Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Interleukin 8(Ccl8) In Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Patients With Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis, Wed Abdul Hussein Mohammed, Israa Ketab Hussein Al-Yasiri, Raad Saad Al-Safar

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT), additionally known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases that involve inflammation of the thyroid gland. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), also referred to as CXCL8, is a chemokine which promotes inflammation. It is the most potent chemokine in attracting human neutrophils and plays an essential role in the response to inflammatory chemokines.

Objectives: The main goal of this study is to compare the levels of CXCL8 (IL-8) in Iraqi patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to a healthy control group.

Materials and Methods: This study uses venous blood from 90 individuals, divided into two …

Ensuring Safety And Optimization In Total Joint Arthroplasty Of Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Complication Risks And Modifiable Risk Factors, Tara Korbal, Robert Branstetter Iv, Matthew Cable, Deryk Jones, Lizheng Shi, Lauren Hall, Andrew Chapple

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is to determine whether an active cancer diagnosis results in an increased risk of perioperative TJA complications and postoperative mortality. The secondary objective is to analyze the effects of demographic factors on perioperative complication rates in cancer patients undergoing TJA. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patients with active cancer diagnoses undergoing total joint arthroplasty from 2014 to 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient data was obtained through ReachNet, which consisted of data from the University Medical Center, Tulane University Medical Center, Ochsner Health System, and Baylor Scott & White Health. ICD-9/10 …

The Gut Microbiome In Stevens-Johnson Syndrome And Sjögren's Disease: Correlations With Dry Eye, Luciana Frizon, Talita Trevizani Rocchetti, André Frizon, Rafael Jorge Alves De Alcântara, Cintia S De Paiva, José Álvaro Pereira Gomes

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Changes in gut microbial composition may influence mucosal immune responses and contribute to systemic autoimmune manifestations. In this pilot exploratory study, we investigated and compared the gut microbiome in patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), patients with Sjögren’s disease (SjD), and healthy controls, using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and assessed correlations with dry eye parameters. The study included 10 patients with SJS matched by age and sex to 10 healthy controls, and 10 patients with SjD matched to an additional set of 10 healthy controls. Dry eye parameters were employed to evaluate dry eye disease (DED). Microbiome profiles were determined using next-generation …

Integrated Genetic And Protein Mechanisms Underlying Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists In Treating Diabetes Mellitus And Weight Loss, Lucas Francis, Merlin G. Butler

Student Publications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists, such as semaglutide, are used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and promoting weight loss. This study investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying GLP1R activation using a novel in silico approach to identify effects on metabolism, glucose and insulin production, gastrointestinal motility, behavior, and satiety. This approach used three separate searchable web-based programs and databases (STRING, Pathway Commons, and BioGRID) to identify and analyze functional gene and protein interactions with mechanisms to query GLP1R and related metabolic and appetite regulatory networks with disease associations. We examined integrated gene–gene and protein–protein interactions, pathways, molecular functions, associated …

Homelessness Following Jail Exit Among Previously Housed Individuals, Emily E. Ager, Meghan M. Hewlett, Dallas Augustine, Eve Perry, Hemal K. Kanzaria, Kenneth Perez, Jacob Izenberg, Maria C. Raven

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Incarceration is a recognized risk factor for homelessness. However, most research focuses on the relationship between homelessness and prison incarceration. Jail incarceration is more common compared to prison incarceration, but little data exists on its impact on housing. The objective of this study is to examine the occurrence of housing loss after jail incarceration among individuals without prior evidence of homelessness and the associated risk of reincarceration. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we identified adults without evidence of homelessness who became unhoused within 6 months of jail incarceration. We compare pre-incarceration emergent and urgent health and social services utilization among …

Climate Change Has Increased Global Evaporative Demand Except In South Asia, Saeed Karimzadeh, Arman Ahmadi, Dennis Baldocchi, Joshua B. Fisher

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Climate change alters how strongly the atmosphere draws water from the land, yet a consistent global assessment of this evaporative demand has been lacking. Here, we analyze 45 years of climate data and global models to quantify trends in the key drivers—air temperature, humidity, radiation, wind speed, and cloud cover—that determine the atmosphere’s drying power. We find that evaporative demand has increased worldwide, indicating a stronger atmospheric thirst, except in South Asia, where it has declined. There, widespread irrigation has increased soil and air moisture, enhanced cloud formation, and reduced sunlight reaching the surface, counteracting the global signal. These contrasting …

Working With The Irs: The New Exempt Organizations Program In Audit, Donald W. Bacon

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Working With The Irs: The New Exempt Organizations Program In Audit, Donald W. Bacon

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Does Employees’ Meaningfulness Of Work Mediate The Link Between Their Cognitive Diversity And Creative Process Engagement?, Mohammad Tamzid Hossain, Sabrin Sultana, Salma Begum, Md. Sahidur Rahman, Md. Aftab Uddin

Management Dynamics

This study aims to investigate how employees' cognitive diversity affects their creative process engagement, with a focus on the role of their meaningfulness of work as a mediator in this connection. A survey was used with a quantitative method to collect responses from 207 employees of small, medium, and large service and manufacturing businesses in Bangladesh that were registered with the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The collected data were then analyzed using Smart PLS 4 to evaluate the hypotheses and examine the mediating effect of the study. The findings reveal that employees’ cognitive diversity has a significant impact …

Accountability And Enforcement Aspects Of The Eu General Data Protection Regulation – Methodology For The Creation Of An Effective Compliance Framework And A Review Of Recent Case Law, Paolo Balboni, Martim Taborda Barata, Anastasia Botsi, Kate Francis

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has been applicable within the EU/EEA since 18 May 2018, has brought about reinforced rules on personal data protection which have dramatically shifted the paradigm for all organisations bound by them. This includes not just those which actively handle personal data as a core part of their business model, but also those which are required to handle personal data (on employees, customers or suppliers, for example) as part of their day-to-day activities – in other words, all organisations falling under the GDPR’s scope. By holding organisations responsibile for their own compliance, and requiring …

The Weight Of Secrets: Assessing The Regulatory Burden For Informational Privacy In India, Lalit Panda

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

Given the galloping pace at which information technology continues to develop and penetrate our lives, it is inevitable that the aspirations of data protection will sometimes appear like hollow promises that the law cannot keep. This makes it essential to study the precise regulatory conditions that can allow for the effective enforcement of legal protections for informational privacy. This Article provides a holistic account of the likely breadth and regulatory burden of an effective data protection regime and attempts to flesh out various regulatory tools that can go into the design of a Data Protection Authority for India so as …

Web 2.0 And The Concept Of ‘Data Controller’: Recent Developments In Eu Data Protection Law, Maria Berger, David Eisendle

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

In order to operationalise the fundamental right to privacy, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, the Indian government has recently introduced a draft data protection legislation. The present draft is inspired — to a considerable extent — by the EU’s GDPR and defines numerous key notions in largely identical terms. In view of these similarities, this paper seeks to examine the recent developments in the EU regarding the concept of ‘data controller’ and its application to what may be termed as a ‘Web 2.0 setting’. The paper commences with a review of the obligations …

Burnout Assessment Tool Development And Validation For Healthcare Workers: A Psychometric Approach Using Rasch Modelling And Exploratory Factor Analysis, Rosnah Ismail, Suriya Kumareswaran Vallasamy

Kesmas

Burnout remains a significant occupational threat to healthcare workers (HCWs). Existing instruments, e.g., the Maslach Burnout Inventory, have limited applicability in healthcare-specific contexts. This study aimed to develop and validate the Burnout Scale for Assessing Stress in Healthcare Workers (BSAS-HCW), designed to measure cognitive and emotional exhaustion. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 Malaysian HCWs representing diverse roles, including staff nurses (57.7%), house officers (14.3%), medical officers (13.5%), specialists (5.7%), pharmacists (4.5%), and other HCWs. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: cognitive = 0.95; emotional = 0.97), and all items loaded above …

Analysis Of Public Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices In Food And Drug Selection In Indonesia, Tina Wikara, Sri Astuti, Sri Nurhayati, Rotua Uli Carolina, Evi Ratna Sari

Kesmas

As consumers, the public plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and appropriate use of products. This study aimed to assess awareness of food and drug safety and quality among the Indonesian population. Using a cross-sectional survey, the authors measured public awareness across three key dimensions: knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were collected from 20,610 respondents aged 17–65 years from 34 provinces in Indonesia. The survey approach employed a three-stage stratified sampling design. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews, and the results were presented as an index ranging from 0 to 100 (low to high awareness). The respondents …

Post-Release Health Insurance Utilization Among Ex-Prisoners: A Scoping Review, Icha Khaerunnisa, Megah Andriany, Luky Dwiantoro

Kesmas

The lack of health insurance coverage after prison release significantly reduces access to essential healthcare services, hindering the continuity of care during community reintegration. The evidence on studies of health insurance use following prison release is limited. This scoping review aimed to summarize research on health insurance utilization after release from prison. Literature searches were conducted across databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. Relevant articles were selected through a two-stage screening process. Data were extracted from the included studies and presented in tabular and descriptive formats. The keywords used were "health insurance AND post-release" and "inmates OR prisoners." This scoping …

Protrack3d: A Comprehensive Tool For Segmentation And Tracking Of Proteins With Split And Fusion, Ramu Gautam, Yang Jiao, Yasong Pang, Mo Weng, Mei Yang

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Background: Quantitatively tracking subcellular protein puncta over time is critical for understanding protein functions and related cellular processes, as many proteins assemble into discrete protein puncta when performing functions. Monitoring these protein puncta over an extended period enables the quantitation of their dynamic behaviors, such as repositioning, remodeling, and inter-object interactions such as fusion and split. These characteristics are essential for deciphering the underlying regulatory mechanisms of protein function. However, tracking protein puncta is challenging due to these clusters undergoing rapid and complex temporal changes.

Results: To address these challenges, a comprehensive tool ‘ProTrack3D’ is developed. It implements a multi-stage …

State Of California Cannabis Reporting, University Of Mississippi – National Center For Cannabis Research And Education

California

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impact Of Cultural Competence Training For Providers Serving Native Americans, Chinazo Obi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The United States is a culturally diverse nation, yet many healthcare providers report challenges in delivering care that respects cultural values and traditions. Within mental health settings, this gap is especially concerning for Native American populations, who experience disproportionately high rates of mental health conditions and face barriers to culturally responsive care. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess the impact of a cultural competence education and training intervention on mental health providers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in delivering culturally competent care to Native American patients. Guided by Leininger’s Culture Care Theory of Diversity and Universality and the …

Impact Of Common Variants On Brain Gene Expression From Rna To Protein To Schizophrenia Risk, Qiuman Liang, Yi Jiang, Annie W Shieh, Dan Zhou, Rui Chen, Feiran Wang, Meng Xu, Mingming Niu, Xusheng Wang, Dalila Pinto, Yue Wang, Lijun Cheng, Ramu Vadukapuram, Chunling Zhang, Kay Grennan, Gina Giase, Kevin P White, Junmin Peng, Bingshan Li, Chunyu Liu, Chao Chen, Sidney H Wang

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Genetic variants influencing gene expression have been extensively studied at the transcriptional level. How these variants affect downstream processes remains unclear. We quantitated ribosome occupancy in prefrontal cortex samples from the BrainGVEX cohort and integrated these data with transcriptomic and proteomic profiles from the same individuals. Through cis-QTL mapping, we identified genetic variants associated with transcript level (eQTLs), ribosome occupancy (rQTLs), and protein level (pQTLs). Notably, only 34% of eQTLs have their effects propagated to the protein levels, suggesting widespread post-transcriptional attenuation. Using both a gene-based approach and a variant-based approach we identified omics-specific QTLs that associated with brain disorder …

Workplace Policy And Associated Factors Of Minimum Acceptable Diet Practices: An Online Survey Among Working Mothers In Indonesia, Fadhila Iswi Deandra, Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Muchtaruddin Mansyur

Kesmas

Working mothers in Indonesia may influence complementary feeding practices, particularly their ability to ensure that their infants properly meet the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed through various online platforms where participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic factors, workplace policies, and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 394 working mothers participated, of which over 90% of the respondents reported meeting minimum dietary diversity, minimum milk frequency, minimum milk feeding frequency, and MAD indicators as assessed with a standardized …

General Practitioners' Perspectives On Identifying Early Symptoms For Breast Cancer Detection In The Primary Care Facilities: A Case Study, Bob Andinata

Kesmas

In primary care settings, general practitioners (GPs) frequently face challenges in identifying the early symptoms of breast cancer. This study aimed to explore, in depth, the perspectives of GPs regarding the identification and interpretation of early-stage breast cancer symptoms during the early detection process in primary care facilities. This study used a qualitative approach based on a case study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with GPs at primary health care and private clinics in Depok City, Indonesia, complemented by observations and documentation. The data was analyzed using the Miles and Huberman method. The questionnaire assessment and focus group discussion …

Challenges And Policies For Female Sex Workers’ Readiness To Participate In Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program: An Explorative Qualitative Study, Rico Januar Sitorus, Anita Rahmiwati, Diana Dewi Sartika, Elvi Sunarsih, Asri Maharani

Kesmas

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus is high among female sex workers (FSWs) in Indonesia, underscoring the need for integrated prevention strategies supported by strong government policies. This study aimed to investigate FSWs' willingness to participate in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 20 participants residing in Pangkal Pinang City, Indonesia (4 stakeholders and 16 FSWs), recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected from July to September 2024. This non-probability sampling method was adopted due to the focus on specific study objectives and a targeted population. The analysis of the interviews revealed three theme …

Risk Assessment Of Salmonella Spp. Exposure Among Chicken Farm Workers In Phatthalung Province, Southern Thailand, Nutthajit Onmek, Nongyao Mueangdee

Kesmas

This study examined the risk of Salmonella spp. exposure among chicken farm workers by evaluating occupational health management practices. The probability of exposure was determined by assessing the number of contamination points. Sampling for Salmonella spp. contamination was conducted at 7 and 45 days of chicken batches across five areas, alongside evaluation of worker behaviors to assess exposure risk. Three of the 12 large closed-system farms, each housing >10,000 chickens, were selected. Results indicated that boots were the most contaminated items. Workers generally adhered to habitual boot-wearing, which reduced the risk of exposure. Moderate levels of workers' exposure prevention practices, …

Improving Glycemic Control Among Indonesian Urban Adults: A Digital And Behavioral Extension Of The Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model, Imelda Appulembang

Kesmas

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia continues to face challenges due to behavioral, informational, and technological gaps among patients. This study analyzed the influence of self-regulatory competence and information, motivation, family support, and digital health literacy on glycemic control behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to April 2025 among 587 adults aged >30 years with T2DM enrolled in the Chronic Disease Management Program at primary health care in six major cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, and Banjarmasin. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings …

Emission Characterization And Health Risk Assessment Of Volatile Organic Compounds From Automotive Painting In Thailand, Vanitchaya Kultan, Sarawut Thepanondh, Jutarat Keawboonchu, Nattaporn Pinthong, Wissawa Malakan

Kesmas

The automotive industry is a significant source of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, particularly from solvent-based painting processes. This study evaluated VOC characteristics and distribution to assess associated health risks for workers and communities at varying distances from automotive painting facilities in Thailand, focusing on stacks and wastewater treatment plants that handle solvent-containing wastewater. The findings revealed aromatic compounds were predominant (66% of the total emissions), followed by oxygenated VOCs (26%). The stacks mainly emitted aromatics such as toluene and ethylbenzene, whereas the wastewater released oxygenated VOCs, particularly methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl ethyl ketone. The exposure concentrations in each …

Participatory Implementation Science To Enhance Knowledge And Build The Capacity To Increase The Uptake And Sustainability Of Hpv Vaccination Among Girls In Nigeria, Peter Kalulu, Olufunto A Olusanya, Nkiruka Obodoechina, Maria A Afadapa, Temitope Ojo, Priscilla A Kabutey, Caven N Ngoe, Ashley Bardon, Juliet Iwelunmor, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but its uptake remains low, especially in Nigeria. Understanding participatory approaches can help identify local strategies to increase, build capacity for, and sustain vaccine uptake. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovation bootcamp in enhancing the knowledge and skills of youth implementers about HPV and cervical cancer as a strategy to increase vaccine uptake among Nigerian girls aged 9-14 years. An innovation bootcamp is an intensive training program that engages end users to build capacity and skills.

METHODS: This was a five-week hybrid bootcamp guided …

Development Of Intestinal Tissue-Resident T Cells In Early-Life Mice Before And After Weaning, Catherine Montenegro, Siyuan Ding, Federico Perdomo-Celis, Manuel A Franco

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Intestinal tissue-resident T cells have been poorly characterized during early-life. Here, we phenotypically characterized tissue-resident (intravascular staining negative) CD4

Structure Of An Lgr Dimer, An Evolutionary Predecessor Of Glycoprotein Hormone Receptors, Zhen Gong, Shuobing Chen, Ziao Fu, Brian Kloss, Chi Wang, Jonathan Kim, Oliver B Clarke, Qing R Fan, Wayne A Hendrickson

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Glycoprotein hormones (GpHs) produced in the human pituitary act through receptors (GpHRs) in the gonads to support reproduction and in the thyroid for metabolism. GpHs are heterodimeric cystine-knot proteins; their receptors bind cognate hormones at an extracellular domain and signal through a transmembrane domain to heterotrimeric G proteins. GpHs and GpHRs have co-evolved from invertebrate counterparts. Structures of the human receptors as isolated for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) are all monomeric despite compelling evidence for their functioning as dimers. Here we characterize the homologous receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans. Its biochemical properties are notably similar to those of the thyroid stimulating …

The Intersection Of Near-Death Experiences (Ndes) And Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Neurobiological, Phenomenological, And Creative Implications, Diego Iacono, Gloria C Feltis

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and near-death experiences (NDEs) represent profound disruptions in brain function, often associated with dramatic changes in consciousness, self-perception, and behavior. While these events are typically studied for their pathological consequences, a growing body of evidence suggests they may also trigger unexpected cognitive and creative enhancements in a subset of individuals. We explore the intersection between TBI, NDEs, and the emergence of heightened artistic expression, integrating findings from neuroanatomy, neuropathology, genetics, and phenomenology. We examine how alterations in key brain networks - such as the default mode network, frontoparietal circuits, and limbic regions - may underpin shifts …

Retrieval Augmented Framework For Deepfake Audio Detection, Avinash Saxena

Master's Theses

The widespread use of AI-based audio deepfakes threatens severely to undermine media integrity and public trust. Speech synthesis techniques have improved dramatically in voice conversion (VC) and text-to-speech (TTS) in recent years, making forgeries sound highly realistic, and concerns are raised about possible malevolent uses. Existing state-of-the-art techniques for identifying fake speech have proven to be effective in some cases but are still limited in application and robustness when faced with novel attacking strategies, different acoustic conditions, or alternative linguistic domains. To address some of these limitations, the current research presents a novel deepfake audio detection system based on personalized …