Digital Commons Network^™

Fibulin-4 Expressed In Metastatic Breast Cancer Is A Target Of Peptide-Based Imaging Probes And Experimental Therapeutics, Alexes C Daquinag, Sukhen C Ghosh, Solmaz Aghaamiri, Stephen M Farmer, Sheng Zhang, Servando Hernandez Vargas, Ashwin K Ramesh, Zhiqiang An, Ali Azhdarinia, Mikhail G Kolonin

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

There is a lack of approaches to detect and kill metastatic cells. As an agent for metastasis targeting, a cyclic peptide BLMP6 has been previously characterized. As a step toward translation, we designed AZDye555-labeled BLMP6 and demonstrated its homing to metastases of human MDA-MB-231 cells in mice. We show that 68Ga-radiolabeled BLMP6 can be used for the detection of MDA-MB-231 metastases. We designed a peptide-drug conjugate consisting of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and BLMP6. We show that MMAE-BLMP6 kills MDA-MB-231 cells in cell culture and in vivo. In mouse models of lung metastases, treatment with MMAE-BLMP6 suppressed metastasis growth …

Epidemiology And Ultrasonographic Observations Of Urogenital Schistosomiasis Related Urinary Tract Morbidity In Itilima District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania, Coletha Yohana, Bruno A. Nyundo, Jared S. Bakuza, Peter F. Rambau, Safari M. Kinung’Hi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Chronic infection of urogenital schistosomiasis in humans is a major cause of urinary tract morbidity in endemic areas. However, information on the prevalence of schistosomiasisrelated urinary tract morbidity is lacking in most endemic countries including Tanzania. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis-related urinary tract morbidity in schoolchildren and adults in Itilima District. Urine samples from 682 residents were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using urine filtration technique. Urinary tract morbidity was examined by ultrasound. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 16.4% (112/682) and varied significantly between villages (range 3.2% to 29.5%, χ2 = 48.467, p < 0.001). There was no significant variation of S. haematobium infection between male and female (8.3 % vs 8.1%, χ2 = 0.679, p = 0.410). Majority (93.8%) had light infections (

Intrathecal (G4c2)149 Delivery In C9orf72-Deficient Mice Yields Mild Motor Dysfunction And Als/Ftd Pathological Hallmarks, Katelyn Russell, Amelia Shahrabi, Suleyman Akerman, Matthew D. Byrne, Jeffrey Rothstein, Davide Trotti, Brigid Jensen, Aaron Haeusler

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

A repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), yet existing mouse models incompletely engage spinal regions implicated in disease. Here, an adeno-associated virus encoding (G4C2)149 repeats was delivered via neonatal intrathecal injection, achieving widespread CNS expression with robust spinal cord targeting. This approach was applied to mice with graded loss of endogenous C9orf72 to interrogate both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. Longitudinal motor, behavioral, and pathological analyses revealed that repeat expression primarily drives mild, progressive muscle weakness, whereas coordination deficits were largely genotype dependent. Subtle gait abnormalities and hyperactivity …

A Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Model To Guide Use Of Whole-Pelvic Radiation Therapy In Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer: Exploratory Analysis Of Rtog 9413, Mutlay Sayan, Huei-Chung Huang, Erin L. Stewart, Timothy N. Showalter, Adam P. Dicker, George Daniel Grass, Elizabeth M. Gore, Andrew Michael Mcdonald, J. Daniel Pennington, Mark A. Hallman, Igor J. Barani, I-Chow Hsu, Michael Rooney, Stephanie L. Pugh, Paul L. Nguyen, Phuoc T. Tran, Mack Roach Iii

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: This study explored whether a multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) model integrating digitized histopathology and clinical features can identify prostate cancer patients who may benefit from neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) and whole-pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT). Methods: This secondary analysis of NRG/RTOG 9413 included NHT-treated patients with digitized biopsy slides and clinical data who were not part of the MMAI model optimization. A previously validated MMAI model estimated long-term risk, and Fine-Gray models evaluated interactions between MMAI-derived scores and the radiation field (WPRT vs. prostate-only RT [PORT]) for biochemical failure (BF), chosen over progression-free survival because of extended follow-up and distant metastasis …

Staff Education To Enhance Knowledge Of Blood Culture Collection Technique To Reduce Blood Culture Contamination Rates, Whitney Ducharme

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Centralized Review Of Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias Biomedical Repositories And Computational Methods, Johaan Kathilankal, Kewei Chen, Chen Zhao, Lingtao Chen, Seyedamin Pouriyeh, Zongxing Xie, Yixin Xie

Faculty Articles

lzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are neurodegenerative conditions characterized by progressive cognitive and functional decline. AD pathology is associated with extracellular amyloid-β plaques, intracellular tau neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss. AD accounts for approximately 60–80% of dementia cases globally. In 2022, AD was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to increase substantially by 2060. Despite decades of research, AD/ADRD data resources remain fragmented across clinical, imaging, genetic, genomic, and therapeutic domains. This paper addresses that gap by providing …

Qeith: Quantifies Tumor Ecosystem Heterogeneity To Predict Cancer Progression And Treatment Benefit, Qiqi Liu, Jiangti Luo, Jiawei Wang, Bangqi Zhao, Xiaosheng Wang, Linjun You

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is a fundamental driver of therapeutic failure and disease progression. However, the complexity of the tumor ecosystem is a critical yet underexplored aspect, making its precise quantification essential for fully deciphering ITH and its clinical implications. To address this, we developed Quantifying Ecosystem Intratumor Heterogeneity (QeITH), a computational framework that applies Shannon entropy to quantify ecosystem heterogeneity by measuring the diversity and distributional entropy of cellular compositions and functional states across single-cell, bulk, and spatial transcriptomics. At the single-cell resolution, QeITH identifies elevated ITH as intrinsic markers of malignant transformation, yet enhanced sensitivity to therapy. Pan-cancer bulk …

Macrophages As Gatekeepers Of Glioma Progression, Cliona M Rooney, Jasia Mahdi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

‘Latest And Greatest Findings In Aboriginal Cancer Research In Wa ’, Andrew Redfern

Talking Heads Seminar Series

In this talk we will invite the audience to walk with us along the path we have taken over the last 20 years, exploring the reasons why Aboriginal people can experience poorer outcomes when they develop cancer. From there we discuss our search for solutions; cultural, biological and medical, looking at how both improving and personalising our approach to the individual person and the services we build for them may overcome the problems uncovered.

Starting with improved cancer prevention, the talk will move to screening issues and their possible remedies, then on to optimising cure in people with early cancer …

Independent Living Skills For The Aging Population Of Adults With Disabilities, Sara K. Fetter Otd, Otr, Jennifer L. Martin Otd, Otr, Cht, Clt, Michele L. Mccarroll Phd, Faacvpr, Acsm-Ccep, Ccrp, Lssbb

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) are living longer and increasingly outlive family caregivers. Strengthening independent living and vocational skills has therefore become a critical public-health priority. Occupational therapy (OT) can address this need through person-centered, community-based programming. This paper describes the co-design, delivery, and preliminary outcomes of a short occupation-based curriculum intended to enhance autonomy and work readiness in aging adults with ID. In partnership with a Dallas, Texas nonprofit, the authors conducted a needs assessment and created an 8-session course rooted in the Independent Living Model and the Occupational Competence Model. The curriculum addressed four domains (physical health, financial …

Hypovitaminosis A - Associated Neurologic Syndrome With Concurrent Babesiosis In A Captive African Lion Cub (Panthera Leo), Kano, Nigeria, Shaarani Habibu Musa, Aminu Bello Hanga, Auwal Usman Nagoma, Caleb Ayuba Kudi, Paul Ayuba Abdu, Musa Ibrahim Waziri, Haruna Baba Galadima, Yusuf Aminu Yusuf, Muhammed Mikail

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Neurological disorders in captive wild felids presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in juveniles animals maintained under suboptimal nutritional transitions. This case report describes the synergistic effects of dietary deficiencies and a concurrent hemoparasitic infection in a seven-month-old male African lion cub (Panthera leo) weighing 30 kg, housed at Audu Bako Zoological Garden in Kano, Nigeria. Following premature weaning onto an unsupplemented muscle-meat diet, the cub exhibited progressive neurological symptoms, including ataxia, hindlimb paresis, star-gazing, and opisthotonos. Hematological analysis revealed a mild normocytic, normochromic anemia (packed cell volume; 23%) and the presence of erythrocytes rouleaux formation, while Giemsa-stained …

Effects Of Acepromazine On Intraocular Pressure, Anterior Chamber Depth In Horses: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study, Abdelhaleem Elkasapy, Magdy Elgioushy, Mohamed Marzok, Sayed Elhawari, Adel Almubarak, Mohamed Rizk, Sabry El-Khodery, Adel Al-Akraa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acepromazine on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), cardiovascular and respiratory rates in horses. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, twelve horses were equally allocated randomly into two groups: treatment and control (n = 6 each). Horses of the treatment group received 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of acepromazine intravenously, while those in the control group received 0.4 mL/100 kg bwt of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously. IOP, ACD, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded before (T0) and then at T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, T60, T70, T80, and T120 min …

Twenty-First-Century Readiness Of Thai Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Curricula: A Documentary Analysis Using The Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 Framework, Pongphol Pongthaisong, Manakant Intrakamhaeng

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Twenty-first-century veterinary practice demands graduates who combine clinical expertise with professional competencies including communication, financial literacy, evidence-based practice, and One Health awareness. Whether Thai Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curricula systematically develop these competencies has not been evaluated across the full national cohort. This study assessed the 21st-century readiness of all 11 accredited Thai DVM programs using the Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 (CBVE 2.0) framework (AAVMC Council, 2024). Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and course specifications from Thai Qualifications Framework curriculum specification documents (TQF-2; มคอ.2) were analyzed using deductive content analysis against all 9 CBVE 2.0 domains, with inter-rater reliability established …

Parental Perspectives On Their Children’S Mental Health Changes During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Florida Community, Brianna Yumul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Psycho-Behavioral And Psychosocial Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity In The United States, Nadia Ntori Nkansah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Hiv Preexposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Satisfaction Amongst Female Sex Workers And Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cameroon, Zacheaus Zeh Akiy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Breaking Bread And Barriers: Interprofessional Strategies To Improve Mental And Nutritional Health In Family Caregivers, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Family caregivers provide essential unpaid support to individuals with chronic illness, disability, dementia, and age-related decline; however, caregiving responsibilities often place caregivers at increased risk for psychological, physical, nutritional, and social challenges. This literature review examines the mental health and nutritional implications of family caregiving and explores barriers that contribute to declining caregiver wellness. Findings reveal elevated rates of depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, food insecurity, sleep disturbances, financial strain, and chronic stress among caregivers. The literature further highlights the interconnected relationship between mental health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of caregiver burden, interprofessional …

Antimicrobial Resistance In Pediatric Infections: Current Status, Challenges, And Future Directions, Clare Dinh, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance in pediatric infections presents a worsening global public health challenge, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) accounting for more than one million deaths annually and disproportionately affecting children younger than 5 years of age. Neonates and critically ill children face heightened risk owing to immature immunity, frequent healthcare exposures, and limited therapeutic options. This review synthesizes evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms of resistance, clinical outcomes, and management of AMR across the full pediatric age range. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched for literature from 2014 to 2026 using terms covering antibiotic resistance, pediatric populations, and key …

Sputum Lautropia Is Decreased In Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Pulmonary Fibrosis, Timothy M. Wilson, Brendan Allen, J. Kirk Harris, Kristine A. Kuhn, Kevin D. Deane, Stephen M. Humphries, Joyce S. Lee, Joshua J. Solomon, M. Kristen Demoruelle

Division of Rheumatology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether lung microbial composition differs between individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis (RA-PF) compared to those without fibrosis (RA-no-PF).

METHODS: We enrolled 54 RA patients (22 RA-PF, 32 RA-no-PF) from rheumatology and pulmonary clinics. PF was defined by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings. Induced sputum was analyzed using 16 S rRNA sequencing to identify the relative abundance of sputum bacteria. Taxonomic differences between groups were evaluated using three independent analytic approaches: Mann-Whitney U, DESeq2, and EdgeR, with false discovery rate correction. Logistic regression examined associations between Lautropia abundance and clinical variables.

RESULTS: Individuals with RA-PF were …

Examining Diversity And Cultural Competency Within A Historically Black College And University (Hbcu) Public Health Curriculum, Alyce L. Hays, Yalanda M. Barner, Latarsha Michael

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Integrating diversity and cultural competency content into public health curricula is vital in preparing future health professionals to optimize health outcomes of all individuals; however, very few studies have examined whether diversity and cultural competencies are taught in public health curricula. Studies have consistently incorporated diversity, equity, and inclusion in education for healthcare professionals such as nursing, community health workers, health educators, etc. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of course content diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competency, or other related topics. A formative assessment approach utilizing a four-step evaluation process was used to review the inclusion …

Advancing Culturally Relevant Mindfulness In Public Health, Marcus Johnson, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained significant traction in public health, education, and clinical settings due to their demonstrated benefits for stress reduction and psychological well-being. However, these interventions often originate from Eurocentric frameworks that insufficiently reflect the cultural, historical, and structural contexts of diverse and historically marginalized communities. This commentary proposes a Culturally Relevant Mindfulness (CRM) framework that centers the lived experiences, healing traditions, and epistemologies of underrepresented populations. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and critiques of conventional mindfulness models, the article articulates four guiding principles of CRM: cultural identity affirmation, historical consciousness, ancestral integration, and community-centered practice. Rather than merely …

The Prevalence Of Dysphonia: A Comparison Of Indoor And Outdoor Athletic Coaches, Keelyn Peacock

Student Theses and Dissertations

This investigation was conducted to assess the Prevalence of Dysphonia, while comparing indoor and outdoor athletic coaches. This investigation also looked at the prevalence of self-perceived vocal dysphonia symptoms within collegiate athletic coaches. This study was conducted by distributing a survey to the Division I athletic coaches in the state of Arkansas. The survey consisted of demographic questions, a questionnaire that explored the self-perceived vocal symptoms, clinician perspective vocal ratings, and acoustic parameters of voice recordings. The data collected revealed that there were vocal symptoms that were identified as an effect of occupational voice demand during the current season of …

Implementation Of Standardized Mental Health Screening And Referral Protocols For Depression In Patients Aged 65 And Older In Primary Care Settings, Elizabeth Nyambura Irungu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Opioid Treatment Programs’ Preparedness For Meeting The Needs Of Pregnant & Parenting Individuals, Dennis J. Hand, Taylor Carrubba, Katherine Everman, Meghan Gannon, Alie Keegan, Nicole Leighton, Martina Manfra, Melody Mcalister, Kimberly Mclaughlin, Kelliann O'Hare, Vanessa Short, Veronica Virgilio

College of Nursing Posters

Background & Aims

- Methadone has been used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), including during pregnancy, for over 50 years.

- Pregnancy-driven increases in methadone metabolism have long been known to reduce methadone’s half-life, necessitating alternative dosing strategies including providing multiple doses of per day (split-dosing).

- Pregnant and parenting persons with OUD are often have experienced interpersonal violence and other trauma, are less likely to receive adequate reproductive health care, and would benefit from supports to improve the quality of parenting.

- It is not clear whether opioid treatment programs (OTPs) meet the above needs of pregnant and …

Design And Development Of Foot Arch Diagnosis Application, Arif Wicaksono, Arta Farmawati, Neni Trilusiana Rahmawati, Herianto Herianto

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The foot is a part of the lower extremity that has several characteristics, namely foot length, width, height, and arch. Foot arch is a characteristic that has not been widely researched in Indonesia, but it plays a crucial role in movement and daily life. A normal foot arch facilitates physical activities, work, and overall human health, whereas an abnormal foot arch can hinder physical activities, work, and negatively affect health. Foot-arch diagnosis is commonly performed using footprint creation and foot-arch determination. Foot arch diagnosis can be established through conventional examinations, which are relatively more time-consuming, and examinations using scanning devices, …

Differences In The Effects Of Multicomponent Vivifrail Training And Senam Lansia On Physical Performance And Fall Risk In Pre-Frail Elderly, Nadia Ovianti, Annisa Susilowati, Endang Ambarwati, Robby Tjandra Kartadinata, Tanti Ajoe Kesoema, Erna Setiawati

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Pre-frailty is a condition where individuals experience early signs of frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with falls and reduced physical performance, which will impact the health and well-being of the elderly population. To mitigate the harmful effects, the WHO recommends Vivifrail, a multicomponent exercise that is effective in preventing frailty. In Indonesia, the most common program for the elderly community is Senam Lansia (elderly exercise). No studies have compared the effects of these two exercises on the pre-frail elderly community. This study aims to assess differences between Vivifrail training and Senam Lansia on physical performance and fall risk, …

Nursing Staff Education On Transgender Patient Care In A Nursing Home, Cyril Shan Madera Tena

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Treatment Times For Rural And Urban Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In A Provincial Hub-And-Spoke Network, Alexander D. Rebchuk, Hugh Mchugh, Michael A. Rizzuto, David Chen, Kelsey Cruz, Erik N. Vu, Peter A. Gooderham

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), aneurysm rebleeding leads to very poor clinical outcomes. Ruptured aneurysms must be urgently secured either by open microsurgery or endovascular techniques to prevent re-rupture. The objective of this study was to compare time-to-treatment and functional outcomes following aSAH between rural and urban patients treated at a quaternary neurosurgical centre with a large geographical catchment.

METHODS: We analyzed patients enrolled in the Vancouver Ruptured Aneurysm Database (VRAD) between December 2022 and September 2025. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, treatment and functional outcomes were compared between groups. Time from ictus-to-presentation, ictus-to-neurosurgical centre, ictus-to-treatment and transfer times were collected. …

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (Ngal) And Urine Albumin-To-Creatinine Ratio (Uacr) In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study, Nurul Annisa Yunus, Puspa Wardhani, Yessy Puspitasari, Satriyo Dwi Suryantoro, Zulfian Armah

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major global health burden with an increasing prevalence and a substantial risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) is widely used as a conventional biomarker reflecting glomerular injury in CKD, whereas neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been proposed as a biomarker associated with tubular injury and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum NGAL levels and uACR in patients with CKD. The authors conducted an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design on 32 CKD patients at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. Serum NGAL levels were measured using …

Histopathological Evidence Of Irreversible Testicular Injury And Spermatogenesis Disruption In A Continuous Scrotal Hyperthermia- Induced Azoospermia Rat Model, Ageng Brahmadhi, Norina Agatri, Andi Muh. Maulana, Rahmadita Cahya Maharani, Dyanti Arisa Nurrizki

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a cause of male infertility characterized by impaired spermatogenesis. NOA remains a challenge for both research and treatment development. Reliable animal models are essential for better understanding its pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic approaches. Scrotal hyperthermia induction is a cost-effective and technically feasible method for inducing NOA. However, the impact of different exposure patterns remains unsolved. In this study, a total of 30 adult male Rattus norvegicus were randomly assigned to control, discontinuous hyperthermia (every other day), and continuous hyperthermia (daily) groups. This study applied the heat exposure by immersing the scrotum in a 45°C water bath …