Digital Commons Network^™

Isn’T It A Partnership?: Physician Partner Life Satisfaction, Elias Ciudad, Lori Boies

Posters - 2024

The American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA) conducted the Physician Family Experience Survey in early 2023.There has been an increase in physician burnout and suicide; suicide for physicians being at a higher rate than that of the general public. This is shown with 1 out of 10 physicians attempting considering suicide in 2021(7).

Literature has indicated that physician burnout leads to secondary burnout in the physician family (4).This survey sought to understand the current state of the physician family experience and compare this with historical studies through statistical analysis. This statistical study aims to identify and model predictors of life satisfaction …

Understanding The Evolutionary Conservation Of Ilp3 Gene Across Drosophila, Elias Ciudad, Cassandra Morales, Kendra Lancaster, Lori Boies

Posters - 2024

Drosophila melanogaster is a commonly used model organism in genetics and developmental biology. Research on the insulin signaling pathway in D. melanogaster provides evidence that it is similar to the human pathway and involved in metabolism, growth and lifespan regulation (5). The Genomic Education Partnership’s (GEP) Pathways Project is a network analysis that focuses on insulin signaling in the genus Drosophila through the annotation of genes (1). The approach of the project is to understand the evolutionary change in genes across species over time in biological pathways and look at the growth and metabolic homeostasis (2). Insulin, in Drosophila, is …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Ugi Adducts Of Isatin, Monabelle Elbayeh

Posters - 2024

Known as the deadliest disease in the modern age, 1 in 3 people will have cancer in their lifetime (Chakraborty, Sajib & Rahman Taibur, 2012). However, despite this beyond-belief statistic and the significant and continuous amount of research done in hopes to cure cancer, cancer still remains. What makes cancer so difficult to cure comes from an arrangement of elements from the difficult targeting of cancer stem cells to the metastasis of cancer, but one that is especially touched on in this study is the lack of cancer epigenetic profiling lifetime (Chakraborty, Sajib & Rahman Taibur, 2012).

Focusing on ES8 …

Spiking Frequency Dependence On Input Current In Relation With The Leaky Integrate-And-Fire Neuron Model, Maria Chiara Cossio

Posters - 2024

Neurons are the most fundamental part of the nervous system and are diverse in structure and function containing a cell body, dendrites, and axons (Ludwig, et al., 2022). These electrically excitable cells receive and transmit electrical and chemical signals. These electrical impulses are known as action potentials in response to an input, and aids in the transmission of neurological information to neighboring neurons. An action potential (AP) is a rapid sequence of changes in the voltage across a membrane and it's an all-or-nothing event. It has three main stages: depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization (Grider et al., 2023). Threshold depends on …

Cold Medicine Abuse And Increased Odds Of Recreational Drug Use, Luis Barco

Posters - 2024

Over the counter (OTC) medications are frequently used to address the symptoms associated with common illnesses that affect the public. (SOURCE) Of these OTC medications, cold and cough medications are some of the most widely used. However, cold medications pose a risk in exhibiting different effects depending on which active ingredient is the most prevalent. Dextromethorphan (DXM), one of the most common ingredients in cough medicine, can lead to the development of symptoms that mirror psychosis associated with phencyclidine abuse (1). Though less common, abuse of codeine can also result in the formation of gastric ulcers, internal bleeding, and inflammation …

Cifa And Cifb Expression In Response To Piwi And Aub Knockdown In Jw18 D. Melanogaster Cells, Julieta Alarcon

Posters - 2024

Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium that is known for inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in its Drosophila melanogaster hosts. CI is characterized by embryonic death when males that express cifA and cifB genes mate with unaffected females (Shropshire, Rosenberg, and Bordenstein 2020). PIWI proteins play important roles such as germline determination, spermiogenesis, and transposon silencing (Thomson and Lin 2009). Previous studies have shown that Piwi expression decreases in a developmental window called the “Piwiless pocket” or Pilp. When Aub is depleted in the Pilp, then Piwi expression increases (Théron et al. 2018). We will determine if Piwi and Aub FANA ASO …

A Deeper Dive Into Literature Published About Pinnipeds And Cetaceans Using The Five Domain Model, Aqsa Khan, Pedro Beltran

Posters - 2024

Research was conducted on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) (Figure 1) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) (Figure 2), focusing on five domains: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. The goal was to identify the most discussed domain in existing literature. Specifically examining researchers' opinions on assessing the well-being of these marine mammals. After analyzing articles, hypotheses were formed suggesting that environmental factors are prominent for cetaceans, while behavior is the prominent domain for pinnipeds. To test these hypotheses, peer-reviewed articles were coded, providing both qualitative insights and quantitative representations of each domain's prevalence. The research uncovered the focal domains …

Mcnair Scholars Research Journal Xvi, St. Mary's University

McNair Scholars Research Journal

This is the sixteenth journal for the McNair Scholars Program at St. Mary's University

"Congratulations to the 2023 McNair Scholars on a wonderful summer of research… and congratulations to the McNair Program on a new, five year grant! It is amazing to realize that St. Mary’s was first funded for a Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement grant in 2007 and that this marks our fourth consecutive successful funding. I say it is amazing because it seems like only yesterday we were receiving the exciting news this wonderful program would be available to help St. Mary’s students achieve their doctoral dreams. …

Iron Isotope Transformations In Saanich Inlet, Claire Onak

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Iron (Fe) is required for many biogeochemical processes, with Fe bioavailability and chemistry being controlled by redox reactions that transform Fe between oxidation states and dissolved and particulate phases. In oxic seawater, Fe is present in the Fe(III) oxidation state, mainly as Fe oxyhydroxides. Under anoxic marine conditions, such as margin sediments under oxygen minimum zones or restricted basins with anoxic bottom water, Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II), which is highly soluble and can be present at high concentrations ([Fe]). Fe isotope ratios (δ56Fe relative to IRMM-14) can be used to characterize Fe redox transformations, constrain Fe sources of Fe …

Surface Ocean Biogeochemistry And Deep Ocean Circulation Control Relationships Between Nutrient-Type Trace Metals (Cd, Ni, Cu, And Zn) And Nutrients In The South Atlantic Ocean Near The Subtropical Front, Xue Gang Chen, Martha Gledhill, Maeve C. Lohan, Angela Milne, Eric P. Achterberg

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The ocean region along the latitude of 40°S in the South Atlantic, characterized by enhanced primary productivity, forms a transition zone between the nutrient replete but iron depleted Southern Ocean, and the nitrate and iron depleted Subtropical Gyre. Here, we present distributions of nutrient-type dissolved and particulate trace metals (dTMs and pTMs) including cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the South Atlantic from the GEOTRACES GA10 cruises. Phytoplankton uptake, riverine and atmospheric inputs shaped dTM and pTM concentrations in surface waters (dCd 27.8 ± 36.0 pmol kg⁻¹, n = 222; dCu 0.732 ± 0.429 …

Varecia Rubra (Red Ruffed Lemur) Diel Activity And Calling At Andranobe, Masoala National Park, Madagascar, Hannah Elena Hilden-Reid

Dissertations and Theses

With respect to the natural variation in abiotic and biotic conditions present between daytime and nighttime periods, many animal species show evolutionary adaptations specialized for diurnality, nocturnality, or crepuscularity. Biologists have traditionally viewed categorizations of this kind as fixed within taxonomic groups, emphasizing how intricately species’ survival is contingent on the ability to adapt to low light, high light, or twilight conditions. However, movement away from such distinct temporal niche categories began within chronobiological studies following the discovery of more flexible patterns of activity in numerous taxa during the late 1970s. This shift generated increased interest in elucidating the complex …

Analysis Ar The Androgen (Prostate Cancer)​, Elaine Vanterpool, Luis Calderon-Ruiz

Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Study On Kansl1 Gene Mutation And Its Association To Diabetes​, Elaine Vanterpool, Danielle Willis

Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Sim1 And Its Association With Diabetes​, Elaine Vanterpool, Gabrielle Mcintosh

Student Posters

No abstract provided.

A Longitudinal Study Of The Development Of Social Anxiety In Young Autistic Children, Gillian K. Marshall

Senior Theses

Social anxiety is a prevalent anxiety disorder marked by fear and discomfort in social situations where scrutiny or evaluation by others is anticipated. This thesis investigates the interplay between social anxiety and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social and communication challenges. Individuals with ASD often face heightened levels of anxiety, intensifying their social difficulties and impeding their social development. Early identification of social anxiety symptoms, particularly in ASD children, is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes. However, diagnosing social anxiety in preschool-aged children, especially those with ASD, presents challenges due to the complexity of symptoms …

Investigating The Expression Of Growth-Regulating Factor 2 (Grf2) In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Sophia S. Henry

Senior Theses

Arabidopsis thaliana is a model organism that is used in laboratories across the world for the study of cellular and molecular processes in plants. GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 2 (GRF2) is a transcription factor that promotes leaf growth in Arabidopsis. It is a member of a family of transcription factors that is conserved across all land plants. Previous studies have characterized GRF2 expression in leaves, but GRF2 expression in floral organs has not been studied as extensively. GRF2 acts redundantly with other members of the GRF transcription factor family during floral development. grf1/2/3/5 quadruple mutants show malformed gynoecia, severe fusions between floral …

Intersectionality Of Social Identity, Trauma, And Education: A First-Generation College Student's Reflective Journey, Richard De La Garza

Student RSCA

This reflective paper explores the intersectionality of social identity, trauma, and education through the lens of a first-generation college student (FGCS) who is a neurodivergent Army veteran. I share my personal journey and experiences, highlighting marginalized communities’ challenges in the edu- cation system. I delve into the impact of cultural invasion, the transmission of trauma across generations, and the importance of critical consciousness in addressing educational inequality. I also discuss the role of spatial thinking and language in shaping learning experiences. I emphasize the need for cultural awareness, inclusivity, and equity in educational spaces and high- light the transformative power …

Editorial: Endocrine Regulation Of Mineral Ions And Their Relevance To Metabolic Diseases, Mor-Li Hartman, Mohammed S. Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Rna Binding Proteins Regulating Axonal Localization Of Prenyl-Cdc42 Mrna, Ashley I. Loomis

Senior Theses

Following traumatic injury, axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) can spontaneously regenerate, albeit rather slowly. This regeneration requires messenger RNA (mRNA)-localization into and translation within the axons. One such mRNA originates from the CDC42 gene, which produces two mRNA splice variants: Prenyl-CDC42 and Palm-CDC42 encoding mRNAs. CDC42 promotes axon growth and regeneration by regulating actin filament polymerization in growth cones of axons. This plays an important role to support nerve regeneration in humans. The prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA is found in both central nervous system (CNS) and PNS axons, where it can be locally translated into CDC42 protein, which is subsequently …

Adherent-Invasive Escherichia Coli (Aiec) Promotes Mild Colitis In The C57bl/6 Il-10 Ko Mouse Model Of Crohn's Disease, Sarah Sm Zaw

Senior Theses

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mice are crucial in CD research. Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is a subgroup of E. coli. In one study, IL-10 KO mice colonized with AIEC developed colitis in the distal colon compared to wild-type (WT) mice. I investigated how AIEC NC101 WT affects colitis severity in IL-10 KO mice of the C57BL/6 genetic background. Similar results in both genotypes would enhance mouse strain accessibility. Germ-free C57BL6 IL-10 KO mice were divided into groups: colonized with AIEC NC101 for 12, 15, or 18 weeks, or kept germ-free. Histopathological …

Deciphering The Functional Connections Between The Nuclear Paraspeckle And Rad51 Homologous Recombination Proteins Using A Yeast Protein Interaction System, Eric J. Nutz

Senior Theses

Homologous recombination (HR) is a repair pathway for DNA double-stranded breaks. Mutations in HR genes contribute to genomic instability and increase the prevalence of cancer. Exploiting HR deficiency in tumor cells has led to improved synthetic lethality outcomes. RAD51 paralogue protein complexes are known to be involved with HR. Proteomic analysis of RAD51 paralogues reveals a connection to the nuclear paraspeckle. A paraspeckle is a little-known, specialized organelle found in the interchromatin space of the nucleus in mammalian cells. Its three central protein components include SFPQ, NONO, and PSPC1. RAD51D is an HR protein shown previously to interact with SFPQ …

The Sentiments Of Drag Performers On Anti-Drag Legislation: A Thematic Analysis, Brian D. Briggs

Senior Theses

Since 2022, at least 21 states have considered, filed, or passed legislation with the goal of banning or limiting drag performances in public spaces or in the presence of minors. These pieces of legislation seek to suppress drag performances on the grounds that they appeal to sexual interests, and they even go as far as to claim that drag performers aim to groom and assault children at their performances. These claims are baseless and vastly misrepresent the true breadth of drag as a performance art and the positive messages it promotes, as well as suggest that bias against the LGBTQ+ …

A Covenant People: Providentialism In Seventeenth-Century New England And Its Impact On The Development Of The Salem Witch Trials, Gracie L. Vess

Senior Theses

This project explores the New English Puritan ideology of providentialism from the first settlement of New England in 1620 to the Salem Village witch trials in 1692. During this period New England watched its motherland experience civil war, the overthrow of the monarchy, the installation of a commonwealth, the failure of the Puritan Reformation, the restoration of the monarchy, and the Glorious Revolution. These events influenced the way New Englanders saw England’s relationship with God as well as the meaning behind their providential purpose by allowing them to believe God had turned his wrath on England, so the colonists needed …

Decoding Disease Mechanisms: Unraveling Large-Scale Biological Data For Novel Therapeutic Target Discovery, Yuntao Yang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

This dissertation leverages large biological datasets and data-driven research to enhance our understanding of complex human diseases, deploying a unified narrative across three interconnected bioinformatics studies. Each study targets a different biological level, including genes, proteins, cells, and tissues, to uncover disease mechanisms and speed up the discovery of potential therapeutic targets.

The first study addresses gene-level analysis in the context of bladder cancer. It integrates gene expression data from lab models with clinical survival data to identify new therapeutic targets. This research pinpoints the IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway as a promising target for treating SMARCB1-deficient bladder cancer, demonstrating how combining …

Post-Vaccination Sars-Cov-2 Igg Spike Antibody Responses Among Clinical And Non-Clinical Healthcare Workers At A Tertiary Facility In Kenya, Lucy Wangari, Geoffrey Omuse, Rodney Adam, George Ongete, Cyrus Matheka, Patrick Mugaine, Shahin Sayed, Daniel Maina

Pathology, East Africa

Introduction: Following the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, vaccination became the main strategy against disease severity and even death. Healthcare workers were considered high-risk for infection and, thus, were prioritised for vaccination.

Methods: A follow-up to a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study among clinical and non-clinical HCWs at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, we assessed how vaccination influenced SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody responses and kinetics. Blood samples were drawn at two points spanning 6 to 18 months post-vaccination, and SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Almost all participants, …

An Analysis Of Lmna Variants Associated With Pcos​, Elaine Vanterpool, Sophia Browning

Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Ryr1 Variants In Malignant Hypothermia, Elaine Vanterpool, Emilee Duany

Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Serum Hba1c In Ischemic Stroke Patients, Ahmed Al- Ali, Sajid Kadhim Alhussaini

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

BACKGROUND:A stroke or cerebrovascular accident is defined as an abrupt onset of a neurologic deficit that is attributable to focal vascular cause. Hyperglycemia is a well-known predictor of poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Admission hyperglycemia has been associated with poor functional outcomes and increased mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the HbA1C level in patient with ischemic stroke and its severity.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study conducted at Baghdad teaching hospital, Baghdad, Iraq during a period from October 2020 to Feb 2021. The study included 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria, as well as,              50 …

Immunohistochemical Expression Of Annexin A5 In Invasive Ductal Carcinoma And Fibroadenoma Of The Breast, Husam Muhammed Ali, Basim Ahmed

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer. The commonest type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma. Fibroadenoma a common benign lesion occur in about one in four women. Annexin-A5 is a tumor marker which is a member of the calcium phospholipid binding protein family that could promote tumorigenesis and progression in certain types of cancers.OBJECTIVE: Study the expression of AnnexinA5 in breast cancer and fibroadenoma and correlate the result of study with the clinico-pathological parameters.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Comparative case - control study included two groups, group A 30 patients with breast cancer and group B 30 patients with fibroadenoma. …

Psychiatric Sequelae Of Chronic Pruritic Dermatoses, Kelly Frasier, Vivian Li, Kathleen Click, Christina Dudzik, Michelle Sobotka, Evadne Rodriguez, Karina Stech

Student Publications

This comprehensive review investigates the significant psychological impact and profound psychological comorbidities found in individuals suffering from chronic pruritic dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and prurigo nodularis. Highlighting the complex, reciprocal relationship between pruritus and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, this paper elucidates the comprehensive impact of dermatological disorders on the skin in addition to the far-reaching effects on an individual’s psychological well-being. By evaluating the efficacy of integrated psychodermatological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, pharmacological treatments, and innovative telepsychiatry and digital health solutions, this review aims to lay the foundation for a …