Digital Commons Network^™

Tnik-Driven Regulation Of Erk5 Transcriptional Activity In Endothelial Cells, Venkata Subrahmanya Kumar Samanthapudi, Sivareddy Kotla, Nhat-Tu Le

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is essential for cardiovascular development and endothelial cell (EC) function. Activation of ERK5 through MEK5-mediated phosphorylation at threonine 218 and tyrosine 220 (T218/Y220) drives the transcriptional activation of myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2), promoting the expression of KLF2 and KLF4—key transcription factors that maintain vascular homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that ponatinib suppresses ERK5 transcriptional activity without affecting laminar-flow (l-flow)-induced T218/Y220 phosphorylation, suggesting a non-canonical regulatory mechanism. Since ponatinib inhibits Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK), we hypothesized that TNIK modulates ERK5 transcriptional activity. Using a mammalian one-hybrid assay and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), we show that TNIK …

Assessing The Impacts, Risks, And Vulnerabilities Of Extreme Heat In Learning Environments Of Puerto Rico In 2023, Pablo Méndez-Lázaro, Laura T. Cabrera-Rivera, Digna T. Rueda-Roa, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Manuel Heredia Morales, Monica V. Sanchez-Sepúlveda, Ernesto Rodríguez, Odalys Martínez, Ernesto Morales, Patricia Chardon-Maldonado, Wanda I. Crespo-Acevedo, Sarah Molinari, Masoud Ghandehari, Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Introduction

Puerto Rico is experiencing anomalous heat episodes. The year 2023 was marked by unprecedented extreme heat events with negative impacts in Puerto Rico’s learning environments. This study aimed to understand the context, barriers, knowledge, risks, vulnerabilities, perceptions, employees’ profiles, attitudes, and symptoms related to extreme heat in learning environments.

Materials and Methods

We employed a mixed-methods approach combining: (1) Earth Observation Data and geospatial analysis, (2) an online survey for teachers, administrative staff, and other school employees from diverse educational settings and levels and (3) a series of participatory activities with stakeholders, practitioners and decision makers that led to …

Digital Playgrounds: Irish Tweens' Media Literacies In The Context Of Social Media Content Creators, Fardus Sultan

Doctoral

Children under 12 are avid social media users. Of these, tweens, children aged 9 to 12, are currently the age group most likely to engage in independent social media content consumption. One of their favourite online activities is watching content produced by social media influencers and content creators, collectively referred to here as social media creators. The popularity of social media creators has grown exponentially in recent times. Considered trusted, relatable and authentic, they produce content that resonates with audiences. Consequently, their messages often possess greater persuasive power, making them a popular choice for advertisers. Creators seamlessly blend commercial messaging …

Mitochondrial-Targeted Therapies In Traumatic Brain Injury: From Bench To Bedside, Sidra Tabassum, Silin Wu, Chang-Hun Lee, Bosco Seong Kyu Yang, Aaron M Gusdon, Huimahn A Choi, Xuefang S Ren

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with limited effective therapeutic options currently available. Recent research has highlighted the pivotal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of TBI, making mitochondria an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. This review comprehensively examines advancements in mitochondrial-targeted therapies for TBI, bridging the gap from basic research to clinical applications. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial damage in TBI, including oxidative stress, impaired bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, and apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, we highlight the complex interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, elucidating how these …

In Utero Alcohol And Tobacco Exposure, Maternal Depression, And Maternal Obesity Are Associated With Impaired Oligodendrocyte Differentiation In The Developing Brain, Uday Bharai, Jamal Hamze, Benjamin Zhang, Monica Hampe, Emily Sparks, Nana Merabova, Gabriel Tatevosian, Armine Darbinyan, Mary F Morrison, Laura Goetzl, Nune Darbinian, Michael Selzer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading preventable cause of pediatric cognitive disability and is associated with dysmyelination. We examined possible clinical co-determinants that might interact with EtOH in impairing oligodendrocyte (OL) development. Women who drink, including pregnant women, also disproportionately suffer from depression (mDepression), which we have shown is a risk factor for FASD. Might depression during pregnancy contribute to OL pathology? Maternal obesity (mObesity) also inhibits white matter development in fetal brain. Finally, tobacco exposure inhibits not only OL development, but also the production of structural proteins, such as actin. Our human biobank derived from voluntarily …

Instagram Versus Reality: Who Are Actually Plastic Surgeons?, Nikhi P Singh, Mary M Holohan, Cameron Harmon, Kasra N Fallah, Jeffrey Gross, Aadarsh Patel, Carter J Boyd, Matthew R Greives, Jorge De La Torre, Gayle Gordillo, Timothy W King

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Instagram has become one of the most powerful marketing tools available to plastic surgeons because patients have increasingly turned to online resources to find physicians. Within, we review the online presence of self-ascribed plastic surgeons in the United States to identify potential misinformation and dishonest advertising.

Methods: The Inflact database was queried for the search terms: "plastic surgeon/surgery," "plastic and reconstructive surgeon/surgery," "aesthetic surgeon/surgery," and "cosmetic surgeon/surgery." US physician account information, history of medical training, American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification status, and posts were reviewed.

Results: In total, 1399 physicians practicing within the United States were identified. …

Short-Term Health And Safety Outcomes Associated With Digital Hotline Use At Interpersonal Violence-Focused Agencies, Leila Wood, Elizabeth Baumler, Rachel J Voth Schrag, Aly Kramer Jacobs, Jeff R Temple, Erin Clark

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Community organizations strive to help survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), stalking, sexual assault and human trafficking address health and safety needs. Hotline, offered by local agencies, is the first line of support for survivors to address needs. Increasingly, hotline is offered in digital formats (chat and text) to meet the emergent needs of survivors. Despite the growing use of digital hotline, little is known about short-term health and safety changes associated with use. Partnering with 2 local agencies in a Southern state, we recruited first-time digital hotline participants to an online baseline and follow-up (6 weeks later) assessment (n …

Anti-Cd137 Agonist Antibody-Independent And Clinically Feasible Preparation Of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes From Soft Tissue Sarcoma And Osteosarcoma, Yining Jin, Zhiliang Jia, Xueqing Xia, Nancy B Gordon, Joseph A Ludwig, Neeta Somaiah, Shulin Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) therapy has been proved for treatment of metastatic melanoma and is under investigation for other types of solid tumors. However, these successes are threatened by discontinued supply of GMP-grade anti-CD137 agonist, a key TIL preparation reagent. Therefore, exploring a GMP-adherent method for expanding endogenous TILs without anti-CD137 agonist is urgent. Toward this end, we aimed to establish an anti-CD137-independent and clinically feasible TIL expansion protocol to prepare TILs from under investigated sarcoma tumors.

Methods: We collected resected tumors from patients and cut tissues into fragments. We used IL-2 and T-cell activator CD3/CD28 without anti-CD137 agonist …

Psychosocial Impacts Of Non-Fatal Firearm Injuries On Youth: Findings From A Qualitative Study, Annalyn S Demello, Jeff R Temple, Liam De Vassal, Irma Alvarado, Angela Waguespack, Monique R Pappadis, Jong O Lee, Leila G Wood

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Most adolescents and young adult victims of firearm violence survive, yet the mental and behavioral health outcomes associated with these incidents remain understudied. Given the potential for recurrent violence victimization and long-term psychosocial sequela after being shot, understanding the experiences of firearm injury survivors is a critical area for development. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the development of attitudes, describe psychosocial consequences, and contextualize behavioral and social outcomes among young, gunshot wounded (GSW) patients from a Level 1 trauma center in southeast Texas. A retrospective chart review and prospective recruitment of GSW patients aged 15 to 29 years …

Intrapartum Glycemic Control And Clinical Outcomes, Ghamar Bitar, Michal Fishel Bartal

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Current recommendations encourage strict intrapartum glycemic control for individuals with diabetes in pregnancy to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, established evidence is limited in providing a strong association between strict maternal blood glucose control and neonatal outcomes.

Risk Factors For Diagnostic Change From Glaucoma Suspect To Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma And Vice Versa Over 2 Years, Lillian K To, Nicole V Carrabba, Chaitanya G Kalathuru, Alice Z Chuang, Logan Smith, Robert M Feldman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This study investigates the incidence and causes of diagnostic changes from primary open-angle glaucoma suspect (POAGS) to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and vice versa, in clinical practice.

Design: This is a retrospective, single-site, case-control study.

Participants: It includes patients > 40 years of age diagnosed with either POAG or POAGS between 2013 and 2020. Controls had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up without a diagnostic change, whereas cases underwent a diagnostic change from glaucoma to suspect (POAG to POAGS) or from suspect to glaucoma (POAGS to POAG) within 2 years.

Methods: At initial and follow-up visits, diagnosis, treatment, type …

Analyzing Practice Pattern In Treating Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Dual Perspective From National Database And American Shoulder And Elbow Surgeons Parcial Research Group, H Mike Kim, Emily Leary, Champ L Baker, Leslie A Barnes, R Alexander Creighton, Frances Cuomo, Matthew J Dipaola, Abdullah Foad, James M Gregory, Brian F Grogan, Scott G Kaar, Eitan M Kohan, Sumant G Krishnan, Eddie Y Lo, John T Moor, Parcial Group Contributors

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs), often considered less severe than full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs), can be equally symptomatic. Despite the prevalence of PTRCTs, scholarly attention has predominantly focused on FTRCTs, resulting in a relative neglect of PTRCTs. This study aimed to assess the incidence of surgical repairs for PTRCTs in the United States (U.S.) using the Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) database and delineate practice patterns among a group of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) members.

Methods: The NASS database, representing approximately 67% of U.S. ambulatory surgical encounters, was queried to obtain the incidence of PTRCT and …

Using Content Validity Index Methodology For Cross-Cultural Translation Of A Patient-Reported Outcome Measure For Head And Neck Cancer, Janet H Van Cleave, Alizendie Guerra, Eva Liang, Carolina Gutiérrez, Ron J Karni, Marcely Tsikis, Geanise Pearl C Nguyen, Allison P Squires

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Translations of patient-reported measures may not account for structural and cultural differences in shared languages spoken in multiple countries, such as English, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian. The objective of this research was to create a cross-cultural Spanish translation of the New York University (NYU) Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA)© for head and neck cancer (HNC), a patient-reported symptom measure available only in English.

Methods: Using the Content Validity Index (CVI) methodology, an expert panel of nurses (n = 6) proficient in Spanish and English independently reviewed and rated a forward translation of the ePVA, a measure consisting of …

Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Arising In The Gallbladder Of A 58-Year-Old Female: Case Report, Ahmed A Ahmed, Yan Gao, Rossana Kazemimood

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignancy with no specific clinical manifestation. It is characterized by the presence of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components intermingled with each other. This disease usually presents at an advanced stage, and its final diagnosis needs to be confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is characterized by early metastasis through lymphatics, rapid progression, a high recurrence rate, and a worse prognosis than usual gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Herein, we report the case of a 58-year-old female patient, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder. Histologically, the epithelial component of the …

Effect Of Family-Centered Care Interventions On Motor And Neurobehavior Development Of Very Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Manasa Kolibylu Raghupathy, Shradha S. Parsekar, Shubha R. Nayak, Kalesh M. Karun, Sonia Khurana, Alicia J. Spittle, Leslie Edward S. Lewis, Bhamini Krishna Rao

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of family-centered care (FCC) interventions on motor and neurobehavior development of very preterm infants.

Method

Randomized and quasi-randomized trials assessing the effect of FCC on motor and neurobehavioral outcomes in very preterm infants (28–32 wk gestation) were included. Five electronic databases and grey literature were searched from January 2010 to August 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the titles/abstracts and full texts, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool and GRADE were used for risk and evidence certainty assessments. Meta-analysis or narrative synthesis was performed based on data …

Athletic Trainers' Perspectives On Resources And Preparation Needed For Successful Salary Negotiation, Kimberly R. Detwiler, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Indigo B. White, Leanne E. Jones, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Many athletic trainers (ATs) work under high stress, long hours, and low pay. These conditions often lead ATs and athletic training students to leave the profession. Previous studies show that over half of ATs do not negotiate salary, often because they feel the offer is fair or fear losing the job. Additional support is needed to help ATs prepare for negotiations, as current resources are limited.

Objective

This study explored ATs’ views on the resources need to prepare for salary negotiations during the hiring process.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual video interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-eight participants …

Correspondence To Editorial 2 On "Genomic Biomarkers To Predict Response To Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Immunotherapy In Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights From The Imbrave150 Trial", Sun Young Yim, Sung Hwan Lee, Ji Hoon Kim, Sunyoung S Lee, Ahmed O Kaseb, Ju-Seog Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Adaptive Quorum Sensing In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Kayla Simanek

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is highly antibiotic resistant and causes tens of thousands of infections each year. It persists in hospitals by forming biofilms on medical equipment like ventilators and catheters, making it difficult to eradicate. Biofilm formation, among other virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, is regulated through quorum sensing, a mechanism of bacterial communication. Quorum sensing is primarily coordinated through LuxI-R type systems comprised of an autoinducer synthase and receptor, respectively. Canonically, the first system to be expressed is LasI-R, and LasR upregulates the second arm of the quorum sensing network, the RhlI-R system. Research …

Dosimetric Evaluations Using Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Network Synthetic Ct For Mr-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy, Gabriel L Asher, Shiru Wang, Bassem I Zaki, Gregory A Russo, Gobind S Gill, Charles R Thomas, Temiloluwa O Prioleau, Yuting Li, Rongxiao Zhang, Yue Yan, Brady Hunt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) guided radiation therapy combines high-resolution image capabilities of MRI with the precise targeting of radiation therapy. However, MRI does not provide the essential electron density information for accurate dose calculation, which limit the application of MRI. In this presented work, we evaluated the potential for Deep Learning (DL) based synthetic CT (sCT) generation using 3D MRI setup scans acquired during real-time adaptive MRI-guided radiation therapy.

Methods: We trained and evaluated a Cycle-consistent Generative Adversarial Network (Cycle-GAN) using paired MRI and deformably registered CT scan slices (dCT) in the context of real-time adaptive MRI-guided radiation therapy. Synthetic …

A Phase Ib/Ii Trial Of Neoadjuvant Neratinib Added To Standard Therapy In Patients With Her2-Positive Or Hr-Positive/Her2-Negative Inflammatory Breast Cancer (Including Stage Iii And Iv Disease), Bora Lim, Angela Marx, Megumi Kai, Angela Alexander, Roland Bassett, Wencai Ma, Jie Willey, Huiming Sun, Azadeh Nasrazadani, Mohammad M Mohammad, Jianhua Zhang, Anthony Lucci, Susie X Sun, Michael C Stauder, Gary J Whitman, Huong Le-Petross, Vicente Valero, Wendy A Woodward, Rachel M Layman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare but aggressive, characterized by the rapid onset of diffuse skin erythema, edema, tenderness, induration, and fast metastasis. Both hormone receptor positive (HR+) and human epidermal receptor 2 positive (HER2+) are associated with inferior response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) compared to non-IBC. Despite multimodal treatment approaches, the 3-year overall survival rate for stage III IBC remains low at approximately 74%, around 10% lower than the 83% for non-IBC.

Objectives: To evaluate whether the addition of neratinib, an irreversible pan-ErbB receptor small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, improves the rate of pathological complete response in …

Changes In Functional Connectivity Are Associated With Functional Independence In The Early Postoperative Period Following Awake Surgical Resection Of Language-Eloquent Glioma, Kyle R Noll, Evan D Bander, Henry S Chen, Mariana Bradshaw, Jeffrey S Wefel, Vinodh A Kumar, Sujit S Prabhu, Ho-Ling Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Neurocognitive decline in patients with primary brain tumors is associated with alterations in the functional connectome and reduced independence in daily living. This study explores postoperative connectomic changes associated with functional independence outcomes in patients with eloquent glioma, and how these associations differ from neurocognitive-connetcomic relationships.

Methods: Fifteen patients with left perisylvian glioma underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuropsychological evaluation within 2 weeks before and on average 1 month after resection. Functional independence was measured with the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL). Graph theoretical analysis quantified functional brain …

Combining Biology-Based And Mri Data-Driven Modeling To Predict Response To Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Patients With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Casey E Stowers, Chengyue Wu, Zhan Xu, Sidharth Kumar, Clinton Yam, Jong Bum Son, Jingfei Ma, Jonathan I Tamir, Gaiane M Rauch, Thomas E Yankeelov

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype associated with limited targeted treatment options, heterogeneous treatment response, and high risk of early recurrence. Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a powerful tool to address key clinical challenges in TNBC across diagnosis, treatment response assessment, and prognosis. Diagnostic and staging challenges persist due to variable imaging features in TNBC and limitations in conventional modalities, increasing the risk of delayed detection. Predicting response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy remains difficult, as patient responses are heterogeneous, and existing clinical markers provide limited early predictive value. Prognostication in TNBC is similarly constrained …

Development Of An H&E On-Block Staining Technique For Collagen Detection In Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography Imaging Of Frozen Breast Tissue Samples, Erin P Snoddy, Tien T Tang, Natalie Fowlkes, Thomas Huynh, Kari J Brewer Savannah, Alejandro Contreras, Gregory Reece, Kristy K Brock

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is widely considered to be the gold-standard diagnostic tool for histopathology evaluation. However, the fatty nature of some tissue types, such as breast tissue, presents challenges with cryo-sectioning, often resulting in artifacts that can make histopathologic interpretation and correlation with other imaging modalities virtually impossible. We present an optimized on-block H&E staining technique that improves contrast for identifying collagenous stroma during cryo-fluorescence tomography (CFT) sectioning. In this prospective study, we embedded four breast specimens with confirmed ligaments from a bilateral mastopexy in an optimal cutting temperature block. Two of the samples were processed on a …

Impact Of Active Surveillance On Nephrometric Scores Of Bosniak Iii And Iv Renal Cysts, Roberto Dias Machado, Leonardo Bernardes De Amaro, Alessandro Prudente, Eliney Ferreira Faria, Antonio Antunes Rodrigues Júnior, Aradhana M Venkatesan, Jose A Karam, Valdair F Muglia, Leonardo O Reis, Rodolfo Borges Dos Reis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Active surveillance (AS) has been widely explored for small renal masses, but its role in complex renal cysts (CRCs) categorized as Bosniak (Bk) III and IV remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate changes in nephrometry scores (s-RENAL and s-PADUA) during AS and their potential impact on surgical complexity.

Methods: A retrospective, multicentric, observational study was conducted, analyzing 101 CRCs from 95 patients across three institutions. Nephrometry scores were evaluated at baseline and after a minimum follow-up of two years using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical analysis included chi-square and marginal homogeneity tests, with data …

Isotonic Phase I Cancer Clinical Trial Design Utilizing Patient-Reported Outcomes, Nolan A Wages, Ruitao Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This article considers the concept of designing Phase I clinical trials using both clinician- and patient-reported outcomes to adaptively allocate study participants to tolerable doses and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) at the study conclusion. We describe a new isotonic patient-reported outcome (PRO-ISO) Phase I design with the flexibility of allocating patients to lower, more tolerable regimens if a large number of PRO-DLT events are seen at higher doses. We conduct simulation studies of the operating characteristics of the design and compared them to the patient-reported outcomes continual reassessment method (PRO-CRM). We illustrate that the PRO-ISO makes appropriate dose …

Wnt7a, Naomi M Calhoun, Richard R Behringer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

WNT7A regulates numerous developmental processes. It can activate canonical and non-canonical signaling depending on context. It is expressed in the developing central nervous system, limb buds, reproductive organs, and other tissues. Spontaneous and targeted Wnt7a mutations in mouse models resulted in abnormal limbs, defects in male and female reproductive tract organs, infertility, and defects in cerebellar axon remodeling. In zebrafish, wnt7aa mutants exhibited neurogenesis and angiogenesis defects in the central nervous system. In humans, recessive WNT7A missense and nonsense mutations resulted in severe limb and pelvic bone defects. Alterations in WNT7A expression correlated with multiple types of cancer.

Bismuth-Infused Perivascular Wrap Facilitates Delivery Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Attenuation Of Neointimal Hyperplasia In Rat Arteriovenous Fistulas, Allan John R Barcena, Joy Vanessa D Perez, Marvin R Bernardino, Jossana A Damasco, Erin Marie D San Valentin, Carleigh Klusman, Benjamin Martin, Gino Martin Canlas, Francisco M Heralde, Natalie Fowlkes, Richard R Bouchard, Jizhong Cheng, Steven Y Huang, Marites P Melancon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as novel therapies for supporting arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation, and bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds have enabled sustained MSC delivery into maturing AVFs. However, the radiolucency of biopolymeric wraps prevents in vivo monitoring of their integrity and location, hindering long-term preclinical investigations.

METHODS: We infused bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) into polycaprolactone (PCL) to fabricate an electrospun perivascular wrap capable of MSC delivery and conducive to longitudinal monitoring using conventional imaging. We tested the wraps' effects on the attenuation of markers of neointimal hyperplasia (i.e., endothelial dysfunction, hypoxia, and inflammation), the leading cause of AVF failure, in …

Disparities In Breast Cancer Detection Modalities And Outcomes Among Geriatric Female Cancer Patients, Zhaoli Liu, Mathilda Nicot-Cartsonis, Biai D E Digbeu, Daoqi Gao, Sharon H Giordano, Yong-Fang Kuo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study examined racial and geographic disparities in breast cancer detection modalities (screening-, diagnostic-, or non-mammography) with cancer stage and mortality. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Texas Cancer Registry-Medicare linkage data for geriatric women. Cancers detected through screening and diagnostic mammography had 43 % (95 % CI, 39 %-46 %, p < .0001) and 31 % (95 % CI, 27 %-35 %, p < .0001) lower all-cause mortality, and 49 % (95 % CI, 41 %-54 %, p < .0001) and 37 % (95 % CI, 32 %-43 %, p < .0001) lower cancer-specific mortality, respectively, compared to non-mammography-detected breast cancers. Patients from rural areas were 17 % (95 % CI, 1.06 - 1.29) more likely to be diagnosed with mid- (p = .0023) and advanced stage (p = .003) cancers compared to their urban counterparts. Racial or geographic disparities in cancer detection modalities with associated mortality no longer exist after adjusting for covariates. Healthcare professionals can leverage these findings to promote rural cancer health equity.

Organ Of Corti Macrophages: A Distinct Group Of Cochlear Macrophages With Potential Roles In Supporting Cell Degeneration And Survival, Mengxiao Ye, Celia Zhang, Dalian Ding, Guang-Di Chen, Henry J Adler, Rania Sharaf, Bo Hua Hu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Macrophages are the primary immune cells in the cochlea, essential for maintaining cochlear homeostasis and orchestrating inflammatory responses to pathological events. Although these cells have been found in various parts of the cochlea, their presence in the organ of Corti, a critical structure for acoustic sensing, remains poorly understood. The present study was designed to examine macrophage responses to ototoxic drug-induced cochlear damage and age-related cochlear degeneration, with a particular focus on the pathological conditions that trigger macrophage recruitment into the organ of Corti. We used a model of ototoxicity induced by cyclodextrin, a cyclic oligosaccharide known for its ability …

A Cytotoxic Peptide-Drug Conjugate For Tumor-Specific Delivery Of Co-Injected Molecules, Norio Miyamura, Chisato M Yamazaki, Yasuaki Anami, Kyoji Tsuchikama, Kazuki N Sugahara

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

An ideal cancer therapy enhances anti-tumor effects while minimizing side effects. iRGD, a non-cytotoxic peptide that activates a tumor-specific molecular transport machinery, promotes the penetration of co-injected drugs into tumor tissues. Clinical trials have demonstrated its potential as a tumor-specific delivery scaffold and potentiator of anti-cancer agents. In this study, we synthesized an iRGD conjugate containing monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF), a highly toxic antimitotic agent, and characterized its dual function as a tumor-specific cytotoxic agent and co-injected drug delivery scaffold. The iRGD-MMAF conjugate internalized and killed cultured tumor cells in an αv integrin-dependent manner. When injected systemically, iRGD-MMAF homed selectively …