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2025

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Articles 22201 - 22230 of 24505

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Effect Of Adaptation Time On Retention Of Maxillary 3d-Printed Denture Versus Conventional Heat-Cured Acrylic Denture: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ahmed Hebeshi, Moataz Elmahdy, Sayed Elmasry, Hala Abdelhameed Jan 2025

Effect Of Adaptation Time On Retention Of Maxillary 3d-Printed Denture Versus Conventional Heat-Cured Acrylic Denture: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ahmed Hebeshi, Moataz Elmahdy, Sayed Elmasry, Hala Abdelhameed

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the effect of adaptation time on the retention of 3d printed versus conventional heat-cured acrylic maxillary complete dentures.

Methods: 20 patients were distributed into: Group A received ten conventional complete heatcured acrylic dentures and Group B received ten printed complete dentures. Denture retention was measured at 0, 1 , and 3 months.

Results: For acrylic denture and printed denture groups, Mean values in denture retention increased with time but this increase was statistically non-significant. The change in denture retention over time (difference in retention between the third month and at the …


Three-Dimensional Analysis Of Dental Arch Form In Relation To The Vertical Facial Pattern In Class I Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ahmad Ghassan Droubi, Islam Gad, Aly Osman Jan 2025

Three-Dimensional Analysis Of Dental Arch Form In Relation To The Vertical Facial Pattern In Class I Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ahmad Ghassan Droubi, Islam Gad, Aly Osman

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Understanding the relationship between dental arch form and vertical facial pattern is crucial in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Variations in vertical facial morphology can influence dental arch form, which in turn impacts the effectiveness and stability of orthodontic interventions.

Objectives: The study explores the associations between dental arch form with the different vertical facial patterns, including hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent patterns in skeletal Class I patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was employed to examine a sample of 48 patients with skeletal Class I seeking orthodontic treatment; of which 24 males and 24 females. Each …


A Two-Stage Radiographic Study Of The Prevalence Of Anomalies Associated With Tooth Number, Vellore Kannan Gopinath, Diaa Elderini, Reem Salama, Sangeetha Narasimhan, Vinayak Kamath, Shishir Shetty Jan 2025

A Two-Stage Radiographic Study Of The Prevalence Of Anomalies Associated With Tooth Number, Vellore Kannan Gopinath, Diaa Elderini, Reem Salama, Sangeetha Narasimhan, Vinayak Kamath, Shishir Shetty

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Dental anomalies (DA) are a group of dental developmental disturbances which appear during tooth formation manifesting themselves as an alteration in tooth number, shape, and size. Dental anomalies of number include hypodontia, mesiodens, supernumerary tooth, and odontoma.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies associated with tooth number in the radiographic archives of University Dental Hospital Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 2000 Orthopantomogram (OPG) images were taken between January 2015 to December 2022. The OPG showing dental anomalies of number were further investigated for the availability of Cone Beam …


The Effect Of Premolar Extractions On The Change Of Angulation And Eruption Space Of The Mandibular Third Molars After Orthodontic Treatment, Asmae Benkaddour, Khaoula M’Rabt, Loubna Bahije, Fatima Zaoui, Asmae Bahoum Jan 2025

The Effect Of Premolar Extractions On The Change Of Angulation And Eruption Space Of The Mandibular Third Molars After Orthodontic Treatment, Asmae Benkaddour, Khaoula M’Rabt, Loubna Bahije, Fatima Zaoui, Asmae Bahoum

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Our study was designed to analyze the effect of lower premolar extraction on the evolution space of the lower third molars, as well as their position and angulation during orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytical study comparing two groups of patients: the first group includes 20 patients treated without premolar extraction, and the second group, 27 patients treated with premolar extraction. Linear and angular measurements were performed on panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms of orthodontic pre- and post-treatment.

Results: The eruption space and the horizontal position of the lower third molars, …


Continuous Monitoring Of Sterility: Bacterial Contamination And Disinfectant Performance In Dental Clinics, Nathaly Alsalloum, Tarek Aboajwa, Shuaib Alahmad, Nermin Almouhammad Jan 2025

Continuous Monitoring Of Sterility: Bacterial Contamination And Disinfectant Performance In Dental Clinics, Nathaly Alsalloum, Tarek Aboajwa, Shuaib Alahmad, Nermin Almouhammad

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) evaluate contamination levels across three clinics (endodontic, extraction and surgery, and fixed prosthodontics), (2) identify the types and prevalence of bacteria, (3) estimate the effectiveness of a commercial disinfectant, and (4) determine the bacterial species most responsive to the disinfectant.

Methods: Equal surfaces (17.98 cm²) were swabbed, cultured on nutrient agar for the total aerobic microbial count before and after disinfection, and analyzed using settle plates. Bacterial identification was conducted through colony characteristics, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Data were processed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The endodontic clinic exhibited …


Evaluation Of The Effect Of 3 Bonding Protocols On The Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Of Self-Adhesive Composite To Enamel And Dentin, Mohamad Yaman, Louis Hardan, George Najjar, Cynthia Kassis Jan 2025

Evaluation Of The Effect Of 3 Bonding Protocols On The Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Of Self-Adhesive Composite To Enamel And Dentin, Mohamad Yaman, Louis Hardan, George Najjar, Cynthia Kassis

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To investigate the micro tensile bond strength (µTBS) of self-adhesive bulk-fill composite (Surefil One) to enamel and dentin bonded without bonding agent, with an additional phosphoric acid etch, and with the use of a bonding agent in etch and rinse mode.

Methods: 90 sound extracted wisdom teeth were used in this study. Surefil One (Dentsply Sirona, Konstanz, Germany), Prime&Bond Universal (Dentsply Sirona, Konstanz, Germany) and Detrey Conditioner 36 Etch Gel (Dentsply Sirona, Konstanz, Germany) were tested. Teeth were divided in 6 groups of 15 teeth, according to tooth substrate (enamel and dentin) and bonding protocols (no bonding …


Evaluation Of Microtensile Bond Strength Of Composite Under Three Aging Conditions: A Comparative In Vitro Study, Fadi Hammoud, Louis Hardan, Maryse Nassif, Tala El Ghoul, Georges Najjar, Cynthia Kassis Jan 2025

Evaluation Of Microtensile Bond Strength Of Composite Under Three Aging Conditions: A Comparative In Vitro Study, Fadi Hammoud, Louis Hardan, Maryse Nassif, Tala El Ghoul, Georges Najjar, Cynthia Kassis

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To investigate the effects of different in-vitro artificial aging protocols on the micro tensile bond strength (µTBS) of composite restorations applied to dentin.

Methods: A total of 88 teeth were prepared on dentin and divided into three distinct aging conditions and a control group : G1) Control group with no aging (n=22); G2) Thermal Cycling (Thermocycling) involving 10,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C, with a dwell time of 20 seconds (n=22); G3) Mechanical Loading (Cyclic loading) with a 50 N load, a frequency of 1.5 Hz, and 10,000 cycles (n=22); G4) Combined Thermo-mechanical cyclic loading (TMCL) using …


Color Stability Of Conventional, 3d-Printed, And Milled Denture Teeth After Immersion In Coloring Agents: An In Vitro Study, Dany Nassif, Nancy Chemaly, Rim Bourgi, Carole Abi-Ghosn, Louis Hardan, Jihad Fakhouri Jan 2025

Color Stability Of Conventional, 3d-Printed, And Milled Denture Teeth After Immersion In Coloring Agents: An In Vitro Study, Dany Nassif, Nancy Chemaly, Rim Bourgi, Carole Abi-Ghosn, Louis Hardan, Jihad Fakhouri

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study investigates the color stability of denture teeth made from different materials when subjected to various staining solutions.

Methods: Forty-five A1 shade upper central incisors were divided into three groups: prefabricated, 3D printed, and milled denture teeth (N=45). Each group was further divided into three subgroups, with teeth immersed in coffee, wine, and artificial saliva for up to 120 days (n=5). ∆E values for color change were measured using an Optishade colorimeter.

Results: The type of teeth, type of solution, and immersion time had a significant effect on color stability (p < 0.001). Interactions between the three variables were all significant (p < 0.001). Conventional denture teeth showed slight color changes with saliva (ΔE = 1.256 by day 120), moderate changes with wine (ΔE = 2.893), and more significant changes with coffee (ΔE = 5.208). Milled denture teeth exhibited no color changes with saliva, noticeable changes with wine (ΔE = 5.359), and moderate changes with coffee (ΔE = 3.137). 3D printed denture teeth showed no color changes with saliva, but increased changes with wine (ΔE = 2.533) and highly significant changes with coffee (ΔE = 10.546). Coffee consistently caused the highest ΔE values, especially in 3D printed teeth.

Conclusions: The study …


Endodontic Management Of Dens Invaginatus Using Dynamic Navigation System In Pediatric Patient: A Case Report, Ayesha Fathima, Sahana Selvaganesh, Ganesh Jeevanandan, Pradeep Solete, Prabahdevi Maganur, Ather Syed Ahmed, Satish Vishwanathaiah Jan 2025

Endodontic Management Of Dens Invaginatus Using Dynamic Navigation System In Pediatric Patient: A Case Report, Ayesha Fathima, Sahana Selvaganesh, Ganesh Jeevanandan, Pradeep Solete, Prabahdevi Maganur, Ather Syed Ahmed, Satish Vishwanathaiah

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a dental anomaly resulting from infolding the enamel organ into the dental papilla. Dynamic Navigation Systems (DNS) like Navident, offer real-time guidance during endodontic procedures, proving especially useful in complex cases, such as calcified canals or pulp obliteration. This case report presents a 13-year-old female, who reported the chief complaint of continuous pain in the upper left front tooth region. Based on the clinical and radiographical findings, a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and chronic periapical abscess in relation to maxillary canine (23) was established with dens invaginated palatal canal ( Oehler’s …


Patient-Related And Tooth-Related Factors As Predictors For Tooth Loss In Periodontitis Patients: A Systematic Review, Cleane Daraze, Carole Chakar, Abdelrahman Kassir, Charbel Anka, Jean-Marie Megarbane Jan 2025

Patient-Related And Tooth-Related Factors As Predictors For Tooth Loss In Periodontitis Patients: A Systematic Review, Cleane Daraze, Carole Chakar, Abdelrahman Kassir, Charbel Anka, Jean-Marie Megarbane

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: The treatment of periodontitis aims to prevent further disease progression, to minimize symptoms and perception of the disease, possibly to restore lost tissues and to support patients in maintaining a healthy periodontium. Management of chronic periodontal disease requires a combination of therapeutic modalities and a lifelong commitment to periodontal self-care.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate predictors for tooth loss in patients previously diagnosed with periodontitis. This systematic review covers studies of over 10 years of follow up.

Methods: Electronic literature search was conducted on 19/02/2024 by one author across several databases, including …


Comparative Evaluation Of Marginal And Internal Fit Of Zirconia Crown Designed Using Artificial Intelligence And Cad-Cam Software: A Systematic Review, Pritesh Gangde, Sweta Kale Pisulkar, Arushi Beri, Pritam Das Jan 2025

Comparative Evaluation Of Marginal And Internal Fit Of Zirconia Crown Designed Using Artificial Intelligence And Cad-Cam Software: A Systematic Review, Pritesh Gangde, Sweta Kale Pisulkar, Arushi Beri, Pritam Das

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: The long-term performance of dental restorations depends on their internal and marginal fits. Improvements in the fit of restorations, especially zirconia crowns, have been investigated through the use of diverse materials, manufacturing processes, and impression techniques.

Objectives: The purpose of this review was to examine the internal and marginal fit of zirconia crowns made with CAD/CAM software with artificial intelligence (AI) software.

Methods: Using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms, the literature search was carried out across seven databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect from inception till 1st of …


Factors Associated With Fatalism Among Hispanic And Latina Breast Cancer Survivors, Liara Lopez Torralba Jan 2025

Factors Associated With Fatalism Among Hispanic And Latina Breast Cancer Survivors, Liara Lopez Torralba

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As fatalism, a person’s attitude towards their life, increases, there is a significant level of medical mistrust and avoidance, which can delay cancer diagnoses and affect the prognosis of the disease. Literature has shown that many factors, including age, race, acculturation, locus of control, education, and fear can influence fatalism. However, little research has been conducted on whether fatalism differs independently by Hispanic origin and its associated factors among Hispanic breast cancer survivors. This study used data from the Hispanic Breast Cancer Study at the University of Central Florida. The original study recruited 408 women aged ≥ 20 years, diagnosed …


Examining The Best Dietary And Lifestyle Interventions To Prevent Hyperinsulinemia And Insulin Resistance In Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Erica C. Morman Jan 2025

Examining The Best Dietary And Lifestyle Interventions To Prevent Hyperinsulinemia And Insulin Resistance In Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Erica C. Morman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive and metabolic disorder that affects up to 15% of women, contributing to insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The interconnected hormonal and metabolic disruptions in PCOS create a feedback loop that exacerbates symptoms, making dietary and exercise interventions critical in its management. This literature review evaluates the efficacy of various dietary interventions including the ketogenic diet, high-protein diet, low-carbohydrate diet, and high-fiber diet, as well as exercise interventions such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training, and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Results found that modifying carbohydrate intake, and increasing fiber …


Facilitation Of Chemotherapy Efficacy Through Targeted Drug Delivery In Lung Cancer Cells Via Ultrasound And Implications On Health Interventions, Ibrahim Nasim Jan 2025

Facilitation Of Chemotherapy Efficacy Through Targeted Drug Delivery In Lung Cancer Cells Via Ultrasound And Implications On Health Interventions, Ibrahim Nasim

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Lung Cancer (small cell and non-small cell) is the leading cause of cancer death in the US, accounting for about 20% of all cancer deaths. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing and stopping cancer growth by stiffening microtubules within cells, promoting mitotic halt and cell death. Carboplatin (CP) is another agent given to lung cancer patients containing platinum and works via direct damage of oncolytic DNA. The exact mechanism of how PTX and CP cause cell death is still an under-studied area. This thesis aims to provide insight into how …


Investigating The Effect Of Artificial Sweeteners On Fitness And Metastasis In Drosophila Melanogaster, Om R. Patel Jan 2025

Investigating The Effect Of Artificial Sweeteners On Fitness And Metastasis In Drosophila Melanogaster, Om R. Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Artificial sweeteners are widely used sugar substitutes, yet their potential effects on health remain poorly understood. For example, more evidence suggests that frequent consumers of sugar substitutes may also be at increased risk of excessive weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, which contradicts the original purpose of artificial sweeteners. This thesis investigates the impact of artificial sweeteners on health using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, focusing on three key areas: viability, excretion, and cancer metastasis. Viability assays revealed that flies exposed to artificial sweeteners exhibited a decrease in progeny, with some concentrations increasing progeny but most decreasing …


Family Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care For Terminally Ill Individuals In The Intensive Care Unit, Yunju Kim Jan 2025

Family Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care For Terminally Ill Individuals In The Intensive Care Unit, Yunju Kim

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides specialized care for critically ill individuals, but despite aggressive treatments, the risk of mortality remains high. Transitioning from life-saving interventions to end-of-life care (EoLC) can be emotionally challenging for families and the healthcare team. Fear of EoLC can lead to a continuation of futile treatments, leading to ethical conflicts, emotional distress, and unnecessary suffering. The primary purpose of this literature review is to explore incongruencies in family expectations for EoLC in terminally ill individuals in the ICU in the transition of care from life-saving measures to EoLC. The secondary purpose of this literature review …


The Effects Of Nurse-Led Physical Activity On The Aging Population, Kaitlyn P. Carruba Jan 2025

The Effects Of Nurse-Led Physical Activity On The Aging Population, Kaitlyn P. Carruba

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aging population in the United States is increasing in proportion, yet older adults' physical activity levels have not increased much. The lack of physical activity leads to numerous health complications, such as an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, increased risk for falls and fractures, as well as lead to obesity and diabetes. Unfortunately, few healthcare facilities monitor or audit physical activity. Older adults are frequently placed on fall risk precautions, which heavily encourages a sedentary hospital stay. This commonly leads to older adults with declining abilities to accomplish their activities of daily living (ADLs) after hospitalization. Nurses, spending the …


From Tricare To Medicaid: Dental Insurance Disparities Among U.S. Veterans And Active Duty Service Members, Madeline K. Mcnutt Ms Jan 2025

From Tricare To Medicaid: Dental Insurance Disparities Among U.S. Veterans And Active Duty Service Members, Madeline K. Mcnutt Ms

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Oral health plays a critical role in systemic well-being, yet dental care access in the United States remains deeply unequal, particularly among low-income and historically marginalized populations. Among those significantly affected are military veterans, who frequently experience barriers to oral healthcare due to eligibility restrictions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. This study offers a comparative analysis of dental insurance satisfaction between recipients of Medicaid and the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP), two federally funded programs that reflect the divide between civilian and military healthcare access. While TRICARE ADDP provides comprehensive and uniform coverage for Active Duty …


The Effectiveness Of Trauma-Informed Care Education On The Self-Efficacy Of Pediatric Nurses: An Integrative Literature Review, Mackenzi N. King Jan 2025

The Effectiveness Of Trauma-Informed Care Education On The Self-Efficacy Of Pediatric Nurses: An Integrative Literature Review, Mackenzi N. King

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pediatric nurses often care for patients who have experienced various forms of trauma, including medical traumatic stress, abusive head trauma, child maltreatment, and sex trafficking. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a clinical approach that acknowledges the psychological and physical effects of trauma, supports the identification of trauma survivors, and seeks to prevent re-traumatization during healthcare encounters. Research has highlighted the need to improve nurses' self-efficacy in delivering TIC effectively. This integrative literature review explores the impact of TIC training on pediatric nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and competence in providing TIC. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsychInfo, and …


A Systematic Review Of Dietary Trends, Influencing Factors, And Their Impacts On Cardiovascular Health In Turkish Populations, Pelin L. Özoğlu Jan 2025

A Systematic Review Of Dietary Trends, Influencing Factors, And Their Impacts On Cardiovascular Health In Turkish Populations, Pelin L. Özoğlu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, including in Türkiye. One key factor influencing CVD prevention is dietary patterns, which directly impacts cardiovascular health. Türkiye traditionally follows the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), which is acclaimed for its cardiovascular benefits. Despite this, Türkiye continues to experience high rates of CVD, with projections indicating that CVD mortality will double for both men and women by 2030. It is crucial to address diet-related factors, including potential nutritional deficiencies, to reduce cardiovascular health risks.

This research aims to analyze the Turkish community's adherence to the Mediterranean diet to understand why CVD prevalence …


Improving Safe And Effective Management Of Pain At Home, Alayna V. Olivarez Jan 2025

Improving Safe And Effective Management Of Pain At Home, Alayna V. Olivarez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pain is the most common clinical symptom in individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, home is the preferred place for cancer care which introduces numerous challenges for cancer pain management. The primary purpose of this literature review is to identify support interventions to enhance pain control, prevent exacerbations in pain, and optimize quality of life in individuals with cancer transitioning from the acute care setting to home. The secondary purpose of this review is to analyze patient-specific barriers influencing self-efficacy of pain management and overall health outcomes in the target population. A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, EBSCOhost, …


The Effects Of School-Based Menstruation Education Programs On Anxiety And Self-Efficacy In Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review, Hannah C. Hart Jan 2025

The Effects Of School-Based Menstruation Education Programs On Anxiety And Self-Efficacy In Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review, Hannah C. Hart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A significant global knowledge gap exists for adolescent girls regarding what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle, proper menstrual hygiene practices, and the implications of reproductive maturity that is ushered in by menarche. This limited understanding can lead to poor health outcomes and the development of negative sentiments and beliefs surrounding the normal experience of menstruation.

This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the current state of research regarding the effects of school-based, formal menstruation education programs on adolescent girls, particularly the effects on anxiety and self-efficacy related to the management of menstruation. Furthermore, this work aims to take a stance …


Cultural Competence In Pre-Medical Education: Examining Preparedness For Cross-Cultural Care, Fiza N. Khan Jan 2025

Cultural Competence In Pre-Medical Education: Examining Preparedness For Cross-Cultural Care, Fiza N. Khan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As the U.S. population continues to grow more diverse, there is an urgent need for future healthcare providers to develop strong cultural competence. This study investigates undergraduate pre-medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels toward caring for diverse patient populations, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals from varied cultural backgrounds. The goal was to assess how well students are prepared to provide culturally responsive care before entering medical school. Recognizing that the foundation for medical training begins at the undergraduate level, this study aims to identify specific gaps in readiness that may hinder equitable patient care in the future.

A modified …


Meta-Analysis Of The Effect Of Vagus Nerve Stimulation On Functional Heart Failure Outcomes, Ariana B. Labrada Jan 2025

Meta-Analysis Of The Effect Of Vagus Nerve Stimulation On Functional Heart Failure Outcomes, Ariana B. Labrada

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Globally, Heart Failure (HF) is a significant cause for concern. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is an emerging therapy for patients with HF. It involves the activation of efferent vagal signals, which result in the release of acetylcholine (ACh). In practice, VNS has obtained relatively mixed results in clinical trials so far. In order to ascertain the extent of the effects VNS has on functional clinical outcomes, this meta-analysis consolidates studies that involve patients with Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). Outcomes were measured through the change in mean heart rate (HR) …


Genomic Epidemiology Of Staphylococcus Aureus Sequence-Type 72, Sachitaa Senthilkumar Jan 2025

Genomic Epidemiology Of Staphylococcus Aureus Sequence-Type 72, Sachitaa Senthilkumar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, SA) is a gram-positive bacterial colonizer and pathogen commonly carried on the skin and in the anterior nares of humans. SA colonization may lead to a variety of non-invasive (e.g., skin and soft tissue infections, SSTIs) and invasive (e.g., bacteremia and osteomyelitis) infections. The SA population is comprised of multiple lineages that can be delineated through multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), which compares nucleotide sequences within seven housekeeping genes. Strains belonging to an MLST share a common evolutionary history and phenotypic characteristics like antibiotic resistance or virulence. As a result, the epidemiology of lineages can be …


High-Throughput Drug Screening For Disease-Modifying Arthritis Therapy, Janapriya Vijayakumar Jan 2025

High-Throughput Drug Screening For Disease-Modifying Arthritis Therapy, Janapriya Vijayakumar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Current therapy for arthritis predominantly focuses on the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of disease progression. Thus, it is necessary to identify novel drugs which target the underlying molecular basis of such diseases. Using high-throughput cell-based drug screening, we screened 458 different compounds, narrowed down from 811 starting compounds from the NIH Mechanistic Set. We selected drugs from the Mechanistic Set following Lipinski's Rule of 5 to ensure optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The study used modified primary human chondrocytes (IIAM-PRG4Luc), which secrete a lubricin promoter-driven luciferase reporter. We use this luciferase expression as a proxy to measure lubricin, a compound …


Investigation Of Lubricin-Stimulating Fda-Approved Compounds For A Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritic Drug, Swathi S. Menon Jan 2025

Investigation Of Lubricin-Stimulating Fda-Approved Compounds For A Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritic Drug, Swathi S. Menon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects many people worldwide. Current methods of treatment are palliative, and no treatment exists to fully reverse or cure OA once it begins to progress. The discovery of a disease-modifying osteoarthritic drug (DMOAD) would increase the quality of life for millions and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Screening FDA-approved drugs ensures more promise due to their known safety profile and potential for faster translation to the clinic. The goal of this project was to conduct dose-response assays with FDA-approved drugs that have been shown to stimulate lubricin production in cells that mimic …


Development Of A Proposed Selective Medium For The Isolation And Differentiation Of P. Sordellii, Dimyana Bottros Jan 2025

Development Of A Proposed Selective Medium For The Isolation And Differentiation Of P. Sordellii, Dimyana Bottros

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Clostridium, a genus of anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria, includes clinically and ecologically significant species like Clostridium difficile and Paeniclostridium sordellii. C. difficile causes antibiotic-associated colitis, while P. sordellii is linked to fatal infections and spontaneous abortions. Recent studies found both species in marine sediments, suggesting their role in environmental and wildlife health disturbances, including the 2013 mass mortality of over 300 manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. However, isolating and differentiating P. sordellii is challenging due to the lack of selective media optimized for its growth. This thesis proposes a novel selective medium tailored to P. sordellii’s physiological …


“Regression To The Mean”: The Confluence Of Eugenics And Statistics In The 19th And 20th Centuries, Emrys G. King Jan 2025

“Regression To The Mean”: The Confluence Of Eugenics And Statistics In The 19th And 20th Centuries, Emrys G. King

Pomona Senior Theses

The work of this thesis is twofold — first, qualitatively characterizing the confluence between the British eugenics and statistics movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and second, quantitatively analyzing the effect of this foundation on pedagogical materials in the growing field of statistics between 1880 and 1970. Towards the first goal, the history of the method of least squares, state statistics, and positive and negative eugenics are outlined, followed by a close reading of the foundational texts authored by Francis Galton and Karl Pearson that introduced linear regression. Towards the latter goal, English-language statistics textbooks published between …


Biomechanics Of The Atherosclerotic Lipidome: (Un)Expected Statin Interactions And Membrane Remodelling, Ethan M. Fong Jan 2025

Biomechanics Of The Atherosclerotic Lipidome: (Un)Expected Statin Interactions And Membrane Remodelling, Ethan M. Fong

Pomona Senior Theses

Statins interact with lipid membranes in ways that shape their pharmacokinetics, off-target effects, and pleiotropic actions, yet these interactions' mechanical and biophysical consequences remain poorly understood. This thesis employs a combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and rheological modelling to characterize how representative statins intercalate within biomimetic supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of healthy and diseased composition. SPR reveals that lipophilic statins exhibit higher apparent affinities and slower dissociation kinetics, especially in cholesterol- and anionic lipid-rich membranes. QCM-D analyses demonstrate that statins alter membrane mass, dissipation, and interfacial stiffness in a statin- and membrane-dependent …