Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Biobanks On Research Outcomes In Rare Diseases: A Systematic Review, Monique Garcia, Jenny Downs, Alyce Russell, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Alleviating the burden of rare diseases requires research into new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We undertook a systematic review to identify and compare the impact of stand-alone registries, registries with biobanks, and rare disease biobanks on research outcomes in rare diseases.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-aggregation was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (the PRISMA statement). English language publications were sourced from PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. Original research papers that reported clinical, epidemiological, basic or translational research findings derived from data contained in stand-alone registries, registries with biobanks, …

Living Inside The Box: Environmental Effects On Mouse Models Of Human Disease., John P Sundberg, Paul N Schofield

Faculty Research 2018

The impact of the laboratory environment on animal models of human disease, particularly the mouse, has recently come under intense scrutiny regarding both the reproducibility of such environments and their ability to accurately recapitulate elements of human environmental conditions. One common objection to the use of mice in highly controlled facilities is that humans live in much more diverse and stressful environments, which affects the expression and characteristics of disease phenotypes. In this Special Article, we review some of the known effects of the laboratory environment on mouse phenotypes and compare them with environmental effects on humans that modify phenotypes …

Comparison Of Muscle Physiology And Performance Outcomes From Either Relative Intensity Or Repetition Maximum Training, Kevin Carroll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this dissertation was to compare performance and physiological outcomes of between a repetition maximum (RM) and a relative intensity using sets-and-repetitions (RI_SR) resistance training (RT) program in well-trained lifters. Fifteen subjects underwent RT 3 d·wk^-1 for 10-weeks in either a RM group (n=8) or RI_SR group (n=7). The RM group achieved a relative maximum each day while the RI_SR group trained based on percentages. Testing included percutaneous needle biopsies of the vastus lateralis, ultrasonography, unweighted (g to assess within and between-group alterations. RI_SR from pre-to-post yielded statistically significant increases in …

Chelation Therapy To Prevent Diabetes-Associated Cardiovascular Events, Denisse Diaz, Vivian Fonseca, Y. Wady Aude, Gervasio A. Lamas

School of Medicine Publications

Purpose of review

For over 60 years, chelation therapy with disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, edetate) had been used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite lack of scientific evidence for efficacy and safety. The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) was developed and received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ascertain the safety and efficacy of chelation therapy in patients with CVD.

Recent findings

This pivotal trial demonstrated an improvement in outcomes in postmyocardial infarction (MI) patients. Interestingly, it also showed a particularly large reduction in CVD events and all-cause mortality in the prespecified …

Artificial Gravity As A Countermeasure To The Cardiovascular Deconditioning Of Spaceflight: Gender Perspectives, Joyce M. Evans, Charles F. Knapp, Nandu Goswami

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Space flight-induced physiological deconditioning resulting from decreased gravitational input, decreased plasma volume, and disruption of regulatory mechanisms is a significant problem in returning astronauts as well as in normal aging. Here we review effects of a promising countermeasure on cardiovascular systems of healthy men and women undergoing Earth-based models of space-flight. This countermeasure is produced by a centrifuge and called artificial gravity (AG). Numerous studies have determined that AG improves orthostatic tolerance (as assessed by various protocols) of healthy ambulatory men, of men deconditioned by bed rest or by immersion (both wet and dry) and, in one case, following spaceflight. …

Developmental Steps For A Functional Three-Dimensional Cell Culture System For The Study Of Asymmetrical Division Of Neural Stem Cells, Martina Zamponi

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Stem cells are a cell type present during and following development, which possess self- renewal properties, as well as the ability to differentiate into specific cells. Asymmetrical division is the cellular process that allows stem cells to produce one differentiated and one un-differentiated daughter cell during the same mitotic event. Insights in the molecular mechanisms of such process are minimal, due to the absence of effective methods for its targeted study. Currently, traditional methods of investigation include monolayer cell culture and animal models. The first poses structural limitations to the accurate representation of human tissue and cell structures, while animal …

The Comparison Of Skin Irritation Level Between Topical Cajeput Oil And Telon Oil: A Pilot Study, Sri Esa Ilona, Aris Cahyono, Endra Yustin Ellistasari, Muh. Eko Irawanto, Harijono Kariosentono

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Cajuputi/Cajeput/Melalueca leucadendron oil is a type of essential oil, widely known and used by Indonesian for infants, children, and elderly. It is also included in telon oil compositions (±42%). Excessive application of cajeput oil and telon oil may lead to skin irritation.

Methods: This randomized single-blind control trial was conducted with 10 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. Four areas with diameter of 10 mm each were made on the flexor surface of the upper arm. Area 1 was designated as negative control. Area 2 to 4 were pre-irritated with tape stripping for 40 ± 10 times …

Cell Size Control In Budding Yeast By Titration Of Regulatory Proteins, John Tyson

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Reimagining Icarus: Ethics, Law And Policy Considerations For Commercial Human Spaceflight, Sara M. Langston

Publications

Commercial human spaceflight presents an area for engaging novel human activity and objectives, to include space exploration, entertainment, transportation and extraterrestrial resource acquisition. The inherent dangers and lack of scientific and medical certainty involved however raise interrelated questions of ethics, bioethics, law and public policy. This is particularly the case with spaceflight participant (SFP) screening, selection, and commercial human spaceflight activities where regulations are currently silent or lacking. In the absence of established law, ethics can play an important role by informing industry standards, policies and best practices. Understanding the fundamental ethical values at stake in the application of new …

Hematological Changes In Response To A Drastic Increase In Training Volume In Recreational Cyclists, Jessie Axsom

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

Changes in blood volume contribute to improvement in oxygen utilization (VO2max) with chronic endurance exercise training. Although hematological changes resulting from long-term endurance training have been well documented, it has not been well established whether an increased volume of endurance training preferentially affects plasma volume or red blood cell volume. To answer this question, I studied seven female and four male recreational cyclists before and after exposure to drastic increases (632%) in training volume. Following the 10-week training period, the mean hematocrit (Hct) of the 11 subjects who completed the study significantly (p0.05) correlated with the change in self-reported weekly …

Modeling Impaired Hippocampal Neurogenesis After Radiation Exposure, Kapukotuwa Walawwe Sidath Chathuranga Kapukotuwa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The birth of neuronal cells from neuronal stem cells is known as neurogenesis, and the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus of hippocampus is one of the two regions in the brain this process occurs. Cognitive damages following radiation therapy for brain cancers in both children and adults have been linked to impairment of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Studies followed using mice and rats as model animals have shown impairment in neurogenesis process following exposure to radiation. Obtaining experimental data for radiation-induced changes in neurogenesis in humans is very difficult. Model was developed and applied to mouse data previously; …

Comparison Of Psychological States Of Runners Within Urban And Rural Environments, Christian Demastus

Honors Theses

With the research on persons health and well being increasing within the past years, new questions have emerged on if certain environments can also benefit along with exercise. This study looked at the different psychological states of endurance runners as they run in urban environments and transition into rural settings. The results of this study showed significant differences between urban and rural environments. Also showed increased focus going downhill in nature and greater inward attention while moving uphill in nature. With the findings from this study, it explains why runners choose to run or train where they do.

Optimizing High-Speed Exercise Performance : Effect Of Load., Ling Bai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify an optimal load for the knee extension exercise done with Impulse (Newnan, GA). Forty-one women and twenty-nine men made six laboratory visits, including two familiarization sessions of the knee extension exercise and four real workout sessions which entailed four 30-second exercise sets, separated by 120-second rests, against four different loads (0Kg, 3.41Kg, 5.68Kg, 7.95Kg). A Latin Squares design was used to counterbalance the sequence of the sets. Average force (AF), peak force (PF), total work (TW), Impulse value, and the number of knee extension repetitions were each analyzed with a 2 (gender) …

Three Speeds Of Yoga And The Effects On Salivary Cortisol Levels In Female Nursing Students, Meagan Hennekens

All NMU Master's Theses

Purpose: Nursing students are prone to stress-related diseases, such as depression and anxiety, which are associated with chronically elevated cortisol levels due to the excessive firing of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis. This study assessed three speeds of yoga and how they acutely affected salivary cortisol levels within female nursing students. Methods: Students participated in three yoga sessions cadenced at different speeds in a non-randomized order: (i) standard-speed yoga (SSY), (ii) high-speed yoga (HSY), and (iii) slow-speed yoga (SLSY). Each class integrated sequencing concepts from the brahmana/langhana strategy (BLS) and the Para Yoga Blueprint (PYB). Cortisol samples were …

Supplemental Training And Injury Prevention In The Sport Of Ultra-Running, Jessica M. Heidebrink

Senior Honors Theses

By definition, ultra-marathon running is a sport that covers any distance above the 26.2-mile marathon distance in a single race. The mountains of Virginia host many ultra-marathon races that attract endurance runners from all over the nation to participate. Training is an essential component of running an ultra. Although there is not one specific way to train for an ultra, there is research that correlates the success of the top ultra-runners and their training preferences regarding supplemental training and injury prevention. To gain a more complete understanding of how to prepare for a successful ultra-marathon, an online survey was created …

Identification Of Tissue And Circulating Biomarkers For Premalignant And Malignant Lesions, Shu-Hong Lin

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Recent advancement in technologies including next-generation sequencing and production-scale throughput qPCR have revolutionized the identification of biomarkers in the epidemiology field. In response to the vast amount of data generated from high-throughput technologies, novel inventions in the computer sciences fields have been applied to analyze these data. The current study demonstrates the application of such technologies in a variety of scenarios.

I first described how targeted and whole-exome sequencing were used to identify somatic mutations which marked the differences between colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. A statistical test based on the unique clustering pattern of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes was …

Androgenic Alopecia; The Risk–Benefit Ratio Of Finasteride, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei, Ioana Păunică, Petrișor Banu, Mihaela F. Nistor, Stana Păunică, Vlad D. Constantin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Finasteride is currently approved and largely used as a therapeutic option for androgenetic alopecia. Apparently a safe drug and effective at the onset of its application, several concerns have since appeared over the years regarding the frequency and magnitude of finasteride adverse effects, which in some cases appear irreversible even after drug termination.

This paper discusses the use of finasteride for androgenic alopecia from two distinct perspectives. On the one hand, androgenic alopecia is a condition that especially affects a person’s self-image and esteem, aspects that are subjectively-constructed and thus relative and changeable. On the other hand, this condition involves …

Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options For Quality Sleep In Elderly, Kamilla Gundersen

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Baseline And Post-Concussive Neurocognitive And Physiological Assessments In Minor Student Athletes, Sarah A. Massey, Sierra Duran, Klaudia Szych, Andi Johnson, Ariel Gomez, Lorenzo Juarez, Annajita A. Rubio, Matthew A. Barlow Phd

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: There is a higher risk of post-concussion syndrome among minor athletes. This has resulted in The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), which is currently the primary test for collegiate and high school athletes for concussion assessment and return to play. Previous work from our lab has indicated a significant detection of cognitive deficit with a battery of cognitive testing including the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) and dual task testing incorporating balance testing along with the Stroop and number recall. In the previous findings these tests identified cognitive decline including reaction time and fine motor deficiencies …

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Attenuation By Acute Consumption Of Essential Amino Acids, Andi Johnson, Klaudia Szych, Ariel Gomez, Shannon Jackson, Annajita A. Rubio, Sarah A. Massey, Abraham Gomez, Lorenzo Juarez, Matthew A. Barlow 5622543

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Essential amino acids have been known to be necessary for protein nutrition whether they are obtained by eating proteins or by a formula of the essential amino acids. Studies have consistently demonstrated the acute benefits of protein supplementation on post-exercise muscle anabolism, which may facilitate the recovery of muscle function and performance. However, when protein supplements have been provided in research studies, acute changes in post-exercise protein synthesis and anabolic intracellular signaling have not resulted in measureable reductions in muscle damage and enhanced recovery of muscle function. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to implement a specific content …

Assessment Of Multiple Concussive Athletes With Dual Task Triple Stroop And Aerobic Exercise, Sierra Duran, Sarah A. Massey, Ariel Gomez, Matthew A. Barlow 5622543

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

BACKGROUND: Athletic concussion testing has mostly recently relied on a sedentary computer neurocognitive test battery called the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Previous tests directly compare baseline with post-concussion analysis of patient in regards to different cognitive aspects including; working memory, processing speed, and response time. No physical tests are included in the ImPACT analysis for return-to-play action. PURPOSE: In previous studies from our lab in these populations we concluded that the combination of a physical neural impediment with cognitive tests (dual-task with balance impairment) created a greater degree of impairment not observed in the sedentary ImPACT test. …

Insulin Sensitivity Effects On Peripheral Vascular Responses To Fmd In Metabolic Syndrome Women., Ariel Gomez, Klaudia Szych, Annajita A. Rubio, Shannon Jackson, Matthew A. Barlow

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sedentary populations with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) have presented with impaired vascular dysfunction, including vasodilation reduced 40-50%. The mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction has also been associated to the bioavailability of nitric oxide levels and in metabolic compromised individuals the diminished content of endothelial NO are a prime mechanistic target for study. PURPOSE: We hypothesize that decreased reactive hyperemia observed in MetSyn compared to age matched-control patients are primarily due to mechanistic dysfunction of the eNOS pathway and lower Insulin Sensitivity Index (ISI). METHODS: 30 participants (10 MetSyn and 20 Controls) completed brachial FMD testing and vascular …

Mathematical Modeling Of Nanoparticle Biodistribution, Prashant Dogra

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The prospects of nanoparticle-based drug delivery and imaging have been hindered by insufficient understanding of the effects of nanoparticle physicochemical properties on their in vivo disposition. Here, we present an integrative mathematical modeling and in vivo imaging approach to quantify the relationship between nanoparticle physicochemical properties, namely, size, surface charge, and surface chemistry, on their in vivo disposition kinetics in healthy rats. We developed simple master equations in closed-form to accurately represent the time-dependent concentration of nanoparticles in different regions of the body and obtain functional relationships for predictive purpose to support rational design of nanomedicine. We further used …

Exploring Nurse Stress, Andrea Butler

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aims: To explore levels of stress among nurses working in medical-surgical, telemetry and medical-telemetry nursing departments. Background: Bedside nurses are continuously confronted with stressful situations. These stressors can be very unpredictable and varying in intensity. As the nurse will face many different stressors, it is important for leadership to recognize the origin of the stress in order do everything possible to promote positive outcomes. Conquering stress within nursing departments provides a benefit for the greater good. Methods: This study used a descriptive, correlational study design. The association of occupational job stress for a nurse working within medical-surgical, telemetry, and medical-telemetry …

Katalyst Pilot Study: Using Interactive Activities In Anatomy And Physiology To Teach Children The Scientific Foundation Of Healthy Lifestyles, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Kathryn Baker, Sara E. Dejarnett, Tyler Hendricks, Melissa Mcgowan, Lauren Joseph, Melissa D. Olfert

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This pilot study evaluated the impact of the Katalyst curriculum, a fifth-grade experiential learning program, on students’ knowledge of a healthy lifestyle’s impact on body functions. Katalyst’s interactive curriculum spans two days and includes four, 60-min stations on body systems: cardiovascular/endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory/musculoskeletal. Three schools were recruited, and two schools completed the intervention sessions. Prior to beginning the stations, fifth-grade students completed a 37-item questionnaire to assess knowledge and perceptions. Students completed the same survey at the end of the Katalyst intervention. Teachers at the school also completed a survey post intervention to provide feedback on the program. …

Towards A Physio-Cognitive Model Of Slow-Breathing, Chris Dancy

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

How may controlled breathing be beneficial, or detrimental to behavior? Computational process models are useful to specify the potential mechanisms that lead to behavioral adaptation during different breathing exercises. We present a physio-cognitive model of slow breathing implemented within a hybrid cognitive architecture, ACT-R/Φ. Comparisons to data from an experiment indicate that the physiological mechanisms are operating in a manner that is consistent with actual human function. The presented computational model provides predictions of ways that controlled breathing interacts with mechanisms of arousal to mediate cognitive behavior. The increasing use of breathing techniques to counteract effects of stressors makes it …

Absolute Oral Bioavailability Of Creatine Monohydrate In Rats: Debunking A Myth, Eman A. Alraddadi, Ryan Lillico, Jonathan L. Vennerstrom, Ted M. Lakowski, Donald W. Miller

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Creatine is an ergogenic compound used by athletes to enhance performance. Supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CM) has been suggested for musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Until now, little is known about its pharmacokinetic profile. Our objective was to determine the oral bioavailability of CM and the influence of dose on oral absorption. Rats were dosed orally with low dose (10 mg/kg) or high dose (70 mg/kg)

Development Of A Non-Human Primate Model For Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Carriage, Amanda Lasseter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage (SANC) is largely asymptomatic, but presents a risk of autoinfection and dissemination to new immunocompromised hosts. SA disease states range from mild cutaneous infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Historically utilized rodent models do not naturally carry SA in the nose, are insufficient in longitudinal SANC experimentation, and lack immune factors that are vital in human clearance of SA. The nasal passages of non-human primates are similar anatomically and histologically, and reproductive mucosal studies have shown similar immune responses to pathogens and human-relevant microbial profiles. Seventeen captive pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were found to naturally carry SA in …

The Role Of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators Ifnβ And Prostaglandin E2 In Suppression Of Innate Immunity To Listeria Monocytogenes, Michelle G. Pitts

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

As a foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) encounters many barriers to invasion and dissemination in the host that may change the nature of host response. Lm has been most commonly studied using intravenous (i.v.) inoculation, however, a method that delivers a bolus of bacteria directly to the bloodstream. Thus, little is known about what systemic and local mediators are triggered during the natural course of infection and how these may impact susceptibility. Our laboratory used foodborne transmission of Lm in mice to assess whether the method of transmission and the specific organ microenvironment could affect infection-induced secretion of …

Does Lavender Aromatherapy Or Tea Improve Quality Of Sleep In Women?, Meredith A. Mcnelis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Lavender Aromatherapy or Tea Improve Quality of Sleep in Women?”

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, primary, randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials were obtained using PubMed and NCBI.

Outcomes Measured: The clinical outcome of sleep quality was measured in these studies via the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI).

Results: Statistical significance was determined for each randomized control trial (RCT) using pvalue …