Digital Commons Network^™

Epcam Activates The Erk-Egr1 Signaling Axis And Promotes Tnf-Α-Induced The Progression Of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Chi-Chiu Lee, Yi-Jen Su, Sushree Shankar Panda, Chiung-Yi Chiu, Chung-Hsuan Wu, Pi-Chun Li, Ruey-Long Hong, Shao-Hsi Hung, Cassian Yee, Stephen Y Lai, Han-Chung Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a pleotropic transmembrane glycoprotein comprising an extracellular domain (EpEX), a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain (EpICD). For several types of cancer, high EpCAM expression is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and overall poor prognosis. A rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), has a mean survival time of only 3–6 months after diagnosis.

Methods: The levels of EpEX and EpICD cleavage in clinical patient samples was evaluated by using tissue microarray. Capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to explore the of shedding EpEX and …

Staff Education For Effective Patient Handoff, Kaylonn Amundson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff education project was initiated to address the lack of standardized handoff procedures which was found to have contributed to an adverse outcome for a hospitalized patient. The purpose of this project was to address the question: Will an interactive education program on a standardized handoff tool increase nursing staffs’ knowledge and self-confidence regarding its use? The project involved educating 20 inpatient nurses and care staff about the structure of the SIGNOUT? handoff tool using a PowerPoint presentation with a follow-up practice simulation. Handoff sheets and visuals were distributed to aid in the learning process. Pre- and post-education surveys …

Effective Leadership Strategies For Aligning Vision And Mission To Drive Sustainability, Nyree Price

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Organizational leaders often struggle when ambitious innovation outpaces the systems, structures, and leadership practices needed to support consistent operational performance. When leaders fail to implement effective resolution strategies to align the organizational vision and mission with operational effectiveness, it impacts long-term operational effectiveness, productivity, and long-term sustainability. This qualitative single case study was an exploration of the strategies used by some business leaders in a mid-sized, for-profit telecommunications firm in the Midwest United States. The study applied the Baldrige Excellence Framework as the conceptual lens. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with executive leaders and through an analysis of internal …

First Responder Resiliency With Line Of Duty Critical Incident Exposure, Jennifer Miller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

First responders' mental health resiliency and distress tolerance following crises and adverse, sporadic, and consistent exposure to critical incidents, such as line-of-duty death, mass casualty incidents, and calls involving children, continues to be a public health challenge in the United States. In this phenomenological study, the role of critical incidents in the overall mental and physical health resiliency of first responders was explored. Resilience theory served as the theoretical perspective for this study. The central research question for this study was to investigate the lived experiences of first responders who have been exposed to critical incidents in the line of …

Epidemiology And Screening Of Traumatic Vertebral Artery Injuries At A Large Scandinavian Level 1 Trauma Center, Paulina Cewe, Victor E. Staartjes, Victor Gabriel El-Hajj, Ihab Ahmad Al-Rikabi, Basel Musmar, Joana M. Roy, Dennis Troung, Mats Beckman, Marcus Ohlsson, Pascal Jabbour, Adrian Elmi-Terander, Erik Edström

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic vertebral artery injuries (tVAIs) are uncommon but potentially devastating if missed. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is routinely used for diagnosis, data on the number needed to image (NNI) remain limited. We hence analyzed tVAI epidemiology and imaging practices at a major Scandinavian level 1 trauma center.

METHODS: A retrospective study (2013-2020) was performed based on a single-center trauma registry. Patients were grouped based on CTA imaging protocol used; selective screening (2013-2017) and universal screening (2018-2020). Imaging protocols, treatment strategies, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS: Among 2,843 patients admitted with level 1 trauma and receiving CTA imaging, 62 …

Enhancing Wind Turbine Aerodynamics With Flow Controller: A Review, Oluwaseyi O. Alabi, Adewale R. Inaolaji, Monsuru O. Mufutau

Al-Bahir

Wind turbines are vital to global renewable energy strategies, yet their aerodynamic performance often falls short of optimal levels, limiting overall efficiency and increasing operational loads. Flow controllers, devices designed to manipulate airflow around turbine blades, have emerged as a promising means of enhancing power capture while mitigating fatigue and structural stresses. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of current research on aerodynamic optimization using flow controllers, covering both conventional and emerging technologies such as vortex generators, Gurney flaps, microtabs, and plasma actuators. The review evaluates the aerodynamic principles behind these devices, their reported performance improvements in laboratory and field …

Salicylic Acid Heterocyclic Derivatives: Chemical Synthesis And Biological Activity, Rawaa Hefdi Zaooli, Marwa Abdulameer Mseer, Amneen Mohammed Alsayegh

Al-Bahir

Before a drug can be widely used, it must go through a long development process, starting from the discovery of the active ingredient and continuing with tests to confirm its safety and effectiveness. In this study, new olsalazine derivatives were synthesized, containing a fused morpholine-3-one ring and two five-membered heterocyclic rings (thiadiazole and oxadiazole). Common and readily available materials, such as salicylic acid (to prepare 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid) and inexpensive catalysts, were used to synthesize compounds from the first, 5,5'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(2-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzoic acid) (A1), to the seventh, 6,6'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)bis(N-(4-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-8-carboxamide) (A7).

Each compound was characterized by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, along with physical properties such …

Structure-Based Repurposing Of Clinically Approved Compounds For Pde-5 Inhibition: Integrative Computational And Pharmacokinetic Evaluation, Albashir Tahir, Yasir Idris Saleh, Ibrahim Khaleel Muazu

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) regulates intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, modulating vascular smooth muscle tone. Sildenafil, a well-established PDE-5 inhibitor, is effective for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension but causes dose-dependent adverse effects. Identifying alternative scaffolds with comparable efficacy and improved safety remains a pharmacological priority.

Methods: A ligand-based virtual screening of the DrugBank database was performed using sildenafil as a reference. Compounds exhibiting ≥60% structural and electrostatic similarity were docked into the PDE-5 catalytic domain (PDB ID: 2h42) using Glide XP in the Schrödinger Suite. Top-scoring ligands were assessed for physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (ADMET), and toxicity parameters using SwissADME and …

Design And Mechanistic Investigation Of Novel Metallodrugs: From Structure-Activity Relationships To Selective Cancer Cell Targeting, Samad Khaksar, Nosrat Behzadi, Hasan Zakeri Zakeri, Peyman Salahshour, Sara Abdolmaleki

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

The relentless pursuit of alternatives to conventional platinum-based chemotherapeutics, hampered by severe side effects and drug resistance, defines a critical frontier in oncology drug discovery. This review consolidates and highlights the significance of our recent advances in designing novel metallodrugs based on pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate derivatives coordinated with various metal ions (Ga(III), Ce(IV), Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Sr(II)). Through systematic synthesis and evaluation, we establish how strategic structural modifications dictate cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and mechanistic pathways. Our comprehensive in vitro profiling across a panel of human cancer cell lines (including A431, SW480, BEL-7404) revealed potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values as low as …

Sphenocentrum Jollyanum: Pharmacological Insights Into A Neglected African Medicinal Plant, Albashir Tahir

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) is a West African medicinal plant used traditionally for various ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. Despite its ethnobotanical significance, comprehensive scientific validation of its pharmacological properties remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific insights to guide future research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, covering publications up to April 2025. Search terms included "Sphenocentrum jollyanum", "ethnobotanical use", "pharmacological effects", and related keywords. Relevant articles were screened, and …

Green Pharmaceutical Systems: Alpha-Tocopherol Encapsulation In Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Via Microwaves-Based Technique As Advanced Topical Drug Delivery Systems, Hayder Kadhim Drais, Mohammed A Albarki, Hayder Ridha-Salman, Ahmed Abbas Hussein, Ashraf Abbas Drais

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) is practically insoluble in water. It is important for skin health due to its many therapeutic actions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop, prepare, and evaluate nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)-based hydrogels as a topical dosage form to improve stability and therapeutic activity of vitamin E. The microwave-based method prepared five lavender oil-based NLCs (LN1–LN5) formulations that were assessed thermodynamically and entered into characterization processes. Hydrogels formulations based on NLCs (LNG1–LNG5) were prepared and evaluated. All of the lavender oil-based NLC formulations (LN1–LN5) had suitable surface charge, a …

History And Prevention Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus In Iraq: A Review, Ashwaq M. S. Al-Jbouri, Baraa Hamid Hadi, Saad Mardi Muhammad, Raoof J. A. Maaroof, Nada Khazal K. Hindi, Karrar Kamoona, Zainab Ayad, Rusul Ahmed Mohammed

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Foot-and-mouth disease Virus (FMDV) is an extremely transmittable viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed faunae, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. This study aimed to demonstrate the history and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Iraq. This virus poses a significant threat to the economy, necessitating strict measures to control and prevent its spread, particularly due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in young faunae. It is one of the most contagious diseases as it is transmitted directly or indirectly from a diseased fauna to a healthy one through contact with resources contaminated with the virus, such as …

Full Issue, Kritika Kultura

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

From Dreamberries Swirling In My Tongue, Michael Balili

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Three Poems, Allan Justo Pastrana

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Bagong Dating, Efmer E. Agustin

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Bella Ciao, Máno Dela Cruz

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Bella Ciao, Lance Romulus S. Dayrit

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Metamorfascis, Arbeen R. Acuña

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Panghian Festival, Benjo Gutierrez

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Willie “I’M Just A Ceo” Cruz Meta, Doomscrolling, And Social Marketing Solutions And Social Marketing Solutions, Lawrence Bernabe

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

The Investigation, Eric Abalajon

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Saranghae, Monina Morales!, Kaisa Aquino

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Practical Applications And Theoretical Possibilities On The Study Of Kapres Of The Sociedad Científica, Christian Jil Benitez

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Mga Praktikal Na Aplikasyon At Teoretikal Na Landasin Ng Mga Pag-Aaral Sa Kapre Ng Sociedad Cientifica, Alvin Yapan

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

The Kataw, Aidan Bernales

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.

Toward Somewhere Livable: Contemporary Filipino Fiction Against Primers Of Values, Edgar Calabia Samar

Kritika Kultura

This introduction to the Kritika Kultura special issue positions contemporary Filipino fiction as a counter-practice to state-driven moral discourses that flatten history, depoliticize crisis, and naturalize inequity. Reading against the NCCA’s Filipino Values for the Common Good, the essay argues that literary work in Filipino refuses the primer’s rhetoric of timeless virtues by foregrounding structural violence, decolonial epistemologies, and the uneven terrains of translation. Through close attention to the nine selected works written originally in Filipino— and to the English translations that accompany them—the introduction shows how fiction enacts a literacy of refusal that interrupts the coercive demands of state, …

In The Trenches: The Value Of Value In Contemporary Philippine Fiction, Glenn Diaz

Kritika Kultura

In this critical introduction, I investigate the possibilities in as well as the potential limits of the notion of “halaga” or value in thinking about the works that are part of this Kritika Kultura special literary section on contemporary Philippine fiction. I argue that the value of value as a critical paradigm is simultaneously formal, political, thematic, and practical, as much an aesthetic curiosity as it is a discursive dilemma, and that any inquiry into what is valued in Philippine fiction today necessarily inquires into how one lives at a fraught historical moment marked by persistent structural violence. I situate …

Red Flag In The Pearl Of The Orient?: The Image Of China In The Philippine Periodical La Solidaridad (1889-1895), Lois Mauri Anne Liwanag, Tiffany Ritz Mendoza, Sophia Marie Enriquez, Vianca Jamyla Joven, Leslie Anne Liwanag, Michael Charleston "Xiao" Chua

Kritika Kultura

This paper attempts to deduce how certain articles in La Solidaridad that specifically discussed China present a general image of the said Celestial Empire. Its significance lies in the fact that it can provide further knowledge of how Filipino intellectuals of that time perceive the Philippines in relation to its neighbors in Asia as well as the dynamics of the region’s political situation. This article is also important due to its potential to provide a Filipino perception of China before it was altered by the Philippine-Chinese territorial conflict that emerged during the latter part of twentieth century. This paper has …

Symbolism In Liu Yichang’S Inside The Temple, Lingshuang Lai, Yue Zhang

Kritika Kultura

Liu Yichang’s (刘以鬯, 1918–2018) novella Inside the Temple (Sinei; 寺内), has been widely regarded, along with The Drunkard (Jiutu; 酒徒) and Intersection (Duidao; 对倒), as one of the best representatives of Liu’s work due to its narrative completeness and unique literary style. This article explores the symbols that Liu adopts in Sinei as he merges Western stream-of-consciousness techniques with Chinese poetic language. Liu’s synthesis offers fresh insight into humanity, life, and society from two perspectives: “abstract” and “concrete.” Certain images in the novella carry an “abstract” geometric quality and can be categorized as either symbols of the “straight line” (zhixian; …