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Enhancing Cell Therapy Efficiency with Engineered Donor T Cells
Get PDFThis project was conducted at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, California in the Cell Biology Department. The objective of this study was to generate data to support a closed and semi-automated workflow for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This was accomplished by developing cancer-fighting cells targeting CD19 (B-cell) using Gibco Cell Therapy System (CTS) instruments and reagents offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Throughout the workflow, data was collected post T-cell isolation, activation and gene modification allowed us to obtain data on immunophenotyping, activation status, transfection efficiency, and product potency. This data was obtained by performing T-cell isolation and activation, gene engineering using a CD19 template, cell expansion and CAR T-cell characterization. The key findings show that CD19-targeted modified CAR T-cells demonstrate high viability and activation both post-isolation and throughout the continuous manufacturing process. These modified CAR T-cells also exhibited effective killing of cancerous cells. Additionally, the cells generated through this closed and semi-automated workflow showed successful T-cell isolation to be above 85% and achieved 15-20% CAR integration depending on the day of analysis. These findings suggest that the streamlined and semi-automated manufacturing process, utilizing Thermo Fisher's advanced instrumentation and technology, offers a progressive manufacturing process which can provide drug developers the ability to manufacture alternative treatments for cancer patients beyond chemotherapy and radiation
A Polypharmacology Approach to Developing Multi-Target Directed Ligand Therapeutics for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Get PDFAlzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable brain degenerative disease with limited treatments, often in the form of drug therapeutics, that merely alleviate symptoms and often cause side effects. To address these challenges, pharmaceutical research focuses on enhancing the efficacy and safety of AD therapies. Targeting the cholinergic pathway, specifically inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), has shown promise in improving cognition in AD patients. Additionally, research indicates a link between AD and neuroinflammation. Inhibiting enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) represents a novel strategy for regulating neuroinflammation in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our lab has previously identified potent AChE inhibitors derived from donepezil, as well as 4-phenylthiazole-derived inhibitors of FAAH and sEH, with competitive IC50 values relative to standard inhibitors. In this research, we employ a polypharmacology approach to design Multi-Target Directed Ligands (MTDLs) by combining the key structural moieties of FAAH and sEH inhibitors with the important structural moiety from the AChE inhibitor donepezil. These MTDLs present an opportunity to develop a single drug with multiple therapeutic effects, potentially avoiding drug interactions and costly studies while providing synergistic benefits. Utilizing environmentally friendly synthesis methods, our compounds were evaluated in vitro and in silico. The results indicate several compounds with dual-inhibitory and multi-inhibitory potential against AChE, sEH, and FAAH, offering new avenues for expanding AD therapy
Interval Sets as a Systematic Approach to Harmony
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This project will discuss the utilization of interval sets, which are defined by set groupings of predetermined intervals, and the movement of these sets throughout a given tonality to produce chord voicings and melodic cells. Constructing chords using this method creates interesting and unique voicings that are a departure from traditional forms of chord construction. Harmony as a concept and its early forms will be discussed in order to provide adequate context. Quartal harmony and its usage in both classical and jazz idioms are discussed and is the concept from which interval sets are derived from. Interval sets are defined as groupings of intervals that exclude consecutive thirds, follow the diatonic series as it pertains to a specified tonality, and avoid any groupings of intervals that directly implies a chord. The application of this process is gone over through different forms of practice techniques and performance exercises, and will be demonstrated using common jazz forms and standards. Chord voicings and melodic groupings will be provided as written examples
Tatum Games' Strategic Shift: From Analytics to Full-Service Solutions
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This report was produced, through group effort, as a consulting project for Tatum Games, a gaming analytics company within the software as a service industry. Tatum Games' participation in this consultation project stemmed from a willingness to receive analysis and insight into the strategy and implementation of their upcoming marketing campaign. The client provided a business plan, marketing plan, and sales and marketing growth initiative as well as some projections. The client also participated in several in-person interviews to inform the internal analysis. The secondary research was conducted using a myriad of resources such as IBISWorld, US Census Bureau, Business Source Premier, Statista and others. Market research was conducted using an original client survey along with interviews. Surveys were distributed through several channels including relevant game developer platforms. Both primary and secondary research sources were used to support our conjectures. For this project, I provided industry analysis for the bargaining power of buyers from Porters Five Forces. I also provided analysis for the political and legal factors affecting the industry in our PESTEL analysis. My contributions to primary marker research included hours of research and analysis of the industry, survey question formation and taking the lead in formatting our survey as well as an equal portion of its dissemination. I also handled the survey results analysis and summary. Additionally, I took on proofreading the external analysis and formatting of the original draft. I provided recommendations after identifying critical issues, and conducted research to support the necessity and implementation strategy of those recommendations. I assisted in proofreading the final draft. I also worked on creating visuals and formatting the final presentation for the project. Through our research and analysis, we identified critical issues, developed recommendations along with implementation strategies and presented our written report and all findings in a comprehensive presentation to our client
What do stigmas associated with dementia patients mean for African American communities of Ventura County?
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] African American residents in Ventura County face significant barriers due to the stigma surrounding dementia, highlighting the need for research into its impact on social interactions, healthcare access, and caregiving outcomes. This study explores perceptions of dementia within African American communities while examining the cultural, social, and systemic factors that contribute to this stigma. The researcher focuses on three critical areas: caregiver experiences, the role of faith-based organizations, and the challenges associated with accessing dementia resources. The study engages caregivers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals involved in providing dementia care to African American individuals. It employs semi structured expert interviews and qualitative archival research methods to collect data, emphasizing both personal narratives and existing literature on dementia in African American communities. Thematic analysis identifies key themes, including the role of culture; barriers and catalysts, illustrating cultural stigma and the effects of historical mistrust; caregiving outcomes and needs, highlighting the emotional burden on caregivers and the urgent need for familial and community support; healthcare disparities and access to care, identifying obstacles such as mistrust in the healthcare system, stigma, and economic constraints; community engagement and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive outreach programs and the vital contributions of faith based organizations; and trust-building initiatives, which stress the significance of community leadership and education in combating stigma and misinformation. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers will gain substantial practical insights from the findings of this research. The study presents three primary applications: training for healthcare providers in culturally sensitive care and in correcting misinformation; training for community leaders and faith-based organizations to develop effective support and awareness initiatives; and evidence-based recommendations for policymakers aimed at eliminating structural barriers and enhancing resource allocation. By examining the complexities of stigma, this study establishes culturally appropriate interventions and educational programs designed to strengthen these communities while improving health outcomes for dementia patients. The research methodology integrates expert interviews with qualitative data collection and archival research as a secondary data source, while also allowing for the incorporation of quantitative data for a more comprehensive analysis. The study affirms that cultural understanding, trust development, and community involvement are essential in addressing the challenges associated with dementia. The insights gained will inform the formulation of culturally appropriate interventions that promote community-based solutions, enhancing the quality of life for African Americans with dementia in Ventura
Academic Struggles and Mental Health among Student Parents: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFStudy Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to address the challenges faced by student-parents in balancing academics and parenting, examining how academic stress impacts mental health, and identify resources and interventions that contribute to their success. Methods: Two databases and four keywords were used to select twenty studies. It involved identifying and excluding studies based on them written in the last ten years, being peer-reviewed, and relevant to the lives and challenges faced by student parents. Findings: Extensive issues faced by student-parents are discussed in this systematic literature review, such as time constraints from parenting, poor affordable daycare options, and financial stress. Many student-parents postpone graduation, enroll part-time, or drop out in the absence of such resources. Discussion: This literature review highlights the most important challenges student-parents face such as childcare, economic stress, and time management-that undermine their mental health and education. The implications of the findings are that colleges would implement specialized support such as on-campus child care, financial support, and staff training in order to intensify support for student-parents and promote their academic success
Trans individuals facing homelessness: Systematic literature review
Get PDFStudy Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine transgender individuals facing homelessness and what causes them to be homeless. Methods: The methods used in this paper were using different electronic databases like ProQuest, EBSCO, JSTOR, AND PUBMED. Findings: The findings is the literature review is using 25 peer-reviewed articles to address trans individuals facing homelessness. Discussion: The implications that would be needed by social workers are advocating for changes like policy making and more training in DEI to agencies around working with the trans populations
Understanding Exclusion Among Adoptees, Former Foster, and Homeless Youth
Get PDFIndividuals with experiences in foster care, adoption, or youth homelessness often navigate a world where stigma and exclusion are part of their daily lives. Despite growing awareness, little attention has been given to understanding their experiences of exclusion in a holistic way. This study investigates how individuals with experiences of foster care, adoption, or youth homelessness experience exclusion. A survey was conducted to collect data from individuals who identify as having backgrounds in foster care, adoption, or homelessness (n=8). This exploratory study aimed to capture the exclusionary perspectives of those with these experiences. Findings revealed that individuals from these backgrounds commonly face bullying, invasive questions, negative comments, and discrimination. Many participants also reported feelings of shame and being denied resources or services. Furthermore, participants emphasized the need for compassion, respect, and increased awareness of trauma within organizations to create more supportive environments. They called for an increase in resources, understanding their needs, and offering continued support, especially for those pursuing higher education. In this study, implications for social work are discussed
Exploration of Foster Parent Trainings in Los Angeles County
No full textWhile previous research on foster parent trainings has primarily evaluated the effectiveness of training, little attention has been given to understanding the availability of training offers in a particular geographical region. The present study addresses this gap in the scientific literature by evaluating the foster parent trainings offered in Los Angeles County. The research question is the following: What foster parent trainings are currently offered in LA County? Using a mixed-methods design incorporating quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis, this study analyzed 308 training offerings gathered from 13 community colleges and public online sources between 2024 and 2025. Of the 308 trainings analyzed, nine themes emerged: 1) mental, physical, and social health; 2) navigating support systems; 3) parenting strategies; 4) communication, interpersonal & relational skills; 5) sex and drugs; 6) foster child education; 7) adolescent support; 8) biological family; 9) and culture and diversity. Of these nine themes, the most salient theme was mental, physical and social health (34 %) and the least theme was culture and diversity (11%). Another key finding is that 92.1% of the trainings were offered in English, while 23.0% were available in Spanish. We discuss the implications of the findings for future research, foster parent trainings in LA County, and the broader social work community
Girlhood interrupted: A systematic literature review of the adultification of Black girls
No full textStudy Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to contribute to the collective work that provides insight into how intricately interwoven adultification is in the black girl's experience. Methods: Two databases and ten keywords were used to select fifteen peer-reviewed articles. Findings: The prevalence of adultification in institutions leads to the disproportionate criminalization, punishment, and neglect of Black girls. The historical context of adultification, alongside its intersectional effects, results in Black girls being denied childhood innocence and subjected to punitive measures that reinforce cycles of marginalization and trauma. Discussion: This literature review highlights the profound impact of adultification bias on Black girls, emphasizing their unique struggles in education, social-emotional development, and institutional treatment due to racial and gender stereotypes. It calls for more targeted research, policy reform, and culturally competent social work practices to address these biases, improve support for Black girls, and challenge the systemic neglect and marginalization they face in various settings