Digital Commons Network^™

Provgen: A Privacy-Preserving Approach For Outcome Validation In Genomic Research, Yuzhou Jiang, Tianxi Ji, Erman Ayday

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

As genomic research has grown increasingly popular in recent years, dataset sharing has remained limited due to privacy concerns. This limitation hinders the reproducibility and validation of research outcomes, both of which are essential for identifying computational errors during the research process. In this paper, we introduce PROVGEN, a privacy-preserving method for sharing genomic datasets that facilitates reproducibility and outcome validation in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our approach encodes genomic data into binary space and applies a two-stage process. First, we generate a differentially private version of the dataset using an XOR-based mechanism tailored to biological characteristics. Second, we restore …

A Preliminary Investigation Of Research Collaboration Through Scientific Paper Co-Authorship In The Gulf Of Mexico, Juliet Vallejo, Evelyn Roozee, Dongkyu Kim, Andrew M Song, Christopher A Gabler, Jasper De Vries, Antonia Sohns, Gordon M Hickey, Owen Temby

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

It is well known that publications with collaborators from external institutions increase citations. This effect scales with spatial distance. There are also many barriers to long-distance collaborations, including linguistic differences, funding constraints, and the incremental costs of remote collaboration. This paper uses the Gulf of Mexico as a case study to examine long-distance research collaboration because it consists of three countries with diverse development levels and two prominent diplomatic languages, within a singular regional ecosystem of tremendous natural and economic value. This paper uses bibliometric network analysis to examine scientific research article co-authorship in the Gulf of Mexico from 2000 …

Digital Communication Strategies For Culinary Medicine In Cancer Prevention And Survivorship: Information-Seeking Habits And Content Preferences Of Online Cooking Media Among Adults Participating In Four Cancer Prevention And Control Cohort Studies, Margaret Raber, Sara Fares, Maria Vazquez, Larkin Strong, Carrie Daniel-Macdougall, Lorna Mcneill, Karen Basen-Engquist

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction

Poor diet and excess weight have been linked to increased risk for at least 13 types of cancer. Culinary medicine utilizes experiential cooking skill development to improve individuals’ capacity for healthy eating. Digital communication strategies offer pathways for scalable culinary medicine interventions, but little research has explored how online cooking tools could be leveraged for cancer prevention messaging. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study exploring online cooking information-seeking habits and content preferences among participants in four cancer prevention and control cohorts to inform future digital culinary medicine interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with a convenience sample …

Management Of Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Metastases In Thyroid Cancer, Isabelle Fournier, Ashwini Venkata Bandi, Sarah Hamidi, Priyanka Iyer, Naifa L Busaidy, Maria E Cabanillas, Ramona Dadu, Mimi I Hu, Steven G Waguespack, Ugur Nur Basmaci, Michelle D Williams, Mena Mansour, Maria Gule Monroe, Neil D Gross, Ryan P Goepfert, Nancy D Perrier, Victoria Banuchi, Jennifer R Wang, Anastasios Maniakas, Mark E Zafereo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastases in thyroid cancer are rare, with optimal management underreported.

Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive thyroid cancer patients with RPLN metastases treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2000 and 2024.

Results: One hundred and sixty-seven patients (75% differentiated, 21% medullary, 4% poorly differentiated thyroid cancer) were divided into three groups: active surveillance (AS) (13%), surgery (56%), and nonsurgical treatment (31%). In the AS group (median follow-up 2.3 years), RPLN metastases grew a median 3% (range: 0-56) or 0.02 cm (range: 0-0.7) per year. Surgical therapy included transcervical (73%), transoral robotic (14%), transoral (12%), and …

Knowledge Distillation And Dataset Distillation Of Large Language Models: Emerging Trends, Challenges, And Future Directions, Luyang Fang, Xiaowei Yu, Jiazhang Cai, Yongkai Chen, Shushan Wu, Zhengliang Liu, Zhenyuan Yang, Haoran Lu, Xilin Gong, Yufang Liu, Terry Ma, Wei Ruan, Ali Abbasi, Jing Zhang, Tao Wang, Ehsan Latif, Wei Liu, Wei Zhang, Soheil Kolouri, Xiaoming Zhai, Dajiang Zhu, Wenxuan Zhong, Tianming Liu, Ping Ma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The exponential growth of Large Language Models (LLMs) continues to highlight the need for efficient strategies to meet ever-expanding computational and data demands. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of two complementary paradigms: Knowledge Distillation (KD) and Dataset Distillation (DD), both aimed at compressing LLMs while preserving their advanced reasoning capabilities and linguistic diversity. We first examine key methodologies in KD, such as task-specific alignment, rationale-based training, and multi-teacher frameworks, alongside DD techniques that synthesize compact, high-impact datasets through optimization-based gradient matching, latent space regularization, and generative synthesis. Building on these foundations, we explore how integrating KD and DD can …

Optimizing Postpartum Recovery: An Occupational Therapy–Informed Home-Based Education Program, Maria Cristal Sanchez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Postpartum women experience significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes, yet care often prioritizes the infant, leaving mothers with limited recovery education. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented an occupational therapy (OT)-informed, home-based education program for pregnant and postpartum women, in collaboration with Moonstone Wellness OT, a private occupational therapy practice in El Paso, Texas. The program, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation model, covered OT awareness, pain education, lymphatic system and swelling management, scar healing, pelvic floor health, energy conservation, body mechanics, and emotional well-being. Sessions were individualized and one-on-one, delivered either in-home or via telehealth, and supported by a Facilitator …

Grading Melanocytic Dysplasia: Updated Histopathologic Criteria, Christopher R Shea, Victor G Prieto, Catherine M Shachaf, Scott R Florell

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Dr. Martin C. Mihm, Jr.'s innovative work on the dysplastic nevus achieved a milestone in his chapter in the World Health Organisation Classification of Skin Tumours (WHO-C). WHO-C presents a dichotomous classification (high-grade versus low-grade dysplastic nevi) and a quantitative metric to assess melanocytic nuclear enlargement. The Duke classification is a related approach that provides mostly quantitative histopathologic criteria for dysplastic nevi and gives due weight to architectural features as well as cytology. This paper proposes and illustrates updated criteria for scoring and grading melanocytic dysplasia, incorporating some of the definitions and categories of WHO-C, while refining the quantitative and …

Evaluation Of Organ-Specific Relative Biological Effectiveness Of Proton Therapy Using Radiation-Induced Pneumonitis As An Endpoint, Li Liao, Ting Xu, Mei Chen, Tingshi Su, Narayan Sahoo, Xiaorong Zhu, Steven J Frank, Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, Zhongxing Liao, Xiaodong Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and purpose: Proton therapy has become widely used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to its ability to spare normal tissue. However, the commonly assumed relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 may underestimate the therapy's true biological effects on lung, potentially leading to a higher than expected incidence of radiation-induced pneumonitis (RP). In this retrospective study, we evaluated the variability of organ-specific RBE of proton therapy using RP grade 2 or higher (RP2+) as an endpoint.

Materials and methods: Data from 270 NSCLC patients across two clinical trials were analyzed, with 134 given photon therapy and 136 given …

Trial Interviews To Explore Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia Patient Experiences Following Gene Therapy, Diane M Turner-Bowker, Jessica Butler, Shayna Egan, David A Weinstein, David F Rodriguez-Buritica, Ayesha Ahmad, María-Luz Couce, Rebecca Riba-Wolman, John J Mitchell, Christina Theodore-Oklota

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a rare, inherited, autosomal recessive deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), an enzyme necessary in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. To maintain normal blood glucose levels and ensure survival, individuals living with GSDIa must frequently consume complex carbohydrates (eg, uncooked cornstarch). Dietary management can result in chronic complications and significant patient burden. DTX401 (pariglasgene brecaparvovec) is an investigational adeno-associated virus serotype 8 vector (AAV8)-based gene therapy designed to restore endogenous glucose production.

Objectives: Patient experience interviews were conducted as part of an open-label, phase 1/2 dose-escalation trial (NCT03517085) evaluating the safety and efficacy of …

Infliximab For Grade Iii Or Iv Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Nephritis Clinical And Translational Evidence, Nada Youssef, Masroor Habeeb, Hong Chen, Zainab Alhamal, Omar Mamlouk, Heather Lin, Valda Page, Amanda Tchakarov, Sreyashi Basu, Adi Diab, Padmanee Sharma, Ala Abudayyeh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common presentation of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) toxicity. Increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression has been observed in ICI-induced AIN (ICI-AIN). In this study, we compared treatment with glucocorticoids plus infliximab to glucocorticoids only in stage III or IV ICI-AIN. We conducted retrospective NanoString analysis of ICI-exposed kidney samples to identify associated gene signatures and possible association with TNF-α expression.

Methods: We reviewed the records of patients who received ICI, developed acute kidney injury (AKI), and underwent kidney biopsy at MD Anderson Cancer Center from January 2022 to October 2024. Fifty-five patients had …

Reconsidering The Definition Of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer In The Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Era: An Optimal Cut-Off Value For Hormone Receptor Percentage Of Her2-Negative Invasive Breast Cancer, Takeo Fujii, Toshiaki Iwase, Yu Shen, Jami Fukui, Naoto T Ueno

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The optimal cut-off values of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) expression to define the positivity of ER and PgR have been under discussion for over a decade but remain controversial. The American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) and the St. Gallen International Expert Consensus recommended that breast cancers with ≥1% of ER or PgR expression should be considered hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors but ER/PR expression of 1% to 10% should be reported as HR-low positive; however, among HER2-negative disease, data on the overall benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapies for patients with HR-low positive disease is …

T Cells Modulate The Development And Maintenance Of Painful Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy In Rnu Rats, Ahmed Olalekan Bakare, Gerard Limerick, Vasudha Goel, Ratan K Banik, Lei Zheng, Andrew J Shepherd, Kristine Glunde, Qin Zheng, Eellan Sivanesan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The role of T cells in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is complex and shaped by biological and experimental factors, including sex, hormonal status, genetic background, and cancer model. This complexity has contributed to inconsistent findings among studies, limiting therapeutic progress. In this study, we investigate how T cells contribute to painful paclitaxel (PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Adult male T cell-competent (RNU+/−) and T cell-deficient (RNU−/−) rats were subcutaneously inoculated with tumor cells and subsequently treated with intraperitoneal PTX (8 mg/kg total dose). Reflexive (mechanical, heat, cold) and non-reflexive (burrowing, gait) pain behaviors were assessed from baseline through week 6. Immunohistochemistry …

The Effects Of Fitness Self-Testing With Instant Feedback On Changes In Health-Related Fitness Among Chinese Male College Students, Yongshun Wang, Xiaofen D Hamilton, Rulan Shangguan, Anlu Yang, Na Xiao, Chenhao Wu, Sizhe Liu, Ren Yang, Jiren Zhang, Mark F Hamilton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The decline in health-related physical fitness resulting from physical inactivity remains a critical global public health concern. Technology-supported fitness self-testing has the potential not only to improve students' testing experiences but also to enhance their health-related fitness. However, the effectiveness of such approaches has not yet been systematically examined, and their validity within university populations remains largely unestablished.

Method: A quasi-experimental research design with a control group (n = 45) and an experimental group (n = 44), incorporating pre- and post-tests, was employed in this study. The experimental group completed monthly self-testing sessions accompanied by GAI-generated instant feedback over …

The Lysine Demethylase Kdm4c Is An Oncogenic Driver And Regulates Erk Activity In Kras-Mutant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Menna-T-Allah Shaheen, Sarah Dhebat, Kimal I Rajapakshe, Bidyut Ghosh, Benson Chellakkan Selvanesan, Shariq S Ansari, Cara L Haymaker, Dorsay Sadeghian, Huamin Wang, Ching-Fei Li, Haoqiang Ying, Anirban Maitra

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Deregulation of proteins involved in chromatin regulation is common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Lysine demethylase 4C (KDM4C) is one of the chromatin-modifying proteins frequently overexpressed across multiple solid cancers and is linked to chromatin instability, increased cell proliferation, and enhanced stem cell–like behavior. We observed upregulation of KDM4C protein in a panel of human PDAC cell lines and patient samples compared with nonneoplastic controls. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of KDM4C in human and murine PDAC cells reduced proliferation, clonogenicity, and increased survival of orthotopically implanted murine PDAC allografts. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that loss of KDM4C in both human and …

Clinical And Molecular Characteristics Of Patients With Young-Onset And Average-Onset Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Adriana C Gamboa, Kever A Lewis, Laura R Prakash, Zhouxuan Li, Wei Qiao, Dan Zhao, Mark W Hurd, Mahmoud Yousef, Naruhiko Ikoma, Michael P Kim, Jeffrey E Lee, Jessica E Maxwell, Ching-Wei D Tzeng, Matthew H G Katz, Rebecca A Snyder

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: The incidence of young-onset pancreatic cancer (YO-PC) has risen over the past two decades, yet its molecular characteristics and long-term outcomes remain poorly defined.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with PC treated at a tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2022 who had available molecular data. Patients were classified as YO-PC (≤50 years) or average-onset PC (AO-PC, >50 years). A subset analysis examined outcomes in those who underwent curative-intent pancreatectomy. Primary end points included overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results: Among 511 patients, 10.9% had YO-PC (n = 56; median age 44 years). Patients with YO-PC more …

Case Report: Management Of A Challenging Case Presenting With Dysphagia After Thyroidectomy Requiring Administration Of Liquid 131i Via Mic-Key Low-Profile Tube—A Multidisciplinary Approach, Ahmed Ebada Salem, Sandra Ramirez, Brian R Weston, Akram Hussein, Simone Krebs

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy with 131-iodine (131I) remains a cornerstone in the postoperative management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The standard route of administration is oral, typically in capsule form and less commonly as a liquid. However, in patients with severe dysphagia and compromised airway, traditional oral 131I delivery may be contraindicated due to the risk of aspiration and radioactivity contamination. These scenarios present unique clinical challenges that necessitate deviation from conventional protocols. While liquid 131I may be administered through the mouth or via nasogastric or percutaneous gastrostomy tubes, there is currently no standardized approach, and potential risks, such as …

Initial Experience With Remote Mri Scanning Support In An Oncology Focused Practice: Opportunities For Expanded Access To Radiology Care, Christopher M Walker, Maria G Maldonado, Megan C Jacobsen, Suprateek Kundu, Michelle L Underwood, Joshua P Yung, Brandy J Reed, David Jaffray, R Jason Stafford, Marshall E Hicks, Caroline Chung, Aradhana M Venkatesan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: As medical imaging demand grows, there is increasing stress on the currently available workforce to deliver consistent, high-quality imaging studies while ensuring rapid study turnaround times and round-the-clock radiology coverage. Advances in remote access technology facilitating remote scan assistance and control are now commercially available to address these pressing clinical needs.

Methods: This work evaluated an early clinical application of a virtual scanner operations system (syngo Virtual Cockpit (VA13A, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) for remote magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring and scan control at three geographically distant outpatient sites associated with our primary institution.

Results: The system facilitated execution …

Preliminary Examination Of Orexin Receptor Antagonism With Suvorexant In Individuals With Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Case Series Study, Heather Webber, Jessica Badawi, Douglas Calvillo, Jin Yoon, Michael Weaver, Scott Lane, Joy Schmitz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Evolving Molecular Subtypes Of Gastric Cancer: From Past Classifications To Present Consensus And Future Directions For Precision Therapy, Ju-Seog Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Gastric cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease. The advent of high-throughput multi-omic technologies has revolutionized our understanding of gastric cancer by deconstructing this heterogeneous entity into distinct and more homogeneous molecular subtypes. Early classifications based on gene expression, methylation, and histology have laid the groundwork for multi-omic frameworks proposed by The Cancer Genome Atlas and Asian Cancer Research Group, which established the foundation of modern molecular taxonomy. Subsequent integrative efforts, particularly the Consensus Genomic Subtypes (Super 6) model, have unified this collected information into clinically relevant subtypes that bridge prognostic stratification with treatment strategies. Established biomarkers such as human epidermal …

Bop2-Te: Bayesian Optimal Phase 2 Design For Jointly Monitoring Efficacy And Toxicity With Application To Dose Optimization, Kai Chen, Heng Zhou, J Jack Lee, Ying Yuan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We propose a Bayesian optimal phase 2 design for jointly monitoring efficacy and toxicity, referred to as BOP2-TE, to improve the operating characteristics of the BOP2 design proposed by Zhou et al. (2017). BOP2-TE utilizes a Dirichlet-multinomial model to jointly model the distribution of toxicity and efficacy endpoints, making go/no-go decisions based on the posterior probability of toxicity and futility. In comparison to the original BOP2 and other existing designs, BOP2-TE offers the advantage of providing rigorous type I error control in cases where the treatment is toxic and futile, effective but toxic, or safe but futile, while optimizing …

Prickle4 Drives Microenvironmental Remodeling And Resistance To Parp Inhibition In Idh-Mutant Glioma, Ju Yang, Hua Yang, Yifan Yuan, Chenyang Zhang, Ziwei Fu, Yanyan Chen, Yinghong Xiong, Shuyu Chen, Kexin Ling, Ying Liu, Jason T Huse, Bo Chen, Timothy A Chan, Zengxin Qi, Zhao Zhang, Xiuping Liu, Yuxiang Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes sensitize gliomas to PARP inhibition (PARPi) by inducing epigenetic reprogramming of DNA damage repair circuits. However, tumors treated with PARPi eventually relapse despite initial responsiveness. In this study, it is demonstrated that the anti-angiogenic agent lenvatinib synergizes effectively with PARPi, resulting in substantial tumor regression and significantly extended survival. Genomic analysis of tumors reveals that PARPi induces widespread transcriptomic changes that are predominantly pro-inflammatory, thereby promoting tumor angiogenesis. Prickle4, a planar cell polarity protein, is identified as a critical mediator of PARPi-induced neovascularization. Targeting Prickle4 effectively overcomes PARPi resistance in these tumors. Collectively, these …

A Gut-Activated Nhr-86-Cyp Pathway Mediates The Neuroprotective Effects Of Enterococcus Faecium Probiotics In A Nematode Model Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Yu Sang, Jie Ren, Alejandro Aballay

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with oxidative stress, and while probiotics may influence neuronal health, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using the sod-1 A4VM amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model in Caenorhabditis elegans, we investigated the protective effects of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration. Animals fed E. faecium showed reduced motor neuron degeneration under oxidative stress compared to those maintained on a standard Escherichia coli diet. Transcriptome analysis revealed a significant enrichment of oxidoreductase genes, including cytochrome P450 (cyp) genes. RNAi-mediated knockdown of cyp genes impaired E. faecium-mediated neuroprotection, and this loss correlated with increased reactive oxygen …

Guadecitabine Improved Relapse-Free Survival In High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia And Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients After Transplant: Phase Ii Results From A Single Center, Betül Oran, Peter Thall, Amin Alousi, Gheath Al-Atrash, Rohtesh Mehta, David Marin, Partow Kebriaei, Uday Popat, Roland Bassett, Qaiser Bashir, Jin Im, Amanda Olson, Jessica Jewell, Portia Smallbone, Elizabeth Shpall, Richard Champlin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This phase II, single-center clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of guadecitabine, with or without donor lymphocyte infusion, following allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The study had three treatment cohorts based on post-transplant disease status. Cohort 1 included patients with hematologic relapse after transplant (N=13). Cohort 2 consisted of patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) detected after transplant (N=18). Cohort 3 compromised patients in remission without MRD within 100 days after transplant (N=24). The primary objectives were achievement of morphological complete remission in cohort 1 and MRD eradication …

Endogenous Processes Underlying Clock-Like Mutational Signatures, Teresa Druck, Rami I Aqeilan, C Marcelo Aldaz, Nicola Zanesi, Kay Huebner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Wellcome Trust scientists have shown that “mutational signatures” in specific nucleotide contexts accumulate in genomes of mammalian tissues, providing clues to underlying causes of specific signatures. Analysis of cancer genomes has identified more than 50 single‐base substitution (SBS) signatures, with SBS1, SBS5, and SBS40 linked to aging and present in normal tissues. SBS1 results from cytosine demethylation, whereas SBS5 and SBS40 arise from unknown endogenous mechanisms. We hypothesized that loss of fragile‐site genes drives these two signatures. FHIT, located at FRA3B, is frequently deleted in cancers, and Fhit‐deficient mouse tissues exhibit a mutation profile resembling human SBS5. Data mining of …

Preclinical Ischemic Stroke Multicenter Trials (Prism) Collective Statement: Opportunities, Challenges, And Recommendations For A New Era, Cenk Ayata, Philip M Bath, Anna M Planas, Stuart M Allan, Johannes Boltze, Ryan P Cabeen, Claire L Gibson, Marilyn J Cipolla, Marcio A Diniz, Stefano Fumagalli, Fahmeed Hyder, Raymond C Koehler, Arthur Liesz, Sarah K Mccann, Tim Magnus, Louise D Mccullough, Emily S Sena, Simone Beretta, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Francesca Bosetti, Clinton B Wright, Patrick D Lyden, Lauren H Sansing

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Preclinical stroke research faces a critical translational gap, with animal studies failing to reliably predict clinical efficacy. To address this, the field is moving toward rigorous, multicenter preclinical randomized controlled trials (mpRCTs) that mimic phase 3 clinical trials in several key components. This collective statement, derived from experts involved in mpRCTs, outlines considerations for designing and executing such trials. mpRCTs offer advantages such as increased sample sizes, robust statistical design, incorporation of heterogeneity, and standardized protocols, but they face challenges in finding the right balance between standardization and heterogeneity, appropriate stroke model selection, and outcome measures, as well as the …

Intratumoral Bacteria Are Immunosuppressive And Promote Immunotherapy Resistance In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Natalie L Silver, Jin Dai, Travis D Kerr, Jessica Altemus, Rekha Garg, Hannah Simmons, Tyler Alban, Laura Noel-Romas, Vladimir Makarov, David J H Shih, Shwetha V Kumar, Akeem Santos, Rehan Akbani, Adam Burgener, Mohammed Dwidar, Neil Gross, Andrew G Sikora, Elias J Sayour, Apollo Stacy, Christian Jobin, Timothy A Chan, Renata Ferrarotto, Daniel J Mcgrail

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite the promise of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), mediators of response are poorly understood. To address this, here we analyzed oropharyngeal HNSCCs treated with neoadjuvant durvalumab (anti-PDL1) alone or in combination with tremelimumab (anti-CTLA4) from the CIAO clinical trial ( NCT03144778 ). We found that only the total abundance of intratumoral bacteria predicted ICB response, which was validated in multiple independent cohorts. High intratumoral bacteria abundance was associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, characterized by an accumulation of neutrophils coupled with depletion of T cells and other adaptive immune cells. Experimental elevation …

Expanding Professional Practice For Pre-Service Teachers Through Online International Engagement, Rhonda Di Biase, Katrina Burge, Sarah Baldacchino, Ann Dongyu Gu

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study investigated the professional learning of pre-service teachers (PSTs) involved in an international online project, known as the International Literacy Project, that evolved during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project promotes international engagement across diverse sites, with sessions in classes centred around storytelling and story-making across a range of countries. Using vignettes, the study explored how involvement in the project presented additional opportunities for personal and professional learning for the PSTs through interacting with the diverse international settings. We considered the learning opportunities from such international online engagement, the usefulness of expanded opportunities for professional practice and how Zoom enabled …

Indicators Of Mid-Career Teacher Quality Through Perspectives Of Key Stakeholders, Maria Azfar Karimullah, Wayne G. Cotton, Louisa Peralta

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The ongoing quest of quality education has focused on teaching quality in K-12 classrooms globally, as evidenced by recent research, reviews, and media coverage. Yet, identifying, defining, and measuring ‘teacher quality’ remains a complex challenge, particularly during the crucial mid-career stage. The focus on mid-career teachers in educational research is often neglected, when compared with early career teachers or teachers in leadership. This qualitative study explores the characteristics that mid-career teachers, teacher leaders and accreditation personnel perceive as the indicators of a quality mid-career teacher. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 29 participants including 23 mid-career teachers, five school principals, and …

Induction For Non-Beginning Teachers: An Attempt To Connect Induction To Continuous Professional Development, Gulcin Cosgun, Derin Atay

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Since there is limited research exploring the impacts of induction on the teaching practices of newly recruited experienced teachers, in this paper, findings of a study whose purpose is to explore the impacts of a comprehensive induction model on non-novice teachers in regards to their teaching practices will be reported. 11 mentees involved in a mandatory comprehensive induction program at the English preparatory school in a Turkish foundation university participated in this study. The observation data collected at three phases- the onset of the induction program at the beginning of the first year, on completion of the program at the …

Provoking Generative Ai Futures: Merging Theory And Praxis, Regina M. Luttrell Ph.D., Nick Bowman

Media Studies - All Scholarship

An accessible exploration of the myriad applications and challenges of generative AI for media and communication students, scholars, and practitioners alike.

The latest emergence of increasingly low-cost and scalable AI technologies presents a point of both celebration and concern for the contemporary media and information ecosystem. To this end, this edited volume gathers media and communications scholars and practitioners to engage in discussions and exchange ideas about current trends and developments in the field. Questions this volume asks include: What are the essentials of generative AI from a media and communication perspective? How has generative AI influenced research and scholarship? …