Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Lectures: Leveraging Competition, Peer Discussion And Real-World Scenarios In A Digital Card Game To Enhance Learning Of Microbiology And Immunology Concepts, Michael Dillon, James Edwards, Alexandra Hughes, Holly Stephenson

Peninsula Medical School

Teaching the complex interactions between hosts and pathogens is a fundamental yet educationally challenging aspect of life science and healthcare education. The intricate mechanisms of the immune system can pose significant barriers to students’ understanding of infectious disease diagnosis and treatment. To address this, we used a web-based digital whiteboard platform to design a card-based competitive game called Micro-Immune Battles, aimed at more actively engaging students with microbiology and immunology to better develop their knowledge and underlying concepts. The game facilitates learning through a series of infectious disease scenarios, providing student teams with ‘immune system response cards’ that represent various …

Navigating Epstein-Barr Virus (Ebv) And Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (Ptld) In Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Current Knowledge And Strategies For Treatment And Surveillance, Erin Y Chen, Natasha Dilwali, Krupa R Mysore, Sara Hassan, Sara Kathryn Smith, Wikrom Karnsakul

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly associated with the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in pediatric liver transplant recipients. PTLD is one of the most common malignancies following liver transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Factors such as EBV-serostatus mismatch and prolonged or high levels of immunosuppression impact a patient's risk of developing PTLD. While pre-transplant EBV serological screening and post-transplant monitoring of EBV-DNA levels are strongly recommended, universal guidelines for its prevention and management are lacking. Due to a lack of robust prospective studies, current clinical practices vary widely. The treatment of PTLD typically involves reducing …

Plasma Micrornas To Select Optimal Patients For Antibody Production From Anti-Addiction Vaccines, Thomas R Kosten, Amrit Koirala, David A Nielsen, Coreen B Domingo, Ynhi T Thomas, Preethi H Gunaratne, Cristian Coarfa

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Cocaine and illicit amphetamines (disguised as “Adderall”) are being laced with fentanyl and producing accidental and intentional fatal overdoses. Vaccines can prevent these overdoses, but 33% of humans generate insufficient anti-drug antibody (AB) levels. Plasma microRNAs (miRs) can be used to predict non-responders. We have plasma stored from 152 cocaine vaccine trial participants following three vaccinations over 9 weeks and examined miRs as potential response biomarkers. Methods: We compared 2517 miRs before anti-cocaine vaccination in participants with the highest (n = 25) to the lowest (n = 23) antibody levels. False Discovery Rates (FDRs) were applied to identify differentially …

Prediction Of Cognitive Conversion Within The Alzheimer’S Disease Continuum Using Deep Learning, Siyu Yang, Xintong Zhang, Xinyu Du, Peng Yan, Jing Zhang, Wei Wang, Jing Wang, Lei Zhang, Huaiqing Sun, Yin Liu, Xinran Xu, Yaxuan Di, Jin Zhong, Caiyun Wu, Jan D Reinhardt, Yu Zheng, Ting Wu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Early diagnosis and accurate prognosis of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important to timely assignment to optimal treatment modes. We aimed to develop a deep learning model to predict cognitive conversion to guide re-assignment decisions to more intensive therapies where needed.

Methods: Longitudinal data including five variable sets, i.e. demographics, medical history, neuropsychological outcomes, laboratory and neuroimaging results, from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort were analyzed. We first developed a deep learning model to predicted cognitive conversion using all five variable sets. We then gradually removed variable sets to obtained parsimonious models for four different …

Associations Between Atmospheric Ozone, Pm2.5 And Prevalence Of Diabetes In Georgia, United States, Kingsley A. Kalu, Jingjing Yin, Atin Adhikari

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Objective:

This study examines the association between two air pollutants (PM_2.5 and ozone), and the prevalence of adult diabetes mellitus in relation to various confounding factors.

Methods:

We collected diabetes prevalence data from the 2015 County Health Ranking and Georgia Health Data Hub. A negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between the county-level dependent variable “adult diabetes” (for adults aged> 18 years diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes) and two independent county-level variables: percentage of days ³ NAAQS for ozone and PM_2.5 concentration levels while controlling for confounders.

Results:

At the county …

Effective Antioxidant Production Through Submerged Fermentation Of Edible Mushrooms, Sukanya Jiamworanunkul

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Objective: The present work was designed to apply the submerged fermentation of five edible mushrooms including Schizophyllum commune, Lentinus polychrous, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, and Lentinus squarrosulus for antioxidant production. Methods: The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of 30 different broth and mycelium extracts acquired from the submerged mushroom fermentation in three liquid media, malt extract broth (MEB), potato dextrose broth (PDB), and yeast extract sucrose broth, were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, respectively. Results: All the extracts were found to possess antioxidant properties and contain phenolic compounds. The percentage of DPPH …

Morphological And Anatomical Diagnostic Features Of Aristolochia Clematitis L. Herb., Irina O. Suina, Olga V. Yakovleva, Inna I. Terninko, Maria N. Povydysh, Miroslava V. Ogloblina

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Diagnostic macro- and microscopic features of Aristolochia clematitis L. herb were established as an obligatory element for the standardization of medicinal plant raw materials. They are as follows: Stems are cylindrical, unbranched, leaves are simple, petiolar, leaf blade is entire, and broadly ovate to rounded-triangular. Leaf base is deeply reniform, tip pointy concave. Leaf epidermis cells tortuous, stomata of anomocytic type, and glands with essential oil are present. The stem and petiole have fascicles of open collateral type.

Design And Molecular Docking Of Novel 5-O-Benzoylpinostrobin Derivatives As Anti-Breast Cancer, Mohammad Rizki Fadhil Pratama, Hadi Poerwono, Siswandono Siswandono

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Objectives: This study aims to design the 5-O-Benzoylpinostrobin derivative with the most potent anti-breast cancer activity along with the most dominant type of receptor for the compound. Methods: Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock 4.2.6 on four types of breast cancer receptors consisting of estrogen receptors α and β, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), both in the form of binding to agonist and antagonist ligands. The parameters used were the free energy of binding (ΔG) and the dissociation constant (Ki) as an affinity marker and similarity of amino acid residues as interactions similarity indicator. Results: …

The Evaluation On Anti-Platelet And Antithrombosis Activities Of Cinnamomum Sintoc Bark Extract, Nanang Fakhrudin, Tri Wiyono, Arbie Ristanto Putra, Sitarina Widyarini, Arief Nurrochmad

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Introduction: One of the factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases is platelet aggregation. Although several antiplatelet agents have been introduced into clinical practices, discovery of antiplatelet agents is still challenging. Plants from the genus of Cinnamomum were previously reported to have antiplatelet activity. This study aimed to determine the activity of Cinnamomum sintoc (CS) bark extract inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Materials and Methods: Antiplatelet activity of CS bark methanolic extract (CS methanolic extract [CSME]) (5–300 μg/mL) was determined by measuring the ability of the extract to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine. Meanwhile, the antithrombosis activity was determined by calculating …

Investigation Of Lipophilic And Hydrophilic Leaf Extracts Of Portulaca Oleracea On Gestation In Albino Rats (Rattus Norvegicus), Victoria Chinenye Obinna, Hope Delesi Kagbo, Gabriel Ogaba Agu

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Portulaca oleracea Linn. is one of the indigenous plants currently gaining ground and recognition globally as both vegetable and medicinal herb. The scarcity of literature on the safety of P. oleracea uses in pregnancy prompted this research. Objective: This study investigated the effect of the lipophilic and hydrophilic leaf extracts of P. oleracea on gestation/fetal indices. Methods: The extracts were obtained using two extracting solvents – chloroform and 80% aqueous methanol in succession. Thirty-five successfully mated female rats were divided into seven groups. Group 1 (control) received 0.5 ml 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups 2, 3, and 4 received …

Protective Effect Of Phikud Navakot Extract Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress In Hepg2 Cells, Abhiruj Chiangsom, Rawiwan Maniratanachote, Duangduen Meksuriyen, Rataya Luechapudiporn, Kornphimol Kulthong, Sasitorn Aueviriyavit, Shingo Oda, Tsuyoshi Yokoi, Somsong Lawanprasert

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Phikud Navakot (PN) extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods: The cells were treated with concentrations of PN up to 1 mg/ml before incubation with H2O2. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assays, respectively. Oxidative defense mechanisms were investigated by measuring glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins was investigated by Western blot analyses. Results: The …

Full Issue

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

No abstract provided.

Parental Strategies For Modifying Behavior: The Positives Of Positive Reinforcement, Benjamin D. Rasmussen

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

This research investigates the effectiveness of positive reinforcement as a central parenting strategy for modifying children’s behavior, grounded in B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory. Using factor analysis, two key factors emerged: the impact of positive reinforcement on behavior change and its influence on parent-child dynamics. Positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desirable behaviors with positive stimuli, has been found to promote the repetition of those behaviors and yield beneficial long-term outcomes. The evidence indicates that this approach not only strengthens desirable behaviors but also enhances the quality of relationships between parents and children, and teachers and students. Although some argue that …

A Literary Review On The Effects Of Music Therapy On Depressed Adolescents: Brain Function, Individual Therapy, And Group Psychotherapy, Bella Mccain

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

This paper presents a literature review examining the impact of music therapy on adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Music therapy, officially recognized in 1950, is a clinical intervention that addresses various psychological and cognitive deficiencies. Adolescents show a strong affinity for music, making it a potential treatment for depression, which is prevalent among this age group. This review explores studies focused on music therapy’s effects on brain function, individual psychotherapy, and group therapy for adolescents. Research suggests that music therapy positively influences brain activity by reducing cortisol levels and shifting brainwave patterns towards healthier states. In individual therapy, music …

Finding Meaning In Psychotherapy: A Literature Review Of Logotherapeutic Methodology In Psychotherapeutic Treatment, Jason M. Hoskin

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Frankl’s logotherapy is a meaning-centered therapy, focusing on finding personal life purpose to improve one’s psychological well-being, particularly during personal struggle and suffering (Frankl, 1992). This literature review analyzes the empirical research measuring the efficacy of logotherapy in psychotherapy with a total of 27 articles from 2012–2022 reviewed and analyzed. Results illustrates that published contemporary empirical research on this topic focuses mainly on studying (1) theoretical principles of logotherapy through survey data, (2) the efficacy of logotherapy-based groups psychotherapy for individuals, or (3) psychometrics of frequently used instruments for measuring meaning in life. Overall, these categories corroborate the finding that …

Overcoming Social, Cultural, Physical And Covid-19 Barriers To Treatment For Eating Disorders Through Teletherapy, Wyatt W. Capener

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Eating disorders (EDs) are among the deadliest of mental illnesses and may affect female, male, sexual and gender minorities, young, and old populations. The effects of EDs burden individuals with cultural, social, and physical inhibitors to seeking treatment and therefore may go untreated. Additionally, there is a nationwide lack of access to mental health professionals. EDs may link to a decrease in the quality of life and an increased mortality rate; therefore, it is imperative that individuals afflicted with EDs have access to treatment. The variety of symptoms associated with EDs calls for flexible solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected …

How To Find Datasets, Ryan Hedrick

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

As open data and data sharing become more prominent within the realm of academic research, the need to know where to find this data continues to grow. In this workshop we will explore reputable data sources such as academic and government repositories. We will also examine how to find data within these sources and how to evaluate a found dataset’s quality.

The Efficacy Of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Techniques In Developing Critical Thinking In Mathematics Among Secondary School Students And Their Attitudes Toward It, Mohammad A. Tashtoush, Aida B. Qasimi, Nawal H. Shirawia, Lubna A. Hussein

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and programs in developing Critical Thinking Skills (CTSs) in mathematics among secondary school students, as well as their attitudes towards it. This study employed an experimental methodology, which was applied to a sample of 91 students. A critical thinking test and a scale to measure students' Attitudes Towards Mathematics (ATM) were also utilized. This study revealed significant improvements in the mean scores of critical thinking skills among secondary students who were exposed to Artificial Intelligence Techniques (AITs), particularly in deduction, interpretation, inference, and evaluation. Additionally, …

Commonwealth Times 2025-02-12

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Role Of Cultural Competency In Clinical Social Work Practice, Vivian Adelaide Aba Dadzie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In practice, social workers are expected to translate cultural competency skills and knowledge they have acquired to handle diverse clients whose gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and personal beliefs and orientations can conflict. Using a qualitative research approach, the study addressed perceptions and roles of cultural competence in social work practice. Three research questions guided the study. The Campinha-Bacote framework of culturally competent healthcare was used for this study. The study involved employing thematic analysis to analyze research questions. It was determined that social workers must meet clients where they are culturally, respecting and learning from them to adapt interventions accordingly. …

Describing The Intersection Of Ethnicity And Gender In Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Hamza Rshaidat, Isheeta Madeka, Gregory L. Whitehorn, Jonathan Martin, Shale J. Mack, Sneha Alaparthi, Tyler R. Grenda, Nathaniel R. Evans Iii, Olugbenga T. Okusanya

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Objective

Methods

February 12, 2025 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

The Lumberjack, February 12, 2025

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

Novel Biomarkers Of Fetal And Neonatal Environmental Exposure, Effect And Susceptibility, Cynthia F. Bearer

Faculty Scholarship

Abstract: Rapid advancements in science and technology have allowed medical providers to treat wider ranges of diseases with safer and more effective therapies than ever before. One of the areas of health that has been consistently understudied, however, is one that affects us all: environmental health or the effects that the chemicals we are exposed to every day have on our acute and chronic health. This effect can be exacerbated during and shortly after pregnancy, as an individual exposure is often shared by both the mother and the fetus/neonate. The diagnosis and monitoring of chemical exposure can be quite challenging, …

Optimizing Elderly Care: A Data-Driven Ai Model For Predicting Polypharmacy Risk In The Elderly Using Share Data., Eman Ramadan

Pharmacy

Background: Aging is frequently accompanied by multimorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, which contributes to declines in both cognitive and physical function and presents complex health challenges. One such challenge is Polypharmacy (PP), defined as the concurrent use of more than five medications. Methods: We used data from participants older than 50 years who were present in wave 6 and at least one of the subsequent three waves of the SHARE study, aiming to predict PP risk at 2, 4, and 6-year intervals. We selected the predictor variables using LASSO regression and evaluated eight ML models using a rigorous …

The Mystery Of Water Baptism: A Metaphorical Exploration Of Water Baptism And The Black Male Who, Due To Historical, Political, Societal, And Cultural Domination, May Experience The Justice Of Jesus In The Water, Reba Renee' Pennywell

Doctor of Ministry

There are many definitions of water baptism. A definition that is like the Biblical form of baptism and the context of this essay is the immersion or ‘dipping’ into a body of water. In the Christian church, this is viewed as a ceremonial ritual mimicked after the event when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34). In some ecclesial settings, the water is lightly sprinkled on the person’s forehead.

Many Christian writers assert that the Jordan River was unholy until Jesus’s Baptism. The theophany at the Jordan River transcended the …

2025-02-12 Voices Off Lounge Creates Space For Capitol Hill Deaf Community, Tristan Scott

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

Book Review Of Relinquished: The Politics Of Adoption And The Privilege Of American Motherhood By Gretchen Sisson. New York: St. Martin’S Press. 2024., Emily Stier Adler, Michele Hoffnung

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

The Core Circadian Clock Factor, Bmal1, Transduces Sex-Specific Differences In Both Rhythmic And Nonrhythmic Gene Expression In The Mouse Heart, Xiping Zhang, Spencer B. Procopio, Haocheng Ding, Maya G. Semel, Elizabeth A. Schroder, Mark R. Viggars, Tanya S. Seward, Ping Du, Kevin Wu, Sidney R. Johnson, Abhilash Prabhat, David J. Schneider, Isabel G. Stumpf, Ezekiel R. Rozmus, Zhiguang Huo, Brian P. Delisle, Karyn A. Esser

Physiology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Lived Experiences Of Geriatric African American Males In Recovery And Participation In Spiritual Social-Oriented Communities, Gail Venerable

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use among older persons has increased among the aging baby boomer generation. At the same time, individuals aged 65 and beyond see increased longevity. The utilization of alcohol and drugs as a means of managing associated challenges has been shown to contribute to health problems that lead to a diminished quality of life and early death rates. Empirical investigations have demonstrated that social-oriented interventions such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have a beneficial role in sustaining an individual’s recovery process. However, joining such programs may pose challenges for African American males 65 and older due to African Americans’ distrust of …