Grand Rapids Research Articles

Bilateral pulvinar responsive neurostimulation for bilateral multifocal posteriorly dominant drug resistant epilepsy.

To describe four cases of Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) in the bilateral pulvinar nuclei (PUL) in individuals with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). This will show that due to widespread PUL connectivity, bilateral PUL RNS may be an option for some individuals with bilateral multifocal epilepsy. This study comprises two centers' experience with bilateral PUL RNS for DRE. Patients treated with bilateral PUL RNS at Westchester Medical Center (Valhalla, NY) and Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, MI) between the years 2019 and 2022 were analyzed and described. Presented here are methods for target selection, device programming, and clinical outcomes. Two patients with Lennox-Gastaut phenotype (aged 13 and 21 years) with posteriorly dominant discharges were implanted with bilateral PUL electrodes. Additionally, two patients (aged 20 and 31 years) with independent left and right occipital bilateral multifocal seizure onsets were implanted with bilateral RNS devices targeting the ipsilateral PUL and ipsilateral occipital cortex. Subclinical and clinical seizures were captured by RNS electrocorticography (ECoG) in all patients. RNS implantation and treatment was well-tolerated without adverse effects in all patients. Relative to baseline, two patients had 25% and 50% reduction in disabling seizures, and two patients had 71% and 100% reduction in disabling seizures. Stimulation paradigms utilized high frequency stimulation in both Lennox-Gastaut phenotype patients. Low frequency (individualized to the terminal ictal frequencies) stimulation was effective in the two bioccipital patients. RNS with electrode placement targeting bilateral PUL is safe, and no adverse effects have been attributable to the pulvinar electrode placement. PUL responsive neurostimulation is potentially effective for patients with bilateral multifocal, posteriorly dominant DRE. Both high and low frequency responsive stimulation are treatment options. Longer follow-up will shed light on the ultimate reduction of seizure burden. We describe four cases where stimulation devices were placed in the Pulvinar area of the thalamus (central sensory area in the brain). This is very unique and different location than where these devices are typically placed. These patients all had great outcomes with marked seizure reduction, demonstrating that this placement is both safe and effective.

Significantly enhanced energy efficiency through reflective materials integration in plant factories with artificial light

Plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) based on vertical farming is a promising technology for resource-efficient plant production, especially in urban areas or arid regions. However, the lighting system of PFAL requires a large amount of energy, which makes the total energy cost much higher than open-field and greenhouse farming. To address this issue, in this work, a cultivation system integrated with highly reflective materials is demonstrated in PFAL, which reduces light energy consumption by more than 36 %. A low-cost reflective film is fabricated with an overall reflectivity of 96.5 % in the entire photosynthetically active radiation spectrum. The effectiveness of this reflective film in reducing energy consumption is further demonstrated with optical simulation analysis and the corresponding computational fluid dynamics simulation based on an experimental cultivation rack. The corresponding field experiments of 3 different types of lettuce, Crunchy, Butterhead and Grand Rapids, under different light intensities are conducted in the cultivation unit. With reflective film properly installed, a 36 % reduction of light energy consumption is demonstrated while the dry weight and fresh weight still increase. An additional benefit is that the light reception area of lettuce becomes larger due to the more uniform lighting with the integration of reflective material. This work presents a simple yet reliable strategy for enhancing the energy efficiency in PFAL systems and can achieve the cost-effective daily production of lettuce with significantly reduced energy input.

Joshua W. Jipp, Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vison of Human Flourishing in Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. x + 278. $37.99

Joshua W. Jipp, Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vison of Human Flourishing in Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. x + 278. $37.99

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church by Romanus CessarioO.P., Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2023, pp. xiv+290, $32.99, hbk

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church by Romanus CessarioO.P., Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2023, pp. xiv+290, $32.99, hbk

Thomas H. McCall, Caleb T. Friedeman, and Matt T. Friedeman, The Doctrine of Good Works: Reclaiming a Neglected Protestant Teaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. xvi + 208. $27.99

Thomas H. McCall, Caleb T. Friedeman, and Matt T. Friedeman, The Doctrine of Good Works: Reclaiming a Neglected Protestant Teaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. xvi + 208. $27.99

Matthew Thiessen, A Jewish Paul: The Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. xii + 187. $24.99

Matthew Thiessen, A Jewish Paul: The Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023), pp. xii + 187. $24.99

Coffman, Elesha J. Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024.

Coffman, Elesha J. Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024.

Long-term geomorphic effects of longitudinal training walls in the Grand River, Michigan (USA)

The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan, flowing from northwest Hillsdale County to Lake Michigan, and draining an area over 14,400 km2. Bathymetric surveys of a ~ 38 km reach of the river from Grand Rapids to the confluence with Bass River, performed in 1906, were uncovered in the Grand Rapids Community Archives and Research Center in 2014. These maps show depth recordings across the channel along cross sections spaced ~90 m apart. The maps also show the location of numerous training walls that were built in the river in the 1890's as an effort to maintain navigation. The 1906 maps were georeferenced, and the bathymetric data were digitized, converted to bed elevation, and interpolated into an elevation model of the channel bed. High-resolution multibeam echo sounding surveys were conducted in June 2019 and 2020 over the same reach and provided a means to assess over 100-years of geomorphic changes. The results from these analyses showed substantial changes to the average channel width and width variability, with some locations narrowing by up to 50 % (~90 m). Volumetric difference maps between 1906 and 2020 revealed a streamwise spatial variation in the net erosion and deposition, with upstream reaches being predominantly erosional and downstream reaches exhibiting net deposition, with the transition occurring close to the extent of backwater influence from Lake Michigan. The presence of the training walls also resulted in the development of many mid-channel islands and narrowing of the channel through floodplain accretion. Findings from this study have implications for river management projects that have been proposed for the Grand River, as well as other rivers where these structures might be implemented.

Effects of Applying Biochar on Soil Cadmium Immobilisation and Cadmium Pollution Control in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

In order to analyse the impact of biochar in terms of reducing the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in soil, a study was conducted on the solidification effect of biochar on soil cadmium and its resistance to cadmium contamination in lettuce. In this study, soil which was contaminated with 10 mg/kg cadmium was used as the substrate; corn, rice, and wheat straw biochar were used as solidification and amendment materials; and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids) was used as the test plant. The morphological characteristics of the biochar, soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil-available Cd, as well as lettuce plant height, fresh weight, and leaf Cd content, were measured and analysed. The results showed that all three types of biochar possessed distinct porous structures and functional groups such as hydroxyl, ether, and carbonyl groups. Increases in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lettuce plant height, and fresh weight were effectively promoted. Additionally, a significant reduction in the available Cd content in the soil and Cd content in lettuce leaves was observed, with the inhibitory effect becoming more pronounced as the biochar application rate increased. When 5% corn straw biochar was added (1 kg of substrate with 50 g of biochar), the best inhibitory effect on Cd contamination was observed, with a cadmium content of 4.63 mg/kg in lettuce leaves. The available Cd in the soil and the Cd content in lettuce leaves decreased by 32.00% and 49.78%, respectively, compared to the CK group (without biochar treatment). Additionally, the plant height and fresh weight of lettuce increased by 25.56% and 31.31%, respectively, compared to the CK group. This indicated that the application of straw biochar can stabilise soil Cd, reduce the availability of Cd in the soil, inhibit the transfer of Cd into lettuce, promote the growth of lettuce, and lower the ecological environmental risk of Cd. These research results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the remediation of soil Cd contamination and the safe production of lettuce.

Temporal Separation of Red and Blue Photons Does Not Increase Photon Capture or Yield of Lettuce

Temporal separation of red (R) and blue (B) (alternating R/B) photons has been reported to increase leaf area, photon capture, and yield of lettuce compared with delivering both colors together (concurrent R+B). We grew three diverse lettuce cultivars (Grand Rapids, Rex, and Red Sails) under concurrent R+B photons (9/1 ratio) and alternating R/B photons (9/1 ratio) under an equal daily light integral (DLI) of either 8.6 or 23 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1. Contrary to five previous studies, we found no increase in either leaf area or fresh mass and dry mass in any of the alternating R/B photon treatments compared with concurrent R+B photons. In fact, at a DLI at 8.6 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1, alternating R/B photons decreased the dry mass of ‘Grand Rapids’ and ‘Rex’ lettuce by 38% and 17%, respectively. Two previous studies reported that photosynthetic rates increased with alternating R/B photons; however, we found that the net assimilation rate was generally decreased by alternating R/B photons. An analysis of images obtained from automated digital photography revealed that the relative expansion rate of leaves was 61% higher during intervals of pure B rather than intervals of pure R photons at the same photosynthetic photon flux density; however, this did not result in a higher leaf area compared with concurrent R+B photons. Overall, our studies do not indicate that alternating R/B photons increase lettuce leaf area or yield compared with concurrent R+B photons.

Twelve Years of Drug Prioritization to Help Accelerate Disease Modification Trials in Parkinson's Disease: The International Linked Clinical Trials Initiative.

In 2011, the UK medical research charity Cure Parkinson's set up the international Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) committee to help expedite the clinical testing of potentially disease modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD). The first committee meeting was held at the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2012. This group of PD experts has subsequently met annually to assess and prioritize agents that may slow the progression of this neurodegenerative condition, using a systematic approach based on preclinical, epidemiological and, where possible, clinical data. Over the last 12 years, 171 unique agents have been evaluated by the iLCT committee, and there have been 21 completed clinical studies and 20 ongoing trials associated with the initiative. In this review, we briefly outline the iLCT process as well as the clinical development and outcomes of some of the top prioritized agents. We also discuss a few of the lessons that have been learnt, and we conclude with a perspective on what the next decade may bring, including the introduction of multi-arm, multi-stage clinical trial platforms and the possibility of combination therapies for PD.

Making the MexiRican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Making the MexiRican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Desempenho morfofisiologico e qualidade pós-colheita de cultivares de alface hidropônica em condições de temperatura elevada

ABSTRACT Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most economically important leafy vegetable in Brazil, with the crisp type being the most popular among producers. However, in regions with hot climates, lettuce has production limitations due to bolting, requiring knowledge on the behavior of cultivars available on the market. Thus, the objective of the present study was to characterize the performance of crisp lettuce cultivars in terms of their productive, physiological, and postharvest quality aspects when grown under hydroponic cultivation and high temperature conditions. The assay was performed in a greenhouse and the plants were grown in a hydroponic system of DFT type. The average temperature during the experiment was 30.33 °C. The experimental design used was completely randomized with nine treatments (Veneranda, Cristina, Olinda, Mônica, Cinderela, Grand Rapids, Itapuã Super, Crocantela, and Simpson Black Seed), with four replications. The cultivars were analyzed in terms of their productive, physiological, and postharvest quality performances. The Olinda and Cristina cultivars showed the best performance in growth, physiological, and postharvest variables. However, the cultivars had distinct sensory characteristics. Bolting negatively affected gas exchange, production, and postharvest quality of lettuce cultivars Veneranda, Mônica, Grand Rapids, and Cinderela. In addition, it was observed that the pigment content was not determinant for the expression of bolting. Therefore, this study recommends the use of cultivars Olinda and Cristina for the hydroponic cultivation under high temperature conditions.

Freedom and Sin: Evil in a World Created by God by Ross McCullough, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2022, pp. xii + 244, £40.99, hbk

Freedom and Sin: Evil in a World Created by God by Ross McCullough, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2022, pp. xii + 244, £40.99, hbk

The Bible and the Priesthood: Priestly Participation in the One Sacrifice for Sins by Anthony Giambrone OP, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, 2022, pp. xxi + 297, $22.99, pbk

The Bible and the Priesthood: Priestly Participation in the One Sacrifice for Sins by Anthony Giambrone OP, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, 2022, pp. xxi + 297, $22.99, pbk

Abstract CT105: Early clinical experience with a novel first-in-class G-quadruplex experimental anti-cancer drug

Abstract The human genome contains G-rich regions that are over-represented in many cancer gene promoters. These can form higher-order G-quadruplex arrangements under the influence of an appropriate and selective small molecule compound. The resulting ligand-G-quadruplex complex may be resistant to polymerase read-through and thus results in transcriptional down-regulation of target genes. QN-302, based on a tetra-substituted naphthalene diimide chemotype, is a potent and selective G-quadruplex-binding compound that has been designed and initially developed at University College London. It displays single-digit cell growth inhibition in a panel of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines. RNA-seq analysis shows that it is a pan-quadruplex agent, down-regulating the expression of multiple G-quadruplex-promoter cancer genes and pathways in PDAC. It also shows in vivo anti-tumor activity in several animal models for PDAC, with low toxicity observed at therapeutic doses. QN-302 was licensed to Qualigen Therapeutics Inc in January 2022. It was granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA in December 2022 for PDAC. This was followed by extensive regulatory toxicological and pharmacological studies together with successful scale-up synthesis, purification and formulation. QN-302 was granted IND clearance in August 2023 by the FDA for phase 1 clinical trials in advanced or metastatic solid tumors. This Phase 1a clinical trial is being conducted in two USA cancer centers (START Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI and Honor Health, Scottsdale, AZ) using a protocol based on 28-day once-weekly dose escalation and evaluation of three potential biomarkers, two of which have been suggested by transcriptomic analysis as being indicative of G-quadruplex-induced drug response and accompanying decrease of anti-tumor activity. So far 1 Cohort (3 patients) has been dosed at the lowest dose of 1.62 mg of QN-302 as part of this Phase 1a clinical trial. Patient #1, a male patient of metastatic pancreatic cancer, is currently in Cycle 4 of therapy showing Stable Disease and no AEs or SAEs reported. Patient #2, a female patient of metastatic colorectal cancer, completed Cycle 2 after which she showed progression upon CT Scan before entering Cycle 3 and was taken off study. Patient #3, a male patient of metastatic PDAC, is currently ending Cycle 2, about to enter Cycle 3, showing Stable Disease upon CT scan. All patients dosed showed no AEs, SAEs or side effects. They were also clinically observed to have improved QOL compared to prior SOC while on therapy with QN-302, This presentation will outline this unique approach and summarize safety, tolerability, PK/PD data and any early clinical data as described above including preliminary biomarker data now that clinical evaluation has commenced. The advantages and challenges of QN-302 will also be discussed. Citation Format: Tariq Arshad, Stephen Neidle, Sreenivasa Chandana, Erkut Borazanci. Early clinical experience with a novel first-in-class G-quadruplex experimental anti-cancer drug [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT105.

The labors of a godly and learned divine, William Perkins. Including previously unpublished sermons. By Matthew N. Payne and Stephen J. Yuille. Pp. 512. Grand Rapids, Mi: Reformation Heritage Books, 2022. $50. 978 1601789471

The labors of a godly and learned divine, William Perkins. Including previously unpublished sermons. By Matthew N. Payne and Stephen J. Yuille. Pp. 512. Grand Rapids, M<scp>i</scp>: Reformation Heritage Books, 2022. $50. 978 1601789471

Abstract 830: Michigan cancer and research on the environment study (MI-CARES) cohort: Baseline methods and participant characteristics

Abstract Michigan has a long history of adverse environmental exposures, many of which are still ongoing, like the Flint water crisis, extreme air pollution burden, and widespread PFAS exposure. Michigan is also home to a diverse population of Latinx, Black, White, and Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) Americans. Because minority populations are underrepresented in environment and cancer research despite being at greater risk of being exposed to environmental hazards and having worse cancer outcomes, Michigan is uniquely positioned for studying the associations between environmental exposures and cancer risk. In June 2022, the Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study (MI-CARES) began recruitment with a goal of establishing a cohort of over 100,000 Michiganders to examine these associations. Any Michigander aged 18-49 is eligible to enroll in MI-CARES. By focusing on this age range, we will capture exposures during important windows of susceptibility prior to the onset of most cancers.While recruitment is open to all state-wide, efforts are focused on six environmental injustice hotspots, identified using the MiEJScreen tool, a relative summary score capturing pollution burden and population vulnerability: the metro areas of Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Detroit, and Bay City-Saginaw.MI-CARES will enroll equal numbers of Black, Latinx, MENA, and White participants. To support participation in diverse communities, study materials are available in Arabic, English, and Spanish. MI-CARES has employed a multifaceted community engagement strategy and is recruiting from these communities directly and with the help of community partners. An incentive of $10 is also provided to participants who successfully complete the questionnaire.To democratize participation, MI-CARES enrollment can be completely remote, but in-person and paper-based enrollment is available. Enrollment includes a baseline questionnaire, consent for data linkage, and annual follow-up surveys. Participants are also asked to provide saliva and blood spot samples via a mailed at-home biospecimen collection kit. Biospecimens will be analyzed for environmental exposures like heavy metals and for intermediate cancer markers including inflammation, cellular aging, immune function, and altered metabolism. Participant data will be linked to neighborhood-level exposure databases, administrative databases like cancer registries and death indices, and to the Michigan Neonatal Biobank. More than 4,000 Michiganders have enrolled in MI-CARES. Data on initial cohort members including environmental exposure history and demographic characteristics will be presented. MI-CARES is part of the Cohorts for Environmental Exposures and Cancer Risk (CEECR) consortium, which is funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. Citation Format: Lilah Khoja, Maxwell Salvatore, Minh Tung Phung, Isabella De Sa, Heatherlun Uphold, Justin Colacino, Alison M. Mondul, Bhramar Mukherjee, Dana Dolinoy, Celeste Leigh Pearce. Michigan cancer and research on the environment study (MI-CARES) cohort: Baseline methods and participant characteristics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 830.

Oliver D. Crisp, Participation and Atonement: An Analytic and Constructive Account (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2022), pp. xi + 259. $29.99

Oliver D. Crisp, Participation and Atonement: An Analytic and Constructive Account (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2022), pp. xi + 259. $29.99

A CALL TO CHRISTIAN FORMATION: HOW THEOLOGY MAKES SENSE OF OUR WORLD. By John C.Clark and Marcus PeterJohnson. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing. 2021. Pp. xiii + 208. Paperback, $24.00.

A CALL TO CHRISTIAN FORMATION: HOW THEOLOGY MAKES SENSE OF OUR WORLD. By John C.Clark and Marcus PeterJohnson. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing. 2021. Pp. xiii + 208. Paperback, $24.00.