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Wendy Kooken, Wendy Kooken, Nathalie Romero '25, Posse Legacy Project, Illinois Wesleyan University

All oral histories

Interview of Wendy Kooken, PhD, RN on July 3, 2025. Wendy Kooken, PhD, RN, Posse 4 and Posse 7 mentor and Associate Professor of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Novobiocin Analogues As Potential Inhibitors Of Polymerase Theta Polθ In Dna Damage And Repair, Mohammed Essam Albuhluli

Theses and Dissertations

Killing tumors while leaving normal cells unharmed is the goal of precision cancer therapy, a challenging feat that is enabled by targeting tumor-specific vulnerabilities [1]. Targeting Polθ potentiates PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in specifically killing homology-directed repair (HDR)-deficient tumor cells and re-sensitize PARPi resistant tumor cells [1]. The induced essentiality between Polθ and HDR-deficiency underscores the value of Polθ as a therapeutic target in the context of tumors with HDR genetic mutations [1]. The helicase-like domain (HLD) is a super family 2 (SF2)-type domain with DNA-dependent ATPase activity [1]. We previously discovered that the antibiotic NVB acts as an inhibitor of …

The Impact Of Operative Level On Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Decompression For Disc Herniation, Jonathan Dalton, Robert Oris, Omar Tarawneh, Gregory Toci, Rajkishen Narayanan, Dominic Finan, Hannah Bash, Marco Goldberg, John Mangan, Barrett Woods, Mark Kurd, Ian Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Gregory Schroeder, Christopher Kepler

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of upper versus lower lumbar decompression on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing L1-L2, L2-L3, L4-L5, or L5-S1 single-level elective decompression with 1-year PROMs were identified. Included PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg, and Short Form-12 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were calculated. Multivariable regressions assessed the independent predictive ability of operative level controlling for demographic confounders.

RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-six patients were included (94 upper lumbar decompressions). Upper lumbar decompression patients were older (64.0 vs. …

A Comparison Of Different Posterior Arthrodesis Techniques Versus Anterior Dens Screw For Odontoid Fractures: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pavlos Texakalidis, Stavros Matsoukas, Michael Cloney, Mykhaylo Krushelnytskyy, Kevin Swong, Najib El Tecle, Tyler Koski, Nader Dahdaleh

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Odontoid fractures are often managed surgically. The most common approaches are anterior dens screw (ADS) and posterior arthrodesis (PA), with the latter being associated with significantly higher fusion rates. PA techniques can include wiring, C1-C2 transarticular (TA) screws, and C1 lateral mass (LM)-C2 pars/pedicle screws. Most comparative studies group multiple PA techniques together when comparing PA versus ADS. Our objective was to systematically review the literature and identify studies that separately provide fusion rates of each different posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis (PA) technique utilized compared to ADS.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred …

A Systematic Review Of Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (Rest), Elnaz Lashgari, Emma Chen, Jackson Gregory, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) is a therapeutic technique that involves immersing an individual in an environment with minimal sensory input or stimulation. The goal of REST is to induce a state of relaxation that is deeper than what can be achieved through other forms of relaxation techniques. Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function. Flotation-REST is a popular type of REST that utilizes an enclosed tank filled with buoyant saltwater to facilitate relaxation. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence on studies that investigate the effects …

Intersectionality Gaps Among Multiple Social Determinants In U.S. Infant And Maternal Mortality Rates, Mary D. Kirkley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to examine whether social determinants interactively influence U.S. maternal and infant mortality rates. Grounded in the Social Ecological Model, this study analyzed secondary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Vital Statistics System were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The final sample included 110,402 maternal deaths and 55,839 infant deaths, with inclusion criteria requiring complete data on race, education, age, marital status, gender (for infants), residency, and year of death. Exclusion criteria included non-U.S. resident deaths or missing demographic data. Results revealed statistically significant interaction effects: race/ethnicity with education …

Strategies For Reducing Employee Turnover In Long-Term Care, Eleanor Denise Gaines

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High employee turnover in long-term care (LTC) facilities contributes to diminished care quality, low staff morale, and increased operational costs. LTC organizational leaders must address high turnover because it disrupts continuity of care, undermines team cohesion, and increases the burden of recruiting and training new staff. This qualitative multiple case study explored strategies used by human resource managers (HRMs) to improve staff retention and morale in LTC settings, motivated by the need to prevent workforce deterioration, enhance competitive advantage, and increase organizational profitability. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of the study was to identify evidence-based practices that effectively …

The Role Of Cultural Humility In Enhancing Successful Intercultural Relationships, Felix Enyan

Research Papers

In the 21^st century, it is easy to locate a large group of population in U.S America. For society to thrive, a good intercultural relationship is a fundamental building block for societal advancement. However, individuals inherit cultural biases that discourages healthy intercultural relationships. Concepts like cultural humility aid in addressing the status quo. Cultural humility encourages lifelong learning and self-criticism of one’s view thereby acknowledging inherent bias. To remedy the status quo, cultural humility is introduced to intercultural communicators and individuals engaging in intercultural relationships.

Transcriptomic And Histological Characteristics Of Innate Immune Activation In Brain Parenchyma In A Rat Model Of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Miriam Zamorano, Sanjna Udtha, Aidan M Collier, Erica Underwood, Razan El Sayed, Ankit Agarwal, Devin S Hatchell, Chunfeng Tan, Paul J Nietert, Scott D Olson, Brandon A Miller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) remains a major complication in preterm infants with lifelong sequelae. There is no effective treatment for IVH other than supportive care and surgery for post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. We previously reported that the innate neuroimmune response in an animal model of IVH was dependent on developmental stage, only occurring in older animals.

Methods: This study utilized a lysed-blood injection model of IVH in rats. This model specifically captures the effects of blood products released by IVH on brain parenchyma. We performed RNAseq and differential gene expression analysis on CD11b/c-positive cells in the brain (microglia/macrophages) to define gene expression …

Parkinson Disease Signaling Pathways, Molecular Mechanisms, And Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Comprehensive Review, Muhammad S Khan, Somayyeh Nasiripour, Jean C Bopassa

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide; treating this disease remains quite challenging. Environmental and genetic factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of PD. α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, mitochondrial failure, neuroinflammation, and gut dysbiosis are among the known risk factors of PD. The pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease is complicated by the interconnections between these molecular pathways, which also present significant obstacles to treatment development. However, due to its complex mechanism and long latency, PD is difficult to diagnose and detect, which presents a barrier to treatment. In addition, the need to develop …

Direct Inhibition Of Ras Reveals The Features Of Oncogenic Signaling Driven By Ras G12 And Q61 Mutations, Michelangelo Marasco, Dinesh Kumar, Santiago Garcia Borrego, Tessa Seale, Giulia Maddalena, Riccardo Mezzadra, Kylie Belanger, Soren Cole, Brayan Perez, Wei Luan, Radha Mukherjee, Ilinca Aricescu, Vladimir Markov, Yuxin Zhu, Sabrina Arena, Alberto Bardelli, Elisa De Stanchina, Scott W Lowe, Richard A Burkhart, Jacquelyn W Zimmerman, Rona Yaeger, Scott E Kopetz, Neal Rosen, Sandra Misale

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

RAS genes are frequently mutated in cancer, often at codons 12 and 61. With the recent introduction of RAS inhibitors, we can now directly investigate the effects of specific RAS mutations in cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that in tumors with RASG12X mutations, mutant RAS can be activated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), and PI3K activation is dependent on mutant RAS. Conversely, RASQ61X mutations activate the MAPK cascade independently of RTKs, and inhibition of RASQ61X impairs MAPK pathway activation but leaves the PI3K pathway unaffected. Our characterization of these distinct features of G12X and Q61X mutations suggests that …

Ptpn11 Mutations Define A Rare But Highly Adverse Subset Of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Alexandre Bazinet, Alex Bataller, Guillermo Montalban-Bravo, Kelly Chien, Koji Sasaki, Wei Ying Jen, Mahesh Swaminathan, Tapan Kadia, Courtney Dinardo, Farhad Ravandi, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Hagop Kantarjian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Uplc-Ms/Ms Pre-Column Derivatization On Ergosterol Content In Edible Fungi, Zhang Xinyue, Chen Hangjun, Niu Ben, Shentu Xuping, Yang Hailong, Yin Ming, Gao Haiyan, Mu Honglei

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To improve the responsiveness of ergosterol in electrospray ionization mode and to investigate the ergosterol derivatization through dansylation.［Methods］ With dansyl chloride as the derivatizing agent and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP ) as the catalyst,this paper carries out a response surface test to optimize derivatization conditions.The samples are separated on a C18 column utilizing isocratic elution with a 0.15% formic acid -methanol solution as the mobile phase.Multiple reaction monitoring is performed using an ESI source.The ergosterol content in 10 edible fungi is assessed.［Results］］ The optimal derivatization conditions are the reaction temperature of 36 ℃,the reaction time of 25 min,and the DMAP mass …

Metabolic Engineering Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae For De Novo Biosynthesis Of Naringin From D-Xylose, Zhao Yifei, Li Gaoyang, Huang Luhong, Liu Juan, Xiao Zhiqiang

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To explore the biosynthesis method of naringin,a bioactive compound in citrus.［Methods］ Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for naringenin biosynthesis are constructed through enzyme screening,multi -copy integration,and precursor supply.Subsequently,de novo biosynthesis of naringin from D-xylose is achieved by introducing the naringin biosynthetic pathway and optimizing UDP -glucose supply.［Results］］ The optimal flavonoid synthase is identified as PhCHS by screening the key enzymes of the naringenin pathway.The naringenin biosynthesis pathway is further integrated at multi -copy sites.The constructed strain Z39M2 can synthesize 36.53 mg/L naringenin.The overexpression of CAT 2,xPK-PTA pathway,and ACC 1m optimizes malonyl -CoA supply and constructs strain Z 44,with a naringenin …

Analysis Of Food Additives And Contaminant Residues In Yueyang Pickled Vegetables And Recommendations For Quality Control Measures, Li Ge, Yu Linyu, Zhang Lumiao, Li Huimin, Zhu Li, Zhou Hu

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To analyze the detection of food additives and contaminants in Yueyang pickled vegetable products and propose quality control measures.［Methods］ In 2024,a survey was conducted to test food additives and contaminants in pickled vegetable products from 10 districts in Yueyang.A total of 5 712 batches of pickled vegetables were sampled.Specifically,10 batches are found to be non -compliant,resulting in a non -compliance rate of 0.18%,indicating overall good quality.Regarding food additives,10 types are detected in the products,with detection rates ranging from 0% to 73.49% and an excess rate from 0% to 1.86%.The most commonly misused additive is the colorant lemon yellow,which had …

A Microfluidic Paper-Based Device For Rapid Detection Of Five Metal Ions, Chen Ranbing, Liu Yi, Luo Xiao, Li Conglei, Zhang Shuren, Chen Ming

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To design a microfluidic paper -based device and explore its qualitative detection capabilities for mercury,lead,aluminum,iron,and copper ions,as well as its detection capabilities in actual samples.［Methods］ This study constructs a microfluidic paper -based device by combining five complexing reagents [ammonium aurintricarboxylate (ATA ),dithizone (DZ),diphenylcarbazide (DPC ),sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC ),and eriochrome black T (EBT )] with masking agents.The reaction is tracked based on the Euclidean distance (ED) before and after the reaction.［Results］］ The target metal ions can cause obvious color changes in the paper -based device within a rapid response time of 10 s.Even in the presence of other common metal …

Particle Grinding Simulation And Parameter Optimization Of Disc Mill Based On Discrete Element, Wu Lan, Yu Shaobo

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects of different operating parameters on the grinding performance of a disk mill when processing different materials,and to optimize its working parameters.［Methods］ The grinding process of the disk mill was simulated using Rocky DEM discrete element software.Variables included feeding speed,grinding disc spacing,rotational speed of the dynamic disc,and material type.The effects of these factors on powder yield,energy consumption,and grinding time were analyzed.An orthogonal experimental design and matrix analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the simulation results.［Results］］ The optimal parameter combinations for different feed materials in the disk milling process were determined as follows.For wheat:grinding disc spacing of …

Characterization Of Postprandial Blood Glucose Fluctuations Following Consumption Of Slow-Release Carbohydrate Staple Foods By Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Li Kai, Wang Shilong, Zhu Ling, Yin Zhuoming, Wang Lei, Liu Dongbo

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects and characteristics of the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS ) on postprandial blood glucose fluctuations following the consumption of slow -release carbohydrate staple foods.［Methods］ This study enrolls eight healthy adult participants for 15-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM ) and collects postprandial venous blood samples to observe blood glucose fluctuations.During the trial,participants consume control food (glucose solution ) in the morning on days 2 and 14 after 引用格式：李凯，王世龙，朱令，等.基于动态血糖监测技术的糖缓释主食餐后血糖波动特性研究 ［J］.食品与机械，2025，41（6）：144-149.C itation:LI Kai,WANG Shilong,ZHU Ling,et al.Characterization of postprandial blood glucose fluctuations following consumption of slow-release carbohydrate staple foods by continuous glucose monitoring [J].Food & Machinery,2025,41(6):144-149.|fasting and slow -release …

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Xanthoceras Sorbifolium Oil-Promoted Vascular Regeneration In Zebrafish, Chen Haiyan, Jia Ailing, Liu Jiying, Wang Chao, Qiu Zhidong

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolium oil (XSO ) in promoting vascular regeneration in zebrafish and its mechanisms,and to provide a basis for medicine development in cardiovascular repair.［Methods］ A PTK 787-induced vascular defect model is built in zebrafish.XSO is administered at concentrations of 0,25,50,75,and 100 μg/mL.The regeneration of intersegmental vessels (ISV) and subintestinal vessels (SIV) is analyzed via fluorescence microscopy.Oxidative stress markers (SOD,MDA,CAT ) and Apela protein expression levels are detected.Additionally,DHI (Danhong Injection ) is set as a positive control.［Results］］ The 75 μg/mL XSO group shows optimal efficacy in vascular regeneration promotion:ISV length recovers to 87.6% of the …

Optimization Of Fermentation Process Of Anoectochilus Roxburghii (Wall . ) Lindl By Lactobacillus Plantarum And Antioxidant Activity Of Fermentation Broth, Wang Qiongjun, Lin Zeyan, Lin Yanyan, Zhang Qian, Lin Yihua, Fu Dahua

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To analyze the fermentation process and antioxidant activity of Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl using Lactobacillus plantarum 191046.［Methods］ A.roxburghii was used as the raw material,and L.plantarum 191046 was used as the fermentation strain.The polysaccharide content of A.roxburghii was used as the evaluation index.The fermentation process was optimized by single -factor experiments combined with response surface methodology,and its in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed.［Results］］ The optimal fermentation conditions for A.roxburghii were as follows:L.plantarum inoculum of 4.50 g/L,fermentation time of 17 h,and fermentation temperature of 36 ℃.Under these conditions,the polysaccharide content of the fermentation liquid was (24.84±0.05) mg/mL.The total antioxidant capacity was …

Effect Of White Kidney Bean Extract On The Quality Of Set Yogurt, Wang Zihan, Li Yuexing, Cai Yongjian, Wang Jianhui

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effect of white kidney bean extract (WBE ) on the physicochemical properties and flavor of set yogurt.［Methods］ The pH value,acidity,water -holding capacity,texture properties,and volatile flavor characteristics of set yogurt are analyzed using a pH meter,titrimetric method,centrifugation and weighing method,texture analyzer,and electronic nose,respectively.［Results］］ WBE significantly promotes yogurt fermentation (P<0.05),with water -holding capacity,hardness,and content of benzene volatile flavor compounds all superior to the control group.Adding 0.9% WBE increases the water -holding capacity of yogurt by 13.11%,and the hardness and viscosity by 9.46% and 13.19%,respectively.Besides,the addition of WBE reduces the content of hydrides and nitrogen oxides in volatile flavor compounds of yogurt,while increasing the content of long -chain alkanes in volatile flavor compounds.According to correlation heat maps,the addition of 0.9% WBE is positively correlated with the water -holding capacity,content of long -chain alkanes,hardness,viscosity,absolute value of adhesiveness,and absolute value of cohesiveness of yogurt,indicating that it can synergistically optimize the texture and flavor of yogurt,and enhance the overall quality.［Conclusion］ Adding 0.9% WBE helps yogurt fermentation and significantly improves the texture and flavor characteristics of set yogurt.

Effect Of Oil Extraction Process On The Flavor Of Idesia Polycarpa Oil, Hu Bokai, Shui Huixia, Geng Yangyang, Zhang Dongya, Yang Xiaohong

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ This study aimed to investigate the influence of different oil extraction methods on the volatile flavor compounds of Idesia polycarpa oil.［Methods］ The volatile flavor compounds of Idesia polycarpa oil extracted by screw pressing,hydraulic pressing,water extraction,and petroleum ether extraction methods were analyzed using headspace -solid phase microextraction -gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (HS-SPME -GC-MS).The main volatile aroma compounds were determined based on their relative odor activity values (ROAV ).［Results］］ A total of 8 classes and 114 volatile flavor compounds were detected in Idesia polycarpa oil,with 12 common compounds comprising 9.92% to 24.21% of the total content,and specific compounds accounting for 7.5% …

Research Progress Of 3d Printing Technology In Health Food Processing, Wang Guoxia, Li Chunge, Wu Si, Li Mengdan, Song Zongyu

Food and Machinery

As a new food processing technology controlled by digitization,three -dimensional printing technology is featured with diverse shapes,material saving,and balanced nutrition.In modern food processing,more and more consumers have begun to pay attention to healthy food,which can not only alleviate the food shortage but also supplement certain nutrition.Therefore,the combination of 3D printing technology and these substances will become an important direction for the future development of modern food.Based on the discussion over equipment types commonly used in the process of 3D food printing,the current situation of the processing and application of 3D printing technology in health food is summarized.Approaches to improve the …

Research Progress On Active Components In Fruits Of Panax Plants And Its Processing And Utilization, Kong Linghui, Chen Haining, Wang Yingxiu, Jiang Mengmeng, Li Xiangguo, Han Lianhua

Food and Machinery

The fruits of Panax species can serve as raw materials for functional foods and as resources for drug development.Their extracts have achieved preliminary translational applications in the fields of health food and medicine,demonstrating market potential.This article selects five Panax species commonly used in clinical practice,including P.ginseng C.A.Mey.,P.quinquefolium L.,P.notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen,P.japonicus C.A.Mey.,and P.japonicus C.A.Mey.var.major (Burk.) C.Y.Wu et K.M.Feng,and systematically elaborates on the research progress regarding the bioactive components,medicinal value,and current status of development and utilization of their fruits.

Restoring P53 Wild-Type Conformation In Tp53-Y220c-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Bing Z Carter, Po Yee Mak, Edward Ayoub, Xiaogang Wu, Baozhen Ke, Yuki Nishida, Andrew Futreal, Lauren B Ostermann, Andrea D Bedoy, Steffen Boettcher, Courtney D Dinardo, Anna Puzio-Kuter, Masha V Poyurovsky, Arnold J Levine, Michael Andreeff

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

TP53-Y220C is a recurrent hotspot mutation in cancers and leukemias. It is observed predominantly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndromes among hematological malignancies and is associated with poor outcome. The mutation creates a structural pocket in the p53 protein. PC14586 (rezatapopt) is a small molecule designed to bind to this pocket and thus restore a p53-wild type (p53-WT) conformation. We demonstrate that PC14586 converts p53-Y220C into a p53-WT conformation and activates p53 transcriptional targets, but surprisingly induces limited/no apoptosis in TP53-Y220C AML. Mechanistically, MDM2 induced by PC14586-activated conformational p53-WT and the nuclear exporter XPO1 reduce the transcriptional activities of p53, …

Amino Acid Transporter Lat1 (Slc7a5) Promotes Metabolic Rewiring In Tnbc Progression Through The L-Trp/Qprt/Nad+ Pathway, Margot Y. Fedoroff, Lei Zhao, Shaomin Wang, Alok Bhushan, Haifeng Yang, Karen M. Bussard, Stephen C. Peiper, Jun He

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cancer cells uptake excessive nutrients by expressing higher levels of glucose and/or amino acid transporters to meet their increased energy demands. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), is regarded as a cancer-specific transporter for the uptake of large neutral amino acids such as L-tryptophan. However, the mechanism by which LAT1 rewires cellular metabolism to promote cancer progression and chemoresistance have not yet been investigated.

METHODS: The protein levels of LAT1, p-PKM2, and p-LDHA were determined in breast cancer tissue arrays by immunohistochemistry staining followed by survival analysis. The orthotopic breast cancer models in mice, syngeneic breast cancer models, and …

The Relevance Of Climate Change And Sustainability In Nursing Education: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Students’ Perspectives, Jennie Aronsson, Marie Elf, Paul Warwick, Riccardo Lomartire, Anna Anåker

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: As climate change continues to challenge global health, nursing education must evolve to prepare future nurses for the impacts on care delivery and promote sustainable practices within the healthcare system which is itself a contributor to the climate crisis through emissions and waste. In this study we aimed to i) explore undergraduate nursing students’ attitudes towards and awareness of climate change and sustainability issues and its inclusion in nursing education at a Swedish university, and ii) explore differences in awareness and attitudes across student groups in different semesters. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive research study, nursing students from six …

Hallmarks Of Stem Cell Aging, Thomas A Rando, Anne Brunet, Margaret A Goodell

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

As organisms age, somatic stem cells progressively lose their ability to sustain tissue homeostasis and support regeneration. Although stem cells are relatively shielded from some cellular aging mechanisms compared with their differentiated progeny, they remain vulnerable to both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. In this review, we delineate five cardinal features that characterize aged stem cells and examine how these alterations underlie functional decline across well-studied stem cell compartments. These hallmarks not only provide insight into the aging process but also serve as promising targets for therapeutic strategies aimed at rejuvenating stem cell function and extending tissue health span.

Testosterone Deficiency And Treatments: Common Misconceptions And Practical Guidance For Patient Care, Mohit Khera, James M Hotaling, Martin Miner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Misconceptions about testosterone therapy are prevalent and there is an unmet need for a review of current literature that can be leveraged by physicians to deliver safe and effective care for men with hypogonadism.

Objectives: This review aims to address common misconceptions about testosterone therapy using current literature and synthesize practical guidance for clinicians with patients who are starting testosterone therapy.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL was carried out to identify associations between testosterone therapy and prostate cancer, cardiovascular risk, and hepatic toxicity; definitions of hypogonadism; and practical guidance for clinician with patients starting testosterone therapy. …

External Challenges For Individuals Who Need Or Use Aac Who Are Learning Language: Lived Experiences, Key Research Findings, And Future Directions, Christine Holyfield, Janice Light, Dana Nieder, Jamie Preece

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Language skills are essential to effective communication, but learning language is by no means a simple process for individuals with developmental disabilities who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. Research demonstrates that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions positively impact development across language domains (e.g., pragmatics, semantics, morphosyntax) and may also benefit speech production. However, these gains can only be realized if people have timely access to effective AAC and have meaningful opportunities to interact with others. This paper integrates the lived experiences of individuals who need or use AAC and their families with key research …