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Biomedical Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Gluten Free Diet Ameliorates SI Enteropathy in IGA Deficient Mice , Ryan Albert William Ball

Progressive Neurochemical, Neuroinflammatory and Cognitive Deficits in an Experimental Model of Gulf War Illness , Hannah Elizabeth Burzynski

Effects Of Chronic Stress On Working Memory Are Sex-specific And Age-dependent , Tyler Jamison Cox

Aortopathies: Mechanism of Pathogenesis and Therapy , Mengistu G. Gebere

Leptin, Serotonin, and the Control of Food Intake , Nicholas David Maxwell

Targeting Macrophages in Cancer Models Using Natural Compounds , Sierra Jordan McDonald

Neurodevelopmental and Transient Impacts of Brain Kynurenic Acid Elevation and Sleep-Wake Behavior , Katherine Rentschler

Exploration Into the Relationship Between Colitis and Depression: A Potential Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor , Kasie Lynn Roark

B-Cell-Specific MHCII Promotes Host-Microbiome Symbiosis , Mary Melissa Roland

Cardiac Imaging in Mice With Micro-Computed Tomography: An Assessment , Kyle Porter Stegmann

Impact Of Steroid Receptor And Hormone Manipulation In Skeletal Muscle: Implications For Glucose Metabolism And Insulin Sensitivity In Male Mice , Christian Aaron Unger

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Role of Epigenome in Regulation of Inflammation By AHR Ligands 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin and 6-Formylindolo[3,2-B] Carbazole , Alkeiver Cannon

Neurochemical, Molecular, and Behavioral Effects of Intranasal Insulin , Jennifer Marie Erichsen

Sex Differences and Potential Non-invasive Treatments for Calcific Aortic Valve Disease , Henry Pascal Helms

Decellularization Strategies of Naturally Derived Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications , Julia Elizabeth Hohn

Role of AhR in the Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Cells in Lungs During Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome , Bryan Latrell Holloman

The Submission of a Section 513(g) Request For Information , Morgan Ashley Lano

Engineering and Optimization of an AAV Based Viral Vector to Limit the In-Vitro Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Protein , Ronald Anderson Smithwick

In Vitro and in Vivo Studies of Mediator Kinase , Lili Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Role of AhR Ligands in Immune Modulation to Suppress Inflammation Through the Regulation of Microrna and Gut Microbiome , Osama Azeldeen Abdulla

Role of Estrogen in Regulating Diet-Induced Obesity in Females , Ahmed Aladhami

Impact of Acetylcholine on Internal Pathways To Basal Amygdala Pyramidal Neurons , Tyler Daniel Anderson-Sieg

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Derived Cancers: A Novel Study on Growth and Growth Suppression Utilizing Common Colorectal Cancer Agents , Raymond Kennith Bogdon

Impact of Acetylcholine on Amygdala Network Oscillations , Joshua Xavier Bratsch-Prince

Real Time Neurochemical Analysis of the Brain For Pharmacological Treatments in Mood Disorders And Neurodegeneration , Anna Marie Buchanan

Regulation of Inflammatory Processes by Tryptamine, Cannabidiol and 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin , Nicholas Dopkins

Study of the Effect of B-Cell-Intrinsic Mhcii Antigen Presentation on Germinal Center B Cell Evolution Using The Brainbow Mouse Model , Nia Hall

Mechanism of Therapeutic Efficacy of New Drugs in Glioblastoma , Firas Hameed Khathayer

The Effect of Low Dose Penicillin on Tumor Development in Apc Min/+ Mice , Kinsey Ann Sierra Meggett

Defining the Pathophysiology of Gut Humoral Immunodeficiency , Ahmed Dawood Mohammed

The Role PDE11A4 Signaling and Compartmentalization in Social Behavior , Kaitlyn Pilarzyk

Anatomical Correlates of Age-Related Basal Forebrain Dysfunction , Brandy Lynn Somera

A Novel Model to Study Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation , Austin N. Worden

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Molecular Mechanisms of Loss of E7 Expression in HPV16 – Transformed Human Keratinocytes , Fadi Farooq Abboodi

17 β-Estradiol and Phytoestrogens Attenuate Apoptotic Cell Death in HIV-1 Tat Exposed Primary Cortical Cultures , Sheila Marie Adams

Helicobacter’s Effects on Colitis/Colon Cancer and the Response to Indole 3-Carbinol , Rasha Raheem Abdulhamza Alkarkoushi

A Comparative Study of Cannabinoids & CB1 Receptor GI Signaling , Haley Kristen Andersen

Expansion Microscopy: A New Approach to Microscopic Evaluation , Ashley Ferri

The Role of Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammation in Depression: Uncovering the Relationship Between Histamine and Serotonin Transmission , Melinda Hersey

The Use of Natural Anthraquinone Emodin as a Primary and Complementary Therapeutic in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer , Alexander-Jacques Theodore Sougiannis

The Effects of Super-Resolution Microscopy on Colocalization Conclusions Previously Made With Diffraction-Limited Systems in the Biomedical Sciences , Madison Emily Yemc

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Role of Epigenome and Microbiome in Cannabinoid and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases , Zinah Zamil Al-Ghezi

Tissue-Specific Roles of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Ligands in Cardiac Outflow Tract Malformations and Calcific Aortic Valve Disease , Nadia Al-Sammarraie

Role of Epigenetic, Molecular and Cellular Pathways in the Regulation of Inflammation , William James Becker

Neurochemical and Behavioral Outcomes of Intranasal Orexin Administration in Young and Aged Animals , Coleman Blaine Calva

Interdependent Mechanisms of Stress Susceptibility , Julie Elaine Finnell

Astrocyte Sensitivity to Dopamine in Culture and Ex Vivo , Ashley L. Galloway

Three-Dimensional Plasma Cell Survival Microniche in Multiple Myeloma , Katrina A. Harmon

Role of Epigenome and Microbiome in Endocannabinoid-Mediated Regulation of Inflammation During Diet-Induced Obesity , Kathryn Miranda

Epigenetic and Purinergic Regulation of Mast Cells Mediator Release , Zahraa Abdulmohsin Mohammed

Effect of TCDD, an Environmental Contaminant, on Activation of AHR Leading to Induction of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCS) and the Ability of Resveratrol, a Botanical, to Neutralize this Effect , Wurood Hantoosh Neamah

An Anatomical Basis of the Differential Cholinergic Modulation of Valence-Specific Pyramidal Neurons in the Basolateral Amygdala , Nguyen Vu

Analysis of Cellular Interactions Within a Collagen Hydrogel , Austin N. Worden

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Role of Mammary Microenvironment in Promoting Left-Right Differences in Tumor Progression, Metastasis, and Therapeutic Response , Huda Issa Atiya

Enhancements in Alginate Microencapsulation Technology & Impacts on Cell Therapy Development , Marwa Belhaj

Effect Of Resveratrol On The Development Of Eczema , Christopher Carlucci

The Nervous System And Cancers Of The Head And Neck , Christian A. Graves

Turning Up Antitumor Immunity Against Breast Cancer , Johnie Hodge

Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Interventions For The Treatment Of Leigh Syndrome , Stephanie Martin

Regulation Of Prostaglandin D2 And Angiogenesis-Related Factors From Human Skin Mast Cells By Interleukin-6 And Resveratrol , Cody Cody McHale

Advanced Clearing Methods and Imaging Techniques for Optimized Three- Dimensional Reconstruction of Dense Tissues , Caleb A. Padgett

Role Of MIR-489 In HER2 Positive Breast Cancer , Yogin Patel

Operation Of The Leica SP8 Multiphoton Confocal System Using Single Or Multiple Fluorochromes , Amy E. Rowley

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Garlic Inhibits Inflammation during Dengue Infection , Alex R. Hall

Functional Role of the Homeobox Transcription Factor Six1 in Neoplastic Transformation of Human Keratinocytes , Maria Hosseinipour

Individual Differences in Markers of Cholinergic Signaling Correlating to Fear and Extinction Learning , Grace C. Jones

The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease , Desiree Leach

Succination Impairs Protein Folding and Promotes Chop Stability in the Adipocyte during Diabetes , Allison Manuel

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M1’s Impact on Fear Extinction Learning , Joshua R. McElroy

Hemodynamic Regulation Of Cardiac Valve Development , Vinal Menon

The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis , Fatma Saaoud

Synergism of Quercetin and Sodium Butyrate for Controlling Growth of Glioblastoma , Matthew Alan Taylor

Mast Cells and Lipid Cross-Talk in Skin Inflammation , Piper Alexandra Wedman

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Tumor Suppressor p53 Response To UV Light In Normal Human Keratinocyte Strains From Different Individuals , Fadi Farooq Abboodi

Vitamin D and Stress Fractures in Collegiate and Professional Athletes , Christian Michael Askew

Linking Obesity & Breast Cancer: Role Of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 And High Fat Diet-Induced Inflammation On Mammary Tumorigenesis , Taryn L. Cranford

The Identification Of The Direct And Indirect Pathways Through Which Leptin Facilitates Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus , Catherine Van Doorn

Morphogenic Effects Of Dopamine In Cultured Rat Hippocampal Astrocytes , Ashley L. Galloway

Emodin Regulates Macrophage Polarization: Application In Breast Cancer Treatment , Stephen Iwanowycz

Differences In Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of Chronic Migraine, With And Without Medication Overuse Headache, And The Effectiveness Of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block As A Treatment For Repairing Dysfunctional Connectivity. , Kaitlin Krebs

Prospective Assessment Of Health Disparities And Injury Risk Factors At Basic Combat Training At Ft. Jackson , Kristin Lescalleet

Transcriptional And Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of NRF2 In The Heart By The Deubiquitinase CYLD , Bryan J. Mathis

Regulation of Chronic and Acute Inflammatory Disease by microRNA and Microbiota , Pegah Mehrpouya-Bahrami

The Effect of Arsenic on Type 2 Diabetes and Inflammation , Kayla Penta

Factors Influencing The Collagen Fiber Angle Distribution in The Mouse Aorta , Shana Roach Watson

The Role of Epidermal Stem/Progenitor-Like Cells In HPV-Mediated Pre-Neoplastic Transformation , Yvon L. Woappi

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Extensive Genome Rearrangements of Caulobacter K31 and Genomic Diversity of type B3 Bacteriophages of Caulobacter Crescentus , Kurt Taylor Ash

Evaluating Muscle Fiber Architecture , Morgan Ashley Flahive

Characterization of STARD4 and STARD6 Proteins in Human Ovarian Tissue and Human Granulosa Cells and Cloning of Human STARD4 Transcripts , Aisha Shaaban

Cannabinoid-mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Functions , Jessica Margaret Sido

The Effect of 3D Collagen Scaffolds on Regulating Cellular Responses , Chad Simmons

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Metformin Arrests Growth and Induces Apoptosis of Neuroblastoma Cells , Nadia Al-Sammarraie

Cellular and Biochemical Effects of Sparstolonin B on Endothelial Cells to Inhibit Angiogenesis , Marwa Belhaj

An Evolutionary Perspective on Infectious and Chronic Disease , John Eberth

Status Epilepticus Induced Alterations in Hippocampal Anatomy and Neurotransmission , Denise K. Grosenbaugh

The Cardio-Protective Effects of Substance P in Both Ischemia/Reperfusion and and Short-Term Hypoxia Rat Models , Shaiban Jubair

MUSCARINIC MODULATION OF BASOLATERAL AMYGDALA , Lei Liu

MCP-1 In Colorectal Cancer: Benefits of Exercise , Jamie Lee McClellan

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) mediates immune suppression via modulation of microRNA expression in mice , Martine Menard

Effects of cPLA-2 on the Migration and Proliferation of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and the 2-D Migratory Patterns of Tropomyosin in Femoral and Abdominal Aorta Tissue , Jaimeson Thomas Powell

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Biomedical Sciences: Theses and Dissertations

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Introduction

Theses and dissertations are documents that present an author's research findings, which are submitted to the University in support of their academic degree. They are very useful to consult when carrying out your own research because they:

• provide a springboard to scope existing literature
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On this page you will find guidance on how to search for and access theses and dissertations in the Bodleian Libraries and beyond.

Definitions

Terms you may encounter in your research.

Thesis: In the UK, a thesis is normally a document that presents an author's research findings as part of a doctoral or research programme.

Dissertation: In the UK, a dissertation is normally a document that presents an author's research findings as part of an undergraduate or master's programme.

DPhil: An abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy, which is an advanced research qualification. You may also see it referred to as PhD.

ORA: The Oxford University Research Archive , an institutional repository for the University of Oxford's research output including digital theses.

Theses and dissertations

• Reading theses and dissertations in the Bodleian Libraries

The Bodleian Libraries collection holds DPhil, MLitt and MPhil theses deposited at the University of Oxford, which you can consult. You may also be interested to read theses and dissertations beyond the University of Oxford, some of which can be read online, or you can request an inter-library loan.

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To find out more about how to find and access theses and dissertations in the Bodleian Libraries and beyond, we recommend the following:

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Home > Sciences > Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Theses/dissertations from 2015 2015.

Dissertation: The Effects of Propofol, Sodium Pentobarbital, and Ketamine Hydrochloride on In Vitro Mouse Embryonic Development , Tyler C. Balak

Dissertation: Investigation Into Protein Folding and Misfolding , Jason Charles Collins

Dissertation: Exploring the Neuropeptides, Neuropeptide Receptors and Neurotransmitter Receptors in the Synganglia of Part-Fed Females of Ornithodoros turicata (Argasidae) and Ixodes scapularis (Ixodidae) with Insights Into Their Roles in Contrasting Biology , Noble I. Egekwu

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: Mouse Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development After Exposure to Vemurafenib (PLX4032), an Anti-Melanoma B-RAF V600E Inhibitor , Bo Liu

Dissertation: Experimental and Computational Analysis of the Synucleins , Agatha Munyanyi

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dissertation: New Tools for Real-Time Study of Embryonic Development , Lauren M. Browning

Dissertation: Structural and Functional Study of Multidrug Membrane Transporters , Feng Ding

Dissertation: Attachment Ability and Melanoma Inhibitory Activity mRNA Expression Level Changes in Murine B16-F10 Melanoma Cells Post Nanosecond Electric Pulses , Hongxia Jia

Dissertation: New Types of Morpho-Physiological Changes in Cells Exposed to Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field , Mikhail A. Rassokhin

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Dissertation: Nano- and Micro-Second Electrical Pulsing of B16-F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells: Plasma Membrane and Sub-Cellular Organelle Changes , Yiling Chen

Dissertation: Treatment of Aortic Heart Valve Conduit with Glutamine and Heat Shock as a Means to Deter the Constituent Cellular Population From Becoming Apoptotic , Alyce Marie Linthurst Jones

Dissertation: Design of In Vivo Assays for Study of Transport, Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Nanoparticles , Kerry Jean Lee

Dissertation: The Dietary Isoprenoid Perillyl Alcohol Inhibits Telomerase Activity in Prostate Cancer Cells , Tabetha Sundin

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Dissertation: Age-Related Hamster Mitochondrial Changes and Oocyte Changes Following Autologous Platelet Mitochondrial Microinjection , Fang Li

Dissertation: Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Induction of Programmed Cell Death Is Cell Type Dependent: An in vitro Study , Wei Ren

Dissertation: Altering Nitric Oxide Bioavailability and Lipid Profiles in Endothelial Cells By Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Particulate Matter , Liang Yu

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Dissertation: Group II Metabolic Glutamate Receptors in the Basal Amygdala Regulate Sleep and Fear-Induced Alterations in Sleep , Enheng Dong

Dissertation: Organization of Human Sperm Chromosomes During Pronuclei Formation , Estella Jones

Dissertation: Cellular Immunity in Mouse Models of Viral Encephalitis , Christina Dawn Steel

Dissertation: The Effects of Cocaine and Ecstasy on Cardiac Myocytes and the Intact Myocardium , David A. Tiangco

Dissertation: Characterization of Metastasis-Associated Cell Surface Glycoproteins in Prostate Cancer , Lifang Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Dissertation: Mechanisms of Regulation of Proximal Tubule Sodium Transporters in Obesity-Induced Hypertension , Marta A. Ambrozewicz

Dissertation: Comparison of Immune Correlates, Age Related Changes and Proteomic Profiling of Healthy Individuals Receiving Influenza Vaccines , Gaurav Basu

Dissertation: Study of the DNA Damage Complexes Within the HTLV-1 Tax Oncoprotein Interactome , Sidi Mehdi Belgnaoui

Dissertation: Interdependent Regulation of Cytomegalovirus Proteins in Complex , Lisa L. Bolin

Dissertation: Role of the Human Cytomegalovirus IE2 Protein on Transcriptional Regulation of Viral Promoters , Siabhon Michelle Harris

Dissertation: Phosphorylation of the Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) at Serine 118 by Phospho-p44/42 MAPK and Regulation by Estrogen and Progesterone in Human Uterine Leiomyoma Tissue and Cells , Tonia Lakisha Hermon

Dissertation: Effects of HZE Irradiation on Chemical Neurotransmission in Rodent Hippocampus , Mayumi Machida

Dissertation: Molecular Dynamics Study of Single Stranded Peptide Nucleic Acids , Anna K. Manukyan

Dissertation: Computational Studies on R67 Dihydrofolate Reductase: An Investigation Into Its Unique Binding Patterns , Chuanyin Shi

Dissertation: Analysis of N-Linked Oligosaccharides of Prostate-Specific Antigen and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in Prostatic Fluids , Krista Yaudes White

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Dissertation: MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging for the Discovery of Prostate Carcinoma Biomarkers , Lisa Harris Cazares

Dissertation: In Vivo Murine Melanoma Tumor Responses to Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Treatment , Xinhua Chen

Dissertation: Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields Induce a Mitochondria-Independent Apoptosis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells In Vitro , Wentia Elissa Ford

Dissertation: Subcellular Localization of Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Tax Oncoprotein , Kimberly Anne Fryrear

Dissertation: The Application of Innovative High-Throughput Techniques to Serum Biomarker Discovery , Izabela Debkiewicz Karbassi

Dissertation: PGE2 Receptor Subsets Mediate HCG Regulation of the Plasminogen Activator/Plasmin System in Primate Periovulatory Follicles , Nune Markosyan

Dissertation: Cannabinoids: A Novel Treatment Strategy for Retinal Neurodegenerative Disorders , Sandeep Samudre

Dissertation: Gene Therapy Using Tet-Repressor System to Modulate Prostate Tumor Microenvironment , Nazita Yousefieh

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Dissertation: Down-Regulation of Natural Killer Cell Activation in Response to Influenza Virus in Older Adults , Yu Jing

Dissertation: Serotype Association and Regulation of the Hyaluronate Lyase Gene of Streptococcus pyogenes , Martha Stokes

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Dissertation: Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Protects Cardiomyocytes During Hyperoxia , Mervat Elsayed Ali

Dissertation: Isolation and Functional Mapping of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Tax Oncoprotein DNA-Damage Complexes , Sarah Saionz Durkin

Dissertation: Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Effects on Cell Cycle and Apoptosis , Emily H. Hall

Dissertation: Structure-Function Studies of the cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase In Vitro and in Intact Cells , Gary Z. Morris

Dissertation: Modulation of TGFβ-Induced PAI -1 Expression by Changes in Actin Polymerization in Human Mesangial Cells , Keyur Patel

Dissertation: Cellular Mechanism of Arglabin-Dimethylaminohydrochloride Cytotoxicity , Xiaofei Qin

Dissertation: The Study of Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression, Function, and Regulation in the Renal Vasculature During Postnatal Renal Development , Brian Blake Ratliff

Dissertation: The Use of Proteomic Technologies to Identify Serum Glycoproteins for the Early Detection of Liver and Prostate Cancers , Elizabeth Ellen Schwegler

Dissertation: Diverse Effects of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields on Mammalian Cells , Jody Anne White

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Dissertation: Mechanisms of Cell Death Initiated in Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Expressing Colon Tumor Cells Treated with Ganciclovir and UCN-01 , Christina Elizabeth Ahn

Dissertation: Regulation of SPARC Gene Expression by the Activator Protein 1 Transcription Factor , Joseph William Briggs

Dissertation: Defensin in the Ticks Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis , Shane Michael Ceraul

Dissertation: Developing and Optimizing Conditions for Single Cell Genetic Analysis , Susan Adele Gitlin

Dissertation: Tumor Response TCF-4/β-Catenin Regulatory Elements for Enhancing Cancer Gene Therapies , Saurabh Kumar Gupta

Dissertation: The Antitumor Agent, Arglabin-DMA, Preferentially Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Tumor Cells , Sung Wook Kwon

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Dissertation: The Ultrastructure of the Olfactory System in Two Species of Short-Tailed Shrews, Blarina brevicauda and Blarina carolinensis , Lisa Johnson Byrum

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Dissertation: Characterization of Mouse Prostate Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocytes , Daniel Alan Holterman

Dissertation: The Quantitative Assessment of Osteoinductivity of Human Demineralized Bone Matrix and cDNA Array Analysis of Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Periosteal Cells , Sittisak Honsawek

Dissertation: Embryo and Gamete Development Upon Exposure to CCA Components: CrO3, CuO, and AS2O5 , Nerbana Talaat-Elsebaei Mahmoud

Dissertation: K+-Induced Smooth Muscle Calcium Sensitization Requires RhoA Kinase (ROK) Translocation to Caveolae Which Is Inhibited in Non-Neuronal Cell Memory , Nicole Hairrell Urban

Dissertation: Hyaluronate Lyase Gene of Streptococcus pyogenes : Molecular Characterization and Regulation , Sheryl Lynne Walton

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Dissertation: Involvement of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, PDGF Receptor Signaling, Focal Adhesion Kinase and SRC in Pressure-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy , Darian Clark Rice

Dissertation: Apoptosis Pathways: Presence and significance in Ejaculated Human Spermatozoa , Steven Lewis Taylor

Dissertation: Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA): Immunoassay Development and Characterization of Transcriptional Regulation , Zhen Xiao

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

Dissertation: Detection of Aneuploidy for Chromosomes 7 and 8 Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Patients with Aplastic Anemia and Sequencing of the Mitotic Checkpoint Gene hBUB1 , Laura Jane Aridgides

Dissertation: Characterization of Murine Cytomegalovirus m142 and m143 Essential Gene Products , Bridget Linette Dalton

Dissertation: Estrogen Regulation of the Pregnant Baboon Placental 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (11β-HSD)-Catalyzed Metabolism of Cortisol and Cortisone and Its Effect on the Development of the Fetal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis , William Adair Davies

Dissertation: Regulation of the HCMV UL98 Promoter by Cooperation of the Cyclic AMP Response Element and Gamma Interferon Response Element , Tabmitha Patricia Young Jervey

Dissertation: Interactions Among Murine Cytomegalovirus US22 Family Gene Products That Influence Viral Pathogenesis , Zaruhi Karabekian

Dissertation: Characterization of the Biological Activities of Recombinant Fusion Protein Green Fluorescent Protein/Human Zona Pellucida Protein 3 (GFP/HZP3) , Zhiyong Lin

Dissertation: Characterization of the Human Cytomegalovirus UL75 Late Gene Promoter , Bernard J. P. McWatters

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

Dissertation: Characterization of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus 1 Reverse Transcriptase , Pinky Gundayao Agbuya

Dissertation: Mechanistic Characterization of the Mitochondrial Type I DNA Topoisomerase and a Study of Genes Containing Type I DNA Topoisomerase-Related Domains , Jaydee Dones Cabral

Dissertation: Role of Lipolysis and Lipogenesis in the Development of Diet-Induced Obesity , Michael John Davies

Dissertation: Transcriptional Regulation of Chicken Apolipoprotein A-I Gene Expression , Wen Lin Kumfert

Dissertation: Investigations on the Use of Ion Mobility Spectrometry for Clinical Chemistry Applications , Henri Parson Patten

Dissertation: Telomerase Activity in Human Preimplantation Embryos , Diane Lynne Wright

Dissertation: Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (hGnRH) Gene Expression and Hormone Regulation in Human Placental JEG-3 Cells , Heming Zheng

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Dissertation: Production of Copper-Complexing Ligands in Response to Elevated Concentrations of Copper in Marine Synechococcus spp. , Arunsri Chatkaeomorakot Brown

Dissertation: Construction of an Escherichia coli lac Repressor-Based System to Study Human Cytomegalovirus Gene Expression , Laura Fernanda Cageao-Luchetti

Dissertation: Tissue-Specific Expression and Steroid Hormone Regulation of Human Gonadotropin -Releasing Hormone (hGnRH) Gene in Placental Cells (JEG -3 cells) , Zhengguang Chen

Dissertation: Identification and Characterization of Determinants of Head and Neck Tumor Cell Invasion , Yangguan Wu

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Dissertation: Expression, Isolation and Purification of Human Zona Pellucida Protein 3 , Ting-Fung Chi

Dissertation: Characterization of the Biological Functions of Human Recombinant Zona Pellucida Protein 3 , Yu Wen Juan

Dissertation: Pressure-Induced Intracellular Signaling in Isolated Arteries , Victor A. Miriel

Dissertation: Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF): Murine Preimplantation Embryo Development, Implantation Rates, and Skeletal Development , Michael Hayes Mitchell

Dissertation: The Role of Glycoconjugates in Mediating Human Fertilization and Induction of Fetomaternal Tolerance , Manish S. Patankar

Dissertation: Mouse Embryo Development in the Presence of Capsaicin , Carlos Santiago Villar-Gosalvez

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Dissertation: Differential Endometrial Responses of Primates vs Rodents: Screening for Antiproliferative Effects of Antiprogestins , David Williams Burleigh

Dissertation: Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Analysis of Human Embryos Derived From in Vitro and in Vivo Matured Oocytes , Constance DeScisciolo

Dissertation: Choline Acetyltransferase and Carnitine Acetyltransferase Activity in Human Spermatozoa During Capacitation , Lisa A. Eccles

Dissertation: Abnormalities in Post-Translational Processing of Platelet Rap 1B in NIDDM: A Possible Cause of Platelet Hyperactivity and Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes , Elizabeth Ann Hall

Dissertation: Interaction of ACTH and Estradiol in the Regulation of Growth, Differentiation, and Steroidogenic Maturation of the Baboon Fetal Adrenal Gland , Maria Gomez Leavitt

Dissertation: The Cellular and Molecular Dynamics of the Queuosine Modification in Transfer RNA: Definition, Modulation, Deficiencies and Effect of the Queuosine Modification System , Rana C. Morris

Dissertation: Characterization of the Fast Axonally Transported Proteins in the Rat Optic Pathway , Surafel Mulugeta

Dissertation: Arterial Wall Hypertrophy and PDGF-A Expression in One-Kidney, One-Clip Hypertension and Angiotensin II Infusion Are Mediated By Elevated Arterial Pressure , Sheri Blair Parker

Dissertation: Type II Estrogen Binding-Site Agonist: The Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the Enantiomers of Methyl-Para-Hydroxyphenyllactate (MeHPLA) , Lester G. Pretlow

Dissertation: The Effects of Estrogen on Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons , Sheila A. Scoville

Dissertation: Axotomy and Regeneration of the Rat Facial Nerve: A Histomorphometric Study of the Facial Nucleus, Nerve and Orbicularis Oculi Muscle in an Experimental Model of Facial Paralysis , Peter Konstantinos Thanos

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Ph.D. and M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (Research Based)

Our thesis and dissertation-based M.S. and Ph.D. programs are focused on providing individualized, competency-based education to equip our graduates with the skills, abilities, and attitudes to pursue diverse careers related to biomedical sciences.

During the first year, our students acquire a background in biomedical science, consisting of topics in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, physiology and immunology. They also complete lab rotations to identify the mentor and lab for their thesis or dissertation work. Students also complete discipline-specific advanced courses and electives based on their needs and academic discipline.

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All students in our PhD in Biomedical Sciences program receive a benefits package that includes a stipend of $30,000 per year plus full tuition, fees, and health insurance. Students also have opportunities to apply for training grants, fellowships, and scholarships.

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• Indian J Anaesth
• v.66(1); 2022 Jan

Dissertation writing in post graduate medical education

Department of Anaesthesiology, Dr. B R Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Mridul M Panditrao

1 Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), Bathinda, Punjab, India

2 Department of Anaesthesiology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Sukhminder Jit Singh Bajwa

3 Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India

Nishant Sahay

4 Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India

Thrivikrama Padur Tantry

5 Department of Anaesthesiology, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kuntikana, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Associated Data

A dissertation is a practical exercise that educates students about basics of research methodology, promotes scientific writing and encourages critical thinking. The National Medical Commission (India) regulations make assessment of a dissertation by a minimum of three examiners mandatory. The candidate can appear for the final examination only after acceptance of the dissertation. An important role in a dissertation is that of the guide who has to guide his protégés through the process. This manuscript aims to assist students and guides on the basics of conduct of a dissertation and writing the dissertation. For students who will ultimately become researchers, a dissertation serves as an early exercise. Even for people who may never do research after their degree, a dissertation will help them discern the merits of new treatment options available in literature for the benefit of their patients.

INTRODUCTION

The zenith of clinical residency is the completion of the Master's Dissertation, a document formulating the result of research conducted by the student under the guidance of a guide and presenting and publishing the research work. Writing a proper dissertation is most important to present the research findings in an acceptable format. It is also reviewed by the examiners to determine a part of the criteria for the candidate to pass the Masters’ Degree Examination.

The predominant role in a dissertation is that of the guide who has to mentor his protégés through the process by educating them on research methodology, by: (i) identifying a pertinent and topical research question, (ii) formulating the “type” of study and the study design, (iii) selecting the sample population, (iv) collecting and collating the research data accurately, (v) analysing the data, (vi) concluding the research by distilling the outcome, and last but not the least (vii) make the findings known by publication in an acceptable, peer-reviewed journal.[ 1 ] The co-guide could be a co-investigator from another department related to the study topic, and she/he will play an equivalent role in guiding the student.

Research is a creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge.[ 2 ] This work, known as a study may be broadly classified into two groups in a clinical setting:

• Trials: Here the researcher intervenes to either prevent a disease or to treat it.
• Observational studies: Wherein the investigator makes no active intervention and merely observes the patients or subjects allocated the treatment based on clinical decisions.[ 3 ]

The research which is described in a dissertation needs to be presented under the following headings: Introduction, Aim of the Study, Description of devices if any or pharmacology of drugs, Review of Literature, Material and Methods, Observations and Results, Discussion, Conclusions, Limitations of the study, Bibliography, Proforma, Master chart. Some necessary certificates from the guide and the institute are a requirement in certain universities. The students often add an acknowledgement page before the details of their dissertation proper. It is their expression of gratitude to all of those who they feel have been directly or indirectly helpful in conduct of the study, data analysis, and finally construction of the dissertation.

Framing the research question (RQ)

It is the duty of the teacher to suggest suitable research topics to the residents, based on resources available, feasibility and ease of conduct at the centre. Using the FINER criteria, the acronym for feasibility, topical interest, novelty, ethicality and relevance would be an excellent way to create a correct RQ.[ 4 ]

The PICOT method which describes the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome and time, would help us narrow down to a specific and well-formulated RQ.[ 5 , 6 ] A good RQ leads to the derivation of a research hypothesis, which is an assumption or prediction of the outcome that will be tested by the research. The research topic could be chosen from among the routine clinical work regarding clinical management, use of drugs e.g., vasopressors to prevent hypotension or equipment such as high flow nasal oxygen to avoid ventilation.

Review of literature

To gather this information may be a difficult task for a fresh trainee however, a good review of the available literature is a tool to identify and narrow down a good RQ and generate a hypothesis. Literature sources could be primary (clinical trials, case reports), secondary (reviews, meta-analyses) or tertiary (e.g., reference books, compilations). Methods of searching literature could be manual (journals) or electronic (online databases), by looking up references or listed citations in existing articles. Electronic database searches are made through the various search engines available online e.g., scholar.google.com, National Library of Medicine (NLM) website, clinical key app and many more. Advanced searches options may help narrow down the search results to those that are relevant for the student. This could be based on synthesising keywords from the RQ, or by searching for phrases, Boolean operators, or utilising filters.

After choosing the topic, an apt and accurate title has to be chosen. This should be guided by the use of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terminology from the NLM, which is used for indexing, cataloguing, and searching of biomedical and health-related information.[ 7 ] The dissertation requires a detailed title which may include the objective of the study, key words and even the PICOT components. One may add the study design in the title e.g. “a randomised cross over study” or “an observational analytical study” etc.

Aim and the objectives

The Aims and the Objectives of the research study have to be listed clearly, before initiating the study.[ 8 ] “Gaps” or deficiencies in existing knowledge should be clearly cited. The Aim by definition is a statement of the expected outcome, while the Objectives (which might be further classed into primary and secondary based on importance) should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic or relevant, time-bound and challenging; in short, “SMART!” To simplify, the aim is a statement of intent, in terms of what we hope to achieve at the end of the project. Objectives are specific, positive statements of measurable outcomes, and are a list of steps that will be taken to achieve the outcome.[ 9 ] Aim of a dissertation, for example, could be to know which of two nerve block techniques is better. To realise this aim, comparing the duration of postoperative analgesia after administration of the block by any measurable criteria, could be an objective, such as the time to use of first rescue analgesic drug. Similarly, total postoperative analgesic drug consumption may form a secondary outcome variable as it is also measurable. These will generate data that may be used for analysis to realise the main aim of the study.

Inclusion and exclusions

The important aspect to consider after detailing when and how the objectives will be measured is documenting the eligibility criteria for inclusion of participants. The exclusion criteria must be from among the included population/patients only. e.g., If only American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II are included, then ASA III and IV cannot be considered as exclusion criteria, since they were never a part of the study. The protocol must also delineate the setting of the study, locations where data would be collected, and specify duration of conduct of the dissertation. A written informed consent after explaining the aim, objectives and methodology of the study is legally mandatory before embarking upon any human study. The study should explicitly clarify whether it is a retrospective or a prospective study, where the study is conducted and the duration of the study.

Sample size: The sample subjects in the study should be representative of the population upon whom the inference has to be drawn. Sampling is the process of selecting a group of representative people from a larger population and subjecting them for the research.[ 10 ] The sample size represents a number, beyond which the addition of population is unlikely to change the conclusion of the study. The sample size is calculated taking into consideration the primary outcome criteria, confidence interval (CI), power of the study, and the effect size the researcher wishes to observe in the primary objective of the study. Hence a typical sample size statement can be - “Assuming a duration of analgesia of 150 min and standard deviation (SD) of 15 min in first group, keeping power at 80% and CIs at 95% (alpha error at 0.05), a sample of 26 patients would be required to detect a minimum difference (effect size) of 30% in the duration of analgesia between the two groups. Information regarding the different sampling methods and sample size calculations may be found in the Supplementary file 1 .

Any one research question may be answered using a number of research designs.[ 11 ] Research designs are often described as either observational or experimental. The various research designs may be depicted graphically as shown in Figure 1 .

Graphical description of available research designs

The observational studies lack “the three cornerstones of experimentation” – controls, randomisation, and replication. In an experimental study on the other hand, in order to assess the effect of treatment intervention on a participant, it is important to compare it with subjects similar to each other but who have not been given the studied treatment. This group, also called the control group, may help distinguish the effect of the chosen intervention on outcomes from effects caused by other factors, such as the natural history of disease, placebo effects, or observer or patient expectations.

All the proposed dissertations must be submitted to the scientific committee for any suggestion regarding the correct methodology to be followed, before seeking ethical committee approval.

Ethical considerations

Ethical concerns are an important part of the research project, right from selection of the topic to the dissertation writing. It must be remembered, that the purpose of a dissertation given to a post-graduate student is to guide him/her through the process by educating them on the very basics of research methodology. It is therefore not imperative that the protégés undertake a complicated or risky project. If research involves human or animal subjects, drugs or procedures, research ethics guidelines as well as drug control approvals have to be obtained before tabling the proposal to the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). The roles, responsibilities and composition of the Ethics Committee has been specified by the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India. Documented approval of the Ethics committee is mandatory before any subject can be enroled for any dissertation in India. Even retrospective studies require approval from the IEC. Details of this document is available at: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadEthicsRegistration/Applmhrcrr.pdf .

The candidate and the guide are called to present their proposal before the committee. The ethical implications, risks and management, subjects’ rights and responsibilities, informed consent, monetary aspects, the research and analysis methods are all discussed. The patient safety is a topmost priority and any doubts of the ethical committee members should be explained in medically layman's terms. The dissertation topics should be listed as “Academic clinical trials” and must involve only those drugs which are already approved by the Drugs Controller General of India. More commonly, the Committee suggests rectifications, and then the researchers have to resubmit the modified proposal after incorporating the suggestions, at the next sitting of the committee or seek online approval, as required. At the conclusion of the research project, the ethics committee has to be updated with the findings and conclusions, as well as when it is submitted for publication. Any deviation from the approved timeline, as well as the research parameters has to be brought to the attention of the IEC immediately, and re-approval sought.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) is a free online searchable system for prospective registration of all clinical studies conducted in India. It is owned and managed by the National Institute of Medical Statistics, a division of Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India. Registration of clinical trials will ensure transparency, accountability and accessibility of trials and their results to all potential beneficiaries.

After the dissertation proposal is passed by the scientific committee and IEC, it may be submitted for approval of trial registration to the CTRI. The student has to create a login at the CTRI website, and submit all the required data with the help of the guides. After submission, CTRI may ask for corrections, clarifications or changes. Subject enrolment and the actual trial should begin only after the CTRI approval.

Randomisation

In an experimental study design, the method of randomisation gives every subject an equal chance to get selected in any group by preventing bias. Primarily, three basic types employed in post-graduate medical dissertations are simple randomisation, block randomisation and stratified randomisation. Simple randomisation is based upon a single sequence of random assignments such as flipping a coin, rolling of dice (above 3 or below 3), shuffling of cards (odd or even) to allocate into two groups. Some students use a random number table found in books or use computer-generated random numbers. There are many random number generators, randomisation programs as well as randomisation services available online too. ( https://www-users.york.ac.uk/~mb55/guide/randsery.htm ).

There are many applications which generate random number sequences and a research student may use such computer-generated random numbers [ Figure 2 ]. Simple randomisation has higher chances of unequal distribution into the two groups, especially when sample sizes are low (<100) and thus block randomisation may be preferred. Details of how to do randomisation along with methods of allocation concealment may be found in Supplementary file 2 .

Figure depicting how to do block randomisation using online resources. (a) generation of a random list (b) transfer of the list to an MS excel file

Allocation concealment

If it is important in a study to generate a random sequence of intervention, it is also important for this sequence to be concealed from all stake-holders to prevent any scope of bias.[ 12 ] Allocation concealment refers to the technique used to implement a random sequence for allocation of intervention, and not to generate it.[ 13 ] In an Indian post-graduate dissertation, the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE) technique is commonly used [ Supplementary file 2 ].

To minimise the chances of differential treatment allocation or assessments of outcomes, it is important to blind as many individuals as possible in the trial. Blinding is not an all-or-none phenomenon. Thus, it is very desirable to explicitly state in the dissertation, which individuals were blinded, how they achieved blinding and whether they tested the success of blinding.

Commonly used terms for blinding are

• Single blinding: Masks the participants from knowing which intervention has been given.
• Double blinding: Blinds both the participants as well as researchers to the treatment allocation.
• Triple blinding: By withholding allocation information from the subjects, researchers, as well as data analysts. The specific roles of researchers involved in randomisation, allocation concealment and blinding should be stated clearly in the dissertation.

Data which can be measured as numbers are called quantitative data [ Table 1 ]. Studies which emphasise objective measurements to generate numerical data and then apply statistical and mathematical analysis constitute quantitative research. Qualitative research on the other hand focuses on understanding people's beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behaviours and thus these generate non-numerical data called qualitative data, also known as categorical data, descriptive data or frequency counts. Importance of differentiating data into qualitative and quantitative lies in the fact that statistical analysis as well as the graphical representation may be very different.

Data collection types

In order to obtain data from the outcome variable for the purpose of analysis, we need to design a study which would give us the most valid information. A valid data or measurement tool, is the degree to which the tool measures what it claims to measure. For example, appearance of end tidal carbon dioxide waveform is a more valid measurement to assess correct endotracheal tube placement than auscultation of breath sounds on chest inflation.

The compilation of all data in a ‘Master Chart’ is a necessary step for planning, facilitating and appropriate preparation and processing of the data for analysis. It is a complete set of raw research data arranged in a systematic manner forming a well-structured and formatted, computable data matrix/database of the research to facilitate data analysis. The master chart is prepared as a Microsoft Excel sheet with the appropriate number of columns depicting the variable parameters for each individual subjects/respondents enlisted in the rows.

Statistical analysis

The detailed statistical methodology applied to analyse the data must be stated in the text under the subheading of statistical analysis in the Methods section. The statistician should be involved in the study during the initial planning stage itself. Following four steps have to be addressed while planning, performing and text writing of the statistical analysis part in this section.

Step 1. How many study groups are present? Whether analysis is for an unpaired or paired situation? Whether the recorded data contains repeated measurements? Unpaired or paired situations decide again on the choice of a test. The latter describes before and after situations for collected data (e.g. Heart rate data ‘before’ and ‘after’ spinal anaesthesia for a single group). Further, data should be checked to find out whether they are from repeated measurements (e.g., Mean blood pressure at 0, 1 st , 2 nd , 5 th , 10 th minutes and so on) for a group. Different types of data are commonly encountered in a dissertation [ Supplementary file 3A ].

Step 2. Does the data follow a normal distribution?[ 14 ]

Each study group as well as every parameter has to be checked for distribution analysis. This step will confirm whether the data of a particular group is normally distributed (parametric data) or does not follow the normal distribution (non-parametric data); subsequent statistical test selection mainly depends on the results of the distribution analysis. For example, one may choose the Student's’ test instead of the ‘Mann-Whitney U’ for non-parametric data, which may be incorrect. Each study group as well as every parameter has to be checked for distribution analysis [ Supplementary File 3B ].

Step 3. Calculation of measures of central tendency and measures of variability.

Measures of central tendency mainly include mean, median and mode whereas measures of variability include range, interquartile range (IQR), SD or variance not standard error of mean. Depending on Step 2 findings, one needs to make the appropriate choice. Mean and SD/variance are more often for normally distributed and median with IQR are the best measure for not normal (skewed) distribution. Proportions are used to describe the data whenever the sample size is ≥100. For a small sample size, especially when it is approximately 25-30, describe the data as 5/25 instead of 20%. Software used for statistical analysis automatically calculates the listed step 3 measures and thus makes the job easy.

Step 4. Which statistical test do I choose for necessary analysis?

Choosing a particular test [ Figure 3 ] is based on orderly placed questions which are addressed in the dissertation.[ 15 ]

Chosing a statistical test, (a). to find a difference between the groups of unpaired situations, (b). to find a difference between the groups of paired situations, (c). to find any association between the variables, (d). to find any agreement between the assessment techniques. ANOVA: Analysis of Variance. Reproduced with permission from Editor of Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, and the author, Dr Barun Nayak[ 15 ]

• Is there a difference between the groups of unpaired situations?
• Is there a difference between the groups of paired situations?
• Is there any association between the variables?
• Is there any agreement between the assessment techniques?

Perform necessary analysis using user-friendly software such as GraphPad Prism, Minitab or MedCalc,etc. Once the analysis is complete, appropriate writing in the text form is equally essential. Specific test names used to examine each part of the results have to be described. Simple listing of series of tests should not be done. A typical write-up can be seen in the subsequent sections of the supplementary files [Supplementary files 3C – E ]. One needs to state the level of significance and software details also.

Role of a statistician in dissertation and data analysis

Involving a statistician before planning a study design, prior to data collection, after data have been collected, and while data are analysed is desirable when conducting a dissertation. On the contrary, it is also true that self-learning of statistical analysis reduces the need for statisticians’ help and will improve the quality of research. A statistician is best compared to a mechanic of a car which we drive; he knows each element of the car, but it is we who have to drive it. Sometimes the statisticians may not be available for a student in an institute. Self-learning software tools, user-friendly statistical software for basic statistical analysis thus gain importance for students as well as guides. The statistician will design processes for data collection, gather numerical data, collect, analyse, and interpret data, identify the trends and relationships in data, perform statistical analysis and its interpretation, and finally assist in final conclusion writing.

Results are an important component of the dissertation and should follow clearly from the study objectives. Results (sometimes described as observations that are made by the researcher) should be presented after correct analysis of data, in an appropriate combination of text, charts, tables, graphs or diagrams. Decision has to be taken on each outcome; which outcome has to be presented in what format, at the beginning of writing itself. These should be statistically interpreted, but statistics should not surpass the dissertation results. The observations should always be described accurately and with factual or realistic values in results section, but should not be interpreted in the results section.

While writing, classification and reporting of the Results has to be done under five section paragraphs- population data, data distribution analysis, results of the primary outcome, results of secondary outcomes, any additional observations made such as a rare adverse event or a side effect (intended or unintended) or of any additional analysis that may have been done, such as subgroup analysis.

At each level, one may either encounter qualitative (n/N and %) or quantitative data (mean [SD], median [IQR] and so on.

In the first paragraph of Results while describing the population data, one has to write about included and excluded patients. One needs to cite the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) flow chart to the text, at this stage. Subsequently, highlighting of age, sex, height, body mass index (BMI) and other study characteristics referring to the first table of ‘patients data’ should be considered. It is not desirable to detail all values and their comparison P values in the text again in population data as long as they are presented in a cited table. An example of this pattern can be seen in Supplementary file 3D .

In the second paragraph, one needs to explain how the data is distributed. It should be noted that, this is not a comparison between the study groups but represents data distribution for the individual study groups (Group A or Group B, separately)[ Supplementary file 3E ].

In the subsequent paragraph of Results , focused writing on results of the primary outcomes is very important. It should be attempted to mention most of the data outputs related to the primary outcomes as the study is concluded based on the results of this outcome analysis. The measures of central tendency and dispersion (Mean or median and SD or IQR etc., respectively), alongside the CIs, sample number and P values need to be mentioned. It should be noted that the CIs can be for the mean as well as for the mean difference and should not be interchanged. An example of this pattern can be seen in Supplementary file 3F .

A large number of the dissertations are guided for single primary outcome analysis, and also the results of multiple secondary outcomes are needed to be written. The primary outcome should be presented in detail, and secondary outcomes can be presented in tables or graphs only. This will help in avoiding a possible evaluator's fatigue. An example of this pattern can be seen in Supplementary file 3G .

In the last paragraph of the Results, mention any additional observations, such as a rare adverse event or side effect or describe the unexpected results. The results of any additional analysis (subgroup analysis) then need to be described too. An example of this pattern can be seen in Supplementary file 3H .

The most common error observed in the Results text is duplication of the data and analytical outputs. While using the text for summarising the results, at each level, it should not be forgotten to cite the table or graph but the information presented in a table should not be repeated in the text. Further, results should not be given to a greater degree of accuracy than that of the measurement. For example, mean (SD) age need to be presented as 34.5 (11.3) years instead of 34.5634 (11.349). The latter does not carry any additional information and is unnecessary. The actual P values need to be mentioned. The P value should not be simply stated as ‘ P < 0.05’; P value should be written with the actual numbers, such as ‘ P = 0.021’. The symbol ‘<’ should be used only when actual P value is <0.001 or <0.0001. One should try avoiding % calculations for a small sample especially when n < 100. The sample size calculation is a part of the methodology and should not be mentioned in the Results section.

The use of tables will help present actual data values especially when in large numbers. The data and their relationships can be easily understood by an appropriate table and one should avoid overwriting of results in the text format. All values of sample size, central tendency, dispersions, CIs and P value are to be presented in appropriate columns and rows. Preparing a dummy table for all outcomes on a rough paper before proceeding to Microsoft Excel may be contemplated. Appropriate title heading (e.g., Table 1 . Study Characteristics), Column Headings (e.g., Parameter studied, P values) should be presented. A footnote should be added whenever necessary. For outputs, where statistically significant P values are recorded, the same should be highlighted using an asterisk (*) symbol and the same *symbol should be cited in the footnote describing its value (e.g., * P < 0.001) which is self-explanatory for statistically significance. One should not use abbreviations such as ‘NS’ or ‘Sig’ for describing (non-) significance. Abbreviations should be described for all presented tables. A typical example of a table can be seen in Figure 4 .

Example of presenting a table

Graphical images

Similar to tables, the graphs and diagrams give a bird's-eye view of the entire data and therefore may easily be understood. bar diagrams (simple, multiple or component), pie charts, line diagrams, pictograms and spot maps suit qualitative data more whereas the histograms, frequency polygons, cumulative frequency, polygon scatter diagram, box and whisker plots and correlation diagrams are used to depict quantitative data. Too much presentation of graphs and images, selection of inappropriate or interchanging of graphs, unnecessary representation of three-dimensional graph for one-dimensional graphs, disproportionate sizes of length and width and incorrect scale and labelling of an axis should be avoided. All graphs should contain legends, abbreviation descriptions and a footnote. Appropriate labelling of the x - and the y -axis is also essential. Priori decided scale for axis data should be considered. The ‘error bar’ represents SDs or IQRs in the graphs and should be used irrespective of whether they are bar charts or line graphs. Not showing error bars in a graphical image is a gross mistake. An error bar can be shown on only one side of the line graph to keep it simple. A typical example of a graphical image can be seen in Figure 5 . The number of subjects (sample) is to be mentioned for each time point on the x -axis. An asterisk (*) needs to be put for data comparisons having statistically significant P value in the graph itself and they are self-explanatory with a ‘stand-alone’ graph.

Example of an incorrect (a) and correct (b) image

Once the results have been adequately analysed and described, the next step is to draw conclusions from the data and study. The main goal is to defend the work by staging a constructive debate with the literature.[ 16 ] Generally, the length of the ‘ Discussion ’ section should not exceed the sum of other sections (introduction, material and methods, and results).[ 17 ] Here the interpretation, importance/implications, relevance, limitations of the results are elaborated and should end in recommendations.

It is advisable to start by mentioning the RQ precisely, summarising the main findings without repeating the entire data or results again. The emphasis should be on how the results correlate with the RQ and the implications of these results, with the relevant review of literature (ROL). Do the results coincide with and add anything to the prevalent knowledge? If not, why not? It should justify the differences with plausible explanation. Ultimately it should be made clear, if the study has been successful in making some contribution to the existing evidence. The new results should not be introduced and any exaggerated deductions which cannot be corroborated by the outcomes should not be made.

The discussion should terminate with limitations of the study,[ 17 ] mentioned magnanimously. Indicating limitations of the study reflects objectivity of the authors. It should not enlist any errors, but should acknowledge the constraints and choices in designing, planning methodology or unanticipated challenges that may have cropped up during the actual conduct of the study. However, after listing the limitations, the validity of results pertaining to the RQ may be emphasised again.

This section should convey the precise and concise message as the take home message. The work carried out should be summarised and the answer found to the RQ should be succinctly highlighted. One should not start dwelling on the specific results but mention the overall gain or insights from the observations, especially, whether it fills the gap in the existing knowledge if any. The impact, it may have on the existing knowledge and practices needs to be reiterated.

What to do when we get a negative result?

Sometimes, despite the best research framework, the results obtained are inconclusive or may even challenge a few accepted assumptions.[ 18 ] These are frequently, but inappropriately, termed as negative results and the data as negative data. Students must believe that if the study design is robust and valid, if the confounders have been carefully neutralised and the outcome parameters measure what they are intended to, then no result is a negative result. In fact, such results force us to critically re-evaluate our current understanding of concepts and knowledge thereby helping in better decision making. Studies showing lack of prolongation of the apnoea desaturation safety periods at lower oxygen flows strengthened belief in the difficult airway guidelines which recommend nasal insufflations with at least 15 L/min oxygen.[ 19 , 20 , 21 ]

Publishing the dissertation work

There are many reporting guidelines based upon the design of research. These are a checklist, flow diagram, or structured text to guide authors in reporting a specific type of research, developed using explicit methodology. The CONSORT[ 22 ] and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) initiatives,[ 23 ] both included in the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) international network, have elaborated appropriate suggestions to improve the transparency, clarity and completeness of scientific literature [ Figure 6 ].

Equator publishing tree

All authors are advised to follow the CONSORT/STROBE checklist attached as Supplementary file 4 , when writing and reporting their dissertation.

For most dissertations in Anaesthesiology, the CONSORT, STROBE, Standards for Reporting Diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) or REporting recommendations for tumour MARKer prognostic studies (REMARK) guidelines would suffice.

Abstract and Summary

These two are the essential sections of a dissertation.

It should be at the beginning of the manuscript, after the title page and acknowledgments, but before the table of contents. The preparation varies as per the University guidelines, but generally ranges between 150 to 300 words. Although it comes at the very beginning of the thesis, it is the last part one writes. It must not be a ‘copy-paste job’ from the main manuscript, but well thought out miniaturisation, giving the overview of the entire text. As a rule, there should be no citation of references here.

Logically, it would have four components starting with aims, methods, results, and conclusion. One should begin the abstract with the research question/objectives precisely, avoiding excessive background information. Adjectives like, evaluate, investigate, test, compare raise the curiosity quotient of the reader. This is followed by a brief methodology highlighting only the core steps used. There is no need of mentioning the challenges, corrections, or modifications, if any. Finally, important results, which may be restricted to fulfilment (or not), of the primary objective should be mentioned. Abstracts end with the main conclusion stating whether a specific answer to the RQ was found/not found. Then recommendations as a policy statement or utility may be made taking care that it is implementable.

Keywords may be included in the abstract, as per the recommendations of the concerned university. The keywords are primarily useful as markers for future searches. Lastly, the random reader using any search engine may use these, and the identifiability is increased.

The summary most often, is either the last part of the Discussion or commonly, associated with the conclusions (Summary and Conclusions). Repetition of introduction, whole methodology, and all the results should be avoided. Summary, if individually written, should not be more than 150 to 300 words. It highlights the research question, methods used to investigate it, the outcomes/fallouts of these, and then the conclusion part may start.

References/bibliography

Writing References serves mainly two purposes. It is the tacit acknowledgement of the fact that someone else's written words or their ideas or their intellectual property (IP) are used, in part or in toto , to avoid any blame of plagiarism. It is to emphasise the circumspective and thorough literature search that has been carried out in preparation of the work.

Vancouver style for referencing is commonly used in biomedical dissertation writing. A reference list contains details of the works cited in the text of the document. (e.g. book, journal article, pamphlet, government reports, conference material, internet site). These details must include sufficient details so that others may locate and access those references.[ 24 ]

How much older the references can be cited, depends upon the university protocol. Conventionally accepted rule is anywhere between 5-10 years. About 85% of references should be dispersed in this time range. Remaining 15%, which may include older ones if they deal with theories, historical aspects, and any other factual content. Rather than citing an entire book, it is prudent to concentrate on the chapter or subsection of the text. There are subjective variations between universities on this matter. But, by and large, these are quoted as and when deemed necessary and with correct citation.

Bibliography is a separate list from the reference list and should be arranged alphabetically by writing name of the ‘author or title’ (where no author name is given) in the Vancouver style.

There are different aspects of writing the references.[ 24 ]

Citing the reference in the form of a number in the text. The work of other authors referred in the manuscript should be given a unique number and quoted. This is done in the order of their appearance in the text in chronological order by using Arabic numerals. The multiple publications of same author shall be written individually. If a reference article has more than six authors, all six names should be written, followed by “ et al .” to be used in lieu of other author names. It is desirable to write the names of the journals in abbreviations as per the NLM catalogue. Examples of writing references from the various sources may be found in the Supplementary file 5 .

Both the guide and the student have to work closely while searching the topic initially and also while finalising the submission of the dissertation. But the role of the guide in perusing the document in detail, and guiding the candidate through the required corrections by periodic updates and discussions cannot be over-emphasised.

Assessment of dissertations

Rarely, examiners might reject a dissertation for failure to choose a contemporary topic, a poor review of literature, defective methodology, biased analysis or incorrect conclusions. If these cannot be corrected satisfactorily, it will then be back to the drawing board for the researchers, who would have to start from scratch to redesign the study, keeping the deficiencies in mind this time.

Before submission, dissertation has to be run through “plagiarism detector” software, such as Turnitin or Grammarly to ensure that plagiarism does not happen even unwittingly. Informal guidelines state that the percentage plagiarism picked up by these tools should be <10%.

No work of art is devoid of mistakes/errors. Logically, a dissertation, being no exception, may also have errors. Our aim, is to minimise them.

The dissertation is an integral part in the professional journey of any medical post-graduate student. It is also an important responsibility for a guide to educate his protégé, the basics of research methodology through the process. Searching for a gap in literature and identification of a pertinent research question is the initial step. Careful planning of the study design is a vitally important aspect. After the conduct of study, writing the dissertation is an art for which the student often needs guidance. A good dissertation is a good description of a meticulously conducted study under the different headings described, utilising the various reporting guidelines. By avoiding some common errors as discussed in this manuscript, a good dissertation can result in a very fruitful addition to medical literature.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

SUPPLEMENTARY FILES