Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Estimation And Modulation Of Persistent Inward Currents In Human Spinal Motoneurons, Ricardo Neves De Oliveira Mesquita

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The manner in which motoneurons respond to excitatory and inhibitory input depends strongly on how their intrinsic properties are influenced by neuromodulators. Importantly, activation of voltage-gated channels that generate persistent (long-lasting) inward currents (PICs) is crucial for initiation, acceleration, and maintenance of firing. The overall aim of this thesis was to develop new ways to both estimate and modulate PIC contributions to motoneuron firing in humans.

Hypothetically, PIC estimation in humans might be possible by examining muscle force and electromyographic activity responses to tendon vibration superimposed with bursts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in an otherwise-inactive muscle (VibStim). Such activation …

Creation And Evaluation Of The Illinois Cancer Risk Index As A Predictor Of Four Common Cancers, Lei Guo, Margaret E. Wright, Meridith C. Osias, Mahdi Vaezi, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Introduction

Nearly half of all cancer deaths in the US are attributed to 4 common cancers: lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate. Illinois residents experience higher rates of cancer death from all 4 cancers compared with the US overall. We developed the Illinois Cancer Risk Index (ICRI), which incorporates many predictors of these cancers into a single summary measure, to identify Illinois counties that would benefit most from public health intervention.

Methods

We identified 90 county-level predictors of 4 common cancers, used multicollinearity testing to reduce this number to 61, and applied factor analysis to extract and analyze 4 factors representing …

Let’S Have A Playdate! Comparing Autistic Children's Social Behavior During Play Sessions With Siblings Versus Peers, Clare Boldt

Scripps Senior Theses

Autistic individuals can struggle with social interactions and forming friendships. While siblings and peers are used for social skills intervention, there is a paucity of research analyzing differences in autistic children’s play with siblings versus peers. Investigating these behavior differences helps clinicians learn how to best support social skill development, improve sibling relationships, and determine ideal peer mediators for interventions. I compare social behaviors of autistic children during play sessions with their sibling versus a non-sibling peer. The behaviors measured were prosocial behaviors, cooperative and parallel play, verbalizations (appropriate and inappropriate), aggressive behaviors, eloping, and stereotypy. Based on previous literature, …

More Than Physical: Covid-19'S Devastating Impact, Sadie Wood, Kathryn Pond

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Covid-19 has impacted our world in many ways. In this autoethnographic research paper, two college nursing students share their own unique perspective related to the topic. Through their journaling over the pandemic, they derive three main themes in their writing. These themes included vaccine hesitancy, burnout in healthcare professionals, and online schooling because of isolation protocols. Each theme is explored through research which includes personal experience, scholarly journals, website articles, blog posts, social media posts, and personal interviews. Vaccine hesitancy is explored, and research concludes that misinformation is widely to blame. Burnout in healthcare workers is shown to increase during …

Impact Of Sleep And Training On Game Performance And Injury In Division-1 Women’S Basketball Amidst The Pandemic, Samah Senbel, S. Sharma, S. M. Raval, Christopher B. Taber, Julie K. Nolan, N. S. Artan, Diala Ezzeddine, Kaya Tolga

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

We investigated the impact of sleep and training load of Division - 1 women’s basketball players on their game performance and injury prediction using machine learning algorithms. The data was collected during a pandemic-condensed season with unpredictable interruptions to the games and athletic training schedules. We collected data from sleep monitoring devices, training data from coaches, injury reports from medical staff, and weekly survey data from athletes for 22 weeks.With proper data imputation, interpretable feature set, data balancing, and classifiers, we showed that we could predict game performance and injuries with more than 90% accuracy. More importantly, our F1 and …

Using An Interdisciplinary Case Study To Incorporate Quantitative Reasoning In Social Work, Nursing, And Mathematics, Elizabeth Post, Mischelle Stone, Lauren Cavner Williams, Mary Beaudry

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Through the national consortium, SUMMIT-P, Ferris State University faculty collaborated to develop and scaffold mathematics and quantitative reasoning across disciplines to reduce math anxiety. Participants in this collaborative group included faculty from social work, nursing, and mathematics who developed a case study on a Hurricane Katrina scenario that necessitated calculating the need for emergency shelter, water, food, and medicine, and as a response to the potential for a Malaria outbreak. This particular case study allowed faculty to use the lens of social justice to teach mathematical concepts and provided an avenue for nursing and social work students to engage in …

The March Of Time, Sara Heide

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

The Casino Up North, Jai Ahluwalia

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Time On My Watch, Stephanie Schulman

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

The Write Stuff - Winter 2022 (Vol. 19, No. 1), Research Medical Library

Write Stuff 2022

• NIH allows flexibility for applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Whom to contact for help with your NIH grant applications
• How to write a peer review
• Council of Science Editors launches new podcast
• Unusual terms used in scientific writing and publishing: QWERTY, AZERTY, and Dvorak

The Write Stuff - Autumn 2022 (Vol. 19, No. 4), Research Medical Library

Write Stuff 2022

• Updated guidelines on reporting race and ethnicity in the AMA Manual of Style
• ARRIVE 2.0 and MDAR Framework guide methods reporting for animal research and other life sciences research
• SciScore: A tool to measure reproducibility
• Tips for using figures effectively in grant proposals
• Unusual terms used in scientific writing and publishing: Format-free submission

Bits & Pieces: Project Review, Erin Partridge, Sadie Harmon, Katie Wade, Casey O'Neill

Art Therapy | Project Reports

This project explores the impact of creative collaboration on social connections between participants and volunteers in a friendly visiting program to answer the following questions:

1. What is the significance of a participatory based research process where older adults, staff, and volunteers are all primary contributors?

2. How can we co-design programming to elevate a sense of meaning and connection for staff, participants, and volunteers?

Illuminating The Increase Of Intentional Dating In The Covid-19 Pandemic And Its Connection To Relationship Satisfaction Through The Lens Of Photography., Caitlin Carnegie

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

In this study, the researcher examined if the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted individuals to reprioritize their emotional needs in intimate relationships. As a result of reprioritizing intimate relationship needs, the researcher also examined whether intentional dating increased within an individual. Furthermore, the researcher explored the use of photography to illuminate an individual's relationship satisfaction and motivation for dating. Asking these questions can help to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted intimate dating relationships and how dating trends may have shifted. It further explores how photography can also be used as a research tool as well as a …

Reconstructability Analysis: Discrete Multivariate Modeling, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

An introduction to Reconstructability Analysis for the Discrete Multivariate Modeling course and for other purposes.

Promoting A Walk/Run Event To Expand Services For Individuals With Disabilities, Mckenzie Rodgers

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) at WKU provides services to many individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays and disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, the clinic relies heavily on donations and fundraisers as sources of income. One of the CEC’s primary fundraisers is the annual LifeSkills Run/Walk for Autism. This event is held each April during autism awareness month, at the Bowling Green Ballpark, providing an opportunity for the community to support the clinic in an enjoyable way.

For an honors capstone experience, the author promoted the 15th annual LifeSkills Run/Walk for Autism …

Nsu College Of Psychology Graduate Student Catalog 2022–2023, Nova Southeastern University

College of Psychological Services / College of Psychology Postgraduate Student and Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Subtype-Specific And Co-Occurring Genetic Alterations In B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Man Chun John Ma, Saber Tadros, Alyssa Bouska, Tayla Heavican, Haopeng Yang, Qing Deng, Dalia Moore, Ariz Akhter, Keenan Hartert, Neeraj Jain, Jordan Showell, Sreejoyee Ghosh, Lesley Street, Marta Davidson, Christopher Carey, Joshua Tobin, Deepak Perumal, Julie M. Vose, Matthew A. Lunning, Aliyah R. Sohani, Benjamin J. Chen, Shannon Buckley, Loretta J. Nastoupil, R. Eric Davis, Jason R. Westin, Nathan H. Fowler, Samir Parekh, Maher Gandhi, Sattva Neelapu, Douglas Stewart, Kapil Bhalla, Javeed Iqbal, Timothy Greiner, Scott J. Rodig, Adnan Mansoor, Michael R. Green

Journal Articles: Oncology and Hematology

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) encompasses multiple clinically and phenotypically distinct subtypes of malignancy with unique molecular etiologies. Common subtypes of B-NHL, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, have been comprehensively interrogated at the genomic level, but rarer subtypes, such as mantle cell lymphoma, remain less extensively characterized. Furthermore, multiple B-NHL subtypes have thus far not been comprehensively compared using the same methodology to identify conserved or subtype-specific patterns of genomic alterations. Here, we employed a large targeted hybrid-capture sequencing approach encompassing 380 genes to interrogate the genomic landscapes of 685 B-NHL tumors at high depth, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, …

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Intention To Play Esports, Soojung Park

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In recent years, the negative perspective about esports that used to dominate the opinion of many people as well as sports researchers has gradually been changing in the academic world. Previous studies have shown that psychosocial values of esports such as having fun, escaping from daily life, and social interaction. However, previous studies on motivations for esports gameplay were conducted from qualitative research perspectives, focusing on esports viewership, and there has comparatively been little esports gameplay research from a quantitative perspective. Against the qualitative research heavy background, the purpose of this research is to examine the psychosocial factors that influence …

Modulation Of Ptz-Induced Convulsions In Rats Using Topiramate Alone Or Combined With Low Dose Gamma Irradiation: Involving Akt/M-Tor Pathway, Marwa Safar

Pharmacy

The current study evaluates the anticonvulsant effect low dose whole body gamma irradiation (LDR) alone or combined with topiramate against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions. Male Wister rats received either saline or PTZ (75mg/kg i.p.). The other three groups were pretreated with single low dose radiation (0.5Gy), topiramate (50mg/kg, p.o., seven days) and TPM with LDR respectively before PTZ injection. Racine’ score, latency, and duration of the convulsions were assessed. Glutamate and GABA were measured. AKT/m-TOR signaling pathway including AKT (protein kinase B), mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR), protein S6, and caspase 3 were also assessed. Measurements of markers of oxidative stress …

From Isolation To Inclusion: Embracing Local Perspectives In Examining The Treatment Model Of Care For Aboriginal Persons Affected By Tuberculosis Or Leprosy In The Kimberley Region, North Western Australia, Stefanie Jane Oliver

Theses

In the remote Kimberley region of North Western Australia, tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy continue to affect a small number of Aboriginal people, despite historical efforts to eliminate either disease. Treatment, predominantly antibiotic therapy, is a principal therapeutic intervention used to cure TB and leprosy and halt infection transmission. Decisions made around treatment therefore impact not only the individual person affected, but also their families and communities. The well-worn models of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and case management are used nationally to assist treatment continuity and completion. Neither model has been substantiated for cultural appropriateness nor for meeting the specific needs …

Inspire : Vol 5, Issue 1, Department Of Medicine

INSPIRE – Department of Medicine Archives

Content

• Medicine at National and International Forums
• Health Data Science Bootcamp and Stakeholder Meetings
• Annual Research Day- Department of Medicine
• In-depth: featuring Assistant Professor Dr Ainan Arshad
• Featured Faculty – Dr. Saad Bin Zafar Mahmood ... Prioritize! Life is continuously throwing new challenges that are to be attended and we need to decide which one to encounter first...
• What are Academics Around the World Reading This Month?
• Poem section
• Publications

Accuracy Of A Sacral Drilling With A Custom 3d Printed Drilling Guide Or Free-Hand Technique In Canine Experimental Sacroiliac Luxation, Daniel Mccarthy

LSU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to improve the accuracy of drilling during the repair of sacroiliac luxation with a 3D-printed patient-specific drill guide (3D-GDT) compared to free-hand drilling technique (FHDT). A blinded, randomized, prospective study was performed including sixteen canine cadavers (20-25 kg) euthanized for reasons not related to the study. Dorsal, bilateral, sacroiliac luxations (SILs) were created experimentally. A pelvic CT was performed pre- and post-drilling. The FHDT was drilled followed by 3D-GDT for each sacrum. CT and 3D measurements of craniocaudal and dorsoventral angles were compared between FHDT and 3D-GDT, as well as deviations of entry …

Mevisit: Value-Based Approach To Primary Care Delivery By Mtelemedicine Utilization Applied Through Lean Principles, Neil Coyer Thornbury

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Significant issues of inconsistent patient services in the U.S. health system impact health outcomes and create high cost. Limitations of immobility, inefficiency, and accessibility sacrifice patient treatment, delay recovery, and escalate health risks from the lack of primary care physicians. The primary purpose of this study was to examine meVisit, a connective mobile technology, as a feasible primary care solution to address escalating health costs by reducing emergency room (ER) visits and inpatient admissions (IA). Methods: The feasibility study applied descriptive and inferential statistics to secondary data (n=4,024) and compared the two independent patient groups from the same large …

Access To The Kidney Transplant Waitlist For People Living With Hiv, Brittany A. Shelton

All ETDs from UAB

People living with HIV (PLWH) have experienced substantial increases in life expectancy, largely attributable to improvements in care such as antiretroviral therapy. As a result, there has been a concurrent increase in the development of aging-related comorbidities such as end-stage organ disease. One such comorbidity is kidney disease. Concerningly, PLWH are at disproportionately higher risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) as compared to HIV-negative counterparts. Kidney transplantation is the ideal therapy for ESKD as it is both cost-effective and provides a significant survival benefit and yet, despite excellent transplant outcomes among PLWH, access to transplantation among …

Targeting The Frataxin Transcriptional Defect As A Therapeutic Approach For Friedreich's Ataxia, Anna Maria Schreiber

All ETDs from UAB

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is the most common inherited ataxia worldwide. This autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder manifests in the central and peripheral nervous system but also affects the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. No effective treatment is available. FRDA is caused by expansion of GAA repeat tracts in intron 1 of the frataxin (FXN) gene on both alleles. An inverse correlation between FXN levels and GAA repeat length exists. Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein participating in iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster formation. Frataxin deficiency results in reduced activity of Fe-S-containing enzymes involved in critical biological processes, such as cellular respiration and DNA repair. Expansion …

Embedding A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation In A Web-Based Diet And Exercise Program For Older Cancer Survivors, Jami Lee Anderson

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this dissertation is to describe critical steps in designing a usercentered mixed methods process evaluation and implement the process evaluation within an existing program. Three objectives of this dissertation include: 1) develop a conceptual framework for conducting user-centered process evaluations of web-based diet and exercise programs for middle-aged and older cancer survivors; 2) inform the design of a user-centered process evaluation by leveraging insights from “think aloud” interviews collected during the beta-testing phase of the AMPLIFY program (a webbased diet and exercise program designed to support healthy lifestyle needs of older cancer survivors); and 3) present results …

The Role Of The Bone Marrow Microenvironment In Flt3-Itd Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell Resistance To Flt3 Inhibition, Nicholas R. Anderson

All ETDs from UAB

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, complex hematological malignancy. AML cases with constitutively-activating internal tandem duplications in the Flt3 receptor (Flt3-ITD) represent a distinct subtype of disease with poor prognosis, but unique opportunities for targeted therapy. Flt3-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have entered clinical practice due to their ability to induce remissions in a large proportion of Flt3-mutant AML patients, but their long-term efficacy remains limited due to the persistence of leukemia stem cells (LSC) in the bone marrow (BM). Herein, we outline the importance of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in harboring LSC through AML development and drug …

Impact Of A Reduced Nicotine Standard On Young Adult Appeal For Menthol And Non-Menthol Cigarettes, Amy M. Cohn, Rachel Cassidy, Rachel Denlinger-Apte, Eric Donny, Andrea C. Villanti, Dorothy Hatsukami, Delaney Dunn, Riley Wyatt, Taylor Niznik, Tamar Cohen-Davidyan, Michael Smith, Sarah J. Ehlke

Psychology Faculty Publications

Introduction The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to reduce the nicotine content in cigarettes as a strategy to promote cessation and reduce smoking-related harm. A low nicotine product standard will apply to all cigarettes on the market, including menthol cigarettes. In December 2021, the FDA approved a modified risk tobacco product application for menthol and non-menthol flavoured very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNC) from the 22nd Century Group. Notably, experimentation with menthol cigarettes is linked to smoking progression, as well as greater nicotine dependence relative to non-menthol cigarette use. If menthol VLNCs are perceived as more appealing than …

Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders [Program, 2022], Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders

Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders Programs

The Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders provides continuing education activities in speech- language pathology that are acceptable to the State of Iowa and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Areas of emphasis include adults and pediatrics.

Defining Genetic Underpinnings Of Cellular Diversity And Vulnerability In The Context Of Parkinson's Disease, Stephanie M. Boas

All ETDs from UAB

of ALL survivors are at risk for reduced functional outcomes, and these outcomes may be more strongly related to executive functioning than neighborhood-specific variables or IEP support. Long-term goals include translating findings into practice to remediate adaptive or academic difficulties in ALL survivors.