Digital Commons Network^™

Different Effects Between Trigeminal Sensory And Vagal Visceral Input On Salivary Gland Blood Flow, Ratna Ramadhani, Toshiya Sato, Hisayoshi Ishii

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the different effects of trigeminal sensory and vagal-visceral inputs on blood flow (BF) in the submandibular gland (SMG). Methods: Ten to eleven-week-old Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.0 g/kg) and artificially ventilated. The femoral artery was cannulated for systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP) measurement. The cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) on both sides and the cervical vagus nerve (CVN) on the right side were cut before the stimulation of the left abdominal vagus nerve (AVN). The CVN and lingual nerve (LN) were stimulated after cutting the CST and CVN. AVN, …

Neurotransmitter Power Plays: The Synaptic Communication Nexus Shaping Brain Cancer, Jayanta Mondal, Jason T Huse

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Gliomas and brain metastases are notorious for their dismal prognosis and low survival rates, a challenge exacerbated by our incomplete grasp of the complex dynamics that govern brain cancers. Recently, a groundbreaking paradigm shift has emerged, highlighting the crucial role of synaptic communication between neurons and brain tumor cells in reshaping neuronal signaling to favor tumor growth. This review delves into the pivotal interplay of synaptic mechanisms, focusing on excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic pathways. Glutamatergic synapses utilize glutamate to propagate excitatory signals, while GABAergic synapses employ gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to inhibit neuronal firing. Glutamatergic signaling can be broadly classified …

Maternal Dietary, Nutritional Status, And Its Association With Low-Birth Weight: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Devi Septia Ningrum, Adinda Safitri, Almira Sitasari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Maternal diet and nutritional status during pregnancy influence birth outcomes. This review article aims to synthesize key studies examining the relationship between maternal dietary intake, nutritional status, and the occurrence of low birth weight (LBW). This study applies a scoping review from PubMed and Google Scholar (2018–2023). Observational and experimental studies were included. Articles met the criteria if they involved pregnant women aged 17+, human studies, full-text availability, and were in English or Indonesian. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The findings revealed that maternal intake of essential macronutrients, including energy and protein, along with key micronutrients …

The Impact Of Biomaterial Characteristics On Macrophage Phenotypes In Tissue Engineering: A Review, Julian Jackson, Hani Samarah, William Palmer, Zachary Kaplan, Marianna Nicodem, Parvesh Kumar, Spenser Short, Kelly Bridgham, Larry Harshyne, Joseph Curry

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

Macrophages are highly plastic cells central to pathogen removal, tissue regeneration, and inflammation, making them key targets in biomaterial design for improved clinical outcomes. Foreign body responses (FBRs) to implanted biomaterials often involve excessive macrophage-mediated inflammation, leading to fibrotic encapsulation, infection, and implant failure. Advances in tissue engineering demonstrate that macrophage polarization - the transition from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes - can be influenced by biomaterial properties to mitigate these responses and enhance regeneration. This review synthesizes the relationship between biomaterial properties, such as surface chemistry, structure, and stiffness, and their ability to modulate macrophage behavior. Key innovations, …

Alzheimer’S Disease And Hiv-1 Comorbidity, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Khalid Benamar

Research Symposium

Background: AD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common causes of neurodegenerative dementia. AD is characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions. Prominent pathophysiological characteristics of AD include extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) proteins. An estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with AD today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure AD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 53% of American adults living with …

A Bivalent Self-Amplifying Rna Vaccine Against Yellow Fever And Zika Viruses, Peter Battisti, Matthew R. Ykema, Darshan N. Kasal, Madeleine F. Jennewein, Samuel Beaver, Abbie E. Weight, Derek Hanson, Jasneet Singh, Julie Bakken, Noah Cross, Pauline Fusco, Jacob Archer, Sierra Reed, Alana Gerhardt, Justin G. Julander, Corey Casper, Emily A. Voigt

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Student Research

Introduction: Yellow fever (YFV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality, despite the existence of an approved YFV vaccine and the development of multiple ZIKV vaccine candidates to date. New technologies may improve access to vaccines against these pathogens. We previously described a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)-delivered self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine platform with excellent thermostability and immunogenicity, appropriate for prevention of tropical infectious diseases.

Methods: YFV and ZIKV prM-E antigen-expressing saRNA constructs were created using a TC-83 strain Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus-based replicon and complexed with NLC by simple mixing. Monovalent and bivalent vaccine formulations were injected intramuscularly …

Assessment Of Biotransformation Rates, Biomagnification, And Bioconcentration Factors Of Difficult-To-Test Substances Using In Vitro Rainbow Trout Liver Subcellular Fractions, Mark A Cantu, Beatrice Chee, Talia R Cole, Yung-Shan Lee, Frank A P C Gobas

Faculty and Staff Publications

In vitro hepatic biotransformation assays have been proposed as methods for expediting and improving bioaccumulation assessment for substances that are difficult to test in conventional in vivo bioaccumulation assays and to reduce animal testing. However, to date, there has been no convincing evidence to demonstrate the ability and limitations of in vitro assays to estimate in vivo biotransformation rates and corresponding bioconcentration and biomagnification factors of difficult-to-test substances in fish. The present study presents the first measurements of in vitro biotransformation rates of superhydrophobic and highly volatile linear and cyclic siloxanes in rainbow trout liver S9 subcellular fractions and the …

Optimizing The Well-Being Of Residents Diagnosed With Dementia: An Activities Calendar And Guide For Cognitive And Physical Engagement, Kaylex L. Monteagudo Parra

Undergraduate Theses

This thesis explores the critical role of structured activities in enhancing the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals with dementia. Drawing on evidence-based research and practical experience as an Activities Assistant, it emphasizes how engaging, person-centered activities can mitigate symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote social interaction across the stages of disease progression. The research culminates in the development of an ideal activities calendar tailored to patients with dementia, accompanied by a comprehensive guide detailing activity benefits, implementation strategies, and required resources. This framework addresses the unique challenges of dementia care, offering practical tools for caregivers to adapt …

The Effect Of Cellular Glucose Levels On Inotersen-Mediated Target Reduction In In Vitro Cell Models, Andrea Durwin

Honors Scholar Theses

Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs are a new therapeutic modality to treat rare as well as common diseases. These drugs work to reduce disease by targeting the mRNA of the gene that causes the disease, therefore limiting the proteins that further propagate the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Many people who suffer from more severe diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and a wide array of cancers, utilize ASO drugs for treatment, but the drug is also used with those suffering from more common diseases such as diabetes. The efficacy of ASO drugs to silence their mRNA …

Survey Of Medical Student Attitudes Regarding Uterine Transplant For Cisgender And Transgender Women, Oakland University William Beaumont School Of Medicine Medical School Medical Student, Deidre Hurse, Abram Brummett

Posters

No abstract provided.

Expediting Tool-Use Learning: Effects Of Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Of The Left Anterior Supramarginal Gyrus, Kamila Haliru

Honors Thesis

The left anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) has been implicated as an important brain region in tool use. While anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been shown to facilitate skilled tool use, the effects of aSMG stimulation remain largely unexplored. Using a chopstick-marble paradigm, this thesis examined whether atDCS to the left aSMG would enhance tool-use learning. Electroencephalography (EEG) was concurrently recorded to assess atDCS-dependent changes to the beta and gamma frequency bands. Our results demonstrated that atDCS over the left aSMG significantly expedited tool-use learning and was associated with increased gamma band activity …

An Intranasally Administered Igm Protects Against Antigenically Distinct Subtypes Of Influenza A Viruses, Ashwin Kumar Ramesh, Jwala Priyadarsini Sivaccumar, Xiaohua Ye, Luona Yang, Hailong Guo, Chen-Ni Chin, Sha Ha, John W Shiver, William R Strohl, Yan Xu, Haijuan Du, Tongqing Zhou, Ningyan Zhang, Kai Xu, Xinli Liu, Tong-Ming Fu, Zhiqiang An

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Engineering broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the hemagglutinin (HA) of Influenza A virus (IAV) is a promising approach for intervention of seasonal flu. However, HA plasticity often leads to resistant strains that compromise mAb potency as bivalent IgGs. Here we hypothesize that multimerization of anti-IAV antibodies as IgMs can enhance coverage and neutralization potency. Here, we construct 18 IgM antibodies from known broadly neutralizing IgGs targeting different IAV HA epitopes and evaluate their breadth and potency of neutralization against distinct H1N1 and H3N2 IAVs. The IgM version of receptor binding site-specific IgG F045-092 shows increased breadth and antiviral potency …

Overcoming Barriers To Human Papillomavirus Vaccination In Guangdong Province, China, Shuaijing Zhang, Shiqi Li, Jingtai Ma, Guiyuan Ji, Zhifeng Li, Siyi Chen, Fenglin Zhang, Xingfen Yang, Jianpeng Xiao, Rong Cao, Chenggang Wu, Wei Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a critical public health challenge in China, particularly in Guangdong Province, where HPV-52, 16, and 58 genotypes predominate, and male infection rates exceed 40%. Despite the successful implementation of a government-funded school-based program that has achieved 88% HPV vaccine coverage among adolescent girls, several persistent barriers, including genotype mismatch (the free HPV vaccine covers < 50% of high-risk local strains), regional disparities (80% vs. 60% for first-dose coverage), and exclusion of males, thwart progress toward herd immunity. Financial sustainability risks pose an even more significant threat to the expansion of HPV vaccination programs, especially in Guangdong province where annual expenditures exceed CNY 200 million. This review delves into Guangdong's pioneering efforts and proposes practical solutions: accelerating domestic multivalent HPV vaccine development, adopting gender-neutral vaccination policies, and leveraging mobile clinics for remote populations. These strategies not only provide a roadmap for China but also serve as valuable insight for other LMICs striving to overcome HPV-related inequalities.

Mapping The Developmental Profile Of Ventricular Zone-Derived Neurons In The Human Cerebellum, Anders W Erickson, Henry Tan, Liam D Hendrikse, Jake Millman, Zachary Thomson, Joseph Golser, Omar Khan, Guanyi He, Kathleen Bach, Arpit Suresh Mishra, Janja Kopic, Zeljka Krsnik, Ferechte Encha-Razavi, Giulia Petrilli, Fabien Guimiot, Evelina Silvestri, Kimberly A Aldinger, Michael D Taylor, Kathleen J Millen, Parthiv Haldipur

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The cerebellar ventricular zone (VZ) is the primary source of progenitors that generate cerebellar GABAergic neurons, including Purkinje cells (PCs) and interneurons (INs). This study provides detailed characterization of human cerebellar GABAergic neurogenesis using transcriptomic and histopathological analyses and reveals conserved and unique features compared to rodents. We show that the sequential progression of neurogenesis is conserved and occurs before 8 postconception weeks. Notably, PC differentiation occurs in the outer subventricular zone (SVZ), a region absent in the mouse cerebellum. Human PCs are generated during a compact two-week period before the onset of cerebral cortex histogenesis. A subset of human …

A Secretome Atlas Of Cardiac Fibroblasts From Healthy And Infarcted Mouse Hearts, Jasmin Bahr, Junedh M Amrute, Kory J Lavine, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are key players after myocardial infarction (MI), but their signaling is only incompletely understood. Here we report a first secretome atlas of CF in control (cCF) and post-MI mouse hearts (miCF), combining a rapid cell isolation technique with SILAC and click chemistry. In CF, numerous paracrine factors involved in immune homeostasis are identified. Comparing secretome, transcriptome (SLAMseq), and cellular proteome disclose protein turnover. In miCF at day 5 post-MI, significantly upregulated proteins include SLIT2, FN1, and CRLF1 in mouse and human samples. Comparing the miCF secretome at days 3 and 5 post-MI reveals the dynamic nature of …

Distinct Oxytocin Signaling Pathways Synergistically Mediate Rescue-Like Behavior In Mice, Feng-Rui Zhang, Juan Liu, Jieqi Wen, Zi-Yan Zhang, Yijia Li, Eric Song, Li Hu, Zhou-Feng Chen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Spontaneous rescue behavior enhances the well-being and survival of social animals, yet the neural mechanisms underlying the recognition and response to conspecifics in need remain unclear. Here, we report that observer mice experience distress when encountering anesthetized conspecifics, prompting spontaneous rescue-like behavior toward the unconscious mice. This behavior facilitates the earlier awakening of anesthetized mice while simultaneously alleviating stress in the helper mice. Our findings reveal that endogenous oxytocin (OXT) release from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) regulates the emotional component of rescue-like behavior. In contrast, OXT …

Immune Cells And Arrhythmias, Joshua A Keefe, Jian Wang, Jiangping Song, Li Ni, Xander H T Wehrens

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that resident and infiltrating cardiac immune cells play direct, mechanistic roles in arrhythmia onset and progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and expert commentary on the role of each immune cell subtype in the pathogenesis of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Enhancing Skin Cancer Literacy Amongst Young Adults: A Digital Design, Katherine Stoll

Honors Projects

The skin plays a vital role in protection, regulation, and homeostasis of the human body. Skin cancer, despite being mostly preventable, is one of the most common cancers. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, are vulnerable targets due to risky behaviors and misinformation regarding skin cancer. This project was designed by using digital media and website design to enhance skin cancer health literacy among young adults. Using a systematic literature review and research methods, an interactive website was designed to improve skin cancer health literacy and eliminate common misconceptions. The topics addressed throughout the website were the biological factors of …

Task Demands Influence Search Strategy Selection In Otoconia-Deficient Mice, Ryan M. Yoder, Lucas C. Carstensen, Keshav Jagannathan

Psychology

Introduction: The vestibular system plays a crucial role in visual and non-visual navigation. Our recent study found that signals from the otolith organs are necessary for mice’s use of distal visual cues to guide navigation to an invisible goal. Somewhat surprisingly, however, performance was not significantly impaired on some spatial tasks (e.g., Barnes maze reference memory task), questioning the role of otolith signals in visual navigation.

Methods: We report the results of several additional tests of reference memory performance and search strategy use on two versions of the Barnes maze, in an attempt to establish further understanding of the otolithic …

Determining The Bioaccumulation Of Minor Cannabinoids In Zebrafish Larvae, Kamdyn A. Holt

Honors Theses

Due to the increasing prevalence of cannabis product availability and usage in the modern United States, particularly among pregnant individuals, evaluating the bioaccumulation of minor cannabinoids to further understand the adverse effects of cannabinoids during early development is critical. This study quantitated the uptake of eight minor cannabinoids ((∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC), ∆9-THC, ∆10-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)) in zebrafish larvae following water-borne 2 µM exposures from 6 to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Larvae were homogenized at 96 hpf and analyzed using a gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method developed in this study. Bioconcentration …

Fluorescent Labeling And Size-Dependent Uptake Of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles In Ovarian Cancer Tumor Spheroids, Kimberly R. Berardis

Honors Scholar Theses

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, with most patients presenting at an advanced stage. While surgical debulking improves survival, nonresectable tumors (<1 cm) contribute significantly to morbidity and remain difficult to treat. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems offer an innovative approach to targeted therapy and palliation. In vivo models have demonstrated that intraperitoneally delivered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) preferentially accumulate in tumors with low systemic exposure, enabling targeted chemo- and radiotherapy.

MSNs are particularly suited for radiotherapeutic delivery, as their strong interactions with tumor extracellular matrices drive selective uptake. Additionally, they exhibit excellent stability under neutron flux, allowing for loading with stable isotopes and irradiation immediately prior to administration. High radionuclide retention after dilution further minimizes systemic exposure and toxicity.

A key …

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Cognition: Consideration Of Potential Moderators, Elizabeth G. Gaines, Mckenzie M. Cotten, Elizabeth Reese Carwile, Mary Griffin Jackson, Marascalco Liston, Lucy Wilson

Honors Theses

The present thesis aims to determine the effects, if any, of six potential moderators on the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive functioning. The modes of exercise undertaken by the participants included treadmill (Experiment 1) and stationary bike (Experiment 2) exercise. Participants in each experiment either exercised or rested for twenty minutes and then participated in either a memory recall task or cognitive functioning (“Stroop”) task. The bouts of either exercise or rest on the stationary bike were followed by a rest period during which the participant would be exposed to either standard air oxygen levels (normoxia) or hypoxic …

Investigative Needle Core Biopsies Support Multimodal Deep-Data Generation In Glioblastoma, Kenny K H Yu, Sreyashi Basu, Gerard Baquer, Ryuhjin Ahn, Jennifer Gantchev, Sonali Jindal, Michael S Regan, Zaki Abou-Mrad, Michael C Prabhu, Marc J Williams, Alicia D D'Souza, Seth W Malinowski, Kelsey Hopland, Yuval Elhanati, Sylwia A Stopka, Alexei Stortchevoi, Charles Couturier, Zhong He, Jingjing Sun, Yulong Chen, Alexsandra B Espejo, Kin Hoe Chow, Smitha Yerrum, Pei-Lun Kao, Brittany Parker Kerrigan, Lisa Norberg, Douglas Nielsen, Vinay K Puduvalli, Jason Huse, Rameen Beroukhim, Betty Y S Kim, Sangeeta Goswami, Adrienne Boire, Sarah Frisken, Michael J Cima, Matthias Holdhoff, Calixto-Hope G Lucas, Chetan Bettegowda, Stuart S Levine, Tejus A Bale, Cameron Brennan, David A Reardon, Frederick F Lang, E Antonio Chiocca, Keith L Ligon, Forest M White, Padmanee Sharma, Viviane Tabar, Nathalie Y R Agar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain cancer with few effective therapies. Stereotactic needle biopsies are routinely used for diagnosis; however, the feasibility and utility of investigative biopsies to monitor treatment response remains ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate the depth of data generation possible from routine stereotactic needle core biopsies and perform highly resolved multi-omics analyses, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, T-cell clonotype analysis, and MHC Class I immunopeptidomics on standard biopsy tissue obtained intra-operatively. We also examine biopsies taken from different locations and provide a framework for measuring spatial and genomic heterogeneity. Finally, we investigate the …

The Potential Of Brain Organoids In Addressing The Heterogeneity Of Synucleinopathies, Xiao-Jun Diao, Claudio Soto, Fei Wang, Yu Wang, Yun-Cheng Wu, Abhisek Mukherjee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Synucleinopathies are a group of diseases characterized by neuronal and glial accumulation of α-synuclein (aSyn) linked with different clinical presentations, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Multiple system atrophy (MSA). Interestingly, the structure of the aSyn aggregates can vary across different synucleinopathies. Currently, it is unclear how the aSyn protein can aggregate into diverse structures and affect distinct cell types and various brain regions, leading to different clinical symptoms. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-based brain organoids (BOs) technology provide an unprecedented opportunity to define the etiology of synucleinopathies …

Design And Structural Basis Of Selective 1,4-Dihydropyridine Inhibitors Of The Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel KCa3.1, Seow Theng Ong, Young-Woo Nam, Joshua A. Nasburg, Alena Ramanishka, Xuan Rui Ng, Zhong Zhuang, Stephanie Shee Min Goay, Hai M. Nguyen, Latika Singh, Vikrant Singh, Alicia Rivera, M. Elaine Eyster, Yang Xu, Seth L. Alper, Heike Wulff, Miao Zhang, K. George Chandy

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The 1,4-dihydropyridines, drugs with well-established bioavailability and toxicity profiles, have proven efficacy in treating human hypertension, peripheral vascular disorders, and coronary artery disease. Every 1,4-dihydropyridine in clinical use blocks L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. We now report our development, using selective optimization of a side activity (SOSA), of a class of 1,4-dihydropyridines that selectively and potently inhibit the intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel K_Ca3.1, a validated therapeutic target for diseases affecting many organ systems. One of these 1,4-dihydropyridines, DHP-103, blocked K_Ca3.1 with an IC50 of 6 nM and exhibited exquisite selectivity over calcium channels and a panel of …

Mitochondrial Dysfunction And Parkinson's Disease: A Critical Link, Anika J. Millar

Senior Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the damage to and death of dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain. The substantia nigra is a major region housing dopaminergic neurons and plays a critical role in motor and cognitive function. When these neurons are compromised, dopamine levels decline, leading to the development of motor and cognitive dysfunction. Current treatments include dopamine precursors, which help to replace dopamine and relieve motor symptoms. However, while there is symptomatic treatment for Parkinson’s disease, there are no preventative therapies or cures. A potential link between mitochondrial dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease has prompted further research. Investigating …

Historical Perspectives On Bloodletting In The Management Of Asthma In Children And Adults, Joudeh B. Freij, Bishara J. Freij

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Current asthma management consists of a combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action. Ancient asthma care, by contrast, focused on loosening the humours using remedies such as drinking animal blood, eating rabbit fat and fox lungs, inhaling or consuming certain herbs and plants, bloodletting (including wet cupping), diet (eating raisins, dried figs, vegetables, barley, capers, bread, cake), steaming, baths, wet compresses, and moderate helpings of wine with dinner. Bloodletting was believed to purge the body of noxious humours that caused human disease and thereby reduce inflammation. Here we address the use of bloodletting in asthma management over the …

Devastating "Dana" Floods In Valencia: Insights On Resilience, Challenges, And Strategies Addressing Future Disasters, Jose M. Martin-Moreno, Eva Garcia-Lopez, Mariano Guerrero-Fernandez, Jose L. Alfonso-Sanchez, Paul Barach

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND:

The unprecedented DANA floods that struck Valencia, Spain on October 29, 2024, caused catastrophic human, economic, and ecological damages, resulting in 223 fatalities, the displacement of 15,000 residents, and long-term health and environmental consequences and incurred financial losses estimated over 50 billion euros. Vulnerabilities in urban planning, ambiguous command and control oversight, delayed warnings, and insufficient preparedness underscored systemic gaps in the flood preparedness and management.

ANALYSIS AND POLICY OPTIONS:

Urgent actions, including stricter urban zoning laws, implementing comprehensive early warning systems, and fostering community-based disaster preparedness are needed to mitigate future risks. A One Health approach that addresses …

An Exploration Of Behavioral Sex Differences Due To A Parkinsonian Gene, Pdr-1, In C. Elegans., Adriana Mulet Miranda, Mary B. Kroetz, Paul J. Kiser

Undergraduate Theses

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system classified by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Males and females exhibit different symptoms however, the cause remains unknown. Through the use of a model organism, C. elegans, we will investigate an ortholog of a Parkinsonian gene, pdr-1, to explore whether or not there are statistical differences between the hermaphrodites and males through known behavioral assays such as Swimming Induced Paralysis and Basal Slowing Rate. In order to compare gender differences, we successfully conducted CRISPR, where we inserted the him-8 mutation, resulting in an increased population …

Building A Pre-Surgical Multiparametric-Mri-Based Morphologic, Qualitative, Semiquantitative, First And High-Order Radiomic Predictive Treatment Response Model For Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma To Replace Recist, Raul F Valenzuela, Elvis Duran-Sierra, Mathew Antony, Behrang Amini, Sam Lo, Keila E Torres, Robert S Benjamin, Jingfei Ma, Ken-Pin Hwang, R Jason Stafford, Dejka Araujo, Andrew J Bishop, Ravin Ratan, Wei-Lien Wang, Jossue Espinoza, Pia V Valenzuela, Chengyue Wu, John E Madewell, William A Murphy, Colleen M Costelloe

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is the largest subgroup of soft-tissue sarcomas. It demonstrates post-therapeutic hemosiderin deposition, granulation tissue formation, fibrosis, and calcification. Our research aims to establish the multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) value for predicting UPS treatment response.

Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study included 33 extremity UPS patients with pre-operative mp-MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (CE-SWI), and perfusion-weighted imaging with dynamic contrast-enhancement (PWI/DCE), and surgical resection between February 2021 and May 2023. Lesions were visually classified on CE-SWI into one of 6 morphology patterns. On PWI/DCE, lesions were classified into one of 6 patterns, and time-intensity curves …