Digital Commons Network^™

Morphological Variation And Change In The Lateral Ventricles And Caudate Nucleus Across Schizophrenia Types: A Metric Analysis, Devin J. Venezia, Richard Gonzalez

Research Day

Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive function, perception, and behavior. The disease affects one percent of the global population and is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech. Other symptoms include a reduction in cognitive function and emotional expression (Hany et al., 2024). Although previous studies focus on three-dimensional (3D) rendering that demonstrate schizophrenic-specific morphology, the variation expressed by different schizophrenia types requires greater focus. This study explores the structural variations in the lateral ventricles and the caudate nucleus across different schizophrenia subtypes, with a focus on potential sex/gender-based differences. We hypothesize that a …

A Scoping Review Of Trauma-Informed Care In Reproductive Healthcare Settings: Implications For Healthcare Education, Training, And Practice, Samantha Stolker, Alexa Neiderer, Vittoria Tarquini, Alex Finkel, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

The experience of trauma is highly prevalent and results in physiological and psychological consequences. Trauma-informed care (TIC) has emerged in recent years as a patient-centered culture of care delivery that emphasizes physical and psychological safety for all in the healthcare setting. Even though the research on TIC shows positive outcomes for patients, and healthcare professionals desire more education on TIC, there are few standard curriculums at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and residency levels of healthcare education. Utilizing a TIC framework could be especially impactful in reproductive healthcare settings due to the invasiveness of certain examinations and the way trauma presents itself …

Phase Transfer Of Plasmonic Nanoparticles: A Gateway To Biomedical Innovations, Siddharth A. Patel, Vrunda A. Patel, Riddhiman Medhi

Research Day

The use of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising approach to overcoming clinical challenges faced by physicians and scientists striving to enhance drug bioavailability, improve diagnostics, and promote tissue regeneration. Among these, phase-transferred plasmonic nanoparticles—known for their highly tunable optical properties—have shown significant potential in various biomedical applications. These include surface functionalization for enhanced biocompatibility, antimicrobial treatments, advanced sensing and diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems, photothermal therapy, and imaging technologies.

This systematic review explores recent applications of phase-transferred plasmonic nanoparticles in improving therapeutic outcomes in human subjects. A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed studies from major literature databases was conducted, focusing …

Plaque-Like Cd34+ Dermal Fibroma On The Toe: A Case Report And Literature Review, Shaina S. Gagadam, Michael Shragher, Carmen Campanelli

Research Day

Plaque-like CD34+ dermal fibroma (PDF), also referred to as medallion-like dermal dendrocyte hamartoma (MLDDH), is a rare, benign dermal neoplasm that typically presents as a slow-growing, asymptomatic plaque. PDF is most commonly seen on the neck or trunk of young women. The pathogenesis of PDF remains poorly understood. Histologically, these lesions are characterized by the proliferation of spindle-shaped fibroblasts in the dermis, which are strongly positive for CD34 and negative for markers such as S100, Melan-A, and Factor XIIIa.

We present a case of a 57-year-old female with a one-year history of a plaque-like CD34+ dermal fibroma on the dorsal …

The Different Effects Between Trimethylamine And Trimethylamine N-Oxide On H9c2 Myoblast Cells, Jessica Tiedeken, Ann Le, Juliet Melnik, Lindon H. Young, Robert J. Barsotti, Qian Chen

Research Day

Background: Trimethylamine (TMA) is a gut-derived metabolite of choline and L-carnitine that is converted to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver. Elevated plasma TMAO levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies suggest that TMA and TMAO promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism, contributing to pro-atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels. We hypothesize that high levels of TMA and TMAO induce cardiac cell damage through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Goals/Methods: This study utilizes H9c2 myoblast cells to investigate the effects of TMA and TMAO on cardiac cell function. Cells were treated with …

Hands-On Healing: The Role Of Creative Art And Clay In Happiness And Stress Reduction, Aria Mokhtari, Mahdi Ghasemi, Melika Eshaghian, Kat Bishop, Brittany Turner, Ryan Golshir, Ana De Faria Lima, Kaylee Stone, Soojin Lee, Jennifer Cooper

Symposium of Student Scholars

Stress and mental health concerns are increasing among students at Kennesaw State University. Creativity has gained recognition for their therapeutic benefits. This research investigated the impact of clay sculpting on stress reduction and emotional well-being. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, we analyzed participants' self-reported stress levels before and after participating in clay sculpting. A pre-and post-event survey measured the impact of engagement in these activities. After evaluating feedback and statistical trends, this study can provide evidence supporting clay sculpting as an effective tool for enhancing mental well-being among students. Stress levels were assessed using numerical rating scales (a form of …

An Examination Of Health Coaching As A Developing Profession, Katie Suleta, Jonathan M. Davis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Health coaching is a field that is growing in popularity. Health coaching is not regulated and there is no standard for background, education, or training for those acting as health coaches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the burgeoning field of health coaching: who is performing it and common practices.

Methods

A total of 560 health coaching websites were reviewed to record educational backgrounds, recommendations for supplements, and the sale of supplements and/or other wellness products. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between characteristics of health coaches and whether they recommend supplements, sell supplements, or …

Utility Of Incorporating Radiological Findings Of Right Heart Strain In Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism For Risk Stratification Of Adverse Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis, Joshua Amaya, Sameer Allahabadi, Daniel L. Habenicht, John Hunton, Amal M. Khan, Subhash Venigalla, Curran Reddy, Jeremy V. Doan, Grace Wang, Daniel R. Eickenhorst, Shovendra Gautam

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Right heart (RH) strain in the setting of pulmonary embolisms can significantly increase the risk of mortality. Thus, screening for risk of complications in these patients is crucial. The goal of our study was to assess the strength of specific diagnostic findings of RH strain for predicting adverse outcomes including mortality, hospital length of stay, and the requirement of advanced interventions.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective cohort study of 81 patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism with RH strain on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) from September 12, 2019, to August 30, 2023. Data were collected on patient computed tomography …

Contrasting Patients' And Healthcare Professionals' Experience In Hematological Cancer Care Pathway: A Narrative Study, Karine Bilodeau, Cynthia Henriksen, Camilia Aloisio Alves, Charlotte Gélinas-Gagné, Lynda Piché, Jacinthe Pepin, Virginia Lee, Marie-France Vachon, Nathalie Folch, Marie-Pascale Pomey, Nicolas Fernandez

Patient Experience Journal

Hematological cancers represent 10% of cancers diagnosed in Canada. Treatments involve complex care pathways and various modalities as well as the management and monitoring of multiple side effects. There is limited understanding of these pathways from the perspectives of the people living with cancer (PLC) and the healthcare professional (HCP). The aim of this article is to contrast the experiences of PLCs and HCPs in the context of hematological cancer care pathway. Narrative study approach was chosen for this exploratory study. Twenty-one narratives were co-created with PLCs (n = 12) and HCPs (n = 9). A structural and comparative analysis …

Patient Similarity Analysis And Decision Support Dashboards In Cancer Care: Patients' And Other Stakeholders' Perspectives, Karol Jan Czuba Dr, Te Hao Apaapa-Timu Mrs, Rachel B. Owens, Robert Matthew Strother Dr, Ryan P. Radecki Dr

Patient Experience Journal

Patient Similarity Analysis can be used to develop personalised aids for patients and clinicians making complex healthcare decisions, including those encountered in the oncology domain. However, little is known about patients’ views on how insights derived through Patient Similarity Analysis may be incorporated into decision making at the point of care. In this study, we developed a set of Patient Similarity-based dashboard mock-ups and consulted oncology stakeholders in Aotearoa New Zealand regarding acceptability. Aim: To explore oncology stakeholders’ (patients, clinicians, researchers and advocates) perspectives on the acceptability of using Patient Similarity-based decision dashboards to guide decision making. Methods: This is …

Asthma Exacerbation In Pregnancy And The Effects On The Fetus, Jaclyn Vanberkum, Daisy Ramirez, Julia Gonazlez, Haneen Kittaneh

RESP 1102 Intermediate Respiratory Care

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting pregnant women and poses notable risks to both maternal and fetal health. Inadequate asthma control during pregnancy is associated with increased complications such as preeclampsia, preterm delivery and low birth weight. As a result, effective asthma management is essential throughout gestation. This paper explores the physiological changes in pregnancy that influence asthma, the potential consequences of uncontrolled symptoms and evidence-based treatment approaches. Current clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators while minimizing systemic steroid use. Patient education, regular monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach are key to optimizing …

Assessing The Behavioral Impact Of Pyridostigmine Bromide In Rats, Noah A. Martin

Honors Theses

Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is an organophosphate (OP) nerve agent prophylactic used to protect warfighters against chemical warfare agents. OPs inhibit the neural enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain. This leads to the buildup of acetylcholine, causing respiratory failure, seizures, and death. PB functions by inhibiting ~30% of peripheral AChE temporarily, protecting the enzymes so that the body is able to restore sufficient cholinergic function post-exposure. PB does not cross the blood-brain barrier, though it may still indirectly affect toxicity in the brain due to repeated AChE inhibition throughout treatment, or by inhibition of non-target ChE’s in the blood. The aim …

A Comparative Study Of Obesity-Related Traits And Serum Lipid Parameters In Cardiovascular Patients From Faisalabad, Pakistan, Muhammad Umer Ghori, Muhammad Shareef Masoud, Muhammad Shafique, Humera Fiaz, Misbah Hussain, Fazli Rabbi Awan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Obesity and dyslipidemia are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), yet have not been extensively studied in Pakistani subjects. Therefore, this retrospective observational study was undertaken to investigate the association of obesity-related traits and serum lipid parameters in CVD patients from Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Methods: A total of 403 CVD patients and 226 healthy controls were included. CVD patients were enrolled from the Allied Hospital and the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology. Obesity-related traits [body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference (WC and HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)], serum lipid parameters, and blood pressure of all subjects …

Artificial Intelligence In Orthopedic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Review Of Emerging Technologies And Their Applications, Kyle Sporn, Rahul Kumar, Phani Paladugu, Tejas Sekhar, Swapna Vaja, Tamer Hage, Ethan Waisberg, Chirag Gowda, Ram Jagadeesan, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (MR) into orthopedic education has transformed learning. This review examines AI-powered platforms like Microsoft HoloLens, Apple Vision Pro, and HTC Vive Pro, which enhance anatomical visualization, surgical simulation, and clinical decision-making. These technologies improve the spatial understanding of musculoskeletal structures, refine procedural skills with haptic feedback, and personalize learning through AI-driven adaptive algorithms. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT further support knowledge retention and provide evidence-based insights on orthopedic topics. AI-enabled platforms and generative AI tools help address challenges in standardizing orthopedic education. However, we still face many barriers that relate to standardizing data, …

Raíces Y Recuerdos: Plantas Ornamentales Para Entornos Saludables, Adriana Hernández Bustos, María Janeth Camargo Garzón, María Victoria Rojas Martínez, Segundo Leonardo Cortes López

Ciencias de la Salud

El reino vegetal es un universo lleno de vida, colores, texturas, aromas y beneficios que trascienden a través del tiempo. Es un aliado perfecto para el trabajo conjunto e intergeneracional; para este caso, las plantas no solo embellecen los paisajes y espacios, sino que tienen además el poder de mejorar nuestra calidad de vida, especialmente cuando se integran en actividades terapéuticas y sociales con personas mayores.

Intermittent Fasting And Cardiometabolic Health In Adults With Obesity: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Lathifa Zahra Putri Nugroho, Natasya Nurul Gina, Almira Sitasari, Agus Wijanarka

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with adverse impacts on cardiometabolic health such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. One promising intervention in obesity management is intermittent fasting (PI). However, scientific evidence on the impact of IF on cardiometabolic health is still limited. This study used a scoping review design to evaluate the association between IF and cardiometabolic health in obese adults. Reference sources are available in English at least abstract between 2015–2023 as well as from PubMed and Google Scholar web sources. The search keywords on PubMed are "Adult AND intermittent fasting AND cardiometabolic" and on Google Scholar …

Fostering Black Maternal Survivorship And Mothering Through Initiatives To Reduce The Individualism And Racism Within Biomedicine, Morgan C. Tutt

Honors Scholar Theses

Many scholars have studied Black maternal health disparities—their causal factors, effects, and concrete interventions to help eliminate them. Many of the life-ending occurrences pregnant Black women disproportionately face are preventable, demonstrating that a significant call to action is long overdue. My primary research question asks whether Gen-Z Black women will be receptive to an alternative prenatal care model (APCM) instead of the current American Care Model (ACM). The APCM is centered on the four guiding components of doula care: care navigation, health education, health literacy, and culturally congruent social support, and the components of critical race theory: race consciousness, contemporary …

Prevalence Of Peri-Implantitis And Assessment Of Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Patients With Dental Implants At Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Esther Li-Ching Ang, Zurairah Berahim, Normastura Abd Rahman, Akram Hassan, Siti Lailatul Akmar Zainuddin

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Patient-reported outcomes about peri-implantitis are lacking among the Asian population, impacting decision-making in dental implant therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peri-implantitis among Malaysian adults, and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: Randomly selected 105 participants (adults aged 18 and above) having 265 implants were examined and diagnosed as with or without peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical examinations, including peri-implant probing depth, bleeding, and suppuration on probing with radiographic bone loss, were used to determine peri-implant status. OHRQoL of all participants were recorded using the short version of the Malaysian Oral Health Impact Profile …

Evaluation Of Dentistry Students' Perceptions And Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence In Kazakhstan, Yasin Yasa, Kubeisin Altynbekov, Nazgul Onaibekova

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential to analyze medical data and improve patient outcomes is driving its rapid integration into healthcare systems. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding Kazakhstani dental students’ attitudes toward AI in dentistry. Methods: A survey with 213 participants assessed dental students’ views on AI in dentistry at two Kazakhstani universities. A self-administered questionnaire (22 items) via Google Forms was used to gather data on demographics, baseline knowledge (information sources, understanding of AI principles, and familiarity with dental AI applications), and attitudes/perceptions. Frequency analyses and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) explored the responses. Results: The survey included 213 dental students (mean …

Synthesis And Partial Characterization Of Chitosan Phosphorylation From Marine Cuttlefish Sepia Aculeata (Orbingy, 1848) And Its Antimicrobial Potentials Against Oral Pathogens, Yathin Reddy Putta, Annathai Pitchai, Pasiyappazham Ramasamy

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: This study investigated the synthesis and partial characterization of phosphorylated chitosan extracted from the cuttlebone of Sepia aculeata (Orbingy, 1848) and evaluated its antimicrobial potential against oral pathogens. Methods: The synthesis of phosphorylated chitosan from Sepia aculeata cuttlebone involved several steps: cleaning, deproteinization, demineralization to extract chitin, deacetylation to produce chitosan, and phosphorylation to introduce phosphate groups. Phosphorylation enhances the properties of chitosan, making it a promising candidate for oral health applications. Phosphorylated chitosan was purified and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm structural changes. This process enhances …

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, …

Microstructural And Elemental Characterization Of Hydrated Carbonated Hydroxyapatite As Pulp Capping Agent: An In Vitro Study, S.Swathi Priyadharshini, Chinnasamy Ragavendran, J. Ramana Ramya, Anand Sherwood

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Understanding the microstructural and elemental composition of pulp capping materials is crucial for predicting their biocompatibility and effectiveness in promoting pulp healing. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the microstructural and elemental properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite as a dental pulp-capping material. Methods: Carbonated hydroxyapatite was synthesized using the precipitation method. MTA and Apacal ART were obtained from commercial sources. The materials were prepared into disk-shaped specimens, hydrated in deionized water at 37°C for 14 days, and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results: SEM images revealed that MTA exhibited smooth, plate-like crystalline structures surrounded by …

Compound Odontoma In A Child With Orthodontic Management Of An Impacted Maxillary Central Incisor: A Case Report, Sonika Achalli, Murali Patla, Jagadish Chandra, Ishika Sinha, Joseph Sebastian

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Odontomes are the most common type of odontogenic tumors. Odontomes are of two major types i.e, complex and compound odontoma. They are usually asymptomatic and, hence, are seen as accidental findings on a radiograph. They may be associated with an unerupted or delayed eruption of a permanent tooth. Usually, odontomes are diagnosed at an early age. This case report provides a case of compound odontoma causing impaction of the right maxillary central incisor with its clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features and its management. Case report: Here, a 13-year-old patient reported with unerupted maxillary central incisor on the right side. Clinical …

Does Periodontal Treatment During Pregnancy Reduce The Incidence Of Preterm Birth Rates?: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Ashraf Elzer, Raga A. Elzahaf, Hameda Asrafel, Khalid Sassi, Mohamed Jedeh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: To find out if scaling and root planing for periodontal disease during pregnancy lowers the incidence of preterm births. Methods: This is a meta-analysis study design; searches were conducted in the PubMed database and on Google Scholar between January 2000 and December 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered. The studies will be examined to determine the relationship between non-surgical periodontal treatment and preterm birth rates among pregnant women. Results: Only 14 trials were included out of 194 articles identified. The overall result indicated a statistically significant reduction in preterm birth rate when we use the random …

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, …

The Effects Of Prescribed Medications On Depressive Symptoms And Neurocognitive Performance In People With Hiv, Asante R Kamkwalala, Avery Matthews, Ankita Garg, Upal Roy, Qing Ma, Maile Karris, Erin Sundermann, Ronald J Ellis, Patricia K Riggs, Mattia Trunfio, Jennifer Blanchard, David J Moore, Leah H Rubin, Scott L Letendre

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Alterations in brain function and structure, such as depression and neurocognitive impairment, continue to occur in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) taking suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). The lifespan of PWH has improved but the healthspan remains worse than people without HIV, in part because of aging-related diseases. As a result, polypharmacy is common and increases the risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse reactions.

Methods: This cross-sectional project investigated the relationship between 7 medication-related metrics (including anticholinergic burden), depressive symptoms, and neurocognitive performance in 491 PWH at a single center in the United States. All participants were taking …

Bilateral Germ Cell Tumor Of The Testis: Biological And Clinical Implications For A Stem Versus Genetic Origin Of Cancers, Jamaal C Jackson, Darren Sanchez, Aron Y Joon, Marcos R Estecio, Andrew C Johns, Amishi Y Shah, Matthew Campbell, John F Ward, Louis L Pisters, Charles C Guo, Miao Zhang, Niki M Zacharias, Shi-Ming Tu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTs) provide an ideal tumor model to investigate the cellular versus genetic origin of cancers. In this single institutional study, we evaluated 38 patients with bilateral GCT, including tumors that occurred simultaneously (synchronous) and those occurring at different times (metachronous). For nine of these patients, DNA was isolated from the right and left GCT to determine the genomic and epigenetic differences between tissues using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). We found that seminomas and non-seminomas are molecularly distinct based on DNA methylation and not due to synchronous or metachronous disease. …

Bibliometric Analysis Of Research Trends Related To Human Immunodeficiency Virus., Madyson E. Johnson, Kaitlyn R. Coffman, Valerie Rivas, Elizabeth Barrett

ATU Scholars Symposium

Human immunodeficiency virus poses major health burden across the globe including the United States of America and has its zoonotic origin from the Simian Immunodeficiency viruses of sooty mangabey monkey and chimpanzee in Africa. Epidemiological trends indicate that even though the mortality rates for HIV are falling globally, the rates of new cases have been rising since 2010 in several countries including the USA. An estimated 0.5% of the human population is currently infected with the virus with countries like USA, India, Nigeria and South Africa carrying the highest burden of the disease. Host receptors such as CD4 and coreceptors …

The Effects Of Climate Change On The Advancement Of West Nile Virus, Mackenzie R. Epperson

ATU Scholars Symposium

The West Nile virus (WNV) first emerged in the United States in the year 1999 within the state of New York and has become endemic throughout the country over time. This virus is contracted from an avian species acting as the reservoir host, by the vector species which are mosquitoes. From this point, the mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans and other mammals, which are the dead end hosts. The WNV often presents itself as flu-like symptoms, but in serious cases can cause severe arboviral neurological disease. Since this is an arbovirus, it is important to have the ability to …

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 …