Digital Commons Network^™

Safety And Feasibility Of Third-Party Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes For High-Risk Patients With Covid-19, Dolores Grosso, John L. Wagner, Allyson O'Connor, Kaitlyn Keck, Yanping Huang, Zi-Xuan Wang, Hilary Mehler, Benjamin Leiby, Phyllis Flomenberg, Usama Gergis, Neda Nikbakht, Michael Morris, Julie Karp, Alexis R. Peedin, Neal Flomenberg

COVID-19 Papers, Posters, and Presentations

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) destroy virally infected cells and are critical for the elimination of viral infections such as those caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Delayed and dysfunctional adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment with allogeneic SARS-CoV-2-specific CTLs may enhance cellular immunity in high-risk patients providing a safe, direct mechanism of treatment. Thirty high-risk ambulatory patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in a phase 1 trial assessing the safety of third party, SARS-CoV-2-specific CTLs. Twelve interventional patients, 6 of whom were immunocompromised, matched the HLA-A∗02:01 restriction of the CTLs and received …

Book Review: Learn Like A Pro: Science-Based Tools To Become Better At Anything, Brad Sietz

LOEX Quarterly

No abstract provided.

El Centro Newsletter (Aug 2024), Bryan Ramirez, Araceli Hernández-Laroche Ph.D.

Newsletters & Reports

Welcome to the second edition of El Centro’s monthly newsletter! Thank you for coming back to read our alumni, faculty, and student spotlights, recruitment updates, El Centro Scholarship story, and news. Please share your suggestions for our September newsletter. Know someone who is joining USC Upstate? Introduce them to El Centro!

Table of contents:

• A day trip to La Vila-Joiosa, Spain, page 1
• Faculty Spotlight, Dr. Refika Turgut (education), page 2
• Student Spotlight, Mariana Bakhoum (biology) pictured with Ms. Whittany Evans, page 2
• Avanzando recruits 6^th cohort, page 3
• Alumni Spotlight: Itzel Tello Lennon (communications studies), page 3
• New …

Current Protocols: Alopecia Areata Mouse Models For Drug Efficacy And Mechanism Studies., John P Sundberg, Eddy H C Wang, Kevin J Mcelwee

Faculty Research 2024

Alopecia areata is the second most common form of hair loss in humans after androgenetic alopecia. Although a variety of animal models for alopecia areata have been described, currently the C3H/HeJ mouse model is the most commonly used and accepted. Spontaneous hair loss occurs in 15%-25% of older mice in which the lesions wax and wane, similar to the human disease, with alopecia being more common and severe in female mice. Full-thickness skin grafts from mice with spontaneous alopecia areata to young, normal-haired, histocompatible mice provide a highly reproducible model with progressive lesions that makes it useful for drug efficacy …

Functional Characterization Of A Lncrna Afu-254 In Stress Response And Pathogenesis Of Aspergillus Fumigatus, Ritu Devkota

All Theses

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that can cause a collection of diseases termed aspergillosis; the most severe is invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Azole is a major class of antifungal drugs used to treat invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in fungal resistance to azole drugs, making the treatment of IPA even more challenging. It is becoming increasingly clear that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), i.e., the RNAs that do not translate into proteins, mediated regulation is vital in stress response and pathogenesis; however, the mechanisms of how lncRNA contribute to fungal stress resistance and …

2024 Annual Report Of The Nominating Committee, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

University Nominating Committee report including committee memberships, produced by the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Characterizing Oxylipins In Human Milk Extracellular Vesicles, Priscila Herrera

Food Science (MS) Theses

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are non-replicating lipid bilayer membrane-bound particle formed by a parent cell and secreted into the extracellular environment. EVs in human milk are bioavailable and influence physiologic pathways that may contribute to newborn growth and development. There is interest in the oxylipin content of EVs that may contribute to the bioavailability of EVs. This research aims to characterize the oxylipin content of human milk EVs. Centrifugation and precipitation were used to isolate EVs from human milk (n = 20). The Folch method was used to extract lipids, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC– MS) was used to qualify and …

A Quantitative Examination Of Tobacco And Marijuana Use On Oral Health Outcomes Among Young Adults In Texas, Meenakshi Dasagi

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

This dissertation aimed to quantify the relationship between methods of tobacco and marijuana use and their impact on oral health. Tobacco use was defined as smoking combustible tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, and hookah) or electronic aerosolized vaping nicotine with an e-cigarette.5,9 Similarly, marijuana use was defined as smoking combustible marijuana (joints, blunts, and spliffs) or vaping marijuana with an e-cigarette.8 Despite the prevalence of nicotine vaping and marijuana use among young adults1,3-4,7,14-15, there is limited evidence of their association with oral health in Texas. To address this issue, this dissertation comprising three studies analyzed longitudinal data from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco …

Abstracts Of The 12th Annual Mississippi Association Of Entomologists, Nematologists, And Plant Pathologists Meeting, October 30 And 31, 2023, Mississippi Association Of Entomologists, Nematologists, And Plant Pathologists

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract provided.

2023 Soybean Insect Losses In The United States, Fred R. Musser, Emily Bick, Sebe A. Brown, Whitney D. Crow, Jeffrey A. Davis, Christina Difonzo, Chase Floyd, Scott H. Graham, Jeremy K. Greene, Kelly A. Hamby, David Kerns, Sean Malone, David Owens, Dominic D. Reisig, Phillip M. Roberts, Nicholas J. Seiter, Adam J. Sisson, Benjamin C. Thrash, Kelley J. Tilmon, Raul T. Villanueva

Midsouth Entomologist

Estimated insect management costs and losses due to insects and other invertebrates in soybean during the 2023 growing season were collected and compiled from 19 states to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. These annual estimates provide a historical record of pest pressure and insect management and have been compiled in some states since 2004. Participating states represented 58% of soybean acreage grown in the United States, with near 100% participation in southern states. Overall, the stink bug complex was the costliest insect pest in soybean followed by corn earworm and soybean looper. Total …

Nurturing Stability: Exploring The Relationship Between Child Welfare Workers’ Well-Being And The Impact It Has On Retention, Maritza Acosta-Gay

Education Doctoral

Child welfare workers are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families. However, the demanding and emotionally taxing nature of their work has led to high turnover rates, impacting workforce stability and service quality. This study explored the complex relationship between child welfare workers’ well-being and job retention, seeking to uncover factors influencing their decision to remain in or leave the profession.

This qualitative phenomenological study employed one-to-one semi-structured interviews and thematic data analysis to gain an in-depth understanding of the firsthand experiences and insights of child welfare workers regarding their professional challenges and motivations. Participants …

New Electrochemical Platforms For The Detection Of Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers, Omair Adil

Dissertations

Neurodegenerative disease (ND) is a collection of progressive disorders which is marked by gradual degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS). The damage of brain and nervous system causes diminishing of brain and nerve cell which lead to body dysfunction, organ failure, paralysis and ultimately death of a patient. Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. United States of America is among highest ND prevailing disease countries. Yet the number of cases is underreported because of the complexity of disease diagnosis. With the increase in aging population the rate of ND cases is also increasing. Another important concern is that …

Uav Drone Security Of Control For Increased Safety-Of-Flight, Daniel R. Nash

Masters Theses & Doctoral Dissertations

This research explores the security vulnerabilities of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs), or drones, which are increasingly prevalent in agriculture, delivery, public safety, recreation, photography, and emergency management. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies UAVs as legal aircraft yet encounters notable control and data security challenges. The study conducts comprehensive wireless vulnerability scans on commercially available, small, licensable-size drones to identify and analyze communication and data vulnerabilities and integrate them with flight safety risk management. The research method involves demonstrating and documenting these vulnerabilities practically. A custom-built drone with a reliable and full-featured open-source flight control software package, serving as a …

379. Sglt Inhibitors: The Biology Of Sglt Inhibition With Dr. Katherine Tuttle, Katherine Tuttle

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Anti-Bias Strategies For Equitable Faculty Grading, Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar Recordings and Conversations

No abstract provided.

How Comics Impact The Process Of Instructional Design, Aaron M. White

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite growing evidence and professional consensus of the educational benefits of comics, the medium has not received much explicit attention within instructional design literature. This very lack of attention leaves instructional designers (IDs) and subject matter experts (SMEs) without the necessary means to integrate comics into higher education curriculum. Drawn from theoretical and empirical evidence found in Mayer’s Multimedia Learning (2021) and Cohn’s The Visual Language of Comics (2014), this dissertation explored how incorporating comics as anchor text into three different courses (face-to-face, hybrid, and online) at three different higher education institutions in the Midwest impacted the dynamics of the …

Learning Abstract Chemistry Concepts With Virtual Reality: An Experimental Study Using A Vr Chemistry Lab And Molecule Simulation, Elliot Hu-Au

School of Computing Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In this 2 × 2 between-subject experimental study, a virtual reality (VR) laboratory simulation is paired with a VR molecular world intervention to teach chemistry concepts. The independent variables are the implementation timing of the molecular world intervention (Pre-lab vs. Integrated) and the level of embodiment (Traditional vs. VR). Eighty students (N = 80), ages 11–18 years old, from a community center in New York City participated, completing a pretest, a laboratory simulation, a molecular intervention, and a post-test. The pre- and post-test measures included multiple-choice, free-response, and drawing questions. A key finding was that integrating the intervention within the …

Contemplating Existence: Ai And The Meaning Of Life, Emily Barnes, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This article explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with existential philosophy, examining how AI technologies influence human conceptualizations of purpose and meaning. Despite rapid advancements in AI, the domain's implications for existential thought remain underexplored. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, philosophy, and AI ethics, this study elucidates how AI can shape, challenge, or enhance our understanding of life's purpose. It investigates theoretical frameworks and practical implementations of AI engaging in existential questions, analyzing both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems such as ChatGPT in simulating human existential thought. The ethical implications of AI's role in existential inquiries …

Development And Application Of Genetic Ancestry Reconstruction Methods To Study Diversity Of Patient-Derived Models In The Nci Pdxnet Consortium., Paul C Lott, Katherine Chiu, Juanita Elizabeth Quino, April Pangia Vang, Michael W Lloyd, Anuj Srivastava, Jeffrey Chuang, Pdxnet Consortium, Luis G Carvajal-Carmona

Faculty Research 2024

Precision medicine holds great promise for improving cancer outcomes. Yet, there are large inequities in the demographics of patients from whom genomic data and models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDX), are developed and for whom treatments are optimized. In this study, we developed a genetic ancestry pipeline for the Cancer Genomics Cloud, which we used to assess the diversity of models currently available in the National Cancer Institute-supported PDX Development and Trial Centers Research Network (PDXNet). We showed that there is an under-representation of models derived from patients of non-European ancestry, consistent with other cancer model resources. We discussed these findings …

Phenotype Distinctions In Mice Deficient In The Neuron-Specific Α3 Subunit Of Na,K-Atpase:, Yi Bessie Liu, Elena Arystarkhova, Amanda N Sacino, Margit V Szabari, Cathleen Lutz, Markus Terrey, Natalia S Morsci, Tatjana C Jakobs, Karin Lykke-Hartmann, Allison Brashear, Elenora Napoli, Kathleen J Sweadner

Faculty Research 2024

TP1A3 is a Na,K-ATPase gene expressed specifically in neurons in the brain. Human mutations are dominant and produce an unusually wide spectrum of neurological phenotypes, most notably rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (RDP) and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). Here we compared hetero- zygotes of two mouse lines, a line with little or no expression (Atp1a3tm1Ling/+ ) and a knock-in expressing p.Asp801Tyr (D801Y, Atp1a3+/D801Y ). Both mouse lines had normal lifespans, but Atp1a3+/D801Y had mild perinatal mortality contrasting with D801N mice (Atp1a3+/D801N ), which had high mortality. The pheno- types of Atp1a3tm1Ling/+ and Atp1a3+/D801Y were different, and testing of each strain was …

Chemokines In The Tumor Microenvironment: Implications For Lung Cancer And Immunotherapy., Haebeen Jung, Silke Paust

Faculty Research 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interconnected network of immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix surrounding the tumor. Because of its immunosuppressive nature, the TME can pose a challenge for cancer immunotherapies targeting solid tumors. Chemokines have emerged as a crucial element in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, playing a direct role in immune cell signaling within the TME and facilitating immune cell migration towards cancer cells. However, chemokine ligands and their receptors exhibit context-dependent diversity, necessitating evaluation of their tumor-promoting or inhibitory effects based on tumor type and immune cell characteristics. This review explores the …

Large Changes In Detected Selection Signatures After A Selection Limit In Mice Bred For Voluntary Wheel-Running Behavior., David A Hillis, Liran Yadgary, George M. Weinstock, Fernando Pardo-Manuel De Villena, Daniel Pomp, Theodore Garland

Faculty Research 2024

In various organisms, sequencing of selectively bred lines at apparent selection limits has demonstrated that genetic variation can remain at many loci, implying that evolution at the genetic level may continue even if the population mean phenotype remains constant. We compared selection signatures at generations 22 and 61 of the "High Runner" mouse experiment, which includes 4 replicate lines bred for voluntary wheel-running behavior (HR) and 4 non-selected control (C) lines. Previously, we reported multiple regions of differentiation between the HR and C lines, based on whole-genome sequence data for 10 mice from each line at generation 61, which was …

Gender As A Predictor Of Parent-Teacher Discrepancies In Child Adhd Evaluations: Consideration Of Gender Bias, Kaitlyn M. Saunders

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to advance the current literature on the relationship between informant (parent and teacher) perceptions of ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity, inattention) and gender, considering possible gender bias. Previous research demonstrates that there are consistent differences in the prevalence of ADHD between boys and girls in childhood, between girls in childhood versus adult women, and in the sex-ratio between community versus clinical samples. The current literature is mixed regarding what is causing these discrepancies in prevalence of ADHD, particularly about whether gender bias is a contributing factor. Data was collected from parents and teachers of 116 children (50% male; 50% …

Key Stages In The Growth And Maturity Of Field Pea, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Many farm operations rely on a clear understanding of the stage of crop development. This factsheet describes key growth stages of field pea, which will aid growers and their advisers in determining the appropriate timing for the application of herbicides, crop-topping, swathing, and harvest.

There is likely to be considerable variability in a crop, particularly at maturity and harvest. Therefore, it is often necessary to estimate the average or majority development stage of a crop. At first, this is best done numerically, but with experience it can be done by eye.

Button Grass And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) is a native species found throughout Australia. It is a common summer weed species that depletes soil moisture and nutrients, reducing the yield potential of the subsequent crop. It also acts as a green bridge for crop pests and disease.

The rapid emergence and growth of button grass after rainfall makes it important for the Australian plague locust.

It can be a valuable pasture species in arid areas, although overgrazing of button grass can result in toxicity for sheep and cattle.

Accelerating Primary Education Tutors’ Acquisition Of Gender-Responsive Pedagogies, Jane Rarieya, Nyagwegwe Wango, Mary Oluga, Omari Abunga

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

The paper emphasises the value of gender-sensitive teaching strategies that address the often portrayal of gendered stereotypes in primary schools, including those used in textbooks. Professional development programmes are acknowledged for their crucial role in equipping tutors with the essential knowledge and abilities for successful gender-responsive education. This study explores the crucial role of tutor preparation in enhancing student teachers’ conceptions of gender roles. It employed a qualitative approach through focus group discussions, observations, group reflections, and analysis of reflective entries to provide an in-depth understanding of how gender-responsive training affects instructional strategies. The study unveils the need for college …

Issue 10: Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider, Bharat Bajantri Md, Sarah Ellsworth-Hoffman Mls

Critical Care & Pulmonary

Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider Issue 10

Compiled by Bharat Bajantri, MD, and librarian Sarah Ellsworth, MLS for the clinicians of the Pulmonary and Critical Care team of Parkview.

The Pulmonary & Critical Care Insider newsletter was created by Dr. Bharat Bajantri, MD and Sarah Ellsworth, MLS in 2023 as a form of current awareness for current practice at our hospital, Parkview Health.

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Topics:

VIEWPOINTS:

Biologics for treating uncontrolled severe asthma

Don't you quit on cannot quit smokers.

Paxlovid may not be your magic bullet for Covid-19 infection.

ORIGINAL STUDY SUMMARY

The DanGer Trial

The ACCESS Trial

The PREOXI …

Utilizing Morphology Instruction To Improve Students’ Reading Proficiency, Michelle Marie Sweigart

Masters Projects

Many adolescent learners face difficulties with reading comprehension as grades progress. Research suggests that this is due to a variety of contributing factors, including deficits in decoding, fluency, and vocabulary, in addition to content-area vocabulary becoming increasingly challenging. While research has shown the vast benefits of utilizing morphology instruction across grade levels to improve vocabulary, especially in secondary education, it is a largely underutilized area for intervention. This project explores the potential benefits of offering adolescents a morphological intervention to make grade-level vocabulary across content areas more accessible. Through the use of explicitly-taught strategies to systematically break down and employ …

Investigating The Quantitative Impact Of Varied Hair Densities On Proton Beam Planning For Head And Neck Cancer: A Dosimetric Analysis, Breanna M. Reed

Masters Projects

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of differing hair densities on dose distributions for proton plans in the head and neck region.

Methods: Four CT scans were acquired with varying hair densities. Plans were created on a no hair scan using both a 3cm and 5cm range shifter. Plans were then calculated using three additional datasets with varying hairstyles to analyze dosimetric differences. Water equivalent depth and distance from 80% isodose line to user origin were analyzed for each scan and compared.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the no hair scan …

A Retrospective Comparison Between Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (Aaa) And Acuros Xb (Axb) Calculation Algorithms Concerning The Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Radiation Dose In Left Breast Cancer Patients Utilizing Deep Inspiration Breath Hold, Melissa Wilkinson

Masters Projects

Abstract

Background: Minimizing radiation exposure to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is crucial during left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy to prevent cardiac complications. Dose calculation algorithms can significantly impact the estimated LAD dose. This study investigates the differences between the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros XB (AXB) algorithms in LAD dose calculations.

Methods: Thirty patients treated with radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery were included. Dosimetric data for LAD, including mean and maximum dose, was calculated using AAA and AXB algorithms. The results were compared using statistical analysis.

Results: Statistically significant reductions in mean LAD dose were observed …