Women's Health Commons^™

Molecular Targets For Breast Cancer Therapy, Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

"Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women, and for a while, it surpassed lung cancer as the most diagnosed cancer, regardless of gender, in 2020 [1]. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are still the first line of treatment, despite extensive research in molecularly targeted drugs. Therefore, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still known as the most challenging type for treatment due to the limited identified targets. Inherent and acquired resistance are still major hurdles in breast cancer therapy, which further highlights the importance of identifying new molecular targets in this battle. The inherent resistance of unresponsive …

Crizotinib Enhances Parp Inhibitor Efficacy In Ovarian Cancer Cells And Xenograft Models By Inducing Autophagy, Janice M Santiago-O'Farrill, Alicia Blessing Bollu, Hailing Yang, Vivian Orellana, Marc Pina, Xudong Zhang, Jinsong Liu, Robert C Bast, Zhen Lu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) can encounter resistance through various mechanisms, limiting their effectiveness. Our recent research showed that PARPi alone can induce drug resistance by promoting autophagy. Moreover, our studies have revealed that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) plays a role in regulating the survival of ovarian cancer cells undergoing autophagy. Here, we explored whether the ALK-inhibitor crizotinib could enhance the efficacy of PARPi by targeting drug-induced autophagic ovarian cancer cell and xenograft models. Our investigation demonstrates that crizotinib enhances the anti-tumor activity of PARPi across multiple ovarian cancer cells. Combination therapy with crizotinib and olaparib reduced cell viability and …

Infertility’S Impact On Couples’ Functioning, Elizabeth Sanders

Dissertations

Historically, infertility has been a taboo topic of discussion and is often avoided in conversation because of the stigmatization of the diagnosis. According to the World Health Organization (2022), infertility affects 186 million individuals globally. However, there seems to be a gap in the research as it pertains to the psychological well-being and treatment of men and women diagnosed with this condition. While it has become less of a feared topic, it still is not discussed or researched enough, thus further exacerbating the gap in research on mental health and treatment options. The following dissertation completed a critical review of …

A Time-Stratified, Case–Crossover Study Of Heat Exposure And Perinatal Mortality From 16 Hospitals In Sub-Saharan Africa, Claudia Hanson, Jeroen De Bont, Kristi Sidney Annerstedt, Maria Del Rosario Alsina, Federica Nobile, Nathalie Roos, Peter Waiswa, Andrea Pembe, Jean-Paul Dossou, Hussein Kidanto

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Growing evidence suggests that extreme heat events affect both pregnant women and their infants, but few studies are available from sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from 138,015 singleton births in 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, we investigated the association between extreme heat and early perinatal deaths, including antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths, and deaths within 24 h after birth using a time-stratified case–crossover design. We observed an association between an increase from the 75th to the 99th percentile in mean temperature 1 week (lag 0–6 d) before childbirth and perinatal mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34 (95% confidence interval …

Exploring Perinatal Ketamine For Postpartum Depression Following Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review, Jaylyn Thompson, David F Lo, Alexis Foschini, Suvan Sundaresh

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

The aim of this study was to explore the use of perinatal ketamine to see if it can be used for the reduction of postpartum depression (PPD) following cesarean section (C-section). PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were the primary databases used for this review. Search terms used on January 5, 2024 incorporated "ketamine," "C-section," "postpartum depression," and related synonyms. The criteria for inclusion centered on studies published between January 1, 2008 and January 5, 2024. The final selection of articles was screened based on extraction criteria leaving eight randomized control trials in the final review. The selected data from …

A Metabolite-Based Liquid Biopsy For Detection Of Ovarian Cancer, Johannes F Fahrmann, Seyyed Mahmood Ghasemi, Chae Y Han, Ranran Wu, Jennifer B Dennison, Jody Vykoukal, Joseph Celestino, Karen Lu, Zhen Lu, Charles Drescher, Kim-Anh Do, Samir Hanash, Robert C Bast, Ehsan Irajizad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Serial CA125 and second line transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) screening in the UKCTOCS indicated a shift towards detection of earlier stage ovarian cancer (OvCa), but did not yield a significant mortality reduction. There remains a need to establish additional biomarkers that can complement CA125 for even earlier and at a larger proportion of new cases. Using a cohort of plasma samples from 219 OvCa cases (59 stage I/II and 160 stage III/IV) and 409 female controls and a novel Sensitivity Maximization At A Given Specificity (SMAGS) method, we developed a blood-based metabolite-based test consisting of 7 metabolites together with CA125 for …

Accessible Dietary Interventions For The Prevention And Management Of Common Menstrual Disorders: A Systematic Review, Ella R. Motzko

Theses and Graduate Projects

Objective: This systematic review aims to provide healthcare providers with evidence-based dietary recommendations that can be easily implemented by patients across diverse populations to address a critical gap in the management of common menstrual disorders like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using UpToDate, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Green Journal, Google Scholar, and PubMed electronic databases to identify randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of specific essential nutrients or diet-related behavioral or educational interventions on PMS or PD symptoms.

Results: Following the PRISMA guidelines, the identification process began with …

Exploration Of Positive Deviance In Prevention Of Underweight In The Under-Five: A Qualitative Study On Low-Income Urban Families, Irwan Budiono, Lukman Fauzi, Dewi Sari Rochmayani

Kesmas

Children under the age of five (the under-five) from low-income families are more vulnerable to experience underweight. This nutritional vulnerability is evident in the preliminary study, where 35.1% of the under-five experience underweight, and 28.48% are low-income families. This study aimed to explore Positive Deviance (PD) behaviors in preventing underweight among the under-five. The study applied a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection took place in July-August 2022, focusing on low-income families in the Gunung Brintik area. Data were collected through two focus group discussions, seven in-depth interviews, and five key informant interviews. Coding, subtheme, and theme …

Risk Factors For Cognitive Impairment In Adult Population Of Coastal Area: A Cross-Sectional Study In Maringkik Island, Indonesia, Herpan Syafii Harahap, Arina Windri Rivarti, Nurhidayati Nurhidayati, Fitriannisa Faradina Zubaidi, Dini Suryani, Legis Ocktaviana Saputri, Yanna Indrayana, Athalita Andhera, Muhammad Hilam, Abiyyu Didar Haq

Kesmas

Cognitive impairment is a medical condition commonly found in elderly populations, which can be due to vascular risk factors in patients. There remains limited data on risk factors for cognitive impairment among coastal region populations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cognitive impairment in the adult population of Maringkik Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Data collected were age, sex, education level, hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and body mass index status. A total of 114 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. The participants’ cognitive function assessment used the Mini-Cog instrument. The cognitive impairment …

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. …

Factorial Trial To Optimize An Internet-Delivered Intervention For Sexual Health After Breast Cancer: Protocol For The Wf-2202 Sexual Health And Intimacy Enhancement (Shine) Trial, Kelly M. Shaffer, Jennifer Barsky Reese, Emily V. Dressler, Jillian V. Glazer, Wendy Cohn, Shayna L. Showalter, Anita H. Clayton, Suzanne C. Danhauer, Michelle Loch, Mai Kadi, Caleigh Smith, Kathryn E. Weaver, Glenn J. Lesser, Lee M. Ritterband

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Although most survivors of breast cancer report substantial sexual concerns following treatment, few receive support for these concerns. Delivering sexual health care to survivors of breast cancer via the internet could overcome many of the barriers to in-person treatment. Even when delivered remotely, survivor time constraints remain a leading barrier to sexual health intervention uptake. Objective: Guided by the multiphase optimization strategy methodological framework, the primary objective of this study is to identify the most efficient internet-delivered sexual health intervention package that is expected to provide survivors of breast cancer the greatest benefit with the fewest (and least-intensive) intervention …

A Social Media Game To Increase Physical Activity Among Older Adult Women: Protocol Of A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate Challenge, Michael C Robertson, Maria Chang Swartz, Karen M Basen-Engquist, Yisheng Li, Kristofer Jennings, Debbe Thompson, Tom Baranowski, Elena Volpi, Elizabeth J Lyons

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Older adult women often do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA) and can encounter biological changes that exacerbate the negative effects of inadequate activity. Wearable activity monitors can facilitate PA initiation, but evidence of sustained behavior change is lacking. Supplementing wearable technologies with intervention content that evokes enjoyment, interest, meaning, and personal values associated with PA may support long term adherence. In this paper, we present the protocol of an NIA-funded study designed to evaluate the efficacy of CHALLENGE for increasing step count and motivation for PA in insufficiently active older women (Challenges for Healthy Aging: Leveraging Limits …

The Status Of Abortion Care Training For Medical Providers Amidst The Current Abortion Access Crisis: A Literature Review, Leah Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: While a common, safe, and essential aspect of reproductive healthcare, abortions have been subject to countless legal restrictions and bans in the United States, especially after the overturn of Roe v. Wade. This has also exacerbated the current shortage of abortion providers. Within this crisis of worsening abortion access, it is imperative to appropriately train future clinicians to provide abortion care. Purpose: This literature review will investigate the status of abortion training in medical schooling. It will explore physician-specific education in abortion and look specifically at the impact of recent legal threats on the availability of this training. Finally, …

Cycle Syncing: Optimizing Women's Quality Of Life, Megan Francois

Theses and Graduate Projects

A woman’s hormones are in constant fluctuation throughout the menstrual cycle. This 28-day, on average, fluctuation can cause major shifts in mood, cognition, exercise tolerance, and nutrition needs. Because of this, there is potential to optimize quality of life if each phase is synced with diet, exercise, and complementary medicine utilizing holistic methods. Implications for further research include a need for additional longitudinal and prospective studies. Factors that need to be addressed include further analysis of the windows of vulnerability over the menstrual cycle according to female hormone fluctuations, effects of hormonal contraceptives, and effects of pathology on the cycle.

Addressing The Increased Prevalence Of Gestational Diabetes Among Hispanic/Latino Pregnant Persons In The Central Valley Of California, Kathleen Janise Farrell Wardell

Master's Projects and Capstones

Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a preventable noncommunicable disease that has been on the rise over the last 60 years. Pregnant persons with gestational diabetes are 10 times higher of acquiring Type 2 Diabetes after pregnancy (Ionannou et al., 2024). There is an urgent need to address this public health threat because of its increase in mortality. To address this complex chronic disease, this literature review explored multi-level interventions using the socioecological model to mitigate GDM in the Central Valley’s, Tulare County. Tulare County is disproportionately affected by chronic diseases like diabetes especially among the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Therefore, it …

Syphilitic Gumma Presenting As Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of Vulva: A Case Report, R.M. Nuss, A.J. Lazenby, Holly C. Provost, Tara Castellano

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Tertiary syphilis, a late form of the disease with neurologic, cutaneous, and cardiovascular manifestations, is rarely seen in the United States in modern times. Also called the “great imitator,” syphilis tends to mimic other disease processes, which can lead to a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. Case: We present the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented for evaluation of possible squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. After multiple inconclusive biopsies and extensive workup with multiple providers, she was instead found to have cutaneous and neurologic tertiary syphilis. A correct diagnosis was delayed in this patient due to …

Ob Deserts Remain Public Health Concern For New Mexico, Dustin Roberto

HSC Newsroom

As of 2022, one in three New Mexico counties were "OB deserts," places where pregnancy and childbirth care is limited. Distance, hospital closures, and staff shortages make care especially hard to reach for rural, low-income, and Indigenous communities. To help, the University of New Mexico offers a minor and certificate in maternal and child health leadership.

The Bench To Community Initiative: Community-Based Participatory Research Model For Translating Research Discoveries Into Community Solutions, Jazma L. Tapia, Abigail Lopez, D. Bing Turner, Tonya Fairley, Tiah Tomlin-Harris, Maggie Hawkins, Pastor Rhonda Holbert, Lindsey S. Treviño, Dede K. Teteh-Brooks

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Methods: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective methodology for translating research findings from academia to community interventions. The Bench to Community Initiative (BCI), a CBPR program, builds on prior research to engage stakeholders across multiple disciplines with the goal of disseminating interventions to reduce breast cancer disparities and improve quality of life of Black communities.

The BCI program was established to understand sociocultural determinants of personal care product use, evaluate the biological impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals, and develop community interventions. The three pillars of the program include research, outreach and engagement as well as advocacy activities. The research …

The Precise-Dyad Neurodevelopmental Substudy Protocol: Neurodevelopmental Risk In Children Of Mothers With Pregnancy Complications, Dorcas Magai, Jaya Chandna, Marie-Laure Volvert, Rachel Craik, Hawanatu Jah, Agnes Msoka, Amina Abubakar, Angela Koech, Grace Mwashigadi, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Over 250 million children are not reaching their developmental potential globally. The impact of prenatal factors and their interplay with postnatal environmental factors on child neurodevelopment, is still unclear—particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This study aims to understand the impact of pregnancy complications as well as environmental, psychosocial, and biological predictors on neurodevelopmental trajectories. Open Peer Review Approval Status 1 2 version 2 (revision) 05 Aug 2024 view view version 1 09 Nov 2023 view view Kimford Meador, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA,, USA 1. Page 1 of 21 Wellcome Open Research 2024, 8:508 Last …

Scaling Up, Sustaining, And Enhancing School-Based Sexuality Education Programs In Resource-Constrained And Conservative Contexts: Replicable Lessons From Positive-Deviant Countries, Chandra Mouli, Michielsen Kristien, Gogoi Aparajita, Nair M, Ziauddin Mohammed, Hadi S, Ijaz A, Rubio Auriolesh, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Despite considerable efforts, progress in the implementationof sexuality education (SE) has been uneven. This study identi-fied six “positive-deviant” low- and middle-income countries,i.e., countries that had scaled up, sustained and enhancedtheir SE programs when many others—in similar social, cul-tural and economic circumstances—were not able to do so. Inother words, they were significantly and consistently moresuccessful than the norm. Countries were shortlisted using avalidated framework and were analyzed using three other vali-dated frameworks on political priority setting, scaling up, andstakeholder engagement. The study found that India, Pakistan,Nigeria, Senegal, Mexico, and Uruguay had scaled up (eithernationwide or in some states/provinces), sustained andenhanced their …