Life Sciences Commons^™

In Silico Analysis Of C-Type Lectins As Co-Infection Receptors Of Dengue And Chikungunya Viruses In Aedes Aegypti, Munawir Sazali, R. C. Hidayat Soesilohadi, Nastiti Wijayanti, Tri Wibawa, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori

Makara Journal of Science

Aedes aegypti is a primer vector of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The susceptibility of mosquitoes to DENV and CHIKV depends on their recognition receptor of pathogens. C-type lectins (CTLs) are an important mediator of virus infection in A. aegypti. This study aims to identify potential receptors and determine the binding affinity between ligand–receptor interaction, CTLs and virus envelopes (DENV-1, 2, 3, and 4 and CHIKV) interaction based on in silico analysis. Sample sequences were obtained from GenBank (NCBI), and 10 CTLs were acquired from VectorBase. Homology modeling based on a minimum standard of 20% was processed …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Regarding Deep Dentinal Caries Removal Before Root Canal Treatment And Restoration Among Practicing Dental Surgeons, Sangram Panda, Anamika Sinha, Shakti Rath, Kajal Kiran Sahoo

Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

This article aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Deep Dentinal Caries Removal before Root Canal Treatment (RCT) and Restoration among practicing dental surgeons. A descriptive cross-sectional study was executed amongst dental surgeons practicing with undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. A Google questionnaire form was developed and distributed, and 111 authentic entries were short-listed. Data obtained from the study were recorded in Microsoft Excel 2007 version, and SPSS version 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Most dental surgeons who participated in the study practiced for over 15-20 years. Among them, 60% believe in removing dentinal caries before RCT; 83.8% …

Overview Of The Zoonotic Potential And Coinfection Of Sars-Cov-2 In Indonesia, Muhammad Khaliim Jati Kusala, Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the ASEAN region, Indonesia has the highest overall COVID-19 infection score. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic first emerged in China and then transmitted sporadically throughout the world. Animals and humans can be infected with the corona virus, so this disease is classified as a zoonotic disease. This review aims to gather information regarding the potential of SARS-CoV-2 as a zoonotic disease and coinfections with several other pathogens in Indonesia. This study collected data demonstrating the potential for COVID-19 to be transmitted from humans to animals, as an evidenced by positive test results for the Bat Coronavirus Antigen in bats. Cats have …

The Transmission Of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Kunjal Patel, Aleesha Thomas

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

The existence of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) has recently been found to have correlations with the Human Papillomavirus. HPV-associated OPSCC exhibits a unique method of infection and transmission and has made this branch an emerging disease in the recent decade. This systematic review of the literature was conducted to further explore research into Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer (OPSCC). Commonly referred to as “throat cancer”, this growth originates in the oropharynx. Symptoms of this condition include sore throat, lumps in the neck, and difficulty with swallowing. OPSCC has many variants but has shown a strong association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), …

Encephaloceles: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Research, Causes, Prevention, And Innovative Approaches To Diagnosis And Treatment, Amanda N. Bautista

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Encephaloceles, a rare medical condition derived from Greek words meaning "brain hernia," involve the protrusion of brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, or membranes through a defect in the skull. These anomalies often present at birth and can occur in various locations on the skull. Recent research has shed light on the possible causes of encephaloceles, including genetic factors such as the Sonic Hedgehog pathway and inadequate folic acid intake during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for proper neural tube closure during fetal development, making it a key preventive measure.

Emerging treatments for encephaloceles show promise, with a focus on mesenchymal stem …

Harmonious Healing: A Review Of Music Therapy, A Humanities-Based Approach To Alzheimer’S Disease Treatment, Rohan K. Desai

Kentucky Undergraduate Journal for the Health Humanities

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease often characterized by memory loss, confusion, and overall cognitive decline. The aging global population has, in recent years, highlighted the fundamental lack of pharmacological treatments for individuals facing an AD diagnosis. In response, a growing body of research has shifted focus to non-pharmacological humanities-based interventions. One such intervention has been music therapy (MT). Music-focused measures have shown great promise as a method of slowing cognitive decline, but mixed results in the literature warrant the need for further investigation. Often, socioeconomic barriers can limit an individual’s access to drug-related treatments, but the affordable …

Innovative Virtual Wellness Interventions At An Academic Medical Center: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Ritika Baweja, Michael Hayes, Aditya Joshi, Raman Baweja

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There is generally a concerning likelihood of burnout in healthcare workers. Given the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, our institution identified the need for wellness interventions to foster adaptive functioning and mitigate burnout. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility of virtual holistic interventions like meditation, art, laughter therapy and dance and their impact on overall well-being of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: A series of 12 virtual sessions (art therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness-based practices/meditation and laughter therapy) were offered to providers over a 6-month period. Participants completed an online survey reporting …

Alopecia As An Early Clinical Marker For Azathioprine Induced Myelosuppression: A Case Report, Nilanjana Dutta , Final Year Mbbs, Dr. M Suresh Babu , Professor, Dr. Subramanian Ramaswamy , Professor, Dr. Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur , Assistant Professor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Azathioprine is a pro-drug and is metabolized by the TPMT enzyme in the body. In South Asians, Azathioprine is known to cause alopecia and bone marrow suppression in patients with TPMT enzyme deficiency. In India, the prevalence of TPMT mutation varies from 1.2- 10%. A new mutation was detected in 2014, NUDT15 whose incidence varies from 8.5-16%. Patients with mutation in both TPMT and NUDT15 develop myelosuppression faster. In our case, alopecia manifested as the first clinical feature of Azathioprine myelosuppression. Physicians need to recognize early clinical clues (alopecia) to avoid the impending development of myelosuppression and to look for …

Regulation Of Mirnas In Obesity And Diabetes, Eva Maher, Ava O'Meara, Cathy Brougham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related secondary disorders has increased dramatically in recent years. Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression has been linked to the development of obesity and its associated disorders. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are promising cell models of obesity, obesity-related inflammation and diabetes. Furthermore, miRNA expression profiles have emerged as promising targets for the novel treatment of diseases such as obesity. In order to enhance miRNA-based therapies, the miRNA expression profile of obesity and its related disorders must be monitored to further understand the underlying mechanisms of obesity and to identify novel targets.

Aim: The aim of …

The Potential Of Stem Cell Therapy In Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: A Review, Sorina Amarculesei, Ava O'Meara Cushen, Cathy Brougham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. There are currently 2.8 million people living with Multiple Sclerosis worldwide, including 9000 people in Ireland, with a prevalence of 193 per 100,000 people. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include sensory loss, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, spasticity, depression, optic neuritis, gait ataxia, diplopia, and loss of bladder control. Currently, there is no standardised treatment or cure for Multiple Sclerosis with many strategies focusing on symptoms. Stem cells have emerged as promising approaches for Multiple Sclerosis therapeutics. Clinical trials primarily focus on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies for Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, …

Tiny But Mighty, An Exploration Of Microbes And Plants As Sources Of Small Novel Bioactive Compounds Against Invasive Mycoses., Hannah Mai Peacock, James Anthony O'Connor

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Despite the high mortality rate involved with invasive cerebral mycoses, there is a relative lack of research available around antifungals capable of crossing the blood brain barrier.

In this study the metabolites of four plants (Crocus vernus, Miniature Narcissus (daffodil), Osmanthus delavayi and Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion)) and two bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Staphylococcus epidermidis) were extracted and assayed for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography were then employed to assess the activity of the constituent components of sources showing antifungal activity.

Metabolites of S.epidermidis, and extracts …

Special Issue: Hunger, Nutrition, And Health, Susan Rice

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Everyday millions of Americans face barriers to accessing food, housing, and other supports–––making the impossible decision of whether to put food on the table or cover other essential needs. Food insecurity and diet-related diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, affect people of all ages and in all communities. It was for this reason that the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. As the President said at the Conference, “No child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of a disease that can be prevented.” It will require all …

An Investigation Of Mitigation Measures On The Spread Of Covid-19 In A College Classroom Using Agent-Based Modeling, Saharsh Talwar, Anne E. Yust

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

In this manuscript, we describe the process of using agent-based modeling in NetLogo to create a simulation of COVID-19 spread in a traditional college classroom. The model allows for an evaluation of different preventative measures implemented by the University of Pittsburgh, including the cohort classroom attendance model, mask and vaccine mandates, contact tracing, and classroom sanitation. Through the use of the model's interactive interface, the impact of adjusting specific measures by the institution could be visualized, providing a valuable tool for combating diseases that spread through droplet transmission.

Sars-Cov-2: Tale Of A Microscopic Murderer, Josiah P. Garner

Quest

Independent Study

Research in progress for BIOL1406: Biology for Science Majors I

Faculty Mentor: Amina Tassa, Ph.D.

I am delighted to introduce Josiah Garner’s “SARS-CoV-2: Tale of a Microscopic Murderer.” This independent study assignment explores the impact of a novel, deadly, and worldwide virus. The assignment also examines the fast development of vaccines to control the spread and reduce the symptoms of the virus.

Josiah’s paper focuses on the early history of the emergence of COVID-19, the world response, and vaccine development. He demonstrates critical thinking skills and effectively utilizes various research methods to obtain and communicate his information. Josiah …

Mutation-Induced Changes In The Stability, B-Cell Epitope, And Antigenicity Of The Sars-Cov-2 Variant Spike Protein: A Comparative Computational Stud, Nira Meirita Wijayanti, Muhammad Hermawan Widyananda, Lailil Muflikhah, Nashi Widodo

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The spike (S) protein is a major antigenicity site that targets neutralizing antibodies and drugs. The growing number of S protein mutations has become a severe problem for developing effective vaccines. Here, we investigated four severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that were the most infectious and widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the trends and patterns of mutation-induced changes in the stability, B-cell epitope, and antigenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. The data showed that the Beta and Gamma variants had three mutations on the receptor-binding domain (RBD), which is the specific site on the S …

Brominated Flame Retardants: A Literature Review Of The Toxicity Mechanisms, Clinical Manifestations, And Current Treatments, Yacobus Christian Prasetyo, Eti Nurwening Sholikhah

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are organohalogen compounds that can inhibit fire formation and delay its spread in manufacturing materials. BFRs are known to be toxic for the environment and humans. BFRs could persist for years prolonging potential exposure and toxicity to living beings. Indonesia had begun to reduce the use, even though some of toxic BFRs are still illegally circulating. This review aims to describe some aspects of BFRs toxicity including the mechanism, its clinical manifestations, and the current possible treatments. Toxicity after BFRs exposure includes endocrine, neurodevelopmental, and genotoxicity. The toxicity is manifested into some clinical conditions such as …

A Review On Antibiotic Resistance And The Use Of Medicinal Plants In The Management Of Uropathogenic Bacteria, Hubza Ruatt Khan, Mehvish Javeed, Iqra Batool, Rabeea Anwar, Asma Ashraf, Sara Janiad

Journal of Bioresource Management

UTIs are the most prevalent infections and are caused by uropathogenicmicrobes such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. Antibiotic resistance has hampered the management of UTIs over the years, with direct repercussions on the treatment cost, the infection severity, and the duration of hospitalization. This review discussed the route of infections, risk factors connected to UTIs, antibiotic resistance issues as well as an alternative therapy to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance. The medicinal plants which have been utilized for thousands of years to cure a variety of ailmentsrepresent a significant antibiotic …

Molecular Simulation Of B-Cell Epitope Mapping From Nipah Virus Attachment Protein To Construct Peptide-Based Vaccine Candidate: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach, Viol Dhea Kharisma, Farida Aryani Dian, Pavel Burkov, Pavel Scherbakov, Marina Derkho, Ekaterina Sepiashvili, Teguh Hari Sucipto, Arli Aditya Parikesit, Ahmad Affan Ali Murtadlo, Vikash Jakhmola, Rahadian Zainul

Makara Journal of Science

There are no specific drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus (NiV), which is a new Paramyxovirus that infects swine and humans. This study was conducted to investigate B-cell epitope mapping of the NiV attachment glycoprotein and to construct peptide-based vaccine candidates using the reverse vaccinology approach. To generate the linear B-cell epitope, the NiV isolates were extractad from GenBank, NCBI, using the IEDB web server; peptide modeling was conducted using PEP-FOLD3; docking was conducted using PatchDock and FireDock; and in silico cloning was designed using SnapGene. Various peptides were successfully identified from the NiV attachment glycoprotein based on B-cell epitope …

An Overview Of Viruses And The Infamous Sars-Cov-2, Jake Sun

The Confluence

Background information on viruses is first presented which include topics like evolution, ecology, history, identification, structure, and application. The novel SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, pandemic originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Millions of people were infected with the virus in a short time period causing urgent concern worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief and general understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 to increase awareness and actions toward preventive measures. COVID-19 is a (+) ssRNA spherical enveloped virion that causes primarily respiratory illnesses. The S protein interacts with ACE-2 receptors on the host cell to gain entry …

Wellness Review 2022, Part 2, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson, Jacob Shreffler

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Similar to prior reviews, the Journal of Wellness editors searched the literature from the second half of 2022 for an interesting and impactful selection of publications on wellness in healthcare professionals.

Methods: Editors conducted a standard keyword search in Pubmed, focusing chiefly on large journals, interventional trials, and other prospective research. We included papers published between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.

Literature in Review: Finding several hundred publications, we excluded editorials, reviews, and some smaller, less generalizable papers. A final 25 significant studies focusing on wellness in medical professionals were sorted into the following categories: logistics, creativity …

Biomarker Metabolite Discovery For Pancreatic Cancer Using Machine Learning, Immanuelle Kezia, Linda Erlina, Aryo Tedjo, Fadilah Fadilah

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. This cancer is caused by multiple factors and mostly detected at late stadium. Biomarker is a marker that can identify some diseases very specific. For pancreatic cancer, biomarker has been recognized using blood sample known as liquid biopsy, breath, pancreatic secret, and tumor marker CA19-9. Those biomarkers are invasive, so we want to identify the disease using a very convenient method. Metabolite is product from cell metabolism. Metabolites can become a biomarker especially from difficult diseases. In this paper, we want to find biomarker from metabolite using machine learning …

Paternal Ages And Genetic Diseases And Congenital Anomalies, Neda Hamood

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

he purpose of this research is to investigate the link between Advanced Paternal Ages (APA) (i.e., APA ≥ 35 years and APA ≥ 50 years) and genetic diseases and congenital anomalies. Currently, the relationship between both APA and genetic diseases and congenital anomalies remains unclear. There is room for improvement, however, to investigate systematically the relationship between specific congenital anomalies in newborns and APA. More recently, the link between APA (as opposed to existing studies analyzing Advanced Maternal Age alone) and genetic diseases has been recognized by researchers, epidemiologists, and various health experts. Thus, this study serves to examine the …

A Brief Overview Of Triple A Syndrome, Jamaal Khan

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Triple A Syndrome, also known as AAA Syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by any mutation in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13, whose main function is to code for the WD-repeat family regulatory protein, ALADIN. It typically occurs as a group of diseases that are characterized by alacrima, Addison's disease, and achalasia. Alacrima can be defined by a decrease in the amount of tears produced while achalasia is nerve damage in the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing. Lastly, Addison's disease is the insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone produced by the adrenal cortex. There is no …

Anthelmintic Resistance In Sheep Across Ireland And The Uk: A Literature Review Of The In Vivo Versus In Vitro Methods, Megan Tumulty

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Background: The animal welfare and production consequences of gastrointestinal nematode infections, namely Nematodirus battus, on sheep are compelling. The control of gastrointestinal infections has been heavily reliant on the administration of anthelmintics since their introduction into mainstream use in 1960. However, their frequent and often excessive use has resulted in anthelmintic resistance being reported extensively in several gastrointestinal nematode species. The prevalence of anthelmintic resistance as well as the increase in the number of cases of multiple-drug resistance in nematode populations now poses substantial hindrance on the viability of sheep production systems. However, despite the threat N. battus poses …

Clinicopathological And Prognostic Significance Of Cxcr4 Expression In Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis, I Gusti Ngurah Ananda Wira Kusuma, Grace Yulia Alphani Yapson, John Nolan, I Gede Eka Wiratnaya, I Gede Putu Supadmanaba

BioMedicine

Background: The C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor (CXCR4) is an oncogene that has been widely studied and associated with worse clinicopathological features and prognosis outcomes in many types of cancer. Besides that, significance of CXCR4 expression on clinicopathological features and prognostic factors in osteosarcoma (OS) requires further validation.

Aim: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between positive CXCR4 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in OS.

Methods: Literature searches on Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were conducted systematically up to December 2021 to find relevant references. The effects of CXCR4 expression on clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic were …

Sars-Cov-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant: Structural Features, Biological Characteristics, Impact On Scientific Research, General Precautions And Protective Procedures; A Systematic Review, Prithivi Nagarajan, Anitha Vetrivel, Jayanthi Kumar, Anusheela Howlader, Kumar Rangarajalu, Satheesh Kumar Sabapathy, Muthu Gopal, Saravanaavel Kumar

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The SARS-CoV-2 mutations that have occurred have alarmed the entire medical community. Thus, global concerns have been expressed regarding the transmission, pathogenicity and immune evasion of the Omicron strain, which shares mutations with the variants of concern Alpha, Beta, and Gamma strains. Still, Omicron transmission has crossed numerous borders worldwide compared to other types of SARS-CoV-2. The number of confirmed cases has increased and is reappearing in India. Given the worrisome situation created by the Omicron outbreak, scientists and postgraduates have had to make decisions about current research programs at institutions around the globe. The Omicron variants under development have …

Wellness Review 2022, Part 1, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson, Jacob Shreffler

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: This article represents the first of a two-part assessment of 2022 literature addressing wellness in healthcare professionals published from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022.

Methods: Three editors conducted a similar keyword search in Pubmed, also adding manually curated articles. Focusing chiefly on clinical trials and other prospective research, we settled on a final 25 significant papers focusing on wellness in medical professionals to include in this review.

Literature Review: Recent literature into HCW wellness continues to describe burnout factors and COVID-19 impact, but includes more resilience-targeting interventions and systematic reviews of trials seeking bolstering of well-being. Subsections …

Physical Activity, Sitting Time, And Feelings Of Energy And Fatigue During The Early Stages Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: Does Grit Make A Difference?, Andreas Stamatis, Jessica Adams, Joel Martin, Matthew L. Smith, Italia Milani, Shane V. Caswell, Nelson Cortes, Ali Boolani

Health Behavior Research

Grit has been associated with feelings of energy when measured as the opposite end of fatigue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, grit has been linked to positive health-related behaviors, which are known to influence feelings of energy and fatigue. The objective of this study was to identify the association between grit, time spent sitting, physical activity (PA), and feelings of mental and physical energy (ME, PE) and fatigue (MF, PF) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Participants (n = 859) completed surveys once. Using a series of multivariate regression models, we assessed the association …

Wastewater-Informed Public Health Intervention Playbook

Sustain Magazine

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic quickly spread from country to country and continent to continent in 2020, governments and scientists needed a way to track COVID-19 through populations in order to position public health interventions in the most impactful locations. Having a decision-based risk framework may help to guide policy creation that could minimize or prevent possible outbreaks and surges of infection within communities. The University of Louisville in partnership with Louisville’s Department of Public Health and Wellness tested this strategy in 2021 and 2022. This Wastewater-Informed Public Health Intervention Playbook describes the decisions and actions of that academic and public …

Associations Between Cannabis, Psychosis, And Schizophrenia In Adolescents, Lauren Moment

Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research

The effects of cannabis use on the brain, mind, and body have been studied for decades. The developing brain, particularly the adolescent and young adult brain, undergoes critical development that makes it especially susceptible to the effects of cannabis use. Among the adverse effects of cannabis use in adolescence and young adulthood, psychosis and psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) have been examined. The association of cannabis use with schizophrenia was first elucidated in a Swedish study of army conscripts. Specifically, conscripts reported their cannabis use exposure and were followed longitudinally to assess the emergence of schizophrenia. The authors found that those …