Digital Commons Network^™

Targeted Sequencing For Hereditary Breast And Ovarian Cancer In Brca1/2-Negative Families Reveals Complex Genetic Architecture And Phenocopies, Jocelyn N Plowman, Evanjalina J Matoy, Lavanya V Uppala, Samantha B Draves, Cynthia J Watson, Bridget A Sefranek, Mark L Stacey, Samuel P Anderson, Michael A Belshan, Elizabeth E Blue, Chad D Huff, Yusi Fu, Holly A F Stessman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Approximately 20% of breast cancer cases are attributed to increased family risk, yet variation in BRCA1/2 can only explain 20%-25% of cases. Historically, only single gene or single variant testing were common in at-risk family members, and further sequencing studies were rarely offered after negative results. In this study, we applied an efficient and inexpensive targeted sequencing approach to provide molecular diagnoses in 245 human samples representing 134 BRCA mutation-negative (BRCAX) hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) families recruited from 1973 to 2019 by Dr. Henry Lynch. Sequencing identified 391 variants, which were functionally annotated and ranked based on their …

In Vitro Data Suggest A Role For Pms2 Kozak Sequence Mutations In Lynch Syndrome Risk, Evanjalina J Matoy, Jocelyn N Plowman, Cynthia J Watson, Michael A Belshan, Elizabeth E Blue, Chad D Huff, Holly A F Stessman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study investigates the role of 5′ UTR PMS2 Kozak sequence genetic variation in cancer risk. It accomplishes this through the development of a mid-throughput reporter assay where variants can be tested for protein translation efficiency. The results highlight the importance of continued study of the Kozak sequence related to human disease.

The Integration Of Social Work Values And Principles In Police Work, Dasha Rhodes, Taylor Geyton, Jam Ost

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Persisting social inequities and injustices were spotlighted in the United States in 2020 after the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. A particular focus on the interactions of police officers and non-violent community members rallied a call to reallocate funds to social services better equipped to handle such situations, aptly named #defundthepolice. Many called for the need and placement of social workers in police agencies to curtail the negative interactions witnessed between police officers and communities of color, specifically with Black Americans. Across the nation, social workers are not always employed or readily available in police organizations. Therefore, instilling …

Accuracy, Thoroughness, And Quality Of Outpatient Primary Care Documentation In The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs., Michael Weiner, Mindy E Flanagan, Katie Ernst, Ann H Cottingham, Nicholas A Rattray, Zamal Franks, April W Savoy, Joy L Lee, Richard M Frankel

Health Services and Informatics Research

BACKGROUND: Electronic health records (EHRs) can accelerate documentation and may enhance details of notes, or complicate documentation and introduce errors. Comprehensive assessment of documentation quality requires comparing documentation to what transpires during the clinical encounter itself. We assessed outpatient primary care notes and corresponding recorded encounters to determine accuracy, thoroughness, and several additional key measures of documentation quality.

METHODS: Patients and primary care clinicians across five midwestern primary care clinics of the US Department of Veterans Affairs were recruited into a prospective observational study. Clinical encounters were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using the Physician Documentation Quality Instrument (PDQI-9) added to …

Enhancing Neoadjuvant Virotherapy's Effectiveness By Targeting Stroma To Improve Resectability In Pancreatic Cancer, Khandoker Usran Ferdous, Mulu Z. Tesfay, Aleksandra Cios, Randal S. Shelton, Conner Hartupee, Alicja Urbaniak, Jean Christopher Chamcheu, Michail N. Mavros, Emmanouil Giorgakis, Bahaa Mustafa, Camila C. Simoes, Isabelle R. Miousse, Alexei G. Basnakian, Omeed Moaven, Steven R. Post, Martin J. Cannon, Thomas Kelly, Bolni Marius Nagalo

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

About one-fourth of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are categorized as borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not yielded the anticipated outcomes in curing patients with BR/LA PDAC. The surgical resection of these tumors presents challenges owing to the unpredictability of the resection margin, involvement of vasculature with the tumor, the likelihood of occult metastasis, a higher ratio of positive lymph nodes, and the relatively larger size of tumor nodules. Oncolytic virotherapy has shown promising activity in preclinical PDAC models. Unfortunately, the desmoplastic stroma within the PDAC tumor microenvironment establishes a barrier, hindering …

The Evolving Use Of Gold Nanoparticles As A Possible Reversal Agent For The Symptoms Of Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Narrative Review, Alan D. Kaye, Kelly R. Sala, Drew Dethloff, Matthew Norton, Corey Moss, Michael J. Plessala, Alyssa G. Derouen, Yair Lopez Torres, Julian Kim, Sridhar Tirumala, Sahar Shekoohi, Giustino Varrassi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Neurodegenerative diseases are broadly hallmarked by impaired energy metabolism and toxic intracellular accumulations such as damaged organelles or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gold nanoparticles readily cross the blood-brain barrier and increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen (NADH) oxidation to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is vital for intracellular energy generation, cellular repair, and protection from ROS. Thus, the use of gold nanoparticles to treat and potentially reverse cellular injury seen in neurodegenerative disease has been an area of ongoing research. This systematic review explores current literature regarding the use of gold nanoparticle therapy in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such …

Finding The Gut Microbiome Connection To The Risk Of Childhood Obesity Through An Examination Of Gut Microbiota Among Children In Los Angeles, California: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study, Cecille M. Basilio

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between gut microbiota composition and child obesity. The specific aims were to: 1) evaluate the impact of child obesity status on three related outcomes to be assessed by extracting DNA from children's stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing: alpha diversity of gut microbiota composition, Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratio, and abundance of SCFA-generating gut microbes between obese and non-obese school children; 2) compare the dietary habits and intakes between obese and non-obese school children; and 3) evaluate the association of body mass index differences in gut microbiota composition between obese and …

July 18, 2024 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Emerson Among The Methodists, Claudia Stokes

English Faculty Research

This essay examines the influence of Methodism on Emerson. During Emerson’s lifetime, Methodism exerted extraordinary influence on American religious life, yet he offered little comment on this important religious movement. In spite of this omission, this essay argues that Methodism shaped Emerson’s ideas about oratory, prayer, and self-determination. This essay examines two Methodist figures whom Emerson repeatedly cited as important influences: famed Methodist minister Edward Thompson Taylor and a less-remembered farm worker named Tarbox, whom Emerson met in his twenties and repeatedly mentioned in his journals. Emerson took inspiration from both men, but seems to have been unaware of the …

Long G4-Rich Enhancers Physically Interacts With Promoters Via A G4:G4 Dna-Based Mechanism, Jeffrey David Demeis

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Enhancers are genomic sequences that function as regulatory elements capable of increasing the transcription of a given gene often located at a considerable distance. The broadly accepted model of enhancer activation involves bringing an enhancer-bound activator protein complex into close spatial proximity to its target promoter through chromatin looping. Equally relevant to the work described herein, roles for guanine (G) rich sequences in transcriptional regulation are now widely accepted. Non-coding G-rich sequences are commonly found in gene promoters and enhancers, and various studies have described specific instances where G-rich sequences regulate gene expression via their capacity to form G-quadruplex (G4) …

Implementing Healthcare Administrative Leadership Strategies To Mitigate Turnover And Enhance Retention Among Medical-Surgical Unit Registered Nurses, Janay Miller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To mitigate registered nursing turnover, utilize strategies centered on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, a theoretical framework that strikes a balance between the demands of the jobs and the resources and support available to nursing employees, which will lead to an increase in employee engagement, dedication, and psychological well-being at work while reducing Acute Care Hospital (ACH) turnover rates in the medical-surgical units (MSUs) in Pennsylvania. The research question examined healthcare administration leadership strategies that could be implemented by hospital administrators within ACHs in Pennsylvania MSUs. The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the existing literature on registered …

Caregiver Attitudes Toward Sexual Behavior And Sex Education For Children With Down Syndrome, Shawna Urban

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative correlational study investigates caregivers’ attitudes toward sexual behavior and sex education for children with Down syndrome, drawing upon the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 112 caregivers. The analysis revealed significant positive associations between caregivers’ attitudes toward sexuality and their perspectives on sex education. Binary logistic regression indicated that higher POS scores predict increased likelihood of endorsing sexual behavior and supporting sex education for children with Down syndrome. Notably, demographic factors such as gender, age, and educational level did not significantly influence caregivers’ decisions regarding sex education support. The …

Developing And Testing Low-Cost Air Cleaners For Safer Spaces During Wildfires, Brett W. Stinson, Elliott T. Gall

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Air cleaning reduces indoor exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during wildfire smoke events. However, resource and cost constraints may limit access to air cleaning during such an event, as both commercial devices and the higher-rated MERV filters that do-it-yourself (DIY) assemblies typically rely upon tend to be expensive and in short supply. With these constraints in mind, we developed and evaluated several configurations of a novel, DIY air cleaner that uses common household fabrics as filtration media. Clean air delivery rates (CADRs) of the devices were experimentally evaluated in two ways: first, with independent measurements of flowrates and single …

Indigenous Practices In Head Start Classrooms— Toward Survivance And Indigenization In Policy And Practice, Liza Xet Smith

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The Office of Head Start has prioritized holistic quality education services for children and communities in greatest need. First, since 1965, the federal government has funded, regulated, and publicly aided over 38 million children through Head Start programming, including AIAN and Migrant programs (Administration for Children and Families, n.d.). In 2019, over $10 billion was budgeted for the program, resulting in 1,047,000 low-income children and their families receiving services (Office of Head Start, 2022a). In addition, the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation has funded research to improve quality and child outcomes, with research recommendations that significantly guide state and …

Deepface: Deep-Learning-Based Framework To Contextualize Orofacial-Cleft-Related Variants During Human Embryonic Craniofacial Development, Yulin Dai, Toshiyuki Itai, Guangsheng Pei, Fangfang Yan, Yan Chu, Xiaoqian Jiang, Seth M Weinberg, Nandita Mukhopadhyay, Mary L Marazita, Lukas M Simon, Peilin Jia, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

The Association Of Vitamin D Levels And Dental Caries In Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study., Man Hung, Amir Mohajeri, Mahsa Sadri, Elahe Khodabandeh, Ibrahim Zeitoun, Martin S. Lipsky

Institute on Aging Publications

Most research examining vitamin D and dental caries focuses on children and younger adults. This study investigated the association between vitamin D levels and dental caries in older adults using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016.

Three-Dimensional Medical Image Registration With Applications In Proton Therapy, Rui Liao

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Three-dimensional deformable image registration (DIR) is an important technique in medical imaging, facilitating the alignment of images acquired from different sources or at different times for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. In clinical proton therapy dose planning, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has notably improved the accuracy of estimating the stopping-power ratio map, reducing proton beam range uncertainty. To address the inter-scan motion artifacts inherent in sequential DECT acquisition, we propose a novel motion-compensation scheme to incorporate a three-dimensional DIR method into the joint statistical iterative DECT reconstruction algorithm. We successfully demonstrate that inter-scan motion corrections can be integrated into the …

The Relationship Between Strategic Awareness And Organizational Culture: An Analytical Study In The General Directorate Of Training And Qualification / Ministry Of Interior, Basim Muhammad Bahloul, Adel Abdul Al-Abbasi

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The main purpose of this research is to test the relationship between strategic awareness and organizational culture in the General Directorate of Training and Qualification/ the Ministry of Interior. In view of the importance of the research topic and sample for the researched directorate, the researcher adopted the descriptive analytical approach using the questionnaire as a primary tool for data collection. The research sample is represented by the heads of departments division directors, and training officers in the directorate. The sample was limited to 119 officers out of a total of 181 officers. The questionnaire consists of 57 items, and …

The Role Of Core Capabilities In The Strategic Balance / An Analytical Research In The Central Bank Of Iraq, Noor Al-Hasan Hayder Mudhafar, Suheir Adel Hamed

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This research aims to investigate the relationship between two variables, namely core capabilities and strategic balance, within the context of the Central Bank of Iraq. The research problem emphasizes the necessity of implementing mechanisms that improve core capabilities to enhance strategic balance within the bank. the study highlights the importance of proposing various strategies to address the research problem, to achieve this, the research was conducted using a sample of 106 administrative leaders out of a total of 109, employing a purposive sampling method according to their positions and the organizational structure. The researcher used a descriptive-analytical approach and employed …

The Influence Of Organizational Ideology On Organizational Reputation - Analytical Research In The Ministry Of Education, Ahmed Quinn Dawood, Ali Hassoun Al-Taie

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The current research aims, through the variables it includes, to test the effectual relationship of organizational ideology on organizational reputation, Provide clarifications about the research variables and identify them more accurately and in detail, within the intellectual, philosophical and applied framework, and build a realistic, simplified and acceptable model, linking the variables and dimensions of the research, consistent with and simulating the reality of the work environment of the researched organization, the research problem represented the challenges that organizations face, These challenges created a problem regarding the ideology of organizations in terms of commitment, organizational loyalty, and conformity of values, …

Impact Of Re-Engineering Human Resources On High Performance: An Empirical Research In The Central Statistical Organization / Ministry Of Planning, Omar Nabeel Talib, Mohsin Rashed Musaheb

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Two variables represent the research's central concept. Reengineering human resources is the first, and high performance is the second. By examining and elaborating on the offered factors, the research intends to diagnose the influence that the first variable (reengineering of human resources) and the second variable (high performance) have on each other. What is the status of the human resources re-engineering approach and its impact on high performance in the Central Statistical Organisation, and what is the extent of awareness and knowing the extent of contribution of the human resources re-engineering approach to upgrading work and achieving high performance? These …

Assessing Supply Chain Quality Management Indicators: A Roadmap To Operational Excellence At Al-Zawraa General Company's Altahady Site, Ali Saad Alwan, Nagham Ali Jasim

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This research endeavors to assess and enhance supply chain quality management at the Al-Tahady Site of Al-Zawraa General Company. The primary objective is to evaluate a comprehensive set of supply chain quality management indicators and provide a strategic roadmap for achieving operational excellence. The research problem addressed in this study revolves around the need to improve supply chain quality management practices. Despite the inherent challenges in real-world supply chain research, particularly in data acquisition and information gathering, this study is resolute in its mission. Beyond analysis, the researcher seeks to propose practical application mechanisms to drive tangible benefits for the …

Evaluating And Prioritizing The Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices In Food Industry, Shaymaa Abdulqader Mansoor, Harith Yarub Maan

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The companies are now aiming to integrate the concept of Sustainability Supply Chain Management (SSCM) into their work to improve operational and financial performance. The current study seeks to present and define the concept of the Supply Chain (SC) importance. The problem of this research it’s to determine the importance of sustainability criteria is that most companies face. A fuzzy Analytic Hierarch Process (FAHP)was used to find the relative importance of the main and sub-criteria for sustainability by establishing a program on Microsoft office Excel (MSEXCEL) to find the results and determine the importance of the main and sub-criteria based …

The Impact Of The Sovereign Credit Rating On The Possibility Of Financing External Loans To The Iraqi Economy, Zinah Muayad Mahmood, Emad Mohammed Ali Abdullatif

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

External loans are a source of credit revenue. The process of obtaining it requires determining the degree of credit risk by predicting the financial solvency of the economy to judge its financial ability to pay the principal and interest dues of the loan at the specified maturity date. Considering that ability is a determinant of the creditworthiness of his economy, the extent to which financing can continue with this external credit source and its cost. The government of Iraq faced the difficulty of financing external loans from the international capital markets with its high return due to the lack of …

Investing In Education And Scientific Research For Growth Of Iraq: Exploring The Main Dimensions, Success Factors, And Government Policies, Hayder Abdulrazaq Abdulkarem, Adnan Mohammed Hasan

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The research aims to explore the dynamics of investment in education and scientific research and their influence on Iraq's economic growth. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach, the study focuses on various dimensions of education and research investment, including quality education, vocational training, funding, infrastructure, collaboration, and government policies. The data was collected through a comprehensive survey, designed based on international standards and tailored to the specific context of Iraq. The survey garnered 191 valid responses from a diverse range of stakeholders in Iraq's education and research sectors, including educators, policymakers, academic researchers, and institutional representatives. The statistical analysis was carried out …

The Use Of The (Tobit) Model In Studying The Variables Affecting The Increase In The Number Of People With Systolic Hypertension, In The Presence Of The Problem Of Heterogeneity Of Random Error Variance, Mustafa Hasan Dari, Baydaa Ismael Abdul Wahhab

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The process of regression analysis is based on a number of basic assumptions, and if one of these assumptions is not available, this will lead to obtaining inaccurate results, and the most of these assumptions is homoscedasticity, violating this assumption causes a problem of heteroscedasticity of the random error variance the, which may come from different variances This cause to misleading and inaccurate decisions. Recently Econometric models received attention, especially limited regression models, which contain specific response variables and several repeated observations within a certain range, including Tobit models and also considered imitations of the Censored Regression Model. Problem arise …

The Impact Of Customer Relationship Management On Sustainable Competitive Advantage Mediator Brand Citizenship Behavior: An Analytical Study In A Sample Of Iraqi Banks, Alzahraa Sabah Alchalabi, Saadoon Hammood Chitheer Al-Rubaiawi

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The research aims to study the impact of customer relationship management on sustainable competitive advantage through brand Citizenship Behavior in a sample of Iraqi banks. The main problem of the research is summarized in the following questions: "have bank leaderships been able to employ customer relationship management in achieving sustainable competitive advantage? And have they been able to maximize this impact through the mediating role of brand Citizenship Behavior?" The comprehensive survey method was used to collect data, given the importance of the banking sector, both government and private banks in Baghdad were chosen as the focus of this study. …

Hybrid Inferior Pedicle Reduction Mammaplasty With Free Nipple Grafts In A Patient With Gigantomastia, Devin M. Melancon, Harel G. Schwartzberg, Genevieve E. Messa, Jonathan C. Boraski

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Gigantomastia presents a unique set of challenges for preservation of the nipple-areola complex in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Historically an indication for breast amputation and free nipple graft (FNG), gigantomastia is now commonly treated using pedicle-based reconstruction. We present a case combining these two surgical techniques, using an inferior-pedicle reduction with an FNG in the management of extreme breast hypertrophy with 11,300g in total resected. This case report shows that such a technique for gigantomastia reductions can combine the aesthetic benefits of a pedicled reduction with the reliability of FNGs. These benefits make the hybrid inferior pedicle reduction a useful …

Profiles Of Two Determined First-Year Medical School Students, July 18, 2024, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Onboarding Employees On Talent Retention: A Field Research In A Sample Of Iraqi Private Banks, Hassan Adel Manhal, Ghani Dahham Al Zubaidi

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The purpose of this research is to understand the nature of the relationship and the level of impact between employee onboarding and talent retention. Employee onboarding assists employees adapting the social aspects of the organization and their new roles more easily, thereby increasing their productivity, satisfaction, and loyalty. The research also aims to identify the factors that encourage employees to stay with the organization. The research problem is highlighted by a talent shortage and the difficulty of identifying the factors that facilitate the integration of employees into the workplace and their retention within the organization. Moreover, it seeks to determine …