Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Polystyrene Nanoplastics On Oncogenic Signaling Pathways In Prostate Cells, Luis Alfonso Adel-Alvarez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prostate cancer (PC) remains the most prevalent malignant disease among the male population worldwide, with a dramatic increase observed in the European Union from the 1980s to the 2000s. The etiology of PC is attributed to both hereditary factors and environmental pollutants. Among these, endocrine disruptors and polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) interact with the prostate gland via the circulatory system, inducing intense oxidative stress. This study aims to characterize, for the first time, the pathobiological effects of PSNPs in both non-malignant (RWPE1) and malignant (22RV1) prostate cell lines. The objective was to elucidate the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants, such as …

Enduring Efffects Of Juvenile Fluoxetine Exposure On Serotonin Transporter Expression Within The Hippocampus And Prefrontal Cortex Of Male C57bl/6 Mice, Daniel Eduardo Calvo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prescription rates of fluoxetine, the most dispensed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, have been rising among the juvenile population. Since adolescence is a critical developmental period in which the brain undergoes pruning, chronic increases in serotonin levels may lead to long-term neurobiological changes in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation. Thus, using mice as a model system, this thesis evaluated how adolescent fluoxetine exposure (AFE) influences the expression of serotonin transporters (SERT) in the adult hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. To do this, postnatal day (PD)-35 male C57BL/6 mice were administered with fluoxetine (250 mg/l in their drinking water) for 15 consecutive …

Expression And Purification Of Prohibitin Proteins And Investigation Of Their Interaction With Mycobacterium Tuberculosis’S Virulence Factors, Zeina Rhaim

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prohibitin (PHB) is a highly conserved mitochondrial protein involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, mitochondrial integrity, macrophage activation, cytokine production and many other critical cell functions. The prohibitin complex, formed by Prohibitin-1 (PHB1) and Prohibitin-2 (PHB2), functions as a mitochondrial membrane-associated receptor. Cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and renal conditions were found to be linked to an irregular PHB expression. Emerging evidence has also highlighted a significant role for PHB in tuberculosis (TB), particularly through its interactions with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) virulence determinants. The molecular mechanisms by which PHB influences TB pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Our preliminary studies showed that PHB1 was …

Investigation Of Changes In Exotic Bird Serum Vitamin D Levels Between Indoor And Outdoor Housing, Alexander J. Marley

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is directly related to sunlight and is involved in multiple physiological processes including calcium metabolism, feather quality, and chick development. Most vertebrate species are capable of both absorption of exogenous vitamin D and internal synthesis of vitamin D, with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), being more accessible and bioactive in bird species. In exotic bird species, dietary requirements for vitamin D3 are largely unknown, and the ability to maintain adequate serum concentrations of vitamin D3 metabolites without direct sunlight exposure also requires evaluation. Concerns arise in situations where individuals may be housed indoors for extended …

Genomic And Functional Characterisation Of Endophytic Bacterium Bacillus Cereus Strain E1 Alleviating Salt Stress And Enhancing Tomato Physiology And Spectral Indices, Balamurugan Sadaiappan, Tanveer Alam Khan, Qurban Ali, Sulamita Santos Correa, Mahideen Afridi, Soumaya Tounsi Hammami, Munawwar Ali Khan, Sunil Mundra

All Works

Mangroves in arid environments represent unique ecological niches that support a diverse range of microorganisms. Endophytic bacteria residing within host plants play a crucial role in promoting plant growth by enhancing pathogen resistance and alleviating environmental stress. Identifying novel stress-tolerant strains, specific to arid environments, is essential for expanding the repertoire of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). In this study, we investigated the saline tolerance of the endophytic bacterium strain E1, previously isolated from the root of Avicenna marina (grey mangrove). Whole-genome sequence (WGS), phylogenetics and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis were performed. The strain exhibited high salinity tolerance, growing in …

Artificial Intelligence Biomarker Detects High-Risk Childhood Asthma Subgroup For Respiratory Infections And Exacerbations, Young J Juhn, Chung-Il Wi, Euijung Ryu, Katherine S King, Sunghwan Sohn, Elham Sagheb, Greg Jenkins, David Watson, Miguel A Park, Sergio E Chiarella, Hirohito Kita, Mir Ali, W Charles Huskins, Elizabeth H Ristagno, Imad Absah, Charles Grose, Kathy Ihrke, Elizabeth A Krusemark, Thanai Pongdee, Björn Nordlund, Carla M Davis, Robert J Pignolo, Hongfang Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Asthma is associated with an increased risk of acute respiratory infections (ARI). Little is known about whether natural language processing (NLP)-powered digital biomarkers can identify a high-risk asthma subgroup for ARI during early childhood.

Objective: We assessed whether a digital biomarker could identify a high-risk subgroup of childhood asthma for ARI.

Methods: We applied validated NLP algorithms for Predetermined Asthma Criteria (NLP-PAC) and Asthma Predictive Index (NLP-API) to electronic health records of the 1997-2016 Mayo Clinic Birth Cohort. We categorized the cohort into 4 subgroups: both criteria positive (NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+), PAC positive only (NLP-PAC+), API positive only (NLP-API+), and both …

Establishing Procedures For Primary Human Myoblast Cell Culture, Erica Duffy

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of amputation in the United States. PAD is characterized by atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries, resulting in ischemia from reduced blood flow to distal tissues. Although surgical and percutaneous interventions can restore perfusion, fewer than 50% of patients experience sustained benefit, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. One promising approach is promoting arteriogenesis, the growth and outward remodeling of pre-existing collateral vessels that improve blood flow around the occluded arteries. Arteriogenesis is regulated by regenerative, M2-polarized macrophages, making macrophage polarization a key therapeutic target. …

Fungicidal Management Of Spring Dead Spot Using Improved Modeling And Application Strategies, Michael Vincent Battaglia

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Spring dead spot (SDS) is a destructive disease of bermudagrass (Cynodon Rich. spp.) in parts of the world that experience winter dormancy. Fungicides are often necessary to properly manage SDS, and significant research has been conducted to improve fungicidal effectiveness. Several studies were conducted with the objectives of improving fungicide application timing, method of fungicide application, and long-term fungicidal efficiency. In the fungicide application study, a cooling degree-day (CDD) model based on soil temperatures was developed. The CDD model showed that isofetamid was highly effective against SDS during a wide application window in autumn, while tebuconazole was inconsistently effective and …

The Influence Of Tert-Butylhydroquinone (Tbhq) On Acod1/Irg1-Driven Inflammatory Pathways, Alyssa M. Whisel

All Dissertations

The demand for processed foods has led to increased use of synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), notably tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), to inhibit lipid oxidation and prolong shelf life. While TBHQ is deemed safe at regulated levels, concerns arise from studies indicating potential adverse effects such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and impaired immune function. To investigate TBHQ's immunomodulatory effects, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were pre-treated with TBHQ and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C, PIC) to simulate bacterial or viral challenges. Results demonstrated that TBHQ at high non-cytotoxic doses reduced nitric oxide and IL-10 production while promoting phagocytosis and …

Efficacy Of Zinc Oxide Nanoaciculates As Antagonists Against Meloidogyne Javanica On Phaseolus Abyssinicus, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej, Faheem Ahmad, Amir Khan, Mohd Sajid Ali, Hamad A. Al-Lohedan, Arshad Iqbal, Khalid Umar, Gulam Rabbani, Mohd Farhan Khan

All Works

This work investigates the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoaciculates (ZNA) using the Sol–gel method and their potential as a long-term bio-control agent against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode that causes severe damage to Phaseolus abyssinicus. The produced ZNA were evaluated using SEM–EDS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–Vis spectroscopy to ensure precise evaluation of their nanoscale characteristics. Bio-efficacy assays were carried out at four concentrations (125, 250, 375, and 500 mg/L) to evaluate nematicidal activity on juvenile nematodes (J2) and M. javanica egg masses. The results showed that ZNA had significant toxicity at all doses, with the highest efficacy observed at …

Strategic Enhancement Of Biofuel Production Using Bacillus Subtilis As A Model Organism: A Dual Approach Of Gene Essentiality Mapping And Optimization, Angela A. Zebede

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With rising global demand for renewable energy, enhancing microbial platforms for biofuel production is vital. This study engineered Bacillus subtilis to improve resilience to solvent stress by targeting membrane lipid biosynthesis pathways essential for integrity. Growth curve analysis (OD₆₀₀) showed that phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) knockout strains grew significantly slower than wild type (168), indicating the importance of these lipids under stress. Laurdan fluorescence spectroscopy was used to assess membrane properties. Generalized polarization (GP) analysis revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in membrane order upon 1%–2% 1-butanol exposure. GP values declined progressively from control to 2% treatment, reflecting increased membrane fluidity …

Skeleton Weed Program 2024-25: Annual Report To Grain Growers, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Skeleton weed is a major pest of grain crops and can significantly reduce grain crop yields by competing for moisture and nutrients (mainly nitrogen), due to its deep perennial root system.

Skeleton weed is a declared plant in WA under section 22 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (2007) and is assigned to control category 2 (Eradication) for the whole of the State, except in the Narembeen and Yilgarn Shires, where it is category 3 (Management).

Modelling indicates that under a nil management scenario, the cost to WA broadacre agriculture will be approximately $19.2 million per year after twenty …

Margalefidinium Polykrikoides Group Iii Va, Usa Strain Growth And Sac-Like Pellicle Cyst Dynamics, Eduardo Pérez Vega

OES Theses and Dissertations

Margalefidinium polykrikoides is a harmful cosmopolitan dinoflagellate that blooms in coastal waters. The effect of temperature and salinity on the growth of M. polykrikoides VA strain was examined using microscopy and growth models. M. polykrikoides Group III VA strain grew better at warmer temperatures and lower salinities than M. polykrikoides Group III NY strain, Group I Korea strain, and Japan strain (unknown group). Modelers need to use the temperature and salinity growth responses from M. polykrikoides Group III VA strain to better simulate and predict M. polykrikoides blooms in the Chesapeake Bay.

Dinoflagellates produce cysts as a strategy to withstand …

Neural Rrp6 Depletion Drives Circrna Accumulation And Motor Impairment In Drosophila Melanogaster Neurons, Joseph Serio

Honors Theses

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of ubiquitous eukaryotic RNAs created by back splicing. These noncoding RNAs can modulate gene expression and are implicated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. To limit the contribution of circRNAs to aging and pathobiology, it is essential to understand how turnover of these molecules is regulated, as it is not clear which enzymes are chiefly responsible for degrading circRNAs in neurons. This study evaluates the roles of ribonucleases potentially involved in neural circRNA turnover using the model fly Drosophila melanogaster. A mifepristone-activated GAL4/UAS GeneSwitch expressed RNAi transgenes and inactivated the ribonucleases. Flies were evaluated on …

The Effects Of Lactoferrin And Iron-Enriched Whey On Iron Status Of Collegiate Females, Connor Kemp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Iron deficiency has remained a global issue even in developed countries despite food fortification and increased nutritional literacy, biological women of child baring age are at particular risk due to menstruation and reduced dietary intake of iron containing foods compared to men. This issue is of particular concern in athletics due to the critical role of iron in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. With nearly half of female athletes presenting low iron status iron supplementation is often necessary. With iron supplementation often resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms that could negatively impact sport performance itself there is a need to explore other …

Evaluation Of The Suitability Of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Accessions Grown In A Vertical Container System, Darel Kenth S. Antesco, Lourdes Edano Ma., Renerio Gentallan Jr, Roselyn F. Paelmo, Annalissa L. Aquino

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Growing tomatoes in vertical container systems such as hanging pots presents a promising production system for urban gardening. However, horticultural selections of tomato with traits suited for this system are still limited. The success of different genotypes grown in this system depends on the combination of morphological characters, including plant form, vegetative growth, and root development, as well as yield. This study assessed the morphological characters of 10 tomato accessions to identify those with ideal traits for this system. Results showed that some accessions possess unique traits that enhance their performance in hanging pots. Among the 10 accessions, T2 from …

Movement Of The Different Larval Stages Of Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), On Conventional Corn Hybrid Under Field Caged Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Mark Bryan A. Lontoc, Victor V. Alpuerto, Abigail P. De Leon, Jenifer Bigkas-Naungayan, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Larval dispersal is crucial in pest population establishment in crop fields. The movement of Ostrinia furnacalis (ACB) larvae within corn plots was observed to determine which factors affect larval dispersal in the field. Conventional corn plots (3 rows, 0.70 m apart x 9 plants, 0.20 m apart) were artificially infested with different combinations of larval age and pest density. The distributions of larvae were recorded through destructive sampling at 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after infestation (DAI). The behavior of ACB from the time the hatching larvae break open the egg mass shell to ballooning to start actual movement …

Understanding Impact Of Starter Culture Blends On The Ph Variation In Cheddar Cheese During Early Aging, Samuel J. Clarke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Consumer expectations govern what is acceptable when it comes to the flavor, texture, and color of the cheese. These quality attributes of cheese are all influenced by the pH of the cheese which is in turn controlled by the acid production of the starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB) used to make cheese. Whatever the final pH of the cheese is, is what determines the quality of the cheese. Unfortunately, there are some Cheddar cheese manufacturers that have observed pH variation during the early aging of their cheeses. We hypothesize that the addition of thermophilic, fast-acid producing bacteria, like Streptococcus thermophilus …

Dynamics, Predictability And Impacts Of Multi-Year La Niña Event, Nahid A. Hasan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation investigates the dynamics, predictability, and impacts of multi-year La Niña events. Multi-year La Niña events are referred to as extended periods of unusually cooler tropical Pacific that persist for two or more consecutive winters. These prolonged events can increase the risk of natural hazards such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves in the western US and around the world. Despite their worldwide significance, questions remain about the mechanisms driving their initiation, their predictability, and regional hydroclimate impacts.

The first chapter of the dissertation introduces what scientists currently believe causes them, and how well different types of climate models can …

Global Estimates Of Seagrass Blue Carbon Stocks In Biomass And Net Primary Production, Enric Gomis, Simone Strydom, Nicole R. Foster, Diana Montemayor, Miguel A. Mateo, Eduard Serrano, Karina Inostroza, Roisin Mccallum, Anna Lafratta, Chanelle L. Webster, Caitlyn L. O’Dea, Nicole E. Said, Natasha Dunham, Rachele Bernasconi, Axel Werner, Federico Vitelli, Viena Puigcorbé, Alexandra D’Cruz, Cristian Salinas, Kathryn M. Mcmahon, Glenn A. Hyndes, Paul S. Lavery, Albert Pessarodona, Carlose M. Duarte, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass meadows play a key role in the global carbon cycle through storing carbon in their biomass and soils. However, the lack of global assessments of carbon stocks in seagrass biomass and net primary production (NPP) limits our understanding of their role in the carbon cycle. Here, we provide global estimates of biomass carbon stocks and NPP encompassing seagrasses with different life-history strategies, across bioregions and 66 countries. Seagrass meadows show up to 800-fold differences in biomass across different life-history strategies and bioregions (mean ± SE; 1551 ± 40 kg C ha⁻¹), whereas seagrass NPP (5833 ± 557 …

Comparative Assessment Of Lower Limb Neuromusculoskeletal Activation And Joint Kinematics In Normal And Impaired Gait, Jack Ryan Schule

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates whether accessible and affordable technologies can provide clinically significant, quantifiable gait analysis comparable to traditional marker-based motion capture systems. Modern high-end systems offer excellent accuracy but remain financially and logistically inaccessible to many clinicians and researchers. To address this gap, a framework was developed using markerless pose estimation using the model, MediaPipe, inertial measurement units (IMUs) processed through an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), and surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure joint kinematics and neuromuscular activity during gait. An experiment was performed where data was collected from participants with both normal gait and pathologies including: Osgood–Schlatter disease, Plica Band …

Periostin Promotes Sarcoma Growth By Promoting Tumor-Associated Macrophage Migration And Differentiation, Jin-Fen Xiao, Kristin Ishaya, Emily Y Ko, Annaliese Fowler, Marina T Broz, Jlenia Guarnerio

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are characterized by abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, yet the functional contribution of specific ECM components remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify periostin (POSTN), a matricellular protein, as a regulator of sarcoma progression and the tumor immune microenvironment. Analysis of human sarcoma datasets revealed that high POSTN expression correlates with poor prognosis and elevated expression of ECM-related and myeloid cell–associated genes. In murine genetic models of sarcoma, tumors expressing high levels of Postn displayed enhanced expression of ECM genes and monocyte-recruiting cytokines. Functional silencing of Postnin vivo reduced tumor growth without altering tumor cell …

Tubulin Regulates Stability And Localization Of Stmn2 By Binding Preferentially To Its Soluble Form, Xiang Deng, Gary A Bradshaw, Marian Kalocsay, Timothy Mitchison

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The small, tubulin-binding protein STMN2 is highly expressed in neurons and is implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. STMN2 degrades rapidly and accumulates at axotomy sites, suggesting fast turnover is crucial for its neuroprotective function. We show that STMN2 was primarily degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Its membrane-targeting N-terminal domain promoted fast turnover, whereas its tubulin-binding domain promoted stabilization. Proximity labeling and imaging showed that tubulin binding reduced STMN2 targeting to trans-Golgi network membranes. Pull-down assays showed that tubulin binds preferentially to soluble over membrane-bound STMN2. Our observations suggest that STMN2 interconverts between a soluble, tubulin-bound form and a membrane-bound, tubulin-free …

Inhibiting Monocyte Migration Reduces Arterial Thrombosis And Facilitates Thrombolysis, Hee Jeong Jang, Jiwon Kim, Ha Kim, Taesu Kim, Jinyong Chung, Sebastian Cremer, Marvin Krohn-Grimberghe, Eo Jin Kim, Dawid Schellingerhout, Matthias Nahrendorf, Dong-Eog Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Monocytes contribute to the initiation and propagation of venous thrombosis. Little is known about the roles monocytes play in arterial thrombosis, the cause of stroke and myocardial infarction.

Methods: We investigated how CCR2 (CC chemokine receptor 2) knockout (-/-)-mediated monocyte deficiency affects platelet function, blood coagulation, thrombus volume, and thrombolytic susceptibility in 666 male mice with FeCl3-mediated carotid arterial thrombosis, including 365 C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice, 295 CCR2-/- mice, and 6 CX3CR1-GFP (CX3C chemokine receptor 1-green fluorescent protein) mice.

Results: Intravital microscopy and flow cytometry showed that both neutrophils and monocytes were recruited to the acute arterial thrombus, …

Adherence To Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Among Age-Eligible Us Women: Findings From Nhis 2021, Monalisa Chandra, Joël Fokom Domgue, Robert Yu, Sanjay Shete

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Despite the proven benefits of early breast cancer detection in reducing mortality, adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines in the United States is suboptimal. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and factors associated with adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines.

Methods: Using nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey 2021, we included breast cancer screening-eligible women (aged 50-74). Descriptive statistics and population-weighted multivariable logistic regression were employed to examine breast cancer screening adherence per the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, and its determinants in this population.

Results: Of the 6814 screening-eligible women included in …

Bayesian Integrated Learning Of Longitudinal Dose-Response Relationships Via Decentralized Clinical Trials, Jingyi Zhang, Tuo Wang, Yongming Qu, Fangrong Yan, Suyu Liu, Ruitao Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) extend trial activities beyond traditional sites, enhancing access, convenience, efficiency, and result generalizability. They are particularly promising for chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, which require longer study durations to evaluate drug effects. However, decentralized data collection raises concerns about increased variability and potential biases. This paper presents a novel Bayesian integrated learning procedure to analyze dose-response relationships using longitudinal data from a phase II DCT that combines centralized and decentralized data collection. We generalize a parametric exponential decay model to handle mixed data sources and apply Bayesian spike-and-slab priors to address biases and uncertainties from …

The Longitudinal Impact Of Radiotherapy On Osseointegrated Hearing Aid Outcomes And Complications, Benjamin D Lovin, Mike Hernandez, Paul W Gidley, Karine Al Feghali, Jack Phan, Catherine Wang, Congjun Wang, Dianna Roberts, Marc-Elie Nader

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on osseointegrated hearing aids (OIHA) complications.

Methods: Retrospective review of percutaneous OIHA performed from 2006 to 2021 at an academic institution. Implant and abutment-related complications were evaluated and stratified by radiation parameters. Main outcome measures were abutment, implant, and major complications assessed using the modified Holgers and IPS grading scales.

Results: Total of 190 OIHA were included; 124 (65%) were placed in bones that previously or subsequently received radiation. Total of 84 (44%) OIHA experienced at least one complication at mean 43.3 months. Radiation cohort had greater rates of having any complication (p …

Sars-Cov-2 Rna-Binding Protein Suppresses Extracellular Mirna Release, Hyejin Mun, Chang Hoon Shin, Qingxuan Fei, Andrea Estefania Lopez Giraldo, Kyoung-Min Choi, Ji Won Lee, Kyungmin Kim, Kyung-Won Min, Leilei Shi, Mark T Bedford, Dong-Chan Kim, Yoo Lim Chun, Seonghyun Ryu, Dongin Kim, Jeong Ho Chang, Ryan T Westrope, Michelle Shay, Edward Nguyen, Junho K Hur, Abigail Agyenda, Nam Chul Kim, Sung-Ung Kang, Woonghee Lee, Je-Hyun Yoon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

SARS-CoV-2 is the betacoronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the SARS-CoV-2 genome and transcriptome were reported previously, the function of individual viral proteins is largely unknown. Utilizing biochemical and molecular biology methods, we identified that four SARS-CoV-2 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate the host RNA metabolism by direct interaction with mature miRNA let-7b revealed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR). SARS-CoV-2 RBP Nsp9 primarily binds mature miRNA let-7b, a direct ligand of the Toll-like Receptor 7 (TLR7), one of the potential SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. Nsp9 suppresses host gene expression possibly by promoting let-7b-mediated silencing of a cellular RNA polymerase, POLR2D. In addition, …

Impact Of Peripheral Circadian Misalignment And Alcohol On The Resiliency Of Intestinal Barrier And Microbiota, Laura Tran, Maliha Shaikh, Phillip A Engen, Ankur Naqib, Dulce M Frausto, Vivian Ramirez, Malia Gasteier, Zlata Bogin, Kristi Lawrence, Lijuan Zhang, Shiwen Song, Stefan J Green, Faraz Bishehsari, Christopher B Forsyth, Ali Keshavarzian, Garth R Swanson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Circadian organization is involved in many gastrointestinal tract (GIT) functions such as the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. There is compelling evidence that perturbation of the circadian clock decreases intestinal epithelial cells' resiliency to alcohol-induced injury. One of the most common causes of circadian misalignment is wrong-time eating (largest meal at dinner) in modern societies. Yet, few studies have examined the importance of peripheral circadian rhythms of the GIT to alcohol consumption. Eating patterns during physiologic rest time, defined as wrong-time eating (WTE), misalign the peripheral circadian clock of the GIT and the body's central clock. This study aims to …

Does Reducing Videofluoroscopy Frame Rate Affect Dige/St Grades In Modified Barium Swallow Studies?, Shitong Mao, Carla L Warneke, Sheila N Buoy, Ariana J Sahli, Brinda Rao Korivi, Carly E A Barbon, Kristy K Brock, Katherine A Hutcheson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Understanding the effects of reduced frame rates on the reliability of Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) ratings for swallowing safety and efficiency is essential for clinical practice. While previous research has examined frame rate (simulated pulse rates) implications concerning penetration, aspiration, and residue ratings, the impact on summary grading systems like the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) remains unclear. This study analyzed a total of 315 full MBS videos collected from 278 patients, and 76.25% of patients were diagnosed with head and neck cancer (mean age 62.51 years, SD 8.53; 12.23% female). We performed pairwise comparisons of DIGEST grades …