Memory-Like Responses Of Brain Microglia Are Controlled By Developmental State And Pathogen Dose, Trim Lajqi, Milan Stojiljkovic, David L. Williams, Hannes Hudalla, Michael Bauer, Otto W. Witte, Reinhard Wetzker, Reinhard Bauer, Christian Schmeer

ETSU Faculty Works

Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, feature adaptive immune memory with implications for brain homeostasis and pathologies. However, factors involved in the emergence and regulation of these opposing responses in microglia have not been fully addressed. Recently, we showed that microglia from the newborn brain display features of trained immunity and immune tolerance after repeated contact with pathogens in a dose-dependent manner. Here, we evaluate the impact of developmental stage on adaptive immune responses of brain microglia after repeated challenge with ultra-low (1 fg/ml) and high (100 ng/ml) doses of the endotoxin LPS in vitro. We …

2020-September-01-Professors Take Part In International Research Collaboration, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (Sept. 1, 2020) – Researchers from East Tennessee State University are part of an international team of scientists from Europe, South America and the United States who have published a paper on new insights to how the human immune system recognizes the pathogenic fungus Candida auris.  

Candida auris, which first surfaced in 2009, is resistant to many standard anti-fungal therapies and is not easy to diagnose. It has been identified as an emerging pathogen and a new public health threat. The team’s research has been able to pinpoint a potential Achilles heel for this fungus, which …

2020-September-01-Department Of Biomedical Sciences Awarded More Than Million Since January, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – Faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine have received more than $7 million in extramural funding so far this year to conduct research ranging from substance misuse to kidney disease.

The grant proposals were funded by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health; the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; the National Institute on Drug Abuse; and the American Heart Association.

“We have welcomed several new faculty members to the Department of Biomedical Sciences over the past few years,” …

2020-August-21-Dr Mohamed Elgazzar Receives Distinguished Faculty Award For Research, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Dr. Mohamed Elgazzar receives 2020 Distinguished Faculty Award for Research

JOHNSON CITY (Aug. 21, 2020) – The Distinguished Faculty Award in Research was presented to Dr. Mohamed Elgazzar, professor in the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine.

The award was presented at the annual Faculty Convocation, which was delivered in a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A member of the ETSU faculty since 2010, Elgazzar has gained national recognition for his research focusing on the molecular immunobiology of sepsis and chronic inflammation.

“Dr. Elgazzar is a brilliant researcher,” said Dr. Zhi Q. Yao, …

2020 August 18 - Faculty Senate Agenda And Minutes, Faculty Senate, East Tennessee State University

Faculty Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

2020-August-13-Etsus First Major Covid-19 Research Grant To Explore Diseases Impact On Diabetes, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (Aug. 13, 2020) – East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Zhi Q. Yao was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to explore the impact of diabetes on COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes and related complications.

The grant is ETSU’s first major funding for COVID-19-specific research.

COVID-19 Research Grant

The ADA states that “recent clinical results have shown that people with diabetes are at higher risk of death from COVID-19 and that COVID-19 drives an increased risk …

Endothelial Cell Hspa12b And Yes-Associated Protein Cooperatively Regulate Angiogenesis Following Myocardial Infarction, Min Fan, Kun Yang, Xiaohui Wang, Yana Wang, Fei Tu, Tuanzhu Ha, Li Liu, David L. Williams, Chuanfu Li

ETSU Faculty Works

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Angiogenesis is essential for cardiac functional recovery after myocardial infarction (MI). HSPA12B is predominately expressed in endothelial cells and required for angiogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. This study investigated the cooperative role of HSPA12B and YAP in angiogenesis after MI. Silencing of either HSPA12B or YAP impaired hypoxia-promoted endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Deficiency of HSPA12B suppressed YAP expression and nuclear translocation after hypoxia. Knockdown of YAP attenuated hypoxia-stimulated HSPA12B nuclear translocation and abrogated HSPA12B-promoted endothelial …

Development, Expansion And Role Of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells In Post-Sepsis Immune Suppression, Tuqa Alkhateeb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) numbers increase significantly in sepsis and are associated with high mortality rates. These myeloid cell precursors promote immunosuppression, especially in the late (post sepsis) stage. However, the mechanisms that underlie MDSC expansion and programming are not completely understood. To investigate these mechanisms, we used a cecal-ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis that progresses from an early/acute proinflammatory phase to a late/chronic immunosuppressive phase. Previous studies in our laboratory showed that microRNA (miR)-21 and miR-181b elevate levels of the transcription factor nuclear factor 1 (NFI-A) that promotes MDSC expansion. We report here that miR-21 …

Investigation Of Factors Affecting The Hiv Continuum Of Care In Tennessee, Elaine Loudermilk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Factors contributing to the HIV continuum of care (HCC) for adults in Tennessee (TN) have not been studied in depth with known predictors for HIV risk, specifically adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), among low annual income or sexual minority groups [lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT)].

Methods: A mixed methods study design was used to assess factors related to the HCC. Quantitative analysis used the TN Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine at risk and ever tested for HIV, to (1) investigate ACEs among adults with low-income (<$25,000 annually) in 2016-2017 and (2) among LGBT in 2018. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis stratified by TN grand division were performed. Qualitative analysis included 11 interviews with persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving care at a local clinic to evaluate surveillance questions related to ACEs and the HCC to develop a culturally appropriate survey.

Results: Quantitative results found that among LGBT (N=262) and low-income …

Roles Of Endothelial Cell Heat Shock Protein A12b And Β-Glucan, A Reagent For Trained Immunity In The Regulation Of Inflammation In Sepsis, Fei Tu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sepsis is dysregulated host immune response to infection causing life-threatening organ dysfunction. Endothelial cell dysfunction and uncontrolled inflammatory responses are two contributors for sepsis-induced mortality. The crosstalk between endothelial and immune cells plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of interaction between endothelial and immune cells will provide novel information to develop therapeutic strategies for sepsis.

Pathogen associated moleculear patterns (PAMPs) and/or damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) produced during sepsis, activate endothelial cells to increase the expression of adhesion molecules, attracting immune cell infiltration into the tissues. Uncontrolled inflammatory responses during the early phase …

The Inhibitory Effects Of An Antimicrobial Gel On The Staphylococcus Species, Mara Trinkle

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has made the choices for topical treatments for patients who experience burns wounds extremely limited. The Staphylococcus genus is naturally occurring in and on the human body but can become harmful once it enters the bloodstream. A novel antimicrobial gel has been shown by our laboratory to inhibit both the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus in previous studies. The antimicrobial gel is made of seven natural compounds including antioxidants (vitamin C and E). We wanted to examine the effects of the antimicrobial gel on numerous other Staphylococcal species because it is …

Quillen Magazine - Summer 2020, Quillen College Of Medicine, East Tennessee State University

Quillen Magazine

No abstract provided.

Etsu Today - Summer 2020, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU Today [magazine]

At East Tennessee State University, we are accustomed to dealing with hardship. It has been a defining part of our past. When tested by economic crises, wars, and threats to our very existence, our leaders, our faculty and staff, our students, our alumni, and our neighbors have met the challenge. ETSU not only survived, but it prevailed and prospered. It will continue to do so. From the very earliest days, our leaders faced uncertainty. Only eight days after the beginning of classes at East Tennessee State Normal School, our founding President, Sidney Gilbreath, was troubled. Faculty had already been on …

2019-2020 Department Of Internal Medicine Scholarly Activity Report, Quillen College Of Medicine, East Tennessee State University

Quillen College of Medicine Scholarly Activity Reports

No abstract provided.

2020-June-01-Etsu Health Internal Medicine Resident Physician Class Of 2020, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

ETSU Health Internal Medicine held its 2020 graduation at the Veterans Administration campus Gazebo on Saturday, May 30.  Due to the current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the event was recorded for friends and family to view. 

Twenty-one residents completed their three-year program as required by the ACGME, which will allow these individuals to become Board Certified in Internal Medicine as a field of practice.  They may also continue their education through additional training fellowships within the areas of: cardiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, oncology, infectious diseases and pulmonology. 

The Department of Internal Medicine congratulates these outstanding individuals for their efforts and …

2020-May-26-Quillen College Of Medicine Alumni On The Front Lines Of Covid-19 Research, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (May 26, 2020) – Alumni of East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine are on the front lines of research and studies happening across the world to develop treatments for the COVID-19 virus. 

Dr. Davey Smith (’96) is leading a clinical trial that is currently underway to evaluate whether the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, given with the antibiotic azithromycin, can prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19. 

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, is sponsoring the trial, which is being conducted by the NIAID-funded AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). …

Novel Role Of Endothelial Derived Exosomal Hspa12b In Regulating Macrophage Inflammatory Responses In Polymicrobial Sepsis, Fei Tu, Xiaohui Wang, Xia Zhang, Tuanzhu Ha, Yana Wang, Min Fan, Kun Yang, P. Spencer Gill, Tammy R. Ozment, Yuan Dai, Li Liu, David L. Williams, Chuanfu Li

ETSU Faculty Works

Endothelial cell dysfunction contributes to sepsis induced initiate immune response and the infiltration of immune cells into organs, resulting in organ injury. Heat shock protein A12B (HSPA12B) is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells. The present study investigated whether endothelial HSPA12B could regulate macrophage pro-inflammatory response during sepsis. Wild type (WT) and endothelial cell-specific HSPA12B deficient (HSPA12B–/–) mice were subjected to CLP sepsis. Mortality and cardiac function were monitored. Higher mortality, worsened cardiac dysfunction, and greater infiltrated macrophages in the myocardium and spleen were observed in HSPA12B–/– septic mice compared with the WT septic mice. The serum levels of TNF-α and …

2020-May-06-Etsu Offering Summer Online Courses Related To The Covid- Pandemic, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (May 6, 2020) – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, East Tennessee State University is offering several online summer courses across multiple disciplines that are related to the pandemic and its effects on society.

“The COVID-19 crisis has affected every person and every class at ETSU,” said Dr. Wilsie Bishop, interim provost and senior vice president for academics. “I am proud of the way ETSU has responded to the crisis and how quickly our faculty have adapted courses and used their expertise to create new courses that address subject matter and challenges associated with the pandemic.

“This summer, …

Quantification Of Progesterone And 17-Β Estradiol In Mouse Serum By Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Benjamin Kennard, Allison Cobble, Amy Gravitte, Kaleigh Galloway, Jen Kintner, Jennifer Hall, Stacy C. Brown

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Quantification of progesterone and 17-β estradiol in mouse serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Authors:

Benjamin Kennard, Allison Cobble, Amy Gravitte, Keleigh Galloway, Jen Kintner, Jennifer Hall, Stacy Brown

Introduction: In the United States, Chlamydia trachomatis is a commonly appearing sexually transmitted infection¹. It affects the U.S. healthcare system to a tune of about $500 million dollars annually². In women, it generally appears asymptomatic and can lead to severe secondary complications such as pelvic inflammatory diseases or infertility¹. Female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are being identified to have a role in chlamydial infection. …

The Adaptor Protein P62 Mediates Ebv Lmp1 Signal Transduction, Ayrianna Sparks-Wallace, Shunbin Ning

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is well known to manipulate the host ubiquitin machinery to facilitate its latent persistence and oncogenesis, exemplified by LMP1 signal transduction that activates multiple transcription factors, including NFκB, AP1, and IRF7/IRF4, which promote cell survival and outgrowth, and control immune response and inflammation. It is therefore vital to delineate the detailed mechanisms underlying LMP1 signal transduction for understanding EBV-mediated oncogenesis. p62 (also called SQSTM1, Sequestosome 1) is a ubiquitin sensor and a signal transducing adaptor that interacts with TRAF6 and facilitates the recruitment of ubiquitinated signal intermediators for the activation of NFκB and AP1 in diverse contexts. …

Madam Protein Decreases Microsporidia Attachment To Host Cells, Cindy L. Barrett, Cheryl Moore, James Russell Hayman

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Microsporidia are an obligate, intracellular fungal pathogen that can cause devastating, disseminating infections in the immunocompromised. Because of the limitations of current medications, microsporidia’s abundant presence in the environment, and an increasing number of at-risk populations, investigation into decreasing microsporidia infectivity is needed. As an intracellular pathogen, microspridial attachment is a vital first step to infection, and if attachment is reduced, previous work shows that infectivity is mitigated. An in silico analysis of Encephalitozoon intestinalis revealed a predicted protein similar in sequence to ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase) proteins. This predicted protein is termed microsporidia ADAM or MADAM. ADAM proteins …

A Study Of The Polymicrobial Inhibitory Interactions Between Alcaligenes Faecalis And Staphylococcus Aureus, Blakeley Griffin

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Members of the Staphylococcus genus are found as a part of normal microflora in humans and can commonly be found on the skin or in the nasal cavity. However, these microorganisms can cause serious and life-threatening opportunistic infections when there is a break in the physical barrier of skin. These infections have become difficult to treat as resistant strains emerge, particularly Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA has become a commonly acquired nosocomial infection which is difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics of the blactam class. Even Vancomycin, a last resort antibiotic, has been ineffective on some infections. Furthermore, …

2020-May-01-Medical Student Summer Research Program Offered Remotely, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Sarah Hamilton’s college experience turned out very different from what she expected it to be – in the best way possible. When the Johnson City resident began her freshman year at East Tennessee State University, she wanted to focus entirely on her grades. At first, she had no desire to get involved in any extracurricular activities or organizations on campus.

Sarah’s attitude changed when she realized that connecting to the ETSU community improved her college experience and made her a better student. Remaining focused on her studies in her double major – biology and Spanish – Sarah began to embrace …

Multicenter, Observational Cohort Study Evaluating Third-Generation Cephalosporin Therapy For Bloodstream Infections Secondary To Enterobacter, Serratia, And Citrobacter Species, Caroline Derrick, P. Brandon Bookstaver, Zhiqiang K. Lu, Christopher M. Bland, S. Travis King, Kayla R. Stover, Kathey Rumley, Shawn H. Macvane, Jenna Swindler, Scott Kincaid, Trisha Branan, David Cluck, Benjamin Britt, Kelly E. Pillinger, Bruce M. Jones, Virginia Fleming, V. Paul Dimondi, Sandy Estrada, Brad Crane, Brian Odle, Majdi N. Al-Hasan, Julie Ann Justo

ETSU Faculty Works

Objectives: There is debate on whether the use of third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) increases the risk of clinical failure in bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by chromosomally-mediated AmpC-producing Enterobacterales (CAE). This study evaluates the impact of definitive 3GC therapy versus other antibiotics on clinical outcomes in BSIs due to Enterobacter, Serratia, or Citrobacter species. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study evaluated adult hospitalized patients with BSIs secondary to Enterobacter, Serratia, or Citrobacter species from 1 January 2006 to 1 September 2014. Definitive 3GC therapy was compared to definitive therapy with other non-3GC antibiotics. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated the impact of …

The Impact Of State-Level Laws On Syringe Service Program Access And Risk Environment Of People Who Inject Drugs (Pwid), Samuel Pettyjohn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Understanding concentrated areas with high rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) allows for improved placement of Narcan access points through syringe services programs (SSPs). People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) have lower risk of contracting infectious diseases the closer they are to SSPs. Tennessee law prohibits SSPs within 2000ft of a school or park, impacting the placement of SSPs in non-urban areas. Testing factors related to SSP siting placement within a system dynamic model can better determine the relationship between PWID risk environment and SSP access and utility.

Methods: We identified areas of greatest need for harm reduction interventions within …

Blend It Like Beckett: Samuel Beckett And Experimental Contemporary Creative Writing, Sam Nicole Campbell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Samuel Beckett penned novels, short stories, poetry, stage plays, radio plays, and scripts—and he did each in a way that blended genre, challenged the norms of creative writing, and surprised audiences around the globe. His experimental approach to creative writing included the use of absurdism, genre-hybridization, and ergodicism, which led to Beckett fundamentally changing the approach to creative writing. His aesthetics have trickled down through the years and can be seen in contemporary works, including Aimee Bender’s short story collection The Girl in the Flammable Skirt and Mark Z. Danielewski’s novel House of Leaves[1]. By examining these works …

Examination Of The Polymicrobial Interaction: Inhibitory Effects Of Alcaligenes Species On Members Of The Candida Species, Madelyn Whitlock

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Candida species are commonly found in the human normal flora, however they are a major cause of nosocomial infections that can be life threatening. This fungal species is an opportunistic pathogen and causes infection in individuals who are immunosuppressed. A key characteristic of Candida’svirulence is the ability to change its morphology from ovoid yeast to filamentous hyphae. Alcaligenes species are common bacteria found in the environment that rarely, if at all, cause infections in humans. It has been observed that when allowed to interact, Alcaligenes faecalis changes the morphology of Candida albicans from yeast cells to hyphal cells. When …

The Effects Of Farnesol, A Quorum Sensing Molecule From Candida Albicans, On Alcaligenes Faecalis, Savannah Hutson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Quorum sensing molecules have become a recent focus of study to learn if and how they can be used, both on their own and in conjecture with current antimicrobial methods, as a means of bacterial control. One such quorum sensing molecule is the sesquiterpene alcohol, Farnesol, which is synthesized and released by the fungus, Candida albicans. In most in-vivo cases, our laboratory has shown that Alcaligenes faecalis overtakes C. albicans, preventing its growth. However, as a way to counteract this inhibitory effect, Farnesol may be one way that Candida has found to fight back. In this study, we …

Characterization Of The Broad-Spectrum Inhibitory Capability Of Alcaligenes Faecalis And A. Viscolactis Against Potential Pathogenic Microorganisms, Andrew Fuqua

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The recent rise of multidrug resistant microorganisms has grown from an isolated concern to a massive public health crisis. It has become imperative that scientists look for new ways to combat this issue. Due to the selective pressures of competition, bacteria and other microbes possess a host of defenses and weapons designed to exploit vulnerabilities in other microorganisms. Consequently, the study of these systems and microbial interactions has much to reveal in the search for novel antimicrobial treatments. Previous research from our laboratory has discovered that both Alcaligenes faecalis and Alcaligenes viscolactis, two rarely studied and generally non-virulent bacteria, …

Synergistic Inhibition Of Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Using A Possible Klebsiella Secreted Bacteriocin With Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic, Andrew Robbins

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, it is now important to begin the search for novel means of defending against such resistant infections. Enterobacteriaceae is a clinically relevant family of bacteria that has shown extensive resistance to many antibiotics, especially after biofilm formation. Inhibitory poly-microbial interactions within this family have been observed. It is known that Citrobacter freundii (CF) growth is significantly inhibited by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) through a secreted protein. In this study, the potential KP bacteriocin was screened for its inhibitory effects on CF at various phases of biofilm development. The suspected KP bacteriocin …