Digital Commons Network^™

Unravelling Impact Of Comorbidities On Mortality Risks In Ckd Patients During The Covid-19 Pandemic: An Explainable Ai-Driven Study, Zeinab Abdollahi, Lin Huo, Donald Fraser, Shang-Ming Zhou

School of Nursing and Midwifery

ObjectivesThe chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were at high risk for severe clinical complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objectives were to evaluate comorbidity prevalence; predict mortality risks for CKD patients during the pandemic; assess how various health factors interact to influence mortality; and provide insights for targeted prevention strategies.MethodWe analysed data from 186,396 CKD patients in Mexico during the entire pandemic (Jan 2020- May 2023). Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods with extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) were developed to predict mortality for CKD patients with model interpretations. Different metrics were used to comprehensively evaluate …

Flipi24: A Modern Prognostic Model And Clinical Trial Enrichment Tool For Newly Diagnosed Follicular Lymphoma, Matthew J Maurer, Vit K Prochazka, Tarec Christoffer El-Galaly, Christopher R Flowers, Diego Villa, Emmanuel Bachy, Elliot J Cahn, Marguerite Fournier, Melissa C Larson, Caroline E Dietrich, Lasse Hjort Jakobsen, Hervé Ghesquières, Robert Kridel, Maher K Gandhi, Chan Y Cheah, Eliza A Hawkes, John F Seymour, Ciara L Freeman, Michael R Clausen, Björn E Wahlin, Jonathan W Friedberg, Carla Casulo, Thomas M Habermann, Yucai Wang, Loretta J Nastoupil, Peter De Nully Brown, David Belada, Andrea Janíková, Heidi Mocikova, Tomáš Fürst, Pierre Feugier, Hervé Tilly, Corinne Haioun, Andrew J Davies, Guillaume Cartron, Richard Burack, Dai Chihara, Peter Martin, Jonathon B Cohen, Izidore S Lossos, Brad S Kahl, Laurie H Sehn, Karin E Smedby, Gilles Salles, Marek Trneny, Brian K Link, Franck Morschhauser, James R Cerhan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Although most patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) can expect an indolent course, progressive lymphoma remains the primary cause of death during the first decade after diagnosis. Progression of disease within 24 months (POD24) of starting first-line (1L) immunochemotherapy defines a high-risk population with poor survival, but better risk stratification at diagnosis is needed.

Methods: The FLIPI24 model was developed and internally validated to predict 24-month event rates using individual data from 4,485 patients treated with 1L immunochemotherapy from 10 observational cohorts of FL. Overall and cause-specific survival was further evaluated in FLIPI24 risk groups. External validation in the 1L …

Real-World Data Investigating The Frequency Of Flash Glucose Monitoring And Glycaemic Metrics In Omani Diabetes Patients: A Preliminary Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study, Ammar Al-Mamari, Sumaia Al Gharabi, Merah Al Busaidy, Abdulla Al Futaisi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate real-world glycaemic outcomes associated with flash glucose monitoring (FGM) use in patients with diabetes at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients using flash glucose monitoring between January 2022 and August 2023. Patients were grouped by scanning frequency, time-in-range (TIR) and estimated A1c (eA1c). Associations between scanning frequency and glycaemic metrics were analysed. Results: A total of 436 patients were included in this study. Patients with higher scanning frequency (≥12 scans/day, median = 17) achieved greater TIR (52.4% versus 34.8%), lower time-above-range (41.8% versus 57.0%), …

Identification Of Cadm1 As An Immunotherapeutic Target And Evaluation Of A Novel Cadm1-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate In Preclinical Osteosarcoma Models, Yifei Wang, Zhongting Zhang, Caterina Longo, Wendong Zhang, Qi Wang, Amer Najjar, Xiangjun Tian, Rossana N Lazcano Segura, Michael E Roth, Jonathan Gill, Douglas J Harrison, Zhaohui Xu, Yanhua Yi, Xin Zhou, Sylvester Jusu, Timothy M Stearns, Steven B Neuhauser, Carol J Bult, Jing Wang, Alexander J Lazar, Richard Gorlick

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Due to the paucity of validated cell surface osteosarcoma-specific targets, patients with this condition have long been excluded from the benefits of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy observed in patients with several solid and hematologic malignancies. Our comprehensive surfaceome profiling approach previously identified osteosarcoma-specific cell-surface antigens that are highly expressed in osteosarcomas but minimally expressed in normal tissues. As a result, one such antigen, CADM1, was selected for the generation of an ADC. We tested a CADM1-targeting ADC with a tesirine payload (SG3249) in vitro in osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft cell lines. In vivo, we tested six CADM1-expressing osteosarcoma …

Effect Of Remineralization And Resin Infiltration On Microhardness, Mineral Content And Cervical Microleakage Of Restored Demineralized Enamel, Sara Adel Botros, Caroline Maged Massieh

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Grief, Memory, And Hope: Significance Of Ancestral Land In Psalm 137, “By The Rivers Of Babylon,” In Healing Intergenerational Migration Trauma, Shimbo Pastory William

Loyola Papers

Psalm 137 presents a paradigmatic expression of exile and lament, and the power of shared hope to return to the ancestral land. Memories trigger strong feelings and a firm resolve not to “forget” the ancestral home. This paper argues from a constructive perspective that in Psalm 137, the memory of ancestral land is not merely nostalgic or a source of grief, but it functions as a theological act that preserves communal identity and sustains hope for restoration and healing. Even today, we feel strongly about land, especially ancestral lands, because they are closely connected to our identity, cherished memories, grief, …

Sola Scriptura As Prima Scriptura: A Modern Evangelical Protestant Reflection On The Sufficiency Of Scripture, Jason Valeriano Hallig

Loyola Papers

This paper offers a critical evangelical response to Salvador G. Agualada Jr.’s analysis of the Protestant principle of sola Scripturaa, particularly his engagement with Roman Catholic critiques grounded in Yves Congar’s arguments concerning the temporal precedence of tradition and the alleged formal insufficiency of Scripture. While acknowledging the historical development of Protestant reflection on Scripture and tradition, this study argues that sola Scriptura is best understood not as the exclusion of tradition but as the affirmation of Scripture’s normative and final authority within the life of the church. Drawing on contemporary evangelical theology, the paper proposes that this principle …

Fragmented Foundations: Interpreter Educator Resources And Uneven Student Preparation, Kierstin S. Muroski

Journal of Interpretation

The readiness-to-work gap among graduates of signed language interpreting programs has been widely acknowledged for decades. Efforts to address the gap have primarily focused on training methods and student performance. This paper shifts the focus to interpreter educators, examining whether the inconsistencies in their awareness and use of discipline-related books may contribute to the disparate educational outcomes of students entering the workforce. Drawing on survey data from 75 interpreter educators in the United States, this study explores demographic patterns of their book awareness and usage in teaching. Results indicate that awareness and utilization of discipline-related books to support teaching are …

Defending And Challenging American Empire: The 1927-28 University Of Oregon Forensics Program World Debate Tour And The November 25, 1927, Manila "Debate Of The Century", Trond Jacobsen, David Frank

Studies in Debate and Oratory

From October 1927 through April 1928, three Oregon debaters traveled more than 25,000 miles to seventeen countries on four continents, participating in thirty-two debates and seventy-five public speaking engagements as part of the first-ever Debate World Tour. This tour was audacious, but indicative of a remarkable history of debate at Oregon. Drawing on archival materials held by the Special Collections and University Archive at the University of Oregon and other primary and contemporary materials, we document that world tour and feature a November 25, 1927, debate on Filipino independence at the Manila Opera House and the tour of America by …

The Archon, 1952 Edition, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Josie Green Washington Papers

A 1952 edition pamphlet called The Archon, an official organ of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Antibacterial Peptides From Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) With In Silico Study Against Escherichia Coli Bacteria, Dian Riana Ningsih, Ely Setiawan, Purwati Purwati, Zusfahair Zusfahair, Anita Hindayanti Rukmana

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Bioactive peptides are produced from soy milk protein hydrolysis using trypsin. The research began with the preparation and separation of soy milk protein, followed by fractionation using ammonium sulphate, protein hydrolysis, and SDS-PAGE analysis of protein hydrolysates. Fractions exhibiting the highest degree of hydrolysis were further fractionated by SPE and tested to determine the antibacterial activity Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The peptide sequence of the active peptide as an antibacterial was identified, employing LC-HRMS. The mode of action between active peptides and bacterial membran was analysed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The findings displayed that F15 contained the highest …

The Archon, 1951 Edition, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Josie Green Washington Papers

A 1951 edition pamphlet called The Archon, an official organ of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

The Archon, 1950 Edition, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Josie Green Washington Papers

A 1950 edition pamphlet called The Archon, an official organ of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Long-Term Follow-Up Of Midface Hypoplasia In A Patient With Cleft Lip And Palate, Jui-Jen Fang, Hui-Ching Yu, Li-Ling Cheng, Yu-Jen Chang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Introduction: Severe midface hypoplasia is a common craniofacial deformity in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), often linked to functional impairment and esthetic concerns. Although surgical and orthodontic advances have improved outcomes, long-term stability remains challenging. This report presents the management of a bilateral CLP patient and evaluates stability after more than 12 years of follow-up. Diagnosis: A 31-year-old male with bilateral CLP showed a concave facial profile, widened lip scars, reverse overjet of –30 mm, complete crossbite, and missing teeth (12, 22, 36). Palatally displaced premolars (15, 25) produced an hourglass-shaped arch. The diagnosis was skeletal Class III …

Treatment Of Skeletal Class Iii Malocclusion With Spaced Arch And Anterior Crossbite Using Low-Hysteresis Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire (Isw), Szu-Ying Yu, Yuag-Hou Chen, Ching-Yu Yang, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This article presents the orthodontic treatment of a non-surgical, non-growing skeletal Class III malocclusion using an Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire (ISW), developed by the Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University). Teeth 28 and 48 were extracted, and ISW with long Class III intermaxillary elastics (L3–U6) was applied to eliminate anterior occlusal interference, retract the mandible, and induce a clockwise rotation of the mandibular plane. In addition to mandibular space closure, the deviated dental midline and chin asymmetry were corrected using elastic chains and intermaxillary elastics. Proper arch coordination, space management, and midline alignment were achieved, …

Orthodontic Space Closure And Third Molar Uprighting For Simultaneous Maxillary And Mandibular Molar Loss On The Same Side, Chun-Yi Huang, Yuan-Hou Chen, Ching-Yu Yang, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

This case report describes the successful non-surgical orthodontic management of a complex Class I malocclusion characterized by unilateral posterior tooth loss and functionally induced facial asymmetry. A 28-year-old male patient presented with a non-restorable maxillary first molar (#26) and a missing mandibular second molar (#37). The resulting occlusal discrepancy contributed to a mandibular functional shift and facial asymmetry. The patient declined prosthetic and surgical options, prompting a conservative orthodontic approach.

The treatment plan incorporated third molar protraction and upright to substitute for the missing second molar, combined with occlusal rehabilitation to correct the asymmetry. Space closure was achieved using elastic …

Nonsurgical Orthodontic Management Of A Severe Skeletal Class Ii Malocclusion Using A Modified Intrusive Arch, Ting-Wei Liu, Chun-Liang Kuo, Chun-Hsiu Yang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Treating skeletal Class II malocclusion in non-growing patients remains a significant challenge in contemporary orthodontics. Treatment options range from dental camouflage, often involving extractions, to combined orthodontic–surgical approaches. In this case, orthodontic camouflage with extractions was selected to manage a severe skeletal Class II discrepancy in a 28-year-old female patient. A modified intrusive arch was employed to achieve simultaneous retraction and intrusion of the maxillary anterior teeth, effectively reducing excessive overjet. The biomechanical system of the modified intrusive arch generates an anterior intrusive force, a posterior extrusive force, and a posterior tip-back moment. The combined use of Tip-Edge Plus brackets …

To Extract Or Not To Extract: On What Basis Do We Make That Decision? (Part I), Ib Leth Nielsen

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

The decision to remove permanent teeth is often challenging for the orthodontist, and multiple factors should be considered. The primary reason for extracting teeth is crowding, followed by aesthetic concerns, particularly the risk of creating a flat facial profile from over-retracting the front teeth. Often, the facial growth patterns are overlooked in this decision-making process. This review will explore how facial morphology, growth patterns, and maturation stages influence the extraction decision. We shall address common concerns related to extractions, such as the impact on esthetics, airways, the effect of extractions on buccal corridors, their relationship to TMJ issues, and the …

Mortality Rate And Variability Associated With Pneumonia Readmission, Christopher Roy, Daniel Meyer, William Jaffee, Vyoma Raval, Catherine Freeman

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Pneumonia readmissions are a persistent challenge for health care providers and patients. Although the mortality risk associated with hospitalization for pneumonia is well-known, the particular risk associated with readmission for pneumonia is not as well characterized.

Methods: We retrospectively examined our institution’s electronic health record to determine the 270-day mortality rate for patients readmitted after an index hospitalization for pneumonia.

Results: At our institution, we found a substantial mortality risk associated with 30-day pneumonia readmissions, with variability between the 2 studied sites of care.

Discussion: Various factors could contribute to high mortality associated with 30-day pneumonia readmissions.

Conclusion: Additional …

Survey Of Mainehealth Cancer Care Network Providers On Cannabis Use: Preparation For Studies Sponsored By The National Cancer Institute, Jill M Prescott, Jamie G Saunders, Leslie S Bradford, Scot C Remick

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Cannabis and cannabinoid use in patients with cancer has rapidly scaled up over the past decade and is a topic of considerable clinical, research, and public health interest.

Methods: We conducted a cannabis landscape survey among front-line providers in the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network (MHCCN) before applying and participating in National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored studies on cannabis use in patients with cancer. The results of the survey can better inform participation in national studies and provide a departure point for provider educational activities focused on cannabis use in the cancer care setting.

Results: Notable observations from our survey included …

Metabolic Phenotyping And Therapeutic Hierarchy For Dyslipidemia In Saudi Type 2 Diabetes, Ahmed A. Almohammadi, Mohammed W. Azuny, Abdulmannan A. Alem, Sarah F. Alsobhi, Muath H. Alqayidi, Rami O. Alharbi, Salem S. Alhubayshi, Duha W. Azouni

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

Aims: Dyslipidemia represents a critical cardiovascular risk factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet distinct metabolic phenotypes and their therapeutic implications remain inadequately characterized in Saudi populations. This study aimed to identify dyslipidemia phenotypes, establish therapeutic hierarchies, and examine metabolic determinants in Saudi T2DM patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 406 T2DM patients at Madinah Diabetic Center, Saudi Arabia (August-December 2024). Comprehensive sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and laboratory data were collected. Statistical analyses included cluster analysis for phenotype identification, multivariate linear regression for lipid determinants, and chi-square tests for categorical associations. Ethical approval was obtained from IRB-Madinah (H-03-M-84).

Results: Dyslipidemia …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Mn4S4:Ni2S2 Chalcogenide Electrodes For Superior Supercapacitive Properties, Yasser T. Alharbi

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

The growing interest of researchers is shifted towards energy storage systems and the production of energy storage materials. In present research, an innovative Mn₄S₄:Ni₂S₂ semiconducting nanocomposite has synthesized using single source technique by fabricating di hexyldithiocarbamate ligand to further improve the efficiency of charge storing batteries. The fabricated material shown efficient optical property with direct band gap in range of 3.2–3.26eV. The crystallographic analysis examined the average crystalline size of the prepared nanocomposite particles of about 22 nm. The IR spectroscopy analysis has shown the presence of metal-sulfur bond and their peaks has …

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Diabetic Retinopathy Management Among Patients In Riyadh, Ferial M Zeried, Lulwah Mesfer Al-Haqbani, Anayochukwu Edward Anyasodor, Ezinne Ngozika, Uchechukwu L Osuagwu

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

Aim: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable vision loss. Understanding patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward DR screening and management is critical for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to assess the KAP of individuals with diabetes regarding DR in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 535 Saudi adults with diabetes between January and April 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and KAP levels. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) was performed to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of high KAP, with adjusted …

Pyruvate Kinase M2: Function, Regulation And Targeting Therapeutics In Cancer, Nada M. Ali

University of Bisha Journal for Basic and Applied Sciences

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a pivotal enzyme in glycolysis, catalyzing the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate while generating ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation. Unlike other pyruvate kinase isoforms, PKM2 exhibits unique regulatory properties that allow it to switch between active tetrameric and less-active dimeric states, influencing both energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways. PKM2 is widely expressed in tumors, where it plays a central role in metabolic reprogramming and cancer progression. Beyond its metabolic function, recent studies have identified non-canonical roles for PKM2, including its nuclear translocation and protein kinase activity, which influence gene expression, cell cycle regulation, and tumor …

Prognostic Value Of Baseline Qfr In Single-Vessel Intermediate Coronary Stenosis, Yanfeng Lu, Abdulrahman Alqazzaz, Jasmine Bao, Gary S. Mintz, Jiahao Feng, Yong Zhang, Shanshan Gao, Qiang Song, Feifei Ning, Xin Huang, Ning Guo

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of baseline Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) in real-world patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline QFR and its three-tier model-low, grey-zone, and high QFR-in patients with single-vessel intermediate stenosis.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 478 patients with QFR between 0.70 and 0.90 who underwent coronary angiography between May and June 2023. Patients were stratified into Low (0.70-0.74), Grey-Zone (0.75-0.85), and High (0.86-0.90) QFR groups. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE); the key secondary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models …

Dams And Rural Conflict: Evidence From Brazil’S Hydropower Expansion, Raphael Corbi, Chiara Falco, Luca J. Uberti

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

We estimate the impact of infrastructure investment on conflict using 163 hydroelectric dams in Brazil (2002–2022). Leveraging the staggered rollout of construction in a difference-in-differences framework, we find that dams trigger sharp, temporary surges in land invasions, water disputes, and homicides. These effects peak during construction and dissipate upon operation, suggesting they stem from the displacement process rather than the public good itself. Crucially, conflict is mediated by local institutions: violence occurs only where property rights are weak and displacement affects vulnerable smallholders. Our results demonstrate that without effective compensation, state-led modernization generates destabilizing redistributive shocks.

Lung Epithelial And Alveolar Macrophage-Like Cell Interactions Significantly Modify Innate Responses To Bacterial Endotoxin With The Involvement Of Direct Cellular Contacts, Tnf-Α, Icam1 And Mcp-1, Connor Wood, Shagun Khera, Minjeong Woo, Vikram Sharma, Justyna Lopatecka, Frederic Coulon, Zaheer Nasir, Vincent Delorme, Simon K. Jackson, György Fejer

School of Biomedical Sciences

Introduction: Lung alveolar macrophages (AMs) and epithelial cells form the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. Their interactions strongly influence innate immune responses in the lung, yet the mechanisms underlying this cross-talk remain incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, we established a co-culture system using a primary model of AMs (MPI alveolar macrophage-like cells) and MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells to investigate innate responses and cellular interactions during bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation. Results: Cytokine and chemokine profiling revealed that co-cultures exhibited significantly enhanced proinflammatory responses to both LPS and TLR2 ligands—including IL-6, TNF-a, and MCP-1 secretion—compared with mono-cultures. Strikingly, …

Landworks Evaluation 1 April 2024 To 31 March 2025: Generating A Harm Reduction And Desistance Community, Patricia Gray, Julie Parsons

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

This year, LandWorks has experienced both highs and profound challenges. In July 2024, LandWorks won the Overall Award for Excellence at the Charity Awards — the most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector. The judges highlighted LandWorks’ greatest achievement as “the way it built trust with its trainees and helped them rebuild their lives by understanding the experiences that led to their criminal behaviour in the first place.” Staff, trainees, and graduates were deeply proud of this recognition, which serves as a national endorsement of LandWorks’ accomplishments since its establishment in 2013. Alongside this success, the past twelve months …

Predictors Of Mortality Among Under-Five Children Hospitalized With Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia. A Retrospective Observational Study, Marwa Taha

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) remains a critical public health issue and a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries. Identifying predictors of death in children with SCAP and early recognition of high-risk patients could significantly improve survival rates. Objective This study aims to identify possible predictors of mortality in pediatric SCAP, facilitating the early recognition of high-risk children. Patients and Methods This retrospective observational study included 120 children under the age of five who were admitted with SCAP, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and hospital outcomes were …

Knowledge And Practice Of Breast Self-Examination Among Young Women Comes To General Surgery Clinic In Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital, Shimaa M W Kalama

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Breast cancer, which makes up 30.4% of newly diagnosed tumors, is one of the most common cancers among young girls. Every woman who is 20 years of age or older is thought to be at risk of getting breast cancer. This research is crosssectional. The Shebin-Elkom Teaching Hospital served as the study's site. Randomized sampling was used to enroll five hundred women for this study. To collect information, a self-administration questionnaire was employed. Objective:. to evaluate the women who visited the surgery clinic at Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital's knowledge of breast cancer, BSE, and its function in early …