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The Evolvement of the 100 Most Cited Articles in Spine Surgery in the Last Decade Compared to All-Time
No full textBACKGROUND: Decision-making in spine surgery is continuously shaped by advancements in the field through evidence-based medicine. This is demonstrated through the evolution of the quality and impact of scientific research within the field of spine surgery. To date, there is limited literature investigating interval changes in methodological rigor of scientific investigation within the field of spine surgery.
METHODS: The top 100 cited articles were recorded for manuscripts from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023, and the top 100 most cited manuscripts of all time for spine surgery, via the Scopus abstract and citation database. Data collected included year of publication, article type, level of evidence , methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORs)/(Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro) Scale.
RESULTS: Most studies for all-time cohort (33.8%) were reported as level IV and over the last decade (41.1%) were level III. The average MINOR scores for comparative studies was 18.1 for the all-time cohort and 15.7 for the decade cohort (P \u3c 0.05). The average MINORs scores for noncomparative studies were 9.7 for the all-time cohort and 8.98 for the decade cohort (P = 0.278). The average PEDro score was 0.72 for the all-time cohort and 0.61 for the decade cohort (P \u3e 0.05). The number of level IV studies decreased from 33.8% in the all-time cohort to 12.3% in the last decade with increases in level II studies from 0% all-time to 6.85% in the last decade (P \u3c 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: An overall increase in the level of evidence over time within the field of spine surgery was demonstrated with an associated decreased methodologic rigor within recent nonrandomized investigations. A focus on enhancing the quality of investigation is prudent to guide evidence-based practice in spine surgery
Mitochondrial mRNA and the Small Subunit rRNA in Budding Yeasts Undergo 3\u27-End Processing at Conserved Species-Specific Elements
Get PDFRespiration in eukaryotes depends on mitochondrial protein synthesis, which is performed by organelle-specific ribosomes translating organelle-encoded mRNAs. Although RNA maturation and stability are central events controlling mitochondrial gene expression, many of the molecular details in this pathway remain elusive. These includ
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: An Anatomical and Medical Illustration Study.
Get PDFRecent advances in small-joint arthroscopy and cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging systems have enabled orthopedic surgeons to perform more complex repairs of the wrist. Such repairs can include those of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist that necessitates a reappraisal of its morphometry with special emphasis on the relationship between its articular disc (AD) and surrounding tissues. The TFCC AD is a fibrocartilaginous, biconcave structure located between the ulnar styloid process and the carpal bones of the wrist. We carefully dissected and measured the ADs of 58 wrists from 34 embalmed cadavers (20 females, 14 males) and fabricated three-dimensional biofidelic plastic models of them. Precise measurements of the ADs were taken that included length, width, and thickness at five standardized points. For the entire sample, the mean length and width of left ADs were 18.09 and 9.60 mm, respectively, while right ADs averaged 18.63 mm in length and 9.93 mm in width. Significant differences were found between male and female ADs on the right and left sides (p \u3c 0.05). After the data were further analyzed and casts fabricated, a medical illustrator created novel anatomical illustrations to clarify structures that form the TFCC and help illuminate its complex anatomy. Our study provides valuable morphometric data of the AD and detailed novel medical illustrations of the entire TFCC, enhancing our understanding of its morphology for both educational and clinical applications
Aortoduodenal Syndrome: A Rare Case of Duodenal Obstruction Due to Endovascular Aneurysm Endoleak.
Get PDFAortoduodenal syndrome results from expansion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, leading to symptoms of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Endovascular aneurysm repair of large or symptomatic aortic aneurysms has become an important treatment modality for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, a large proportion of these grafts are complicated by endoleaks that can lead to a spectrum of significant symptoms. We present a case of rapidly worsening gastrointestinal obstructive symptoms in a patient with an already repaired aortic stent graft and a solitary kidney, found to be due to a type III endoleak that improved after emergent repeat endovascular aneurysm repair
First-Generation Student Leadership Program
Get PDFTo promote student engagement and leadership in the development of first-generation student support at our institution, students proposed and worked with administration to develop an elected student chair to participate on the First-Generation Student Support Committee. This institution wide committee provides strategic leadership for resources and programming throughout the college. This workshop will provide background on the development of a position description for the chair, incorporation into the student council charter, and support and growth of the role. Examples will be provided of the student-led initiatives that have been incorporated into the resource allocation for first-generation student support. Through case exploration, participants will be able to explore the value of this structure for peer support and student leadership development and a collaborative model of student and administration joint leadership
EFFICIENCY OF ENZYME INDUCED CARBONATE PRECIPITATION (EICP) BY CRUDE EXTRACT UREASE FOR GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS
Get PDFGeotechnical engineering is currently facing challenges, including accommodating rapid urbanization, adapting to climate change impacts, and prioritizing sustainability, all while ensuring the safety and stability of critical infrastructure. Biocementation is a recently developed new branch in geotechnical engineering that offers innovative and eco-friendly solutions by leveraging natural processes to enhance soil properties. This dissertation examines the potential of soybean extract urease as a cost-effective substitute for analytical-grade enzymes in Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) applications for biocementation. This research examines its effectiveness in various aspects, such as coastal erosion control, desiccation crack remediation, and the removal of heavy metals. Essential parameters of EICP, including pH, temperature, cementation, and enzyme concentration, were evaluated to enhance calcium carbonate precipitation while ensuring cost efficiency. The findings demonstrate that EICP significantly enhances soil strength, decreases soil permeability, improves erosion resistance, and effectively reduces concentrations of heavy metals. The study emphasizes the promise of soybean extract urease as an alternative to traditional soil stabilization techniques, highlighting the viability of EICP as an innovative approach to contemporary engineering challenges by promoting geoenvironmental sustainability through cost-effective soil enhancement and pollution reduction strategies
Carbon Composites from poly(ether-ketone-ketone) (PEKK)-based Precursors
No full textCarbon-based composites are essential structural components and thermal protection systems in modern automotive, aerospace, and defense applications but require prohibitively long manufacturing times and have a limited range of functional geometries. This work investigates the feasibility of using a high-performance aromatic backbone thermoplastic as a novel carbon matrix precursor for such composites to reduce both processing time and build limitations. This assessment was focused on the ability of poly(ether-ketone-ketone) (PEKK) to form graphitizing carbon, which is essential to the fabrication of mechanically strong composites with high thermal conductivity. Carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK composites were annealed to achieve high degrees of crystallinity and subsequently induction heated to preserve the crystalline structure and form well-ordered char. A kinetic modeling framework of competitive pyrolysis and crosslinking was constructed, with the latter proven to increase char yield but reduce structural order. Furthermore, a catalytic graphitization method was employed in the additive manufacturing of PEKK-derived ablative thermal protection coatings. These findings demonstrate that crystallinity increases the graphitizing ability of PEKK when rapidly heated, and that this effect is exacerbated in the presence of a transition metal catalyst. Overall, this dissertation presents multiple methods to rapidly produce high-performance carbon composites from PEKK with tailorable structural properties
FROM DIFFERENTIATION TO DISEASE: CYCLIN C DIRECTLY COORDINATES TRANSCRIPTION AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYNAMICS
No full textOrganelle crosstalk is essential for coordinating cellular responses to various external cues, including stress and differentiation. Two key organelles, the nucleus and mitochondria, engage in extensive crosstalk to manage responses to a range of environmental and developmental signals. Complex processes such as stem cell differentiation and neuronal development rely on organelle crosstalk. Both processes integrate changes in gene expression with cytosolic and organellar remodeling. However, it remains unclear how these two complex processes are coordinated to achieve the desired outcome. This project concentrates on cyclin C (CCNC), a component of the Mediator Kinase Module (MKM), and its role in directly coordinating mitochondrial dynamics and transcriptional reprogramming during skeletal muscle differentiation. Furthermore, this work highlights a pathological role for CCNC, where abnormal localization contributes to the neurodevelopmental disorder known as MED13L Syndrome. These studies confirmed that CCNC mislocalization and mitochondrial dysfunction are significant biomarkers for MED13L Syndrome. Additionally, my studies offer a framework for therapeutic intervention for individuals affected by this disorder
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN VICE PRINCIPALS
No full textThis qualitative dissertation explores the lived experiences of African American women vice principals, an underrepresented group in educational leadership. There is a need to address the gap in scholarly research that disproportionately focuses on principals and European ethnicity. This study includes the voices and counter-stories of five African American women vice principals. Using critical race theory and Black feminist thought as theoretical frameworks, the study examines how race and gender influence their leadership experiences. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed to identify key themes. The research questions focus on how these vice principals describe their roles and responsibilities and how race and gender affect their treatment by principals, peers, and subordinates. Key findings reveal experiences related to frustration with the distribution of tasks, gender bias, race being a questioned authority, and strategies for maintaining a positive attitude. The study aims to provide a more inclusive understanding of educational leadership and to counter the invisibility of African American women vice principals. Ultimately, this dissertation seeks to promote further research and theory development relevant to the progression of African American women educational leaders in the United States
Heterogeneity of Glial Reactivity: Brain Region and Sex Specific Response to Chronic Stress
No full textChronic stress has been associated with increased inflammation in the brain. As the primary immune regulators, microglia and astrocytes are negatively impacted by the effects of chronic stress. In this study, chronic stress induced weight loss and avoidance behavior in males only; however, the stress-induced microglia and astrocyte activation was observed from multiple brain regions in both sexes. Independent of chronic stress, microglia also exhibited an activated baseline phenotype in a sex and region-specific manner, suggesting a higher inflammatory profile at different brain regions in females. Furthermore, we also explored the role of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) in modulating astrocyte reactivity and found that the inhibition of MOR did not affect astrocyte reactivity in vitro. However, buprenorphine (BUP), a MOR partial agonist, decreased the stress-induced activation phenotype in microglia and astrocytes across the brain, suggesting that the MOR-modulated astrocyte reactivity may be dependent on other cell types. In addition, BUP also exerted a cell-type and region-specific effect on microglia, independent of stress. Our findings suggested that while BUP-mediated MOR activation can attenuate the stress-induced glia activation, microglia and astrocytes respond to the effect of BUP and stress with a sex and region-specific phenotype and degree of activation