Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using Expression Profiling To Understand The Effects Of Chronic Cadmium Exposure On Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells, Zelmina Lubovac-Pilav, Daniel M. Borras, Esmeralda Ponce, Maggie Louie

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Cadmium is a metalloestrogen known to activate the estrogen receptor and promote breast cancer cell growth. Previous studies have implicated cadmium in the development of more malignant tumors; however the molecular mechanisms behind this cadmium-induced malignancy remain elusive. Using clonal cell lines derived from exposing breast cancer cells to cadmium for over 6 months (MCF-7-Cd4, -Cd6, -Cd7, -Cd8 and -Cd12), this study aims to identify gene expression signatures associated with chronic cadmium exposure. Our results demonstrate that prolonged cadmium exposure does not merely result in the deregulation of genes but actually leads to a distinctive expression profile. The genes deregulated …

A Transformative Experience For Occupational Therapy Students In A Simulated Learning Environment, Kitsum Li, Barbara Mccamish

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Simulation is being integrated into nursing and medical curriculum nationally and it is well integrated into the Nursing program at Dominican University of California, However, use of simulation in allied health professionals is only an emerging practice. The aim of this program is to integrate simulation into the OT curriculum in order to facilitate the development of therapy foundation skill.

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining For Adults With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study, Kitsum Li, Julie Robertson, Joshua Ramos, Stephanie Gella

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) program on improving memory and attention deficits in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Twelve adults with a chronic ABI demonstrating deficits in memory and attention were recruited from a convenience sample from the community. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, a significant improvement was found in both memory and attention scores postintervention using the cognitive screening tool. This study supported the effectiveness of CBCR programs in improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with chronic ABI. Further research is recommended to validate these findings …

Clinical Reasoning In The Use Of Slings For Patients With Shoulder Subluxation After Stroke: A Glimpse Of The Practice Phenomenon In California, Kitsum Li, Naoko Murai, Simon Chi

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Literature reports the frequent use of shoulder slings by occupational therapists for the management of post-stroke shoulder subluxation despite the low evidence for its efficacy. To understand the clinical context that defies current research evidence, a survey was distributed among California occupational therapists. One hundred and sixty-eight participants responded to the survey, answering questions regarding the occurrences and clinical reasoning in the use of shoulder sling with patients post stroke. 81.5% of the respondents reported the use of shoulder sling. However, the actual sling prescription was limited to 28.4% of their patients. Slings were primarily prescribed for upper extremity management …

Chronic Cadmium Exposure Stimulates Sdf-1 Expression In An Erα Dependent Manner, Esmeralda Ponce, Natalie B. Aquino, Maggie Louie

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Cadmium is an omnipotent environmental contaminant associated with the development of breast cancer. Studies suggest that cadmium functions as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking the actions of estrogen in breast cancer cells and activating the receptor to promote cell growth. Although acute cadmium exposure is known to promote estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression associated with growth, the consequence of chronic cadmium exposure is unclear. Since heavy metals are known to bioaccumulate, it is necessary to understand the effects of prolonged cadmium exposure. This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic cadmium exposure on breast cancer progression. A MCF7 breast cancer cell …

Prognostic Value Of Heart Rate Turbulence For Risk Assessment In Patients With Unstable Angina And Non-St Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Patricia R.E. Harris, Phyllis K. Stein, Gordon L. Fung, Barbara J. Drew

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Background: We sought to examine the prognostic value of heart rate turbulence derived from electrocardiographic recordings initiated in the emergency department for patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina.

Methods: Twenty-four-hour Holter recordings were started in patients with cardiac symptoms approximately 45 minutes after arrival in the emergency department. Patients subsequently diagnosed with NSTEMI or unstable angina who had recordings with ≥18 hours of sinus rhythm and sufficient data to compute Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores were chosen for analysis (n = 166). Endpoints were emergent re-entry to the cardiac emergency department and/or death at …

Prevalence And Prognostic Significance Of Long Qt Interval Among Patients With Chest Pain: Selecting An Optimum Qt Rate Correction Formula, Amer A. Hasanien, Barbara J. Drew, Jill Howie-Esquivel, Gordon Fung, Patricia Harris

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Background: Little is known about the prevalence and prognostic significance of long QT interval among patients with chest pain during the acute phase of suspected cardiovascular injury.

Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of long QT interval among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain using an optimum QT rate correction formula.

Methods: We performed secondary analysis on data obtained from the IMMEDIATE AIM trial (N, 145). Data included 24-hour 12-lead Holter electrocardiographic recordings that were stored for offline computer analysis. The QT interval was measured automatically and rate corrected using seven …

Expanding Access To Malaria Diagnosis Through Retail Shops In Western Kenya: What Do Shop Workers Think?, Andria Rusk, Catherine Goodman, Violet Naanyu, Beatrice Koech, Andrew Obala, Wendy Prudhomme O'Meara

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Background. The common symptoms of malaria reduce the specificity of clinical diagnosis. Presumptive treatment is conventional but can lead to overdiagnosis of malaria, delay of appropriate treatment, overprescription of antimalarials, and drug resistance. Routine use of diagnostic tests can address many of these concerns. Though treatment is often procured from retailers, there is low availability of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (MRDTs), a simple, inexpensive, and accurate diagnostic solution. We know little about the challenges to expanding access to diagnostics through these outlets. Methods. To understand the perceptions of the benefits and challenges to selling rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, …

Chemically Diverse Microtubule Stabilizing Agents Initiate Distinct Mitotic Defects And Dysregulated Expression Of Key Mitotic Kinases., Cristina C. Rohena, Jiangnan Peng, Tyler A. Johnson, Phillip Crews, Susan L. Mooberry

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Faculty Scholarship

Microtubule stabilizers are some of the most successful drugs used in the treatment of adult solid tumors and yet the molecular events responsible for their antimitotic actions are not well defined. The mitotic events initiated by three structurally and biologically diverse microtubule stabilizers; taccalonolide AJ, laulimalide/fijianolide B and paclitaxel were studied. These microtubule stabilizers cause the formation of aberrant, but structurally distinct mitotic spindles leading to the hypothesis that they differentially affect mitotic signaling. Each microtubule stabilizer initiated different patterns of expression of key mitotic signaling proteins. Taccalonolide AJ causes centrosome separation and disjunction failure to a much greater extent …

"Coming Out": The Occupational Impact For Gay Men, Karen Mccarthy

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

No abstract available

Lipophilic Stinging Nettle Extracts Possess Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Are Not Cytotoxic And May Be Superior To Traditional Tinctures For Treating Inflammatory Disorders., Tyler A. Johnson, Johann Sohn, Wayne D Inman, Leonard F. Bjeldanes, Keith Rayburn

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Faculty Scholarship

Extracts of four plant portions (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) of Urtica dioica (the stinging nettle) were prepared using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) involving water, hexanes, methanol and dichloromethane. The extracts were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities in an NF-κB luciferase and MTT assay using macrophage immune (RAW264.7) cells. A standardized commercial ethanol extract of nettle leaves was also evaluated. The methanolic extract of the flowering portions displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity on par with a standard compound celastrol (1) but were moderately cytotoxic. Alternatively, the polar extracts (water, methanol, ethanol) of the roots, stems and leaves displayed moderate …

Do Low Vision Interventions, Including Prescription And Training In The Use Of Low Vision Devices, Such As Magnifiers, Telescopes, Selective Transmission Lenses, Electronic Devices, And Computers, Enhance Older Adults’ Vision In Reading Standard Labels On Medication Bottles?, Vanessa Mae Clemente Carzon, Mallory Hope Engelhardt, Amanda Marie Woods, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of low vision rehabilitation interventions on individuals with low vision, particularly on the ability to read standard labels on medication bottles.

Does Dance-Based Therapy Improve Balance And Mobility In Older Adults?, Emily Ann Dodge, Florina Mendoza-Battle, Tanya Elesia Orgill, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

This study explores the effects of dance-based therapy on balance and mobility in older adults living in an AIP facility.

Does Fall Risk Education Tailored By Motivation Increase Fall Risk Identification And Fall Prevention Behaviors In Community-Dwelling Older Adults When Compared To Fall Risk Education Tailored By Authenticity?, Jonathan William Alonso, Brittnee Jane Witham, Cournety Brooke Mcintosh, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To determine whether multimedia fall prevention education using different instructional strategies increases older adults’ ability to identify fall risks and implement fall prevention behaviors into their daily activities.

For Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Functional Limitations, Does An Occupational Therapy Home Modification Intervention Program That Includes The Provision Of Adaptive Equipment And/Or Architectural Renovations To The Home Help Improve Occupational Performance And Satisfaction With The Ability To Perform Everyday Activities?, Sarah Jane Dequis Calub, Matthew Jordan Carlson, Monica Fernandez, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Determine the effect of an occupational therapy home modification intervention program on occupational performance and self-reported levels of satisfaction of occupational performance.

Engaging With First Responders To Prevent Falls In Older Adults, Ted Peterson, Ruth Ramsey, Monica Fernandez, Anita Hin, Chelsea Prado, Patricia Reyes

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

In order to further explore the circumstances of falls in the City of Novato’s older adults age 60 and over Novato Fire Protection District (NFPD) partnered with Dominican University Occupational Therapy Department to conduct a study with the support of County of Marin Mental Health Services Act funds. The following were the goals of this study:

1. Identify fall risk factors in community-dwelling older adults.
2. Understand the experiences of older adults who have fallen.
3. Determine whether there is a relationship between falls and depression in older adults.
4. Examine first responder experiences with fall-related calls in older adults.
5. Identify approaches to prevent …

For Patients With Acute Cerebral Vascular Accident, Is Virtual Reality Gaming More Effective Than Standard Recreational Therapy For The Improvement Of Hand Function?, Amy Marie Sequeira Boeschen, Elizabeth Jeanne Szoboszlay, Martha Welderufael, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of VR gaming using the Nintendo Wii vs. standard recreational therapy for the improvement of UE function in patients who have experienced a stroke.

Driving Characteristics Of Teens With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Yanning Wang

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among teens. Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or both (ADHD–ASD) may have a greater crash risk. We examined the between-groups demographic, clinical, and predriving performance differences of 22 teens with ADHD– ASD (mean age 5 15.05, standard deviation [SD] 5 0.95) and 22 healthy control (HC) teens (mean age 5 14.32, SD 5 0.72). Compared with HC teens, the teens with ADHD–ASD performed more poorly on righteye visual acuity, selective attention, visual–motor integration, cognition, and motor performance and made more errors on the driving simulator pertaining …

Are Physical, Cognitive, And Perceptual Exercises Effective At Improving Abilities Associated With Driving (Such As Behavioral Speed, Visual Attention, Psychomotor Performance, Speed Of Perception, And Executive Functioning) In Older Adults Compared To A Control Group Of Older Adults Not Participating In An Exercise Group?, Caitlin Danae Mcintyre, Regina Okun, Josue Julian Zamora, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To study the effect of a specific exercise program on changes in performance in the areas of behavioral speed, visual attention, psychomotor performance, speed of perception, and executive functioning in older adult drivers.