Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections (Lipscomb Univ.)
Not a member yet
1413 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploring the Functional Role of Neprilysin in PI3K/AKT1 Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
No full textOur lab is investigating the protein Neprilysin (NEP) and its role in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Previous bioinformatics data from Dr. Conway’s research indicated that in TNBC cells high in Neprilysin expression (HCC38), the PI3K pathway was the most active signaling pathway. This information suggests that Neprilysin is positively upregulating the PI3K pathway in this cell line. This is interesting given the fact that in the context of TNBC, Neprilysin has been shown to negatively regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The PI3K/AKT pathway is the most commonly mutated pathway in breast cancer. AKT is the central mediator protein in this pathway and had 3 distinct isoforms. While AKT is primarily characterized as a cancer-promoting protein, the AKT-1 isoform has been shown to inhibit breast cancer invasion. Therefore, we are interested in understanding the functional significance of NEP and P13K-AKT signaling. In this project, we conducted invasion assays to test our hypothesis that Neprilysin expression alters sensitivity to drugs targeting the PI3K pathway by regulating AKT1 activation. Our results indicate NEP knockdown significantly increases breast cancer cell invasion. Importantly, we also found that cells lacking NEP are more sensitive to PI3K inhibition than cells expressing NEP. These results highlight the potential role of NEP in modulating the balance between AKT isoforms. Our hypothesis that AKT-1 is regulated directly by NEP still needs to be further investigated through western blotting and immunoprecipitation, which is our current focus. This information would be critical for understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer cell behavior
Association Between the Diet of Adolescents in America and the Prevalence of Depression Found Within This Population
No full textPoor nutrition and lack of physical activity increase the risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions such as depression and obesity in American adolescents. Depression is the leading mental illness found in adolescents across the United States and less than 1 in 10 children eat their recommended vegetables, only 16 % of adolescents meet U.S. physical activity guidelines, 36.3% consume fast food on a given day, and as many as 20% are obese. These numbers show a rapid rise along with the availability of fast food. Multiple studies examine the relationship between healthy nutrition and the signs and symptoms of depression among adolescents demonstrating a correlation. The purpose of this integrative review is to analyze and synthesize recent peer-reviewed research to determine the strength of evidence for a relationship between nutrition and depression. We hypothesize that adolescent diets correlate with mental health, more specifically on Major Depressive Disorder (MDDI) signs and symptoms. Further, we will synthesize results describing effective interventions to reduce the incidence of both MDD and obesity in tandem and improve adolescent health
Syllabus Tone and Student Self-Efficacy
No full textEducational research has indicated that Syllabus documents have the potential to communicate equitable policies and clear the path for positive educational experiences (Artze-Vega et al., 2023). Changes to syllabus language, such as warm tones, increase the likelihood that students will ask the professor for help (Gurung & Galardi, 2022). Our proposal is to compare the use of language targeted toward these learner-centered principles within a syllabus document, as compared to traditional cold “content-focused” language, to assess outcomes of perceived student self-efficacy. After viewing two syllabi documents, participants complete portions of The Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (Chen, Hsiao, Chern & Chen, 2014) and the Flipped Learning Readiness Scale (Hao, 2016). The study is focused on whether students viewing a syllabus document where communication utilizes a more warm language style will respond with higher self-efficacy than those viewing a document containing cold “content-focused” language
Understanding the Relationship of Culture and Language with HIV
No full textHIV impacts 39.9 million people worldwide. Many people with HIV are the victims of stigmatizing language used by physicians, family members, and community members. In 2015 the Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association added language guidelines to prevent additional stigma in medical and scientific literature. Analyzing research from Baltimore, Nigeria, and Rwanda creates a global view of the impacts of language and culture on public health materials presented in communities where HIV is prevalent. Researching the perspectives of women, mothers, and physicians provides a diverse range of experiences people with HIV have gone through. Synthesizing the current research reveals the impact of both culture and language on HIV stigma, as well as the need to change the language and the culture in order to reduce the stigma associated with HIV across the world
Developing Christian Artists: the Live Music Sphere
No full textChristian/Gospel music was the fourth-fastest growing music genre in 2024, and many artists are seeking to enter the Christian music industry. This research seeks to examine the exploration of live music opportunities for Christian music artists in the developing stages of their careers. Every musical artist’s career consists of about five sectors: Songwriting/Publishing, Recording/Releasing Music, Live Music, Merch, and Sync (Film/TV). While parts like Songwriting and Recording are very accessible for new Christian artists, it can be challenging to know how to best approach the Live Music sector, one of the major sources of income for any performing artist. There are legitimate questions to address and obstacles to overcome: • What venues and events book artists who don’t yet have a large fanbase? • Which venues are receptive to faith- based music? • How does an artist get booked at these venues? • What do gatekeepers look for in new artists? This report aims to answer these questions through interviews and discussions with CCM artist Natalie Grant, independent artist Trulah, a concert promotor, and founders of community-based live music events. My findings include the importance of saying “yes,” active community involvement, and viewing artists’ careers through a spiritual lens, among much more. This research will serve as an initial guide for developing Christian artists, offering resources, advice, and ideas to help them better navigate the live music sphere of their careers
Quantum Rings Simulations of Cisplatin
No full textCisplatin is a major chemotherapy drug that relies on a platinum-based core to deliver the properties necessary to combat cancer. This platinum-based core creates an undesired toxicity that poses challenges during treatment. The aim of this research is to employ quantum simulations to explore the stability of biochemicals such as cisplatin and predict their binding affinities for targets of interest. Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) simulations are used to explore if the substitution of a core like Au or Pd are possible to retain anticancer efficacy but reduce its toxicity. With the use of these quantum simulations, we can run different molecular structures containing fewer toxic elements and analyze their stability. Once a base simulation is performed, we can use various sections of the VQE to improve accuracy, such-as a more complex ansatz or testing distinct optimizers. Along the path of performing simulations, we first need to cultivate an understanding of coding the necessary quantum environments. In combination with Density Functional Theory, these VQE methods will aid in theorizing if these specific metal substitution patterns are favorable
Lipscomb University Parking Garage Analysis
No full textMany students struggle to easily find parking during the school day at Lipscomb University, and this problem will only be emphasized with the potential removal of the nearby Stokes parking lot (containing 255 spaces). To combat this need and help provide additional room for university growth, we propose the addition of a parking garage west of the Fields engineering building, between Belmont Boulevard and Grandview Drive. This garage would be separated from the current garage behind Fields and be slightly larger, containing about 500 spaces over five levels. We evaluate the current number of parking spaces needed at Lipscomb based on student and staff populations alongside data on the percentage of commuter students and compare it to the number of spaces available. Additionally, we discuss the potential cost of construction for our proposed garage based on a variety of sources with a consideration of labor and inflation costs. We also discuss potential benefits to having extra parking available on the university campus
3D Modeling of Brain Removal with Cranial Nerve Preservation
No full text3D Modeling of Brain Removal with Cranial Nerve Preservation Abstract: Visual- spatial skills are essential in learning anatomy as they allow students to mentally visualize and manipulate the three-dimensional structure of the human body. Traditional dissectors like Grant’s Dissector typically provide only 2D images to guide brain removal. These manuals often do not include the occipital wedge approach, which favors cranial nerve preservation during brain dissection. A 3D model that assists students in learning a non-traditional dissection approach through manipulating a brain model will help improve mental rotation skills, especially benefiting those with weaker spatial abilities. In collaboration with Lipscomb University’s Physician Assistant Studies, Biology, and Animation departments, we designed an animated 3D model demonstrating this unique dissection approach. This project aims to empower students to visualize the brain removal technique with cranial nerve preservation before dissection. The student author participated in and observed multiple brain removal dissections using the occipital wedge approach. Then, in collaboration with the animation department, we designed a model of the cranial cavity, brain, and cranial nerves in Maxon ZBrush and Maya™ . Recognizing the importance of 3D anatomical models and the need for dissectors that include the occipital wedge approach for cranial nerve preservation, we created an educational resource that enhances anatomical understanding in the donor lab. While 3D software and video resources are available, both have limitations in helping students understand dissection techniques. Fixed camera angles and the lack of 3D dissection modeling highlight the need for a novel educational tool. Our model provides a scalable resource for faculty and students across undergraduate and graduate dissection- based curricula, helping students visualize challenging dissection processes and develop visual-spatial skills
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Washing Stored Red Blood Cells Prior to Transfusion: A Scoping Review
Full text linkBackground: There is growing interest in washing banked blood with an intraoperative autotransfusion device (IAT) prior to transfusing to patients. The main purpose of this practice is to reduce the effects caused by storage lesion, both to the blood and the patient, and diminish the cost and of washing by using an IAT as opposed to washing in the blood bank.
Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to summarize the existing data on the use of IATs for washing stored banked blood and evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with transfusing the washed blood.
Method: This scoping review utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines with a comprehensive literature search across three databases from the invention of the cell salvage device in 1943 to January 2025. Ten studies were found and results from them were summarized, compared, and analyzed to determine potential benefits and drawbacks of washing banked blood with an IAT.
Results: Analysis of the ten studies postulates the advantage of washing banked blood to reduce potassium, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, and microparticles while disadvantages include decreasing 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and adenosine triphosphate levels as well as a potential increase in plasma-free hemoglobin. However, data is sparse and not standardized, making it difficult to compare and give true support to clinical usage.
Conclusions: This scoping review provides an overview and analysis of the current data available concerning the potential advantages and disadvantages of washing banked blood using an IAT. The current data is varied but offers a framework for further studies that may look into more specific details about physiological blood components or specific cell salvage devices