A novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic neoplasia using a novel RNAi platform targeting PDX-1

Bi-functional shRNA (bi-shRNA), a novel RNA interference (RNAi) effector platform targeting PDX-1 utilizing a systemic DOTAP-Cholesterol delivery vehicle, was studied in three mouse models of progressive pancreatic neoplasia. Species-specific bi-functional PDX-1 shRNA (bi-shRNAPDX-1) lipoplexes inhibited insulin expression and secretion while also substantially inhibiting proliferation of mouse and human cell lines via disruption of cell cycle proteins in vitro. Three cycles of either bi-shRNA<sup>mousePDX-1</sup> or shRNA<sup>mousePDX-1</sup> lipoplexes administered intravenously prevented death from hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia in a lethal insulinoma mouse model. Three cycles of shRNA<sup>mousePDX-1</sup> lipoplexes reversed hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia in an immune-competent mouse model of pancreatic neoplasia. Moreover, three cycles of the bi-shRNA<sup>humanPDX-1</sup> lipoplexes resulted in near complete ablation of tumor volume and considerably improved survival in a human PANC-1 implanted SCID-mouse model. Human pancreatic neoplasia specimens also stained strongly for PDX-1 expression. Together, these data support the clinical development of a novel therapeutic strategy using systemic bi-shRNA<sup>PDX-1</sup> lipoplexes against pancreatic neoplasia

p63 is the molecular switch for initiation of an epithelial stratification program

Development of stratified epithelia, such as the epidermis, requires p63 expression. The p63 gene encodes isoforms that contain (TA) or lack (DeltaN) a transactivation domain. We demonstrate that TAp63 isoforms are the first to be expressed during embryogenesis and are required for initiation of epithelial stratification. In addition, TAp63 isoforms inhibit terminal differentiation, suggesting that TAp63 isoforms must be counterbalanced by DeltaNp63 isoforms to allow cells to respond to signals required for maturation of embryonic epidermis. Our data demonstrate that p63 plays a dual role: initiating epithelial stratification during development and maintaining proliferative potential of basal keratino-cytes in mature epidermis

Gender Differences in Drinking Habits Among College Students

Binge drinking is a common problem found among college students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six U.S. adults binge drink about four times a month, consuming about eight drinks per binge. Over time, binge drinking in college can cause negative factors for students such as, poor academics and health problems. The purpose of my study is to evaluate how stress factors such as environment and peer relationships affect drinking habits in male and female college students. Students experience stress factors such as environment (e.g. housing), peer relationships (e.g. peer pressure, relationships), school (e.g. grade level), and appearance (e.g. body image).https://scholar.dominican.edu/ug-student-posters/1049/thumbnail.jp

Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension

Certain areas of the Philippines continue to rely on traditional non-pharmacological approaches, such as herbal medicine, for hypertension treatment, a significant public health problem globally. Therefore, a systematic review of plants used in the Philippines to treat hypertension, based on the PRISMA flow diagram, was carried out. Relevant ethnobotanical studies were retrieved from databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. Following the eligibility screening, 36 ethnobotanical studies were included. The majority of the studies included in this review came from Region XIII (CARAGA), Region VI (Western Visayas), and Region X (Northern Mindanao). The most prevalent plant family and species were Poaceae (12 species) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (16 citations), respectively. Leaves were the most common plant parts utilized while decoction was the most frequently mentioned mode of preparation. Oral administration was the most widely used form of administration. This review highlights medicinal plants with potential antihypertensive properties. It underscores the need to conduct a systematic review of their pharmacological properties to determine which have been scientifically validated and are most effective against hypertension

At the intersection of religion, spirituality, and clinical psychology: A conversation with two Jewish psychologists

This article presents a dialogue between two Jewish psychologists who share their respective personal and professional journeys on how spirituality and religious affiliation impacts their work as clinicians. They address the following questions: How would you identify your cultural background with respect to your religious or spiritual history and identity? How do you manage the competing demands of respecting both individual cultural identity and group cultural identity? How did your early experiences with Judaism influence your professional practice? What were your earliest academic influences on the question of spirituality in psychology? How have religion and spirituality manifested in your clinical practice? What are some of the specific challenges you have encountered along the way? It is the authors’ hope that their responses to these questions will provide insights to all clinicians, regardless of one’s religious or spiritual identity