Digital Commons Network^™

Nalfurafine Promotes Myelination In Vitro And Facilitates Recovery From Cuprizone + Rapamycin-Induced Demyelination In Mice, Ross Van De Wetering, Rabia Bibi, Andy Biggerstaff, Sheein Hong, Bria Pengelly, Thomas E. Prisinzano, Anne C. La Flamme, Bronwyn M. Kivell

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The kappa opioid receptor has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for promoting remyelination. In the current study, we evaluated the ability of nalfurafine to promote oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation and myelination in vitro, and its efficacy in an extended, cuprizone-induced demyelination model. Primary mouse (C57BL/6J) OPC-containing cultures were treated with nalfurafine (0.6–200 nM), clemastine (0.01–100 μM), T3 (30 ng/mL), or vehicle for 5 days. Using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we found that nalfurafine treatment increased OPC differentiation, oligodendrocyte (OL) morphological complexity, and myelination of nanofibers in vitro. Adult male mice (C57BL/6J) were given a diet con- taining …

Ezh2 Inhibition Promotes Tumor Immunogenicity In Lung Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Tanner Ducote, Xiulong Song, Kassandra J. Naughton, Fan Chen, Daniel Plaugher, Avery R. Childress, Abigail R. Gellert, Erika M. Skaggs, Xufeng Qu, Jinze Liu, Jinpeng Liu, Fei Li, Kwok-Kin Wong, Christine F. Brainson

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Two important factors that contribute to resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are an immune-suppressive microenvironment and limited antigen presentation by tumor cells. In this study, we examine whether in- hibition of the methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) can increase ICI response in lung squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). Our in vitro experiments using two-dimensional human cancer cell lines as well as three-dimensional murine and patient-derived organoids treated with two inhibitors of the EZH2 plus IFNγ showed that EZH2 inhibition leads to expression of both MHC class I and II (MHCI/II) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. …

The Complex Protein Analysis Of Purified Extracellular Vesicles In The Study Of Colorectal Cancer, Renee Boone, Cecilia Osthoff

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Proteomics, the study of complex protein mixtures in which liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is used to analyze peptide sequences, is commonly utilized to study the double membrane, cell-derived vesicles known as exosomes. Exosomes are double membrane, cell-derived vesicles that contain cell components such as DNA, lipids, and proteins. They function to transport proteins and cellular materials between cells and are involved in the progression and metastasis of cancer. The impact of these extracellular vesicles on cancer spread can be analyzed using proteomics, through the purification of the proteins isolated from the vesicles. The purpose of our research is to analyze …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Multi-Dose Enteral L-Citrulline Administration In Premature Infants At Risk Of Developing Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Candice D. Fike, Judy L. Aschner, Charul Avachat, Angela K. Birnbaum, Catherine M.T. Sherwin

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Objective: Information is needed to guide the design of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating L-citrulline therapy for premature infants with pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD-PH). Based on our single-dose pharmacokinetic study, we evaluated the ability of a multi-dose enteral L-citrulline strategy to achieve a target trough steady-state L-citrulline plasma concentration and its tolerability in premature infants. Study design: Plasma L-citrulline concentrations were measured in six premature infants receiving 60 mg/kg L-citrulline every 6 h for 72 h before the first and last L-citrulline doses. L-citrulline concentrations were compared to concentration-time profiles from our previous study. Results: Target trough …

When Divergent Worlds Collide: Dr. Santiago Ramón Y Cajal’S Influence On The Surrealism Movement, William J. Hardman Iii, Md

MA Theses

Dr. Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s drawings were created for the sole purpose of illustrating his newly discovered and earth-shattering revelations in the field of neuroscience culminating with his magnum opus: the “Neuron theory” and the “Theory of Dynamic Polarization.” For these discoveries and many others, he shared the 1906 Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology with his rival Dr. Camilo Golgi, an Italian pathologist. At no time did he envision that his drawings would capture the interest of artists as it did with members of the Surrealism Movement. This thesis will explore and present for the first time supporting evidence …

Implementing The Teach-Back Method On Pessary Utilization In A Urogynecology Clinic, Marissa Eich

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Background: The effectiveness of pessary patient education using the teach-back method and improving nurse confidence and conviction related to pessary use are essential in improving patient outcomes.
/="/">Local Problem: The current limitations in pessary education stem from constraints in nurse availability and workload distribution.
/="/">Methods: The quality improvement initiative involved conducting surveys to evaluate nurse confidence using surveys adapted from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality toolkit before the nurse education session, 1 month into the intervention, and at 3 months, when the implementation period ended. These surveys assessed the effectiveness of the teach-back method.
/="/">Intervention: …

Action Apac: Understanding Perceptions, Attitudes And Behaviours In Obesity And Its Management Across South And Southeast Asia, Kwang Wei Tham, Asma Ahmed, Apussanee Boonyavarakul, Mariana Mercado Garcia, Miroslava Guajardo, Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Tran Quang Nam, Nemencio A. Nicodemus, Faruque Pathan, Jack Garcia Uranga Romano, Sidartawan Soegonda, Edgardo L. Tolentino, Ambika Gopalakrishnan (A G) Unnikrishnan, Brian J. Oldfield

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

To identify perceptions and attitudes among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) toward obesity and its management in nine Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult PwO with self-reported body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 (≥27 kg/m2, Singapore), and HCPs involved in direct patient care. In total, 10 429 PwO and 1901 HCPs completed the survey. Most PwO (68%) and HCPs (84%) agreed that obesity is a disease; however, a significant proportion of PwO (63%) and HCPs (41%) believed weight loss was the complete responsibility of PwO and only 43% of PwO discussed weight …

Non-Coding Rnas Involved In The Molecular Pathology Of Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review, Reynand Jay Canoy, Jenica Clarisse Sy, Christian Deo Deguit, Caitlin Bridgette Castro, Lyoneil James Dimaapi, Beatrice Gabrielle Panlaqui, Wenzel Perian, Justine Yu, John Mark Velasco, Jesus Emmanuel Sevilleja, Anna Gibson

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia globally, having a pathophysiology that is complex and multifactorial. Recent findings highlight the significant role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in the molecular mechanisms underlying AD. These ncRNAs are involved in critical biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, amyloid-beta aggregation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and autophagy, which are pivotal in AD development and progression. This systematic review aims to consolidate current scientific knowledge on the role of ncRNAs in AD, making it the first to encompass …

Developmental Profile Of Filipino Children Born During The Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic: Pilot Study, Angel Belle Dy, Michelle Alexandra Edillon, Mikhaela Francesca Marietta A. Malonzo, Glenda Darlene Garcia, Alane Blythe C. Dy, Clarisse Joyce S. Espiritu, Ma Bianca Carmela Aquino, Shannen Louise T. So, Nina Linly D. Capulong, Rizza Victoria C. Dagal, Lourdes Bernadette Tanchanco

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Objective

The Philippines experienced one of the longest restriction periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide a developmental profile of 18-25 month-old children and identify factors associated with their development during their early years being born and raised during the pandemic.

Methods

The study population was recruited through convenience sampling among families living in proximity to the daycare centers in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines. 116 children qualified to participate and underwent developmental screening using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Checklist and their parents were interviewed related to demographic and social factors.

Results

The mean score of …

Projecting Temperature-Related Dengue Burden In The Philippines Under Various Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios, Xerxes Seposo, Sary Valenzuela, Geminn Louis C. Apostol, Keith Alexius Wangkay, Percival Ethan Lao, Anna Beatrice Enriquez

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Introduction

As climate change advances, the looming threat of dengue fever, intricately tied to rising temperatures, intensifies, posing a substantial and enduring public health challenge in the Philippines. This study aims to investigate the historical and projected excess dengue disease burden attributable to temperature to help inform climate change policies, and guide resource allocation for strategic climate change and dengue disease interventions.

Methods

The study utilized established temperature-dengue risk functions to estimate the historical dengue burden attributable to increased temperatures. Future projections were derived using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios to estimate the …

Ofatumumab Associated Legionella Pneumonia In A Young Multiple Sclerosis Patient, Jobe Ashby, Md, Omar Pandhair

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

2024-2025 PGY2

Polygenic And Transcriptional Risk Scores Identify Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Subtypes In The Copdgene And Eclipse Cohort Studies, Matthew Moll, Julian Hecker, John Platig, Jingzhou Zhang, Auyon J. Ghosh, Katherine A. Pratte, Rui-Sheng Wang, Davin Hill, Iain R. Konigsberg, Joe W. Chiles, Craig P. Hersh, Peter J. Castaldi, Kimberly Glass, Jennifer G. Dy, Don D. Sin, Ruth Tal-Singer, Majd Mouded, Stephen I. Rennard, Gary P. Anderson, Gregory L. Kinney, Russell P. Bowler, Jeffrey L. Curtis, Merry-Lynn Mcdonald, Edwin K. Silverman, Brian D. Hobbs, Michael H. Cho

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

BACKGROUND: Genetic variants and gene expression predict risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their effect on COPD heterogeneity is unclear. We aimed to define high-risk COPD subtypes using genetics (polygenic risk score, PRS) and blood gene expression (transcriptional risk score, TRS) and assess differences in clinical and molecular characteristics.

METHODS: We defined high-risk groups based on PRS and TRS quantiles by maximising differences in protein biomarkers in a COPDGene training set and identified these groups in COPDGene and ECLIPSE test sets. We tested multivariable associations of subgroups with clinical outcomes and compared protein-protein interaction networks and drug repurposing …

Unveiling The Complex World Of Extracellular Vesicles: Novel Characterization Techniques And Manufacturing Considerations, James J Lai, John J Hill, Casey Y Huang, Gino C Lee, Karol W Mai, Maggie Y Shen, Simon K Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as potent mediators of intercellular communication for many in vivo processes, contributing to both health and disease related conditions. Given their biological origins and diverse functionality from correspondingly unique "cargo" compositions, both endogenous and modified EVs are garnering attention as promising therapeutic modalities and vehicles for targeted therapeutic delivery applications. Their diversity in composition, however, has revealed a significant need for more comprehensive analytical-based characterization methods, and manufacturing processes that are consistent and scalable. In this review, we explore the dynamic landscape of EV research and development efforts, ranging from novel isolation approaches, to their analytical …

Cervical Cancer Education & Prevention For Women In The Philippines, Kate Isabel Juanillo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Although cervical cancer is preventable, it continues to pose a significant health concern in the Philippines as evidenced by high cervical cancer diagnosis rates. The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate low cervical cancer screening rates and the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing awareness and screening rates. A literature review will examine topics such as low cervical cancer screening rates, cervical cancer screening methods, and barriers. This research proposal involves a quasi-experimental study that investigates education as an intervention for increasing cervical cancer awareness and cervical cancer screening rates. Fifty Filipino women will be randomly assigned to …

High-Throughput Screening Of Fda-Approved Drugs For Protecting Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Against Er Stress Induced Cell Death: Implications For Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Shaima Ali Jawarneh

Wayne State University Theses

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly population, characterized by the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The link between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and AMD is well established, however FDA-approved medications for the treatment of AMD caused by unregulated ER stress are limited and have potential side effects. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive screening of the FDA-approved drug library in order to identify potential candidates that could be repurposed in order to protect against the degeneration and death of RPE cells due to ER stress.

Methods: …

Acyclovir As A Novel Treatment For Severe Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus, Mary Therese Thomas, Philip Mardock, Amanda Wright, Kedar Arukala

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2024

No abstract provided.

Cyanide Toxicity Induced By Apricot Kernel Consumption: A Case Report, Jatin Sadarangani, Vaishnavi Singh, Benjamin K. Kingsly

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Functional foods are food items that should be consumed as part of a regular diet in order to provide advantages beyond what are typically referred to as traditional nutritional benefits. Furthermore, in order to support the better function claim or the decreased illness risk claim, these positive outcomes must be scientifically proven. Foods with particular health benefits have been referred to as "superfoods" more recently. Superfoods are conceptually defined as foods with high biological value because of their high concentration of bioactive components and high concentration of nutrients, as well as their high bioavailability and bioactivity in the body. As …

An Atypical Presentation Of Nms Complicated By Brain Lesion, Sunwoo Lee, Stephanie Tejada, Erkan Batti, Paul Cimoch, Marc Laroque, Mohamad Saad, Donald Kanu, Christopher Ochner

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2024

No abstract provided.

A Challenging Diagnosis Of Intestinal Tuberculosis Mimicking Crohn's Disease, Justin Sanchez, Gabriel Gonzales, Monte Troutman

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is an underrecognized disease that shares many clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic features with Crohn's disease, making differentiation difficult. This poses a significant problem as initiation of immunosuppressives for an assumed diagnosis of CD in a patient with ITB can lead to exacerbation of infection and life-threatening consequences. A 30-year-old Nepali man with a medical history only significant for Raynaud disease presented with a febrile illness, right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and productive cough over the course of a month. He immigrated from Nepal 3 years prior to presentation, denying other risk factors or specific symptoms of …

Determining Effective Treatment Regimens For Breast Cancer Using Combined Immunotherapy And Chemotherapy In Vivo, Akhila Kunuthuru

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of all cancers globally in women, and those of African descent, especially West African females, face higher rates of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive form of breast cancer. Immunotherapy for breast cancer is a relatively new treatment option, and research is ongoing to identify the best combination treatments for increasing survival of those diagnosed with TNBC. Eganelisib (IPI-549: a PI3K-gamma inhibitor that works to shift M2 macrophages to M1 to augment T cell function) with other combinatory treatments has shown promising results in reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in mice. …

Informing A Care Plan For Hepatitis C Treatment On The Street, Claire Campbell

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis aims to use community knowledge to inform clinical street treatment of Hepatitis C and to unpack the intersections of social systems within the realms of Street Medicine and healthcare for the unsheltered unhoused population. During the summer of 2023, 15 qualitative interviews were conducted with patients of the USC Keck School of Medicine Department of Street Medicine who received treatment for Hepatitis C infections. Using grounded theory analysis, participant responses were analyzed to identify key concepts and ideas from interview transcripts. Core themes fell into the following categories: how treatment affected patients’ lives, facilitators and barriers to treatment, …

Alternatives To The Squad Car: A Strategy Providing Hope For People With Mental Illness, Judy Ann Clausen, Joanmarie I. Davoli

UF Law Faculty Publications

Frontline healthcare providers and first responders have had enough of mental health care policy rooted in ideology and utopian visions instead of the practical realities of the nature of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI). The current system of a severe shortage of mental health beds and strict criteria for administering mental health treatment in contravention of illness-induced treatment refusals has caused the real-world preventable tragedies of mass shootings, incarceration, homelessness, victimization, and death of people suffering from untreated SMI. Innovative programs and long-established protocols have been profiled by the media and examined by scholars. Momentum is brewing. Across the country, creative …

Elucidating The Role Of Fatty Acid Synthase In Apc-Driven Colorectal Cancer, Courtney O. Kelson

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. Currently, there is a growing incidence rate for individuals aged 20-49 years. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of this cancer. Early detection of CRC allows for the most effective treatment option in which surgical resection of the primary tumor occurs along with adjuvant chemotherapy. This therapeutic approach contributes to 5-year survival rate of 91%. However, surgical procedures and chemotherapy struggles against metastatic and relapsed CRC resulting in 5-year survival rate of 14%. Inefficacious treatments for relapsed and metastatic diseases emphasizes the need for more …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

Effects Of Menopause On Coronary Artery Disease, Angelica Gonzales

Nursing | Senior Theses

Menopausal women, 40 to 60 years old, have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) when they experience hormonal changes. Which then can lead to unwanted cardiac events. Within the literature review of this paper, it was found that there are factors of menopause that may further increase the risk of coronary artery disease in menopausal women. Such factors include whether a woman underwent surgical or natural menopause and the timing when menopause began. Additionally, within the review, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was explored to determine whether the possible intervention can decrease the progression and risk of developing …

Advancing School Nursing Practice: A Novel Approach To Screening For Gastrointestinal Disorders In Children, Ashley Bunting, Isabella Cavlan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Currently, mandated health screenings in California schools are limited to vision, hearing, and scoliosis; this leaves several other body systems unmonitored during the crucial years of childhood development. One such system is the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which plays a vital role in the normal growth, nutrition status, development, and overall health of children. Objective: By developing and implementing a GI-specific screening tool in the outpatient school setting, this research aims to increase the detection of GI disorders in children. Not only that, but school nurses can use this novel screening tool to promote early diagnosis, intervention, and …

Identifying Patterns For Neurological Disabilities By Integrating Discrete Wavelet Transform And Visualization, Soo Yeon Ji, Sampath Jayarathna, Anne M. Perrotti, Katrina Kardiasmenos, Dong Hyun Jeong

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Neurological disabilities cause diverse health and mental challenges, impacting quality of life and imposing financial burdens on both the individuals diagnosed with these conditions and their caregivers. Abnormal brain activity, stemming from malfunctions in the human nervous system, characterizes neurological disorders. Therefore, the early identification of these abnormalities is crucial for devising suitable treatments and interventions aimed at promoting and sustaining quality of life. Electroencephalogram (EEG), a non-invasive method for monitoring brain activity, is frequently employed to detect abnormal brain activity in neurological and mental disorders. This study introduces an approach that extends the understanding and identification of neurological disabilities …

Cancer-Associated Mdm2 W329g Mutant Attenuates Ribosomal Stress-Mediated P53 Responses To Promote Cell Survival And Glycolysis, Sally Lien, Thomas P Whitbread, Shiva O Shastri, Jamie A Contreras, Ruiying Zhao, Yan Zhu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Although amplification/overexpression is the predominant mechanism for the oncogenic properties of MDM2, an increasing number of MDM2 somatic missense mutations were identified in cancer patients with the recent advances in sequencing technology. Here, we characterized an MDM2 cancer-associated mutant variant W329G identified from a patient sample that contains a wild-type p53 gene. Trp329 is one of residues that were reported to be critical to MDM2's binding to ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11). We found that the MDM2 W329G mutant was resistant to the inhibitory effect of RPL11 on MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation, in line with its defect on RPL11 binding. …

Zebrafish Drug Screening Identifies Erlotinib As An Inhibitor Of Wnt/ Β-Catenin Signaling And Self-Renewal In T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Majd A. Al-Hamaly, Anna H. Cox, Meghan G. Haney, Wen Zhang, Emma C. Arvin, Shilpa Sampathi, Mary Wimsett, Chunming Liu, Jessica S. Blackburn

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway’s significance in cancer initiation, progression, and stem cell biology underscores its therapeutic potential. However, the clinical application of Wnt inhibitors remains limited due to challenges posed by off-target effects and complex cross-talk of Wnt signaling with other pathways. In this study, we leveraged a zebrafish model to perform a robust and rapid drug screening of 773 FDA-approved compounds to identify Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors with minimal toxicity. Utilizing zebrafish expressing a Wnt reporter, we identified several drugs that suppressed Wnt signaling without compromising zebrafish development. The effi- cacy of the top hit, Erlotinib, extended to human cells, where it …