Digital Commons Network^™

Correlation Between Plasma Ccfdna, Mtdna Changes, Ctcs, And Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Nact, Betül Çeli̇k, İrem Peker Eyüboğlu, Si̇nan Koca, Mustafa Ümi̇t Uğurlu, Özkan Alan, Gökçe Güllü Amuran, Tuğba Akin Telli̇, Fulden Yumuk, Mustafa Akki̇pri̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women, emphasizing need for noninvasive blood biomarkers to aid in treatment selection. Previous studies have demonstrated elevated levels of plasma circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in breast cancer patients. Both ccfDNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are fragments released into the bloodstream. In this study, we investigated effectiveness of ccfDNA and mtDNA as indicators of treatment response and explored their potential as monitoring biomarkers. Additionally, we compared these markers with circulating tumor cell (CTC) data and assessed their relationship with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).Materials and methods: Thirty-six female breast cancer patients and 21 healthy …

Chlorogenic Acid Ameliorates Memory Dysfunction Via Attenuating Frontal Lobe Oxidative Stress And Apoptosis In Diabetic Rat Model, Ramedhea Laila Afifa An Nur Willya Saputri, Nur Arfian, Junaedy Yunus, Fauziyatul Munawaroh, Sagita Mega Sekar Kencana, Dwi Cayhani Ratna Sari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diabetes mellitus, characterized by hyperglycemia, causes various complications, one of which is memory dysfunction. The frontal lobe is known to be responsible for impaired memory function due to hyperglycemia and is associated with oxidative stressmediated neuronal cell apoptosis. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is reported to have neuroprotective effects. However, its effect on the frontal lobe in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats is not widely known. This research aimed to elucidate the effect of CGA on the mRNA expressions of SOD1, SOD2, p53, and Bcl-2 in the frontal lobe of DM rats. Materials and methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (2-month-old, 150–200 gBW) …

Effect Of Sex-Specific Abdominal Fat Tissue Composition On Who/Isup Nuclear Grade Of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Eser Bulut, Ali̇ Küpeli̇, Mehmet Aki̇f Ramazanoğlu, Hasan Riza Aydin, İbrahi̇m Si̇bal, Fati̇h Biçaklioğlu, Fati̇h Yildirim, Şenol Adanur, Sali̇h Al

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the relationship between sex-related visceral obesity and WHO/ISUP nuclear grade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Materials and methods: Between January 2018 and June 2022, 95 patients (56 men and 39 women) with pathologically proven ccRCC who underwent abdominal computed tomography examination were retrospectively examined. The patients were classified into two groups: low- and high-WHO/ISUP nuclear grade ccRCC (n = 58 and n = 37), respectively. Patient height, weight, body mass index (BMI), sex, age, subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), total fat area (TFA), and percentage of visceral fat (VF%) were recorded for the …

Effect Of Vascularized Jejunal Conduit Flap On Peripheral Nerve Regeneration In Rats, Maji̇d Ismayilzade, Bi̇lsev Ince, Pembe Oltulu, Zi̇krullah Baycar, Münür Selçuk Kendi̇r, Mehmet Dadaci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/ Aim: In the literature, almost all of the propounded nerve conduits for obtaining better nerve recovery were applied as graft materials. In this study, we aimed to define a new nerve conduit model in a flap pattern and evaluate the effect of pedicled vascularized jejunal flap on nerve regeneration after wrapping around a sciatic nerve.Materials and Methods: A total of 90 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into nine groups each with 10 rats. The first three groups constituted the control groups, whereas groups 4-6 were the jejunum conduit (JC) - applied groups. A mucosa resected JC (MRJC) was …

Exploration Of Positive Deviance In Prevention Of Underweight In The Under-Five: A Qualitative Study On Low-Income Urban Families, Irwan Budiono, Lukman Fauzi, Dewi Sari Rochmayani

Kesmas

Children under the age of five (the under-five) from low-income families are more vulnerable to experience underweight. This nutritional vulnerability is evident in the preliminary study, where 35.1% of the under-five experience underweight, and 28.48% are low-income families. This study aimed to explore Positive Deviance (PD) behaviors in preventing underweight among the under-five. The study applied a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection took place in July-August 2022, focusing on low-income families in the Gunung Brintik area. Data were collected through two focus group discussions, seven in-depth interviews, and five key informant interviews. Coding, subtheme, and theme …

Risk Factors For Cognitive Impairment In Adult Population Of Coastal Area: A Cross-Sectional Study In Maringkik Island, Indonesia, Herpan Syafii Harahap, Arina Windri Rivarti, Nurhidayati Nurhidayati, Fitriannisa Faradina Zubaidi, Dini Suryani, Legis Ocktaviana Saputri, Yanna Indrayana, Athalita Andhera, Muhammad Hilam, Abiyyu Didar Haq

Kesmas

Cognitive impairment is a medical condition commonly found in elderly populations, which can be due to vascular risk factors in patients. There remains limited data on risk factors for cognitive impairment among coastal region populations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cognitive impairment in the adult population of Maringkik Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Data collected were age, sex, education level, hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and body mass index status. A total of 114 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. The participants’ cognitive function assessment used the Mini-Cog instrument. The cognitive impairment …

Exploring Informal Caregivers’ Perspectives On Oral Care For Stroke Patients, Haslina Rani, Saidatul Najibah Muhammad Zamzuri, Ezzah Omar, Tuti Ningseh Mohd-Dom, Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz, Mohd Fairuz Ali

Kesmas

Stroke often results in physical disability and functional impairment, which may severely limit patients' ability to care for personal hygiene, including oral care. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by informal caregivers in managing the oral health of stroke patients. This study conducted semi-structured individual interviews with eight home-based caregivers of stroke patients recruited from a community-based clinic facility of a public university in Malaysia. The interviews took 30-45 minutes to complete and were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a phenomenological approach. Relevant themes that emerged were variations in oral hygiene care, caregivers’ concerns in providing …

Malnutrition And Obesity In Patients With Copd Exacerbation, Insights From The National Inpatient Sample, Mohamad El Labban, Roba El-Zibaoui, Syed Muhammad Usama, Fayreal Niaz, Abbe Cohen, Peter Krastev, Syed Khan, Salim Surani

Student Publications

Background: The obesity paradox suggests that obese patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation (COPDE) may have better outcomes. COPD patients are at a higher risk of becoming malnourished, which has been linked to poor outcomes.

Objective: This paper aims to study the impact of malnutrition in patients with and without obesity hospitalized with COPDE.

Methods: Our retrospective study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample dataset between 2017 and 2020 to observe patients who were hospitalized with COPDE. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without malnutrition. The outcomes included all-cause mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, length of …

Muscle Damage And Immune-Endocrine Responses In 20km Walking Race, Bruno Marques Fidelis, Julio C. Molina Correa, Martim G. Weber, Matheus G. Gois, Solange De Paula Ramos, Eduardo C F Tonani

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 1167-1182, 2024. The objective of the study was to monitor exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), inflammatory responses (IL-6, TNFα, and IL-10), and immune-endocrine balance (testosterone, cortisol, and salivary SIgA) in official 20 km walking race competitions. Eight 20 km professional walking racers (n = 6 women), 27 ± 9 years, underwent blood and saliva sampling, evaluation of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jump tests 2 h before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 24 and 48 h after the competition. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded 20 minutes …

Impact Of Service Learning On Personal, Social, And Academic Development Of Community Nutrition Students, Kritika Gupta, Blake Grove, Georgianna Mann

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning connects theoretical knowledge to community settings. Reflective journals were used to document student service-learning experiences in a Community Nutrition course component. Reflective journal data obtained from students (n=137) during different semesters were analyzed qualitatively. The service-learning partners included Nutrition Education, Food Provision, and Local Food sites. Positive impacts were noted on personal, social, and academic development of students for all sites. Service-learning assignments can impart transferrable skills and enhance student development.

Institutional Type, Organizational Pathways, And Student Engagement: Deepening Student Engagement And The Benefit-Use Paradox In Formal Engagement Space, Prabhdeep Singh Kehal, Cadence Willse

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

We explore how institutional types relate to individual students’ depth and breadth of engagement, and the degree to which organizational pathways can increase the presence of marginalized students in formal engagement structures. Institutional type and organizational pathways increase student engagement, particularly for marginalized students; however, students who participate at high levels are majority white and middle class. This illuminates how institutional type and organizational pathways operate jointly, and not as substitutes.

The Family Story Project: Narrative, Ethics, And Community Collaboration Between Ronald Mcdonald House Of Durham Families And Pre-Health Undergraduates, Denise K. Comer

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The Family Story Project (FSP) brought together families at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham (RMHD) and pre-health undergraduates to co-construct narratives and visual portraits about family experiences. FSP shows that narratives can be rewarding for families and offer formative, skill-building experiences for pre-health undergraduates. FSP also demonstrates the ethical complexities surrounding community-university partnerships in health contexts, particularly with vulnerable populations such as children.

Advanced Spanish Conversation And The Non-Traditional Student: A Case Study For Implementing Community-Based Learning At The Urban University, Graham Stefan Ignizio

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article discusses the unique situation of teaching an upper-level, undergraduate Spanish conversation course with a service-learning component at a large, public, urban university. With the help of service-learning literature and anonymous pre- and post-surveys, this study aims to offer some qualitative observations and advice on community-based learning for the non-traditional student. Even with the added effort in curriculum development and the imperfections of language instruction for non-traditional students, this article concludes that the implementation of service learning at the urban university can be a successful experience.

Fuel Nku: Service Learning In A Dynamic Higher Education Community, Jessica Averitt Taylor, Megan Lindsey, Laura Sullivan, Skyla Robbins

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Transdisciplinary initiatives offer valuable opportunity for students and faculty members to address community challenges, especially those challenges related to social justice. FUEL NKU is a campus food pantry for students at a metropolitan university, and is uniquely situated to serve the student population while incorporating multifaceted aspects of a macro level project. This paper describes a collaboration among two doctoral students, one faculty member, and one Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum student to address long-term sustainability of a beloved campus program.

Pursuing Reciprocity In Engaged Scholarship Partnerships Using Community Sustainability Certification Programs, Elyzabeth W. Engle, Michele W. Halsell

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of sustainability certification programs at the local, state, and national level to highlight the use of policies, programs, and infrastructure to achieve sustainable development outcomes within communities. In this paper, we use examples from Penn State’s Sustainable Communities Collaborative to demonstrate how institutions with community-engaged scholarship programs can use these certification programs to enhance program operation and reciprocity by identifying projects, engaging new disciplines, and improving relevance.

Maintaining Engaged Scholarship In Challenging Times: Experiences Working With Veteran Medical Providers In Greater Los Angeles, Angela Chalé, Elizabeth Avila, Yvette Avila, Christina Chalé

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper describes the challenges experienced in a study premised on scholarly engagement that consisted of a partnership between the nutritional science program and medical providers at the Veterans Administration, Greater Los Angeles, following allegations of systemic misconduct in the delivery of health care by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Since the VHA is a primary provider of medical training in the United States, we were interested in obtaining their opinion about and knowledge of vitamin D nutriture in relation to cognitive and physical functioning. We were unable to overcome challenges that undermined collaboration and propose incentivization, partnering with grounded …

A Qualitative Assessment Of The Impact Of A Service‐Learning Course On Students’ Discipline‐Specific Self‐Efficacy, L. Suzanne Goodell, Natalie K. Cooke, Sarah L. Ash

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Investigators employed a multi-method qualitative approach to determine the impact of a service- learning course on students’ discipline-specific self-efficacy. The majority of students reported an increase in discipline-specific self-efficacy after participating in this service-learning course. Analysis resulted in three major themes: (1) constructive criticism and self-reflection improve self-efficacy; (2) experience breeds confidence; and (3) service-learning encourages students to obtain more knowledge and experience in areas of deficiency after the servicelearning experience.

Issue 450: August 22-September 5, 2024, The Local Voice

The Local Voice

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Hiv-Related Comorbidities And Usability Of A Virtual Environment For Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education In Sexual Minority Men With Hiv: Formative Phases Of A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, S Raquel Ramos, Harmony Reynolds, Constance Johnson, Gail Melkus, Trace Kershaw, Julian F Thayer, Allison Vorderstrasse

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Sexual minority men with HIV are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and have been underrepresented in behavioral research and clinical trials.

Objective: This study aims to explore perceptions of HIV-related comorbidities and assess the interest in and usability of a virtual environment for CVD prevention education in Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV.

Methods: This is a 3-phase pilot behavioral randomized controlled trial. We report on formative phases 1 and 2 that informed virtual environment content and features using qualitative interviews, usability testing, and beta testing with a total of 25 individuals. In phase …

Clinical Features And Disease Progression In Older Individuals With Rett Syndrome, Jeffrey L Neul, Timothy A Benke, Eric D Marsh, Bernhard Suter, Cary Fu, Robin C Ryther, Steven A Skinner, David N Lieberman, Timothy Feyma, Arthur Beisang, Peter Heydemann, Sarika U Peters, Amitha Ananth, Alan K Percy

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Although long-term survival in Rett syndrome (RTT) has been observed, limited information on older people with RTT exists. We hypothesized that increased longevity in RTT would be associated with genetic variants in MECP2 associated with milder severity, and that clinical features would not be static in older individuals. To address these hypotheses, we compared the distribution of MECP2 variants and clinical severity between younger individuals with Classic RTT (under 30 years old) and older individuals (over 30 years old). Contrary to expectation, enrichment of a severe MECP2 variant (R106W) was observed in the older cohort. Overall severity was not different …

Clinical Features And Disease Progression In Older Individuals With Rett Syndrome, Jeffrey L Neul, Timothy A Benke, Eric D Marsh, Bernhard Suter, Cary Fu, Robin C Ryther, Steven A Skinner, David N Lieberman, Timothy Feyma, Arthur Beisang, Peter Heydemann, Sarika U Peters, Amitha Ananth, Alan K Percy

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Although long-term survival in Rett syndrome (RTT) has been observed, limited information on older people with RTT exists. We hypothesized that increased longevity in RTT would be associated with genetic variants in

Characterizing Gait In Young Male 5xfad Mice, Sophiya L. Sims, Kate E. Pauss, Sami L. Case, Ruei-Lung Lin, Leopoldine B. Galopin, Nicholas A. Wright, Olivier Thibault

Journal of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences

Gait control represents a non-cognitive domain that is affected negatively during late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD Related Dementias (ADRDs). In some cases, early identification can be predictive of worsened cognitive function. Prompt detection could help define intervention windows, perhaps even years prior to formal diagnosis of dementia. In this study, the locomotor function of 3-month-old male 5xFAD mice was evaluated using several variables (speed, deviance from center, paw precision index, stride length, stride length deviation, and stride time) to characterize the change in ambulatory behavior prior to the onset of cognitive decline. The data presented here show …

Obese African American Women’S Perceptions Of Transition From College To Workforce, Alea Lycorish

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rate of obesity continues to rise among adults in the United States, and African American (AA) women are at greater risk in comparison with any other group. This matter has become an alarming public health crisis. Obese AA women also face a higher risk of discrimination in the workforce. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to increase the understanding of the perceptions and experiences of bachelor degree educated, overweight AA women during the postgraduate phase, who entered the workforce within the past 10 years. The theoretical framework used in this study was Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory. The …

Nitrate, Nitrite, And Iodine Concentrations In Commercial Edible Algae: An Observational Study, Patricia Casas-Agustench, Jade M. Hayter, Odelia S. B. Ng, Lauren V. Hallewell, Nathaniel J. Clark, Raul Bescos

School of Health Professions

Edible algae are a natural source of nutrients, including iodine, and can also contain nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) as they can fix nitrogen from seawater. This study aimed to analyse the NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻, and iodine concentrations in eighteen macroalgae and five microalgae species commercially available in the United Kingdom. NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and iodine was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). NO₃⁻ and iodine concentrations in …

Production And Characterization Of Bio-Oil From Camelthorn Plant Using Slow Pyrolysis, Attia Attia Prof., Dina Aboelela Dr., Habibatallah Saleh Eng., Yasser Elhenawy Prof., Thokozani Majozi Prof., Mohamed Bassyouni Prof.

Biochemical Engineering

In this study, slow pyrolysis of the camelthorn plant process was conducted to produce bio-oil, biochar, and gas. The pyrolysis process was conducted between 400 and 550 °C under pressure 10 bar using a fixed bed reactor. The pyrolysis products were bio-oil, biogas, and biochar. These products were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) model, gas analyzer, chromatographic analysis using GC–MS, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The GC–MS results demonstrated composition of bio-oil, detecting several organic substances including levoglucosan, furan, acetic acid, phenol, and long-chain hydrocarbon. To further understand the chemical composition of bio-oil, FT-IR spectroscopy was conducted to determine functional groups. …

Preventing And Managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, Kylie Bell, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

Current industry trends regarding equine management practices largely contribute to the development of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Research on effective medical management exists; however, we lack studies on the efficacy of equine-welfare-minded solutions. This fact sheet reviews current literature, including diagnosing, treating, and preventing EGUS. It also provides a general overview of the natural equine, promoting a greater understanding of the connection between strategies to prevent and manage EGUS.

Overview Of The Mosaic Expedition: Ecosystem, Allison A. Fong, Clara J.M. Hoppe, Nicole Aberle, Carin J. Ashjian, Philipp Assmy, Youcheng Bai, Dorothee C.E. Bakker, John P. Balmonte, Kevin R. Barry, Stefan Bertilsson, William Boulton, Jeff Bowman, Deborah Bozzato, Gunnar Bratbak, Moritz Buck, Robert G. Campbell, Giulia Castellani, Emelia J. Chamberlain, Jianfang Chen, Melissa Chierici, Astrid Cornils, Jessie M. Creamean, Ellen Damm, Klaus Dethloff, Elise S. Droste, Oliver Ebenhöh, Sarah L. Eggers, Anja Engel, Hauke Flores, Agneta Fransson

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The international and interdisciplinary sea-ice drift expedition “The Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate” (MOSAiC) was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. The aim of MOSAiC was to study the interconnected physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and processes from the atmosphere to the deep sea of the central Arctic system. The ecosystem team addressed current knowledge gaps and explored unknown biological properties over a complete seasonal cycle focusing on three major research areas: biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, and linkages to the environment. In addition to the measurements of core properties along a complete seasonal cycle, dedicated projects …

Molecular Docking, Pharmacological Profiling, And Molecular Dynamics Simulation Of Potential Antihyperuricemic Agent From Secondary Metabolites Of Dillenia Philippinensis Rolfe (Dilleniaceae), Louie Rince C. Suyo, John P. Paulin, Nicole Clarence Louise L. Gapaz, Markus Brent S. Arevalo, Vince Tyrell P. Yongco, Librado A. Santiago

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Crystal accumulation in the joints due to increased serum uric acid (sUA) may lead to an inflammatory condition called gout. Increased sUA is caused by the excessive reabsorption of the urate anion transporter-1 (URAT-1). Therefore, URAT-1 inhibition will promote uric acid excretion and reduce the risk of having gout. Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe, often known as katmon, is an endemic plant in the Philippines with bioactive compounds associated with several therapeutic benefits. The present study represents the first scientific inquiry into the antihyperuricemic potential of compounds isolated from D. philippinensis. This study aimed to assess the interaction of URAT-1 with …

Childhood Adhd: Treated Vs. Untreated -- Treatments, Implications, & Outcomes, Melissa Glenn

Master of Arts in Human Services

Childhood ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common childhood condition. While older researchers claimed that stimulant medication used to treat ADHD could lead to substance abuse, more recent research has proven otherwise. Some researchers claim that instead of causation, ADHD medication can even be preventative regarding future criminality and substance abuse. This paper reviews historical and current applicable research regarding treatments and statistics for treated and untreated childhood ADHD and aims to provide valuable insight and discussion. The analysis will discuss the effectiveness of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Continued research into this condition is beneficial for children, caregivers, …

Special Episode 1: Loss Of Innocence, Sara Gras

Summer 2024 Special Episodes

On August 8, 2024, Lazar Ðukic lost his life in a Texas lake during the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games. His death has rocked the competitive CrossFit community to its core. Although competition resumed, it wasn’t the same. Many top athletes were missing from the floor and those who continued were subdued, grieving. But for many, the sadness is mixed with anger, with frustration. Games veterans have come forward and publicly decried, not just the execution of the particular event where Lazar lost his life, but a culture of dismissiveness where the safety and well-being of the sport’s …