Digital Commons Network^™

Interplay Between Skeletal Muscle Catabolism And Remodeling Of Arteriovenous Fistula By Yes-Associated Protein 1 (Yap1) Signaling, Yongdong Wu, Tae Hoon Lee, Owen H Cheng, Eric K Peden, Qingtian Li, Jun Wang, Fengzhang Huang, Marites P Melancon, David Sheikh-Hamad, Tao Wang, Luan Truong, William E Mitch, Ming Liang, Jizhong Cheng

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Key Points:

1. Atrophied muscle–derived myostatin stimulated mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and adverse arteriovenous (AV) fistula remodeling through yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) activation.

2. Treatment with myostatin peptibody inhibited muscle wasting and blocked mesenchymal stem cell activation and AV fistula fibrosis.

3. A light-sensitive drug-release strategy was engineered for the periadventitial delivery of verteporfin to improve AV fistula patency.

Background: Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are the preferred access for dialysis but have a high incidence of failure. The aim of this study was to understand the crosstalk between skeletal muscle catabolism and AV fistula maturation failure.

Methods: Skeletal muscle metabolism and AV fistula maturation …

Tumour Size Is Associated With Growth Rates Of >0.5 Cm/Year And Delayed Intervention In Small Renal Masses In Patients On Active Surveillance, Maximilian Pallauf, Michael Rezaee, Roy Elias, Tina Wlajnitz, Sean A Fletcher, Joseph Cheaib, Khalid Alkhatib, Peter Chang, Andrew A Wagner, James M Mckiernan, Mohamad E Allaf, Phillip M Pierorazio, Nirmish Singla

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To evaluate the association between tumour size and the growth rate (GR) of small renal masses (SRMs) in patients managed by active surveillance (AS).

Materials and methods: We queried the prospective, multi-institutional Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses (DISSRM) registry for patients on AS with an imaging interval of ≥6 months, identifying 456 patients. We tracked tumour size over time; a GR >0.5 cm/year was defined as a GR event. We used multivariable recurrent events and time-to-event Cox regression modelling to evaluate the association between tumour size and GR events (primary outcome) and tumour size and delayed …

Comparison Of Physical Characteristics Among English Professional And Semi-Professional Soccer Players Across Different Leagues, Nicholas Joel Ripley, Jack Fahey, Paul Jones, Jake Batsford, Paul Sindall, Christopher Bramah, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3±5.2 years, stature: 180.3±7.0cm, mass: 82.5±7.7kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8±4.3 years, stature: 180.9±5.6cm, mass: 81.4±8.6kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5±4.3 years, stature: 182.1±5.5cm, mass: 84.1±8.0kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ …

Tumor-Specific Surface Marker–Independent Targeting Of Tumors Through Nanotechnology And Bioorthogonal Glycochemistry, Hyesun Hyun, Bo Sun, Mostafa Yazdimamaghani, Albert Wielgus, Yue Wang, Stephanie Ann Montgomery, Tian Zhang, Jianjun Cheng, Jonathan S. Serody, Andrew Z. Wang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Biological targeting is crucial for effective cancer treatment with reduced toxicity but is limited by the availability of tumor surface markers. To overcome this, we developed a nanoparticle-based (NP-based), tumor-specific surface marker–independent (TRACER) targeting approach. Utilizing the unique biodistribution properties of NPs, we encapsulated Ac4ManNAz (Maz) to selectively label tumors with azide-reactive groups. Surprisingly, while NP-delivered Maz was cleared by the liver, it did not label macrophages, potentially reducing off-target effects. To exploit this tumor-specific labeling, we functionalized anti–4-1BB Abs with dibenzo cyclooctyne to target azide-labeled tumor cells and activate the immune response. In syngeneic B16F10 melanoma and orthotopic 4T1 …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by identifiable psychological and physical symptoms that are present in the week before menses and is estimated to affect 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. The identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD is important both clinically, to provide proper support and treatment, and for advancing research by identifying appropriate study participants. This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of current and prospective tools to screen for symptoms of PMDD by comparing a common depression screening tool, the PHQ-9, to tools that enhance menstrual cycle awareness. A literature review was conducted …

Treatment Of Adult Adhd, Megan Bryn

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly considered a childhood disorder diagnosed and treated in adolescents. Options for management of adverse symptoms associated with ADHD are primarily pharmaceutical therapy, most commonly stimulant therapy. There has been significantly less research regarding the management of adult ADHD in contrast with children diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to determine in adults with ADHD if nonpharmaceutical therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness behavioral therapy are effective alternatives to pharmaceutical therapy. Current research provides significant data supporting the use of pharmaceutical therapy for the management of adult ADHD, as …

Cannabidiol: Anxiety Relief Or Fool’S Gold?, Jase Bakker

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans each year and the interest in alternative therapies is growing. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety in adults and adolescents. In this review, three databases including PubMed, PsychInfo, and EMBASE were searched using key terms. Out of 775 articles initially identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria, focusing exclusively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CBD's effects compared to placebo in human subjects. Trials prior to 2011 were excluded, along with subjects who had psychiatric comorbidities or adjunctive therapies, were less …

Efficacy Of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For The Treatment Of Children With Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sarah Herman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition in children, characterized by persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and overall quality of life. Anxiety disorders are considered the most common psychiatric disorders among children. The trajectory of untreated anxiety in early life can result in more resistant and chronic presentations in the future, complicating both therapeutic engagement and outcomes. Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for children displaying anxiety symptoms, particularly those diagnosed with GAD. This literature review endeavors to assess the effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as an …

Telemedicine Vs. Clinic Monitoring: Adherence In Hypertension Management, Kimberly Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Hypertension affects over a billion adults worldwide and remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Effective management requires consistent medication adherence and lifestyle changes, but barriers such as limited healthcare access often hinder follow-up. This literature review evaluates the efficacy of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring combined with telemedicine follow-up in improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension compared to traditional clinic-based follow-ups. A literature review was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of six studies that examined interventions such as telepharmacy, remote BP monitoring, bidirectional text support, and mobile health applications. Results demonstrated that telemedicine significantly enhances BP …

Analysis Of Pre-Procedural Intranasal Anxiolytic Use In The Emergency Treatment Of Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for patients who must undergo them, with limited research analyzing the different types of pre-procedural anxiolytic medications. The purpose of this research and literature review was to analyze two different, but commonly used intranasal anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare the efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Only articles including clinical trials and pediatric participants were included. A combination of keywords and MeSH phrases included, but were not limited to “pediatric”, “laceration repair”, “anxiolytic”, “administration intranasal”, “intranasal midazolam”, “intranasal dexmedetomidine”, and “parent satisfaction” were used to …

Efficacy Of Stem Cell Therapy Versus Standard Drug Therapy In Adults With Heart Failure, Evie Reynolds

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Myocardial infarction (MI) or other damage to the heart tissue may result in ischemia, and because cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity, this often leads to the development of heart failure (HF). Typical symptoms of HF include dyspnea, edema, cough, fatigue, and chest pain, which arises from fluid overload and congestion. Current medical treatments focus on alleviating these symptoms through loop diuretics, which reduce fluid accumulation but do not treat the underlying ischemic damage. Recent studies have shifted focus towards stem cell therapy, which have shown potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and regenerate ischemic heart tissue. A comprehensive search of databases …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Despite its effectiveness, pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. To this day, there is no standard, effective recommendation for pain management during IUD insertion. This literature review aims to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs, which are commonly used due to their nonspecific analgesic property, and …

Improving Fertility In Women With Endometriosis, Todd Marchant

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Endometriosis is a common condition in women and has a strong association with infertility. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the efficacy of hormonal therapy as compared to surgical therapy before assisted reproductive therapy (ART) on endometriosis-related infertility. The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched from June 23, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Keywords used were associated with fertility, IVF, and endometriosis. Article selection was limited to research published after the year 2000 with a preference for randomized control trials (RCTs), although one pilot study and one clinical cohort study were also included. The search yielded …

Sex Differences In Upper- And Lower-Limb Muscle Strength In Children And Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis, James L. Nuzzo, Matheus D. Pinto

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

On average, adult men are physically stronger than adult women. The magnitude of this difference depends on the muscle tested, with larger sex differences observed in upper- than lower-limb muscles. Whether body region-specific sex differences in strength exist in children is unclear. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine whether sex differences in muscle strength in children and adolescents differ between upper- and lower-limb muscles. Data were extracted from studies of participants aged ≤ 17 years who completed tests of maximal isometric or isokinetic strength of upper-limb muscles (e.g., elbow flexors and elbow extensors) or lower-limb muscles (e.g., …

Reliability And Validity Of The Brief Emotional Experience Scale (Bees) As A Measure Of Emotional Well-Being, Shane L. Rogers, Nicole Brown, Matthew Goulding, Kathryn Campbell, Brennen Mills, Ross Hollett, Travis Cruickshank, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study presents initial reliability and validity evidence for the Brief Emotional Experience Scale (BEES) as a measure of emotional well-being. Using ordinal confirmatory factor analysis across three cross-sectional samples, Australian university students (n = 1239), the general public (n = 5631), and school students from Australia and the UK (n = 767). A correlated two-factor structure was supported. In the university sample, the BEES demonstrated strong convergent validity with other well-being measures and was linked to the lowest levels of reported distress when completing the survey. Preliminary cut-offs for high emotional distress were developed via comparison with the Kessler …

Using Natural Language Processing And Machine Learning To Detect Online Radicalisation In The Maldivian Language, Dhivehi, Hussain Ibrahim, Ahmed Ibrahim, Michael N. Johnstone

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Early detection of online radical content is important for intelligence services to combat radicalisation and terrorism. The motivation for this research was the lack of language tools in the detection of radicalisation in the Maldivian language, Dhivehi. This research applied Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to detect online radicalisation content in Dhivehi, with the incorporation of domain-specific knowledge. The research used Machine Learning to evaluate the most effective technique for detection of radicalisation text in Dhivehi and used interviews with Subject Matter Experts and self-deradicalised individuals to validate the results, add contextual information and improve recognition accuracy. The …

Crises In Australian Education, The Push For Educational Technology And The Medium-Oriented Perspective Of Neil Postman, Andrew Hutcheon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

From teacher shortages to declining literacy, the Australian education system faces multiple crises. This paper turns to the work of Neil Postman, who started as a high school teacher but later turned towards communication and media studies, to provide an alternative account of parts of this crisis, especially those around the role of technology in education. In his early works, his concern is attached to the concept of education as a ‘subversive concept’ and then a ‘conserving concept’ – first aiming to create young people engaged in civic society, then aiming to preserve written culture against television. After a middle …

Nitrate And Nitrite Food Composition Database: An Update And Extensive Deep Dive, Liezhou Zhong, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Nicola P. Bondonno, Marc Sim, Richard J. Woodman, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Growing evidence suggests that health outcomes of dietary nitrate and nitrite intake are food source dependent. Robust evaluations in dietary studies necessitate a comprehensive and current food composition database of nitrate/nitrite content, along with variation based on country or region of origin, calendar year, growing season, and cooking method. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to update the previous animal- and plant-based food nitrate/nitrite databases and investigate effects of cooking methods, seasonal and geographic variations, and longitudinal changes on nitrate and nitrite content to guide application of the database in observational and clinical studies. Methods: Food nitrate/nitrite composition …

Factors That Influence International Nursing Students’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Their Learning Environments: A Scoping Review, Fatch Welcome Kalembo, Sally Wilson, Terena Solomons, Irene Ngune, Eric Lim, Anna Bosco, Paul Kebble, John Taplin, Janie Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The objective of this review was to explore factors that influence international undergraduate nursing students’ experiences and perceptions of their learning environment. Introduction: In the past 2 decades, international student enrollment in tertiary education increased globally, with English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States attracting a significant majority of these students. Many of these international students are attracted to studies in health professions and related sciences, particularly nursing. Despite their economic and cultural contributions to the host country, international nursing students face numerous challenges that affect their learning experiences. Inclusion criteria: Peer-reviewed studies …

Shareholder Satisfaction Or Societal Benefit? Coalition Support And Goal Prioritization, Man Zhang, Helen Hu, Toru Yoshikawa

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Research on the behavioral theory of the firm has established that the profitability goal triggers various firm actions, but it has yet to thoroughly explore which other goals may gain prominence in directing firm resources if the profitability goal has been achieved. We identify shareholder satisfaction and societal benefit as two additional organizational goals and predict that when firms have achieved their profitability aspirations, the financial resources allocated to pursue these goals depend on the dominance of coalitions supporting or opposing them. Drawing on the coalition theory within the behavioral theory of the firm, we theorize that the prioritization and …

Tba Trading And Security Issuance In The Agency Mbs Market, Yu An, Wei Li, Zhaogang Song

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

In addition to the standard individual-security-based specified pool (SP) contract, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are actively traded via the to-be-announced (TBA) contract that sets a uniform price for a cohort of heterogeneous securities. We provide empirical support for the economic impact of TBA trading on MBS issuers' security design: issuers pick low-quality loans and pool them together into few TBA MBS. We then conduct a quantitative analysis and show that TBA-trading-induced strategic MBS design increases issuers' selling revenue by about 55% of the SP transaction costs. Finally, we show that smaller issuers are less able to package low-quality loans separately …

Famílias Indigenas Entre Mundos: Standing In Pachakuti, Living In Chi’Xi Within The Constellation Of Their Comunidad De Saberes, Ymasumac Marañón Davis

Dissertations

To be Indigenous is to be la luz del mundo, to stand in your light and spread your sunrays, no matter winds or clouds of colonization that strive to dim you. This qualitative study explored ways Indigenous Latine families negotiate a sense of place within onto-epistemological realities and their home culture of learning and Western education. This research is desire-based (Eve Tuck, 2009), creating our own project of modernity, grounded in one Indigenous family’s experience within their Andean community. Drawing from Critical Latine Indigeneities Framework (Blackwell et al., 2017) and Chicana Feminist Epistemologies (Bernal, 1998), using an Entre Mundos methodology, …

Ethnic Studies For Secondary Schooling: Collaborative Curricular Insights From A Working Collective, Kelly León

Dissertations

The rapid expansion of policy-mandated ethnic studies (ES) in U.S. schools suggests the need to reconceptualize the field of ES for the school curriculum. This exploratory case study sought to contribute to a better understanding of the ways in which secondary ES curricula can be negotiated and made by teachers and their collaborators, illuminating its future possibilities in public schools. The research explored how teachers, academics, and ES graduate students collaborated in a Collective to use and relate various knowledge resources, including local oral histories, to develop community-focused ES curricular guidance. Little is known about the type of knowledge work …

Intelligent Crowdsourcing Based On Online Social Networks, Adedamola Adesokan

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The prevalence of Online Social Networks has completely changed how individuals communicate and cooperate. This dissertation explores the integration of intelligent crowdsourcing mechanisms into OSNs, focusing on game theory, reinforcement learn- ing, and social network dynamics to enhance the allocation of tasks, participation by users, and distribution of rewards. It proposes several models that utilize trust- based models, hedonic coalition games, and influencer dynamics for optimization of crowdsourcing. The major challenges to be addressed include task selection, reward distribution, and incentivizing participation, taking into consideration aspects re- lated to social influence, trust, and user engagement. The models so proposed have …

Combining Historical And Citizen Science Jellyfish Records To Inform Marine Biodiversity Management, John Terenzini, Abigail Mcquatters-Gollop, Laura J. Falkenberg

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Effective management of ecosystems requires knowledge of biodiversity and how it is changing. There are, however, some species and regions for which such data are missing. Combining historical records with those added using non-traditional monitoring methods such as citizen science can fill this gap. Jellyfish are one group for which such an approach is advantageous as jellyfish are difficult to observe, with records particularly lacking for understudied regions outside of Europe and North America. Using Hong Kong as an example, we combine historical jellyfish observation records obtained using traditional methods (published from 1910 to current day) with recent records facilitated …

Letter To The Fda Proposing Major Changes In The Us Clozapine Package Insert Supported By Clozapine Experts Worldwide. Part Ii A Review Of Fatal Outcomes In Us Pharmacovigilance Data And Proposed Changes, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose/Background: This is the second part of a 2-part article that proposes improving the United States (US) clozapine package insert. Part II focuses on fatal outcomes and the 5 boxed warnings, 4 specifically for clozapine: severe neutropenia, seizure, orthostatic hypotension and myocarditis, and 1 for all antipsychotics (elderly with dementia). Methods: US reports to the World Health Organization's global pharmacovigilance database were analyzed from clozapine's introduction to January 15, 2023. Findings/Results: The US was the top reporter worldwide for clozapine with 56,003 reports and 9587 associated fatal outcomes. The 4 clozapine boxed warnings were associated with 534 fatal outcomes (218 …

Examination Of Language Sample Analysis In Children Who Are D/Hh Using Clan, Caroline G. Stewart

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hearing is the building block of developing receptive and expressive oral language skills used to effectively communicate. Children who experience hearing loss typically experience delays in phonological, morphological, semantic, and even pragmatic development. Understanding the specific language challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) young preschool-age children is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies aimed at optimizing their language development. This research aims to analyze the nuanced aspects of phonological, morphological, semantic, and pragmatic language development among D/hh children, shedding light on areas that may require specialized support. The preliminary research will inform best practices in language assessment …

Over-Imitation In Adolescents With Autism Compared With Typically Developing Peers: An Expanded Literature Review, Elizabeth Floeck

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background:

Over-imitation, the act of imitating both relevant and irrelevant actions, is a behavior commonly found in human learning and social development. It is often observed in typically developing (TD) children and is believed to play a role in both social and learning development. While the exact motivations behind over-imitation remain a mystery, over-imitation appears to be a socially motivated behavior. Children may over-imitate when they know certain actions are unnecessary, suggesting this behavior stems from social acceptance and norms. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social and communicative behaviors are drastically different from TD individuals. In individuals …

Over-Imitation Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared To Typically Developing Peers: An Expanded Literature Review, Josephine M. Stadler

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background:

Imitation, a foundational social and cognitive development mechanism, enables individuals to acquire cultural norms, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. Over-imitation— the replication of both relevant and irrelevant actions demonstrated by others—plays a critical role in social learning. While typically developing children often engage in over-imitation to promote social bonding and affiliation, the role and underlying motivations for over-imitation in children with ASD remain less clearly understood.

Purpose:

Through a critical synthesis of professional and scholarly literature, this review aims to evaluate the history and development of research on imitation and over-imitation, assess empirical findings regarding typically developing children …

Pv Backsheets Survey Protocol: A Framework For Geo-Spatial Field Surveys For Bulk Material Characterization And Reliability Analysis Applied Across 41 Pv Systems, Raymond J. Wieser, Zelin Li, Xuanji Yu, Laura S. Bruckman

Faculty Scholarship

As widespread adoption of photovoltaic (PV) technologies continues, understanding the lifetime of modules is paramount to the viability of the industry as an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional energy generation. Although power degradation can affect the total energy production of a module over its lifetime, module safety failures necessitate the removal of a module leading to a loss of not only the particular asset, but the earning potential of the device. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the components that provide essential safety functions for PV module operate for their entire rated lifetime. PV backsheets provide necessary electrical insulation …