences. The Nishiyama laboratory had already used a key gene in GABAergic interneuron and OPC differentiation, Distal-less homeobox 2 (Dlx-2), to transfect OPCs; early electrophysiology tests showed most of these transfected cells behaved like immature neurons, …

Assessment Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety: Allied Health Professional Clinical Competence, Tiffany Houser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Magnetic resonance imaging is a major advancement in the diagnostic imaging field. Most patients can tolerate an MRI however, there are some who are unable to complete a lengthy scan while lying completely still without sedatives or anesthesia. Non-MRI healthcare providers are trained to use equipment that is “unsafe” in the MRI suite due to the strong magnetic field. Staff who are not fully knowledgeable and trained in MRI safety measures can endanger staff and patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level of non-MRI healthcare providers regarding safety risks associated with MRI and to determine …

A Sensory-Based Program To Enhance Occupational Performance For Dementia, Ivy Annahi Torres-Flores, Jacob Gantan, Heather Anne August, Naomi Grace Wong

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia is a neurological disease, causing behavioral and cognitive symptoms, that progressively impairs an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful activities. Progressive deterioration associated with dementia impacts occupational performance and independence and quality of life. Sensory based interventions, such as drumming groups, have been hypothesized to be a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with dementia. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a sensory based intervention program, in this case participation in a drumming group, on functional engagement during self-feeding for individuals with dementia. Researchers gathered data over the course of two days using the Functional Behavior …

Neuroblastoma In Adolescents And Children Older Than 10 Years: Unusual Clinicopathologic And Biologic Features, Laura Mccarthy, Katherine Chastain, Terrie Flatt, Eugenio Taboada, Robert E. Garola, John Herriges, Linda D. Cooley, Atif Ahmed

Posters

This poster describes four cases of neuroblastoma diagnosed since 2008 in children greater than 10 years and presents their clinical, histologic and biologic features, emphasizing unusual clinicopathologic characteristics and the role of DNA microarray analysis and Next Generation Sequencing in their management.

Metabolic Control, Quality Of Life, And Body Image In Patients With Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia, Alexa Bream

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Glycogen storage disease is a group of inborn errors of metabolism, with type Ia being the most common form of the disorder. Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a multisystemic condition in which individuals have various complications secondary to an inability to properly break down glycogen and to perform gluconeogenesis. Complex management is then necessary for patients and includes dietary modification, frequent cornstarch usage, and evaluation for additional complications such as hepatic adenomas, hypertriglyceridemia, and kidney disease. Previous studies have found lower scores in quality of life and body image in GSDIa patients; however, the specific factors influencing this …

The Fibrosis Across Organs Symposium: A Roadmap For Future Research Priorities., Jesse Roman, Teresa R. Barnes, Dolly J. Kervitsky, Gregory P. Cosgrove, Dennis E. Doherty, Andrew M. Tager, Luca Richeldi, Eric S. White, David A. Brenner, Lynn M. Schnapp, Timothy D. Hewitson, Bodh I. Jugdutt, Timothy A. Mckinsey, John D. Tosi, Stephen Crane, Kevin K. Brown

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Study Of Natural Killer Cells And Their Therapeutic Role In Pediatric Cancer, Hong Ha Rosa Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

NK cells are known to play an important role in the natural defense against viral infections and tumor immune surveillance. Through complex interactions between NK cell receptors and target cell ligands, transformed or unhealthy cells are identified and rapidly eliminated. NK cells have been used for therapeutic purposes in pediatric oncology, for example by harnessing the mechanisms of NK cell surveillance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or intervention-augmented antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in neuroblastoma. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms in these processes are not fully understood. In my thesis research, I sought to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Metabolic Reprogramming In Pancreatic Cancer, Sonam Kumari

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Pancreatic cancer ranks as third deadliest cancer worldwide in both men and women. The lack of diagnostic methods, chemo-resistance and invasiveness of the disease diminishes the overall survival rate in patients. Dysregulated glucose metabolism and several molecular determinants including oncogenic signaling pathways play pivotal roles in the development, progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The aberrant glucose metabolism is the most prevalent key factor that influences pancreatic tumorigenesis. The cancer cells of pancreas utilize oxygen for the breakdown of glucose to lactate, which is known as Warburg effect. This phenotype of pancreatic cancer encourages proliferation, growth, migration and invasive phenotypes …

Associations Of First Trimester Co-Use Of Tobacco And Cannabis With Prenatal Immune Response And Psychosocial Well-Being, Kristin Ashford, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Andrea Mccubbin, Amanda T. Wiggins, Sheila Barnhart, Joshua A. Lile

Perinatal Research and Wellness Center Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the association of first trimester co-use of tobacco and cannabis with maternal immune response and psychosocial well-being, relative to tobacco use only.

METHODS: A preliminary midpoint analysis included 138 pregnant women with biologically verified tobacco use, 38 of whom (28%) also tested positive for recent cannabis use. Maternal perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and serum immune markers (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα, CRP, MMP8), were collected, although cytokine data were only available for 122 women.

RESULTS: Participant average age was 29.1 years, approximately half had a high …

Pelvic Examinations For Ovarian Cancer Screening In Asymptomatic Adult Women, Riann Sue Collar

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

There is discrepancy amongst organizations and the medical community whether bimanual pelvic examinations should be performed in asymptomatic women for routine screening. The purpose of this literature review was to determine whether bimanual pelvic examinations are beneficial for screening for ovarian cancer in comparison to no screening. In addition, research was conducted to see if healthcare providers’ professional beliefs align with the evidence and national recommendations, to determine women’s thoughts and beliefs regarding pelvic examinations, and if bimanual pelvic exams are not a valid screening tool for ovarian cancer, what are other screening methods available. Throughout reviewing peer reviewed articles …

Platelets To The Rescue? A Literature Review Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Platelet-Rich Plasma For Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis, Timothy Simonich

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common joint disorders in the United States with rising prevalence due to obesity and an aging population. Regarding non-surgical approaches to management, there has been growing interest in the use of intra-articular injections (IAI) of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). However, there has been a lack of strong evidence to support its use in clinical practice guidelines. In this literature review, two search methods were utilized in an effort to, first, inform clinicians about PRP and, second, to shed light on recent clinical control trials regarding the safety and efficacy of …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Glomerular Disease., Pietro A. Canetta, Jonathan P. Troost, Shannon Mahoney, Amy J. Kogon, Noelle Carlozzi, Sharon M. Bartosh, Yi Cai, T Keefe Davis, Hilda Fernandez, Alessia Fornoni, Rasheed A. Gbadegesin, Emily Herreshoff, John D. Mahan, Patrick H. Nachman, David T. Selewski, Christine B. Sethna, Tarak Srivastava, Katherine R. Tuttle, Chia-Shi Wang, Ronald J. Falk, Ali G. Gharavi, Brenda W. Gillespie, Larry A. Greenbaum, Lawrence B. Holzman, Matthias Kretzler, Bruce M. Robinson, William E. Smoyer, Lisa M. Guay-Woodford, Bryce Reeve, Debbie S. Gipson, Curegn Consortium

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

There is scant literature describing the effect of glomerular disease on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The Cure Glomerulonephropathy study (CureGN) is an international longitudinal cohort study of children and adults with four primary glomerular diseases (minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and IgA nephropathy). HRQOL is systematically assessed using items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Informative System (PROMIS). We assessed the relationship between HRQOL and demographic and clinical variables in 478 children and 1115 adults at the time of enrollment into CureGN. Domains measured by PROMIS items included global assessments of health, mobility, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep …

Feasibility Of Pre-Operative Mtor Inhibitor Sirolimus In Children And Young Adults With Desmoid Tumor, Stephanie Verwys, Clara Magyar, Kathleen Glick, Douglas Hawkins, Archana Sharma, Brenda Weigel, Katherine Chastain, Joseph Khoury, Michele Manalang, Sarah Dry, Noah Federman, Aaron Weiss

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Background:

• Desmoid tumor represents an intermediate grade neoplasm with a striking predilection for locally invasive growth and recurrence following resection

• More effective, well-tolerated non-surgical treatment options are needed

• Current approaches

• If feasible, watchful waiting is the preferred approach

• 20-30% spontaneous regression

• In situations where treatment is indicated, the following approaches are utilized

• Surgery is the primary approach if minimal morbidity is anticipated

• Medical therapies

• Cytotoxic drugs

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

• Hydroxyurea

• Gamma secretase inhibitors

• mTOR Inhibitor Rationale

• Desmoid tumor is well-known to be associated with deregulation of …

The Effect Of Osmotic Stimulation Of Copeptin On Glucose Metabolism In Healthy Adults, Lisa Tjorven Jansen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes is currently affecting 30 million Americans. To combat disease onset, lifestyle interventions have been focused on. Low water intake, alongside elevated concentrations of circulating copeptin, has been linked to increased risk for. However, it is unknown whether this effect on glucose regulation is acute or chronic. Furthermore, no study to date assessed the effects of copeptin independent of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Purpose: The purpose of these studies was therefore two-fold: 1) to establish high endogenous copeptin concentrations independent of RAAS, and 2) to assess glucose metabolism following a standardized oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during high concentrations of …

Effects Of Exercise On Eeg Activity And Standard Tools Used To Assess Concussion, David M Devilbiss, Jena L Etnoyer-Slaski, Emily Dunn, Christopher R Dussourd, Mayuresh V Kothare, Stephen J Martino, Adam J Simon

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

A variety of cognitive assessment tools are used to determine the functional status of the brain before and after injury in athletes. Questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, and electroencephalographic (EEG) measures have been recently used to directly assess brain function on and near the playing field. However, exercise can affect cognitive performance and EEG measures of cortical activity. To date, little empirical evidence exists on the effects of acute exercise on these measures of neurological function. We therefore quantified athlete performance on a standardized battery of concussion assessment tools and EEG measurements immediately before and after acute exercise to simulate conditions of …

Recent Progress In The Theranostics Application Of Nanomedicine In Lung Cancer., Anubhab Mukherjee, Manash Paul, Sudip Mukherjee

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) causes around 80% to 90% of deaths. The lack of an early diagnosis and inefficiency in conventional therapies causes poor prognosis and overall survival of lung cancer patients. Recent progress in nanomedicine has encouraged the development of an alternative theranostics strategy using nanotechnology. The interesting physico-chemical properties in the nanoscale have generated immense advantages for nanoparticulate systems for the early detection and active delivery of drugs for a better theranostics strategy for lung cancer. This present review provides a detailed overview of the …