Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Inhibition Of Csf1r And Kit With Pexidartinib Reduces Inflammatory Signaling And Cell Viability In Endometriosis, Timothy N Dunn, Dominique I Cope, Suni Tang, Tirupataiah Sirupangi, Sydney E Parks, Zian Liao, Fei Yuan, Chad J Creighton, Ramya P Masand, Linda Alpuing Radilla, Xiaoming Guan, Laura Detti, Diana Monsivais, Martin M Matzuk

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Endometriosis is a common and debilitating disease, affecting ∼170 million women worldwide. Affected patients have limited therapeutic options such as hormonal suppression or surgical excision of the lesions, though therapies are often not completely curative. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) could provide a nonhormonal treatment option for endometriosis. We determined that 2 RTKs, macrophage-colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT (KIT), are overexpressed in endometriotic lesions and could be novel nonhormonal therapeutic targets for endometriosis. The kinase activity of CSF1R and KIT is suppressed by pexidartinib, a small molecule inhibitor that was recently approved …

Recombinant Rod Domain Of Vimentin Reduces Sars-Cov-2 Viral Replication By Blocking Spike Protein-Ace2 Interactions, Fong Wilson Lam, Cameron August Brown, Shannon Elizabeth Ronca

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Although the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the primary preventive intervention, there are still few antiviral therapies available, with current drugs decreasing viral replication once the virus is intracellular. Adding novel drugs to target additional points in the viral life cycle is paramount in preventing future pandemics. The purpose of this study was to create and test a novel protein to decrease SARS-CoV-2 replication. We created the recombinant rod domain of vimentin (rhRod) in E. coli and used biolayer interferometry to measure its affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 S1S2 spike protein and the ability to block the SARS-CoV-2–ACE2 interaction. We performed plaque assays …

Multivalent Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Nucleoside Modified Mrna Vaccines Did Not Demonstrate A Greater Antibody Breadth, Hsuan-Yuan Wang, Leike Li, Cody S Nelson, Richard Barfield, Sarah Valencia, Cliburn Chan, Hiromi Muramatsu, Paulo J C Lin, Norbert Pardi, Zhiqiang An, Drew Weissman, Sallie R Permar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains the most common congenital infection and infectious complication in immunocompromised patients. The most successful HCMV vaccine to date, an HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) subunit vaccine adjuvanted with MF59, achieved 50% efficacy against primary HCMV infection. A previous study demonstrated that gB/MF59 vaccinees were less frequently infected with HCMV gB genotype strains most similar to the vaccine strain than strains encoding genetically distinct gB genotypes, suggesting strain-specific immunity accounted for the limited efficacy. To determine whether vaccination with multiple HCMV gB genotypes could increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB humoral and cellular responses, we immunized 18 female …

Association Of Lifestyle Intervention With Risk For Cardiovascular Events Differs By Level Of Glycated Hemoglobin, Michael P Bancks, Scott J Pilla, Ashok Balasubramanyam, Hsin-Chieh Yeh, Karen C Johnson, Joseph Rigdon, Lynne E Wagenknecht, Mark A Espeland

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: We reevaluated the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) to assess whether the effect of ILI on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention differed by baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Methods: Look AHEAD randomized 5145 adults, aged 45 to 76 years with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity to ILI or a diabetes support and education (DSE) control group for a median of 9.6 years. ILI focused on achieving weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity. We assessed the parent trial's primary composite CVD outcome. We evaluated additive and multiplicative heterogeneity of the intervention on …

Impact Of Palliative Care Utilization Among Kidney Cancer Patients In Us Hospitals: A National-Scale Analysis, Rushin Patel, Mrunal Patel, Darshil Patel, Chieh Yang, Afoma Onyechi, Jessica Ohemeng-Dapaah, Zalak Patel, Safia Shaikh

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Multimodal Neuro-Nanotechnology: Challenging The Existing Paradigm In Glioblastoma Therapy, Sergej Kudruk, Connor M Forsyth, Michelle Z Dion, Jenny K Hedlund Orbeck, Jingqin Luo, Robyn S Klein, Albert H Kim, Amy B Heimberger, Chad A Mirkin, Alexander H Stegh, Natalie Artzi

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Integrating multimodal neuro- and nanotechnology-enabled precision immunotherapies with extant systemic immunotherapies may finally provide a significant breakthrough for combatting glioblastoma (GBM). The potency of this approach lies in its ability to train the immune system to efficiently identify and eradicate cancer cells, thereby creating anti-tumor immune memory while minimizing multi-mechanistic immune suppression. A critical aspect of these therapies is the controlled, spatiotemporal delivery of structurally defined nanotherapeutics into the GBM tumor microenvironment (TME). Architectures such as spherical nucleic acids or poly(beta-amino ester)/dendrimer-based nanoparticles have shown promising results in preclinical models due to their multivalency and abilities to activate antigen-presenting cells …

Success And Challenges Of Infrazygomatic Crest Implants In Orthodontics, Gauri Gill

Annual Research Symposium

Poster on success rates of mini implants used in the infrazygomatic region for orthodontic anchorage , as well as the factors that influence the success of the mini implant placed in IZC region.

Dna Extraction Method Development For Ocular Tissues, Conrad K. Ashby, Michael C. Trapnell, Walker C. Kay, Jonathon C. Reynolds, Noah R. Schultz, Brandon J. Burger, Christina A. Small, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: DNA extraction kits are traditionally developed to work with liquid tissues such as blood, saliva, and swabs, but some have been proposed to work with solid tissues. Somatic variation in cancers can be important for tumor subtyping and treatment guidance, including ocular tumors. Additionally, epigenetic marks such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are tissue-specific and change in disease states, particularly evident in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Commercial DNA extraction kits are available from several vendors, but the various kits have different strengths and weaknesses, and the removal of PCR inhibitors will vary with each kit. This …

Non-Traditional Presenting Grade Ii Brain Meningioma: A Case Study, Alessandra M. Rivera, Garret Phillips, Serin Baker, Michael Trapnell, Conrad Ashby, Jacob Hill, Prina Patel, Alexander Ruiz, Elden Jenkins, Johan A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, Voicu S. Ciobanu, Tipsuda Bahri, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Meningioma is a relatively common form of cancer, occurring in approximately 97 out of 100,000 individuals. Although it arises from the meninges surrounding the central nervous system (CNS) rather than from neurons, it is classified with CNS tumors due to overlapping symptoms caused by compression of nerves and vessels in the head. Extracranial metastasis is rare, at less than 1%, and correlates with reduced survival rates.

Neurocognitive Considerations And Impacts In Chronic Migraines, Kennedy Madrid, Jacob Warner, Jordyn Huecker, Cassidy Byers, Kyle Reaveley, Kailee Edwards, Luke Sanders, Christina A. Small, David W. Sant, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

Migraine, characterized by moderate-to-severe headache, may arise from neurological, psychological, orthopedic, metabolic, or endocrine origins. Pain associated with migraine, while commonly cited as the primary patient concern, only represents a small portion of short- and long-term effects caused by the condition. Many presenting cases include neuromuscular dysfunction, increased neuronal firing, inflammation, and cortical spreading depression. These effects can induce multiple symptoms such as pain, aura, brain fog, confusion, hangover, multiple hypersensitivities, and decreased memory capacity. These effects and symptoms can lead to neurocognitive and neuropsychological deficiencies in many patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between migraines and neurocognitive …

Neuropsychological Findings In Idiopathic Adult-Onset Epilepsy Case Study: Noorda Com Student Investigation, Jacob Warner, Michael Milius, Jordyn Huecker, Tiffany Nguyen, Luke Sanders, Joseph Harbold, Kennedy Madrid, Nicholas Curtis, Chase Taylor, James Barber, Jayne Stuter, Ethan Zaugg, Aaron Andrews, John A. Kriak, David W. Sant, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

We report the case of a 25-year-old male patient with idiopathic adult-onset epilepsy. The patient presented with a chief complaint of recurrent seizures and no identifiable cause. These seizures were associated with a lack of extremity control, muscle spasms, and loss of cognitive function. His condition began while living in Thailand, where he experienced multiple environmental stressors including hostile living conditions and tense situations, approximately five years before being seen in the clinic. Over the past several years, the seizures have not ceased, and the patient now notes a loss or decrease of several special senses.

Piriformis Syndrome With A Variant Presentation, Roberto Chuapoco, Ryan E. Linford

Annual Research Symposium

Piriformis syndrome has long been a diagnostic quandary due to its tendency to present as other nerve-related conditions. Piriformis syndrome is commonly caused by entrapment of the sciatic nerve as it travels through the greater sciatic foramen due to hypertrophy of the piriformis muscle. However, its constellation of symptoms, including radiating pain down the thigh, can easily be mistaken for lumbosacral radiculopathy. This case report aims to address the misdiagnosis of piriformis syndrome which has prolonged pain for many patients and increased the cost of medical care. It demonstrates a 76-year-old female with a confounding presentation of piriformis syndrome: buttock …

I-Prf : A Smart Cell Scaffold, Dr.Lochini Suriya

Annual Research Symposium

In regenerative dentistry, platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been used as a supra-physiological concentration of autologous growth factors capable of encouraging tissue regeneration. Despite this, there have been concerns raised about the use of anticoagulants, which are known to impair wound healing. In this work, a liquid formulation of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) called injectable-PRF (I-PRF) was studied without the need of anti-coagulants .

Diagnosing Acute Compartment Syndrome: A Surgical Emergency, Kallin J. Austin, Lara Laughrey, Marco Trevino, Eric Liou, Matthew Hazel, Brody Harn

Annual Research Symposium

Determine best practices for diagnosing acute compartment syndrome in the lower limb by comparing the sensitivity and specificity of commonly use techniques.

Development Of A Protocol For Obtaining Biological Samples For Genetic Testing From Remote Individuals, Noah R. Schultz, Brandon J. Burger, Jacob Warner, Alfred Amendolara, Jameson Williams, Molly Henley, Layla Risdon, Alessandra Maisie Rivera, Amanda Page, Millicent Jiang, Denisse Castaneda, Garret Phillips, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Pharmacogenomic sequencing allows individuals to learn more about how they will respond to certain medications but requires shipping of a biological sample. One complication of sending biological samples to remote laboratories is stability. Blood generally yields sufficient quantities of high-quality DNA but requires a clinic visit. Saliva and buccal swabs are routinely used for DNA extractions, but the DNA quality is notoriously low due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, elderly individuals have difficulty producing enough saliva for testing, and the tubes contain several milliliters of liquid and shipping requires special considerations. Dried blood spot cards, which …

Dna Extraction Method Development For Solid Tissues, Ryan Powers, Noah R. Schultz, Brandon J. Burger, John Dougherty Jr., Ezenna Obilor, Alexander Ruiz, Corwin Frey, Nathaniel Hill, Lara Laughrey, Patrick Tanner Brain, Sara Mcmahon, Parker Feltner, Steven Tung, Daoud Sajady, Elden Jenkins, Julian Jarquin, Serin Baker, Aaron Andrews, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Although germline variation testing is traditionally performed using DNA obtained from blood or other liquid samples, determining somatic variation in cancer samples requires DNA extraction directly from tissues. Additionally, epigenetic markers, such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are tissue-specific and change in selected disease states. However, several substances present in tissues are known to inhibit downstream reactions, including polymerase chain reaction PCR). For this project, we are assessing the quantity and quality of DNA obtained from extractions of various vital organs using 30 different commercially available DNA extraction kits to determine optimal kits for each tissue.

Investigating The Genetics Of Chronic Intractable Migraine With Reactive Hypoglycemia, C Yvonne Russell, Jacob Warner, Brandon J. Burger, Jordan Cutshall, Naeel Uddin, Patrick Tanner Brain, Alessandra Maisie Rivera, Braden Cunningham, Kailee Edwards, Katie Beechay, Luke Sanders, Zachary Ta, John A. Kriak, David W. Sant, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

Migraines affect roughly 1-in-6 males and 1-in-5 females in the United States. Of these, approximately 5-30% experience intractable migraines, or migraines resistant to abortive treatments. Despite this large population, relatively little is known about intractable migraines compared to other types of migraines. Our recent work indicates that reactive hypoglycemia is common among these individuals. Additionally, empirical evidence suggests that individuals in families with chronic intractable migraines are more likely to have the same condition than people of the general population, suggesting a possible genetic link between both migraines and metabolic abnormalities. Previous Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have found several …

Surface Modifications Of Orthodontic Bone Screws - A Novel Approach, Sai Kalyan Menta Dr, Ravi M. S

Annual Research Symposium

Anchorage control plays a key role in the correction of malocclusion. With the advent of orthodontic bone screws, attaining absolute anchorage control has become hassle free. They have the advantages of low cost, simple surgical placement, and ease of removal; therefore, they are convenient in the treatment of various malocclusions. Although the clinical stability of bone screws is exceptionally high, stability of the bone screws is compromised by factors such as microbial contamination and morphological defects. To overcome this, surface modifications are introduced to enhance the stability of the bone screws.

The Transformative Potential Of Ligaplants In Replicating Natural Tooth Connections, Mohan Prasad, Mohan Muthu Kumar

Annual Research Symposium

Over the past decade, dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement, with osseointegrated implants reigning supreme. However, these implants present certain limitations, notably the absence of the periodontal ligament (PDL). In response to this challenge, innovative periodontal ligament implants, known as ligaplants, have emerged. By combining tissue engineering principles with cutting-edge implant materials, ligaplants offer a promising alternative to traditional implants, showcasing superior biological performance and potentially extending prosthetic life.Dental implantology has witnessed a transformative shift over the last ten years, with osseointegrated implants dominating the landscape of tooth replacement. Despite their widespread adoption, these implants face …

Automated Micronuclei Detection In Exfoliated Oral Epithelial Cells Of Smokers Using Image Analysing Softwares, Mukul Saini, Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine, Sanjana Shetty, Saiprasad Alva

Annual Research Symposium

Micronuclei assay yields an excellent path to monitor individuals or populations exposed to mutagenic, genotoxic or teratogenic events. Micronuclei are small nucleic structures formed due to the deposition of nuclear envelopes around lagging chromosomes that persist in the interphase. Mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-nitrosamines are believed to be responsible for the formation of micronuclei. Hence, micronuclei detection in exfoliated oral epithelial cells of smokers is a significant biomarker for genotoxicity and to identify cellular changes of biological importance to carcinogenesis. While studies have been conducted for the detection of micronuclei in smokers, they may …

Unlocking The Secrets Of Stem Cells In Orthodontics, Ravi M. S

Annual Research Symposium

Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) have immense potential for use in tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. These cells are influenced by mechanical forces, particularly in orthodontic applications. Understanding how mechanical stress modulates stem cell behavior is essential for optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Mindfulness Meditation In Reducing Chronic Pain Among The Elderly: A Pilot Study, Rosly Joby

Annual Research Symposium

This study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation (MM)techniques in alleviating pain and enhancing well-being in the elderly. Given the prevalence of chronic pain in older adults, especially those in residential aged-care facilities, there is a growing need for effective non-pharmacological pain management strategies.

Investigating The Role Of Chaos In Minimizing Tumor Growth, Maxwell Geiger

Annual Research Symposium

Chaos is a type of motion found in mathematical systems that is highly sensitive to initial conditions. While many biological systems described in literature have been analyzed for the presence of chaotic dynamics, there are still many that are yet to be discovered. The goal of this project is to reassess Itik and Banks’ discovery of chaotic behavior in their population dynamics model of cancer growth. Once chaotic behavior is confirmed, we want to investigate how chaos could possibly be controlled to minimize tumor growth and discover novel treatments for cancer patients.

Late Cardiotoxicity From The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Dasatinib: Pleural Effusions, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, And Right Heart Failure, Mark Jay Zucker, Andrew M. Zucker

The VAD Journal

Despite the remarkable progress made over the past few decades in the management of patients with both solid and hematologic malignancies, radiation- and chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity remains an ongoing problem. This is true even for newer highly targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This report presents a case of late/severe right heart dysfunction secondary to pulmonary hypertension, developed after ten years of therapy with dasatinib. We also review the history of this known, but often unrecognized, and potentially reversible complication, and we suggest treatment options. Additionally, this case highlights the remarkable effectiveness of TKIs in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia …

A Pharmacist’S Central Role In Improving Hormonal Contraceptive Access, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

In 2019, the roles of Utah pharmacists grew with the implementation of a statewide standing order allowing prescribing abilities for hormonal contraceptives. With the rates of unplanned pregnancies in Utah up to 1 in every 5; pharmacists have a new role in birth control distribution. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns across the state of Utah are able to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptive medications including: oral pills, vaginal insertion medications, and birth control patches. Pharmacists are entrusted with the responsibility to evaluate the patient and their needs to ensure all women receiving birth control are educated about the risks and side effects …

The National Status Of Pharmacists’ Ability To Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

The scope of practice for pharmacists first expanded in California and Oregon with the ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives to patients in their communities. Since 2016, over 33 states now allow for pharmacist prescribing of birth control in their pharmacy practice laws.

90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a retail pharmacy, making community pharmacies an accessible resource who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. The gap in care experienced by certain patient populations is now being filled by pharmacists with their ability to prescribe birth control.

You May Delay, But Time Will Not. Beta Cells Lost Are Never Found Again, Susan Renda, Jeffrey Freeman

PCOM Scholarly Works

Since its first use just over a century ago, insulin treatment has evolved dramatically, such that the molecules are physiologic in nature, and treatment can now closely resemble the natural hormone response over 24 hours. Newer, longer-acting basal insulin analogs have provided insulin therapies with improved characteristics and, therefore, ease of use, and can readily be incorporated as part of routine treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but evidence suggests that insulin remains underused in people with T2D. We review the barriers to initiation of basal insulin and the education needed to address these barriers, and we provide practical pointers, …

Conceptualizing Care Partners' Burden, Stress, And Support For Reintegrating Veterans: A Mixed Methods Study, Nicholas A. Rattray, Mindy Flanagan, Allison Mann, Leah Danson, Ai-Nghia Do, Diana Natividad, Katrina Spontak, Gala True

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: People who support Veterans as they transition from their military service into civilian life may be at an increased risk of psychological distress. Existing studies focus primarily on paid family caregivers, but few studies include spouses and informal non-family "care partners." We sought to identify key challenges faced by care partners of Veterans with invisible injuries. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 individuals involved in supporting a recently separated US military Veteran enrolled in a 2-year longitudinal study. CPs completed validated measures on perceived stress, caregiving burden, quality of their relationship, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Independent -tests were …

Risk Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes After Quadriceps Tendon Repair, Carlo Coadonato, Neel K. Patel, John Hayden Sonnier, Gregory Connors, Matthew Sabitsky, Emma Johnson, Donald W. Mazur, Shyam Brahmabhatt, Kevin Freedman

Rothman Institute Papers

Background:

Ruptures of the quadriceps tendon present most frequently in older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Purpose:

To examine the relationship between patient-specific factors and tear characteristics with outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent quadriceps tendon repair between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2021, at a single institution. Patients <18 years and those with chronic quadriceps tendon tears (>6 weeks to surgery) were excluded. Information was collected regarding patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, tear characteristics, physical examination findings, and postoperative outcomes. Poor outcome was defined as a need for …

Alcohol Impairs Bioenergetics And Differentiation Capacity Of Myoblasts From Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Female Macaques, Danielle E. Levitt, Brianna L. Bourgeois, Keishla M. Rodríguez-Graciani, Patricia E. Molina, Liz Simon

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Alcohol misuse and HIV independently induce myopathy. We previously showed that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) administration, with or without simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), decreases differentiation capacity of male rhesus macaque myoblasts. We hypothesized that short-term alcohol and CBA/SIV would synergistically decrease differentiation capacity and impair bioenergetic parameters in female macaque myoblasts. Myoblasts from naïve (CBA−/SIV−), vehicle [VEH]/SIV, and CBA/SIV (N = 4–6/group) groups were proliferated (3 days) and differentiated (5 days) with 0 or 50 mM ethanol (short-term). CBA/SIV decreased differentiation and increased non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) versus naïve and/or VEH/SIV. Short-term alcohol decreased differentiation; increased maximal and non-mitochondrial …