Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Discovery Of Inhibitors Of Inhibitors Of Apoptosis Proteins And Novel Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors As Potential Anticancer Agents, Najah Ghazi Albadari

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The global impact of cancer as a significant public health concern is undeniable. According to the annual report by the American Cancer Society, projections for 2023 estimate 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer-related deaths in the US. Recent years have seen significant progress in cancer treatment; however, existing therapies face several challenges. Cytotoxic agents-based chemotherapy often has low therapeutic index and encounters drug resistance shortly after initiation, while immunotherapies exhibit low response rates that vary between patients. As a result, there is a pressing need for the development of novel and effective cancer treatment. The work presented here focuses …

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Small Molecule Drugs For The Treatment Of Cancer And Osteoporosis, Hanxuan Li

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Cancer and osteoporosis are two commonly diagnosed disease around the world which poses major health threat. In this thesis, we provide the background information to two types of cancers, namely ovarian cancer and liver cancer, as well as osteoporosis, and our approach for the treatment of the diseases. In chapter one, we discussed the background information about the diseases. The cause and the current treatment options are discussed, providing the basis for the chapters written later. In chapter two, we focused on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To construct the drug, we utilized a technique called small molecule drug conjugate, …

T Cell Responsiveness Through The Ages: Functional Diversity Of Age-Dependent Antiviral Responses, Brandi L. Clark

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

An organism’s age impacts its susceptibility to disease, which varies according to the type of insult or causal pathogen. Much work remains to delineate these complexities, especially within younger individuals. Indeed, pediatric disease-driven immunity is less characterized than adult and aging populations due to two main factors: 1) descriptions through multiple stages of development are required, as the immune system undergoes massive changes from gestation through the end of adolescence, and 2) the complex nature of pediatric research decreases the availability of robust and comprehensive studies. Importantly, studying the immune system in relation to age requires a foundational knowledge within …

The Role Of Tcr Engagement Strength In Antitumor Cd8 T Cell Exhaustion, Xin Lan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Durability of an antitumor immune response is mediated in part by the persistence of progenitor exhausted CD8 T cells (Tpex). Tpex serve as a source for the pool of effector T cells that tend to have a short lifespan or eventually become dysfunctional in uncleared tumors. In contrast to the short-lived feature of their daughter cells, Tpex are able to preserve their quantity and developmental potential through a process of self-renewal. Previous research has demonstrated that Tpex can even self-renew in the absence of their cognate antigen. However, it remains unknown how T cell receptor (TCR) engagement impacts the self-renewal …

Understanding The Host Cellular Response To Astrovirus Infection, Theresa Mary Taggart Bub

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Astrovirus is a non-enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that infects the small intestine and causes gastrointestinal disease in most hosts. However, in immunocompromised patients, astrovirus can infect the brain, causing encephalitis and death. Here, we characterize astrovirus induction of replication organelles and dysregulation of cellular processes. It is known that autophagy can play a key role in the viral lifecycle, from entry to egress, and can be either pro-virus or pro-host depending on the virus. RNA viruses often exploit autophagy machinery to create double membrane vesicles (DMVs) as sites of replication and to protect viral RNAs from detection by innate …

Shifting Emergency Department Utilization Patterns Among Vulnerable Populations During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Leigh A. Mccormack

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of March 10, 2023, the virus infected nearly 104 million Americans. Many individuals were wary of seeking medical attention for issues unrelated to COVID-19 for fear of infection inside healthcare facilities. This hesitation caused a drop in emergency department (ED) visits for non-COVID-19 conditions. It is essential to ensure that individuals with critical healthcare needs receive the care they require and to mitigate the potential long-term consequences of delayed or deferred care. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to examine …

Exogenous Mitochondrial Transfer And Il-6: Modulating Adipocyte Metabolism In Obesity-Associated Dysregulation, Soumi Mazumdar

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Obesity, a global health epidemic, poses significant challenges to public well-being due to its complex interplay of metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and associated comorbidities. Mitochondria, central to ATP production, lipid metabolism, and thermogenesis, play a crucial role in modulating white adipose tissue metabolism. This thesis explores an innovative strategy for addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity which is a critical aspect of this multifactorial problem. The research findings presented herein uncover the impact of introducing exogenous mitochondria into NIH3T3-L1 adipocytes on various aspects of adipocyte function. The key discoveries of this study include a remarkable upregulation of energy expenditure genes, notably Ucp1, …

Investigating Potential Quantitative Trait Loci For Susceptibility To Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In The Bxd Family Of Mice, Margaret Caroline Danehy

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that causes disability, axonal damage in the central nervous system, and eventual paralysis. One of the main risk factors for developing MS is genetics, with recent studies identifying multiple risk alleles associated the major histocompatibility complex. By utilizing the BXD family of mice, we investigated genetic factors that affect a BXD strain’s susceptibility to EAE, an inducible disease model for MS. We induced EAE in several BXD mice strains via an emulsion of complete Freund’s adjuvant and MOG35-55, and then measured disease severity in each strain. From there, we measured incidence rate of …

Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Adherence To Antidiabetic Medications Among Low-Income Adults, Okoia Stoddard

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose. Low-income adults are disproportionately afflicted with diabetes and are more likely to suffer from advanced forms of diabetes related sequelae. Uninterrupted therapy on antidiabetic medications can postpone or prevent the damaging and costly complications associated with the progression of diabetes; however, many low-income individuals face significant barriers adhering to drug regimens. Medicaid, the primary source of health insurance among low-income people, mitigates access and cost barriers by providing access to health services and prescription drugs at a reduced cost. In 2014, Medicaid expansion, a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), would have had the potential …

Matrix Gene Splicing And Emergence Of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Christopher Patton

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a continual threat to the commercial poultry industry. In the past 40 years there have been five outbreaks of HPAI in North America. Rapid responses to these outbreaks have been crucial in preventing HPAI from becoming endemic in North America. The three worst outbreaks of HPAI in North America occurred in 1983-84, 2014-15, and 2021-23. The most recent outbreak was the worst North American HPAI outbreak in recorded history and will likely result in endemicity. Here we described the three worst recorded HPAI outbreaks in North America. The first of these outbreaks occurred in …

1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (Mptp)-Treated Adult Zebrafish As A Model For Parkinson’S Disease, Emmeline Bagwell

All Theses

The use of adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model for human neurodegenerative diseases has proven valuable in pharmaceutical development and genetic disease research due to their high genetic homology to humans, cost-effective husbandry, and quick life cycle breeding times. Despite their promise, most zebrafish research has focused on embryonic stage organisms, primarily due to the ease of direct handling protocols and rapid progression through developmental stages. Recognizing the limitations of early-stage organisms in modeling adult diseases, recent efforts have shifted the applicability of zebrafish models, particularly for Parkinson's Disease, due to the nature of the disease impacting patients 55 …

Impact Of Comorbid Heart Failure Among Hospitalized Patients With Sarcoidosis: A United States Population-Based Cohort Study, Bruce Adrian Casipit, Kevin Bryan Lo, Carlo Gabriel Casipit, Abdiodun Idowu, Aman Amanullah

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of data regarding the impact of concomitant heart failure (HF) on the in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized sarcoidosis patients. We aim to investigate the factors associated with concomitant HF and its impact on in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized sarcoidosis patients.

METHODS: We utilized the 2018-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database in conducting this study. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the factors associated with HF and hospital-associated outcomes among patients with sarcoidosis.

RESULTS: A total of 36,864 hospitalized patients with sarcoidosis were identified, of which 24.78 % (n = 9135/36,864) had concomitant HF. Factors …

Cancer Disparities In Southeast Asia: Intersectionality And A Call To Action, Erin Jay G. Feliciano, Frances Dominique V. Ho, Kaisin Yee, Joseph A. Paguio, Michelle Ann B. Eala, Janine Patricia G. Robredo, Kenrick Ng, Jasmine Lim, Khin Thuzar Pyone, Catherine A. Peralta, Jerickson Abbie Flores, J. Seth Yao, Patricia Mae G. Santos, Christian Daniel U. Ang, Gideon Lasco, Jeffrey Shi Kai Chan, Gary Tse, Enrico D. Tangco, T. Peter Kingham, Imjai Chitapanarux, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy, Gerardo D. Legaspi, Edward Christopher Dee

Einstein Health Papers

No abstract provided.

A Systematic Review Of Noncircular (Rectangle, Oval) Femoral Tunnel Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Does It Improve Outcomes?, S. Ali Ghasemi, Joseph Mccahon, Sangeev J. Herr, James Raphael, Gene Shaffer, Arthur Bartolozzi

Einstein Health Papers

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the clinical and biomechanical studies regarding noncircular (rectangular and oval) femoral tunnel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that noncircular femoral tunnel ACLR has its advantages in unique situations while maintaining comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared to conventional techniques.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify published articles on the clinical outcomes of noncircular (rectangle and oval) ACLR. The results of the eligible studies were analyzed in terms of instrumented laxity measurements, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, Lysholm and …

Accelerated Evolution Of Sars-Cov-2 In Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer, Dillon S. Mcbride, Sofya K. Garushyants, John Franks, Andrew F. Magee, Steven H. Overend, Devra Huey, Amanda M. Williams, Seth A. Faith, Ahmed Kandeil, Sanja Trifkovic, Lance Miller, Trushar Jeevan, Anami Patel, Jacqueline M. Nolting, Michael J. Tonkovich, J. Tyler Genders, Andrew J. Montoney, Kevin Kasnyik, Timothy J. Linder, Sarah N. Bevins, Julianna B. Lenoch, Jeffrey C. Chandler, Thomas J. Deliberto, Eugene V. Koonin, Marc A. Suchard, Philippe Lemey, Richard J. Webby, Martha I. Nelson, Andrew S. Bowman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The zoonotic origin of the COVID-19 pandemic virus highlights the need to fill the vast gaps in our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 ecology and evolution in non-human hosts. Here, we detected that SARS-CoV-2 was introduced from humans into white-tailed deer more than 30 times in Ohio, USA during November 2021-March 2022. Subsequently, deer-to-deer transmission persisted for 2–8 months, disseminating across hundreds of kilometers. Newly developed Bayesian phylogenetic methods quantified how SARS-CoV-2 evolution is not only three-times faster in white-tailed deer compared to the rate observed in humans but also driven by different mutational biases and selection pressures. The long-term effect of …

Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Sequence Data Demonstrates That Monophyly Of Myotis Occultus Is Complicated By Greater Sampling Of Myotis Lucifugus, Jeffrey M. Lorch, Daniel R. Taylor, Antoinette J. Piaggio

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Abstract

The validity of Myotis occultus as a species unique from Myotis lucifugus has been a source of debate. Most recently, many authorities treat M. occultus as a distinct species, at least in part because a previous study showed that M. occultus and M. l. carissima (the subspecies that occurs in closest geographic proximity to M. occultus) form separate monophyletic clades based on sequences of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome-b [cytb] and cytochrome oxidase subunit II [COII]). We re-evaluated the phylogenetic relationship between M. occultus and M. lucifugus based on mitochondrial sequences …

Optimizing Tissue Oxygenation In Reduction Mammoplasty: The Role Of Continuous Diffusion Of Oxygen: A Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Alejandro Zulbaran-Rojas, Rasha O Bara, Myeounggon Lee, Areli Flores-Camargo, Ramkinker Mishra, Sebastian Winocour, Alastair Thompson, Bijan Najafi

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Introduction: Bilateral reduction mammoplasty (BRM) aims to alleviate macromastia-related symptoms in women. This procedure involves a T-Junction suture at the medial inframammary fold that encompasses 12%-39% of wound breakdowns mainly due to reduced perfusion. Continuous diffusion of oxygen (CDO) may enhance breast tissue oxygenation to prevent such complication. We explored the feasibility of this therapy.

Methods: A 4-wk feasibility-pilot randomized controlled trial of women undergoing BRM was conducted. By internal randomization (left/right side), participants received standard of care (SOC) in one breast using topical skin adhesive, while their other breast received SOC + CDO at the T-junction covered by a …

Disease Severity Of Covid-19 In Different Phases Of The Pandemic: Do Healthcare Workers Have Better Outcomes?, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Fanghui Shi, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Haoyuan Gao, Shujie Chen, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background:

This study aimed to characterize and compare the demographics, clinical profile, and COVID-19 outcomes between healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs COVID-19 patients diagnosed in different phases of the pandemic defined by the vaccine rollout policy and different variants that circulated in South Carolina (SC).

Methods:

Extracted from the statewide electronic health record data, we analyzed the clinical outcome of 34,502 HCWs and 1,071,020 non-HCWs adults diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2, 2020 to April 14, 2022. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association between different pandemic phases and COVID-19 severity-related outcomes.

Results:

Substantial reductions in mortality were …

Racial Disparities In Adequacy Of Prenatal Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic In South Carolina, 2018–2021, Emmanuel Fabrice Julceus Md, Mph, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Peiyin Hung Ph.D., Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Jihong Liu Sc.D.

Faculty Publications

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals’ decision of not admitting pregnant women’s partner or support person, and pregnant women’s fear of contracting COVID-19 in hospitals may disrupt prenatal care. We aimed to examine whether prenatal care utilization in South Carolina varied before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether the variation was different by race.

Methods: We utilized 2018–2021 statewide birth certificate data using a pre-post design, including all women who delivered a live birth in South Carolina. The Kotelchuck Index - incorporating the timing of prenatal care initiation and the frequency of gestational age-adjusted visits - was employed to …

Dual Barriers: Examining Digital Access And Travel Burdens To Hospital Maternity Care Access In The United States, 2020, Peiyin Hung Ph.D., Marion Granger, Nansi Boghossian, Jiani Yu, Sayward Harrison, Jihong Liu Sc.D., Berry A. Campbell, Bo Cai Ph.D., Chen Liang, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Policy Points The White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis report released in June 2022 highlighted the need to enhance equitable access to maternity care. Nationwide hospital maternity unit closures have worsened the maternal health crisis in underserved communities, leaving many birthing people with few options and with long travel times to reach essential care. Ensuring equitable access to maternity care requires addressing travel burdens to care and inadequate digital access. Our findings reveal socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in the United States face dual barriers to maternity care access, as communities located farthest away from care facilities had the …

Examining College Students’ Attitudes Toward Poverty During The Adult Role Of The Community Action Poverty Simulation, Jessica M. Parks, Portia Johnson, Diann C. Moorman, Sheri Worthy, Leigh Anne Aaron

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and Extension professionals need to understand the lived experience of poverty because it affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Poverty is related to inadequate nutrition and food insecurity, lack of access to health care, insufficient child care, unsafe neighborhoods, lack of affordable housing, under-resourced schools, and a lower quality of life. Attitudes toward poverty vary widely among Americans and can be categorized as either internal/individual attributions (e.g., laziness, welfare dependency, etc.) or systemic/structural attributions (e.g., unemployment, inflation, etc.). Individuals holding internal attributions toward poverty are more likely to have negative feelings toward impoverished individuals. …

A Snapshot In Time: Consumer Behavior At The Start Of Covid-19, Michelle L. Childs, Christopher Sneed, Ann A. Berry, Sejin Ha

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

During the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, consumers faced challenges related to obtaining household items due to shortages and limitations in shopping. Researchers from the University of Tennessee conducted a national, web-based consumer survey of 300 consumers in late April 2020 to better understand consumer behavior, shopping patterns, and demand shifts for goods and services. Major findings demonstrate that consumers have increased shopping for essential products from brick-and-mortar national chains, avoided brick-and-mortar small businesses, and have chosen to shop more by themselves, often choosing to forgo spending from across all product categories, compared to prior to the pandemic. Additionally, …

Full Issue, Volume 11, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Assessing Virtual Versus In-Person Experiential Learning And Medical High-Fidelity Simulation In Medical Student Pediatric Clerkship Training, Andrew Mitchell Berry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Simulation and experiential training have been incorporated into medical school training for decades. The utilization of medical simulations has become an invaluable tool in healthcare education and training. However, circumstances such as limited resources, geographical constraints, or global health crises may hinder the feasibility of conducting in-person medical simulations. In these scenarios, virtual medical simulations emerge as a compelling alternative. While there are many ways to accomplish experiential-based learning, many faculty and students feel Socratic learning styles provide the best learning experience.

As medical students had just finished a predominantly virtual preclinical year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the research …

Be A Leader In Your Practice: What’S Your Style?, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Leadership Development feature, the author draws from a wealth of leadership experience in Rotary to explore the importance of leadership in dentistry. Emphasizing the need for self-evaluation through emotional intelligence, the article delves into five key aspects: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The author introduces three leadership styles — Transformational Leadership, Situational Leadership, and Servant Leadership — highlighting their characteristics and benefits. Encouraging readers to adopt diverse leadership styles, the piece underlines the significance of effective leadership in dental practice, community engagement, and organized dentistry.

New Dentists’ Most-Asked Legal Questions, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature addresses new dentists' most frequently asked legal questions, offering concise answers to guide them. Topics include licensing requirements, dental record maintenance, accommodations for hearing-impaired and non-English proficient patients, the enforceability of covenants not to compete, the necessity of written employment agreements, responding to bad dental work, reporting suspected abuse, prescribing drugs to friends and family, contract terms with dental plans, and handling suspected employee theft. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding legal aspects to navigate a dental career successfully.

Staff Matters: Holiday Celebrations That Engage And Appreciate Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Staff Matters column addresses a dentist's concerns about organizing inclusive end-of-year holiday celebrations for the staff. The response emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse religious practices and fostering camaraderie. Suggestions include a themed recipe exchange, outdoor activities, community service, or involving staff in event planning. Emphasizing the need for initial guidance to align with goals, the column encourages inclusive celebrations that contribute to staff satisfaction, retention, and a positive workplace atmosphere.

Mda Workforce Survey Results Are In: Answers And Opportunities, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This President's Message addresses critical workforce challenges in dentistry based on the Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) recent workforce survey. The survey identifies significant issues such as the shortage of dental professionals, wage stagnation, and the impact of retirement trends on the dental labor market. Findings indicate a need for immediate solutions, leading the MDA to develop initiatives targeting the return of registered dental assistants (RDAs) and registered dental hygienists (RDHs) to the workforce. The survey results emphasize the importance of competitive wages and desirable benefits to attract and retain dental staff. The MDA plans targeted advertising and free job postings …

Functional And Anatomical Connectivity Predict Brain Stimulation’S Mnemonic Effects, Youssef Ezzyat, James E> Kragel, Ethan A. Solomon, Bradley C. Lega, Joshua P. Aronson, Barbara C. Jobst, Robert E. Gross, Michael R. Sperling, Gregory A. Worrell, Sameer A. Sheth, Paul A. Wanda, Daniel S. Rizzuto, Michael J. Kahana

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Closed-loop direct brain stimulation is a promising tool for modulating neural activity and behavior. However, it remains unclear how to optimally target stimulation to modulate brain activity in particular brain networks that underlie particular cognitive functions. Here, we test the hypothesis that stimulation's behavioral and physiological effects depend on the stimulation target's anatomical and functional network properties. We delivered closed-loop stimulation as 47 neurosurgical patients studied and recalled word lists. Multivariate classifiers, trained to predict momentary lapses in memory function, triggered the stimulation of the lateral temporal cortex (LTC) during the study phase of the task. We found that LTC …

Mediators And Moderators Of Active Music Engagement To Reduce Traumatic Stress Symptoms And Improve Well-Being In Parents Of Young Children With Cancer., Sheri L. Robb, Kristin Stegenga, Susan M. Perkins, Timothy E. Stump, Karen M. Moody, Amanda K. Henley, Jessica Maclean, Seethal A. Jacob, David Delgado, Paul R. Haut

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: This trial examined the effects of proximal/distal mediators and moderators of an Active Music Engagement (AME) intervention on young child/parent distress, quality of life, and family function outcomes.

METHODS: Child/parent dyads (n = 125) were randomized to AME or Audio-storybooks attention control condition. Each group received 3 sessions with a credentialed music therapist for 3 consecutive days with data collection at baseline, post-intervention (T2), and 30-days later (T3). Potential proximal mediators included within session child and parent engagement. Potential distal mediators included changes in perceived family normalcy, parent self-efficacy, and independent use of play materials. Potential moderators included parent/child …