Digital Commons Network^™

Tv Versus Video Games: Their Distinctive Effects On Adolescent Behavior And Academic Achievement, Faiaz Rahman, Kathy L. Schuh

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

The current paper uses data collected from a publicly available, nationally representative data set to examine the effects of TV viewing and video gaming on adolescent behavioral problems and cognitive achievement. Results revealed that extended hours of TV viewing were associated with greater anxiety/depression and antisocial problems. On the other hand, extended hours of video gaming were associated with higher reading comprehension scores. Differing effects of TV viewing and gameplay by an individual’s sex was also found during the analysis. It is also important to note that the opposite effects that the two media has on outcomes, indicate that, although …

Chacahoula 2025, Volume 92, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

The 2025 issue of Chacahoula includes December 2024 and May 2025 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography student life on the banks of Bayou Desiard. With features covering students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Organic Glycinate Trace Minerals Improve Hatchability, Bone And Eggshell Breaking Strength, And Mineral Uptake During Late Laying Cycle In Layer Breeders, Mujtaba Akram Jahangir, Muhammad Muneeb, Muhammad Farooq Iqbal, Syeda Maryam Hussain, Syed Sohail Habib, Sohail Ahmad, Kasim Sakran Abass, Nasir Mukhtar, Rashed A. Alhotan, Ali R. Al Sulaiman, Ala E. Abudabos

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders (162 hens and 18 males; Lohmann LSL Ultralite) were randomly divided into three treatment groups having six replicates of nine hens each and one male for each replicate following a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments included: (1) Basal diet + inorganic trace minerals at breed recommended levels (ITM100), (2) Basal diet + organic trace minerals …

Swollen Lymph Node Metastasis In Gastric Cancer: A Forgotten Prognostic Signal In Need Of Clinical Action, Keykavous Parang, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. While the extent of nodal involvement is a well-known prognostic factor, the specific entity of swollen lymph node metastasis (SLNM), bulky nodal tumor deposits detectable radiologically or pathologically, has received little attention in staging. Recent data from a study by Cui et al demonstrated that SLNM is an independent predictor of very poor survival in GC. Through robust data and rigorous propensity-matched analyses, SLNM emerged not merely as an anatomical finding but as an independent predictor of poor prognosis, even among patients undergoing curative resection. As precision oncology advances, the …

Evaluation Of Robotic Swabbing And Fluorescent Sensing To Monitor The Hygiene Of Food Contact Surfaces, Siavash Mahmoudi, Clark Griscom, Pouya Sohrabipour, Yang Tian, Chaitanya Palleria, Philip G. Crandall, Dongyi Wang

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Effective environmental monitoring is critical for preventing microbial and allergenic cross-contamination. However, manual swabbing methods, commonly used to verify hygienic conditions, are prone to inconsistent results because of variability in pressure, coverage, and techniques. Two novel solutions will be explored to address these challenges: a robotic swabbing system with tactile sensing control, and a fluorescence/absorbance spectrometer for non-contact, protein-based residue detection. The robotic system was evaluated against trained and untrained humans, measuring water pickup, surface coverage, and pressure consistency. Concurrently, the fluorescence system analyzed model poultry protein soil to correlate spectral patterns with contamination levels. The robotic system demonstrated statistically …

Inflammation And Detection: Rethinking The Biomarker Landscape In Gastric Cancer, Keykavous Parang, Koosha Paydary

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Gastric carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, yet reliable noninvasive biomarkers for its early detection remain limited. As research continues to elucidate the inflammatory underpinnings of tumor initiation and progression, it has become increasingly clear that pro-inflammatory cytokines may hold promise as diagnostic adjuncts. Serum cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-gamma have been frequently reported as elevated in gastric cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. These molecules, known for their roles in modulating tumor-promoting inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, may serve as accessible indicators of disease presence or progression. Several studies have shown that …

Dental Microwear And Diets Of Late Miocene Primates From Rudabánya, Hungary, Peter S. Ungar, Anna K. Wilcox, David R. Begun

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study focuses on a dental microwear texture analysis of European pliopithecids and dryopithecins from the Miocene primate site of Rudabánya, Hungary. The goal is to determine whether these taxa, found in part together in the same deposits, differed in their food preferences, or at least consumed, on a daily basis, in a manner that might have facilitated sympatry. Materials and Methods: Here we report on a molar surface texture analysis of all available fossil primates from Rudabánya that preserve antemortem microwear. This includes both Anapithecus hernyaki (n = 14) and Rudapithecus hungaricus (n = 5, including one from …

Association Of Genetic Scores Related To Insulin Resistance With Neurological Outcomes In Ancestrally Diverse Cohorts From The Trans-Omics For Precision Medicine (Topmed) Program, Chloé Sarnowski, Yixin Zhang, Farah Ammous, Lincoln M. P. Shade, Daniel Dicorpo, Xueqiu Jian, Donna K. Arnett, Thomas R. Austin, John Blangero, Joanne E. Curran

School of Medicine Publications

To better characterize the potential biological mechanisms underlying insulin resistance (IR) and dementia, we derive cross-population and population specific polygenic scores [PSs] for fasting insulin and IR-related partitioned PSs [pPSs]. We conduct a cross-sectional study of the associations of these genetic scores with neurological outcomes in >17k participants (36% men, mean age 55 yrs) from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program (50% Non-Hispanic White, 23% Black/African American, 21% Hispanic/Latino American, and 4% Asian American). We report significant negative associations (P <  0.002) of the cross-population (P = 1.3 × 10-5) and European (PEA = 3.0 × 10-8) fasting insulin PSs with total cranial volume, and of a metabolic syndrome European PS with general cognitive function (BEA = -0.13, PEA = 0.0002) and lateral ventricular volume (BEA = 0.09, PEA = 0.002). We identify suggestive negative associations (P <  0.007) of metabolic syndrome and obesity pPSs with general cognitive function, and of lipodystrophy pPSs with total cranial volume. A higher genetic predisposition to IR is associated with lower brain size, and a genetic predisposition to specific IR-related type 2 diabetes subtypes, such as metabolic syndrome and mechanisms of IR mediated through obesity and lipodystrophy, is potentially involved in cognitive decline.

Poziotinib For Egfr Exon 20-Insertion Nsclc: Clinical Efficacy Of The Phase 2 Zenith Trial And Differential Impact Of Egfr Exon 20 Insertion Location On Sensitivity, Xiuning Le, Jacqulyne P Robichaux, Monique Nilsson, R S K Vijayan, Ashwin Ravichandran, Jia Wu, Yasir Y Elamin, Lingzhi Hong, Jun Pei, Jun He, Sonia Patel, Hibiki Udagawa, Sriramvignesh Mani, Chang Woon Jang, Jeffrey M Clarke, Nishan Tchekmedyian, Jonathan W Goldman, Mark Socinski, Gajanan Bhat, Sharon Leu, Veronica Bunn, Zhenqiang Su, Sylvie Vincent, John W Lawson, Jason B Cross, John V Heymach

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

EGFRex20 insertions (EGFRex20ins) can be classified as near- and far-loop based on the insertion location, however, the impact of location on responses to various EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is poorly understood. In vitro studies show that afatinib, poziotinib, and zipalertinib more potently inhibited near-loop than far-loop insertions, whereas mobocertinib has similar IC50 in both groups. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that near-loop insertions have multiple conformational states and lower transitional energy than far-loop insertions. ZENITH20 trial cohort 1 (NCT03318939) evaluates poziotinib in EGFRex20 NSCLC patients (n = 115) and demonstrates an objective response rate of 14.8% (95% Confidence …

Nontarget Effects Of Abamectin On Cysts And Three Larval Stages Of Marine Microcrustacean Artemia Franciscana, Hashem Khandan Barani, Sahel Pakzad Toochaei, Narjes Sanchooli

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Abamectin (ABM) is a widely used pesticide in agriculture and aquaculture worldwide. However, limited information is available on the toxic impacts of ABM on nontarget marine organisms, necessitating further research to investigate the toxic impacts of ABM on marine life. Hence, this study examined the acute (0.5–2.5 μg/L for 24 and 48 h) and chronic (0.125–0.5 μg/L for 7 days) toxicity of ABM on the marine microcrustacean Artemia franciscana under different incubation conditions and at different stages of development. To simulate a more realistic environmental scenario, some of the exposure tests were conducted in the presence of food or with …

Environmental Controls On Planktonic Community Variability And Ecosystem Responses In The Romanian Black Sea, Cristina Tabarcea, Elena Bișinicu, George-Emanuel Harcotă, Aurelia Țoțoiu, Oana Vlas, Elena Pantea, Luminita Lazar

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study examines the structure, distribution, and environmental influences on planktonic communities in the Romanian Black Sea, based on data collected from Black Sea national monitoring stations in June 2023. We assessed the qualitative and quantitative composition of phytoplankton, microzooplankton, mesozooplankton, macrozooplankton, and ichthyoplankton, alongside key environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient concentrations (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and silicate). The results highlight the dominance of dinoflagellates within the phytoplankton community, while copepods constitute the most abundant mesozooplankton group. Species from the Codonellidae family mainly represent microzooplankton diversity, while macrozooplankton is largely dominated by the scyphozoan Aurelia …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fish Oil And Vernonia Amygdalina Leaves-Supplemented Biscuits Increased Insulin Secretion And Suppressed Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Type 2 Diabetic Wistar Rats, Omolola Soji-Omoniwa, Uthman Olanrewaju Abdulazeez, Christfavour Oluwaseyi Oloba, Samuel Olajuwon Kolawole, Johnson Opeyemi Olayinka, Emmanuel Olorunleke Oludipe, Anuoluwapo Faith Ajediti, Habib Tajudeen Yusuf

Al-Bahir

This research determined the effect of fish oil and Vernonia amygdalina-enriched biscuits (FVSB) on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-nine male rats were grouped into seven, i.e. A-G. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was induced in groups B-G by administering 230 mg/kg body weight [BW] NAD (ip) and 65 mg/kg BW streptozotocin (ip). Group A represented the control (Non-diabetic + unsupplemented biscuit), B (untreated diabetic), C (diabetic + 120 mg/kg BW metformin), D-F (diabetic + FVSB at 1g, 2g and 3g leaf inclusion respectively), and G (diabetic + conventional biscuit). The experiment lasted 35 days, …

Multiscale Modelling Of Eg5: Structural Insights Into Microtubule Interactions, Atp Hydrolysis, And Allosteric Inhibition Mechanisms, Soundarya Priya Alexandar Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The mitotic kinesin EG5 is essential for spindle bipolarity and accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, making it a validated anti-cancer target. Unlike conventional microtubule-targeting agents, EG5 inhibitors offer mitosis-specific action, reducing neurotoxicity. Although inhibitors targeting EG5’s allosteric site-I have been extensively studied, mechanistic insights into inhibition at site-II, and their combined effects, remain underexplored. This thesis systematically investigates the structural and dynamic mechanisms underlying EG5 function and its inhibition using an integrative computational approach.

Conformational analysis, coarse-grained dynamics, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and protein network analysis were performed on EG5 motor domain structures and EG5-microtubule complexes. Results show that …

Complete Genome Sequence Of Rothia Mucilaginosa D1, A Genetically Amenable Strain, Hemendra P. Dhaked, Isabella Andonie, Bo Yang, Vinayka M. Joshi, Zezhang T. Wen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Rothia mucilaginosa D1. Unlike many other strains that have been sequenced, R. mucilaginosa D1, a clinical isolate, is genetically amenable. The complete sequencing of the genome provides potential for further studies on the genetics and pathophysiology of this emerging pathobiont.

Next-Gen Tools In Cancer Neuroscience, Vera Thiel, Debpali Sur, Caroline C Picoli, Tamara Mcerlain, Katalina Couto, David J Simon, Yuan Pan, Karen Olivia Dixon, Rajan P Kulkarni, Sebastien Talbot, Alexander Birbrair

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The emerging field of cancer neuroscience is rapidly evolving, driven by novel technologies and tools. These include advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; genetic mouse models paired with automated high-throughput; and innovative optical electrophysiological approaches, optogenetics, chemogenetics, engineered viruses, and new methods for visualizing neuronal activity. Collectively, these technologies are revolutionizing how we investigate, manipulate, and characterize distinct components that contribute to the nervous system-cancer interface. In the present review, we discuss the key technologies that are closing the gap between oncology and neuroscience, highlighting the innovations that are propelling the cancer neuroscience field forward.

Rna/Dna-Binding Protein Tdp43 Regulates Dna Mismatch Repair Genes With Implications For Genome Stability, Vincent E Provasek, Albino Bacolla, Suganya Rangaswamy, Manohar Kodavati, Joy Mitra, Issa O Yusuf, Vikas H Malojirao, Velmarini Vasquez, Gavin W Britz, Guo-Min Li, Zuoshang Xu, Sankar Mitra, Ralph M Garruto, John A Tainer, Muralidhar L Hegde

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

TDP43 is an RNA/DNA-binding protein increasingly recognized for its role in neurodegenerative conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As characterized by its aberrant nuclear export and cytoplasmic aggregation, TDP43 proteinopathy is a hallmark feature in over 95% of ALS/FTD cases, leading to detrimental cytosolic aggregates and a reduction in nuclear functionality in neurons. Building on our prior work linking TDP43 proteinopathy to the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in neurons, the present investigation uncovers a novel regulatory relationship between TDP43 and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene expression. Here, we show that TDP43 depletion or overexpression …

Achieving Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Non-Flooded Rice Through Effective Nitrogen Fertilizer Management, Nikki Arivel Larazo

Student Theses and Dissertations

Rice cultivation offers many opportunities including secure food supply, support livelihoods and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), particularly methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This study evaluated the impact of irrigation method and nitrogen (N) fertilizer type on GHG emissions and yield in drill-seeded rice from 2022 to 2024. A field study was conducted to compare the impacts of flooded and furrow irrigation with either Urea or sulfur-enriched urea (Urea-S) at 168 kg N ha⁻¹ on rice yield, N use efficiency and GHG emissions. Gas samples were collected using flux vented chamber method and analyzed via gas chromatography. Furrow irrigation …

Machine Learning For Genetic Expression, Jennifer M. Fowler

Student Theses and Dissertations

The publication of the human genome in 1994 launched a computational biology revolution. Despite subsequent advances in sequencing and computing technology, the research community lacks robust and reproducible tools for interpreting differential expression of genes. Modern high-throughput genome sequencing and high-density arrays allow unprecedented computational analysis of genetic profiles. These developments combined with the rise artificial intelligence and machine learning powered by unprecedented amounts of data present new opportunities in bioinformatics. A novel gene ranking method, AUCg, is presented and applied to genetic expression data from patients with multiple myeloma. The AUCg method is compared to popular Bioconductor tools, and …

Population Genomic Assessment Of The Endangered Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma Susanae), Hilary Canada

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma susanae) is an endangered species of freshwater fish endemic to the tributaries of the Cumberland River above the Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Tennessee. Once recognized as a subspecies of Johnny Dater (E. nigrum), E. susanae was elevated to species level based on morphological and mtDNA variation. Habitat degradation and modification is a primary concern for the species with its preference for slow-flow streams. Fragmented populations increase the risk of disrupting historic gene flow between tributaries which could potentially result in genetically distinct populations. In 2011, E. susanae was listed under the Endangered Species Act by …

09.22.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
• MIG Application Opportunity
• 10th Annual Advancing MS Conference

Impacts Of The Conductive Networks On Solid-State Battery Operation, Shimao Deng, Yixian Wang, Tianxiao Sun, Wenlong Li, Mingyuan Ge, Jian Wang, Peter Cloetens, Piero Pianetta, David Mitlin, Yijin Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The micromorphology of composite cathodes is known to play a vital role in determining all‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) performance. However, much of our current understanding is derived from empirical observations, lacking a deeper mechanistic foundation. The “rocking chair” concept of battery chemistry requires maintaining charge neutrality, emphasizing the necessity of examining electrode micromorphology from the perspective of conductive networks. This study systematically investigates the microscopic electrochemical impacts of conductive network micromorphology by varying the Li+‐to‐e− channel ratio in cathodes comprising LiNbO3‐coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, Li6PS5Cl, and carbon fibers. Utilizing multiscale synchrotron‐based spectro‐microscopy, we unravel that unbalanced Li+ and e− conducting channels intensify charge …

Anticonvulsant Use In Older Age Bipolar Disorder In A Global Sample From The Global Aging And Geriatric Experiments In Bipolar Disorder Project: Utilisation D'Anticonvulsivants Pour Le Traitement Des Troubles Bipolaires Du Sujet Âgé Auprès D'Un Échantillon Mondial Provenant Du Projet Gage-Bd, Katie C Bodenstein, Myriam Lesage, Paola Lavin, Sigfried Schouws, Melis Orhan, Alexandra Beunders, Osvaldo P Almeida, Kursat Altinbas, Vicent Balanzá-Martínez, Izabela G Barbosa, Hilary P Blumberg, Farren B S Briggs, Cynthia V Calkin, Orestes V Forlenza, Brent Forester, Ariel G Gildengers, Benno C M Haarman, Tomas Hajek, Beny Lafer, Paula V Nunes, Benoit Mulsant, Andrew T Olagunju, Regan E Patrick, Joquim Radua, Kaylee Sarna, Christian Simhandl, Jair C Soares, Ashley N Sutherland, Nicole Fiorelli, Antonio L Teixeira, Shangying Tsai, Eduard Vieta, Joy Yala, Lisa Eyler, Annemiek Dols, Martha Sajatovic, Soham Rej

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background:

Anticonvulsants are an essential treatment for bipolar disorder; however, there is relatively little known about their use in older age bipolar disorder (OABD). In this paper, which leverages a large international dataset, we aim to 1) describe the use of anticonvulsants in OABD compared to younger age bipolar disorder (YABD; ages < 50 years old) and 2) explore any demographic/clinical correlates.

Methods:

A secondary analysis was conducted on the international data from the Global Aging and Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder project. The main objective was to report the prevalence of anticonvulsant use in OABD over 50 years old (mean age = 62.27) and the most prescribed anticonvulsant. Additional …

Species Delineation, Phylogeography And Conservation Of Temperate Perches (Actinopterygii: Percichthyidae) From An Endemism And Climate Change Hotspot, Michael P. Hammer, David L. Morgan, Stephen J. Beatty, Mark G. Allen, Peter J. Unmack, Sean J. Buckley, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Jon Murphy, Mark Adams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: The south-western corner of Australia is a biodiversity hotspot that includes a freshwater fauna with a high proportion of endemic species. The temperate perches comprise nearly half of the obligate freshwater fishes of the region, representing important components of local ecosystems and are of significant conservation concern. Aims: Provide a spatially comprehensive molecular genetic assessment of species boundaries and major substructure for all local members of the family to better understand the interplay of ecology and environment across a common landscape. Methods: Nuclear markers (allozymes) and matrilineal (cytb) datasets were generated to infer genetic groupings and any instances of …

Barriers To Achieving Graduated Responsibility: Preparing Pathology Residents For Independent Practice, Bronwyn H. Bryant, Balaram Puligandla, Hailey L. Gosnell, Kristen Johnson, Stephanie Barak, Mary P. Berg, Satyapal Chahar, John M. Childs, Julie Katz Karp, Amanda Lofgreen, Cindy B. Mccloskey, Barbara E. C. Knollmann-Ritschel, Kristie L. White, W. Stephen Black-Schaffer

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Allowing pathology residents to practice with high levels of autonomy helps prepare them for independent practice. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently added to the core requirements that residents must have opportunities to perform assigned clinical responsibilities under oversight supervision-defined as review and feedback after care is delivered. To understand the current state of resident autonomy, pathology residency programs were surveyed (32 responses) about the highest level of supervision achieved by senior residents for common pathology tasks, as well as the most significant barrier to achieving oversight supervision for each task. Each task was assigned a "supervision …

Essential Role Of Protein Kinase R In The Pathogenesis Of Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Amit Prabhakar, Rahul Kumar, Meetu Wadhwa, Abhilash Barpanda, Joseph Lyons, Asavari Gowda, Simren Gupta, Ananyaa Arvind, Prajakta Ghatpande, Arun P. Wiita, Brian B. Graham, Giorgio Lagna, Akiko Hata

Biology

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and severe subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension, characterized by progressive remodeling of small pulmonary arteries and veins with no therapies. Using a mitomycin C–induced (MMC-induced) rat model, we previously demonstrated that protein kinase R–mediated (PKR-mediated) integrated stress response (ISR) drives endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. To determine whether PKR is the primary mediator of ISR and the pathogenesis, we treated control (Ctrl) and PKR-knockout (KO) mice with the same dose of MMC. Consistent with rat data, Ctrl mice displayed ISR activation, vascular remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension after MMC treatment, while KO mice showed …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally and is marked by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, decreased brain pH, disrupted metabolism, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and are critically involved in the progression of AD. While microglia can initiate protective immune responses to injury and disease, dysregulated microglial metabolism may contribute to the exacerbation of Alzheimer's pathology. To investigate potential therapeutic strategies, we developed an agent-based model simulating the effects of exercise and metabolic enhancement on dysfunctional microglia. Our findings suggest that …

The Interplay Of Cytokine Expression, Cardiac Phenotype, And Heritability In Cardiovascular Health In Mexican Americans., Veronica O'Brien, Ana Leandro, Marcio Almeida, John Blangero, Joanne Curran

Research Colloquium

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the Hispanic population has a significantly higher risk of developing CVD. In this study, we measured plasma cytokine levels, lipidomic data, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in individuals from the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS). Statistical analysis was implemented to determine the heritability, the correlation between cytokine expression and cardiac phenotype and lipid and cardiac phenotype.

Methods: We analyzed frozen plasma samples from 254 participants using the MILLIPLEX Human Cytokine/Chemokine/Growth Factor Panel A Magnetic Bead Panel. The panel included GM-CSF, IFNg, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, …

Ybx1-Mediated Activation Of Srebp2 Drives Sorafenib Resistance Via Cholesterol Biosynthesis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Shaibir Hussain, Salique H. Shaham, Manish Tripathi

Research Colloquium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive, largely chemo-resistant cancer with a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, there is no effective systemic chemotherapy for HCC. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor commonly used as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, acquired drug resistance significantly limits its clinical effectiveness. The Y-box binding protein (YBX1) is an oncogenic RNA-binding protein found to be upregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues.

Methods: HCC model SK Hep1, YBX1 overexpression, and knockdown cells were prepared by transient transfection with puromycin selection, and stable cell lines were established through …