Digital Commons Network^™

Do We Need To Add The Type Of Treatment Planning System, Dose Calculation Grid Size, And Ct Density Curve To Predictive Models?, Reza Reiazi, Surendra Prajapati, Leonardo Che Fru, Dongyeon Lee, Mohammad Salehpour

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Generalizability and domain dependency are critical challenges in developing predictive models for healthcare, particularly in medical diagnostics and radiation oncology. Predictive models designed to assess tumor recurrence rely on comprehensive and high-quality datasets, encompassing treatment planning parameters, imaging protocols, and patient-specific data. However, domain dependency, arising from variations in dose calculation algorithms, computed tomography (CT) density conversion curves, imaging modalities, and institutional protocols, can significantly undermine model reliability and clinical utility.

Methods: This study evaluated dose calculation differences in the head and neck cancer treatment plans of 19 patients using two treatment planning systems, Pinnacle 9.10 and RayStation 11, …

Dna Damage Response Signatures Are Associated With Frontline Chemotherapy Response And Routes Of Tumor Evolution In Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer, Benjamin B Morris, Simon Heeke, Yuanxin Xi, Lixia Diao, Qi Wang, Pedro Rocha, Edurne Arriola, Myung Chang Lee, Darren R Tyson, Kyle Concannon, Kavya Ramkumar, C Allison Stewart, Robert J Cardnell, Runsheng Wang, Vito Quaranta, Jing Wang, John V Heymach, Barzin Y Nabet, David S Shames, Carl M Gay, Lauren A Byers

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: A hallmark of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is its recalcitrance to therapy. While most SCLCs respond to frontline therapy, resistance inevitably develops. Identifying phenotypes potentiating chemoresistance and immune evasion is a crucial unmet need. Previous reports have linked upregulation of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery to chemoresistance and immune evasion across cancers. However, it is unknown if SCLCs exhibit distinct DDR phenotypes.

Methods: To study SCLC DDR phenotypes, we developed a new DDR gene analysis method and applied it to SCLC clinical samples, in vitro, and in vivo model systems. We then investigated how DDR regulation is …

Sap30, A Novel Autophagy Regulatory Gene In Neuroblastoma, Anup S Pathania, Anjana Murugan, Areem Zahid, Haritha Chava, Don W Coulter, George A Calin, Kishore B Challagundla

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neuroblastoma (NB), a devastating pediatric cancer originating from neural crest cells crucial for nervous system development, poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Despite chemotherapy being the primary treatment, approximately 70% of high-risk NB cases develop resistance. Autophagy is vital for neuronal development, balance, and differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons. However, the intricate mechanisms governing autophagy and the pivotal genes orchestrating its regulation in NB remain largely elusive. In this study, we first identified Sin3A Associated Protein 30 (SAP30) as a novel regulator of autophagy in NB. Silencing SAP30 inhibits autophagy and disrupts starvation-induced physiological autophagy in NB cells. …

2023 Llmp Weather Overview, Bob Craycraft, Amanda Mcquaid

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Evaluation And Surgical Management Of Pediatric Cutaneous Melanoma And Atypical Spitz And Non-Spitz Melanocytic Tumors (Melanocytomas): A Report From Children's Oncology Group, Michael R Sargen, Raymond L Barnhill, David E Elder, Susan M Swetter, Victor G Prieto, Jennifer S Ko, Armita Bahrami, Pedram Gerami, Arivarasan Karunamurthy, Alberto S Pappo, Lynn M Schuchter, Philip E Leboit, Iwei Yeh, John M Kirkwood, Melinda Jen, Ira J Dunkel, Megan M Durham, Emily R Christison-Lagay, Mary T Austin, Jennifer H Aldrink, Casey Mehrhoff, Elena B Hawryluk, Emily Y Chu, Klaus J Busam, Vernon Sondak, Jane Messina, Susana Puig, Andrew J Colebatch, Carrie C Coughlin, Kristen G Berrebi, Theodore W Laetsch, Sarah G Mitchell, Brittani Seynnaeve

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop recommendations for the diagnostic evaluation and surgical management of cutaneous melanoma (CM) and atypical Spitz tumors (AST) and non-Spitz melanocytic tumors (melanocytomas) in pediatric (age 0-10 years) and adolescent (age 11-18 years) patients.

Methods: A Children's Oncology Group-led panel with external, multidisciplinary CM specialists convened to develop recommendations on the basis of available data and expertise.

Results: Thirty-three experts from multiple specialties (cutaneous/medical/surgical oncology, dermatology, and dermatopathology) established recommendations with supporting data from 87 peer-reviewed publications.

Recommendations: (1) Excisional biopsies with 1-3 mm margins should be performed when feasible for clinically …

From Genes To Patterns: A Framework For Modeling The Emergence Of Embryonic Development From Transcriptional Regulation, Jimena Garcia-Guillen, Ezzat El-Sherif

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Understanding embryonic patterning, the process by which groups of cells are partitioned into distinct identities defined by gene expression, is a central challenge in developmental biology. This complex phenomenon is driven by precise spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression across many cells, resulting in the emergence of highly organized tissue structures. While similar emergent behavior is well understood in other fields, such as statistical mechanics, the regulation of gene expression in development remains less clear, particularly regarding how molecular-level gene interactions lead to the large-scale patterns observed in embryos. In this study, we present a modeling framework that bridges …

Brief Of 76 Scholars Of Law, Business, Economics, And Medicine As Amici Curiae, Charles Duan

Amicus Briefs & Court Filings

No abstract provided.

Mpox In The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Addressing A New Challenge To Regional Health Security, Salah Al Awaidy, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Faryal Maslamani, Muna Al, Jameela Al Salman, Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Hormonal And Non-Hormonal Vaginal Gel Preparations On The Female Sexual Satisfaction Index In Postmenopausal Women With Sexual Dysfunction Syndrome: A Prisma-Compliant Meta-Analysis, Ahmed Soliman, Hanaa Alrashidi, Mohamed A. Ghorab, Reem, Nihal Al Riyami, Ahmed Sa Ashour, Yasmine A. Mohammed, Ahmed H. Saad

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of vaginal gel preparations versus placebo in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction syndrome. Searches of electronic databases from inception to January 2023 identified 8 trials (N = 672) that reported the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and compared hormonal (oestrogen, oxytocin) and/or non-hormonal (chamomile, fennel) interventions against placebo. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess studies' quality. The vaginal gel group had a significantly higher total FSFI endpoint score (mean difference [MD] = 6.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.79--9.55; P < 0.001) than placebo. Non-hormonal gels exhibited a greater FSFI total score (MD = 6.73, 95% CI: 4.7--8.76; P < 0.001) than hormonal gels (MD = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.87--3.64; P < 0.001), positively impacting all FSFI domains. These findings indicate that chamomile and fennel vaginal gels may improve the overall FSFI 6 domains score, reflecting enhancements in postmenopausal women's sexual activity and satisfaction.

Role Of Intratumoural Budding And Its Association With Tumour-Associated Macrophages In Preoperative Biopsies Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anju Devi, R Keerthika, Mala Narwal, Anjali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Intratumoural budding (ITB) is an emerging entity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and serves as a prime histopathological predictor of aggressive potential. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of ITB in OSCC due to its limited representation in the literature. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, between 2017 and 2021. A total of 73 haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of various grades of OSCC were examined for ITB and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), focusing on correlating these findings with clinicopathological parameters. …

Acute Self-Harm Ideation As Presenting Adverse Event Associated With Adalimumab Treatment Of Severe Scalp Psoriasis, Julian Cortes, Reid Oldenburg

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

We report a 34-year-old woman with severe scalp psoriasis presented to a dermatology clinic in San Diego, USA, in 2023. She developed acute self-harm ideations and major depressive symptoms shortly after initiating adalimumab treatment. The patient had a history of major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, all well-controlled with multiple medications. Following the administration of adalimumab, she experienced intrusive thoughts of self-harm and exacerbation of depressive symptoms, prompting immediate discontinuation of the drug. The patient's symptoms resolved completely 3 weeks after discontinuation. This case highlights the potential psychiatric risks associated with adalimumab therapy for psoriasis, especially in patients …

Women Beyond The Veil: Authority And Societal Norms In Spiritualism, Anastasia Gwendolyn Smith

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Prolonged Symptom Relief From Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (Aka Lightning Crotch) With Chiropractic Treatment For Low Back Pain, Camila Irizarry Porrata, Jessy Johnson, Venkateswara Gogineni, Eric Kirk

Aurora GME

No abstract provided.

March 20, 2025, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Assessing Vascular Biomarkers And Their Association With Hypertension In Paediatric Chronic Kidney Disease, Samira Z. Sayed, Engy R. Mohamed, Mohamed T. A. Ali, Lamia H., Mohamed H. Mahgoob

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the correlation between children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), as well as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Methods: This case-control study included children who were divided into 2 groups: children with CKD at different stages and healthy controls. The study was performed from November 2021 to October 2022 at El-Minia University hospitals and the general outpatient paediatric clinic at Minia University, Minya, Egypt. Blood pressure measurements were taken, and levels of ADMA, Ang-2 and VEGF-A were …

Do We Need To Add The Type Of Treatment Planning System, Dose Calculation Grid Size, And Ct Density Curve To Predictive Models?, Reza Reiazi, Surendra Prajapati, Leonardo Che Fru, Dongyeon Lee, Mohammad Salehpour

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Generalizability and domain dependency are critical challenges in developing predictive models for healthcare, particularly in medical diagnostics and radiation oncology. Predictive models designed to assess tumor recurrence rely on comprehensive and high-quality datasets, encompassing treatment planning parameters, imaging protocols, and patient-specific data. However, domain dependency, arising from variations in dose calculation algorithms, computed tomography (CT) density conversion curves, imaging modalities, and institutional protocols, can significantly undermine model reliability and clinical utility.

Methods: This study evaluated dose calculation differences in the head and neck cancer treatment plans of 19 patients using two treatment planning systems, Pinnacle 9.10 and RayStation 11, …

Exploring The Role Of Physical Health Interventions In The Management Of Mental Health Disorders: A Comparative Study Of Mental Health And Kinesiology Professionals' Perspectives, Vicki Hamill

Doctorate in Kinesiology

The study's purpose was to understand the factors that may influence the use of physical health interventions in the mental health treatment process. The lack of professional guidelines for kinesiology professionals has been linked to an implementation gap of evidenced based exercise prescription in the prevention of the physical health comorbidities associated with mental illness. These comorbidities are linked to a 15-20 year decrease in life expectancy, long-term disability, and increased healthcare costs. The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire-Health Professional (EMIQ-HP) was used in the study to compare the mental health and kinesiology professional perspective in the domains of exercise …

Resistance Signatures To Oncolytic Vesiculoviruses In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Chelsae R. Watters, Oumar Barro, Musa Gabere, Mia Y. Masuda, Natalie M. Elliott, Elizabeth A. Raupach, Khandoker Usran Ferdous, Mulu Z. Tesfay, Omeed Moaven, Yumei Zhou, Michael T. Barrett, Kenneth H. Buetow, Bolni Marius Nagalo, Mitesh J. Borad

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) shows limited response to conventional therapies and immunotherapy due to dense stromal barriers and poor immunogenicity. Oncolytic vesiculoviruses hold therapeutic potential for PDAC by lysis of PDAC cells to release tumor-associated antigens, increasing tumor immunogenicity. We previously reported the efficacy of a chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing Morreton virus (MorV) glycoprotein in sarcoma. Here, we evaluated the oncolytic potency of MorV and chimeric virus, VMG, in PDAC models. VMG exhibited heterogeneous oncolysis across human PDAC cell lines and PDX cells, similar to parental viruses VSV and MorV. To evaluate potential signatures correlated with resistance to …

China’S Infiltration Of The U.S. Higher Education System, Joshua Harden

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

The People’s Republic of China has established numerous methodologies for power projection. A portion of this process is its assertion and coercion of higher education to spread communist ideology and Sino-centric narratives to either directly or indirectly press the goals of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China’s assertion of soft power in higher education highlights an acute risk to the stability of a democratic government as its principles are slowly eroded. The CCP utilizes the internationalism of higher education, foreign exchange students, and the development of higher education institutions abroad to facilitate the ideological change of a nation’s image. The …

Energy Security: Exploring Opportunities For The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec) And Italian/Eu/Nato Efforts To Foster Collaboration With Africa, Devin Burnat, Mary Prentice Ph.D., Umberto Bosna

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

This research demonstrates the strategic importance of the port of Trieste located in northern Italy, overlooking the Adriatic Sea to energy security, trade, global infrastructure investments, and international collaborations. This port has become an important maritime gateway of Central and Eastern Europe and it can serve to connect India in Asia, and the Middle East. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), connects India, the Middle East, and Europe, in Northern-Eastern Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni envisions Trieste as a strategic hub to advance Italy’s interests across the Mediterranean and Europe, aligning with the Mattei Plan for Africa and potential ties …

The Reapplication Of Natural Law, Dylan Coombs

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

This research seeks to analyze the constitutional crisis our nation is facing and provide a specific remedy. More precisely, this paper will examine what the public policy implications are of Judges returning to natural law originalism. The two policy recommendations that will be argued for are stronger natural law jurists picked by the President, and a more rigorous confirmation process by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The central research question is, will nominating judges who hold a natural law jurisprudence produce a more logically consistent jurisprudence than originalism when interpreting the constitution?

The Death Penalty In The Bible: What Does God’S Word Say?, Caily Shriver

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

The death penalty is widely debated among Christians, as various verses are used to support both sides of this argument. Although this topic can be controversial, the Bible shows that God said, “Thou shall not murder” when he gave Moses the Ten Commandments and that Jesus tells Christians to love their neighbor. Christians need to have a more unified view on this issue because many Christians on the opposing side of the death penalty essentially claim that the Bible contradicts itself. Such a belief destroys the Bible’s credibility and our credibility as Christians because our beliefs come from God’s Word. …

Climate Change And Galamsey In Northern Ghana: Security Implications For The Sahel, Deborah Mawusi Ameh

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

The impact of both climate change and galamsey (illegal small-scale mining) on the Ghanaian economy is manifold ranging from personal to state insecurity. Sharing a border with the Sahel and its associated problems regarding state capacity and instability, this paper sought to understand how the twin internal issues (climate change and galamsey) within the northern part of Ghana would impact the already unstable Sahelian region. Using the Human Needs Theory (HNT), and a qualitative approach of rigorous content analysis, this paper was able to understand the push factors accounting for the overindulgence in galamsey such as economic distress and lack …

Classical Worldview And Secular Materialism: Natural Law And The Political Ideals Of Modernity In The Formation Of Consequential Public Policy, David W. Bolton

Helms School of Government Spring Public Policy Conference

Historically, morality has been rooted in and expressed through a religious lens. Early views on morality were often formed under the auspices of the reward/penalty social contract displayed in historical religious texts. Questions arise. If morality did not have a basis in religion, from where would its ideals and structure be provided for otherwise? How does one evaluate the standards and effectiveness of secular morality? In this paper, the major factors exposing the failures of modern secular materialistic liberalism will be explored: freedom of choice and modern liberal politics; God’s existence as a cardinal assumption of all philosophy and the …

Water Quality Assessment Using A Novel Iraqi Water Quality Index For Euphrates River Between Karbala And Babylon Provinces As A Case Study, Baraa Majid Khlaif, Jinan S Al-Hassany

Baghdad Science Journal

Many parts of the world are facing water scarcity problems due to the limitation of water resources coinciding with the increasing population. Rivers are vital freshwater systems that are critical for the sustenance of life. This work deals with the monitoring and assessment of water quality of the Euphrates River between Karbala and Babylon provinces from ten sites near the discharge of industrial facilities, drainage of agricultural lands, wastewater and other facilities, samples were taken monthly and the results were converted into four seasons, it's divided into two seasons (dry-wet). Various physico-chemical and microbial analyses were performed based on standard …

The Impact Of Vdr-Foki Polymorphism In Iraqi Patients With Prostate Cancer And Prostate Benign Hyperplasia, Asmaa Amer Almuktar, Luma Hassan Alwan Al Obaidy, Amal Mohammed Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

The polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene FokI position is used to evaluate the polymorphism impact on the levels of vitamin D, testosterone and prolactin hormones in the sera of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia vs. healthy controls. The vitamin D receptor gene Fok1 restriction site was amplified and examined by TaqMan RT-PCR technique. It was found that the TT genotype played a protective effect in 70% and 50% in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients respectively. While, the CC genotype was found to be 100% disease-attributed genotype in both prostate cancer and benign prostate …

Effects Of Ascorbic, Citric, And Humic Acids On Maize Stem And Leaf Anatomy, Jazran Jard Kadhum, Jalal Hameed Hamza, Muazaz Azeez Hasan, Maythem Al-Amery, William Serson, Mahmoud F Seleiman, Martin Battaglia, Hail Z Rihan

Baghdad Science Journal

Anatomical changes in internal tissue of stem and leaf when seed and plant treated with acids to enhance growth and development in maize was studied during the spring seasons of 2019 and 2020. Randomized complete block design was used with three replications. Main plots received foliar nutrition treatments, including ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA), and humic acid (HA) at concentrations of 100 mg L^–1, alongside HA at 1 ml L^–1, with distilled water as the control. Sub-plots underwent corresponding treatments for seed soaking. Results indicated variations in vascular bundle size among treatments, with foliar CA …

Record Of Rare Eelgoby, Taenioides Mordax (De Vis, 1883) In The Nareri Lagoon, Sindh, Northern Arabian Sea, Narmeen Saleem, Sarfaraz Aman Siya, Nadeem Ahmed Panhwar, Sher Khan Panhwar

Baghdad Science Journal

Over five decades, eastern eelgoby, Taenioides mordax (De Vis, 1883) remained native to Cairns to Townville (Queensland) and Sydney to Newcastle (New South Wales) Australia. In this study, two specimens, measuring 19.8 cm in total length and weighing 20.25 grams, were collected from Nareri lagoon, Badin, Sindh. The specimens were collected with an encircled small gillnet installed over the night in shallow water. The body shape of the eelgoby is elongated, scaleless, tiny eyes, mouth upturned with large-sharp canine teeth 12/10 on the upper and lower jaws, respectively. The single continuous dorsal fin, anal fin connected with caudal fin and …

Integrin Alpha2 And Integrin Beta3 Polymorphisms Are Risk Factors For Infertility In Iraqi Infertile Females Under In Vitro Fertilization Program, Rabab A. Yousif, Asmaa M. Salih Almohaidi

Baghdad Science Journal

The current study was designed to investigate the impact of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), rs5918 (T > C), of integrin beta 3 genes (ITGB3) and rs1801106 (G > A) of integrin alpha 2 genes (ITGB3) in peripheral blood samples of Iraqi female; 71 infertile females under IVF protocol (divided into two subgroups, 29 success implantation and 42 failure implantation) and 50 fertile females as control. From March 2021 to August 2021, blood samples were taken from the patients and control groups at Roh al-Hayat center in Baghdad, Iraq. The genotyping of SNPs was carried out by using high-resolution melting real-time polymerase …

Going With The Flow: Successful Stream Reconstruction Lessons, Chris Leek, Summer Elmore, Jacob Burskey

Purdue Road School

The West Fork Blue River Stream Mitigation Reconstruction project required unique coordination efforts between INDOT EWPO, the designer, and the district. The field team will share the valuable lessons that emerged over the course of the reconstruction, including the value-added benefits of having on-site environmental observation, the need to adjust to site conditions and permitting hurdles, and vital communication strategies for collaborating with stakeholders.