Digital Commons Network^™

Cd5 Expression In Ctcl And Its Implications For Anti-Cd5 Car T-Cell Therapy, Leena Wardeh, Madeline Williams, Courtney Prestwood, Zachary Wolner, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogenous group of T-cell malignancies in the skin and have poor treatment outcomes in advanced stages. CD5, a surface glycoprotein expressed on most mature T cells, has emerged as a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in systemic T-cell lymphomas. However, its expression profile in CTCL and relevance for targeted therapy remain unclear. Notably, in CTCL, the cell surface expression of receptors, such as CD7 and CD26, tends to become downregulated on the surfaces of malignant T cells In this study, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from patients at …

A Novel Approach To Calculating Expected Total Fetal Lung Volume In Fetuses With Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia And Fetal Growth Restriction: A Theoretical Computational Simulation, Morcos Hanna, Jonathan Davies, Amaryllis Fernandes, Pamela M Ketwaroo, Amy R Mehollin-Ray, Roopali Donepudi, Alice King, Joseph Hagan, Sundeep G Keswani, Sharada H Gowda, Caraciolo J Fernandes

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) often coexists with fetal growth restriction (FGR). The observed-to-expected (O/E) total fetal lung volume (TFLV) is used to assess CDH severity, predict outcomes, and direct fetal interventions. Expected TFLV measurements traditionally rely only on gestation age (GA). This simulation assesses how incorporating weight-adjusted GA norms affects O/E TFLV calculations in patients with isolated CDH and FGR.

Methods: A simulated dataset (n=1,005) utilized published mean fetal weight and TFLV references. Computer-generated variables included observed weights (3rd-10th %ile), O/E TFLV (10-65 %), and percent liver herniation (0-42 %). GA estimates were corrected by weight and used to …

Signs, Symptoms, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Melas: Measuring What’S Important From The Patient And Clinician Perspectives, Paolo Medrano, Benjamin Banderas, Marisa Brimmer, Lily Settel, Sari Berger, Alan Shields, Amy Goldstein, Amel Karaa, Austin Larson, Sumit Parikh, Fernando Scaglia, Karra Danyelle Harrington, Chris James Edgar, Pamela Ventola, Matthew Webster, Jennifer Chickering, Chad Gwaltney, Phebe Wilson, Chad Glasser

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and objectives: Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a rare genetic syndrome mostly associated with pathogenic variants in mitochondrial DNA. As there is limited research on the life experience of patients with MELAS, this study aimed to develop an understanding of the patient experience of MELAS through qualitative interviews to identify, describe, and substantiate important and relevant signs, symptoms, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) impact (S/S/I) concepts.

Methods: Clinician and patient interviews were conducted virtually using semi-structured interview guides. During 60-minute interviews with five experts in the United States, clinicians were asked for their perspective on …

Genetic Characterization And High-Resolution Total Mrna Sequencing Of The Millipede Cherokia Georgiana Bollman, 1889, Elena Cruz

Biology Theses

There are approximately 12,000 described species within the class Diplopoda. Only six species, falling within four of sixteen orders, have fully sequenced genomes. No whole genomes are available for incredibly diverse families like Xystodesmidae. Many interesting characteristics in this group are poorly defined at the genetic level, such as the production of a defensive hydrogen cyanide secretion and UV fluorescence in the order Polydesmida. Here, we present a genetic characterization of the polydesmid millipede Cherokia georgiana Bollman, 1889. We include tissue-specific sequencing metrics, alignment and assembly of mitochondrial DNA consensus sequence according to tissue type, and phylogenetic tree construction using …

Allometric And Mobile Terrestrial Lidar Modeling Of Above-Ground Woody Biomass Of Populus In Coppice Production, Heidi Renninger, Krishna P. Poudel

Research Data

Poplars (Populus spp.) and their hybrids are increasingly being grown in coppice production to generate bioenergy feedstocks at frequent intervals. Allometric equations are required to predict aboveground biomass (AGB) of coppiced individuals with minimal field measurements. Likewise, remote sensing tools like LiDAR (light detection and ranging) can be used if models are available to predict AGB from point cloud data. Therefore, this study sought to develop equations to predict dry woody AGB from field measurements and LiDAR data from coppiced poplar field trials containing eastern cottonwood (P. deltoides) and hybrid poplar taxa. We found that taxa-specific allometric …

Development Of A Mesothelin-Binding Engineered Scaffold Protein As A Theranostic For Pleural Mesothelioma, Roberto Silvestri, Margherita Piccardi, Alessia Laurenza, Filomena Rea, Allison R. Sirois, Martina Lari, Francesco Bartoli, Giovanni Signore, Lorena Tedeschi, Elisabetta Ferraro, Paola Anna Erba, Roberto Giovannoni, Stefano Landi, Federica Gemignani, Sarah J. Moore

Engineering: Faculty Publications

Mesothelin (MSLN) is a tumor biomarker expressed at high levels on the surface of numerous cancers with extremely limited expression in healthy tissues. MSLN-targeting agents developed for diagnosis and therapy could have a significant impact on the management of MSLN-expressing cancers. Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a deadly cancer that arises from mesothelial cells lining the pleura and is predominantly linked to asbestos exposure. There are currently no effective treatments, and diagnosis occurs in late stages of disease due to the lack of clinical symptoms in the early stages. Recent efforts to diagnose and treat PM have focused on identifying and …

Resilience Factors And Physical Activity Engagement In Adolescents With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study., William R. Black, Haley Hart, Jennifer Christofferson, Mark Connelly, Liesbet Goubert, Dustin Wallace, Laura Ellingson-Sayen, Ann M. Davis

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background/Objectives: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSKP) affects up to 40% of adolescents and leads to substantial disability, reduced quality of life, and long-term health risks. Physical activity is central to treatment, but adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is inconsistent. We evaluated higher-resilience constructs-self-efficacy, pain acceptance, motivational stage, and affect-and hypothesized that higher resilience would be associated with greater objectively measured physical activity, better daily functioning, and higher quality of life in adolescents with CMSKP. Methods: Forty-three adolescents (13-18 years) with CMSKP completed measures of physical activity-specific self-efficacy, acceptance (AFQ-Y), motivational stage (PSOCQ-A), and affect (PANAS-C). Participants wore activPAL …

Post-Partum Pyoderma Gangrenosum In Young Female With Ulcerative Colitis, Krishna Shah, Matthew Posen, Ahmad Mardini, Samee Farooqi, Rogelio Silva

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

Targeting Gliomas With Beta-Amyloid-Specific Dyes: A Novel Approach For In Vivo Staining And Potential Therapeutic Applications, Lilia Kucheryavykh, Jescelica Ortiz Rivera, Boris Ermolinsky, Vassiliy Tsytsarev, Lynnette Cary, Janaina Alves, Adriana Reyes, Noelis De La Cruz-Rivera, Kevin Rosa Gonzalez, Felix Narvaez Irizarry

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Gliomas, the most common primary brain tumors, present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges due to their infiltrative nature and heterogeneity. Our previous research revealed that glioma tumors in both animals and humans accumulate beta-amyloid protein (Aβ), detectable through immunohistochemical methods or staining with amyloid-specific dyes. We hypothesize that beta-amyloid-specific dyes could serve as glioma markers, potentially enabling the delineation of glioma tumors or targeted therapeutics delivery. In this study, the specificity and blood-brain barrier permeability of two fluorescent beta-amyloid-specific dyes, Brilliant Blue G (BBG) and BODIPY-based Amyloid Probe-1 (BAP-1), were evaluated in C57Bl/6 mouse glioma implantation models using GL261 and …

Surface Roughness And Microbial Adhesion On Four Provisional Prosthodontic Restorative Materials, Ola Al Hatem, Joe C Ontiveros, Donald M Belles, Maria D Gonzalez, Ransome Van Der Hoeven

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Chimes: October 27, 2025, Calvin University

Chimes

Calvin's strategic planning process by Ashley Hamons

Public Health and Recreational Therapy programs phase out by Sarah Sparling

John Calvin's use of deception:A look at the French Reformation by McKenna Wilkinson

Men's soccer navigating roller coaster stretch, has eyes on MIAA tournament by Zach Kern & Hendrik Beelen

The hidden beauty of Calvin's organs by Ella Vanden Berg

Why 'religion'? A history of the department's name by Joe Toly

The Influence Of Chlorophyll-A And Sea Surface Temperature On Anchovy Catch Trends (2011-2024) In Kilwa, Tanzania, Renatus Shigi, Prosper L. Mfilinge

Tanzania Journal of Science

Anchovies exhibit varying trends in catch worldwide, with some regions experiencing declines in catch due to overfishing and environmental changes, while others remain stable or experience increases. Kilwa is among the most productive small pelagic fisheries along the Tanzanian coast. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) on anchovy catch trends in Kilwa. The study further examined the relationship between catch per unit effort (CPUE) and total anchovy catch, as well as its implications for fisheries management. The study was conducted at two sites: Kilwa Kivinje and Kilwa Masoko during both the …

Ktrb-Mediated Alkaline Adaptation Drives Enterococcus Faecalis Persistence In The Gastrointestinal Tract Of Helicoverpa Zea, Patrick J. Hurd, Vivian Veto, Geneva Bell, Jerreme J. Jackson

Faculty Publications

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal enteric bacterium capable of surviving in extreme and diverse environments. Here, we characterized the role of the gene ntpJ, which encodes the KtrB subunit of the KtrAB Na⁺/K⁺ symporter, during the adaptation of E. faecalis to alkaline stress and persistence in Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm). We assessed growth kinetics, biofilm formation, surface adhesion, and gastrointestinal persistence in vivo using an E. faecalis OG1RF mariner transposon mutant (ntpJ-Tn). The ntpJ-Tn mutant showed delayed entry into mid-log phase growth and biofilm formation under standard and alkaline-adjusted conditions relative to the wild-type strain, while adherence …

A Narrative Review Of Evidence, Safety, And Clinical Considerations In Taxane Chemotherapy For Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer, Jenny W. Zhang, Precious Ochuwa Imokhai, Danny Lee, Diana Hamdan, Trisha Mahajan, Satyam K. Singh, Amanda Brooks

Student Publications

The medical condition of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) requires oncologists to determine the best way to protect both the mother and the fetus during cancer treatment. The safety profile of taxanes, including paclitaxel and docetaxel, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy remains unclear despite well-established anthracycline-based regimens (e.g., doxorubicin). High-risk breast cancer subtypes such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-positive disease require taxane chemotherapy as standard treatment in nonpregnant patients. Objective: This paper aims to gather available data about the safety, timing and fetal outcomes related to taxane chemotherapy during PABC, …

Pharmacological Profiling In Cll Patients During Pirtobrutinib Therapy And Disease Progression, Shady I Tantawy, Burcu Aslan, Ganiraju Manyam, Lakesla R Iles, Natalia Timofeeva, Neetu Singh, Nitin Jain, Alessandra Ferrajoli, Philip A Thompson, Keyur P Patel, Sai Prasad Desikan, William G Wierda, Varsha Gandhi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Non-Radiating Sources In Inverse Scattering, Yeasmin Sultana

Dissertations (1934 -)

Non-radiating sources are current distributions that produce no observable field outside a bounded domain, and their existence introduces inherent non-uniqueness in source-based inverse formulations. While these components do not contribute to the far-field scattered data, they significantly influence the internal consistency and accuracy of reconstructed contrast sources. To address this challenge, the dissertation employs singular value decomposition (SVD) to separate the induced contrast source into radiating and non-radiating components. Subspace Optimization Method (SOM) is implemented to improve computational efficiency and reconstruction accuracy by targeting the most significant singular subspaces. Additionally, it proposes the use of both radiating and non-radiating components …

Bioresponsive Hydrogel For On-Demand Nonhormonal Contraception, Giovanni M Pauletti, Pankaj Dwivedi, Ping Li, Aluet Borrego-Alvarez, Hidemi S Yamamoto, Julie Lewis, Sarah Alobaidi, Amel Ibrahim, Raina N Fichorova, Celia M Santi

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The utility of bioresponsive multifunctional hydrogel compositions for biomedical applications is rapidly increasing due to the diverse array of biological stimuli that can profoundly alter physicochemical gel properties that benefit therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this research is to explore a bioresponsive hydrogel as a drug-free bioengineering concept to fortify the natural physical contraceptive barriers at the cervicovaginal junction. The results of this research demonstrate that a hydrogel comprising 4% (

Resveratrol: A Promising Candidate For Treating A Range Of Diseases, Diaa El Din Ashraf Hemdan, Riham A. El-Shiekh

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rooted in herbal remedies and balance, spans millennia, viewing illness as Qi imbalances. The therapeutic applications of resveratrol within the realm of TCM represent a fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern scientific research. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol commonly found in grapes, berries, and certain nuts, has emerged as a compound with diverse pharmacological properties that align closely with the principles of TCM. Resveratrol, ingrained in TCM, is esteemed for its health benefits like vitality and longevity. Resveratrol's pharmacological allure lies in antioxidant prowess, combating oxidative stress, and inflammation. It boasts cardioprotective traits, enhancing circulation and …

The Role Of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Tcm) In Battling Neurodegenerative Disorders, Diaa El Din Ashraf Hemdan, Riham A. El-Shiekh

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

Aging and aging-related diseases pose significant challenges to global public health, necessitating the urgent development of effective anti-aging therapies. In this context, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emerges as a vital complementary and alternative approach to managing these conditions. Recent research has increasingly highlighted TCM's potential to slow the progression of aging and mitigate the effects of related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The body of literature on TCM's role in addressing aging-related diseases has expanded considerably, revealing various mechanisms through which these ancient practices may exert their effects. TCM encompasses a rich array of herbal formulations …

Effects Of Foster Care Placement With Kin Or Nonkin On Opiate Abuse And Criminality, Pamela Bouyer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Opioid abuse has remained a public health crisis with far-reaching economic and social consequences that include costs associated with healthcare and increased foster care placements. Children placed into foster care are at risk themselves for opioid use and delinquency. The purpose of this quantitative research was to explore the causal-comparative relationship between foster care placement with kin (family) or nonkin (nonfamily) and its impacts on opiate abuse and criminal behavior. The Attachment Theory guided this study. Data were collected using a web-based, retrospective survey distributed at behavioral health agencies in Northeast Ohio, social media platforms, and Centiment, an online survey …

Parents’ Experiences With The Social-Emotional Development Of Toddlers With A Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder After Completing Early Intervention, Veronica Bayer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The social-emotional development of autistic toddlers is a critical area of concern for parents and early childhood professionals. Parents need to understand how early intervention programs influence this development, as it can significantly impact long-term outcomes for children with autism. Grounded in the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) theory by S. I. Greenspan and S. Wieder, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences parents had with their autistic toddlers’ social-emotional development after completing an early intervention program. The participants comprised of eight parents whose toddlers completed an early intervention program and were later diagnosed with autism. …

Educator Perceptions On Preparing Students For A Biology I State Assessment, Lila Grooms

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that 9th and 10th grade students’ Biology I state assessment scores continued to decline in a suburban South Carolina school district. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore biology teachers’ perceptions of the low success rates on the Biology I state assessment and to identify recommendations for improvement. Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory provided the conceptual framework, emphasizing the role of social engagement and collaborative learning environments. Semistructured interviews with nine high school biology teachers were conducted and using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis approach. Themes revealed that teachers are: (a) …

Fall 2025 Its Issues On Campus (White Paper), Barbara Carlsward, Brad Decker, Elizabeth Peterson

Faculty Senate Reports

This white paper compiles the host of issues faced by faculty in the Fall 2025 semester rollout. This document was shared with ITS Director Ryan Gibson and VPBA Matt Bierman.

Fall 2025 Its Issues On Campus (Slides), Barbara Carlsward, Brad Decker, Elizabeth Peterson

Faculty Senate Reports

This document is a PDF of the slides highlighting campus ITS issues experienced by faculty and students in the Fall 2025 semester rollout.

Comparative Analysis Of Citrate Synthase Activity In Skeletal Muscle, Liver, And Adipose Tissue In Beef Cattle, Abigail Webb

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Mitochondrial efficiency plays a central role in determining how cattle partition nutrients toward muscle growth or adipose deposition, yet little is known about tissue-specific differences in mitochondrial density among tissues or among beef cattle. This study aimed to quantify mitochondrial density in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue samples from beef cattle and evaluate its potential relationship with metabolic efficiency. Tissue samples of semitendinosus muscle (ST), liver, and subcutaneous adipose (SC) were collected, homogenized, and analyzed for citrate synthase (CS) activity using a fluorometric assay as a proxy for mitochondrial density. Preliminary analyses revealed that the semitendinosus muscle displayed the highest …

Female Cardioprotection In A Mouse Model Of Alcohol-Associated Cardiomyopathy, Joshua M. Edavettal, Meagan Donovan, Nicholas R. Harris, Xavier R. Chapa-Dubocq, Keishla M. Rodríguez-Graciani, Janos Paloczi, Liz Simon, Bysani Chandrasekar, Jason D. Gardner

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Chronic alcohol misuse is the leading cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol-associated cardiomyopathy (ACM), particularly regarding sex-specific susceptibility and mitochondrial contributions, are not fully known. In this study, we utilized a preclinical model of chronic + binge ethanol consumption to investigate sex differences in disease severity and mitochondrial function. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed ethanol or control liquid diets for 30 days, with 2 binge episodes on days 10 and 30. Cardiac morphology was assessed via echocardiography and cardiac function via left ventricular pressure-volume catheterization. Mitochondrial function was evaluated ex …

Clinicians’ Perceptions Of Restorative Justice And Community-Based Intervention Programs For Juvenile Offenders, Jacque Timberlake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The main goals of restorative justice and community-based intervention programs include reducing reoffending behavior, successful reintegration, and yielding greater satisfaction among participants. Although clinicians play a vital role in conducting rehabilitation methods for youth offenders, the problem was a lack of literature that explored clinicians’ perceptions of implementing more effective alternatives such as restorative justice and community-based intervention programs. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore clinicians’ perceptions of administering rehabilitative interventions for youth offenders, specifically in reducing recidivism, adequately addressing mental health concerns, and evaluating overall program effectiveness. The risk-need responsivity model and the good lives …

Shared Family Identity And Emotional Abuse From A Childhood Caregiver As Predictors Of Self-Censorship Willingness, Jillian Theryon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood emotional abuse may be underreported and unnoticed. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine whether shared family identity (SFI) with an emotionally abusive childhood caregiver was linked to self-censorship of social and political opinions in adulthood. The study also examined whether this relationship is intensified among those with a strong sense of SFI with that caregiver. Linear multiple regression analysis of survey data collected from 119 participants, recruited through Survey Monkey Audience, revealed that willingness to self-censor was significantly shaped by the interaction between SFI and emotional abuse, especially overcontrol. Although SFI is often seen as …

The Term Consciousness And Impressive Evidence For Cephalopod Awareness, Donald M. Broom

Animal Sentience

Mather presents comprehensive evidence of cephalopod cognitive ability and of a high level of awareness. The importance of taking account of the biological functioning and adaptations to the living environment is emphasised. An argument is presented that it is better to limit the use of the word conscious to ‘not unconscious’ and to use awareness in relation to the various levels of cognitive functioning.

The Consciousness Inherent In Chasing Your Tail, Sergio M. Pellis Dr.

Animal Sentience

Who is conscious and how do we know? Complexity in behavior and cognition is certainly a clue that cannot be ignored in identifying this trait, and as Mather’s target article shows, it is hard not to imagine consciousness arising in cephalopods. But how complex is complex? An alternative may be gleaned from the fact that all living things rely on negative feedback to navigate their worlds, and this requires all sentient beings knowing what is to be stabilized in reflection to themselves. If so, consciousness is a universal trait.