Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Suboptimal Health Status, Covid-19 Psychology, And Cultural Value Impact On Post-Pandemic Outbound Travel, Danni Zheng, Yangyang Jiang, Jun Wen, Ian Phau, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Suboptimal health has become a core public health challenge, especially during the pandemic. This study adopts an interdisciplinary perspective to examine the relationships between suboptimal health status, COVID-19 fear and stress, cultural values, and outbound travel. A theoretical model was evaluated using data from 800 Beijing residents, 439 of whom were in suboptimal health. Four dimensions of suboptimal health (fatigue, mental status, immune system, and cardiovascular system) significantly affected COVID-19 stress and fear. Post-pandemic travel intention was positively related to fatigue symptoms and leisure and life enjoyment but negatively associated with COVID-19 stress. Suggestions for highlighting travellers’ health status and …

Behaviours And Psychological Symptoms Of Childhood Dementia: Two Cases Of Psychosocial Interventions, Mustafa Atee, Ineka Whiteman, Rebecca Lloyd, Thomas Morris

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Childhood dementias are a group of rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorders, characterised by global cognitive decline, loss of previously acquired developmental skills and behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Batten disease, or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and Sanfilippo syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type III, are two of the more common forms of childhood dementia disorders worldwide. While psychosocial interventions are the best available therapeutic approach for BPSD management in adult-onset dementia, there is very limited literature or clinical experience in the context of childhood dementia. To address this gap, we conducted a descriptive case analysis of BPSD profiles, associated contributing factors and …

Envisaging A Thriving Future: The Integration Of Positive Psychology Into Brief Psychotherapy And Family Therapy Practice, Richard Lakeman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper delves into the pragmatic integration of positive psychology, particularly Seligman's PERMA model, and brief psychotherapy to foster a vision of a thriving future for clients. Despite the entrenched tribalism within psychotherapy that often resists the incorporation of new techniques, a deliberate and flexible approach to integration, rooted in congruence with theoretical frameworks, can overcome these barriers. Positive psychology dovetails neatly with the goals of family therapy by highlighting strengths and resilience. The PERMA model—encompassing Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment—captures the essence of a flourishing life. While primarily applied in non-clinical settings, its potential to enhance wellbeing …

Predictive Modelling Of Metabolic Syndrome In Ghanaian Diabetic Patients: An Ensemble Machine Learning Approach, Emmanuel Acheampong, Eric Adua, Christian Obirikorang, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Peprah-Yamoah, Yaa Obirikorang, Evans Adu Asamoah, Victor Opoku-Yamoah, Michael Nyantakyi, John Taylor, Tonnies Abeku Buckman, Maryam Yakubu, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The burgeoning prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) within Africa is concerning. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a unique opportunity to leverage data-driven insights and construct predictive models for MetS risk, thereby enhancing the implementation of personalised prevention strategies. In this work, we employed ML techniques to develop predictive models for pre-MetS and MetS among diabetic patients. Methods: This multi-centre cross-sectional study comprised of 919 T2DM patients. Age, gender, novel anthropometric indices along with biochemical measures were analysed using BORUTA feature selection and an ensemble majority voting classification model, which included …

Until You're In The Chair And Executing Your Role, You Don't Know: A Qualitative Study Of The Needs And Perspectives Of People With Stroke-Related Communication Disabilities When Returning To Vocational Activity, Lucette Lanyon, Ciara Shiggins, Caroline Baker, Serena Alves Stein, Sophie O'Keefe, Emma J. Schneider, Erin Godecke, Kathryn Radford, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: People with communication disability after stroke experience low rates of return to vocational roles. Vocational rehabilitation is recommended; however, there are no clear guidelines informing vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability. Understanding the needs and experiences of this population is critical to improving vocational stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to: (1) investigate the experience of vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability after stroke, (2) identify gaps and, (3) provide preliminary recommendations for tailored service delivery. Methods: Seven participants with an identified communication impairment following stroke were recruited from a larger clinical trial of early vocational …

Associations Between Flavonoid Intake And Subclinical Atherosclerosis: The Mesa, Nicola P. Bondonno, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Kevin Murray, Catherine P. Bondonno, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Alexis C. Wood, Wendy S. Post, Matthew Allison, Michael H. Criqui, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Flavonoids may play a role in mitigating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, with evidence suggesting effects may differ between vascular beds. Studies examining associations with subclinical markers of atherosclerosis between subpopulations with different underlying risks of atherosclerosis are lacking. METHODS: Among 5599 participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), associations between dietary flavonoid intakes (estimated from a food frequency questionnaire) and subclinical measures of atherosclerosis (ankle-brachial index, carotid plaques and intima-media thickness, and coronary artery calcification) were examined using repeated measures models. Exposures and outcomes were measured at exam 1 (2000-2002) and exam 5 (2010-2011). Stratified analyses and interaction terms …

White Lies And Safety Nets: The Perceptions Of Nurses On The Use Of Early Warning Systems And The Development Of Higher-Order Thinking Skills, Deb Massey, Tracy Flenady, Amy Louise Byrne, Justine Connor, Danielle Le Lagadec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Algorithmic tools such as early warning systems (EWSs) have been embedded into clinical practice globally to facilitate the early recognition of patient deterioration and to guide the escalation of care. Concerns have been raised that the mandated use of these EWS tools may impact the development of nurses' higher-order thinking. However, the relationship between EWS tools and the development of higher-order thinking is poorly understood.

Objectives: This paper provides the qualitative results of a larger study that sought to explore the impact of EWS tools on the development of nurses' higher-order thinking. The objective of this component of the …

Adapting A Telehealth Physical Activity And Diet Intervention To A Co-Designed Website For Self-Management After Stroke: Tutorial, Dina Pogrebnoy, Lee Ashton, Brian A. Beh, Meredith Burke, Richard Cullen, Jude Czerenkowski, Julie Davey, Amy M. Dennett, Kevin English, Erin Godecke, Nicole Harper, Elizabeth Lynch, Lesley Macdonald-Wicks, Amanda Patterson, Emily Ramage, Ben Schelfhaut, Dawn B. Simpson, Karly Zacharia, Coralie English

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

People who experience a stroke are at a higher risk of recurrent stroke when compared with people who have not had a stroke. Addressing modifiable risk factors like physical inactivity and poor diet has been shown to improve blood pressure, a leading contributor to stroke. However, survivors of stroke often experience challenges with accessing risk reduction services including long wait lists, difficulty with transportation, fatigue, impaired function, and diminished exercise capacity. Providing health interventions via a website can extend the reach when compared with programs that are only offered face to face or via real-time telehealth. Given global challenges of …

Change In Sprint Cycling Torque Is Not Associated With Change In Isometric Force Following Six Weeks Of Sprint Cycling And Resistance Training In Strength-Trained Novice Cyclists, Shannon Connolly, Peter Peeling, Martyn J. Binnie, Paul S.R. Goods, Wouter P. Timmerman, Toni Haddad, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Strong relationships exist between sprint cycling torque and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force production at one timepoint; however, the relationships between the changes in these measures following a training period are not well understood. Accordingly, this study examined the relationships in the changes of sprint cycling torque and IMTP force following six-weeks of sprint cycling and resistance training performed by strength-trained novice cyclists (n = 14). Cycling power, cadence, torque and IMTP force (Peak force [PF]/torque, average and peak rate of force/torque development [RFD/RTD], and RFD/RTD from 0 to 100 ms and 0–200 ms) were assessed before and after training. …

Flavonoid Intakes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Adult Asthma, And Lung Function: A Cohort Study In The Uk Biobank, Nicola P. Bondonno, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Alysha S. Thompson, Amy Jennings, Kevin Murray, Daniel Bech Rasmussen, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Given their antioxidative stress, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects, flavonoids are hypothesized to play a role in preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Objectives: This cohort study aimed to examine associations between flavonoid intake and COPD, asthma, and lung function. Methods: Among 119,466 participants of the UK Biobank, median [interquartile range] age of 60 [53, 65] y, we estimated intakes of flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods, and a flavodiet score from 24-h diet assessments. Prospective associations with both incident COPD and asthma and cross-sectional associations with measures of lung function [%predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1); and FEV1/forced …

Optimizing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy In Heart Failure Patients With Prolonged Qrs Duration: Insights Into Electrical And Mechanical Dyssynchrony, Zhisheng Chen, Lois Balmer, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Heart failure (HF) represents a critical stage of cardiac disease, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a pivotal treatment for HF patients with prolonged QRS duration. This therapy employs a biventricular pacing system to correct cardiac electromechanical dyssynchrony, thereby improving cardiac function, symptoms, and prognosis. Numerous clinical trials have consistently highlighted the benefits of CRT in this subgroup, leading to its unanimous recommendation in clinical practice guidelines. However, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve an adequate therapeutic response, despite adherence to these guidelines. As CRT treats patients by correcting cardiac electromechanical dyssynchrony, …

Plant But Not Animal Sourced Nitrate Intake Is Associated With Lower Dementia-Related Mortality In The Australian Diabetes, Obesity, And Lifestyle Study, Anjana Rajendra, Nicola P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Kevin Murray, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Samantha L. Gardener, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Dianna J. Magliano, Jonathan E. Shaw, Robin M. Daly, Kaarin J. Anstey, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Dietary nitrate is potentially beneficial for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and nervous systems due to its role as a nitric oxide (NO) precursor. Increased nitrate intake improves cardiovascular health and therefore could protect against dementia, given the cardiovascular-dementia link. Objective: To investigate the association between source-dependent nitrate intake and dementia-related mortality. As individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of dementia, a secondary aim was to investigate if the associations between nitrate and dementia varied by diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes status. Methods: This study involved 9,149 participants aged ≥25 years from the well-characterised Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study …

Re-Living Trauma Near Death: An Integrative Review Using Grounded Theory Narrative Analysis, Nikki Johnston, Michael Chapman, Jo Gibson, Catherine Paterson, Murray Turner, Karen Strickland, Wai Man Liu, Christine Phillips, Kasia Bail

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Symptoms of emotional and physical stress near death may be related to previous experiences of trauma. Objective: To investigate current evidence regarding the following: (1) Is previous trauma identified in people who are dying, and if so, how? (2) How is previous trauma associated with the experience of death/dying in people with or without cognitive impairment? and (3) What palliative care interventions are available to people with previous trauma at the end of life? Design: This integrative review was conducted per Whittemore and Knafl’s guidelines, which involves a stepped approach, specifically (1) problem identification, (2) literature search, (3) data …

The Australian Frailty Network: Development Of A Consumer-Focussed National Response To Frailty, Natasha Reid, Adrienne Young, Loretta Baldassar, Anja Christoffersen, Tracy Comans, Simon Conroy, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Jason Ferris, Maria Fiatarone Singh, Sarah Fox, Emily H. Gordon, Manonita Ghosh, Chandana Guha, Sarah Hilmer, Lisa Kouladjian O’Donnell, Benignus Logan, Kristiana Ludlow, Michelle Miller, Mark Morgan, Alison Mudge, John Muscedere, Donna Reidlinger, Kenneth Rockwood, Rosemary Saunders, David Ward, Paul Yates

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Frailty is an important concept in the care of older adults. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in measuring frailty. While it is now well-recognised that frailty status is an important determinant of outcomes from medical illnesses or surgical interventions, frailty measurement is not currently routinely integrated into clinical practice. In the community setting, it is uncommon for general practitioners to deliver frailty-optimised care. In hospitals, there is substantial variability in how people living with frailty are managed. This variability is notable between and even within disciplines. Furthermore, gains from understanding frailty mechanisms and risk factors …

Variations In The Germinal Center Response Revealed By Genetically Diverse Mouse Strains, Anne Marie Aubin, Daria Vdovenko, Roxanne Collin, Lois Balmer, Lise Coderre, Grant Morahan, Félix Lombard-Vadnais, Sylvie Lesage

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The humoral response is complex and involves multiple cellular populations and signaling pathways. Bacterial and viral infections, as well as immunization regimens, can trigger this type of response, promoting the formation of microanatomical cellular structures called germinal centers (GCs). GCs formed in secondary lymphoid organs support the differentiation of high-affinity plasma cells and memory B cells. There is growing evidence that the quality of the humoral response is influenced by genetic variants. Using 12 genetically divergent mouse strains, we assessed the impact of genetics on GC cellular traits. At steady state, in the spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, we …

Specific Vegetable Types Are Associated With Lower Long-Term Risk For Late-Life Dementia: The Perth Longitudinal Study Of Aging Women, Negar Ghasemifard, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Simon M. Laws, Helen Macpherson, Emma Stevenson, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Richard L. Prince, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined the relationship between total vegetable intake, including specific vegetable types with long-term late-life dementia (LLD) risk in older Australian women. 1206 community-dwelling older women aged ≥70 years were included. Consumption of total vegetable intake and vegetable types (yellow/orange/red [YOR], cruciferous, allium, green leafy vegetables [GLV], and legumes) were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline (1998). LLD was considered any form of dementia occurring after 80 years of age. LLD events (comprising hospitalisation and/or death) were obtained from linked health records. Associations were examined using restricted cubic splines within multivariable-adjusted (including APOE4 genotype) Cox proportional …

A 16-Week Progressive Exercise Training Intervention In Treatment-Naïve Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: A Randomised-Controlled Pilot Study, Frankie F. Brown, Rebecca Oliver, Rachel Eddy, Adam J. Causer, Annabelle Emery, Harrison D. Collier-Bain, David Dutton, Josephine Crowe, Daniel Augustine, John Graby, Daniel Rees, Daniela Rothschild-Rodriguez, Oliver J. Peacock, Sally Moore, James Murray, James E. Turner, John P. Campbell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) typically presents with asymptomatic, early-stage disease that is monitored until disease progression (‘treatment-naïve’ CLL). The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary safety of an exercise program in treatment-naïve CLL. We also sought to preliminarily assess the impact of the exercise program on disease activity, as it has been proposed that exercise training may reduce disease outgrowth in treatment-naïve CLL. Methods: A total of 40 treatment-naïve CLL patients were recruited into this randomised-controlled pilot study, and after screening, n = 28 were randomised into a 16-week, home-based, partially supervised, personalised, …

Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Sector Consultation: Recommendations From An Australian Stakeholder Summit, Celine F. Santiago, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Meng Ping Hsu, Katrina M. Mirabito Colafella, Anna C. Calkin, Stephen J. Nicholls, Kerry C. Doyle, Jamie I. Vandenberg, Emma E. Thomas, Niamh Chapman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2023, a joint National Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Summit was convened by the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA), the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the National Heart Foundation of Australia, to facilitate a national conversation towards developing a workforce sustainability strategy within the cardiovascular research sector. This initiative stemmed from a previous study conducted by the ACvA which revealed that almost 70% of early and mid-career cardiovascular researchers surveyed had contemplated leaving the sector. Summit attendees reported sector-wide challenges to career progression and retention across three key themes: 1) well-being and career satisfaction, 2) learning and development, and …

Exploratory Analysis Of Fight-Ending Punches In The Ultimate Fighting Championship™ Mixed Martial Arts Promotion, Oliver R. Barley, Colin S. Doherty, Mark Scanlan, Liam C. Tapsell, Corey Wilson, Julian Giustiniano, Matthew G. Plush, Shayne Vial

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Punching is a crucial element of mixed martial arts (MMA), often leading to knockouts (KO) or technical knockouts (TKOs). This study explored the relative foot positions of athletes, their stances, punch type executed, and the reliability of these variables to provide insights into effective punch application in MMA. We retrospectively examined MMA contests from the Ultimate Fighting Championship that ended via KO/TKO (2020 to 2022). Data were sourced from publicly available videos on the internet. Three analysts, each with at least three years of experience in striking combat sports and competitive MMA, conducted observations independently. Only critical strikes where all …

The Stability Of The Deadlift Three Repetition Maximum, Stuart N. Guppy, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Wayne C. K. Poon, Kristina L. Kendall, Jason P. Lake, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the stability of three repetition maximum (3RM) strength during the deadlift. Eleven participants performed four testing sessions comprising a one repetition maximum test and 3RM tests separated by 48 h. Preparedness was assessed before each testing session using countermovement jumps and by measuring barbell velocity during each set of deadlifts. Trivial statistically significant differences were determined for the 3RM between T1 and both T2 (p = 0.012; ES [95% CI] = −0.1 [−0.58, 0.41]) and T3 (p = 0.027; ES [95% CI] = −0.09 [−0.57, −0.43]). No significant differences were noted between T2 and T3 …

Barriers And Enablers To A Healthy Food Environment In Australian Childcare Services: Exploring Directors' Perspectives, Amy Kirkegaard, Chris Irwin, Rebecca Byrne, Ros Sambell, Lisa Vincze

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings are ideal environments to optimise nutrition and positively influence children's food behaviours. However, recent research has identified the need to improve nutrition policies, food provision, and mealtime environments in Australian ECEC settings. This study explored the perceptions of ECEC directors regarding barriers and enablers to a health-promoting food environment within ECEC services. Methods: Eleven directors from ECEC services in Nerang, Queensland, and surrounding areas, participated in qualitative interviews between March and May 2021. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis that followed a deductive-inductive approach employing nutrition-related domains from the Wellness …

Moderators Of Exercise Effects On Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning In Cancer Survivors: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Anouk E. Hiensch, Julia Beckhaus, Lenja Witlox, Evelyn M. Monninkhof, Sanne B. Schagen, Jonna K. Van Vulpen, Maike G. Sweegers, Robert U. Newton, Neil K. Aaronson, Daniel A. Galvão, Karen Steindorf, Martijn M. Stuiver, Ilse Mesters, Hans Knoop, Martine M. Goedendorp, Martin Bohus, Lene Thorsen, Karl Heinz Schulz, Martina E. Schmidt, Cornelia M. Ulrich, Gabe S. Sonke, Wim H. Van Harten, Kerri M. Winters-Stone, Miranda J. Velthuis, Dennis R. Taaffe, Willem Van Mechelen, Marie J. Kersten, Frans Nollet, Joachim Wiskemann, Laurien M. Buffart, Anne M. May

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) assesses exercise effects on self-reported cognitive functioning (CF) and investigates whether effects differ by patient-, intervention-, and exercise-related characteristics. Methods: IPD from 16 exercise RCTs, including 1987 patients across multiple types of non-metastatic cancer, was pooled. A one-stage IPD-MA using linear mixed-effect models was performed to assess exercise effects on self-reported CF (z-score) and to identify whether the effect was moderated by sociodemographic, clinical, intervention- and exercise-related characteristics, or fatigue, depression, anxiety, and self-reported CF levels at start of the intervention (i.e., baseline). Models were adjusted for baseline CF and included a random …

Targeting Of Oncogenic Aaa-Atpase Trip13 Reduces Progression Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Farrukh Afaq, Sumit Agarwal, Prachi Bajpai, Sameer Al Diffalha, Hyung-Gyoon Kim, Shajan Peter, Moh'd Khushman, Subhash C Chauhan, Priyabrata Mukherjee, Sooryanarayana Varambally, Upender Manne

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Thyroid hormone receptor-interacting protein 13 (TRIP13) is involved in cancer progression, but its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unknown. Thus, we assessed the expression, functional role, and mechanism of action of TRIP13 in PDAC. We further examined the efficacy of TRIP13 inhibitor, DCZ0415, alone or in combination with gemcitabine on malignant phenotypes, tumor progression, and immune response. We found that TRIP13 was overexpressed in human PDACs relative to corresponding normal pancreatic tissues. TRIP13 knockdown or treatment of PDAC cells with DCZ0415 reduced proliferation and colony formation, and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, TRIP13 knockdown or …

Associations Among Psychosocial Factors, Health-Related Quality Of Life, And Adherence In Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cecelia I. Nelson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a prevalent disorder among youth in the United States. IBD is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in adolescence and symptoms can lead to reduced quality of life, social embarrassment, and lower self-esteem. Adherence to medical regimens for IBD is incredibly important to prevent morbidity, mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, adolescents struggle generally with adherence and the regimen for IBD can be complicated and include aversive side effects. Psychological factors, such as depressive symptoms, are key factors associated with non-adherence. Nevertheless, gut-specific anxiety (GSA) is a psychological factor that …

Implant Overdenture Abutment Loosening Under Hyperbaric Conditions, Zana Jamal Al-Saloum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various hyperbaric air pressures on the loosening of LOCATOR® (ZEST Anchors, LLC, Escondido, CA USA) overdenture abutments.

The pressure conditions tested are meant to simulate scuba diving conditions in edentulous patients that are restored with implant-retained tissue-supported overdentures. Another sub-goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is a difference in LOCATOR® loosening when the sample is exposed to six cycles/dives as opposed to one cycle/dive.

Methods: 36 ZimVie Tapered Screw Vent Implants with a 3.5mm diameter implant platform, and a 2.5mm diameter (and 1.5mm deep) internal hexagon were …

Application Of Interpretable Machine Learning Methods To Study The Disease Characteristics And Healthcare Expenditures In Hodgkin’S Lymphoma, Zasim Azhar Dil Hasan Siddiqui

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a rare malignancy of lymphocytes that predominantly occurs in young adults aged 20-30 years or elderly individuals aged 65-75 years. Despite its low incidence, there were an estimated 223,512 HL survivors in the US in 2020. Hodgkin’s lymphoma shows a favorable prognosis among young adults, with a high cure rate of 85-90%; however, older adults experience poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 40-55% in patients over 60 years. HL survivors incur high total and out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenditures, averaging $78,183 and $4,180 per patient in the first year after diagnosis, highlighting a considerable …

Community Resource Programs Impact On Marginalized Communities Access To Health Care Services: A Program Development Project, Alexis N. Foehrkolb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Caring for children and meeting their needs comes with a variety of considerations regarding temperament, developmental progress, and socioeconomic impact. For children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those considerations become more complex. Community resource programs are designed to help families of CSHCN get access to the resources they need regarding general and healthcare services. A program was developed in collaboration with Parents Place of Maryland (PPMD) to create materials effective in educating parents of CSHCN on desired topics of interest, create a virtual environment where parents felt safe asking questions regarding specific topics of interest, and determine the most effective …

Examining Heterogeneity In Dementia Using Data-Driven Unsupervised Clustering Of Cognitive Profiles, Sayantan Kumar, Inez Y. Oh, Suzanne E. Schindler, Nupur Ghoshal, Zachary Abrams, Philip R. O. Payne

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Dementia is characterized by a decline in memory and thinking that is significant enough to impair function in activities of daily living. Patients seen in dementia specialty clinics are highly heterogenous with a variety of different symptoms that progress at different rates. Recent research has focused on finding data-driven subtypes for revealing new insights into dementia's underlying heterogeneity, rather than assuming that the cohort is homogenous. However, current studies on dementia subtyping have the following limitations: (i) focusing on AD-related dementia only and not examining heterogeneity within dementia as a whole, (ii) using only cross-sectional baseline visit information for clustering …

First-In-Human Assessment Of Gut Permeability In Crohn's Disease Patients Using Fluorophore Technology, Lori R Holtz, B Darren Nix, Sewuese E Akuse, Carla Hall-Moore, Rodney D Newberry, Matthew A Ciorba, Parakkal Deepak, Maria Zulfiqar, Jeng-Jong Shieh, James R Johnson, I Rochelle Riley, Richard B Dorshow

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The dual sugar absorption test as a classic measure of human intestinal permeability has limited clinical utility due to lengthy and cumbersome urine collection, assay variability, and long turnaround. We aimed to determine if the orally administered fluorophore MB-102 (relmapirazin) (molecular weight [MW] = 372) compares to lactulose (L) (MW = 342) and rhamnose (R) (MW = 164)-based dual sugar absorption test as a measure of gut permeability in people with a spectrum of permeability including those with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS: We performed a single-center, randomized, open-label, crossover study comparing orally administered MB-102 (1.5 or 3.0 …

Effect Of Haemonchus Contortus Excretory/Secretory Protein On Differences In Host Neutrophil Migration, Hannah Grace Teddleton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An excretory/secretory (E/S) product, common to many helminths, is neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) which negatively affects neutrophil migration and activity. Due to differences in neutrophil accumulation between parasite resistant St. Croix STC and parasite susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep, we hypothesized that Hc-NIF may inhibit migration of SUF and not STC neutrophils. Previous studies have demonstrated that Hc produces NIF but is not commercially available. To test our hypothesis, neutrophils were cultured from STC and SUF sheep in the presence of Ancylostoma caninum-derived NIF (Ac-NIF) and measure chemotaxis to Interleukin-8 (IL-8), HcLA or H. contortus third-stage excretory/secretory (E/S) products. Neutrophils were …