Digital Commons Network^™

Supporting Clinical Identification Of Children With Sensory Integration Challenges: A Decision Guide For Primary Care Providers, Shelly J. Lane, Sarah A. Schoen, Roseann Schaaf, Anita Bundy, Zoe Mailloux, Susanne Smith Roley, Teresa A. May-Benson, L. Diane Parham

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: Children and youth often have challenges processing and integrating sensory information. These increasingly common challenges and can significantly impact development, learning, behavior, well-being, and participation in everyday activities. Since children with sensory integration challenges, with or without other concerns, are likely to present first to their primary care provider (PCP), it is important that they have resources about sensory integration challenges and their impact on the child or the need to refer these children for further assessment and intervention. Our aim is to assist PCPs in their clinical decision-making.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review of CINAHL, PsychInfo, and …

The Relationship Between Anemia, Chronic Energy Deficiency, Knowledge, And Other Factors And Anc Attendance Among Pregnant Women In Bogor City And Regency 2025, Winfried Ichtussend Hartnajaya Chrisna, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Nurul Dina Rahmawati, Daden Setiawan

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Antenatal Care (ANC) is a comprehensive health service to optimize pregnancy outcomes. In 2023 in Bogor City, the ANC K6 coverage rate has reached the target (98.63%), but this is not the case with the coverage in Bogor Regency (62.25%). ANC visits that do not reach the standard can be influenced by predisposing factors, supporting factors, and health needs factors. The inequality that occurs can hinder efforts to reduce maternal mortality. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and other factors with ANC visits in Bogor City and Regency in 2025. This study is quantitative with a cross-sectional …

Determinants Of Abdominal Obesity In Adults (19 – 44 Years Old) In Riau Islands Province (Analysis Of Ski 2023 Data), Hanifah Mulia Rachman, Triyanti Triyanti, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Kusharisupeni Djokosujono

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Abdominal obesity is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the abdominal region, which can increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. In 2023, Riau Islands Province recorded the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity in the island of Sumatra, at 42.5%. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of abdominal obesity among adults aged 19–44 years in Riau Islands Province based on gender, using secondary data from the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey (SKI). A total of 3,466 respondents were analyzed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the prevalence …

Perceived Benefits And Side Effect Of High-Fiber, High-Protein Meal Replacements In Weight Loss Programs, Esti Nurwanti, Harry Fl Muhammad, Naufal M. Nurdin

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and early mortality. Although dietary counseling is essential in managing obesity, maintaining a calorie deficit and preventing weight regain remain difficult. Functional foods like high-protein, high-fiber meal replacements may enhance adherence and support weight loss. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the subjective outcomes of a weight loss program incorporating a protein- and fiber-enriched meal replacement among 73 overweight women aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=38), receiving dietary counseling plus one daily meal replacement, or a control group (n=35), receiving counseling alone. Both groups followed an 8-week …

Analysis Of Macronutrient Content, Antioxidant Activity, And Organoleptic Quality Of Snack From Jackfruit Seed Flour (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) And Pigeon Pea Flour (Cajanus Cajanus) As A Snack For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Maya Siwi Tri Nugroho Heni, Tesa Rafkhani

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Snack bars with functional ingredients such as legumes may help regulate blood glucose levels. Jackfruit seeds and pigeon peas are sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze macronutrient content, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic quality of jackfruit seeds and pigeon pea flour snack bars. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) one factor with two replications. The proportions of jackfruit seeds and pigeon pea flour are: F1 (30%:70%), F2 (40%:60%), F3 (50%:50%). Macronutrient content was analyzed using proximate analysis, antioxidant activity using the …

Understanding Tobacco Use Among Bangladeshi Men: A Socio-Demographic Analysis Of Risk Factors, Md. Rashedus Salekin Sabbir, Helal Uddin, Md Shazid Hossain Shohan

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Tobacco consumption remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, where adult males represent the most affected group. Despite existing bans on public smoking, cultural norms, media influence, and limited awareness continue to sustain high prevalence. The objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic determinants of tobacco use among Bangladeshi men, focusing on regional variation, education, media exposure, and family influence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 275 adult males in Dhaka Division using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to identify significant predictors of tobacco consumption. Findings reveal …

Proportion Of Chronic Energy Deficiency In Relation To Macronutrient Intake And Other Determinants Among Pregnant Women In Selected Community Health Center Service Areas In Bogor 2025, Fathimah Afliansa, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Diah Mulyawati Utari, Suparno Suparno

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among pregnant women in Indonesia remains relatively high, ranging from 11.6% to 57.6%. This study aimed to examine the differences in the proportion of CED based on macronutrient intake and related factors. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design with secondary data involving 124 pregnant women in selected areas served by community health centers in Bogor City and Regency. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. CED prevalence was 11.3% in the overall areas, with 10.9% in Bogor City and 11.7% in Bogor Regency. Significant differences in the CED proportion were found based …

Reframing Nutrition Policy For Under-Five Children In Thailand: Beyond The First 1,000 Toward 2,500 Days, Saipin Chotivichien, Waraporn Jitaree, Wareethip Phuengpan, Saiyed M. Hyder

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Malnutrition continues to threaten child health globally, with Thailand mirroring this trend: in 2022, 12.4% of children under five were stunted, 7.2% wasted, and 10.9% obese. While the country’s First 1,000 Days initiative—targeting pregnancy to age two—yielded early success in reducing undernutrition, emerging gaps among 3–5-year-olds prompted a policy shift toward a broader 2,500-day framework. This approach, launched in 2022, extends care from preconception through age five and integrates multisectoral action involving five key ministries. Anchored in the “Power of Three Pillars”—policy, partnerships, and resources—the initiative strengthens local governance, enhances service delivery, and fosters family and community engagement through sub-district …

Causal Predictive Modeling Of Survival Of Lung And Bronchus Cancer Patients Diagnosed During 2010–2011 In Texas, Zeinab Mohamed, Sidketa Fofana, Everardo Cobos, Manish K. Tripathi, Tamer Oraby

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Lung and Bronchus cancer is the most fatal type of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there were more than 127,000 deaths from lung cancer in 2023. Lung cancer care cost 23.8 billion dollars in 2020. In Texas, only 22.8% of lung cancer patients survived 5 years or more past diagnosis based on 2012-2018 data.

Aim: This study evaluates the survival length of lung and bronchus cancer patients in Texas using advanced statistical and machine learning methods applied to an 11-year cohort study from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. It also quantifies the …

The Link Between Depression And Bone Fractures In Rural Regions, Blake C. Martin, Kristina Vatcheva, Bharathi Gadad, Kelsey Baker

School of Medicine Publications

The prevalence of depression has increased throughout the 21st century. Recent evidence has suggested that depression may be linked with changes in bone health. In this descriptive study, we sought to evaluate the connection between depression and bone fractures to increase awareness and enable possible improvement in the prevention of bone fractures in medically underserved areas such as the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). We conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records within the University of Texas Health RGV database from 2019 to 2022. We analyzed medical records and separated charts into groups that had: a dual diagnosis of …

Assessment Of Vector Control Strategies Based On Mass Aedes (Stegomyia) Mosquito Trapping (Agos Traps) Pilot Study In A Us-Mexico Border Region Of South Texas, Jesús A. Aguilar-Durán, Josue Ramírez, Mario A. Rodríguez-Pérez, Christopher J. Vitek, Nadia A. Fernández-Santos, José Guillermo Estrada-Franco

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Ae. (Stegomyia) albopictus mosquitoes are major vectors of diseases including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The excessive use of chemical insecticides has caused resistance in mosquito populations, along with negative environmental impacts and harm to non-target organisms. In this regard, mosquito control strategies, such as passive mass trapping interventions with autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGO) offer a promising alternative. Here we report the results of a pilot study evaluating a passive mass trapping treatment using AGOs against Ae. aegypti in the city of Harlingen, Texas, USA, during the peak mosquito season.

Methodology: Three treatments were …

Runx2 Cooperates With Srebp1 To Rewire Cancer Metabolism And Promote Aggressiveness, Emanuele Vitale, Mila Gugnoni, Veronica Manicardi, Silvia Muccioli, Federica Torricelli, Benedetta Donati, Simonetta Piana, Gloria Manzotti, Elisa Salviato, Francesca Reggiani, Cristian Ascione, Rebecca Vezzani, Moira Ragazzi, Mattia Forcato, Oriana Romano, Silvio Bicciato, Aaron Goldman, Marco Tigano, Alessia Ciarrocchi

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Embryonic Transcription Factors (TFs) are often reactivated in cancer, driving developmental gene programs that support phenotypic plasticity. Metabolic adaptation fuels this plasticity by supplying energy and molecular building blocks for growth. RUNX2, the master regulator of bone morphogenesis, is ectopically expressed in epithelial cancer, promoting metastasis through trans-differentiation processes like Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and osteomimicry. By combining omics data with functional validation, we demonstrated that RUNX2 drives cancer cell metabolic rewiring by repressing mitochondrial respiration while promoting anabolic processes. We showed that RUNX2 upregulates key genes of lipid biosynthesis by regulating and cooperating with SREBP1. In vivo expression analysis in …

New Mexico Snap-Ed College Food Insecurity Report, Belinda E. Vicuña, Yvonnie V. Baik, Elena E. Martinez, Mahtab Soleimani, Camille R. Velarde, Theresa H. Cruz

Reports & Documents

In New Mexico, 58% of college students experience some form of food insecurity. The College Food Insecurity Project—conducted by the University of New Mexico’s Division of Prevention and Population Sciences with support from the New Mexico Health Care Authority and USDA SNAP-Ed—examined how campus food pantries address student food needs across the state. Using a mixed-methods design, the study included semi-structured interviews with food pantry coordinators and staff at 13 institutions of higher education, on-site assessments using the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool Plus (NEFPAT+), and content analysis of 15 college food pantry websites.

Findings revealed that campus …

Cohesin Haploinsufficiency Is Tolerated In Cbfb::Myh11-Driven Murine Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Shannon E Conneely, Alexis Quezada, Kristen J Kurtz, Nenggang Zhang, Josephine De La Fuente, Nesa Mercer, Jason H Rogers, Rogelio Aguilar, Geraldo Medrano, Margaret A Goodell, Paul P Liu, Debananda Pati, Rachel E Rau

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Cohesin gene mutations occur in many malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Loss-of-function mutations in the four major cohesin complex genes (RAD21, SMC3, SMC1a, and STAG2) occur across most major genetic subtypes of AML but are notably absent in AML harboring CBFB::MYH11, suggesting that cohesin mutations yield distinct biological outcomes dependent on the genetic AML driver. We hypothesized that CBFB::MYH11-expressing leukemias would be dependent on intact cohesin genes given their near-mutual exclusivity. To investigate this, we combined either germline or inducible heterozygous deletions in cohesin genes Smc3 or Rad21, respectively, with an inducible murine model of Cbfb::MYH11 AML. This approach …

Distinct Molecular Responses Of Human Intestinal Organoids To Proton And Photon Radiation, Victoria Poplaski, Tajhal D Patel, Hoa Nguyen-Phuc, Amal Kambal, Lawrence Bronk, Mary K Estes, Cristian Coarfa, Sarah E Blutt

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Radiation exposure impairs rapidly renewing tissues like the intestinal epithelium, yet translational insights from murine models have been limited by species-specific responses. Here, we use human intestinal organoids (HIOs) derived from jejunal epithelium to evaluate human epithelial responses to low dose proton and photon (gamma) radiation. Gamma irradiation induces a unique developmental and metabolic shift in crypt-like organoids, including enrichment of amino acid metabolism pathways and activation of fetal-associated transcription factors and morphology. Integrated multi-omic profiling reveals serotonin biosynthesis as a central regenerative node. Human intestinal organoids can complement animal models and are emerging as a powerful tool in modeling …

Mosquito Classification And Explainability From Image Data Via Deep Learning Techniques, Farhat Binte Azam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, responsible for more human deaths annually than any other species. Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to pose severe risks to global health. In 2015 alone, there were an estimated 214 million malaria cases worldwide. Similarly, a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Puerto Rico’s Department of Health received over 62,500 suspected cases of Zika, with 29,345 confirmed positive cases. In 2019, Southeast Asia experienced its worst dengue outbreak in recorded history. Of the approximately 4,500 mosquito species distributed across 34 genera, …

A Literature Review Of The United States Of America’S Reliance On Imported Covid Personal Protective Equipment During The Pandemic, Pradip K. Shukla, Izzet Kosar, Hedieh Setayesh

Business Faculty Articles and Research

This paper provides a literature review of United States of America’s reliance on imported Covid Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during the Covid pandemic. The abstracted and cited articles show that the United States was too reliant on imported PPEs, primarily imported from Asia which led to shortages as the cases of Covid surged at various points during the waves of Covid cases. This supply and demand imbalance was not just an inconvenience such as the toilet paper shortage and other supply chain disruptions of basic commodities; this supply and demand imbalance had life and death impacts for many first responders, …

Sexual Activity And Functioning After Breast Cancer Treatment: Perspectives On The Importance Of Pleasure From A Radiotherapy Cohort, Melanie Besculides, Lauren Carney, Ksenia Gorbenko, Sheryl Green, Melissa Brito, Jezelle Lynch, Carly Feldman, Cindy Munoz, Madhu Mazumdar, Deborah C. Marshall

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects millions of women and while treatment can be lifesaving, it also has numerous side effects, including those related to sexual function, which often impact the ability to experience pleasure from sex. This study aimed to understand how breast cancer survivors define sexual activity, identify important aspects, and ascertain perceived impacts of treatment on sexual activity and function, particularly related to pleasure.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who were breast cancer survivors at least one-year post-radiation. Priority populations were oversampled (racial/ethnic/sexual/gender minorities, those aged over 65 or under 45). The sample included 23 participants: 11 …

Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to investigate the widely held belief that motor skill competence positively affects physical activity behavior (PA), considering the task-specific nature of motor skill competence and the context-specific nature of PA. Specifically, we examined the effects of students’ jump rope (JR) and basketball (BB) competence on their PA in six contexts. A total of 134 sixth grade students participated in this study. All variables were assessed using appropriate tools. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions. Students’ JR competence did not significantly influence their PA in either JR-related or …

Sensitivity And Specificity Of The Cobas Liat Ct/Ng/Mg Nucleic Acid Test In A Clinical Laboratory Setting And Point-Of-Care Location, B Van Der Pol, R Arcenas, C Boraas, S Chavoustie, L L. Crane, N D'Empaire, A C. Ermel, G Harnett, F Hinestrosa, S House, Rebecca A. Lillis, J Miller, A Mills, R Poblete, S A. Young

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Sexually transmitted infections, e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), present with similar signs/symptoms and are often treated empirically due to delays in receiving diagnostic test results. This study evaluated the clinical performance of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) in detecting these pathogens in a point-of-care (POC) setting. This non-interventional, multicenter study recruited symptomatic/asymptomatic participants from 13 geographically diverse POC sites across the USA. Prospective clinician- and self-collected specimens (urine/vaginal swabs) were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG test relative to the composite reference standard (CRS), …

Patterns And Characteristics Of Firearm Thefts From Vehicles In San Antonio, Texas, Alexander Testa, Jennifer Thompson, Luis Mijares, Ryan Ramphul, Dylan B Jackson, Jack Tsai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Firearm thefts from motor vehicles are currently the leading source of stolen firearms in the United States. Yet little is known about the temporal, spatial, and contextual characteristics of these thefts. This study aims to advance understanding of firearm theft from vehicles by analyzing all reported incidents that occurred in San Antonio, Texas, in 2024.

Methods: Data are extracted from police reports from all reported incidents of firearm theft from vehicles reported to the San Antonio Police Department between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Information on the number and type of firearms stolen, vehicle make and model, date, …

The Ruling Relations Of Care: An Institutional Ethnography Of High-Risk Prenatal Care Experiences, Nicole L. Harris

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Disrespect during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is common in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that approximately one in five women overall, and over 30% of Black women, report being ignored, dismissed, or verbally mistreated during their care. Public health efforts have primarily focused on individual-level interventions to improve patient-provider communication or reduce provider bias; however, these strategies have been critiqued for their limited scope and effectiveness in shifting outcomes. Instead, researchers and advocates have called for an examination of the structures that shape clinical encounters, including policies, protocols, workflows, and organizational culture. This …

Does Cognitive Frame Affect Clinical Reasoning Among Medical Students? A Cross-Sectional Study, Xiao C. Zhang, Sara A. Belko, Andrew J Monick

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

Background Diagnostic errors affect patient safety and lead to high costs. Cognitive bias is a key source of diagnostic error, and the framing effect poses a particular clinical challenge. The extent to which individual factors affect susceptibility to the framing bias is unclear, and the role of expertise in particular is contested across the literature. Objectives This study investigated the effects of framing bias on diagnostic reasoning among medical students. We hypothesised that the effects attributable to framing would be mediated by the number of years of medical education completed. Methods Participants were randomly assigned on an automated basis with …

Nasal Microbionts Differentially Colonize And Elicit Cytokines In Human Nasal Epithelial Organoids, Andrea I Boyd, Leah A Kafer, Isabel F Escapa, Amal Kambal, Hira Tariq, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Hoa Nguyen-Phuc, Anubama Rajan, Joshua M Lensmire, Kathryn A Patras, Pedro A Piedra, Sarah E Blutt, Katherine P Lemon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae is associated with an increased risk of infection by these pathobionts, whereas nasal colonization by Dolosigranulum species is associated with health. Human nasal epithelial organoids (HNOs) differentiated at air-liquid interface (ALI) physiologically recapitulate human nasal respiratory epithelium with a robust mucociliary blanket. Due to their natural stem-like properties, HNO lines are a long-term experimental resource that offers genetic diversity based on the different donors. To develop HNOs as a new model system for bacterial nasal colonization, we reproducibly monocolonized HNOs differentiated at ALI with S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, or Dolosigranulum …

Center For Participatory Research Leads National Efforts In Community-Based Research, Dustin Roberto

HSC Newsroom

Nina Wallerstein, DrPH, is a Distinguished Professor of Public Health and director of the Center for Participatory Research at the University of New Mexico. She has spent more than four decades shifting health research toward community-based participatory research (CBPR). Her work emphasizes partnerships in which communities guide research priorities and retain ownership of findings.The center's work spans Indigenous health, including culturally centered family programs, CBPR, youth participatory action research and co-learning initiatives.

Adherence To Integrative Care, Oncology Healthcare Utilization, Opioid Use And Hospitalization, Eran Ben-Arye, Dan Greenberg, Noah Samuels, Ana Maria Lopez, Tzahit Simon-Tuval

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Research on the relationship between integrative oncology (IO) programs and dispensing of chemotherapy agents and supportive care drugs, and hospitalization rates is limited. The present study examined these outcomes in chemotherapy-treated patients with cancer, comparing patients highly adherent to integrative care (high-AIC) to those with low adherence (low-AIC). Data from patients with cancer treated with taxane and/or platinum-based agents participating in an ongoing prospective, controlled pragmatic trial were examined retrospectively. Patients were referred to an IO consultation and weekly treatments at 3 medical centers in Northern Israel, with high-AIC defined as attending ≥4 sessions at 6 weeks; low-AIC, 0-3 sessions. …

What Drives Advanced Practice Nurses To Stay In Rural America? Insights From The 2022 National Survey Of Registered Nurses, Esita Patel, Chris Gillette, Jan Ostermann Phd, Chris Everett, Dawn Caviness, Sarah Garvick

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Recruiting and retaining a robust rural health care workforce is critical to advancing health outcomes in rural communities. Although increasing the rural provider workforce has been a policy focus for decades, rural access continues to worsen. Using a strengths-based approach, we identify factors that influence the decisions of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to leave or stay in their jobs.

Methods: Secondary analysis of data from the 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. We describe rates of turnover, retention, intention to leave, and reasons for leaving and staying by job rurality. We compare reasons by rurality using Pearson …

From Listening To Action: Building Effective Community-Academic Partnerships In Environmental Health [Lightning Talk], Dani Mcbride

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

The slides from a lightning talk given at the Michigan Premier Public Health Conference in Muskegon, MI on October 28, 2025.

Screening For Trypanosoma Cruzi In Patients Living With The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Pwh) In The Peruvian Amazon, Silvia Otero-Rodriguez, Martin Casapia-Morales, Lilia-Lorena Pinedo-Ramirez, Esperanza Merino, Eva H Clark, José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) - Trypanosoma cruzi infection - in people living with HIV (PWH), particularly those with advanced CD4 T cell depletion, can lead to severe syndromes affecting the central nervous system and the heart.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to screen for CD among PWH in Iquitos, Peru, between October 2023 and May 2024, with the objective of understanding the frequency of infection in this population. Adults with confirmed HIV attending outpatient services at two regional hospitals were enrolled. Two ELISA tests (lysate and recombinant) were used, and discordant results were adjudicated by indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). …

Molecular And Cellular Characterization Of Planarian Stem Cell Microenvironments, Frederick G Mann, Carolyn E Brewster, Dung M Vuu, Mol Mir, Riley Galton, Shao-Fu Nien, Enya R Dewars, Carlos Guerrero-Hernández, Jason A Morrison, Mary C Mckinney, Lucinda E Maddera, Melainia L Mcclain, Kate E Hall, Seth Malloy, Shiyuan Chen, Brian D Slaughter, Sean A Mckinney, Stephanie H Nowotarski, Anoja Perera, Blair W Benham-Pyle, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Stem cell niches are essential for regulating stem cell self-renewal and differentiation during tissue repair and regeneration. However, the mechanisms supporting stem cell function in highly regenerative organisms, such as the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, remain unclear. Using spatial transcriptomics, we identified two cell types associated with planarian stem cells: secretory cells we term "hecatonoblasts" and intestinal cells. Surprisingly, while hecatonoblasts were in close physical proximity to stem cells in the mesenchyme, they were dispensable for regeneration. In contrast, intestinal cells, despite lacking direct contact with stem cells, regulated both their position and function during regeneration. Electron microscopy revealed diverse …