Digital Commons Network^™

Discovering Drug-Like Compounds By Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions Using A Yeast-3-Hybrid System, Chesley C. Blake

Senior Theses

Protein-protein interactions are important targets in cancer biology as they can make historically “undruggable” proteins viable drug targets. However, the current approach to targeting protein-protein interactions relies on the use of small molecule drugs, which have low efficiencies as they must cover a large surface area of the interaction. Further, traditional drug therapies often lead to off-target toxicity, limiting therapeutic specificity. The objective of this project is to develop a selection system in yeast to identify short peptide sequences that can disrupt protein-protein interactions specific to cancer cells. Following proof of principle and development of the AH109 yeast strain having …

Cell-Free Mitochondrial Dna (Mtdna) Triggers Vascular Dysfunction Via Toll-Like Receptor 9 (Tlr9)-Dependent Activation Of Inflammasomes, Mohin Amin

Senior Theses

Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for mortality and is closely associated with vascular inflammation and dysfunction. Damaged mitochondria release cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA), which activates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). The binding of TLR9 to mtDNA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines via gasdermin D (GSDMD), therefore worsening inflammation. However, the mechanisms linking mitochondrial injury to inflammation-induced vascular dysfunction remain unclear. We hypothesize that cf-mtDNA triggers TLR9-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributing to vascular and endothelial dysfunction. To assess that, adult male C57BL/6 were exposed to 28 consecutive days of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or …

Alumni Journal - Volume 97, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials
2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News
8 | This & That
12 | Alumni News
16 | School of Medicine News
18 | AIMS Report: Whispers From God
20 | AIMS News
22 | Department Report: Dermatology
24 | Students: Learning In Community

APC 2026
26 | Annual Postgraduate Convention (APC) 2026 in Review

Features
42 | Dr. Nava's Last Lecture: To Medical Students
45 | A Legacy of Humble Acts
46 | A Life of Service & Impact
48 | Spiritual Care
49 | Alumni Gatherings
50 | …

Paws And Practice: Overcoming Barriers To Mindfulness, Hazel Norris

2026 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents & Media

With the rise in chronic illnesses, healthcare professionals have sought to improve habits and behaviors to extend longevity and quality of life. However, for many people, unhealthy habits, such as smoking or binge eating, may develop as a way of coping with life stressors, which can make behavior changes harder to implement. Recently, there has been an increase in new research on whether improving mindfulness could be used to combat this problem. If mindfulness does encourage more engagement in health-promoting behaviors while protecting against risky behaviors, mindfulness-based behavior interventions could be very valuable for improving the health of college students …

Predictors Of Filipino Life Satisfaction Using The Revised Filipino Satisfaction With Life Scale, Razel Bacuetes Milo, Patricia Calero, Maria Luisa Ramira, Kathleen Soon, Maria Fontimayor, Cynthia D. Connelly

School of Nursing and Health Science: Faculty Scholarship

Background: 

Mental health stigma serves as a significant barrier to seeking help, often leading to maladaptive coping strategies. Given these complexities, it is essential to validate the Satisfaction With Life Scale Revised (SWLS-R) within the Filipino context to assess its psychometric reliability, cultural relevance, and suitability for evaluating well-being and mental health outcomes among Filipinos.

Objective: 

The aims of this study were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SWLS-R and describe the relationships and significant predictors of life satisfaction among Filipinos living in the United States.

Methods: 

A purposive sample of Filipino adults, fluent in both English and Filipino, …

Exploring The Impact Of Cat Nutrition On Consumer Purchases: An Examination On Feline Microbiome, Health, And Owner Responses, Cassidy Curry

Honors College Theses

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome plays a critical role in feline health, influencing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney disease, and other digestive disorders. Diet is a major factor affecting microbial balance, yet many cat owners lack sufficient knowledge of feline nutrition. This may lead to suboptimal feeding practices that negatively impact microbiome stability. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between an owner’s nutritional knowledge and their pet food purchasing decisions. Specifically, it examined feeding schedule, food type and consistency, supplement use, and veterinary engagement. A 13- question survey was administered to 84 Murray State University Honors College …

Research Day 2026 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Global Trends In Bioterrorism And Biosecurity Research Publications (1997–2025): A Scopus Bibliometric Analysis, Festus Mulakoli, Samuel Gesaka, John Mbataru

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Bioterrorism and biosecurity preparedness are critical pillars of global public health protection and resilience of health systems worldwide. Although this field has grown over the past few decades, there remains limited clarity on how research efforts have evolved and where critical gaps persist, particularly regarding global collaboration and emerging biological threats. To address this, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to map publication trends, influential contributors, and collaboration networks in bioterrorism and biosecurity from 1997 to 2025. This study analyzed global research output, collaboration, and thematic evolution in bioterrorism and biosecurity and identified gaps relevant to preparedness and policy. …

A Qualitative Socioecological Exploration Of Community Health Promoters’ Barriers And Facilitators In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention In Kenya, Emily Muchina, Maureen Akolo, Rose Maina

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where there is an upsurge of risk factors. Community health promoters (CHPs) have the potential to play a crucial role in CVD prevention and care to underserved communities in Kenya. However, there are limited studies on their experiences, which are likely shaped by multilevel barriers and facilitators across the individual CHP, the community, relationships with primary health systems, and societal-level policies and structures. This study explored the barriers and facilitators shaping CHPs’ experiences in mitigating CVD in Kenya.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted …

Effects Of Tubulin-Binding Medications On Microplastic Uptake And Cyotoskeletal Functionality Across Diverse Cell Types, Alejandra D. Favela Santos

Posters - 2026

• Microtubules are composed of of a- and b- tubulin heterodimers, vital for cell structure, shape, and intracellular transport • Microtubules are also useful as they separate chromosomes during cell division • Microplastics (< 5 mm) are considered a health threat and have been found throughout the whole body (1) o In several studies, microplastics have been correlated to higher rates cardiorespiratory issues, endocrine disruption, and cancer (1) • Tubulin-binding medications are widely used as chemotherapeutic agents as they are known for disrupting cell division and targeting tubulin (2,3) o In this study, these medications were used to determine whether microtubules play a role in microplastic uptake § Colchicine typically binds to tubulins and arrests polymerization and growth § Nocodazole disrupts polymerization and prevents spindle formation § Vinblastine inhibits microtubule assembly and disruptions miotic spindle formation.

• The purpose of this study was to determine if different concentrations of tubulin-binding medications affect microplastic uptake o C2C12, RAW 264.7, and MOVAS cell lines were used to evaluate whether these changes are cell type specific 

If microtubule dynamics are disrupted, microplastic uptake can be affect in a concentration-dependent and cell type- specific manner.

Development Of A Dendritic Cell Model To Unravel The Secrets Of Cards Toxin, Lizbeth Gomez

Posters - 2026

Dendritic cells (DCs) are derived from hematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow. They are the most efficient antigen presenting cell, presenting antigens to T cells to initiate clonal expansion and differentiation of the T cells into memory and effector cells. Thus, activating the effector functions of T cells in cell-mediated and humoral immune responses (2). Community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin is produced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae that causes acute and chronic lung infections (4). Dendritic cells play a key role in the immune response to respiratory mycoplasmas (3). However, the mechanism underlying in DC and CARDS toxin interactions are …

Signaling Response Of Epinephrine Treated Cards Toxin-Infected Thp-1 Macrophages, Trinity Martinez

Posters - 2026

Aspiration pneumonia is a common mild case of pneumonia, a disease where the lungs are inflamed and filled with fluid, compromising respiration and gas exchange. One common cause of mild pneumonia is bacterial infection via a pathogen known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. M. pneumoniae causes a variety of respiratory illness- ranging from pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, mild pneumonia- and in rare cases encephalitis. M. pneumoniae produces the CARDS toxin, which participates in ADP-ribosylation and vacuolization (Kannan et al., 2006)1. The CARDS toxin causes aspiration pneumonia by paralyzing the cilia that lines the respiratory tract. Epinephrine, or Adrenaline- is a hormone that is medically …

Effects Of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Cards Toxin On Lung Fibroblast Function, Shuri Magdalene

Posters - 2026

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen whose virulence depends largely on the community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin, a 591-amino-acid ADP-ribosylating protein¹. CARDS toxin induces immune responses²˒³, causes vacuolation in lung epithelial cells, and contributes to the inflammatory and pathological features of pneumonia. IMR-90 fibroblasts. IMR-90 cells are human fetal lung fibroblasts widely used to study responses to inflammatory signals, extracellular matrix production, and lung injury or repair. Rationale. Fibroblasts are key drivers of tissue remodeling and fibrosis during lung injury. Defining how CARDS toxin influences fibroblast programs in inflammation, cell-cycle control, and matrix remodeling²˒³ will clarify how M. …

Healthcare Systems & Policy Implications For Tele-Dentistry Policies On Access To Dental Care For Underserved Populations In The United States, Deeya Bhadresa

Posters - 2026

Access to dental care remains a significant public health challenge for people in rural and low-income communities. Tele dentistry has shown the ability to expand preventive services, improve care coordination, and reduce geographic barriers. However, inconsistent Medicaid coverage, limited infrastructure, and low provider participation restrict its impact. The main recommendation is standardizing Medicaid tele dentistry coverage and reimbursement across states to improve access and equity. Action is needed now to preserve post–COVID-19 telehealth gains and address persistent oral health disparities.

Impact Of Ashwagandha Treatment On Cytokine Production And Macrophage Differentiation Into Thp-1 Cells, Betsi Diaz Chavarin, Aditi Kumar

Posters - 2026

Inflammation is a critical biological response that enables the immune system to react to infections, injuries, or stressful situations. However, chronic or excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage and contribute to a wide range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and immune dysregulation. 3,4 Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in initiating and amplifying the immune response. 1,2 It is primarily produced by activated monocytes and macrophages in response to stimuli such as pathogens or stress signals. In addition, IL-1β acts on the hypothalamus to induce fever, which creates an environment …

Sirna Knockdown Of Rptor Alters Gene Expression In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Sergio Cipriano, David Leavitt, Michael Oliva, Liam Valdez

Posters - 2026

Ewing sarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer that primarily affects children and young adults. Although treatment options exist, many patients do not respond effectively, showing the need for improved targeted therapies¹. RPTOR is a key in mTORC1 complex which regulates cell growth, proliferation, and survival². LY2874455 is a selective pan-FGFR inhibitor that targets growth factor signaling pathways involved in tumor progression³, and FGFR signaling interacts with pathways such as mTOR, making it a potential target for combination therapies. We hypothesized that silencing RPTOR in Ewing sarcoma cells would disrupt mTOR signaling and alter expression of genes linked to cell survival …

Gene Expression And Apoptotic Responses To Panobinostat Treatment And Yap Knockdown In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Luna Collazo-Garcia, Alejandra Favela Santos, Madeline Torres-Salazar, Isabella Toscano

Posters - 2026

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer driven by abnormal gene expression caused by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein

Usually treated with intensive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation

Outcomes remain poor for metastatic disease, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation and survival through the transcriptional co-activator YAP1

Dietary Influence And Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: Insight From Alzheimer’S And Parkinson’S Disease, Madison Wirt

Honors Projects

As populations age, neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) become significantly more prevalent and impactful on patients and families. Clinical research has suggested a correlation between diet, gut health, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction to the onset and development of specific and severe NDDs, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research focuses on the relationship behind the gut-brain axis, micronutrient status and how diet influences the development of both AD and PD. Ten randomized, controlled trials were analyzed from the literature to investigate the impact of these factors on the inflammatory, metabolic and antioxidant processes. The studies focused on the use …

Perceptions And Utilization Of Chiropractic Care In The General Population: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Megan Mcnamara

Honors Projects

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, holistic approach for managing musculoskeletal conditions, yet the profession continues to face longstanding skepticism and misunderstanding. Many individuals remain unsure about what chiropractors treat, a gap that may exist due to inaccurate social media content and bias among some medical providers, which can limit referrals and reduce patient access to appropriate care. To examine how the public perceives and utilizes chiropractic services, this study used a qualitative descriptive survey consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions across four domains: familiarity and exposure, perceptions and attitudes, trust and influencing factors, and utilization and future intentions. …

Wright State University's Celebration Of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Wright State University

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

The student abstract booklet is a compilation of abstracts from students' oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's Celebration of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities on April 1, 2026.

Post-Covid Update: Magic Can Still Happen, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Michelle Dziurgot addresses the persistent staffing shortages in dentistry six years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares personal insights on managing a leaner practice by utilizing virtual assistants, cross-training existing staff, and emphasizing the "TEAM" philosophy—Trust, Education, Accountability, and Magic. Dziurgot discusses the transition to new practice models and the importance of patient communication during times of limited personnel. Ultimately, the piece encourages practice owners to find innovative ways to maintain high standards of care and team morale despite a difficult labor market.

News You Need: Annual Session, Board Updates, And Regulatory News, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This comprehensive news section provides essential updates for Michigan dentists, including details on the 2026 Annual Session highlights and the launch of the "HERM-E" AI member assistant. It features critical regulatory reminders concerning mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect. The document also covers oral cancer prevention, dental therapy scholarship updates, and the appointment of new members to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Additionally, it lists upcoming House of Delegates meetings and resources for donated treatment, ensuring members are informed on professional responsibilities.

Rural Health In Pike County: A Richard & Magnolia Community Health Needs Assessment, Victoria Bracey

Honors Theses

Rural communities across the United States suffer from poor health outcomes due to lack of resources and other compounding factors that make access to quality healthcare difficult. Mississippi is a predominantly rural state, and in the southwestern region of Mississippi lies the community of Magnolia and the community of Richard within Pike County. To better understand the health needs of Pike County, a community health needs assessment was conducted. This study aimed to assess the needs of Pike County in southwest Mississippi through the use of a community health needs assessment using focus groups. Two focus groups, with a total …

Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line That Overexpresses Cd4/Ccr5 Or Cd4/Cxcr4 To Study Hiv-Host Interactions, Harry Baffour Awuah

Biotechnology Theses

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into host cells occurs through interactions between the viral surface envelope glycoprotein (Env) and the host receptor CD4, and co-receptors CCR5 or CXCR4. However, understanding these interactions in membrane contexts remains limited due to low receptor and coreceptor densities in commonly used cell models. To address this, we developed cellular systems with elevated CD4 expression and either CCR5 or CXCR4. Human osteosarcoma cells (HOS), which lack endogenous surface expression of HIV receptor (CD4) and co-receptors (CCR5 or CXCR4), were engineered via lentiviral transduction to overexpress CD4 and either CCR5 or CXCR4. Cells were …

Impact Of Gender Trends On Plastic Surgery Fellowship Match: Implications For Surgical Education, Irene Helenowski, Emily Miller, Bridget Foley, Victoria Hodkiewicz, Christopher Kujalowicz, Parinaz Jila Siemers, Bianca Di Chiaro, Eleanor Bucholz

Biostatistics Collaborative Core: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background:

No prior study has evaluated gender trends within the plastic surgery subspecialty fellowship match. The purpose of this study is to examine gender trends across fellowship trainee demographics to assess and characterize existing disparities between male and female plastic surgeon counterparts.

Methods:

A review of the new board diplomates listed in the annual newsletter to diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery from 2015 to 2019 was used to identify physicians who pursued various plastic surgery subspecialties. Fellowship match data, including sex, practice type, and prior residency training, were obtained from publicly accessible institutional and private practice websites, …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Supporting Caregivers Of Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Ania G. Millan

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) often experience increased stress, occupational imbalance, and challenges related to maintaining their own health and wellness while managing their child’s complex daily care needs. Despite the significant impact caregiving responsibilities may have on daily routines, self-care, and overall quality of life, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in supporting caregivers within endocrinology settings remains underrecognized. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of their health and wellness and examine the differences and similarities between caregivers’ and occupational therapy practitioners’ (OTPs) perspectives regarding OT’s role in supporting caregivers of …

Differential Effects Of Veratridine And 5-Fluorouracil On Ubxn2a-Targeted Mortalin And Rictor Proteins In Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Cells, Kate S. Schraufnagel

Honors Thesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in patients with metastatic CRC and/or those who have developed resistance to conventional chemotherapy. There has been a significant rise in early-onset CRC (EOCRC) incidences in patients under age 50. Due to lack of screening, these patients are commonly diagnosed in the later stages where there is a lack of effective therapies. This highlights the need for targeted therapies that address the molecular drivers of tumor progression and treatment resistance. UBXN2A is a tumor suppressor protein that regulates key oncogenic pathways in CRC, including Mortalin-2 (mot-2)-mediated p53 suppression and …

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

Increased Backbone Rigidity Of Artificial Transcription Factors, Jasmine Glover, Emma Otey, Joanna K. Kwao, Nicholas Truex

Senior Theses

Programming DNA-binding proteins is an effective strategy for developing therapeutics that regulate gene expression. These proteins can directly bind to DNA to activate or repress transcription of specific genes. Zinc finger proteins are a class of DNA-binding proteins commonly found in eukaryotic organisms. Their DNA-binding function is derived from unique amino acid sequences within each domain that recognizes specific nucleotides, allowing each finger to selectively recognize three DNA base pairs. Adjoining of multiple domains in tandem allows recognition of a specific DNA sequence. Artificial transcription factors can be made of multiple zinc finger domains arranged in tandem and engineered to …

Understanding The Experiences Of Black Women Becoming Single Mothers By Choice Using Assisted Reproductive Technology, Jessica Chantal Prepetit

Theses & Dissertations

The term Single Mothers by Choice (SMBC) refers to women who choose to have a child without a partner. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), ovarian reserve decreases with a woman’s age. Women are born with approximately 1 million eggs; this number decreases over time. When a woman reaches 35 years of age, which is considered advanced maternal age, their egg count and quality decline. These factors of low ovarian reserve can place a woman in a category of infertility. Also, a woman may unknowingly suffer from uterine abnormalities that may hinder a successful pregnancy. As women …