Digital Commons Network^™

Leveraging Clinical Standards To Improve The Translational Relevance Of Therapies For Experimental Spinal Cord Injury, Aaron L. Silverstein

Theses and Dissertations--Neuroscience

Efforts to improve treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) often use animals to develop effective therapeutics, intending to improve the survival and the quality of life of persons with SCI. Over half of all SCIs in the United States occur at the cervical level and often cause locomotor deficits and life-threatening breathing dysfunction. Thus, my dissertation is focused on this important patient population.

After beginning with a description of translational research and surveying SCI from a clinical standpoint, I turned to describe experimental models of cervical SCI and more detailed neuroimmunological findings relevant to my work. Then, I conducted a …

Using Hyperactive Shp-2 Mutants, A Phosphatase, To Identify Interactions With The Rna Helicase Ddx3, Devin Montgomery

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Protein-protein interactions are critical in cellular signaling pathways. This project investigates binding interactions between SHP-2, a tyrosine phosphatase, and DDX3, an RNA helicase. There is a specific focus on the impact that gain-of-function SHP-2 mutations may impact binding to DDX3 via conformational change. Using immunoprecipitation protocols as well as western blotting we were able to provide insights into SHP-2 molecular mechanisms and subsequent binding to DDX3.

M1 Macrophage-Engineered Vesicles Have Anti-Cancer Activity In Ovarian Cancer, Connie Du Cao

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science

Ovarian cancer typically presents at an advanced stage, has a poor prognosis, and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound nanoparticles that function in specific cell-to-cell communication and are under development as novel drug delivery vehicles and modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Artificial cell-derived vesicles (ACDVs) derived from M1 macrophages are able to repolarize M2 macrophages to the M1 phenotype and target tumor cells in in vitro studies.

In this study, we generated engineered EVs (EEVs) by membrane disruption of M1 macrophages (MEVs) in the presence and absence of cisplatin to generate …

Cell-Type Specific Apoe4 To Apoe2 ‘Switching’ In Astrocytes And Microglia Alters Alzheimer’S Disease Neuropathology, Lesley R. Golden

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). APOE exists in three common protein isoforms throughout the population: ApoE2 (E2), ApoE3 (E3), and ApoE4 (E4). While APOE allele frequencies and the degree of AD-associated risk vary across different ethnic groups, when compared to the ‘neutral’ and most common E3 allele, the E4 allele confers up to a 33-fold increase in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) risk. Conversely, the neuroprotective E2 allele decreases AD risk by up to 67%. Here, we aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of cell-type specific APOE allele ‘switching’ and explore …

Biochemical And Biophysical Properties Of Failing Myocardium In Rare Patient Populations, Gregory Nathaniel Milburn

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Heart failure has diverse underlying etiologies, complicating research. While some types, like ischemic disease or inherited mutations, are well-studied, research on rarer forms has lagged. Understanding the molecular drivers in these populations may enhance diagnostics and therapies. This work examines two rare groups: patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis and those receiving mechanical assist device support. We show that myocardium from patients with amyloidosis has increased fibrosis and reduced force production without changes in cross-bridge kinetics. Additionally, we show that the passive stiffness of amyloidosis myocardium is not different from non-failing myocardium, indicating increased ventricular wall thickness may cause restrictive filling. …

Development And Clinical Validation Of Automated Same-Day Stereotactic Treatment Procedures For Multiple Brain Metastases And Recurrent Head And Neck Cancers, Shane Mccarthy

Theses and Dissertations--Radiation Medicine

As technology advances, more and more cancer patients are benefiting from the use of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) to treat their disease. One such technology, Varian’s HyperArc high-definition radiosurgery module, a tool to help facilitate the treatment of brain metastases on a medical linear accelerator (LINAC), has been demonstrated to achieve comparable low dose spillage and target conformity compared to the current gold standard for intracranial malignancies, the Elekta Gamma Knife. Furthermore, due to HyperArc’s single-isocenter multiple lesion approach, the treatment can be delivered in a significantly shorter amount of time. Unfortunately, the manual process of creating these stereotactic …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Friend Or Foe, Antonio Cordova, Jesse Powell, Whitney Elg-Salsman, Caroline Mcculley

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: • Many cancers use mechanisms to escape killing by the immunesystem. • Cancer cells can mimicimmune checkpoint proteins such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) ligand and the programmed death1 receptor ligand (PD-L1) toinhibit the T-cell response. • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI's) are a novel set of monoclonalantibody cancer therapies. • ICI'sblockcheckpoint proteins from binding with their partner proteins oncancer cells thus allowing T-cells to kill tumor cells. • ICIs have promising anti-cancer results. • ICIs are also associated with immune related adverse events(irAEs), including dermatitis, pneumonitis, colitis,hepatitis, nephritis. • A rare but seriousirAEisICI-associated myositis causing bulbar and …

Comparison Of Dynamic Mode Decomposition With Other Data-Driven Models For Lung Cancer Incidence Rate Prediction, L. Raymond Guo, Jifu Tan, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Introduction: Public health data analysis is critical to understanding disease trends. Existing analysis methods struggle with the complexity of public health data, which includes both location and time factors. Machine learning offers powerful tools but can be computationally expensive and require specialized knowledge. Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is an alternative that offers efficient analysis with fewer resources. This study explores applying DMD in public health using lung cancer data and compares it with other machine learning models.

Methods: We analyzed lung cancer incidence data (2000–2021) from 1,013 US counties. Machine learning models (random forest, gradient boosting machine, support vector machine) …

Dual Biologic Therapy Induces Remission In Refractory Crohn’S Disease With Vedolizumab And Ustekinumab, Syed Adeel Hassan, Courtney Perry, Patrick Carey, Durham Colohan, Mohamed Gebril Eltaher, Nabila Dawoud, Mahmoud Elkammar, Waqas Rasheed, Casie Mayne, Amy Stuffelbeam, Deborah R. Auer Flomenhoft, Terrence A. Barrett

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Despite advancements in the therapeutic armamentarium for Crohn’s disease (CD), biologic and small molecule monotherapies are associated with sub-optimal response and remission rates. Utilizing dual biologic therapy (DBT) holds the potential to increase efficacy in the treatment of refractory or partially responsive CD. Evidence pertaining to this strategy remains limited. Methods

We retrospectively examined refractory CD patients treated with a combination of ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Outcomes to DBT at week (wk) 52 were compared to monotherapy. The primary outcome constituted corticosteroid-free remission. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, infections, hospitalizations, surgeries, treatment persistence, and disease clearance. Results

Sixteen of 21 …

Coral Crisis: Palytoxin-Induced Keratoconjunctivitis In Marine Experts, Nikolas Foresteire, Luis Cabrera, Cory Howard, Alexandra Craen, Ori Gat

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Inflammation Without Borders: A Rare Case Of Takayasu Arteritis In A Young Adult, Alexander Yaylayan, Walaa Abualhuda, Yash Dara, Joshini Simon, Jeffrey Steinhoff, Mark Starnes, Robert Digiovanni

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improved Survival With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor Use In Men With Male-Predominant Cancers: Real-World Large Database Study, Daniel Uralov, Sarah R. Harrington, Hani Samarah, Anika S. Walia, Marina Aweeda, Manal U. Mustafa, Parvesh Kumar, Andrew Briskin, Julian Jackson, Eric Mastrolonardo, Adam J. Luginbuhl

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, may exhibit immunomodulatory properties by reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity and enhancing T-cell responses. This study evaluated the association between PDE5 inhibitor use and overall survival (OS) in male-predominant solid organ malignancies.

METHODS: Male-predominant solid tumors were identified using male-to-female incidence ratio ≥3:1 in SEER database: prostate, bladder, colon, esophageal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, tonsillar, and testicular cancers. Using the TriNetX Research Network, we compared male patients prescribed PDE5 inhibitors within 6 months of cancer diagnosis to those without PDE5 exposure. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on demographic, clinical, and oncologic variables. …

Abcg5/Abcg8-Independent Mechanisms Fail To Maintain Sterol Balance In Mice Fed A High-Cholesterol Diet, Garrett B. Anspach, Rupinder Kaur, Isha Chauhan, Erika L. Savage, Brittney Poole, Victoria P. Noffsinger, Xiaoming Fu, Zeneng Wang, Clairity Voy, Ryan E. Temel, Scott M. Gordon, Robert N. Helsley, Gregory A. Graf

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

The ABCG5/ABCG8 (G5G8) sterol transporter opposes the accumulation of dietary xenosterols but is also the primary mediator of biliary cholesterol secretion. In humans and in mouse models of disrupted biliary cholesterol secretion, fecal neutral sterols (FNSs) remain constant, indicating the presence of an alternate pathway for cholesterol excretion. Transintestinal cholesterol elimination or excretion (TICE) is thought to compensate for biliary disruptions and G5G8 insufficiency. We sought to measure the compensatory increase in intestinal cholesterol secretion and provide mechanistic insight for how TICE maintains sterol balance in the absence of hepatic G5G8. Differences were not observed in FNSs between control, acute, …

Personalized Prediction Of Tumor Recurrence With Image-Guided Physics-Informed Computational Model In High-Grade Gliomas, Walia Farzana, Khan M. Iftekharuddin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

High grade gliomas are infiltrating tumors characterized by their diffusive invasion and proliferative growth. Across and within patients heterogeneity of tumors makes it challenging to determine tumor spatial extent after surgical resection. Traditionally, tumor growth predictions after surgical resections rely on generalized models and population-based observations, which do not account for individual patient differences. To address this gap, we propose a personalized approach with image-guided computational model (digital twin) that incorporates physics-based modeling to predict tumor recurrence. Our digital twin involves an inverse modeling step, followed by a recurrence model that accounts for varying surgical effects. The physics-guided inverse model …

A Method For Ultrasound Servo Tracking For Puncture Needle, Shitong Ye, Bo Yang, Hao Quan, Shan Liu, Minyu Tang, Jiawei Tian

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Computer-aided surgical navigation technology helps and guides doctors to complete the operation smoothly, which simulates the whole surgical environment with computer technology, and then visualizes the whole operation link in three dimensions. At present, common image-guided surgical techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and X-ray imaging (X-ray) will cause radiation damage to the human body during the imaging process. To address this, we propose a novel Extended Kalman filter-based model that tracks the puncture needle-point using an ultrasound probe. To address the limitations of Kalman filtering methods based on position and velocity, our method of Kalman filtering uses the position …

A Customized Large Single-Piece Bifrontal Implant For Post-Craniectomy Defect Reconstruction: A Case Study, Omid Ghaderzadeh, Ehsan Amirbeyk, Seyed Roholah Ghodsi, Zahra Namazi, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Large bifrontal defects pose unique reconstruction challenges due to their complex curvature and mechanical requirements. This case demonstrated how computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) enabled precise single-piece polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implant fabrication, thereby overcoming traditional limitations. Case presentation: A 25-year-old male who had undergone bifrontal decompressive craniectomy suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The autologous bone flap had been temporarily stored in a subcutaneous fat area of the abdomen for 3 months to preserve its viability. A secondary cranioplasty was then performed using titanium miniplates and self-tapping screws for final fixation. After 2 years, the patient developed empyema and a brain …

Novel Micro-And Nanoformulations Of Paclitaxel For Targeting Metastatic Breast, Non-Small Cell Lung, And Pancreatic Cancers, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nonlinear pharmacokinetics resulting from high lipophilic and low oral bioavailability, and hypersensitivity reactions and hyperlipidemia caused by formulation by Cremophor EL have limited clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel (Taxol). In this way, there is the critical necessity of innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs) to mitigate severe side effects and overcome clinical limitations of paclitaxel. In recent years, various micro- and nanoformulations, specifically polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and lipid NPs, have been presented and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, other nanoformulations, such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), micelles, liposomes, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, have shown promising results in vitro …

Electrochemical Detection Of Prostate Cancer—Associated Mirna-141 Using A Low-Cost Disposable Biosensor, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The early detection of aggressive forms is critical. Current diagnostic methods, including PSA testing and biopsies, are invasive and often yield false results. MicroRNA-141 (miRNA-141) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker due to its elevated levels in the urine of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 in synthetic urine is reported. The device employs inkjet-printed gold electrodes on photopaper, functionalized with thiolated single-stranded DNA-141 capture probes for specific target recognition. The biosensor …

Associations Of Vegetable And Potato Intakes With Markers Of Type 2 Diabetes Risk In The Ausdiab Cohort, Pratik Pokharel, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Kevin Murray, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Dianna J. Magliano, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan E. Shaw, Joshua Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: The associations of vegetable and potato intakes with type 2 diabetes (T2D) appear to be nuanced, depending on vegetable types and preparation method, respectively.

Objective: We investigated the associations of total vegetable, vegetable subgroup, and potato intakes with (1) markers of T2D at baseline and (2) incident T2D cumulative over a 12-year follow-up period in Australian adults.

Methods: Using data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, intakes of vegetables and potatoes were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Associations between vegetable intake and (1) fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload plasma glucose (PLG), updated homeostasis …

Faculty Of Radiation Oncology 2022 Workforce Census, Hon Trinh, Nathan Stevens, Gerard Adams, Raphael Chee, Tuan Ha, Marcel Knesl, Jack Mitchell, Sakshi Nagpal, Edward Sia, Daniel Xing

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This paper reports the key findings of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2022 workforce census. This is the first census since the COVID-19 pandemic and questions have been updated to assess the impact on RANZCR trainees and fellows. This report focuses on the analysis of respondents from Australia, New Zealand and overseas members, with a separate paper to follow focusing exclusively on New Zealand respondents. Method: The census was conducted in mid-late 2022 with many questions repeated from previous censuses. New questions were asked about theranostics, working remotely, hypofractionation and the impact of COVID-19 on work practices. Results: The …

Nuclear Destabilisation – A Possible Genesis Of Cancer?, Daniel D. Scott, Francesco Bettariga, Marco Ventin, Chris Bishop, Britta Stordal

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This review examines the increasingly prominent role of mechanics within cancer formation and progression. The extremely varied and contradictory genetic landscape of cancer is in stark contrast to the seemingly universal mechanical characteristics of cancer cells and their tumour microenvironment, and mechanics may be a principal unifying trait of this disease. The tight regulation of innate cell mechanical properties raises the possibility that destabilisation of the cell drives tumour formation in an attempt to restore cell mechanical homeostasis. With losses in cell stiffness more pronounced at the cell nucleus, we hypothesise that destabilisation occurs within the nucleus, likely within the …

Elevated Inflammation Supra-Additively Promotes The Progression From Prediabetes To Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study, Yulong Lan, Dan Wu, Huancong Zheng, Xiong Ding, Hui Zhou, Kuangyi Wu, Weiqiang Wu, Zegui Huang, Xianxuan Wang, Wei Wang, Shouling Wu, Youren Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Factors impacting on the conversion of prediabetes to diabetes or normoglycemia remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of subclinical inflammation, assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), in the progression to diabetes from prediabetes, assessed by impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Methods Time-to-event survival analyses were conducted among 82 475 participants without diabetes from Kailuan Study (a real-life prospective cohort in China) to access the isolated and joint effect of hsCRP and IFG on diabetes risk, and quantify their relative contribution to incident diabetes. Results Over a median 11-year follow-up, 14 215 diabetes cases were recorded. IFG and …

Identification Of Potential Prophylactic Medical Countermeasures Against Acute Radiation Syndrome (Ars), Kia T. Liermann-Wooldrik, Arpita Chatterjee, Elizabeth A. Kosmacek, Molly Myers, Oluwaseun Adebisi, Louise Monga-Wells, Liu Mei, Michelle P. Takacs, Patrick H. Dussault, Daniel R. Draney, Robert Powers, James W. Checco, Chittibabu Guda, Tomáš Helikar, David B. Berkowitz, Kenneth W. Bayles, Alan H. Epstein, Lynnette Cary, Daryl J. Murry, Rebecca E. Oberley-Deegan

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs when hematopoietic or gastrointestinal cells are damaged by radiation exposure causing DNA damage to the bone marrow and gastrointestinal epithelial stem cell populations. In these highly proliferative cell types, DNA damage inhibits stem cell repopulation. In humans and animals, this inability to regenerate stem cells is lethal. Within this manuscript, several compounds, Amifostine, Captopril, Ciprofloxacin, PrC-210, 5-AED (5-androstene-3β,17β-diol), and 5-AET (5-androstene-3β,7β,17B-triol), are assessed for their ability to protect against ARS in an in vitro and/or in vivo setting. ARS was accomplished by irradiating mouse bone marrow cells or rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells in vitro …

Treatment Sequence With Tebentafusp And Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors In Patients With Metastatic Uveal Melanoma And Metastatic Gna11/Gnaq Mutant Melanocytic Tumors, Florentia Dimitriou, Marlana Orloff, Erica Koch Hein, Phil Cheng, Isaac Hughes, Ester Simeone, Kamaneh Montazeri, Piyush Grover, Inderjit Mehmi, Camille Gerard, Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste, Jean-Jacques Grob, Olivier Michielin, Omid Hamid, Georgina Long, Ryan Sullivan, Ellen Kapiteijn, Douglas Johnson, Paolo Ascierto, Anthony Joshua, Richard Carvajal, Marcus Butler, Jessica Hassel, Reinhard Dummer

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is rare. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown modest efficacy in mUM. Tebentafusp prolonged overall survival (OS) in a phase 3 study. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the sequence of tebentafusp and ICIs.

METHODS: Patients with HLA-A * 02:01 positive mUM, or metastatic GNA11/GNAQ mutant melanocytic tumors treated with tebentafusp followed by ICIs (group 1) or the inverse sequence (group 2) at any treatment line were retrospectively identified. The primary objective was OS rate at 2 years.

RESULTS: 131 patients were included; 51 in group 1 and 80 in group 2. …

Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin, Tony Matundura Nyabayo

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its …

Comparison Of Machine Learning Models For Colon Cancer Survival: Predictive Modeling Approach, Reuben Adatorwovor, Motolani E. Ogunsanya, Bin Huang, Richard Charnigo, Olufunmilola Abraham

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with survival influenced by risk factors, treatment type, and patient characteristics. Traditional statistical models, such as Kaplan-Meier curves, have been widely used to estimate survival probabilities. However, these models often have difficulty handling complex interactions, covariates, and nonlinear relationships between risk factors. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as promising tools for improving survival prediction by handling large covariates and capturing complex patterns.

Objective: This study compares several ML models to accurately estimate colon cancer survival by leveraging data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. By identifying key risk …

Does Mean Arterial Pressure Augmentation Improve Neurological Recovery Of Blunt Spinal Cord Injuries: An East Multicenter Trial., Aimee Lariccia, Stephanie Doris, Bhairav Shah, Tanisha Kashikar, Erik Teicher, Lindsey Perea, Jennifer Huber, Malia Eischen, H Akin Erol, Michael Steven Farrell, Lauren Colom, Stephanie Scott, Brian Daley, James Bardes, Gregory Schaefer, Melissa Moncrief, William Devoe, Ryan Peter Dumas, Caitlin Anne Fitzgerald, William Brigode, John D Berne, Dalier R Mederos, Scott Armen, Melissa Linskey Dougherty, Asanthi Ratnasekera, Emily Alberto, Alison Smith, Bradley M Dennis, Stephen Gadomski, Jeffry Nahmias, Claudia Alvarez, Salina Wydo, Jennifer Schweinsburg, Carlos H Palacio, M Chance Spalding, Joshua Hill

Trauma and Acute Care Articles

BACKGROUND: Treatment of blunt traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often includes maintaining elevated mean arterial blood pressures (MAP) to enhance perfusion to the spinal cord. Optimal hyperperfusion protocols and treatment algorithms have yet to be delineated due to a paucity of large volume prospective studies. This study aims to identify predictors of neurological improvement in American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment score following blunt SCI.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective (January 10, 2021 to June 1, 2023) multicenter study included blunt SCI patients age >18 with complete neurological examination documented on hospital arrival. Patients were divided into two groups: neurological improvement and …

Cervical Ripening In Nulliparous, Healthy, Full-Term Pregnant Women: The Impact Of Oral Evening Primrose, Ghada Abdelmaksoud Badr, Magdy Hassan Balaha, Ramy Mohamed Elnaggar, Sherin Barakat Elbahoty

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) are used to make evening primrose oil (EPO) capsules. EPO's omega-6 essential fatty acids are mostly responsible for their therapeutic advantages since they have an impact on prostaglandin and cytokine synthesis. The purpose of this study was to assess how EPO affected cervical ripening in healthy nulliparous women who were carrying fullterm pregnancies. Methods A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 110 healthy nulliparous women, all with a Bishop score of 6 or lower, singleton pregnancies, cephalic presentations, and no signs of cephalo-pelvic disproportion. Participants were split into two equal …

Structural And Interpersonal Determinants Of Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In Vulnerable Populations Of The United States, Alyea Wood

Capstone Showcase

Since its introduction in late 2020, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has had the lowest rates in marginalized populations like minorities, elderly, and those of low socioeconomic status. Decreased rates of vaccination uptake in these groups has resulted in increased burden of disease and subsequently higher rates of hospitalization and death. Many inequities in poor COVID-19 health outcomes can be explained by examining common predictive factors that determine vaccination rates in these United States populations. This special article research aims to explore these various predictive factors with the goal to provide targeted strategies to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates, especially …