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Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Soursop in Treating Hematologic Malignancies
Get PDFAcute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) are hematologic malignancies that originate in the bone marrow and account for approximately 1.3% and 2% of cancer cases, respectively. AML is characterized by an accumulation of myeloblasts, or immature myeloid cells, that have the potential to spread to the peripheral blood. There is an uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow in MM. While the current treatment options for both AML and MM show promise in achieving initial remission, it is unfortunately common for patients to experience relapse and develop drug resistance. There is a theory that relapse and resistance could be attributed to the survival of progenitor cells with stem-cell-like properties in the protective niches of the bone marrow. Our research suggests that the plant, soursop, may have potential in combating hematologic cancers by triggering apoptosis and potentially preventing drug resistance and relapse. Soursop, scientifically known as Annona muricata, is a plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Every component of the plant, including the leaves, fruit, seeds, and bark, exhibit preventative properties against a wide range of diseases. Our study focuses on examining the effectiveness and mode of action of an extract obtained from soursop leaves. We aim to determine its potential in exhibiting anti-cancer properties, specifically against AML and MM cell lines. Our findings reveal that the extract from soursop leaves has the ability to trigger apoptosis and reduce cell viability in HL-60 and MM.1S cells. Through our research, we have discovered the inhibition or downregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway
Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) Procedure in Octogenarians, Nonagenarians and Centenarians: A Population-Based Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Limited data exists for patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure who are older than or equal to 80 years old (YO). This study sought to examine the national inpatient sample (NIS) database to describe in-hospital outcomes among these older patients.
Methods: The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adults who underwent a TEVAR procedure in 2019 and 2020. The study compared those aged 80 YO and over to those younger than 80 YO. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (TOTHCG).
Results: This study included 696 patients who underwent TEVAR, of which 35 (5.02%) were 80 years or older. Patients who had a TEVAR and were 80 years and older had higher prevalence of hypertension (57.6% vs. 50.3%, p
Conclusion: In this nationally representative population‐based study, aging was associated with higher mortality and worse outcomes among patients undergoing a TEVAR procedure
Overcoming Disparities in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Get PDFBackground: Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have been increasing at an exponential rate for the last 24 years, with an astounding 145% increase between the years 2000-2024. Early detection is key to slowing down the rate of decline. Unfortunately, Latino and African American individuals delay seeking care, which predisposes them to worse outcomes. To date, socioeconomic limitations are the main factors leading to delayed care in Latino and African American communities. A service project was developed with the aim of addressing limitations that result in delays to seeking care within Latino and African American communities.
Methods: A systematic review of available literature, followed by stake holder interviews was performed to gauge community need. Through stake holder collaboration data was compiled and a brochure was generated.
Results: African American and Hispanic communities delay seeking care which predisposes them to worse outcomes. Because of this, the rate of Alzheimer’s in these communities is significantly higher than their white counterparts. Socioeconomic factors were identified by the community as reasons for delaying seeking care. Finally, deaths due to Alzheimer’s are often suppressed in census databases, making it difficult to accurately measure deaths due to the disease.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic disparities seem to play a major role in the increase of deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease. A service project aimed at bridging the current gap in information was designed. Resources were filtered and compiled to improve disease literacy, as well as to provide financial, clinical, and psychological resources. A brochure was generated with this information
Pseudogout, A Case of Rejection-Associated Pain
Get PDFPseudogout, known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is an arthritis caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the joint space. Certain medications have been implicated in the development of pseudogout. This case report examines a patient who developed pseudogout thought to be caused by the use of the immunosuppressant medication tacrolimus
Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Socioeconomic Status
Get PDFIn this study, caregiver burden measures the psychosocial strain a caregiver experiences as a result of caring for a person with autism. In addition, this study focuses on the effect of socioeconomic status on caregiver burden. A previous study found an association between lower primary caregiver education level and more sleep problems for children with autism3. Thus, the finding focuses on the child with autism as opposed to the caregiver burden. Other studies focus on elements that affect caregiver burden such as sleep quality, mental health, and cultural aspects. If it is known that socioeconomic status significantly affects caregiver burden, resources can be diverted to support those caregivers in an equitable manner. This is crucial due to the high value of services caregivers provide in the United States ($470 billion in 2013)1. Using scores from caregiver inventory forms from the Regional Integrated Special Needs Center in New Jersey and the zip codes retrieved from patient data, we were able to find median income from ZIP codes through census.gov. Then, using linear regression, we did not find a significant association between average total score from caregiver inventory forms and average median income. Interestingly, this may point to an overestimate of quality of life from caregivers in spite of low SES as seen in one study6. It may also be because of other confounding factors such as mental health, gender, and sleep quality on the caregivers. This study opens the door to more research to be done on socioeconomic status’ effects such as controlling for extraneous variables as well as using other methods to measure SES such as education level of caregivers
Exploring Perinatal Ketamine for Postpartum Depression Following Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review
Get PDFThe 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 the studies incorporated sample characteristics, study and population characteristics, and quantitative analyses covering Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and depression rates. The Risk of Bias assessment was utilized to gain a deeper understanding of the quality of methodology used by the research studies. The review showed that ketamine can reduce the symptoms of PPD in mothers who have recently undergone C-sections. Some studies showed decreased EPDS scores following the administration of ketamine while two studies also reported no significant differences in PPD following ketamine administration in C-section patients. For example, Ma et al. found that the EPDS score at postpartum day 4 was significantly lower in the ketamine group compared with the control group
IDENTIFYING SCHOOL-WIDE INEQUITIES: ACTION RESEARCH CONDUCTED USING AN EQUITY AUDIT TO INFORM ANNUAL SCHOOL PLANNING FOR A PRE-K–8 SCHOOL
Get PDFThis action research study aims to identify and address equity gaps within a PK-8 New Jersey school by leading a professional learning community (PLC). The study will use action research methods to conduct an educational equity audit, which will inform the annual school plan and create a leadership action plan to stimulate organizational change. Traditionally, teachers at the research site have used Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) cycles, but this study will integrate Critical Data-Driven Decision Making (CDDDM) cycles, including an equity audit analyzed in PLCs. The audit will identify patterns of inequity and identify strategies to address them. The study aims to drive organizational change by using equity audit data to address inequities, integrating CDDDM in annual planning to tackle inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, while analyzing participant feedback and leader reflection. The equity audit revealed key themes: clarity and comprehension, disparities in supervision, the need for a culturally responsive environment, and adult ownership and action. Integrating these themes into school planning can foster inclusive environments and promote equitable outcomes. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the proactive role of school leaders and staff in creating equitable educational environments, addressing postpandemic challenges, and aligning with the goals of the New Jersey Department of Education
Deciphering evolutionary co-option by studying the origin of self-fertility in Caenorhabditis nematodes
Get PDFIn my research, I examined the characteristics of male and female sex-determination mutants in C. nigoni and investigated the regulatory pathway they define. This work tested whether flexibility in the sex-determination pathway was a preexisting condition that favored the origin of self-fertility in Caenorhabditis. Furthermore, I developed an approach for using interspecies hybrid mutants to assess the robustness of the C. nigoni pathway. My findings showed that the C. nigoni pathway is highly robust and canalized, suggesting that changes leading to self-fertility must have involved the impairment of this canalization in the germ line, to allow eventual alteration of germ cell fates in XX animals. I investigated how Haldane’s rule operates in nematodes by using C. nigoni and C. briggsae as models, employing mutant hybrids and tetraploids. I used sex-determination mutants to demonstrate that defects in XO hybrids were not due to incompatibility between regulatory programs specifying male fates. Instead, studies with tetraploids showed that mismatches between the X chromosome and autosomes in male hybrids are the key factor. Imbalances in gene expression are likely the result of genomic changes between these closely related species caused by rearrangements and by developmental system drift
Introduction to Managing Research Data
Get PDFThis workshop is for graduate students and faculty involved in research that results in data, whether in science, engineering, or social sciences. The workshop will explain why researchers are expected to use formal processes to document and manage their data. Data management is important throughout the life of every research project, starting with the creation of a data management plan and ending with locating an appropriate data repository. Topics introduced will include data management plans; funder mandates; best practices for data curation; creating a unique identifier for your dataset; and choosing a data repository
Factors Associated with Recanalization and Reintervention Following Below Knee Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam Ablation for Great Saphenous and Small Saphenous Veins
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) has been used to treat lower extremity venous reflux for almost one decade with specific advantages for below knee (BK) truncal veins where thermal ablation poses a risk of injury to adjacent nerves. The current literature of the BK segment often examines short-term outcomes with modest sample sizes. We aim to identify factors associated with recanalization and reintervention in this subset of patients.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of patients from a single institution who underwent 1% PEM ablation for BK great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux. Patients underwent duplex ultrasound (DU) within 7 days after injection, every 3 to 6 months for 1 year, and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Patients with symptomatic recanalization underwent reintervention. The 26 patients lost to follow-up without DU after ablation were excluded. The factors associated with recanalization and reintervention were examined by multivariate and nonparametric analyses.
RESULTS: Between March 2018 and July 2023, 411 patients (166 male, 245 female) with 573 treated limbs (284 right, 289 left) met the study criteria. Of the 573 included limbs, 457 (79.8%) had undergone prior above knee saphenous ablations. A total of 554 BK GSV and 42 SSV ablations were performed. The most recent DU was performed at a mean of 231 ± 329 days. The overall recanalization rate was 10.6% (55 GSVs and 8 SSVs) at a mean follow-up of 104 ± 180 days. Comparing the closed and recanalized veins, we found no significant difference in age (P = .90), treated laterality (P = .14), patient body mass index (P = .59), preprocedural CEAP (clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology) score (P = .79), recanalization rate in GSVs vs SSVs (P = .06), or administered PEM volume (P = .24). The recanalized veins had significantly larger preprocedural diameters than the veins that remained closed (recanalized, 4.9 mm; closed, 4.3 mm; P = .001). Men had higher incidence of recanalization than women (men, 14.2%; women, 8%; P = .015). Anticoagulation use was associated with recanalization (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.6; P = .03). Early recanalization at the first DU accounted for 31 failures (49.2%) and had a significantly lower administered PEM volume compared with later recanalization (early, 4 mL; late, 5 mL; P = .025). There were no significant differences between the 33 recanalized patients requiring reintervention (52.4%) and the 30 who did not. Twenty-four reinterventions were performed with PEM, 100% of which remained closed at a median of 160 days (interquartile range, 257 days).
CONCLUSIONS: PEM is successful for the treatment of BK GSV and SSV reflux with a closure rate of 89% at a mean of 231 days and shows promise as salvage therapy. Most cases of recanalization were noted in the early postprocedure period and were associated with a lower PEM volume. A larger vein diameter, male sex, and anticoagulation use are associated with higher rates of recanalization