Medical Sciences Commons^™

Fos Expression In Lateral Hypothalamus/Perifornical Area Is Correlated With Psychosocial Stress-Induced Cocaine-Seeking Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Milena Sudarikov, Nicole M. Hinds, Ireneusz D. Wojtas, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel F. Manvich

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cocaine Use Disorder persists as a significant public health concern in the United States. Recent epidemiological data indicate that rates of cocaine-involved overdose deaths are rising, and treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder is challenging due to a lack of FDA-approved medications to help patients achieve abstinence and avoid relapse. Stress can precipitate cocaine craving and trigger relapse episodes, however the underlying neural circuitry by which stressors drive cocaine seeking is not completely understood. Our laboratory has recently identified the potential involvement of the rostrolateral aspect of the periaqueductal gray (rlPAG) in psychosocial stress-induced cocaine-seeking behavior using a rodent model of …

How Does Schizophrenia Affect The Expression Of Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In The Brain?, Shruti Varshney, Nimish Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a psychiatric disorder with a pathophysiology that has not yet been fully understood. This mental illness is characterized by disruptions in cognition, social activity, affect, and perception, and affects approximately 0.085% of individuals worldwide. The Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (α7nAChR) has been connected to auditory function gating deficits. The purpose of this review is to understand the current literature in how the levels of α7nAChR expression and function are affected by SZ, information that could be used to develop therapies to modulate auditory hallucinations in patients with SZ. A literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed journal …

The Neuroprotective Role Of Lipoxin A4 In Reinstating Blood Brain Barrier Integrity In Neuroinflammatory Disease Processes, Minjal Patel, Nimish Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by the vascular endothelium, astrocytic foot processes, pericytes, is a highly selective barrier that is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and ultimately proper neuronal function. Disruption of the BBB, leading to increased BBB permeability, has been reported in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).¹ Loss of BBB integrity leads to the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFɑ, IL-1β, and IL-6.² Moderate inflammation has a beneficial response in the system following an acute injury. However, prolonged inflammation has been known to perturb homeostasis and have …

Pediatric Neurotropic Infection Alters Synaptic Development In The Developing Brain, Anuoluwapo Grace Fadare, Yashika S. Kamte, Manish N. Chandwani, Lauren A. O'Donnell

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Many neurotropic viruses cause more significant pathology in younger hosts as their brains are still developing. This experiment asked how central nervous system (CNS) viral-infections affect the development of synapses in the pediatric brain during infection and post-infection. Synaptogenesis is at its peak in pediatric mice (10 days old) and we hypothesized that a neurotropic infection could disrupt synaptic proteins. We used a transgenic mouse model where measles virus (MV) infects only mature neurons, leading us to question whether synapses were impacted. We examined synaptic markers in the cerebellum and hippocampus in MV-infected and uninfected mice 9 days and 90 …

Prevalence, Persistence And Microscopic Aspects Of The Vomeronasal Organ In Normal Versus Embryos With Chromosomal Abnormalities, Carmen Constantina Martinescu, Marius Alexandru Moga, Codrut Ioan Ciurea, Lorena Dima, Liana Ples, Andreea Neculau

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. The objective of this study was to describe the histological and immunohistochemical aspects of vomeronasal organ in two groups of (normal and pathological) embryos and fetuses, with chromosomal morphological abnormalities. Methods. The research was based on a retrospective, descriptive analysis, carried out over a period of 5 years. The study included 46 biopsy fragments taken from aborted embryos and fetuses aged between 9 and 23 weeks. We compared the microscopic structure of the vomeronasal organ using different histologic and immunohistochemical staining procedures. Results. Our results showed that in both groups of embryos and fetuses there are three major stages …

The Importance Of Serial 12-Lead Ecgs In The Prehospital Setting: A Case Of Transient St Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Tstemi), Zachary J. Blickley Nrp, Fp-C, Matthew E. Kent Nrp, Fp-C, Benjamin J. Lawner Do, Emt-P

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Prenatal, Perinatal And Postnatal Risk Factors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Palestine: A Case-Control Study, Mustafa Ghanim, Mariam Al-Tell, Samaa Staiti, Maha Rabayaa, Johnny Amer, Malik Alqub, Sameeha Atout, Nihad Al-Othman, Marwa Ismail

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopment disorder. Several prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors are suggested as risk factors for ASD. This study aimed to correlate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors in a limited number of ASD cases in Palestine. Methods: A case-control study involved 120 children (60 typically diagnosed with ASD and 60 healthy matched with the ASD group). The parents of the children in both groups were asked to fill out the questionnaire. Results: The study showed a higher male-to-female ratio in the ASD group. A family history of ASD was reported in 38.3% of the …

Pessary Use In Urology Clinics, Kathy Z. Lu Bs, Emily Brodowsky Md, Alex Stephens Ms, Samantha Raffee Md, Humphrey Atiemo Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Pessaries are a non-invasive treatment option for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). There is currently limited data regarding pessary usage among urology patients. The aim of this study is to determine the patient characteristics that predict long term pessary usage versus surgical intervention.

Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of pessary usage in women with either SUI or POP was performed. Patients were stratified into pessary longevity of less than or greater than one year. Quality of life measures before and after pessary use included pads per day, incontinence symptom index (ISI) scores, and …

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Hybrid Remnant Preservation Reconstruction Demonstrates Similar Outcomes As Traditional Reconstruction After 6 Months: A Randomized Control Trial, Joshua P. Castle, Eleftherios L. Halkias, Brittaney Pratt, Ashley Frei, Matthew A. Gasparro, Vasilios Moutzouros

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often debrided during reconstruction (ACLR) to improve visualization. However, remnant ACL tissue contains nerve fibers and including remnant tissue in ACLR could provide benefit. Therefore, a technique was developed that preserves the tibial remnant and incorporates it into ACLR: Hybrid Remnant Preservation Reconstruction (HRPR) ACLR. This study compares HRPR-ACLR to traditional reconstruction by comparing patient reported outcomes and complications.

Methods

Patients presenting to one surgeon's clinic with an ACL injury are screened. Exclusion criteria are patient age<14 years, multi-ligament injury, chronic tears, and revision ACLR. Patients are consented and randomized to HRPR or traditional ACLR. Demographics, patient-reported outcomes, range of motion (ROM) and complications were collected.

Results

Thirty-three patients were included, 20 HRPR and 13 controls. No demographic differences were noted. PROMIS-PF, …

An Emg Study To Evaluate Chewing Efficiency And Maximum Voluntary Clenching (Mvc) For Different Malocclusion Groups Before And During Orthodontic Treatment, Vivek Reddy

Annual Research Symposium

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of chewing and maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) of patients with different malocclusion types by measuring the EMG activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles before and during orthodontic treatment.

Influence Of Orthodontic Treatment On Changes In The Maxillary Sinus Dimensions, Eiji Tanaka Dds, Phd, Hiroshi Yamada Dds, Phd, Masaaki Higashino Md, Phd, Saya Suetake Dds, Susumu Abe Dds, Phd

Annual Research Symposium

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of craniofacial morphology with maxillary sinus morphology and to evaluate whether orthodontic treatment facilitates maxillary sinus enlargement in adults.

Overlooked Dental Disease In Cbct Imaging And The Impact Of Oral Radiologist Interpretation, Jared Fausnaught

Annual Research Symposium

This study aims to underscore the necessity for a comprehensive interpretation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) volume images obtained by dentists. The research demonstrates and quantifies potentially overlooked dental pathology, categorizing incidental findings into three groups: 1) requiring some form of treatment or follow-up, 2) necessitating follow-up (monitoring) only, and 3) demanding no further treatment or follow-up.

Formulation Of Preservation Solutions For Model Generation With In Vivo Tissue Morphology, Holly Pickett

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Ikaros Expression Drives The Aberrant Metabolic Phenotype Of Macrophages In Chronic Hiv Infection, Cecilia Vittori, Celeste Faia, Dorota Wyczechowska, Amber Trauth, Karlie Plaisance-Bonstaff, Mary Meyaski-Schluter, Krzysztof Reiss, Francesca Peruzzi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The increased risk for acquiring secondary illnesses in people living with HIV (PLWH) has been associated with immune dysfunction. We have previously found that circulating monocytes from PLWH display a trained phenotype. Here, we evaluated the metabolic profile of these cells and found increased mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from PLWH. We additionally found that cART shifted the energy metabolism of MDMs from controls toward increased utilization of mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, both downregulation of IKAROS expression and inhibition of the mTOR pathway reversed the metabolic profile of MDMs from PLWH and cART-treated control-MDMs. Altogether, this study reveals …

Avaren-Fc, A Novel Immunotherapeutic, Recruits Nk Cells In B16f10 Melanoma Tumor Tissue, Sreevatsa Vemuri, Katarina Mayer, Nobuyuki Matoba

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the US, with limited effective immunotherapeutic options available for patients. Avaren-Fc (AvFc) is a novel experimental immunotherapeutic agent with a unique “lectibody” property. It is capable of targeting cancer cells through the selective recognition of high mannose glycans, which are aberrantly overrepresented on the surface of malignant cells. AvFc can interact with circulating effector immune cells equipped with Fc receptors, such as natural killer (NK) cells to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and kill cancer cells. Previous work has shown that AvFc effectively induces ADCC activity against B16F10 cancer cells in vitro …

Stable, Neuron-Specific Gene Expression In The Mouse Brain, Osama Ahmed, Kingsley M. Ekumi, Francesco V. Nardi, Gulimiheranmu Maisumu, Khaled Moussawi, Eric D. Lazartigues, Bo Liang, Abraam M. Yakoub

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Gene delivery to, and expression in, the mouse brain is important for understanding gene functions in brain development and disease, or testing gene therapies. Here, we describe an approach to express a transgene in the mouse brain in a cell-type-specific manner. We use stereotaxic injection of a transgene-expressing adeno-associated virus into the mouse brain via the intracerebroventricular route. We demonstrate stable and sustained expression of the transgene in neurons of adult mouse brain, using a reporter gene driven by a neuron-specific promoter. This approach represents a rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for global gene expression in the mouse brain, in …

Common Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Animal Models Yield Disparate Myofibril Mechanics, Axel J. Fenwick, Vivek P. Jani, D. Brian Foster, Thomas E. Sharp, Traci T. Goodchild, Kyle Lapenna, Jake E. Doiron, David J. Lefer, Joseph A. Hill, David A. Kass, Anthony Cammarato

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Actin Depolymerization Of Tenocytes Promotes A Tendinosis-Like Gene Expression, Kameron Inguito, Ba, Valerie West, Karl Matthew Ebron, Justin Parreno, Phd

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium Posters

Optimal cellular mechanotransduction is essential for tendon matrix homeostasis. We recently developed an in vivo rat model of tendinosis, where the plantaris tendon are overloaded through ablation of the synergistic Achilles tendon. Using this model we determined that tissue overload disrupts matrix-cell interactions, which results in under-stimulation of tendon cells (tenocytes) (Fig.1)

Using an ex vivo model of tendon stress deprivation by maintaining tail tendon fascicles in floating culture we showed that tenocyte under-stimulation results in destabilization of filamentous (F-)actin (Fig.2). F-actin destabilization coincides with tendinosis-like gene expression: downregulation of tenogenic genes (Col1, Tnc, asma, Scx), upregulation of chondrogenic (Acan, …

Quality Improvement Of X-Ray Imaging For Unspecified Chronic Knee Pain And Suspected Knee Osteoarthritis In The Primary Care Setting, Ty E. Bever

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Although a comprehensive history and physical exam are the mainstays of initial evaluation, plain X-rays are clinically indicated for chronic knee pain of greater than 6 weeks duration and acute traumatic pain in patients who meet specific evidence-based criteria, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). However, there remains significant variation in what radiographic protocols are used in clinical practice, specifically in terms of what radiographic views are ordered and whether the imaging is performed with the patient weight-bearing (WB) or non-weight-bearing (NWB). In fact, several studies have shown that non-weight-bearing knee radiographs are frequently ordered by general …

Exploring The Impact Of Swimming On Asthma Management In Asian Americans, Trishtine Tran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Asthma is a respiratory disease that leads to narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to inflammation and mucus. Common symptoms include cough, wheezing, asthma attacks, excess mucus production, and decreased exercise tolerance. Pharmacological treatment methods for asthma include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and allergy medications. Nonpharmaceutical treatments include monitoring of exposure to allergens and breathing exercises, however swimming is not as commonly suggested. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether implementation of a swimming education class will influence the effectiveness of swimming on asthma management in Asian Americans. This study aims to examine quality of life, changes in …

Effects Of The Injury Recovery Process On Neuromuscular Activation In An Uninjured Ankle, Mark Tankersley

CMC Senior Theses

This study was conducted to observe the effects of changed activity levels due to a major lower extremity injury on ankle function in the uninjured leg. Neuromuscular activation in the Gastric Medialis (GAS) and Tibialis Anterior (TA), the muscles primarily responsible for movement at the ankle, was assessed in 8 athletes at the Claremont Colleges while walking on a flat surface, stepping up a 15º incline, and stepping up a 27º incline. Athletes were split into two groups based on injury condition: a “recovered” group (n=4) who had suffered a major lower extremity injury in the last two years in …