Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Deep Learning-Based Auto-Segmentation For Liver Yttrium-90 Selective Internal Radiation Therapy, Jun Li, Wookjin Choi, Rani Anne

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

The aim was to evaluate a deep learning-based auto-segmentation method for liver delineation in Y-90 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). A deep learning (DL)-based liver segmentation model using the U-Net3D architecture was built. Auto-segmentation of the liver was tested in CT images of SIRT patients. DL auto-segmented liver contours were evaluated against physician manually-delineated contours. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (MDA) were calculated. The DL-model-generated contours were compared with the contours generated using an Atlas-based method. Ratio of volume (RV, the ratio of DL-model auto-segmented liver volume to manually-delineated liver volume), and ratio of activity (RA, …

A Proposed Mhealth Intervention To Address Patient Barriers To Colposcopy Attendance: Qualitative Interview Study Of Clinic Staff And Patient Perspectives, Jennifer Hemler, Rachel Wagner, Brittany Sullivan, Myneka Macenat, Erin Tagai, Jazmarie Vega, Enrique Hernandez, Suzanne Miller, Kuang-Yi Wen, Charletta Ayers, Mark Einstein, Shawna Hudson, Racquel Kohler

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer disparities persist among minoritized women due to infrequent screening and poor follow-up. Structural and psychosocial barriers to following up with colposcopy are problematic for minoritized women. Evidence-based interventions using patient navigation and tailored telephone counseling, including the Tailored Communication for Cervical Cancer Risk (TC3), have modestly improved colposcopy attendance. However, the efficacious TC3 intervention is human resource-intense and could have greater reach if adapted for mobile health, which increases convenience and access to health information.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe feedback from clinic staff members involved in colposcopy processes and patients referred for colposcopy regarding adaptions …

Exosomes And Encapsulated Exomirs In Breast Cancer: Theragnostic Applications And Clinical Implications, Muhammad Imran Sajid, Shafia Bukhari, Hamid Ilyas, Rubina Malik, Minahil Fatima, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Surya M. Nauli, Khawaja Husnain Haider

Pharmacy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Exosomes, released by cells, are small vesicles that have emerged as critical theranostic tools in breast cancer due to their unique ability to transport diverse biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs, including microRNAs (ExomiRs). These vesicles are critical in modulating the tumor microenvironment, driving processes like cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exosomal microRNAs such as ExomiR-21, ExomiR-1246, and ExomiR-155, with their profound influence on the gene expressions in the recipient cells, are the unsung heroes in tumor progression and immune modulation. This chapter delves into exosome's dual diagnostic and therapeutic potential in breast cancer. It highlights their …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

Artificial Intelligence In Cancer-Related Malnutrition And Cachexia: A Transformative Tool In Clinical Nutrition, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Malnutrition and cachexia are common complications in cancer patients, and they negatively influence prognosis, treatment efficacy, and tolerability as well as quality of life [[1], [2], [3]]. Accurately identifying and effectively managing malnutrition and cachexia in this population remains a clinical challenge. Conventional validated screening tools may lack the sensitivity and specificity required for early detection and personalized intervention in diverse cancer types and treatment settings [4,5]. Over the last decade, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) strategies, has shown promising results in clinical nutrition, with the potential to revolutionize nutritional …

Electrochemical Detection Of Prostate Cancer—Associated Mirna-141 Using A Low-Cost Disposable Biosensor, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The early detection of aggressive forms is critical. Current diagnostic methods, including PSA testing and biopsies, are invasive and often yield false results. MicroRNA-141 (miRNA-141) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker due to its elevated levels in the urine of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 in synthetic urine is reported. The device employs inkjet-printed gold electrodes on photopaper, functionalized with thiolated single-stranded DNA-141 capture probes for specific target recognition. The biosensor …

Treatment Sequence With Tebentafusp And Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors In Patients With Metastatic Uveal Melanoma And Metastatic Gna11/Gnaq Mutant Melanocytic Tumors, Florentia Dimitriou, Marlana Orloff, Erica Koch Hein, Phil Cheng, Isaac Hughes, Ester Simeone, Kamaneh Montazeri, Piyush Grover, Inderjit Mehmi, Camille Gerard, Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste, Jean-Jacques Grob, Olivier Michielin, Omid Hamid, Georgina Long, Ryan Sullivan, Ellen Kapiteijn, Douglas Johnson, Paolo Ascierto, Anthony Joshua, Richard Carvajal, Marcus Butler, Jessica Hassel, Reinhard Dummer

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is rare. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown modest efficacy in mUM. Tebentafusp prolonged overall survival (OS) in a phase 3 study. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the sequence of tebentafusp and ICIs.

METHODS: Patients with HLA-A * 02:01 positive mUM, or metastatic GNA11/GNAQ mutant melanocytic tumors treated with tebentafusp followed by ICIs (group 1) or the inverse sequence (group 2) at any treatment line were retrospectively identified. The primary objective was OS rate at 2 years.

RESULTS: 131 patients were included; 51 in group 1 and 80 in group 2. …

Exploring Familial Lymphoma And Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Rhea Mahajan

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to investigate the familial incidence of lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) within the patient population at Gabrail Cancer Center (GCC). Using the Electronic Medical Record from the past ten years, patients with current or historical diagnoses of lymphoma or CLL will be identified and surveyed (along with using patient records, including consult notes, hospital notes, MD notes, etc.) to extract any family history of these cancers. The project will analyze clinical outcomes in these cases, and analyze whether there were multiple family members to have been affected by lymphoma or CLL (or other cancers), and see …

Implementing A Chatbot To Promote Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetic Screening In Women's Health: Identifying Barriers And Facilitators To Screening Adoption, Easton N. Wollney, Shireen Madani Sims, Luisel J. Ricks-Santi, Elizabeth Eddy, Daniel Wiesman, Carla L. Fisher

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

To promote genetic screening among women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that risk assessment be integrated into practice. Chatbots like the Genetic Information Assistant (Gia®) are increasingly implemented to expand access to hereditary genetic screening. Factors that impact chatbot implementation for HBOC risk screening and women's uptake are not fully realized. To refine implementation strategies prior to full scale implementation, we sought to identify women's perceived facilitators/barriers to adopting Gia screening in a rural population within a large healthcare system in the southern United States.

Methods

We …

Pediatric Cancer Incidence, Temporal Trends, And Mortality In The United States By Health Disparities Indicators, Seer (1973-2014), Prachi P. Chavan, Laurens Holmes Jr.

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pediatric cancer incidence has been increasing in the United States, despite improvement in pediatric cancer survival. This steady increase in incidence trends is not completely understood but maybe associated with social and environmental factors. In this study we aimed to assess the cumulative incidence, temporal trends, and mortality rates in pediatric cancer. Additionally, we examined sub-group variability in both incidence and mortality rates. Methods: Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) −18 from 1973–2014 were used for the purpose of analysis in this study. Age-adjusted incidence rates were used to assess temporal trends in cancer among children aged < 1–19 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to examine the association between race and cancer mortality while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: There were 92,594 cancer diagnoses during this period. White children comprised 74,758, (80.7%), black children 10,030, (10.8%), and other races 6648, (7.2%). Overall the age-adjusted cumulative incidence was slightly higher among white children (16.4%) than black children (12.4%) and other (13.0%). Children aged 15–19 years and those in metropolitan regions were more likely to be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Relative to females, males were 16% more likely to die from the disease [adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09–1.22]. Additionally, compared to white children, black children had higher mortality rates [(aRR): 1.37, 99% CI: 1.23–1.52]. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend in pediatric cancer incidence; while white children have the highest incidence, black children and males indicated a survival disadvantage, indicative of racial and sex variability in overall pediatric cancer in the United States.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma In Children And Adolescents, Eric J. Lowe, Wilhelm Woessmann

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) accounts for >95% of ALCL cases in children and adolescents. The first description of ALCL as a CD30-positive lymphoma in 1985 was followed by the detection of chromosomal translocations involving the ALK gene at chromosome 2p23. The pathogenesis of ALK-positive ALCL is based on signalling from the constitutive active ALK kinase. The clinical characteristics, therapy regimens and outcome data were reported in the 1990s and 2000s. Different chemotherapy regimens led to astonishingly similar long-term event-free survival rates of 70%, independent of the drugs, doses and duration of therapy. Additionally, patients with relapsed …

Electrochemical Strategies For Microrna Quantification Leveraging Amplification And Nanomaterials: A Review, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification …

Oral Microbiome And Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Understanding And Call To Action, Michael Saadeh, Sydney Donohue, Shaina Ailawadi, Gordon Hong, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The oral microbiome is the second largest microbial community in the human body after the gut microbiome. It includes an array of fungi, bacteria, amoebae, flagellates, archaea, and viruses, all of which are potential pathogens. This microbiome can act as a facilitator not only for protection but also for aggravation when dysbiosis occurs. Although conventional thought is this is primarily in terms of oral health issues, such as dental caries and gingival disease. The systemic effects of the oral microbiome however, are relevant to both gastrointestinal (GI) disease and non-GI disease. These systemic risks occur for several reasons, including upregulation …

Micro/Nanoplastics And Cancer: Focus On Gastrointestinal Malignancies - A Narrative Review, Sana Rabeeah, Priyata Dutta, Ahmad Mahdi, Alejandra Vargas, Edward C. Oldfield, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm and 1 μm, respectively, and are emerging environmental pollutants with growing implications for human health. These particles stem from either 'primary sources', such as intentionally manufactured microbeads and industrial abrasives, or 'secondary sources', where larger plastic items break down into smaller fragments over time. Human exposure primarily occurs through ingestion and inhalation, with contaminated seafood and plastic-laden food packaging representing key routes of entry. Once ingested, MNPs can cross the intestinal barrier, accumulate in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues, and trigger biological responses. Mechanistic studies reveal that MNPs induce oxidative stress, …

Multi-Modal Mri Based Segmentation Of Brain Metastases Using Adaptive Self-Attention, Evan Savaria

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common adult central nervous system malignancy, affecting 20–40% of cancer patients. Accurate segmentation of metastatic lesions in multi-modal MRI is essential for treatment planning and prognosis however, manual delineation is time consuming and prone to variability. Traditional deep learning models such as U-Net, have improved segmentation accuracy but capture limited long-range dependencies and struggle with variations in metastasis size, shape, and distribution. This study introduces the Adaptive Integrated Multi-modal Segmentation (AIMS) model, an adaptive self-attention framework within a hybrid U-Net and Transformer architecture to enhance BM segmentation by leveraging multi-modal MRI integration. The proposed …

Real-World Safety Profile Of Therapy With Ibrutinib Or Acalabrutinib In Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Ramsay Hafer, Francesco Iadevaia, Thomas Z. Rohan, Teresa Duong, Maria Poluch, Gina Keiffer, Michael Li, Andres Ferber, Luca Laurenti, Alan Khoo, Pierluigi Porcu

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

5-Fluorouracil Induced Oxidative Stress Is Variable Across Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines, Rachel L. Walker

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with treatment limited to chemotherapy. However, not all patient tumors respond to chemotherapy. The variable cytotoxic effects of chemotherapies may be due to how cancer cells regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we examined two mouse breast cancer cell lines: 4T1 and EO771, vary when treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), known ROS-inducing substances. In 4T1 cells H2O2 increased oxidized DNA but caused minimal cell death. While in EO771 cells that same amount of H2O2 caused complete apoptosis. Cell number, ROS, and cell death showed …

The Role And Therapeutic Possibilities Of Pelp1 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) Cells, Marian Hernandez Fernandez

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer mortality in the USA and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Moreover, advanced HCC has a bleak prognosis, with a median survival rate of approximately 10 months. Latinos in South Texas exhibit the greatest incidence of liver cancer nationwide. Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) is an oncogene associated with the advancement of several cancers; however, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Analysis of publicly accessible cancer databases revealed elevated expression of PELP1 oncogene in HCC relative to the control group. …

Conference Report: Review Of Clinical Implementation Of Advanced Quantitative Imaging Techniques For Personalized Radiotherapy, Yevgeniy Vinogradskiy, Houda Bahig, Nicholas Bucknell, Jeffrey Buchsbaum, Hui-Kuo George Shu

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

The topic of quantitative imaging in radiation therapy was presented as a "Masterclass" at the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) and single-positron computed tomography were reviewed in detail as the first portion of the meeting session, with data showing utility in many aspects of radiation oncology including treatment planning and dose response. Positron emission tomography/CT scans evaluating the functional volume of lung tissue so as to provide optimal avoidance of healthy lungs were presented second. Advanced brain imaging was then discussed in the context of different forms of magnetic resonance …

Validation Of An Artificial Intelligence-Based Prognostic Biomarker In Patients With Oligometastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer, Jarey H. Wang, Matthew P. Deek, Adrianna A. Mendes, Yang Song, Amol Shetty, Soha Bazyar, Kim Van Der Eecken, Emmalyn Chen, Timothy N. Showalter, Trevor J. Royce, Tamara Todorovic, Huei-Chung Huang, Scott A. Houck, Rikiya Yamashita, Ana P. Kiess, Daniel Y. Song, Tamara Lotan, Theodore Deweese, Luigi Marchionni, Lei Ren, Amit Sawant, Nicole L. Simone, Alejandro Berlin, Cem Onal, Andre Esteva, Felix Y. Feng, Phuoc T. Tran, Philip Sutera, Piet Ost

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: There is a need for clinically actionable prognostic and predictive tools to guide the management of oligometastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (omCSPC).

METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study to assess the prognostic and predictive performance of a multimodal artificial intelligence biomarker (MMAI; the ArteraAI Prostate Test) in men with omCSPC (n = 222). The cohort also included 51 patients from the STOMP and ORIOLE phase 2 clinical trials which randomized patients to observation versus metastasis-directed therapy (MDT). MMAI scores were computed from digitized histopathology slides and clinical variables. Overall survival (OS) and time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (TTCRPC) were …

Identification Of The N-Terminal Residues Responsible For The Differential Microdomain Localization Of Cyp1a1 And Cyp1a2, Robert M. Fuchs, James R. Reed, J. Patrick Connick, Markéta Paloncýová, Martin Šrejber, Petra Čechová, Michal Otyepka, Marilyn K. Eyer, Wayne L. Backes

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

The endoplasmic reticulum is organized into ordered regions enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin, and disordered microdomains characterized by more fluidity. Rabbit CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 localize into disordered and ordered microdomains, respectively. Previously, a CYP1A2 chimera containing the first 109 amino acids of CYP1A1 showed altered microdomain localization. The goal of this study was to identify specific residues responsible for CYP1A microdomain localization. Thus, CYP1A2 chimeras containing substitutions from homologous regions of CYP1A1 were expressed in HEK 293T/17 cells, and the localization was examined after solubilization with Brij 98. A CYP1A2 mutant with the three amino acids from CYP1A1 (VAG) at …

Same Or Different? Resolution Of Diagnostic Difficulty Of Two Mixed Cell-Type Tumors In Ovarian Pathology., Sarah Ingram, Priyanka Raju Md, Wei Shaw Do, Steve Sowers Pa, Kelly Brenan-Rothschild Md

Transformative Medicine

Introduction: When confronted by two disease processes, physicians in all disciplines are faced with the question: Are they manifestations of a common etiology, or distinct entities co-occurring? Inherent in this dilemma is whether an aberration from normal is even a disease process at all. Tissue pathology plays a key role in resolving this conundrum. Although diagnoses can be challenging, there are various methodologies used in the field of pathology to ascertain whether two tumors are of the same or different origins.

Case Description: This case report reviews two patients with large ovarian neoplasms and surgical pathology revealing histopathological features of …

Higher 10-Year Survival With Breast-Conserving Therapy Over Mastectomy For Women With Early-Stage (I-Ii) Breast Cancer: Analysis Of The Cdc Patterns Of Care Data Base, Pratibha Shrestha, Mei Chin Hsieh, Tekeda Ferguson, Edward S. Peters, Edward Trapido, Qingzhao Yu, Quyen D. Chu, Xiao Cheng Wu

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Background: Studies in the United States are scarce that assess the survival differences between breast-conserving surgery plus radiation (Breast-Conserving Therapy; BCT) and mastectomy groups using population-based data while accounting for sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the survival of women with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Objective: To assess whether BCT provides superior long-term overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) compared with mastectomy in women with ESBC, while considering key factors that impact survival. Design: Cohort study. Methods: We analyzed data on women aged 20 years and older diagnosed with stage I-II breast cancer (BC) in 2004 who received …

Providing End-Of-Life Counseling: A Narrative Inquiry, Carol Hecht, Sibyl West

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in the research related to end-of-life counseling by exploring the experiences of counselors working with clients at end of life. While counseling literature and education are lacking regarding end of life, many counselors will work alongside clients approaching death. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to better understand the nuanced experiences of counselors providing end-of-life counseling and (b) to explore the supports and preparations helpful for counselors to provide end-of-life counseling. A narrative approach, using the Listening Guide (Gilligan, 2015), was employed to analyze and present the stories of three …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Adaptation Of The Socioecological Model To Address Disparities In Engagement Of Black Men In Prostate Cancer Genetic Testing, Amy Leader, Timothy Rebbeck, William Oh, Alpa Patel, Eric Winer, Leeann Bailey, Leonard Gomella, Crystal Lumpkins, Isla Garraway, Lisa Aiello, Monica Baskin, Heather H Cheng, Kathleen Cooney, Amanda Ganzak, Daniel George, Susan Halabi, Feighanne Hathaway, Claire Healy, Joseph W Kim, Michael Leapman, Stacy Loeb, Kara Maxwell, Christopher Mcnair, Todd Morgan, Breanne Prindeville, Howard R Soule, Whitney Steward, Sakinah Suttiratana, Mary-Ellen Taplin, Kosj Yamoah, Thierry Fortune, Kris Bennett, Joshua Blanding-Godbolt, Laura Gross, Veda Giri

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Black men consistently have higher rates of prostate cancer (PCA)- related mortality. Advances in PCA treatment, screening, and hereditary cancer assessment center around germline testing (GT). Of concern is the significant under-engagement of Black males in PCA GT, limiting the benefit of precision therapy and tailored cancer screening despite longstanding awareness of these disparities. To address these critical disparities, the Socioecological Model (SEM) was employed to develop comprehensive recommendations to overcome barriers and implement equitable strategies to engage Black males in PCA GT.

METHODS: Clinical/research experts, national organization leaders, and community stakeholders spanning multiple regions in US and Africa …

Real-World Impact Of Acupuncture On Analgesics And Healthcare Resource Utilization In Breast Cancer Survivors With Pain, Dina Quan Ng, Sanghoon Lee, Richard T. Lee, Yun Wang, Alexandre Chan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

This study evaluated the real-world impact of acupuncture on analgesics and healthcare resource utilization among breast cancer survivors.

Methods

From a United States (US) commercial claims database (25% random sample of IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics), we selected 18–63 years old malignant breast cancer survivors experiencing pain and ≥ 1 year removed from cancer diagnosis. Using the difference-in-difference technique, annualized changes in analgesics [prevalence, rates of short-term (< 30-day supply) and long-term (≥ 30-day supply) prescription fills] and healthcare resource utilization (healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits) were compared between acupuncture-treated and non-treated patients.

Results

Among 495 (3%) acupuncture-treated patients (median age: 55 years, stage 4: 12%, average 2.5 years post cancer diagnosis), most had commercial health insurance (92%) and experiencing musculoskeletal pain (98%). Twenty-seven …

Microvascular Autologous Breast Reconstruction With The Lateral Thigh Perforator Flap, Stefania M.H. Tuinder, Joep A.F. Van Rooij, Robert J. Allen

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The lateral thigh perforator flap is an excellent alternative to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap for patients with absolute or relative contraindications for a DIEP flap and adequate volume at the lateral thigh. Preoperative physical examination, preoperative markings, and radiological perforator mapping are essential for adequate surgical preparation. The flap is based on septocutaneous perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, located in the posterior septum between the tensor fascia latae and the gluteus medius muscle. Being relatively stiff, septocutaneous perforators are sensitive to kinking and compression, which is important to keep in mind during flap inset. …

Design, Synthesis, And Evaluation Of Oleyl-Wrh Peptides For Sirna Delivery, Mrigank Shekhar Rai, Muhammad Imran Sajid, Jonathan Moreno, Keykavous Parang, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Delivering nucleic acid therapeutics across cell membranes is a significant challenge. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) containing arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and histidine (H) show promise for siRNA delivery. To improve siRNA delivery and silence a model STAT3 gene, we hypothesized that oleyl acylation to CPPs, specifically (WRH)n, would enhance STAT3 silencing efficiency in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Using Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide chemistry, we synthesized, purified, and characterized the oleyl-conjugated (WRH)n (n = 1–4) peptides. The peptide/siRNA complexes were non-cytotoxic at N/P 40 (~20 μM) against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SK-OV-3, and HEK-293 cells after 72 h incubation. All peptide/siRNA complexes showed serum …

Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Their Structure And Mechanistic Role In Tumor Progression And Resistance, Abdulaziz M. Eshaq, Thomas W. Flanagan, Sofie Yasmin Hassan, Sara A. Al Asheikh, Waleed A. Al-Amoudi, Simeon Santourlidis, Sarah Lilly Hassan, Maryam O. Alamodi, Marcelo L. Bendhack, Mohammed O. Alamodi, Youssef Haikel, Mossad Megahed, Mohamed Hassan

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) function as key molecules in the signaling pathways in addition to their impact as a therapeutic target for the treatment of many human diseases, including cancer. PTKs are characterized by their ability to phosphorylate serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues and can thereby rapidly and reversibly alter the function of their protein substrates in the form of significant changes in protein confirmation and affinity for their interaction with protein partners to drive cellular functions under normal and pathological conditions. PTKs are classified into two groups: one of which represents tyrosine kinases, while the other one includes the …