Digital Commons Network^™

Association Between Resource Availability And Wellbeing Of Autism Patients In Ghana, Kwabena Aduse-Poku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents significant challenges for children and families in Ghana, where resources remain limited. Grounded in the social ecological model, this quantitative cross-sectional study examined the associations between autism management programs and wellbeing, defined briefly as independent functioning in daily life and learning of autism patients enrolled in selected institutions in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected from N=122 autism patients using structured questionnaires that were completed by caregivers and program staff. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess relationships between program type, regional location, and years of enrollment and …

Wellness Literature Review – 2025, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Clinician well-being remains a persistent challenge, with ongoing burnout and psychological distress despite efforts by systems and individuals. This Journal of Wellness annual review covers studies published in 2025.

Methods: The Editors searched PubMed and Google Scholar for prospective and interventional studies / clinical trials in humans, with focus on well-being. Authors utilized artificial intelligence (AI)–based large language model (LLM) (ChatGPT, OpenAI^TM) to assist with preliminary identification of relevant studies, however authors noted significant AI-associated errors and outright misrepresentations requiring hand curated product generation and manual PubMed searches.

Literature in Review: We continue to appreciate a shift …

Loss Of Atp-Dependent Citrate Lyase Drives Left Ventricular Dysfunction By Metabolic Remodeling, Shijie Liu, Seth T Gammon, Lin Tan, Yaqi Gao, Kyoungmin Kim, Mahmoud H Elbatreek, Adrian Arrieta, Ian K Williamson, Rebecca L Salazar, Janet Pham, Angela Davidian, Radhika Khanna Neicheril, Benjamin D Gould, Heidi Vitrac, Alia Sadiq, An Q Dinh, Evan C Lien, Francisca N De Luna Vitorino, Joanna M Gongora, Sara A Martinez, Melanie T Odenkirk, Anna K Boatman, Jessie R Chappel, Lawrence S C Czer, Evan P Kransdorf, David J Lefer, Blake M Hanson, Benjamin A Garcia, Erin M Baker, Matthew G Vander Heiden, Philip L Lorenzi, Heinrich Taegtmeyer, David Piwnica-Worms, James F Martin, Anja Karlstaedt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Metabolic adaptation and maladaptation are hallmarks of the failing heart and may be a target for therapeutic interventions. For example, sustained glucose oxidation during cardiac stress is associated with increased activity and abundance of ACL (ATP-dependent citrate lyase, Acly), which produces acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) from citrate and CoA and supports de novo lipid synthesis. However, our understanding of how ACL supports cardiac metabolic adaptation and its potential to modulate disease pathophysiology has not yet been investigated.

Methods: We used human heart tissue samples from healthy donors and patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Next, we used CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced …

Molecular Mechanism Leading To Human Coronary Atherosclerosis Assessed By Proteomic Analysis And Rna Sequences, Sarah J Parker, Chunhong Mao, David L Caudell, Austin Lyle Seals, Yizhi Wang, Thomas D Green, Joseph M Mcclung, Joshua T Maxwell, Jacolby T Roddey, Kiarash Shakeriastani, Chiung-Ting Wu, Yingzhou Lu, Do-Kyun Kim, Justyna Fert-Bober, Dongping Du, Archana Bhat, Niveda Sundararaman, Matthew Ayres, Rakhi Pandey, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Genesio M Karere, Dana Troxclair, Fannie Jackson, Gordon L Love, Richard Vander Heide, James Hixson, Jennifer E Van Eyk, Yue Wang, David Herrington

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and aims: Atherosclerosis results from cellular and extracellular changes in the arterial wall, preceded by molecular shifts that initiate disease and drive tissue conversion, yet these changes are not yet fully described. More data are needed concerning these early changes in the coronary artery molecular landscape that signify the initiation of atherosclerosis and the subsequent tissue pheno-conversion to atherosclerotic plaque. This report summarizes results from a large biorepository of human coronary artery tissue, applying state-of-the-art omics technology, advanced data analytic methods, and an arterial organoid model system to predict molecular dynamics and identify potential regulatory mechanisms that could interrupt …

The Effects Of Anti-Gdnf On The Sensory And Autonomic Nervous System In The Heart, Tryphosa Konadu

Honors Theses

Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death; about 1 in every five deaths is due to heart disease. “Heart disease” is a catch-all phrase that encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. Many of these symptoms can be attributed to dysfunction within the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory nervous systems. Neurotrophic factors like GDNF (Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and NGF (Nerve growth factor) promotes neuronal survival, and regeneration of the nerve fibers of the heart, especially sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. Studies have suggested that increased expression of …

Rsv Can Infect The Human Nasal Epithelium Via The Basolateral Route And Shows Distinct Subgroup Infectivity And Basal Cell Tropism, Ashley Murray, Divya Nagaraj, Emily M Schultz, Gina Aloisio, Erin Nicholson, Sarah E Blutt, Vasanthi Avadhanula, Pedro A Piedra

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes millions of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised populations every year. RSV infection initiates in the upper respiratory tract and can progress to the lower airways, resulting in bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and even death. RSV primarily infects epithelial cells apically, but we hypothesized that basolateral exposure of the respiratory epithelium could provide an alternative mechanism of infection that contributes to LRTI development. Using a human nose organoid-air-liquid interface (HNO-ALI) model, we performed apical and basolateral inoculations with contemporaneous RSV strains (RSV/A/Ontario [RSV/A/ON] and RSV/B/Buenos Aires [RSV/B/BA]) representing the two RSV …

Inhibiting Chikungunya Virus Protease Using Mtase-Like Domain Interactions For Novel Antiviral Therapies, Justin G. Julander

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Functional Divergence Of Capicua Isoforms Explains Differential Tissue Vulnerability In Neurological Disease, Hamin Lee, Esmeralda Villavicencio Gonzalez, Elias M Rivera, Mark A Durham, Ronald Richman, Elizabeth H-Y Chu, Kailey Xia, Hu Chen, Zhandong Liu, Surabi Veeraragavan, Binoy Shivanna, Huda Y Zoghbi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Many neurological diseases impact specific brain regions despite widespread expression of the disease-related protein. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) primarily affects the cerebellum, though Ataxin-1 (ATXN1) is widely expressed. We previously showed that intensified interaction between mutant ATXN1 and Capicua (CIC) drives SCA1 pathogenesis in the cerebellum, whereas ATXN1 loss augments amyloid β production in the hippocampus and cortex. CIC, however, forms a complex with ATXN1 and its paralog, Ataxin-1-like (ATXN1L), yet knockout of either yields completely different phenotypes. To determine whether this could be due to CIC having two isoforms, we generated mice bearing either the long (CIC-L) or …

Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy As A Chronic Cancer Pain Syndrome: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Limitations, And Future Directions, Reed Firestone, Jamin Morrison

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, dose-limiting complication of cancer therapy and a major contributor to chronic neuropathic pain among cancer survivors. Although traditionally managed as a treatment-related toxicity, persistent CIPN frequently persists long after chemotherapy completion and is increasingly recognized as a major survivorship and palliative care challenge. This review synthesizes current mechanistic, clinical, and translational evidence and reframes persistent CIPN as a chronic neuropathic cancer pain syndrome. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual review of key references and clinical guidelines. Emphasis was placed …

Factors Influencing Piglet Average Daily Gain During The First Week Of Lactation In Hyperprolific Sow Under Tropical Conditions, Yosua Kristian Adi, Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Jakavat Ruampatana, Manmueang Malison, Roy Neville Kirkwood, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Birth weight (BW) is a key determinant of average daily gain (ADG) in piglets; however, hyperprolific sow genetics, particularly under tropical conditions, have increased the proportion of low-birth-weight piglets. This study evaluated factors associated with ADG during the first 7 days of lactation within birth weight categories (1.3 kg). A total of 1,185 piglets from 97 litters that survived to day 7 were included. Factors analyzed were cumulative birth interval, birth order, colostrum intake per kilogram of body weight, rectal temperature at 24 h postpartum, sex, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and cross-fostering. Birth weight, cumulative birth interval, birth order, colostrum …

A Case Of Anti-Srp Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy Following Suspected Coxsackie B4 Infection: Exploring A Viral Trigger Hypothesis, Marwan Ahmed, Ruba Salameh, Soziema Salia, Brent T. Harris, Christopher J. Haas, Anees Siddiqi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a rare subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies that can present with rhabdomyolysis. We report a 43-year-old woman with rapidly progressive proximal muscle weakness following a flu-like illness. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated creatine kinase (22,207 U/L) and transaminases, with positive anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) and Coxsackie B4 antibodies. Muscle biopsy demonstrated extensive necrosis, regeneration, and endomysial lymphocytic infiltration, confirming IMNM. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, IVIG, and rituximab, followed by oral steroid taper and mycophenolate. At six-month follow-up, she showed significant clinical and biochemical improvement. This case highlights a potential viral-triggered autoimmune mechanism, …

Inferior Alveolar Nerve Proximity In Mandibular Molar Distalization: Implications For Orthodontic Treatment Planning, Samantha Hsien-Chu Mao, Chia-Hsuan Chan, Yu-Jen Chang, Shiu-Shiung Lin, Chen-Feng Cheng, Te-Ju Wu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the anatomical boundaries of mandibular molar distalization, emphasizing the risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) contact. Patients and Methods: In total, 30 skeletal Class III patients undergoing orthognathic surgery (59 mandibular hemi-arches) were analyzed using pretreatment three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography scans. The shortest horizontal distance between the mandibular second molar and the inferior alveolar canal (M2-IAC) was measured at multiple depths below the cementoenamel junction, along with the distance to the lingual cortical plate (M2-MLC). Samples were categorized by vertical facial pattern (low-, normal-, and high-angle case). Simulated distalization cases predicting IAN contact were …

Overcoming Igf1r-Mediated Resistance To Oncolytic Hsv1 And Radiotherapy Via Triple Combination Therapy, Alexandra A Miller, Min-Hye Noh, Jin Muk Kang, Jiyeon Kim, Lily Nguyen, Amanda S Kouaho, Grace Nguyen, Minxin Huang, Stephanie M Bean, Joshua Davis, Matthew P Mullarkey, Sunil Krishnan, Zhongming Zhao, E Antonio Chiocca, Tae Jin Lee, Ji Young Yoo

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (oHSV) therapy has emerged as a promising viro-immunotherapy for solid tumors. However, tumor- and tumor microenvironment (TME)-associated adaptations following viral treatment, such as feedback immune suppression, neoangiogenesis, and enhanced tumor aggressiveness, often hinder complete tumor eradication. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to oHSV is crucial to enhancing its clinical impact. We recently discovered that oHSV induces Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) secretion, shaping an immunosuppressive TME. Similarly, radiotherapy (RTx) activates the IGF1/IGF1R and YAP1 signaling pathways, further promoting therapeutic resistance. In this study, we investigated how oHSV-induced Insulin-like growth factor 1 …

Association Between Occupational Stress, Sleep Quality, And Premature Ejaculation Among Indonesian Information Technology Workers, Muhammad Faisal Ratman, Suryo Wibowo, Muhammad Ilyas, Retno Asti Werdhani, Dewi Yunia Fitriani

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction that significantly impacts quality of life. Occupational stress and poor sleep quality are hypothesized as risk factors, particularly among Information and Technology (IT) workers who experience unique occupational stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of PE, examine the influence of occupational stress and sleep quality on PE, and determine whether sleep quality mediates the relationship between occupational stress and PE among Indonesian IT workers.

Methods This cross-sectional study involved 89 married male IT workers who completed online questionnaires, including the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Perceived Occupational Stress (POS) …

Targeting The Prmt5/Nur77 Methylation Axis Enhances Endometrial Decidualization Capacity And Female Fertility In Preclinical Models, Zhiwen Cao, Xinyu Cai, Jie Mei, Na Kong, Yang Liu, Xiaoyue Shen, Min Wu, Xin Zhen, Jianxin Sun, Rong Li, Ruiwei Jiang, Haixiang Sun, Guijun Yan

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Defective endometrial decidualization is one major cause of female infertility, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), which was upregulated during decidualization and by progesterone stimulation, was markedly downregulated in the endometria of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), along with a global reduction of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). Uterine stroma-specific ablation of Prmt5 in mice severely impaired decidualization, leading to infertility. A multiomics analysis in human endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) revealed that PRMT5 promoted decidualization primarily by catalyzing SDMA at arginine 346 (R346) of the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77, which directs its …

Epilepsy-Associated Digenic Variants Affecting An Actin-Mitochondria-Glutamate Pathway Promote Seizure Susceptibility, Shenzhao Lu, Mengqi Ma, Shabab B Hannan, Mingxi Deng, Hu Chen, Zhijian Yu, Lindsey D Goodman, Haein Kim, Yun Zhao, Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Wen-Wen Lin, Xueyang Pan, Debdeep Dutta, Vishnu Anand Cuddapah, Jill A Rosenfeld, Xi Luo, Zhandong Liu, Joshua M Shulman, Hugo J Bellen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, yet more than half of individuals with a presumed genetic cause still lack a molecular diagnosis despite the identification of over 1,000 monogenic epilepsy genes. This diagnostic gap is unlikely to be resolved by improved variant detection alone, suggesting that variants affecting the same biological pathway may combine to cause disease. By studying epilepsy-associated actin regulatory genes, we identified a conserved "actin-mitochondria-glutamate (AMG) pathway". We demonstrate that reduced actin polymerization promotes DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and enhances glutamatergic transmission, leading to seizures. The glial innate immune pathway, a …

Feasibility Of Therapeutic Drumming Intervention For Autistic Youth: An Exploratory Study, Zahava L. Friedman, Dina Prisco, Jorge Ochoa, Talia Nuesi, Carmen Guarino, Patricia Higgins, Danielle Centi

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is a need to identify a wider variety of neurodiversity-affirming interventions within the scope of occupational therapy. Therapeutic drumming, percussive music-making as a therapeutic intervention, holds potential for occupational therapy practice, though few studies have explored its efficacy with this population. The purpose of this study was to explore the design and effectiveness of therapeutic drumming for autistic youth from perspectives of drumming facilitators to identify relevant outcome variables and usefulness in the study and practice of therapeutic drumming.

Methodology: This exploratory feasibility study recruited twelve facilitators and 10 autistic youth. An occupational therapy graduate student …

Comparative Evaluation Of Radioisotope Accumulation In Stems And Leaves Of Wild Flora In Nineveh Governorate For Environmental Pollution Indicator, Amina Q. Al-Bakri, Ayman Albanna, Mazin N. Fadhel

BioMed Visions Journal

It is a comparative assessment of natural deposition of radioisotopes in wild plants' stems and leaves from 11 sites of Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Levels of ^226Ra, ^232Th, and ^40K activities were determined using high-resolution gamma spectrometry, and radiological equivalent indices—Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE), Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), and hazard indices (Hex, Hin, Iγ) were determined. All results indicated invariably greater radionuclide accumulation in leaves than in stems at every station. Mean Raeq in leaves was 63,473 Bq/kg and in stems 60,854 Bq/kg, and the highest …

Physicians' Perspective Regarding The Prevention Of Antibiotics Resistance, Wathah Zuhair Mohammed Siddiq, Nadia Hazem Saied

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Antibiotics' resistance is one of the global health problems. The misapplication and misuse of antibiotics ultimately result in antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic prescription is a complex processes that affected by many factors; these factors are mutually reliant and related to physicians' knowledge, healthcare providers' participation, healthcare system itself, patients and the general public. Aim of the study: To identify physicians' perspective concerning antibiotics resistance. Methodology: A cross sectional study was used to find physicians' view about antibiotics resistance. The sample consist of 300 physicians who working in different governmental health institutions in Mosul City. Data was collected from study population …

The Incidence Of Some Intestinal Protozoa: Entamoeba Histolytica, Blastocystis Hominis And Giardia Lamblia Among Iraqi Individuals At Baghdad Province, Amani M. Jasim, Rabia A. Aboud, Mohamed Q. Al-Aybi

BioMed Visions Journal

This study investigates incidence of Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia at Baghdad province during during the months of 2024. Samples were collected from patients admitted Baghdad hospitals during a period of January to the end of December 2024 and examine by Macroscopic Examination by direct wet mounts and Concentration Methods using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation or zinc sulfate flotation to concentrate ova/cysts analyzed .The findings indicate that no significant differences among study groups individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica out of 222,133 individulas infected with Entamoeba histolytica (32%) females most frequently infected than males (27%).Giardia lambilia according to gender …

Ethical, Regulatory, And Equity Challenges Of Ai In Pharmaceutical Advertising, Samer Imad Mohammed, Fadia Thamir Ahmed

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are significantly altering pharmaceutical advertising by facilitating personalized patient engagement and enhancing treatment optimization. Their adoption presents substantial ethical, regulatory, and equity challenges that require thorough analysis. Objectives: The objectives of this review are to analyze: (1) the implementation of AI technologies, such as chatbots and predictive analytics, in pharmaceutical advertising; (2) ethical risks, including algorithmic bias and misinformation; (3) deficiencies in global regulatory frameworks, specifically those of the FDA and EMA; and (4) effects on health equity, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using several databases with …

Cytotoxicity Of Dimethyl Sulphoxide On Viability Of Peripheral Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Rana Nidhamaldeen Al-Nuri, Francesco Ipsevich, Lazim Subhi Sheet

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are cells that can differentiate according to the tissue they are lying in. The transplantation of such cells is either autologous or allogeneic. Autologous storage is required until the patient finishes his intensive chemotherapy. Whilst allogenic storage is required until finding the suitable matched recipient for this cellular therapy. Storage is in deep frozen state (–80° C) with cryoprotectant compound. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) has been used as cryoprotectant due to its electrophilic property that makes H-bond between DMSO and H₂O, which is 2.6 times stronger than the H bond between two water molecules. …

Grated Green Apple And Its Therapeutic Role In Gastrointestinal Disorders: An Analytical Study Of The Effect Of Pectin In Alleviating Diarrhea, Hamza A Saadallah, Mohammed. Ahb. Al-Krdoshi, Noor M Sultan, Farah Y Gaddawi, Marwa R. S Al Shaaban, Abd Al-Bar Al-Farha, Safa M Salim

BioMed Visions Journal

Gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, represent a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic strategies. Dietary interventions, particularly those containing soluble fibers such as pectin, have emerged as promising solutions due to their profound impact on gut health and its microbiota. This meta-analysis systematically reviews the current scientific understanding of the multifaceted role of pectin in alleviating diarrhea, with a particular focus on the unique contribution of grated green apple. The analysis delves into pectin's physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action—including water binding, modulation of the gut microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids, and support of …

Evaluation Of Antifungal Properties Of Shiitake And The Effects Of Its Extracts On Some Pathogenic Fungi, Asal Faiz Hameed Aldabbgh, Abdalkarim S. Hasan Alnuaimi, Inaam Jasim Mohamad

BioMed Visions Journal

The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of shiitake mushrooms on some common fungi found in the soil of Mosul City. The fungal extract from Shiitake was prepared using ethanol or water. Different concentrations of the extract were prepared to analyze the antifungal properties of the mushroom by first making a stock solution and then adding specific amounts to the plates containing (Potato Dextrose Agar) PDA medium to achieve the desired concentrations. The active components found in Shiitake were pinpointed through the use of HPLC. The findings revealed how the aqueous extract of Shiitake affected Trichoderma sp. Penicillium …

Premature Ventricular Contractions As A Result Of Subacute Myocarditis In A Professional Football Player, Charlotte Pirquet, Daniel Underberg, Brian Osler, Derek Schwabe-Warf, David Shipon

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Return-to-play (RTP) decisions for professional athletes with arrhythmias are challenging, particularly when the diagnosis is uncertain.

CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old professional football player presented for RTP evaluation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and atypical chest pain. Work-up was significant for fragmented R waves and PVCs on electrocardiogram as well as late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Positron emission tomography scan was normal. These findings suggested possible subacute myocarditis. He elected to rest for 2 to 3 months and was treated with guideline-directed medical therapy. Risk stratification highlighted increased risks associated with late gadolinium enhancement and incomplete genetic …

Measuring And Mapping Spatial Distributions Of Soil Lead Concentrations Along Chicago Parkways: West Ridge And Near South Side, Alyssa M. Kain

DePaul Discoveries

Lead is a heavy metal that can be found in every part of our planet. Human activities like the extraction of fossil fuels and degradation of construction materials can release lead into the environment, where it travels and accumulates in places like our soil or water. Despite efforts to lower the use of lead-based materials within the last fifty years, lead contamination remains as a threat to public health and safety. Elevated blood lead levels are known to cause a variety of health issues particularly for young children and pregnant women. This study aims to measure, map, and analyze the …

Fish Tissue Digestion And Microplastic Polymer Identification Protocol Using Open-Source Ftir Database, Shawn L. Kissinger, Vick-Ariel Privert, Jason Bystriansky, Kyle A. Grice

DePaul Discoveries

Microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant concerns for environmental and public health, as seafood represents a critical food source worldwide. Despite increasing evidence of MP presence in marine organisms, efficient and accessible detection methods remain essential for characterizing contamination patterns and informing regulatory frameworks. This study extracted MPs from brain, gill, intestine, liver, and muscle tissues of gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), two commercially important species from the Gulf of Cádiz, Spain, using a NaOH–HNO₃ chemical digestion protocol. Isolated particles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with …

Rethinking Vaginal Microbiome Resilience: A Conceptual Multi-Omic Framework, Brittnee Cagle-White, Rob E. Carpenter, Alaina Vincent, Ellen Kominek, Andrew Krouse

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

The vaginal microbiome is often interpreted through static taxonomic patterns. Yet microbial composition alone does not explain why some communities resist perturbation, recover after disruption, or transition toward dysbiosis. This narrative review synthesizes evidence that vaginal microbiome stability is shaped by endocrine phase, epithelial substrate availability, microbial functional capacity, mucosal tone and candidate host modifiers. High-estrogen states, particularly pregnancy, are associated with epithelial maturation, glycogen accumulation, low vaginal pH, and Lactobacillus-dominant communities, whereas postpartum, lactational, menopausal, and other hypoestrogenic states are associated with reduced epithelial support and increased vulnerability to diverse anaerobe-rich configurations. We review the linking of the estrogen–glycogen–Lactobacillus …

The Exploration Of The Antidiabetic Potentialities Of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Fruits Through In Vivo, In Vitro And In Silico Approaches, Arifa Sultana, Fahima Aktar, Fabiha Noushin, Mariam Wahed, Jakir Ahmed Chowdhury, Abu Asad Chowdhury, Shaila Kabir, Md. Shah Amran

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Due to the ineffectiveness, side effects, and high cost of conventional drugs, medicinal plants grabbed the attention to treat diabetes, which has been a global health concern nowadays. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentialities of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) fruits in in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods. For the in vivo assessment, alloxan-induced diabetic rats were fed food mixed with bottle gourd powder for 21 days. For the in vitro assessment, the alpha-amylase inhibitory assay was used to determine the antidiabetic properties of an ethanolic extract of L. siceraria. For the …

Bridging Pediatric To Adult Care In Cystinosis: A Scoping Review Of Healthcare Transition Of Care Protocols And A Roadmap For Future Practice., Sanat Subhash, Nicholas Pantelakis, Kyle Backston, Ruhaan Bajpai, Amir Safadi, Brandon Petrovich, Bradley A. Warady, Maria Diaz-Gonzalez De Ferris, Rupesh Raina

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 to 200,000 live births worldwide. Long-term graft success in cystinosis depends on cysteamine adherence and structured multidisciplinary transition, supported by protocols developed by both pediatric nephrologists and hospital organizations. This review explores institutional and regional care models, structured programs such as the RISE protocol and Got Transition's Six Core Elements, and major barriers including adult nephrology expertise, psychosocial stressors, and insurance coverage gaps. Additionally, we explore the impact of digital health tools for their role in supporting cysteamine adherence and maintaining continuity of care. Emerging technologies such …