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Polyherbal Phytochemicals As Multi-Target Inhibitors Of Key Breast Cancer Proteins: A Computational Approach, Nadia Wahyuningsih, Nashi Widodo, Sri Rahayu, Muhaimin Rifa’I

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Breast cancer is a primary worldwide health concern, and conventional therapies often cause side effects. This study was performed to investigate the therapeutic potential of a polyherbal formulation containing Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus niruri, Ziziphus mauritiana, Nigella sativa, and Annona muricata as multi-target inhibitors against breast cancer protein targets using molecular docking and molecular dynamics in silico approach. Bioactive compounds were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to identify the extract's phytochemicals. The compounds were examined for drug-likeness, membrane permeability, bioactivity, and toxicity. The inhibitory ability against the proto-oncogene pathway, which is commonly dysregulated and mutated in breast cancer, …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Ti-Enhanced F75/Ha Functionally Graded Materials Fabricated By Powder Metallurgy, Afrah M. Al Hussainey, Aseel Mustafa, Randa Kamel Hussain

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are a highly advanced class of biomaterials with graded structure and properties, enabling the fabrication of physiologically and mechanically compatible materials for use in various medical devices. This study aims to produce a functional-grade material based on a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (F75) reinforced with 4% titanium (Ti) and hydroxyapatite (HA). This will enhance the material's mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and bioactivity, making it suitable for use as a bone substitute. The natural eggshells were washed, burnt, and chemically processed to form hydroxyapatite with a Ca/P proportion of 1.67. FTIR showed that phosphate and OH groups were separate, …

Biofilm Architecture Determines Proliferation Of Phages And Plasmids, James B. Winans

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

This thesis explores how biofilm architecture determines the spread and ecological consequences for the bacteria-dependent genetic elements phages and plasmids. Using Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae as model microbes, and the genetic elements T7 phages, λ phages, and conjugative plasmid pED208, we investigate how spatial structure influences phage infection dynamics, plasmid transfer, and interbacterial interactions within biofilms. We show that densely packed biofilms can protect sensitive bacteria from phage exposure and modulate competitive outcomes between obligately lytic and temperate phages. We find that entirely different outcomes can coöccur within microns of each other dependent on biofilm structure. We also demonstrate …

No Effect In Plasma Corticosterone Levels After Observation Of Diseased Conspecifics, B. M. Hardy, M. Chang, S. Mccallum, S. Santangelo, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Organisms commonly respond to stressors in their environment by increasing the secretion of corticosterone (CORT). While increased CORT is acknowledged as a response to predation risk by organisms inhabiting a landscape of fear, new research raises the potential for changes in CORT as a response to the risk of infection by organisms in their environment. An increase in CORT of a healthy, uninfected individual in response to their perception of the risk of infection in their environment could change their susceptibility to infection, highlighting a significant role for CORT to alter host–pathogen dynamics. To investigate the effects of infection risk …

Genetic Testing Motivations Among Men With A History Of Prostate Cancer: A Judgment-Based Analysis, Maximilian Junge

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Identifying individuals at increased hereditary cancer risk through genetic testing can improve early detection, inform treatment decisions, and enhance outcomes for patients and their families. While prior research has largely focused on women, less is known about factors that motivate men with prostate cancer to pursue genetic testing. This study examined components of visual messaging that may influence motivation to undergo genetic testing among men with a self-reported history of prostate cancer. Participants completed a survey in which they viewed eight visual messages that systematically varied across three components: image type (family-focused vs. individualized treatment-focused), written content (familial risk-focused vs. …

Pedaling Through Discomfort: A Feasibility Study Of Faculty-Led Spin Classes And Their Impact On Student Engagement, Resilience, And Faculty-Student Relationships, Gabriela Baza, Elizabeth Hathaway

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This study explored the feasibility and impact of faculty-led Spin classes on college students’ engagement, well-being, and connection with faculty. Offered twice weekly at 7 AM during Fall 2024, the classes aimed to promote physical activity, resilience, and faculty-student relationships. Twenty-six students attended at least one class, with a median attendance of 4.5 sessions. Post-semester surveys (88% response rate) assessed perceived exertion, interest, enjoyment, challenge, improvement, and instructor encouragement. Students reported high levels of engagement and positive challenge (RPE = 15.3; challenge = 6.4/7). Those attending 7 or more sessions reported significantly greater perceived improvement than those attending fewer sessions …

Uncovering Hidden Features Of Copyback Viral Genomes, Sarah Pye

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Copyback viral genomes (cbVGs) are truncated non-protein coding viral genomes produced when an RNA virus polymerase detaches from the replication template and resumes elongation downstream, copying back a sequence complementary to the nascent strand. cbVGs can stimulate antiviral immunity and compete for viral proteins to suppress virus replication, but technical limitations of PCR-based approaches have painted an incomplete picture of the diverse cbVG populations generated during infection. Here, we sought to improve our understanding of cbVG molecular structure by harnessing long-read RNA sequencing tools. To do this, we developed a robust and reliable pipeline to sequence and analyze native full-length …

Dual-Modal Tumor Imaging Using Functionalized Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles For Mri And Fluorescence, Kevin Secades

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Accurate tumor imaging is essential for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring [1]. Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is a commonly used radioisotope for medical imaging, but its reliance on gamma-ray emission poses challenges related to safety, accessibility, and regulatory constraints[2-5]. This research proposes the development of a dual-modal imaging approach by functionalizing iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with the fluorescent chromophore Cy5, enabling both MRI contrast enhancement and optical imaging for improved tumor specificity. IONPs provide strong T2-weighted MRI contrast [6], while conjugated near-infrared (NIR) chromophores allow for high-resolution fluorescence imaging [7], making this proposed system adaptable for both in vitro and in vivo …

International Consensus-Driven Recommendations For Patient-Reported Outcome Research Objectives In Early Phase Dose-Finding Oncology Trials: Optimise-Ror, Emily Alger, Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi, Amylou C Dueck, Anna Minchom, Madeline Pe, John D Peipert, Claire Snyder, Stefan N Symeonides, Roger Wilson, Ethan Basch, Yu Qiao, Susan E Bates, Helen Bulbeck, Lizzie Dean, Massimo Di Maio, Aaron R Hansen, Olga Kholmanskikh, Ken Kobayashi, Dónal Landers, Christophe Le Tourneau, J Jack Lee, Brigette B Y Ma, Lynley V Marshall, Sheetal Patel, Joan Petrie, Gregory R Pond, Kieran Prior, Khadija R Rantell, John F Reeve, Olga Solovyeva, Nolan A Wages, Harald A Weber, Melanie J Calvert, Christina Yap

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: There is growing scientific interest in incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in early phase dose-finding oncology trials (DFOTs) to assess tolerability, inform dose selection, and guide later stage trial design. However, research indicates that PRO objectives in DFOTs are often unclear. The Incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Dose-Finding Trials-Research Objectives Recommendations (OPTIMISE-ROR) project was established to support trialists to effectively incorporate PROs into DFOTs.

Methods: Using the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network's methodological framework, guideline development included the following: (1) a methodological review of published DFOTs incorporating PROs; (2) candidate item generation, refined through expert consultation; (3) …

Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz

All Current Publications

Sunflower is low-maintenance, full-sun crop that is well-adapted to Utah’s hot and dry conditions. Single-stem cultivars are most popular for cut flower production. This fact sheet provides information on sunflower production, including cultivars, site preparation, germination, irrigation, pests, and disease, nutrient management, harvest and storage, postharvest bed management, and economics.

The Comparison Of Fresh And Dry Duckweed (Lemna Minor L.) On Metal (Cr6+, Cd2+, And Zn2+) Removal From Wastewater, Rahin Islam, Noah Smith, Ben Jang, Lin Guo

Student Publications

Heavy metals contaminating the environment is a global concern. Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a promising plant for the phytoremediation and biosorption of metal-contaminated water. Although studies have shown that duckweed can remove multiple metals, there is limited research comparing the efficiency of fresh and dried biomass for wastewater treatment. To evaluate the performance of both forms, fresh and dried duckweed were exposed to metal solutions containing varying concentrations of Cr6+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ (5 mg/LCr6+ +1mg/LCd2+ 10mg/LZn2+;10mg/LCr6+ +5mg/LCd2+ +50mg/LZn2+; or 50 mg/LCr6+ +25mg/LCd2+ +250mg/LZn2+)for a duration of 168 h. Metal uptake in fresh duckweed followed zero-order kinetics for Cr6+, Cd2+, …

Aging In The Shadows: Szekler Cemeteries And The Case For Recognizing Elderly Populations In Bioarchaeology, Katie M. Mcgrath

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study of aging in past populations lies at the intersection of bioarchaeology and paleodemography, offering insight into both biological processes and lived social experience. Despite this potential, older adults are often rendered “invisible” in skeletal assemblages due to methodological and cultural biases. This thesis addresses this gap through a rare, community-based study of aging among the Székely population of Transylvania. By integrating osteological analysis of individuals (11th–19th centuries) from the archaeological Papdomb church cemetery with demographic data derived from the modern cemetery headstones (ca.1850–present), this research examines patterns of aging, longevity, and elder visibility across a culturally and spatially …

When Irl Is Not An Option: Social Media Bans And The Exclusion Of Autistic Youth, Melanie Gruben, Ashley Sheil, Anne Ryan Duffy, Jacob Camillleri, Michelle O'Keeffe, Hazel Murray

Women+ in Early Career Research Symposium

After the roll-out of the social media ban in Australia in 2025, policy makers are considering psychosocial benefits and logistical implications. However, the needs of autistic people, who may rely more on the Internet for social connection earlier in life, should be taken into account. This white paper proposes a responsibility to support alternative means of social connection for autistic young people where bans are considered, as IRL (in real life) socialising is not always accessible.

Cancers 2025: Growing With Quality, Samuel C Mok

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

As we enter 2026, we take a moment to reflect on the progress of Cancers over the past year [...].

Trust, Culture, And Conversation: How Athletic Training Leaders Navigate High-Stakes Interactions, Nicole A. Wilkins, Ashley B. Thrasher, Ericka P. Zimmerman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Engaging in difficult conversations is central to leadership growth and requires sustained effort to refine and strengthen these skills. Leaders not only need to navigate the complexities of their role within an organization, but also the intersectionality of interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, structural hierarchies, and the nuanced environments that influence how communication occurs. Furthermore, leaders must adapt to role expectations that shift across clinical, academic, and administrative contexts, adjusting their approach to engaging in conversations based on these complexities. As part of a larger research project examining difficult conversations, this portion of the study explored how leaders in athletic …

Geography Of Periodical Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) In Portions Of Northeast Illinois And Northwest Indiana, Carl A. Strang

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Brood XIII periodical cicadas (Magicicada Davis) in DuPage County, Illinois, emerged in 2024 in an area that extended as much as 10.6 km beyond the edge of the previous main emergence in 2007. The implied dispersal of gravid females is greater than has been reported elsewhere and may reflect adaptation to a historical landscape of scattered wooded islands within a matrix of prairie. A series of four-year-early emergences in northeast Illinois, first described in print in 1969 and subsequently occurring prior to each succeeding main emergence, was quantified for the first time in 2020. The largest densities of singing …

Cover Pages For Tgle Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Cover pages for TGLE Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4

Full Issue For Tgle Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Full issue for TGLE Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4

Influence Of Body Composition On The Efficacy Of Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab For Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Kabir Grewal, Maria Julia Moura Nascimento Santos, Pankaj Kumar Chauhan, Kai Yu, Nizar M Tannir, Sagar S Mukhida, Neha Venkatesh, Amishi Y Shah, Amado J Zurita, Andrew C Johns, Matthew T Campbell, Sangeeta Goswami, Jianjun Gao, Eric Jonasch, Jennifer L Mcquade, Omar Alhalabi, Pavlos Msaouel, Andrew W Hahn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) with nivolumab+ipilimumab is a first-line (1L) standard for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), yet outcomes remain heterogeneous. Increasing evidence suggests that host factors influence the tumor microenvironment and response to ICI. Although higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with improved outcomes in several malignancies, BMI is an imprecise surrogate for underlying adipose and muscle compartments. We evaluated the association between body composition and outcomes with 1L nivolumab+ipilimumab in metastatic ccRCC.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with mccRCC treated with 1L nivolumab+ipilimumab at MD Anderson Cancer Center between June 2015 and …

Mechanometabolism Instructs Hematopoietic Stem Cell Specification, Paulina D Horton, Alina Syed, Michelle Winkler, Abishek B Vaidya, Michael Rariden, Neha Arora, Yong Zhou, Michihiro Kobayashi, Momoko Yoshimoto, Hyun Jung Lee, Hyun-Eui Kim, John P Hagan, Catherine Denicourt, Travis I Moore, Pamela L Wenzel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mechanical force generated by blood flow stimulates emergence of the first hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that populate the blood system. Force drives the transition of HSC precursors from an endothelial to hematopoietic identity, yet the molecular regulation of this fate switch remains poorly understood. We report that shear stress triggers adaptation in mitochondrial composition, ultrastructure, and function, which are essential for hematopoietic fate and engraftment potential. Shear stress remodels mitochondria in hemogenic endothelium by promoting mitochondrial gene transcription and protein synthesis. Laminar flow selectively initiates translation of 5' terminal polypyrimidine (5'TOP) motif-containing transcripts, which commonly encode ribosome and translation machinery. …

Targeting Cancer With T Cells: Preclinical And In Silico Insights To Improve Immunotherapies, Nina Obertopp

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

T-cell–based immunotherapies are often constrained by limited trafficking and persistence in tumors and by functional exhaustion under chronic antigen exposure. This dissertation addresses these barriers through two distinct strategies: (i) preclinical studies testing how radiation therapy modulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy, and (ii) agent based modeling (ABM) to optimize treatment day treatment-free intervals (TFI) in T-cell engager (TCE) therapy. (i) In a human papillomavirus–positive (HPV⁺) head-and-neck cancer (HNC) model, a single local-dose of RT (8 Gy) delivered five days before tumor harvest increased the success and functional quality of ex vivo TIL outgrowth from tumor fragments, enriching polyfunctional CD8⁺ subsets. …

Plaster Creek Watershed Management Plan: Chloride Addendum, Plaster Creek Stewards

Watershed Reports

This addendum complements the 2008 Plaster Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP), which tells the full story of the Plaster Creek Watershed’s current condition, impairments, and need for restoration. This addendum focuses on chloride, an emerging pollutant of concern in Michigan that was not addressed in Plaster Creek’s 2008 WMP. This addendum meets the nine elements required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a watershed management plan to be officially approved; as such, its content and layout are intended for a technical audience.

Stemflow Dynamics In The Jamari National Forest (Brazilian Amazon): Ii. Solute Concentrations And Flux Dynamics, Jeferson Alberto De Lima, John T. Van Stan Ii, Karolina Lewińska, Agnieszka Dradrach, Jakub Ceglarek, Kelly Cristina Tonello

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Trees can redirect large volumes of rainwater to the base of their stems. This stemflow not only redistributes water but also channels canopy-derived solutes to the forest floor. Building on research showing canopy geometry and bark properties govern stemflow volumes, we examined how those same traits modulate the biogeochemical side of this flux. Over a 12-month period in Jamari National Forest (Brazil), we quantified stemflow volume and solute chemistry for 19 trees grouped by diameter at breast height (D: < 10, 10-20 and > 20 cm), crown area (CA: < 30, 30-60 and > 60 m(2)) and bark texture (smooth, fissured and rough). Small-stemmed, smooth-barked trees produced the greatest stemflow …

A Bacillus Pumilus Isolate With Promising Antimycobacterial Properties, Cody M. Pfaff

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, highlights the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming over a million lives annually and posing increasing challenges due to the thick, lipid-rich, acid-fast cell wall of Mycobacterium species that renders them naturally resistant to many antibiotics. In this study, a soil sample collected from the Campus of Fort Hays State University yielded a bacterial isolate exhibiting strong antimicrobial activity. Initial screening against Escherichia coli MM294 showed a 10 mm inhibition zone, and subsequent testing identified the isolate as Bacillus pumilus …

The Emerging And Evolving Evidence Supporting Creatine As An Ergogenic Aid: History And Applications, Chad Kerksick, Drew Gonzalez, Jeffrey Stout, Scott Forbes, Darren Candow, Tim Ziegenfuss, Ronald Marshall, René Schwesig, Richard Kreider

Faculty Scholarship

Background

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied ergogenic aids, with over three decades of research supporting its role in exercise performance, recovery, and health.

Methods

This narrative review summarizes the historical development of creatine supplementation and evaluates evidence regarding its mechanisms, efficacy across active, athletic populations (e.g. strength, endurance, team-sport), and tactical (e.g. military, law enforcement) populations, and its safety profile.

Results

The evidence suggests that creatine enhances phosphocreatine resynthesis and cellular energy availability, resulting in consistent improvements in high-intensity exercise performance, training adaptations, lean body mass, strength, and power. Additional findings indicate that creatine may attenuate exercise-induced …

Improvements To Fisheries Compensation Processes And Valuation Methodologies In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Published Reports

This report has been prepared by the Compensation Working Group (WG) to provide advice to the Minister for Fisheries on improving Western Australia’s (WA) fisheries compensation processes under two key legislative frameworks:

• Fisheries adjustment schemes, under the Fisheries Adjustment Scheme Act 1987
• (FAS Act), and 
• Statutory compensation under Fishing and Related Industries Compensation (Marine Reserves) Act 1997 (FRICMA).

This work has been undertaken as a precursor to the larger scale adjustment and compensation processes that will be required as part of the implementation of several marine parks throughout the Kimberley and South Coast of WA.

Characterization Of Syntaxin 18 In Peregrinus Maidis And In Vitro Dsrna Synthesis For Potential Rnai-Mediated Control Of Maize Mosaic Alphanucleorhabdovirus (Mmv) Transmission, Hannah Corinne T. Cantaros, Charlene Niebres, Ruth Alessandra Banasihan, Argel L. Arenas, Karen B. Alviar

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The plant virus known as Maize mosaic alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) is a persistent, propagative pathogen transmitted by the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). It is the causal agent for a mosaic disease that can cause significant loss in corn yield. Currently, disease management is focused on controlling its insect vector population. The molecular mechanisms of virus transmission by the insect vector are not yet fully understood. Previously, P. maidis syntaxin 18 (PmSTX18) was identified as a receptor for MMV. PmSTX18 interacts with the viral glycoprotein and potentially facilitates MMV recognition and entry into the vector, enabling virus …

Characterization Of Syntaxin 18 In Peregrinus Maidis And In Vitro Dsrna Synthesis For Potential Rnai-Mediated Control Of Maize Mosaic Alphanucleorhabdovirus (Mmv) Transmission, Hannah Corinne T. Cantaros, Charlene Niebres, Ruth Alessandra Banasihan, Argel L. Arenas, Karen B. Alviar

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The plant virus known as Maize mosaic alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) is a persistent, propagative pathogen transmitted by the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). It is the causal agent for a mosaic disease that can cause significant loss in corn yield. Currently, disease management is focused on controlling its insect vector population. The molecular mechanisms of virus transmission by the insect vector are not yet fully understood. Previously, P. maidis syntaxin 18 (PmSTX18) was identified as a receptor for MMV. PmSTX18 interacts with the viral glycoprotein and potentially facilitates MMV recognition and entry into the vector, enabling virus …

Farmers’ Perspectives Toward Organizing A Cotton Producers’ Union In Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, Ismail Efe, Mehmet Cançelik, Mehmet Reşit Sevinç

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study examines the attitudes of cotton producers in Şanlıurfa toward establishing a producers’ union to address structural challenges in Türkiye’s leading cotton production region. Şanlıurfa contributes approximately 40% of Türkiye’s cotton output, yet lacks organizational frameworks for its nearly 20,000 producers who face significant risks including price volatility, high input costs, and limited market access. The research utilized primary data collected through face-to-face surveys with 165 cotton producers selected via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a significant paradox: while …

Farmers’ Perspectives Toward Organizing A Cotton Producers’ Union In Şanlıurfa, Türkiye, Ismail Efe, Mehmet Cançelik, Mehmet Reşit Sevinç

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study examines the attitudes of cotton producers in Şanlıurfa toward establishing a producers’ union to address structural challenges in Türkiye’s leading cotton production region. Şanlıurfa contributes approximately 40% of Türkiye’s cotton output, yet lacks organizational frameworks for its nearly 20,000 producers who face significant risks including price volatility, high input costs, and limited market access. The research utilized primary data collected through face-to-face surveys with 165 cotton producers selected via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a significant paradox: while producers …