Translational Medical Research Commons^™

Slc Transporter-Mediated Functional Imaging In Cancer Diagnosis, Lumeng Zhang, Jun He

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Functional imaging has become an important approach for evaluating tumor physiology in vivo beyond morphologic assessment. Radiotracers used for cancer imaging are designed to mimic endogenous substrates or substrate analogues, and their accumulation can depend on membrane transport, intracellular metabolism, and clearance from normal tissues. Specifically, SLC transporters contribute to tracer uptake and signal formation, linking transporter activity with measurable imaging signals in cancer. While [18F]FDG PET/CT remains the most widely used example of transporter-associated metabolic imaging, SLC transporter-mediated imaging strategies have been developed to assess amino acid transport, sodium-dependent glucose uptake, redox metabolism, lactate exchange, nucleoside metabolism, choline metabolism, …

Ai×Life 2026: Advances In Computational Biology Across Scales For Life & Health Sciences, Suma Mohan S., Devika N. T., Pranavathiyani G.

Conference Proceedings

Book of Abstracts of the International Conference, AIxLife 2026: Advances in Computational Biology Across Scales for Life & Health Sciences, held on 17–18 April 2026, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA 

About the Conference

Conventional computational biology laid the foundation for biological data analysis through statistical models, algorithms, and curated databases, enabling insights into genes, proteins, and pathways. Today, the integration of artificial intelligence, spanning machine learning, deep learning, and large language models (LLMs) is driving a transformative shift across biological scales, from atomic and molecular interactions to pathways, cellular systems, organisms, and populations.

AI-powered approaches …

Synergistic Anti-Tumor Activity Of Ciclopirox Olamine And Metformin In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Yakun Wu, Hui Lyu, Congcong Tan, Margaret E. Larsen, Shou Ching Tang, Shile Huang, Bolin Liu

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Biomechanical Effects Of Exercise-Based Interventions In Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lara De Vecchi Machado

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and represents a complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in muscle activation patterns, lumbo-pelvic coordination, and movement strategies. Although exercise is widely recommended as a first-line intervention and its clinical benefits are well established, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying functional improvement remain fragmented in the literature and are rarely synthesized quantitatively.

This dissertation conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the biomechanical effects of exercise-based interventions in individuals with CNLBP. A total of 39 studies were included and …

Use Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation As An Assessment Of Corticospinal Excitability In Individuals With Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, Elizabeth Cornforth

Theses and Dissertations

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common, disabling, chronic vestibular disorder whereby individuals experience symptoms of non-vertiginous dizziness, unsteadiness, and sway or rocking that are present most hours of the day, most days of the week. Individuals with PPPD have been noted to have an increased burden of dizziness and reduced quality of life compared to other dizziness diagnoses. The cause of PPPD is not well understood which can lead to years of diagnostic testing, failed therapies, and poor symptom management. It is important to understand PPPD pathophysiology so that optimal treatment interventions can be developed for this disorder to …

A Chicken Model For Non-Invasive Diagnosis Of Infant Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip (Ddh) Using Acoustic Transmission Measurements, Aliza Shah

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by abnormal development and stability of the hip joint. In a healthy infant, the femoral head (ball) fits securely within the acetabulum (socket of the pelvis), allowing for proper joint function. In DDH, the relationship is disrupted, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia to partial (subluxation) or complete dislocation of the femoral head. This condition represents a range of structural abnormalities that develop during early growth. The integrity of the hip joint is essential for physical mobility, and disruption of this structure can lead to significant functional impairment. DDH may result …

Microglial Expression Of Serotonin Receptors Reveals Parallel Regulation Of 5-Ht2b And Bdnf In The Rat Hippocampus, Andrei Turkin, Maria Sidorova, Ekaterina Kurilova, Natalia Alenina, Oksana Tuchina, Friederike Klempin

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Growing evidence suggests that psychiatric disorders are characterized by a prolonged inflammatory state, which may influence the efficacy of compounds targeting serotonin. Serotonin is a key signaling molecule in neuroplasticity of the adult hippocampus and involved in antidepressant action. Recent in vitro studies indicate the neurotransmitter may also facilitate the response to inflammation and potentially modulate microglial function towards neuroprotection. Using Tph2−/− rats depleted of brain serotonin, we examined microglial expression of various serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) in vivo in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and assessed mRNA levels of cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We observed age-dependent and …

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Is Associated With Increased Intestinal Glucose Uptake In Humans, Florina Corpodean, Maryam Naseri, Michael Kachmar, Julia St Amant, Denis P. Blondin, Owen T. Carmichael, Vance L. Albaugh

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

CONTEXT: In animal models, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with increased Roux limb intestinal glucose uptake that may contribute to early metabolic benefits, though prospective clinical studies are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that Roux limb glucose uptake would increase relative to baseline in a cohort of patients undergoing RYGB. METHODS: RYGB patients underwent preoperative baseline, and 3- and 6-month positron emission tomography/computed tomography postoperative imaging. Maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured from the following predefined regions of interest: cecum, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, sigmoid colon, duodenal bulb, Roux limb, and …

In Situ-Generated Volumetric Dried Plasma Spots For The Analysis Of Edaravone And Metabolites In Animal Models, Michele Protti, Roberta Di Lecce, Jiri Adamec, Luca G. Regazzoni, Valeria Valsecchi, Claudia Volpi, Roberto Mandrioli, Laura Mercolini

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

In this study, for the first time rat plasma microsampling was carried out by means of in situ-generated volumetric dried plasma spot (vDPS) technology and applied to the determination of the neuroprotective agent edaravone and its sulphate and glucuronide metabolites. Sampling was performed using Telimmune® plasma separation cards (vPSC), which allow the formation of volumetrically accurate dried plasma spots (3 µL) from blood drops deposited on them. After accelerated forced drying and solvent extraction in methanol, drying and redissolution, analytes were baseline separated and quantified through an original HPLC-MS/MS analytical method. Validation assays provided excellent results, with detection limits between …

Impact Of S-Phase Kinase Protien 2 Blockades On Hematopoetic Stem Cell Metabolism, Nicole Elmaraghy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) quiescence is vital for the success of bone marrow transplantation, as it preserves long term self- renewal and prevents premature exhaustion (Takubo et al., 2013; Wilson et al., 2008). However, bone marrow transplant (BMT) failure remains a clinical challenge, often due to lack of long-term engraftment and insufficient stress reliance. Both of these characteristics are tightly linked to disrupted stem cell quiescence and metabolic imbalance (Anso et al., 2017; Vannini et al., 2016). One key player is S-phase kinase protein (SKP2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets cell cycle inhibitors, like p27, for proteosome …

Effects Of Maackia Amurensis Seed Lectin (Masl) On Oscc Cell Morphology, Pdpn Expression, Growth, And Motility In A Phase 1 Clinical Trial, Ariel C Yin, Cayla J Holdcraft, Tyler J Hellmig, Eamonn J Brace, David I Suster, Alan J Shienbaum, Dylan Roden, Evelyne Kalyoussef, Ghayoour Mir, Eugenio Capitle, Soly Baredes, Rabie M Shanti, Mika K Kaneko, Yukinari Kato, Hisataka Kobayashi, Aki Furusawa, Mahnaz Fatahzadeh, Gary S Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Podoplanin (PDPN) has emerged as a functionally relevant biomarker and chemotherapeutic target expressed by OSCC cells. PDPN signaling can directly increase tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and also inhibit host lymphocyte activation and immune response. Accordingly, antibodies and Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) can target the PDPN receptor to inhibit OSCC cell migration and viability. However, the effects of MASL on OSCC cells in oral cancer patients has not yet been reported.

METHODS: We conducted a Phase 1 human clinical trial to examine the effects of a single 100 mg oral dose of MASL on OSCC cell morphology, PDPN …

Pilot Survey Of Attitudes Toward Xenotransplantation Among Nursing Students In London, Uk., Daniel Rodger, Luz A. Padilla, Daniel J. Hurst, David K C Cooper, Gilberto Buzzi, Antonio Ríos

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Solid organ xenotransplantation has been approved for clinical trials in the United States. Because of the role of nurses in patient decision-making, it is important to understand the attitudes of the future nursing workforce toward xenotransplantation. This pilot study aimed to investigate the attitudes of adult nursing students toward xenotransplantation.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. The online pilot survey was completed by 33 undergraduate adult nursing students at one university in London, England. A minority of the hospitals that students may have had a clinical placement in had a transplant unit. The protocol for this study was …

Advancing Novel Contrast Agents For Applications In Fluorescence-Guided Neurosurgery Using Fluorescence Cryotomography, Augustino Vittorio Scorzo

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) is an emerging surgical technique that aims to help surgeons identify tissue types to assist in surgical decision making - ideally providing “cut-by-color” guidance. A primary application for this approach is the identification of tumor tissue to achieve more accurate and complete tumor removal while simultaneously minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue. The cornerstone of tumor visualization for FGS is the administration of fluorescent contrast agents, or in some cases metabolic precursors, designed to accumulate specifically in tumor tissue, and a wide range of agents that use different targeting mechanisms are currently under investigation. Although these …

Toward The Application Of Natural Language Processing In Electronic Health Record Analysis For Taxonomy Development, Latoya Mcdonald

All Dissertations

Electronic health records (EHRs) are pivotal resources for nurse practice because they increase the timeliness and reliability of patient information at the point of care and support access by multiple healthcare providers and the individual patients themselves. However, it is widely recognized that data extraction from EHRs is challenging due to the variability in the language used in clinical care notes and the lack of standardized terminology across healthcare systems. The broad objective of this dissertation is to develop taxonomy-based classification models for nursing care by applying feature engineering approaches to EHRs that include nursing care of ostomy patients following …

The Development Of Magmas Inhibition As A Potential Therapeutic Target In Temozolomide Resistant Glioma, Jennifer Duyen Tran

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor that remains a significant challenge in neuro-oncology today. Approximately 90% of GBM patients experience tumor recurrence within one to two years of diagnosis. Therefore, due to its high resistance to conventional therapies, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. The current standard of care for GBM is the chemotherapeutic Temozolomide (TMZ). TMZ is an oral alkylating agent, it functions by delivering a methyl group to purine bases. The development of resistance to TMZ is partially regulated by the DNA repair enzyme O6- methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Despite the potential shown by MGMT promoter methylation …

Off-Label Long-Term Use Of Phentermine For Weight Management, Monique Morin, Yamini Pandey, Sarah Bdeir, Rumyah Rafique, Taim-Allah Al-Jarrah, Ali Farhat

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Hendricks EJ, Greenway FL, Westman EC, Gupta AK. Blood pressure and heart rate effects, weight loss and maintenance during long-term phentermine pharmacotherapy for obesity. Obesity. 2011;19(12):2351-2360 https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2011.94

for a patient struggling at the intersection of weight loss and financial instability.

Indeterminate Benefit Of Long-Term Beta-Blocker Use After Acute Myocardial Infarction For Some Patients, Logan S. Thayer, Khush Hussain, Nicholas Apostolakis, Gretchen Swift, Arifbillah Sarowar, Mohammad Al-Hadidi, Scott Yaekle

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Yndigegn T, Lindahl B, Mars K, et. al., Beta-blockers after myocardial infarction and preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. April 7 2024;390:1372-1381. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2401479

for a patient showing 55% left ventricular ejection fraction after myocardial infarction.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation As A Treatment Modality For Functional Bowel Disorder And Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Possible Correlations With The Gut-Brain Axis: A Review, Lauren Draper, Devin Pfister, Ethan Zaugg

Annual Research Symposium

Functional Bowel Disorders (FBD), including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), are highly prevalent gastrointestinal conditions classified as Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs) under the Rome IV criteria. These conditions, marked by abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and significant psychological comorbidities, present substantial challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Conventional therapies primarily target gut-centric mechanisms but often yield limited efficacy, underscoring the need for approaches that account for the complex interplay of the gut-brain axis in DGBI pathophysiology.

Pull Or Play? The Interpretation Of A Novel, Ai-Powered On-Field Decision Support Tool., Lynne Becker, Dafne Badilla, Osho Yonzon, Xiaoyu Wu, Roland Rocafort, Erik Viogan Phd, Devansh Manocha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The document titled "Pull or Play? The interpretation of a novel, AI-powered on-field decision support tool" explores the development and application of the Injury Impact Severity Score (IISS)™ for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly in sports settings. It addresses the limitations of current assessment tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and proposes a more objective approach using patient-reported data and machine learning algorithms.

Key points include:

• Background: TBIs are a significant health concern with under-reported cases and a lack of effective research. Current assessment tools like the GCS have limitations in accuracy and speed, especially in dynamic …

Editorial: Unveiling The Next Generation Of Cancer Immunity & Immunotherapy, Mohanraj Sadasivam, Nethaji Muniraj, Chellappagounder Thangavel

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Ansa Cervicalis-To-Phrenic Nerve Transfer: Technical Note With Potential Application For Diaphragmatic Reanimation In Patients With High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Jonathan Melnick, Mohammadali M. Shoja, Gary B. Schwartz

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective. This study was conducted to determine whether utilization of the superior root of ansa cervicalis (SRAC) as the donor for phrenic nerve (PN) transfer is technically feasible. Background. In patients with high cervical spinal cord injury resulting in diaphragmatic paralysis, another donor, the spinal accessory nerve, has been used successfully to reinnervate the PN and restore diaphragmatic function. Methods. Eight neck sides underwent cadaveric surgery. The sternocleidomastoid muscle was retracted posteriorly, the SRAC and PN were isolated, and the SRAC was cut near its distal end and transposed to the ipsilateral PN as it crossed the anterior scalene muscle. …

Novel Spirocyclic Dimer (Spid3) Displays Potent Preclinical Effects In Hematological Malignancies, Alexandria Eiken

Theses & Dissertations

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of mature CD5⁺ B-cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and secondary lymphoid tissues (e.g., spleen and lymph nodes).Despite the efficacy of front-line therapies, CLL is still an incurable disease, highlighting the need for development of novel therapeutics and further study of resistance mechanisms. Within the lymph node CLL tumor microenvironment (TME), there is an upregulation of gene signatures associated with B-cell receptor (BCR) and downstream nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling compared to CLL cells found within the blood or bone marrow niches. Additionally, BCR signaling …

Applications Of Deep Learning With Detecting Intracranial Aneurysms On Ct Angiograms: A Literature Review, Christian Fang, Emily Wang

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Deep learning is a method of artificial intelligence involving progressively layered neural networks to extrapolate patterns from data to provide predictions. Moreover, given the arduous nature required for examining CT scans for intracranial aneurysms, discovering ways to expedite this process is beneficial. The use of deep learning to evaluate CT angiograms for intracranial aneurysms has been sparsely studied. This literature review aims to determine the accuracy and reliability of deep learning to analyze CT angiograms in patients suspected to have intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

A qualitative review of literature using PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE was conducted. Inclusion criteria comprised articles …

Lack Of Alternatives To Colonoscopy Limits Care Of Patients Unable To Complete Bowel Preparation, Tala Al-Saghir

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Benech N, Vinet O, Gaudin JL, et al.: The ONECC Study Group. Colon capsule endoscopy in clinical practice: lessons from a national 5-year observational prospective cohort. Endosc Int Open. 2021;9(10):E1542-E1548. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1526-09231

for a patient with incomplete bowel preparation and colonoscopy.

Novel Engineering Approaches For Orthopedic Injury Treatment And Infection Diagnosis, Cynthia Co

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Bioengineering has made significant contributions to the treatment of orthopedic injury through interdisciplinary approaches. Central to these advancements are many orthopedic implants, including anchors and joint replacements, which have been designed to restore mobility. Despite their functional efficacy, these products have limited lifespan and are associated with many complications, such as implant-associated infection. The success of implant design and function, both in the short and long term, is paramount for enhancing patient outcomes and overall well-being. Therefore, my thesis work is dedicated to addressing these critical challenges, aiming to maximize their treatment effect while minimizing the implant-associated complications.

Long-term patient …

Tim/Tam Receptors: A Potential Biomarker For Predicting Sensitivity To Zika Virus-Induced Oncolysis In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers, Shankari Somasekar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) constitute 80-85% of lung cancers and are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The most common cause is prolonged smoking. Current treatment options for NSCLC include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Although these medications are effective in the short term, patients often face issues of drug resistance and debilitating side effects with prolonged use. Currently, the use of Zika virus (ZIKV) is being researched as a possible alternative treatment for cancer, which minimizes side effects and the risk of drug resistance. TIM/TAM proteins are identified as the putative ZIKV receptors on …

Air-Jet Bioprinting Of Stem Cell-Encapsulated Alginate Micro-Droplets For Organoid Biomanufacturing, Mirabella B. Stump

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomanufactured 3D-organoids show promise for modeling and treating various conditions, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type-1 diabetes). Pancreatic islet organoids serve as sustainable sources of insulin-producing β-cells, potentially restoring insulin regulation in patients and providing a long-term solution for diabetes. Hydrogel droplet printing is an emerging technique in regenerative medicine due to its advantageous tunability and biocompatibility; however, challenges of consistency, quality control, and scalability persist. To address these issues, we developed a novel air-jetting based droplet bioprinting system for the generation of monodispersed alginate micro-droplets. The objective of this project was to incorporate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into …

Social Determinants May Limit The Success Of Pcsk9 Inhibitors, An Effective Treatment For Hyperlipidemia In Statin-Intolerant Patients, Abigail C. Kuplicki

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Moriarty PM, Thompson PD, Cannon CP, et al. Efficacy and safety of alirocumab vs ezetimibe in statin-intolerant patients, with a statin rechallenge arm: The ODYSSEY ALTERNATIVE randomized trial. J. Clin. Lipidol. 2015;9(6):758-769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacl.2015.08.006

for a statin-intolerant patient with hyperlipidemia.

Slow Surgical Correction Affects More Than Just The Bowels, Emilia M. Clementi

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

Reflection on how delayed colostomy reversal affects a patient's mental and physical well-being.