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Boston University
1.
Kwak, Peter.
Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31237
► Permanent repair of the F9 gene is a significant goal to cure Hemophilia B disease. Advanced gene therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 system can increase circulation level…
(more)
▼ Permanent repair of the F9 gene is a significant goal to cure Hemophilia B disease. Advanced gene therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 system can increase circulation level of Factor IX proteins to a significant level without the need of demanding infusions of FIX concentrates. Induced pluripotent stem cells represent an ideal cell for gene therapy because patient-derived cells could be reprogrammed into iPSCs, genetically modified, selected, expanded and then induced to differentiate into fully functional hepatocytes in vitro. This study covered a portion of a 5-year project which ultimately aims at establishing therapeutic results in transgenic Hemophilia B mice by injecting genetically corrected iPSC-derived hepatocytes into the liver. The purpose of this thesis is to summarize what has been completed up to now: generation of the proper model of Hemophilia B human iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and differentiation of healthy and disease specific iPSCs into hepatocytes which will allow disease modelling to look for cell function, viability, homogeneity and drug screening. Further research will be done to effectively knock-in the F9 allele into liver safe harbor site of disease specific iPSCs, which will express FIX at a significant level to show therapeutic effects.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; CRISPR/Cas9; F9; Factor IX; Hemophilia B; Hepatocytes; iPSC
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APA (6th Edition):
Kwak, P. (2018). Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31237
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Kwak, Peter. “Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31237.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Kwak, Peter. “Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Kwak P. Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31237.
Council of Science Editors:
Kwak P. Generation of hemophilia B model hepatocyte derived from human iPSC via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31237

Boston University
2.
Choi, Christopher Hyun-Bae.
Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2019, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36266
► Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal transplant procedure with a relatively long post-operative visual rehabilitation period. Post-operative corneal astigmatism often causes refractive error resulting in…
(more)
▼ Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal transplant procedure with a relatively long post-operative visual rehabilitation period. Post-operative corneal astigmatism often causes refractive error resulting in suboptimal vision, despite a clear graft. In order to reduce this issue, surgeons selectively remove sutures from the transplanted cornea to manipulate and control the levels of post-operative astigmatism present. In order to identify tight sutures causing astigmatism, corneal topography instruments have been developed which use reflected light patterns to reconstruct topographical images of the corneal surface and provide measurements of corneal steepness and astigmatism. Currently, standard conventions limit suture removal to one to two sutures per visit at an interval between four and six weeks. This experiment sought to determine the feasibility of multiple suture removal following corneal transplant by evaluating the change in astigmatism occurring immediately after suture removal in corneal transplant patients and comparing the change to any occurring one month later. Four separate samples were obtained and analyzed to determine if topography-based decision immediately post-suture removal matched suture removal decision one month later. Topography-guided decisions immediately following suture removal incorrectly identified the appropriate subsequent suture in all samples. Data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test to determine statistical probability of results, and there was a statistically significant difference between topography-based decision immediately after suture removal and standard topography-based decision at one month. This demonstrated that the period of time immediately following suture removal was not reliable in determining the correct subsequent suture to be removed. Limitations of this study included a small patient sample size, potential graft-host junction override in samples, and the weight of subjective determination by the surgeon. While penetrating keratoplasty has been found to be an effective treatment for patients, further research is warranted to investigate the timeline behind corneal astigmatic stability following surgery and to identify opportunities to shorten long rehabilitation periods.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Ophthalmology
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APA (6th Edition):
Choi, C. H. (2019). Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36266
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Choi, Christopher Hyun-Bae. “Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism.” 2019. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36266.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Choi, Christopher Hyun-Bae. “Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism.” 2019. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Choi CH. Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2019. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36266.
Council of Science Editors:
Choi CH. Rapid sequential corneal topography evaluation of selective suture removal in the management of post-keratoplasty astigmatism. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2019. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36266

Boston University
3.
Jenkins, Kendall Marie.
An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2020, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41275
► Cancer survivors typically adapt well to life following remission; however, some patients still experience lingering negative moods that may develop into depression. There are multiple…
(more)
▼ Cancer survivors typically adapt well to life following remission; however, some patients still experience lingering negative moods that may develop into depression. There are multiple factors that can contribute to depressive symptoms from somatic symptoms, to emotion and social concerns. When analyzing these contributing factors, an underlying theory of a connection between the symptoms of depression and inflammation was revealed. Although this was not shown to be a causal association, it set forward some theories on the pathogenesis of depression in cancer survivors who may have persistent inflammation following treatment. As cancer patients are a growing group due to improvements in treatment and an aging general population, early identification of high-risk survivors and research into new treatment methods is essential. Depression in survivors can lead to an inability to follow through on medical care, decreased quality of life and poorer patient health outcomes. Currently, depressive symptoms are treated primarily on an individual basis, determining if there is a common underlying biological mechanism that could help scientists develop new guidelines for the treatment of survivors.
Research studies demonstrated interdependence between conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment and depression. Current published literature on each of these conditions was explored and while each of these conditions have demonstrated connections to inflammatory pathways and specific cytokines, there does not appear to be one common underlying mechanism. Preliminary research has presented some options for future treatments that can mitigate the severity of the inflammation caused during traditional cancer therapies. These preventative measures address certain cytokine pathways that have been associated with negative side effects. As emotional and social concerns can add to a survivor’s stress causing stimulation of inflammatory pathways, evidence-based methods for reducing stress have been discussed and include exercise, psychosocial and occupational therapy interventions as well as legislative advocacy for better insurance coverage.
There are some limitations in the current literature on the topic as much of the survivor research centers on patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer. There are several diverse subgroups of cancer survivors including childhood, adolescent and young adult, and adult cancer survivors, and comprehensive research should be conducted across these cohorts to ascertain which groups are at a higher risk for certain symptoms and stresses. Furthermore, research into novel treatment options has focused mainly on pharmacological solutions to the negative impacts of chemotherapy. While several studies have theorized about possible, persistent biological mechanisms underlying radiotherapy, few drugs have been suggested or developed to combat the late effects of inflammation including fibrosis. Many of the suggested treatments can be given as a co-treatment…
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Davies, Theresa A. (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Biochemistry; Cancer; Depression; Inflammation; Remission; Survivor
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
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Export
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APA (6th Edition):
Jenkins, K. M. (2020). An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41275
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Jenkins, Kendall Marie. “An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods.” 2020. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41275.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Jenkins, Kendall Marie. “An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods.” 2020. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Jenkins KM. An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2020. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41275.
Council of Science Editors:
Jenkins KM. An analysis of the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients following remission: pathogenesis, diagnosis & comparison of treatment methods. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2020. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41275

Boston University
4.
Friedberg, Jacob Sands.
Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30748
► Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with a multitude of contributing genetic factors. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele e4 imparts a dramatic increase…
(more)
▼ Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with a multitude of contributing genetic factors. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele e4 imparts a dramatic increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but the exact mechanism of this relationship is unknown. The e4 allele is associated with increased Ab plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and a heightened inflammation state, all pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. To test the hypothesis that microglia and related cytokines were differentially associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology based on the presence of e4, we compared individuals with and without the APOE e4 allele within a community based aging cohort (n = 186). Cellular density of Iba1, a marker of microglia, was positively associated with tau pathology as measured by AT8 immunostaining (B = 0.459, p = 0.028) in e4 positive participants but not in e4 negative participants. Analysis of cytokines implicated in AD, i.e. IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, IL-1a, revealed a significant negative association with AT8 in e4 negative participants. The association of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-13, and IL-4 on tau pathology appeared to be mediated by ApoE protein levels, suggesting that these cytokines and the ApoE protein may interact to prevent increased tau pathology within e4 negative individuals. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1, was negatively associated with AT8 (B = -0.241, p = 0.009) independent of Ab1-42 in e4 negative participants but not in e4 positive participants, suggesting a potential novel protective association. Overall, in e4 negative participants, elevated levels of IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, IL-1a are associated with less tau pathology. These associations are largely absent in the presence of e4 where tau pathology is significantly associated with microglial cell density. Taken together, these results suggest that APOE e4 mediates an altered inflammatory response and increased tau pathology independent of Ab pathology.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Stein, Thor (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Pathology
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
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APA (6th Edition):
Friedberg, J. S. (2018). Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30748
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Friedberg, Jacob Sands. “Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30748.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Friedberg, Jacob Sands. “Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Friedberg JS. Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30748.
Council of Science Editors:
Friedberg JS. Apolipoprotein E alters the association of neuroinflammation with Alzheimer's disease. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30748

Boston University
5.
Archambault, Simon.
Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30878
► BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the world. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes those with diabetes…
(more)
▼ BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the world. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes those with diabetes into three age groups, including a young adult group, ages 18-44. In the
Boston metropolitan area, around 4.6% of this age population has diabetes. EYESPOT is a private eye care practice in
Boston. Of the few diabetic patients seen, most do not fall within the young adult age range. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of social media to promote awareness of healthy behaviors.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to utilize social media in order to raise awareness of DR in the young adult population and encourage preventative behavior.
METHODS: A Facebook page for EYESPOT Diabetes was created to engage the young adult patient population and was monitored over a four-month period. Four categories of Facebook posts, differentiated by type, were disseminated. Posts were targeted to different audiences during each month, creating three unique time blocks. Posts were analyzed for their Engagement (total number of people who interacted with the post via a “like”, click, or “share”) and their Reach (total number of people that saw the post). Preliminary Engagement measures of each post were standardized to account for measures of Reach, creating an additional measure of standardized engagement scores (SES). A 4x3 ANOVA was conducted using SPSS to evaluate the effects of post type and time block on SES.
RESULTS: Main effects were found for both post type and time block. Posts of the “Advertising” type had a significantly lower SES than all other posts (p<.01). Posts in the “Promotional College Student” time block had a significantly higher SES (p<.01) than posts in other blocks. There was a significant type-by-block interaction for SES (p<.01). Post hoc analysis revealed that posts of the “Technological” type had higher SES when posted in the block aimed at College Students (p<.01). Of note, 96% of the Facebook users who saw our posts (n = 4050) fell in the young adult bracket. After the conclusion of the study, two new patients in the young adult range contacted EYESPOT with intent to make future appointments, citing our Facebook page as reference.
CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that Facebook may be an effective tool to encourage the young adult population to be aware of and engage in beneficial health behaviors. Future studies will investigate how to utilize social media further to increase physical appointments and patient-clinician interactions.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Arroyo, Jorge (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; EYESPOT; Facebook; Diabetic retinopathy; Social media
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❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Archambault, S. (2018). Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30878
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Archambault, Simon. “Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30878.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Archambault, Simon. “Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Archambault S. Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30878.
Council of Science Editors:
Archambault S. Investigating the impact of social media on awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy in young adults: a case study at EYSPOT in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/30878

Boston University
6.
Madhavan, Rashmi.
Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31234
► OBJECTIVE: To examine the likelihood of self-reporting a diagnosis for PCOS with the presentation of menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic population, based on data…
(more)
▼ OBJECTIVE: To examine the likelihood of self-reporting a diagnosis for PCOS with the presentation of menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic population, based on data collected between August 9th, 2017 and October 24th, 2017 for the pilot of the Ovulation and Menstruation (OM) Study at
Boston University School of Medicine.
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive age women. It is typically diagnosed by variable combinations of menstrual irregularity, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. An alternative is its diagnosis as one of exclusion due to similarities in presentation to other endocrine disorders. As a result, PCOS may often be misdiagnosed and mismanaged in the course of a patient’s care, further exacerbated by a poor understanding of the syndrome, a lack of easily available resources, and patient frustration with clinician interactions. The early identification of key hallmarks of the disorder, such as menstrual irregularity, and awareness of its linkage to PCOS, could lead to early diagnosis and intervention.
METHODS: 248 participants enrolled and participated in the Ovulation and Menstruation (OM) Health Study’s as members of its pilot cohort. Inclusion criteria were women ages 18-45 currently experiencing menstrual periods without a history of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical menopause. Participants completed the relevant sections of the OM Study survey related to demographics, menstrual cycle patterns, and history of PCOS. Demographic questions pertained to the age, race/ethnicity, country of birth, and education levels of the participants. The menstrual cycle questions provided information regarding the age of menarche, length and pattern of menses and the menstrual cycle overall. The questions regarding history of PCOS ascertained the presence of an official or self-diagnosis for PCOS for the participant, and the age at which this was determined. The descriptive measures were presented for comparison before determining the concurrence of the presence of menstrual irregularity and the diagnosis of PCOS across demographic categories and calculating an associated prevalence ratio.
RESULTS: Among women reporting a history of menstrual irregularity for 3 months or greater, PCOS was the second-highest self-reported cause for menstrual irregularity, with 20.7% of participants endorsing it as the cause for their irregularity. The presence of menstrual irregularity for 3 or more months was also more likely to be present in concurrence with a clinician diagnosis, or to a lesser extent, a self-diagnosis, for PCOS. Participants were also far more likely to have a clinician diagnosis for PCOS if they were White, US-born, young, or educated. The same applied for the likelihood of a self-diagnosis with the exception of age.
CONCLUSIONS: The association between menstrual cycle irregularities and likelihood of being diagnosed with PCOS is supported by the data and appears to be influenced by…
Advisors/Committee Members: Mahalingaiah, Shruthi (advisor), Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; PCOS; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Diagnosis; Menstrual irregularity; Oligomenorrhea; Reproductive endocrinology
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
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APA (6th Edition):
Madhavan, R. (2018). Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31234
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Madhavan, Rashmi. “Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31234.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Madhavan, Rashmi. “Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Madhavan R. Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31234.
Council of Science Editors:
Madhavan R. Prevalence of PCOS diagnoses among women with menstrual irregularity in a diverse, multiethnic cohort. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31234

Boston University
7.
Narvaez, Maria Jose.
Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31254
► Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as by repetitive patterns of behavior. It is thought to…
(more)
▼ Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as by repetitive patterns of behavior. It is thought to affect 1 in 68 children in the United States, yet researchers do not know what causes it and treatments are primarily focused on alleviating symptoms associated with ASD rather than treating any underlying cause. Various theories have been proposed over the years regarding what causes ASD in the hopes of finding effective treatment options. One of these theories, and the topic of this work, is that the intestinal bacteria play a role in the development of autism. The idea that gut bacteria may play a role in health and disease is one that has been gaining increased interest lately, and this has spread to the field of autism research.
Reports of children with ASD suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) issues are widespread, and even the first reports of children with ASD mentioned that some of them experienced GI symptoms or had issues with feeding. While GI symptoms are uncomfortable for any child, they pose special circumstances for those with ASD because these children are likely unable to effectively communicate what they are experiencing. This thesis will first review the prevalence of GI issues in children with ASD as well as discuss studies that have examined if there is a difference between the gut bacteria of children with ASD compared to neurotypical children. As will be shown, many studies have in fact found a significant difference, but these differences vary across studies and a consensus has not been reached. Following this, the link between the gut bacteria and the brain, as well as how this relates to ASD will be discussed. Then, an overview of various treatment studies aimed at targeting the gut bacteria in animal models of ASD as well as in children with ASD will be analyzed.
While this field of research is certainly exciting, there is still a lot of work to be done by researchers. For one, the wide range of methodologies used and populations studied introduces variables that could be skewing the results and contributing to the lack of agreement between researchers regarding what bacterial strains might be relevant to ASD. Additionally, just because there is a correlation between certain bacterial strains and ASD does not mean it can be assumed that this is causing the development of ASD in so many children. Nonetheless, the fact that some treatment studies have led to improvements in ASD-related behaviors when targeting the gut bacteria of children indicates that this field of research is worthy of attention and continued support.
Advisors/Committee Members: Broder-Fingert, Sarabeth (advisor), Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Microbiology; Autism; Gut microbiota
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
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APA (6th Edition):
Narvaez, M. J. (2018). Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31254
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Narvaez, Maria Jose. “Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31254.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Narvaez, Maria Jose. “Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Narvaez MJ. Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31254.
Council of Science Editors:
Narvaez MJ. Gastrointestinal issues and the role of the gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31254

Boston University
8.
Rizzuto, Conor.
The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2018, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31256
► BACKGROUND: Presently, there is very little research on the clinical validity of mental health smartphone application data, its relationship to brain biology, and its ability…
(more)
▼ BACKGROUND: Presently, there is very little research on the clinical validity of mental health smartphone application data, its relationship to brain biology, and its ability to inform clinical decisions. This paper seeks to explore these relationships within a sample of schizophrenic patients through the analysis of data collected on the mental health smartphone application Biewe.
OBJECTIVES: To validate mental health smartphone applications and support their potential to augment clinical practice.
METHODS: The application involved a series of 21 questions from several questionnaires including Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Warning Signals Scale (WSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the psychosis subscale of the Mini Mental State Examination. Data was collected over a period of 3 months, and patients attended a total of 4 clinic visits during this timeframe. Seven study participants also had brain scan data available from the BSNIP, PARDIP and Biceps studies currently in progress at MMHC which has been used for analysis. The structural MPRAGE T1 scans were processed using Free Surfer 6 in which thickness and volume measures were extracted. All statistical analyses on the data were carried out using R statistics software.
RESULTS: Clinic and application responses within the same week were not significantly different from each other. The application answers, however, appeared to be more sensitive to structural abnormalities in the brain. Symptoms defined as a lack of normal emotional responses (i.e. negative symptoms of schizophrenia) were negatively correlated to home time and positively correlated to distance travelled, which was a counterintuitive result.
CONCLUSIONS: The results show that mobile monitoring has the potential to be a valid and reliable method of data collection and that it may be able to augment clinical decision making.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Torous, John (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
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APA (6th Edition):
Rizzuto, C. (2018). The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31256
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Rizzuto, Conor. “The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis.” 2018. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31256.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Rizzuto, Conor. “The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis.” 2018. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Rizzuto C. The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2018. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31256.
Council of Science Editors:
Rizzuto C. The validity of smartphone data and its relationship to clinical symptomatology and brain biology: an exploratory analysis. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2018. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/31256

Boston University
9.
Johnson, Lauren.
An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2019, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36530
► Pituitary adenomas constitute about 15% of intracranial tumors, and about one-third of secretory pituitary adenomas produce ACTH. Corticotroph adenomas, a subset of pituitary adenomas staining…
(more)
▼ Pituitary adenomas constitute about 15% of intracranial tumors, and about one-third of secretory pituitary adenomas produce ACTH. Corticotroph adenomas, a subset of pituitary adenomas staining positive for ACTH, are further categorized into functional (FCA) and silent (SCA) adenomas. FCAs result in central Cushing’s disease (CD) due to the resulting excess of cortisol secretion stimulated by ACTH secretion through hormone disruption while SCAs exhibit mass effects and show increased aggression as compared to its functional counterpart. Obesity and cardiovascular disease, resulting from hypercortisolism in functional adenomas, increase patient morbidity while the invasive nature of silent adenomas increases mortality. Trans sphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the best available treatment option for cotricotroph adenomas, but tumor recurrence is common. We sought to identify differential genetic drivers of sporadic FCAs and SCAs in order to better characterize these tumors and develop novel treatment options. We examined 17 adenomas including 12 FCA and 5 SCA as well as 2 corticotroph hyperplasia (CH) tissue samples. We performed next generation sequencing using OncoPanel versions 2 and 3 on patients operated on at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital between 2008 and 2018 and determined to have a corticotroph adenoma. 3 of 4 FCA patients screened for USP8 mutations contained variants previously described in CD including USP8S718P and USP8S719del. 3 of the 12 FCA patients screened for mutations in ARID1B contained novel variants and 1 patient contained a variant previously described in large intestine adenocarcinomas. Additionally, SNPs were commonly identified in genes responsible for epigenetic regulation implicating histone modification as a therapeutic target. We identified recurrent copy number variants (CNV) in both FCAs and SCAs. Gains of 6p, 20q and 21q were frequently observed in FCAs alongside less common losses in 11p and 19q. Significant amplifications of chromosome 12 were detected in SCAs with single nucleotide deletions in chromosome 10. Furthermore, we report diverging genomic disruption between subtypes associated with functional hormone status. Our data identifies novel genetic drivers in subclasses of corticotroph adenomas and indicate distinct genomic profiles associated with hormone secretion and clinical presentation. Further research is required to better elucidate the role of these genetic variants and how they influence tumorigenesis and hormone production.
Advisors/Committee Members: Abreu, Ana (advisor), Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; ACTH; Adenoma; Corticotroph; OncoPanel; Pituitary; USP8
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APA (6th Edition):
Johnson, L. (2019). An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36530
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Johnson, Lauren. “An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas.” 2019. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36530.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Johnson, Lauren. “An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas.” 2019. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Johnson L. An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2019. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36530.
Council of Science Editors:
Johnson L. An investigation of genetic variants in corticotroph adenomas. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2019. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36530

Boston University
10.
MacKenzie, James.
Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2019, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36583
► The diabetic patient is subject to many complications in the event of poor control of blood glucose or blood pressure. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading…
(more)
▼ The diabetic patient is subject to many complications in the event of poor control of blood glucose or blood pressure. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney dialysis in the developed world. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity in the United States. There are many different factors that predispose people to developing these conditions. Among these factors in a diabetic patient, hypertension has been shown to be strongly correlated with progression of micro and macrovascular complications. There are several antihypertensive treatment options for lowering blood pressure including angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta adrenergic receptor blockers, and diuretics among others. By lowering blood pressure in diabetic patients comorbid with hypertension, complications arising from either condition have been shown to be reduced to a greater extent than can be explained with either normal blood pressure or blood glucose levels. However, there is mounting evidence that certain beta-adrenergic receptor blockers cause insulin desensitization, adverse lipid metabolism, and poor carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, hypertension is a complex disease process especially when considered from the perspective of the patient with diabetes. There are many possible underlying mechanisms for the hypertension and resulting complications, so it may be important for the prescribing physician to employ a combination of different classes of antihypertensive pharmaceuticals when treating their patients. Although some antihypertensive agents may cause some adverse effects in patients, they are usually very well tolerated, and attempts should be made to incorporate them into a treatment plan for preventing the onset of diabetic complications.
Advisors/Committee Members: Atkinson, David (advisor), Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; Diabetes; Hypertension
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
MacKenzie, J. (2019). Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36583
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
MacKenzie, James. “Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications.” 2019. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36583.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
MacKenzie, James. “Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications.” 2019. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
MacKenzie J. Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2019. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36583.
Council of Science Editors:
MacKenzie J. Role of anti-hypertension class drugs in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus complications. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2019. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36583

Boston University
11.
Tkac, Emily Sommer.
Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2019, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36635
► BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic, and the number of those affected is only growing. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to the body’s inability…
(more)
▼ BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic, and the number of those affected is only growing. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to the body’s inability to produce or properly use insulin. Hyperglycemia contributes to diabetic complications in several ways, one of which is promoting glycation. Glycation is the non-enzymatic glucosylation of proteins, and because glycation is adventitious, the process most commonly occurs on proteins with long half-lives, such as collagen. Glycation greatly changes collagen’s mechanical and biochemical properties. Glycation leads to the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that have been shown to contribute to the complications seen in diabetes in one of two ways: establishment of crosslinks between molecules in the basement membrane of the extracellular matrix, altering cellular function, or interactions between AGEs and AGE receptors on the cell surface. Diabetes greatly impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds, and it is thought that the AGEs produced by glycation greatly contribute this phenomenon. However, it is not fully understood, what direct role AGEs and glycated collagen plays in the wound healing process. Three-dimensional microtissue models have been developed for the purpose of studying wound healing, and the creation of a three-dimensional microtissue with glycated collagen allows for investigation into the specific role that glycated collagen plays on both the mechanical and biochemical properties of the wound closure and the healing process.
METHODS: In order to study the effect of glycated collagen on wound healing, a protocol to make glycated collagen must first be developed. To make glycated collagen, soluble rat-tail type I collagen will be incubated with 250mM ribose at 4°C for a minimum of five days to allow the collagen to become glycated. The glycated collagen will be used to make a collagen gel, and then papain buffer will digest the gel. The extent of glycation will be determined through quantifying the digested glycated collagen gel’s autofluorescence, absorbance, and changes that can be perceived visually. Once it is confirmed that the collagen has been glycated, it will be incorporated into a microtissue model based on a previously published protocol. The microtissue will then be wounded with a micromanipulator and 16-gauge needle, and visualized via time-lapse microscopy. The rate at which the wound closes will be compared in microtissues made with glycated collagen to those made with non-glycated collagen.
RESULTS: Glycation of collagen was unable to be confirmed consistently by measuring the autofluorescence of the collagen gel digests. However, the absorbance of the collagen gel digest was used to determine that the collagen was 43.16% glycated and visual changes in the collagen gels made with glycated collagen was also observed. Microtissues were able to successfully form with the glycated collagen, and were able to be used to compare wound healing in normal microtissues against those made with glycated collagen.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Sgro, Allyson E. (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Bioengineering; Diabetes; Glycation; Microtissue; Wound healing
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❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Tkac, E. S. (2019). Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36635
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Tkac, Emily Sommer. “Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing.” 2019. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36635.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Tkac, Emily Sommer. “Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing.” 2019. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Tkac ES. Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2019. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36635.
Council of Science Editors:
Tkac ES. Non-enzymatic glycation of synthetic microtissues for three-dimensional diabetic wound healing. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2019. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36635

Boston University
12.
Wells, Reeder M.
High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2019, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36722
► BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation has not proven…
(more)
▼ BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation has not proven to be effective in improving vitamin D status, and it is thought that this failure has been primarily due to a lack of compliance. Circulating vitamin D is crucial to bone growth and development in children and adolescents. However, more recent data has demonstrated that vitamin D also plays a significant role in the maintenance and regulation of the immune system.
OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of administering high dose oral vitamin D therapy in pediatric patients with IBD. We chose to study patients receiving Remicade, an immunosuppressive monoclonal antibody therapy administered intravenously, as the need for scheduled hospital-based infusions provides a unique opportunity to ensure compliance in our study population.
METHODS: We identified consecutive pediatric patients with IBD with a recent 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level < 30ng/mL, maintained on Remicade, and with no history of kidney or liver disease for inclusion in the study from November 2017 and November 2018. Enrolled patients received one-year of open-label therapy. Vitamin D treatment doses were assigned by Remicade interval and patients received either 50,000 international units (IU) (every 4-5 weeks) or 100,000 IU (every 6-8 weeks) vitamin D3 orally at the time of their Remicade infusions. In addition to vitamin D levels, spot urine calcium to creatinine ratios, serum calcium, phosphorus, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, quality of life metrics, and surveys pertaining to dietary vitamin D intake and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure were collected throughout the study period.
RESULTS: Baseline vitamin D status in enrolled patients did not differ by gender, dosing group, diet, or diagnosis (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis). Subjects reached steady-state serum 25OHD levels after three doses administered over a span of 4 to 8 months, our data demonstrated an increase in average 25OH vitamin D levels from 21.17 ng/mL to 28.19 ng/mL in the 50,000 IU and 23.00 ng/mL to 33.18 ng/mL in the 100,000 IU dose groups, respectively. The improvement in vitamin D status did not correlate with changes in quality of life or disease activity. The response to vitamin D therapy was independent of diet, sun exposure, race, gender, diagnosis, or season of enrollment. There were no adverse events, including changes in urine calcium to creatinine excretion or serum BUN and creatinine values. Several patients manifest a small decrease in serum phosphorus during the initial phase of the study. However, these changes were transient and no subjects exhibited clinical signs or symptoms of hypophosphatemia.
CONCLUSION: High dose, interval vitamin D supplementation achieved steady-state 25OHD levels of 30 ng/mL or greater, with no signs of toxicity in patients enrolled in this pilot study. These data suggest that high-dose interval therapy…
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Rufo, Paul A. (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; Autoimmune diseases; Inflammatory bowel disease; Pediatrics; Vitamin D
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Wells, R. M. (2019). High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36722
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Wells, Reeder M. “High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade.” 2019. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36722.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Wells, Reeder M. “High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade.” 2019. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Wells RM. High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2019. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36722.
Council of Science Editors:
Wells RM. High dose interval vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving Remicade. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2019. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/36722

Boston University
13.
Wong, Jessica H.
Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments.
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2020, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41765
► Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects women shortly after the birth of their newborn. Prevalent symptoms include sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and lack…
(more)
▼ Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects women shortly after the birth of their newborn. Prevalent symptoms include sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and lack of interest in activities that used to be pleasurable. Severe cases may include suicide ideation. While the pathogenesis and treatment methods are similar to major depressive disorder (MDD), it is not until recently that individual research has been performed to further understand PPD and its origins as well as efficacy of treatments on mothers with their wavering biology.
Risk factors that are statistically significant in contributing to a higher risk of PPD include biological and genetic predispositions, environmental factors such as demographics, and most importantly, the mother’s previous mental history. Clinicians suggest treatment methods depending on the severity of the case and the mother’s lifestyle. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment recommended to mothers with mild to moderate PPD; this is also a favorable choice for mothers breastfeeding as all antidepressants can secrete into breast milk. Antidepressants fall under several classifications, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being the optimal choice as they produce less side effects compared to the others. Mothers with a previous mental history or severe PPD are immediately recommended antidepressants as the therapy of choice. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while controversial, has become a more prominent option for mothers with severe PPD or for patients who simply want results sooner.
Meta-analyses performed explore the origin of PPD and compare treatments currently in place. Similar confounding variables arise time and time again in these studies; region, local demographics, and self-report surveys make it difficult to apply data from one city, much less another country, to another. Studies with a large population of people of color or areas where seeking mental health counseling is looked down upon show large numbers of subjects dropping out of studies midway. The accuracy of data from self-report surveys is also questionable. As research continues to find more effective treatments and better comprehend the biological aspect of PPD, an increased understanding of current studies may aid in the management of PPD.
Advisors/Committee Members: Soghomonian, Jean-Jacques R. (advisor), Levy, Simon (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Psychobiology; Depression; Postpartum; PPD
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APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
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Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Wong, J. H. (2020). Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments. (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41765
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Wong, Jessica H. “Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments.” 2020. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41765.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Wong, Jessica H. “Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments.” 2020. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Wong JH. Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2020. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41765.
Council of Science Editors:
Wong JH. Postpartum depression: pathogenesis and treatments. [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2020. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/41765

Boston University
14.
Rampally, Neha.
Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Degree: MS, Medical Sciences, 2020, Boston University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/42186
► Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the one of the leading causes of infertility among women who are of child-bearing age. The syndrome’s vast range of phenotypes…
(more)
▼ Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the one of the leading causes of infertility among women who are of child-bearing age. The syndrome’s vast range of phenotypes has made it challenging for researchers to not only consistently diagnose but also discover a cure. Currently, there are several proposed treatments being looked into, however, much of the research focuses on employing promising biomarkers, micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), that can potentially aid in diagnosis. The four prominent locations of research for these biomarkers include: ovarian tissues specifically looking into granulosa cells (GC), adipose tissue, follicular fluid, and the serum. My goal is to determine which of these areas holds the most promise to diagnose this syndrome in the years to come.
This study reviewed a large collection of the current polycystic ovarian syndrome literature evaluating both reported miRNAs and how viable those would be as potential biomarkers to use for the future. The data showed that a majority of these promising biomarkers were found in granulosa cells, adipose tissue, and follicular fluid. Although there were miRNAs that were deemed promising in the serum, research is still far from conclusive in using these miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
By comparing the miRNAs selected from each type of location, I was able to conclude that miR-21, miR-93, miR-223, and miR-let-7b hold the most promise for the potential to become biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome in the near future. Currently, there is a lot of research particularly surrounding these miRNAs and how they were shown to have been expressed in statistically significant levels among women with the syndrome. However, because of their complexity, miRNAs do not regulate one single pathway, it is hard to describe a mechanism that explains the pathophysiology of the syndrome. I believe we are still far away from successfully zooming in on one biomarker. By determining the most potential biomarker(s), we can focus resources and efforts towards finding a better diagnostic tool for this syndrome.
Advisors/Committee Members: Levy, Simon (advisor), Adkins, Amy (advisor).
Subjects/Keywords: Medicine; Hormonal imbalance; Metabolic disorder; Reproductive disorder
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❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Rampally, N. (2020). Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). (Masters Thesis). Boston University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2144/42186
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Rampally, Neha. “Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).” 2020. Masters Thesis, Boston University. Accessed April 10, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/2144/42186.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Rampally, Neha. “Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).” 2020. Web. 10 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Rampally N. Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Boston University; 2020. [cited 2021 Apr 10].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/42186.
Council of Science Editors:
Rampally N. Potential of utilizing specific miRNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). [Masters Thesis]. Boston University; 2020. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/42186
.