Digital Commons Network^™

Weakly-Supervised Tumor Purity Prediction From Frozen H&E Stained Slides, Matthew Brendel, Vanesa Getseva, Majd Al Assaad, Michael Sigouros, Alexandros Sigaras, Troy Kane, Pegah Khosravi, Juan Miguel Mosquera, Olivier Elemento, Iman Hajirasouliha

Publications and Research

Background

Estimating tumor purity is especially important in the age of precision medicine. Purity estimates have been shown to be critical for correction of tumor sequencing results, and higher purity samples allow for more accurate interpretations from next-generation sequencing results. Molecular-based purity estimates using computational approaches require sequencing of tumors, which is both time-consuming and expensive.

Methods

Here we propose an approach, weakly-supervised purity (wsPurity), which can accurately quantify tumor purity within a digitally captured hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histological slide, using several types of cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as a proof-of-concept.

Findings

Our model predicts …

Utilizing Computational Methods To Study The Biomolecules, Wenhan Guo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

COVID-19 is increasingly affecting human health and global economy. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly demanded to develop treatments for COVID-19. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 share 92.06% identity in their N protein RBDs' sequences, which results in very similar structures. However, the SARS-CoV-2 is more easily to spread. Utilizing multi-scale computational approaches, this work studied the fundamental mechanisms of the nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, including their stabilities and binding strengths with RNAs at different pH values. Electrostatic potential on the surfaces of N proteins show that both the N proteins …

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Ceftolozane/Tazobactam To Standard Of Care In The Management Of Neutropenia And Fever In Patients With Hematological Malignancies, Anne-Marie Chaftari, Ray Hachem, Alexandre E Malek, Victor E Mulanovich, Ariel D Szvalb, Ying Jiang, Ying Yuan, Shahnoor Ali, Rita Deeba, Patrick Chaftari, Issam Raad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: With increased use of antibiotics in high-risk patients, the investigation of new antibiotics to cover potentially resistant pathogens is warranted. In this prospective randomized trial, we compared ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), a new cephalosporin/β-lactamase inhibitor, to the standard of care (SOC) for the empiric treatment of neutropenia and fever in patients with hematological malignancies.

Methods: We enrolled 100 patients to receive intravenous (IV) C/T or SOC antibiotics (cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, or meropenem) in combination with gram-positive antibacterial agents. We evaluated responses at the end of IV therapy (EOIV), test of cure (TOC; days 21-28), and late follow-up (LFU; days 35-42).

Results: We …

Omarigliptin Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease In Rats: Possible Role Of Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress And Immune Modulation, Shereen Mowaka, Haidy E. Michel, Mariam M. Tadros, Moataz S. Hendy, Bassam M. Ayoub

Pharmacy

The current study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective effect of omarigliptin (OG), an antidiabetic drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB), in a Parkinson's disease (PD) rotenone-based rat-model. Results showed that OG attenuated motor impairment, histological aberrations, α-synuclein accumulation, and rescued the dopaminergic neurons in rotenone-administered rats. Furthermore, OG halted rotenone-induced oxidative stress; as shown by reduced lipid peroxidation, decline in the oxidative stress sensor (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and its downstream heme oxygenase-1. In addition, OG abrogated neuroinflammation and apoptosis in rotenone-treated rats. Moreover, OG ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in rotenone-administered rats; as evidenced by …

Jam – Summer 2022: One Crisis After Another…., Rafat Jan, Edwin Van Teijlingen, Kiran Mubeen

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

The Psychological Toll Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Private Practice Midwives In Indonesia And Its Relation With Perceived Knowledge And Individual Adaptability, Amelia Citra Kirana, Gracia Ivonika, Dewa Ayu Mirah Ardrini, Maria Stephani Dwitya, Ratih Ibrahim, Ray Wagiu Basrowi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

COVID-19 had serious impacts on the lives and health of people across the globe. Due to the high-risk nature of their work midwives frequently report personal/professional adverse psychological impacts. However, there is a lack of studies examining the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on private practice midwives in Indonesia and beyond. This study examines the psychological impacts of the pandemic on private practice midwives in Indonesia, as well as its association with individual adaptability and perceived knowledge about COVID-19. A total of 423 private practice midwives, who were active practitioners during the pandemic, completed an online survey, comprising five …

Navigating College While Homeless: A Phenomenological Inquiry Of The Young Adult Experience, Bertha Fountain

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose: The study aimed to understand the perspectives of students in college who were homeless. The research question guiding this inquiry was: How do young adults describe their experience of being homeless while in college?

Method: Qualitative research using a phenomenological approach guided this descriptive inquiry. Interviews were held with 10 students from three CUNY Community Colleges and the data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Resilience theory helped to understand the barriers along with the strengths and adaptive responses of the students.

Results: Students experienced unstable and inadequate sleeping arrangements and food insecurity along with their academic responsibilities. Homelessness …

Factors Shaping Occupational Injustice Among Resettled Syrian Refugees In The United States, Wesam B. Darawsheh, Megan Bewernitz, Sawsan Tabbaa, Michael Justiss

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: There have been a limited number of studies that have focused on factors which shape the experiences of resettlement and occupational injustice among refugee populations.

Purpose: To explore the factors that shape the living difficulties of Syrian refugees who were lawfully admitted into the United States and ways whereby they might interfere with shaping occupational injustice.

Method: Mixed methodologies were incorporated. The living difficulty scale for refugees (LDSR) was disseminated. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and fieldnotes were collected as sources of qualitative data.

Results: 254 participants (mean age 36.2 ± 9.6 yrs; 159 females and 95 males) completed the …

Speech Act Patterns In American And Filipino Online Selling Advertisements, Jeramie B. Landicho

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Recognizing the speech act patterns used by American and Filipino online sellers provide us with information on how they structure their descriptions and promotions in the field of advertising. Pragmatically, this also gives an array of information about their cultural contexts to understand the marketing strategies of those who are in the inner and outer circles in Kachru’s model. This study used a self-collected corpus of 30 American and 30 Filipino online selling advertisements on Facebook Marketplace. These advertisements were analyzed using the speech act theory. A descriptive method of analysis was also conducted to determine emojis/emoticons, recurring punctuation marks, …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Meetings In A New Zealand And An Australian Work Environment Using Dell Hymes’ Ethnography Of Speaking Framework, Mildred A. Rojo-Laurilla

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Using Dell Hymes’ ethnography of speaking, this study explored the characteristics of meetings in one New Zealand medical corporate team environment and the characteristics of meetings in an Australian team environment within a not-for-profit sector. Utilizing the S-P-E-A-K-I-N-G Framework, similarities and differences were articulated through qualitative methods, and the analysis yielded four themes, including (a) degree of formality affecting the length of meetings, (b) adherence to roles and purpose of the meetings, (c) agenda, minutes versus “notes,” and (d) modes of interaction and communication. The study demonstrates the applicability of the Dell Hymes framework in the analysis of more current …

Lexical And Grammatical Features Of Memoranda Of Agreement (Moa) On Academic Partnerships, Marilu Rañosa Madrunio

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

In the past decades, internationalization has become a byword in many educational institutions. Higher education institutions are aware that a means by which they can offer good quality education is by engaging in partnerships with international institutions. International linkages established by academic institutions have a wider reach such that teaching and learning, research, community, and extension programs may have an international flavor. In forging partnerships, institutions would sign an agreement called the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which stipulates provisions expected from the parties involved. Employing the framework of Johnson and Coulthard (2010) on the linguistic features of legal documents, the …

Enhanced Antioxidant, Antiviral, And Anticancer Activities Of The Extract Of Fermented Egyptian Rice Bran Complexed With Hydroxypropyl-Β-Cyclodextrin, Khaled Nematallah, Sherif Ashraf Fahmy, Noha Khalil Mahdy, Hesham El-Askry, Meselhy Ragab Meselhy, Hassan El-Said Azzazy

Pharmacy

Egyptian rice bran was fermented with baker’s yeast, and released phenolics were extracted with aqueous methanol to give fermented rice bran extract (FRBE). The analysis of the FRBE with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry revealed 21 compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids. The FRBE was then complexed with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) via noncovalent host–guest inclusion complexation using the thin-film hydration technique to improve the hydrophilicity and bioactivity of the FRBE. The formation of the inclusion complex was confirmed using HPLC, 1H NMR, FT-IR, and a phase solubility study. In addition, the biological activities of the complex were investigated. The FRBE/HPβCD …

Harmonica Pedagogy For The Full Inclusion Instrumental Music Classroom, Expanding Opportunities For Students With Disabilities, George Wallace Miklas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The harmonica was once taught in American public schools coast to coast from the 1920s through the 1940s when imports of harmonicas were curtailed due to World War II's efforts. Since then, American public-school instrumental music curricula have long forgotten the only wind instrument that makes music when the student inhales or exhales. The harmonica provides a natural calming effect to the player and medical benefits, including being a tool for overcoming mental health issues and expressing needs and feelings without words. During the era when the harmonica was taught, pedagogy lacked uniformity. Consequently, confusion about the instrument's unique tuning …

Duodenal Metabolic Profile Changes In Heat-Stressed Broilers, Jalila S. Dridi, Elizabeth Greene, Craig W. Maynard, Giorgio Brugaletta, Alison Ramser, Courtney J. Christopher, Shawn R. Campagna, Hector F. Castro, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Heat stress (HS) is devastating to poultry production sustainability worldwide. In addition to its adverse effects on growth, welfare, meat quality, and mortality, HS alters the gut integrity, leading to dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully defined. Here, we used a high-throughput mass spectrometric metabolomics approach to probe the metabolite profile in the duodenum of modern broilers exposed to acute (AHS, 2 h) or chronic cyclic (CHS, 8 h/day for 2 weeks) HS in comparison with thermoneutral (TN) and pair-fed birds. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS) identified …

Feed Composition And Isolate Of Histomonas Meleagridis Alter Horizontal Transmission Of Histomonosis In Turkeys. Proof Of Concept, Thaina L. Barros, Christine N. Vuong, Juan D. Latorre, Roberto S. Cuesta, Elizabeth Mcgill, Samuel J. Rochell, Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, Billy Hargis

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Outbreaks of histomonosis in turkeys are typically initiated by the ingestion of contaminated embryonated eggs of Heterakis gallinarum, potentially present in earthworms and mechanical vectors. Once an outbreak is started, infected turkeys can transmit the disease by horizontal transmission. Factors influencing horizontal transmission of histomonosis are poorly understood. Replication of horizontal transmission in experimental conditions has not been consistent, presenting an obstacle in searching for alternatives to prevent or treat the disease. Two pilot experiments and three validation experiments were conducted in the present study. In pilot experiment 1, one isolate of Histomonas meleagridis (named Buford) was used. Turkeys …

Vaccines Using Clostridium Perfringens Sporulation Proteins Reduce Necrotic Enteritis In Chickens, Ying Fu, Mohit Bansal, Tahrir Jatli Alenezi, Ayidh Almansour, Hong Wang, Xiaolun Sun

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Clostridium perfringens is the prevalent enteric pathogen in humans and animals including chickens, and it remains largely elusive on the mechanism of C. perfringens-induced enteritis because of limited animal models available. In this study, we investigated the role of C. perfringens sporulation proteins as vaccine candidates in chickens to reduce necrotic enteritis (NE). C. perfringens soluble proteins of vegetative cells (CP-super1 and CP-super2) and spores (CP-spor-super1 and CP-spor-super2) were prepared, and cell and chicken experiments were conducted. We found that deoxycholic acid reduced C. perfringens invasion and sporulation using the Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens co-infection necrotic enteritis (NE) …

Developing And Implementing A Strategic Ministry Plan For Crosspoint Community Church In Huntington, West Virginia, Eddie C. Gandy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Various organizations use strategic planning to produce growth and promote organizational health. Crosspoint Community Church in Huntington, West Virginia, had never developed or implemented a strategic plan. This project seeks to develop and implement a strategic plan for Crosspoint Community Church to produce growth and promote ministry health. A team of twenty congregants participated in the project. Through six three-hour sessions, the team used storyboarding to create a mission statement and a vision statement and identify and define the foundational values framing the strategy. The team evaluated the church’s ministries, leadership structure, facilities, and finances to develop a strategy to …

Effectiveness Of Telemental Health Services In Rural Communities, Elizabeth Vebangsi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Telemental health has been recognized as a technique to improve access to care delivered to Rural communities and those willing to use telehealth services have increased tremendously since its introduction. Literature evaluates patients’ satisfaction with telemental health services and their acceptance to improve care delivery in rural communities. The literature review identified three major themes: improved care, increased use of telemental health services, and reduced cost and timesaving. Even though some studies uncovered issues from technology, poor connectivity, and delay in audio-visual transmission, the potential of mental health services continues to enhance care delivery to rural communities.

Integration Of Non-Traditional Students: Comparing Traditional And Non-Traditional Students' Sense Of Belong, Michelle Leeann Walbeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With an ever-increasing number of non-traditional students enrolling each year, the importance of ensuring their academic success falls primarily on the higher education institutions (HEIs). Each institution has its recipe for success and mostly consists of a student success office to assist when non-traditional students begin to show signs of markers for being at-risk. The reactive approach of waiting for students to show signs of struggle is missing the larger picture. The researcher utilized quantitative correlative and predictive correlative studies to determine if a direct correlation existed between non-traditional students’ perceived sense of belonging, which is at the core of …

A Strategy To Transition A Traditional African American Church To A Multicultural Church Where All People Are Welcome To Worship, Darold A. Ingram Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose for this action research thesis is to develop a strategy to transition the MHBC from a traditional African American church to a multicultural church. Looking at the temperature of our country, civil unrest has reached an all-time high. Our society has been separated by every aspect of life and this is not how God intended for us to live out our lives. While the battle amongst cultures thrives, the only thing that can change this climate is Christ, by way of His church. In the following pages you will be exposed to a strategic plan that will help …

Actions Of The Principal: Influences On Teacher Self-Efficacy And Motivation, Amanda Maslen Conner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Classroom teachers are a significant influence on student achievement. Numerous studies indicate that teacher motivation and self-efficacy influence their effectiveness in the classroom. Furthermore, studies indicate that the leadership behaviors of the principal can influence the school culture and have a direct impact on teacher motivation and self-efficacy. This study sought to determine if a relationship exists between certain behaviors of administrators and a teacher's self-efficacy and motivation. The study used a correlational design using The Teacher Motivation & Job Satisfaction Survey (TMJSS), The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), and the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). There were 72 high …

Biblical Literacy: An Expositional Christ-Centered Approach To Bible Study, Paula K. Offutt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research aimed to examine biblical literacy from an expositional Christ-centered approach to Bible study. Using a triangular curriculum design focusing on scriptural theology, Bible study methodology, and a transformative approach to Christ-centered learning, the action research results revealed that an expositional Christ-centered approach increases biblical literacy. The researcher garnered data by hosting four bi-weekly Bible study sessions employing pre-and-post assessments to capture participants' current and post-state of biblical literacy. The validity and reliability of the pre-and-post assessments were determined by a focus group that reviewed the measurement tools and provided feedback confirming the trustworthiness and dependability of the …

Health Care Provider Knowledge Of Human Trafficking, Bobbi Mccarthy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human trafficking is a global public health crisis catastrophically threatening the health and well-being of those trafficked. Limited studies measure health care providers’ confidence in their ability to recognize, treat, and refer those being trafficked. This integrative review synthesizes current knowledge on human trafficking and identifies gaps in research on educational interventions aimed at increasing provider knowledge and awareness as well as confidence in treating and referring those being trafficked. A systematic search of five databases identified peer-reviewed published papers between 2015 and 2021. The integrative review followed the framework of Toronto and Remington (2020), and the systemic search was …

Patient Falls In The Ed Setting: An Integrative Review, Cody Allen Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review was to search through the data available on the best practices for preventing accidental patient falls in the emergency room setting. Fall rates continue to be a major problem for many hospital systems across the world. Even when hospital systems put attention toward addressing this problem, many hospital systems continue to struggle with improving their falls rate in the emergency care areas. This integrative review aimed to identify the most effective interventions to decrease the accidental fall rates in the emergency care setting. Many interventions have been proposed to help reduce this occurrence, but …

Implementing And Sustaining A Lean Management System, Derek Albert Vandersteur

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Lean healthcare is a field of research that studies the use of effective goal setting and scientific thinking to drive improvements in the healthcare industry. Lean has been effectively applied in healthcare settings to improve efficiency, patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and safety. There have been, however, varying degrees of success achieved in healthcare organizations effectively implementing a lean management system. The problem addressed in this research is that many healthcare organizations in the United States that seek to improve quality and reduce costs by implementing a lean management system are unable to sustain the lean management system thereby missing out …

An Empirical Study Of The Relationship Between Organizational Commitment, Employee Voice Behavior, And Psychological Well-Being Among Employees Within Mid-Size Service, Katelin Barron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Employee Psychological Well-Being (PWB) is a pertinent factor that impacts organizational effectiveness. There remained ample evidence of the various antecedents that impacted employees’ PWB. One core concept of maintaining a relationship with PWB is an employee’s organizational commitment. However, little was known about how an employee can further promote their PWB through voice behavior. Noting the importance of PWB, it was pertinent that a particular stream of research addressed the gap and examined the extent to which the three types of employee organizational commitment (e.g., normative commitment, affective commitment, and continuance commitment) correlated with the two types of employee’s voice …

Child Protective Services Social Workers Health Outcomes: Results Of Working With Trauma Survivors, Decora Lachelle Bowers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study explored if and to what extent pre-existing health conditions, resilience and coping mechanisms moderated the relationship between job-related stress reactions and mental health outcomes in child protective services social workers. The most challenging clients are victims of trauma, and professionals who work with trauma survivors are at risk of experiencing job-related stress reactions which can be harmful to their overall health. Ann Masten’s variable-focused model of resilience theory guided this study, which involved ninety-six child protective services social workers, supervisors, managers, and directors in North Carolina. Data was collected through a survey which involved demographic questionnaire …

Sole Sourcing Reliance, John Sidney Stammreich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research case study investigated the increasing reliance on sole-sourced critical defense components within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain network. This reliance has resulted in increased risks of operational units not achieving the agency’s minimum operational readiness requirements as presented in the DoD Inspector General’s Top 10 management challenges for the fiscal year 2020. The general problem to be addressed was the increasing reliance on sole-sourcing within the supply chain networks of government agencies and business organizations that have contributed to heightened risks of operational readiness reduction and manufacturing production delays. The purpose of this qualitative …

Hiv Antiretroviral Medication Neuropenetrance And Neurocognitive Outcomes In Hiv+ Adults: A Review Of The Literature Examining The Central Nervous System Penetration Effectiveness Score, Alyssa Arentoft, Katie Troxell, Karen Alvarez, Maral Aghvinian, Monica Rivera Mindt, Mariana Cherner, Kathleen Van Dyk, Jill Razani, Michaela Roxas, Melissa Gavilanes

All Faculty Open Access Publications

This literature review summarizes the existing research examining the CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score and neurocognitive outcomes (i.e., neuropsychological assessment and neurocognitive screening) in HIV+ individuals. Despite the effectiveness of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy (CART) in reducing mortality and morbidity in HIV and controlling viral replication, HIV often persists in the Central Nervous System (CNS), and rates of neurocognitive impairment remain higher than predicted in the post-CART era. The CPE score was developed to rank antiretroviral regimens on their ability to penetrate the CNS and potency in inhibiting the virus, and it has been examined in relation to neurocognitive functioning for …

Low Academic Outcomes: A Result Of Food Insecurity And Student Mental Health During Covid19, Kristen Riley Cole

Honors Theses

Food insecurity has significantly increased throughout the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools switched to remote learning and children lost access to free school meals, affecting them psychologically and academically. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and low academic outcomes, accounting for student mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as parental involvement as a possible protective factor against mental health. The current study administered a survey through Amazon’s MTurk to reach a diverse group of participants across the United States. Data analysis from the study can conclude that food …