Digital Commons Network^™

Closing The Gaps: Reforming Maryland Controls On Veterinary Antimicrobial Distribution, Samantha Capaldo, Kerry Mcclaughry

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Antimicrobials have been used in livestock and other food animals in the United States (“U.S.”) since the late 1940s. An antimicrobial is “[a]ny natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic substance that can eradicate or prevent the growth of microbes,” including “[a]ntibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral medications.” Antimicrobial use in food animals is subject to a complex statutory and regulatory framework at both the state and federal levels. Antimicrobial use in food animals has been widely criticized for contributing to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In response to this criticism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and several states, including Maryland, have …

Improving Procedural Confidence: Outcomes Of A Surgical Skills Workshop For Medical Students, Mary Arden G Guillory, Jennifer Escamilla, Anika Doppalapudi, Ashlyn Holubar, Kaitlyn Ybanez, Mark Manickath, Maci Oestreich, Mckenna Stallworth, Kelsey Baker

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction Introducing surgical skills early in medical training may enhance students' confidence and readiness for clinical training. Simulation-based skill workshops provide students with a comfortable learning environment, resulting in effective learning. The goal of the Surgical Skills Workshop was to provide first- and second-year medical students with hands-on exposure to essential surgical skills. The educational impact on medical students' confidence in performing the respective surgical skills and changes in surgical career interest was assessed.

Methods: First- and second-year medical students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine participated in a hands-on surgical skills workshop comprising eight …

Meeting Report From The 2025 Cure Ocular Melanoma (Cure Om) Global Science Meeting, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 2025, Andrew E. Aplin, Katherina Alsina, Allison S. Betof, Joseph Birkett, Marcus O. Butler, George Cole, Rizwan Haq, Florian A. Karreth, Vinit B. Mahajan, Rahul Marpadga, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, Paul Nathan, Jonas A. Nilsson, Gary Palmer, Joseph J. Sacco, Takami Sato, Sarah Stanhope, Pang-Ning Teng, Kyleigh Lipira

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The 2025 Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Global Science Meeting took place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on October 25th, 2025. Several promising drug candidates are in development; however, there is still an urgent need for better prevention, detection, and treatment of uveal melanoma. The purpose of this meeting was to promote international collaboration and idea exchange between scientists, industry, and patient advocates.

Knowledge, Attitudes And Dispensing Practices Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance And Stewardship: A Comparative National Assessment Among Primary Healthcare Pharmacists In Oman, Mohammed Al Ghafari, Meher Rizvi, Hana Al Ghusaini, Zaima Al Rawahi, Wafa Al Balushi, Manal Al Ghafri, Hamed Al-Qanubi, Zuhair Al Salti, Idris Al Jumaa, Muhammed Rafiq

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by inappropriate antibiotic use. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and dispensing practices (KAP) regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among primary healthcare (PHC) pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in Oman. Furthermore, the study sought to compare these parameters across facilities with historically high versus standard antibiotic consumption to identify structural determinants of AMS.

Methods: This national cross-sectional study was conducted among PHC pharmacy staff in February 2025. KAP were assessed via a structured electronic questionnaire. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equation models to identify KAP predictors while accounting for facility-level …

Evaluating The Reproducibility And Verifiability Of Nutrition Research: A Case Study Of Studies Assessing The Relationship Between Potatoes And Colorectal Cancer, Yasaman Jamshidi-Naeini, Colby J Vorland, Pranav Kapoor, Bailey Ortyl, Jocelyn Mineo, Luke Still, Korlu Sorsor, Shelby Rodney, Xander Tooze, Brent Flickinger, Beate Henschel, Stephanie L Dickinson, David B Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The credibility of nutritional research is dependent on the rigor with which studies are conducted and the ability for independent assessment to be performed. Despite the importance of these, more work is needed in the field of nutrition to buttress the trustworthiness of nutrition research. To develop and apply a process for evaluating the rigor, reproducibility, and verifiability of nutritional research, using the relationship between potato consumption and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as a case study. We updated existing systematic reviews to include studies on potatoes and CRC, assessing their design, execution, and reporting quality. We attempted to reproduce and verify …

Elevated Phagocytic Capacity Directs Innate Spinal Cord Repair, Dana Klatt Shaw, Vishnu Muraleedharan Saraswathy, Anthony R Mcadow, Lili Zhou, Dongkook Park, Ridim Mote, Amulya Saini, Ashley J Douthitt, Katerina Stepankova, Brittney Unverzagt, Cédric G Geoffroy, Aaron N Johnson, Mayssa H Mokalled

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Immune cells elicit a continuum of transcriptional states after spinal cord injury (SCI). In mammals, inefficient debris clearance and chronic inflammation impede recovery and overshadow pro-regenerative immune functions. We found that zebrafish SCI elicits transient immune activation and efficient debris clearance. Transcriptomics and genetic ablation showed zebrafish macrophages are highly phagocytic and required for regeneration. Comparisons between zebrafish and mammalian macrophages identified transcription and immune response regulator (tcim) as an immune-enriched regenerative gene. Deletion of zebrafish tcim impairs phagocytosis and regeneration and activates a pro-inflammatory signature in leukocytes. Tcim expression in zebrafish and mouse macrophages establishes its conserved roles by …

Microglial Swell1 Deficiency Drives Male-Specific Seizure Vulnerability But Paradoxical Neuroprotection Through Impaired Phagocytosis, Abhijeet S Barath, Aastha Dheer, Laura Montier, Mekenzie M Peshoff, Emily Dale, Flavia Goche, Thanh Thanh Le Nguyen, Mastura Akter, Fangfang Qi, Dimitrios Kleidonas, Lauren Harris, Sarah A Jewanee, Anthony D Umpierre, Dale B Bosco, Koichiro Haruwaka, Rajan Sah, Long-Jun Wu, Rongzhuo Hua, Tejaswani Datla

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

The discovery of genes encoding the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) has enabled detailed exploration of its cell type-specific roles in the brain. LRRC8A (SWELL1) is the essential VRAC subunit. We observed seizure-induced, subunit-specific changes in microglial VRAC expression and investigated its function using conditional KO (cKO) of LRRC8A in microglia. SWELL1 cKO mice exhibited a male-specific increase in kainate-induced seizure severity, yet showed paradoxical neuroprotection against seizure-associated neuronal loss. Mechanistically, SWELL1 deletion led to a cell-autonomous reduction in microglial density and decreased release of VRAC-permeable neuroactive metabolites, including taurine, GABA, and glutamate in culture. Additionally, impaired phagocytic kinetics and reduced …

Bottlebrush Polymer Conjugates For Enhanced Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy In Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, Yao Li, Gyu Seong Heo, Yongjian Liu, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Oligonucleotides are a promising class of genetic medicine for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy. However, poor muscle distribution of nucleic acid drugs following systemic administration has hindered drug development, and no curative treatment currently exists. DM1 pathology requires drug localization to the nucleus, where pathogenic mutant RNA is sequestered, posing additional challenges after cellular internalization regarding endosomal escape and nuclear uptake. Here, we show that a locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide targeting mutant CUG repeat RNA tracts, conjugated to a bottlebrush polymer, exhibits improved muscle distribution and potent correction of DM1-associated splicing dysregulation in a …

Program (Pdf), Department Of Orthopaedics

Dept. of Orthopaedics: Robert D. D’Ambrosia Lectureship & Research Day

Program with abstracts for the 22nd Annual Dept of Orthopaedics Annual Robert D. D’Ambrosia Lectureship & Research Day held June 20, 2026.

Reference Values For Intraocular Pressure In Collared Scops Owls (Otus Lettia) Measured Using Rebound Tonometry, Yun-Shan Chiu, Chau-Hwa Chie, Pin-Huan Yu, Chung-Tien Lin

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

In this study, we aimed to establish species-specific reference values for intraocular pressure (IOP) in clinically healthy collared scops owls (Otus lettia) using rebound tonometry. Twelve free-living owls were included, and twentyfour eyes were examined. All owls were physically restrained in an upright position without sedation. Intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes using rebound tonometry (TONOVET; iCare Finland Oy, Vantaa, Finland) in d mode. No significant difference in IOP was observed between the right and left eyes. The mean IOP values were 10.42 ± 1.24 mmHg (median, 11 mmHg; range, 8–12 mmHg) in the right eye and 10.75 ± …

Prmt5 As A Key Driver Of Stemness And Metastatic Potential In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Jae Jin Jeong, Mauli Maniar, Shahrzad Ghane, Sakshi Deshpande, Claire Ellis, Ashakumary Lakshmikuttyamma

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) mediates arginine methylation of a wide range of proteins and plays context-dependent oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles. In cancer, PRMT5 represses several tumor suppressor genes, including E-cadherin, TP53BP1, ST7, PTEN, and RB (retinoblastoma). Elevated PRMT5 expression has been reported across multiple cancer types, notably triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In TNBC, high PRMT5 levels are associated with enhanced cancer stem cell self-renewal, increased tumor growth and metastasis, and reduced patient survival. Mechanistically, PRMT5 promotes breast cancer stem cell maintenance and proliferation through stabilization of the transcription factors KLF4 and KLF5. Disruption of the PRMT5-KLF4 axis results in …

Air Pollution And Public Health: Global Evidence And Implications, Mohammed Obaid Al-Mansoori

Al-Bahir

Globally, the issue of air pollution keep being one of most serious challenges that affecting environment and human health, coming from emissions of industries, transport, agriculture and also from the fuel people use in homes, in addition to natural events that make the situation worse. This review try to bring together the available evidences about the sources, types, and the health impacts of the main air pollutants, including the gaseous ones like SO₂, O₃, NO₂, and CO, and the particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅). Exposure for short or long time to these pollutants is linked with many harmful outcomes, such as …

Neddylation Maintains Oocyte Quality By Stabilizing Mitochondrial Transcription, Avery A Ahmed, Tessa E Steenwinkel, Bethany K Patton, Peixin Jiang, Matthew D Meyer, Jaspreet K Rishi, Mei Leng, Alexander B Saltzman, Elizabeth S Anaya, Momal Sharif, Laurie J Mckenzie, Laura Detti, Anna Malovannaya, Sean M Hartig, Stephanie A Pangas

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Age-related decline in oocyte quality increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to this decline. Here, we report that oocyte-specific deletion of Uba3, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the E1 NEDDylation-activating complex, causes sterility in mice. Fully grown, germinal vesicle–stage Uba3 conditional knockout oocytes exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction, including elevated reactive oxygen species, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and depletion of mitochondrially encoded RNA transcripts. Proteomic analysis identified alterations in mitochondrial-associated proteins, including enrichment of mitochondrial matrix and respiratory chain components and reduced abundance of electron transport chain complexes. These defects were associated …

Contribution Of Animals To Biomedical Advancements In The Current Era: A Narrative Review, Leena Rajathy Port Louis, Mani Rajarathinam, Prithiviraj Nagarajan, Divya Sekar, Nisha Perumal

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Animal research has played a major role in the development of vaccinations and therapies for illnesses such as tetanus, polio, meningitis, hepatitis, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. For every prescription drug available today, animal testing and research have contributed immensely. This narrative review aims to explore the contribution of animals to biomedical advancements in the current era, which involved a search of peer-reviewed literature using electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. In current biomedical research, animals help develop new treatments for long-term illnesses such as cancer, HIV, and Alzheimer’s. Animals also aid in the …

Microwave-Assisted Extraction Optimization And Bioactivity Assessment Of Flavonoid-Rich Extract From Lantana Camara L. Leaves In Zebrafish Epilepsy Model, Prem Kumar B R, Shwetha Krishnamurthy, Gouri Nair, Sundara Saravanan Kamatchi

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Lantana camara L. (Verbanaceae) is known for its bioactive compounds and has been reported for its potential therapeutic applications. Flavonoids from natural sources are acknowledged for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, suggesting a possible role in seizure management.
Objectives: This study intended to optimize the microwaveassisted extraction (MAE) of flavonoid-rich extract from L. camara L. leaves utilizing a designof- experiment approach and evaluate its antiepileptic property using the zebrafish model.
Materials and Methods: Four solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and water) were initially used, with ethanol yielding the highest total flavonoid content (TFC). A central composite design was employed …

Samannachan: A Thai Traditional Herbal Recipe With Cytotoxic Potential Against Breast, Cervical, And Ovarian Cancers, Perika Monkanna, Srisopa Ruangnoo, Pakakrong Thongdeeying, Arunporn Itharat, Pranporn Kuropakornpong, Reawfang Sriyom, Apinya Wiboonwattanakit, Kanyarat Namphonsan, Paponpachara Pibanpaknitee, Neal M. Davies

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Samannachan (SMC) is a Thai traditional herbal recipe that has been used since 2005 at Khampramong Temple, Sakon Nakhon, to treat more than 6,000 cancer patients. However, scientific evidence supporting cytotoxic effects remains limited.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the SMC recipe and its ten herbal components against breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer cells compared to normal cells.
Methods: Cytotoxic activity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on breast (MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231), cervical (HeLa), and ovarian (SK-OV-3) cancer cell lines, as well as on non-cancerous human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Both aqueous …

The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In The Pro-Inflammatory Response Of Microglia And The Neuronal Stress Response To Trichloroethylene Exposure, William Stone

ETDs from 2020-2029

ABSTRACT This dissertation examines how 14-3-3 proteins, with a focus on the 14-3-3θ iso-form, regulate signaling pathways relevant to neurodegeneration. While tradition-ally described as molecular hubs that organize protein–protein interactions, our work reveals how 14-3-3 function is shaped by environmental insults, namely bac-terial and neurotoxicant exposures, and how its disruption contributes to disease-associated processes. Two complementary approaches were used, focusing on microglial inflammatory signaling and neuronal responses to an environmental neurotoxicant, to define a broader role for 14-3-3 proteins in disease associated pathways in the brain. Chapter I identifies 14-3-3 proteins as modulators of microglial activation. Disrup-tion of 14-3-3 interactions …

Non-Tobacco Nicotine Dependence Is Associated With Increased Complications Following Clavicle Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Akin A. Adio, Rahul K. Goyal, Abby Skiena, Mohammad Daher, John G. Horneff, Hafiz F. Kassam, Brian W. Hill, Joseph A. Abboud

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Tobacco dependence is well established to impair bone healing and increase postoperative complications. However, the independent effects of nicotine, separate from combustion-related factors, remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of non-tobacco nicotine dependence (NTND) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of clavicle fractures, including midshaft and lateral fracture subtypes.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using a large national database. Patients undergoing ORIF of clavicle fractures were identified using procedural and diagnostic codes. Patients with non-tobacco nicotine dependence (e.g., vaping, patches, or gum) were identified and propensity score matched to (1) patients without nicotine …

Intrathecal (G4c2)149 Delivery In C9orf72-Deficient Mice Yields Mild Motor Dysfunction And Als/Ftd Pathological Hallmarks, Katelyn Russell, Amelia Shahrabi, Suleyman Akerman, Matthew D. Byrne, Jeffrey Rothstein, Davide Trotti, Brigid Jensen, Aaron Haeusler

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

A repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), yet existing mouse models incompletely engage spinal regions implicated in disease. Here, an adeno-associated virus encoding (G4C2)149 repeats was delivered via neonatal intrathecal injection, achieving widespread CNS expression with robust spinal cord targeting. This approach was applied to mice with graded loss of endogenous C9orf72 to interrogate both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. Longitudinal motor, behavioral, and pathological analyses revealed that repeat expression primarily drives mild, progressive muscle weakness, whereas coordination deficits were largely genotype dependent. Subtle gait abnormalities and hyperactivity …

Hypovitaminosis A - Associated Neurologic Syndrome With Concurrent Babesiosis In A Captive African Lion Cub (Panthera Leo), Kano, Nigeria, Shaarani Habibu Musa, Aminu Bello Hanga, Auwal Usman Nagoma, Caleb Ayuba Kudi, Paul Ayuba Abdu, Musa Ibrahim Waziri, Haruna Baba Galadima, Yusuf Aminu Yusuf, Muhammed Mikail

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Neurological disorders in captive wild felids presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in juveniles animals maintained under suboptimal nutritional transitions. This case report describes the synergistic effects of dietary deficiencies and a concurrent hemoparasitic infection in a seven-month-old male African lion cub (Panthera leo) weighing 30 kg, housed at Audu Bako Zoological Garden in Kano, Nigeria. Following premature weaning onto an unsupplemented muscle-meat diet, the cub exhibited progressive neurological symptoms, including ataxia, hindlimb paresis, star-gazing, and opisthotonos. Hematological analysis revealed a mild normocytic, normochromic anemia (packed cell volume; 23%) and the presence of erythrocytes rouleaux formation, while Giemsa-stained …

Effects Of Acepromazine On Intraocular Pressure, Anterior Chamber Depth In Horses: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study, Abdelhaleem Elkasapy, Magdy Elgioushy, Mohamed Marzok, Sayed Elhawari, Adel Almubarak, Mohamed Rizk, Sabry El-Khodery, Adel Al-Akraa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acepromazine on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), cardiovascular and respiratory rates in horses. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, twelve horses were equally allocated randomly into two groups: treatment and control (n = 6 each). Horses of the treatment group received 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of acepromazine intravenously, while those in the control group received 0.4 mL/100 kg bwt of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously. IOP, ACD, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded before (T0) and then at T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, T60, T70, T80, and T120 min …

Twenty-First-Century Readiness Of Thai Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Curricula: A Documentary Analysis Using The Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 Framework, Pongphol Pongthaisong, Manakant Intrakamhaeng

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Twenty-first-century veterinary practice demands graduates who combine clinical expertise with professional competencies including communication, financial literacy, evidence-based practice, and One Health awareness. Whether Thai Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curricula systematically develop these competencies has not been evaluated across the full national cohort. This study assessed the 21st-century readiness of all 11 accredited Thai DVM programs using the Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 (CBVE 2.0) framework (AAVMC Council, 2024). Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and course specifications from Thai Qualifications Framework curriculum specification documents (TQF-2; มคอ.2) were analyzed using deductive content analysis against all 9 CBVE 2.0 domains, with inter-rater reliability established …

Histopathological Evidence Of Irreversible Testicular Injury And Spermatogenesis Disruption In A Continuous Scrotal Hyperthermia- Induced Azoospermia Rat Model, Ageng Brahmadhi, Norina Agatri, Andi Muh. Maulana, Rahmadita Cahya Maharani, Dyanti Arisa Nurrizki

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a cause of male infertility characterized by impaired spermatogenesis. NOA remains a challenge for both research and treatment development. Reliable animal models are essential for better understanding its pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic approaches. Scrotal hyperthermia induction is a cost-effective and technically feasible method for inducing NOA. However, the impact of different exposure patterns remains unsolved. In this study, a total of 30 adult male Rattus norvegicus were randomly assigned to control, discontinuous hyperthermia (every other day), and continuous hyperthermia (daily) groups. This study applied the heat exposure by immersing the scrotum in a 45°C water bath …

Lived Experiences Of Polysubstance Use And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Candee Dione Rillon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders (MHD), with particular attention to the transition into polysubstance use. The purpose of the study was to understand how individuals experience and make meaning of these co-occurring conditions and the factors influencing substance use patterns. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants who reported both mental health challenges and substance use histories. Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced SUD and MHD as deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing, often functioning within a cyclical pattern of distress and temporary relief. Substance use …

The Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Poor Mental Health: A Study Of Brfss Data, Angelina Somadina Oputa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health conditions are one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Despite advancements in mental health therapies and psychiatric medications, significant numbers of patients continue to struggle with mental illness. Despite these challenges, exercise can serve as a powerful tool to address mental health concerns. Current literature has referenced the value of physical fitness to support mental health, however there is limited large-scale research assessing the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a predictor of poor mental health days. In response, this quantitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between estimated VO2Max and poor …

Detection, Persistence, And Rising Prevalence Of Oncogenic Viruses Revealed By Wastewater Metagenomics, Harihara Prakash, Ryan K Perez, Matt Ross, Michael Tisza, Sara J Javornik Cregeen, Jennifer Deegan, Joseph F Petrosino, Eric Boerwinkle, Justin R Clark, Anthony W Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Oncogenic viruses cause high-risk cancers in humans and are responsible for nearly 20% of all cancer cases worldwide. Currently, very limited data exist in the realm of wastewater-based viral epidemiology (WBE) for cancer-causing viruses, with existing studies using targeted approaches (i.e., PCR-based approaches) that lack genomic resolution. In this study, we used a hybrid-capture approach to detect, filter, and sequence all known oncogenic virus signals from wastewater samples collected over 3 years (May 2022-May 2025) in 16 Texas cities, covering nearly 25% of the state's population. Once sequenced, we used custom computational tools designed for wastewater metagenomics to assign reads …

Anatomy And Function Of Vasopressin Receptor 1a-Expressing Neurons In The Limbic Thalamus, David Joseph Kahn

Theses and Dissertations

The vasopressin (Avp) system modulates social behavior through region-specific and sex-dependent mechanisms, yet the role of Avp receptor 1a (Avpr1a) signaling in the thalamus has remained largely unexplored. This dissertation examined the distribution and functional contributions of Avpr1a-expressing neurons across the mouse thalamus using a combination of genetic labeling, anatomical quantification, and chemogenetic manipulation. Mapping of Avpr1a-expressing neurons revealed a presence in most thalamic nuclei, with highest densities in the anterior thalamic nuclei and midline nuclei. Notably, Avpr1a-expressing neuron densities did not mirror previously described patterns of Avp innervation, and no sex differences in Avpr1a-expressing neuron density were observed. Chemogenetic …

Omega-3–Rich Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions Significantly Prevent Sepsis-Driven Mesenteric Hypoperfusion And Multi-Organ Injury In Murine Models, Gökşen Öz, Esi̇n Özçelebi̇, Ayşe Yeşi̇m Göçmen, Cenk Sükmensüer, Selma Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇, Alper Bektaş İski̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parenteral feeding is used in critically ill patients when enteral nutrition is inadequate or intolerable, and the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly. Lipid emulsions play a major role in parenteral nutrition because they supply necessary fatty acids and a high-calorie density. We investigated the effects of parenteral lipid emulsions on mesenteric perfusion, inflammation-induced oxidation, and organ damage in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice endotoxemia model.

Materials and methods: In septic mice, organ damage induced by lipopolysaccharide was assessed by histopathology and biochemical examination. Additionally, an ultrasonic blood flowmeter was used to measure the impact of lipid emulsions on mesenteric blood flow. …

The Role Of Mitochondrial And Lysosomal Damage In Neurotoxicity From Parkinson 'S-Related Environmental Exposures, Neda Ilieva

ETDs from 2020-2029

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive motor neurodegenerative disorder with a predominantly idiopathic etiology. More recently, however, the contribution of exogenous risk factors such as environmental contaminants has become of interest. Some endogenous genetic risk factors have been well characterized, but the mechanisms by which exogenous insults, such as environmental contaminants, drive dopaminergic neurodegeneration remain incompletely understood. This dissertation will address how environmental contaminants converge on mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction to activate parallel neurotoxic signaling pathways, with a focus on the LRRK2 kinase and the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway. Chapter 2 demonstrates that pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity protects …

If Pets Are Family: Pet Loss And The Need For Grief Equity In One Health, Michele L. Whitney

Journal of One Health Systems

One Health frameworks increasingly recognize pets as integral to human health and well-being. However, these models often overlook the health and equity implications of pet loss. Culturally mediated grief experiences following pet bereavement represent a critical grief equity gap in One Health systems. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study of African American adults who experienced pet loss, along with existing literature, this Viewpoint highlights how pet loss is not only an emotional experience but also a socially structured one shaped by cultural norms, social recognition, and access to support. These dynamics contribute to inequities in how grief is experienced …