Digital Commons Network^™

Hiv Protein Tat Dysregulates Multiple Pathways In Human Ipscs- Derived Microglia, Liam Liyang Guo, Robert Jiang, Yan Cheng, Brooke Russell, Yan Y. Sanders, Ming-Lei Guo

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

In the era of combined antiretroviral therapy, around 50% of chronic HIV (+) individuals show varying degrees of memory and cognitive deficiency (NeuroHIV), a phenomenon of accelerated brain aging. HIV protein transactivator of transcription (TAT) has been well-accepted as a risk factor contributing to NeuroHIV through dysregulating microglia (Mg) functions. Previous studies have demonstrated that HIV-TAT can affect lipid metabolism, immune responses, autophagy, and senescence in rodent Mg. However, due to the significant species differences between rodent and human Mg (hMg), it is essential to take caution when interpreting the results obtained from rodent models into human conditions. For the …

Interaction Of Cardiac Leiomodin With The Native Cardiac Thin Filament, Madison Little, Cristina M. Risi, Tania M. Larrinaga, Mason D. Summers, Tyler Nguyen, Garry E. Smith Jr., Jennifer Atherton, Carol C. Gregorio, Alla S. Kostyukova, Vitold E. Galkin

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Every heartbeat depends on cyclical contraction-relaxation produced by the interactions between myosin-containing thick and actin-based thin filaments (TFs) arranged into a crystalline-like lattice in the cardiac sarcomere. Therefore, the maintenance of thin filament length is crucial for myocardium function. The thin filament is comprised of an actin backbone, the regulatory troponin complex and tropomyosin that controls interactions between thick and thin filaments. Thin filament length is controlled by the tropomodulin family of proteins; tropomodulin caps pointed ends of thin filaments, and leiomodin (Lmod) promotes elongation of thin filaments by a “leaky-cap” mechanism. The broader distribution of Lmod on the thin …

Cannabinoid-2 Receptor Activation Attenuates Sulfur Mustard Analog 2-Chloroethyl-Ethyl-Sulfide-Induced Acute Lung Injury In Mice, Gregory Nicholson, Nicholas Richards, Janette Lockett, My Boi Ly, Raj V. Nair, Woong-Ki Kim, K. Yaragudri Vinod, Nagaraja Nagre

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Exposure to sulfur mustard (SM; 2,2′-dichlorodiethyl sulfide) causes toxicity in the human body, particularly the lungs. The molecular mechanisms of SM-induced lung damage are elusive, and no effective treatments exist. This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) activation in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) and inflammation induced by 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a structural analog of SM. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were exposed to CEES via intratracheal administration to model ALI. CB2R activation was achieved through the intraperitoneal administration of HU308, a selective synthetic agonist. ALI and inflammation were evaluated at 48 h post-exposure to CEES. …

Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Lung Regeneration, Repair, And Fibrosis, Volume Ii, Yong Qiu, Xiao Xiao Tang, Shigeyuki Shichino, Prem Prakash Kushwaha, Yan Y. Sanders, Remo Castro Russo, Chunheng Mo

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Organ fibrosis represents a substantial a major contributor to global disease burden, implicated in over 30% of cases leading to disability-associated and fatal conditions. Among these conditions, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) stands as a progressive and frequently fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by aberrant extracellular matrix deposition and parenchymal scarring. The prognosis for IPF patients is poor, with a median survival time of just 3–5 years (Bhattacharya and Ramachandran, 2023; Lederer and Martinez, 2018, Ma et al., 2024, Wei et al., 2024). Current FDA-approved therapeutics, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib, demonstrate capacity to attenuate functional decline in pulmonary fibrosis but remain …

Codon Composition In Human Oocyters Reveals Age-Associated Defects In Mrna Decay, Pavla Brachova, Lane K. Christenson, Nehemiah S. Alvarez

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Oocytes from women of advanced reproductive age exhibit diminished developmental potential, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Oocyte maturation depends on translational control of maternal mRNA synthesized during growth. We performed a computational analysis on human oocytes from women < 30 versus ≥40 years and observed that mRNA GC content correlates negatively with half-life in oocytes from young (< 30 yr) but positively with oocytes from aged (>40 yr) women. In young oocytes, longer mRNA half-life is associated with lower protein abundance, whereas in aged oocytes GC content correlates positively with protein abundance. During the GV-to-MII transition, codon composition stratifies stability: codons that support rapid translation (optimal) stabilize mRNA, while slow-translating codons (non-optimal) promote decay. With reproductive aging, GC-containing codons become more optimal and align with increased …

Swinging Lever Mechanism Of Myosin Directly Shown By Time-Resolved Cryo-Em, David P. Klebl, Sean N. Mcmillan, Cristina Risi, Eva Forgacs, Betty Virok, Jennifer L. Atherton, Sarah A. Harris, Michele Stofella, Donald A. Winkelmann, Frank Sobott, Vitold E. Galkin, Peter J. Knight, Stephen P. Muench, Charlotte A. Scarfi, Howard D. White

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Myosins produce force and movement in cells through interactions with F-actin¹. Generation of movement is thought to arise through actin-catalysed conversion of myosin from an ATP-generated primed (pre-powerstroke) state to a post-powerstroke state, accompanied by myosin lever swing²,³. However, the initial, primed actomyosin state has never been observed, and the mechanism by which actin catalyses myosin ATPase activity is unclear. Here, to address these issues, we performed time-resolved cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM)⁴ of a myosin-5 mutant having slow hydrolysis product release⁵,⁶. Primed actomyosin was predominantly captured 10 ms after …

Reduced Slow Wave Sleep Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Short Stature In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Zhaohua Chen, Yuan Shi, Fei Lei, Xujun Feng, Lu Tan, Taomei Li, Junying Zhou, Yuanfeng Sun, Jiamin Liao, Yun Li, Zhoulong Yu, Jian Jiao, Yanyan Wang, Larry D. Sanford, Michael V. Vitiello, Ye Zhang, Rong Ren, Xiangdong Tang

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective: Although growth hormone was shown to be specifically released during slow wave sleep (SWS), no population-based evidence has demonstrated the association between sleep quality and childhood height. To address this gap, our study aims to investigate the relationship between SWS and height of children.

Methods: We analyzed polysomnography data and z-scores for height in 2527 suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) children (537 non-OSA children and 1990 OSA children) collected over the past 16 years. Different grades of z-scores for height and SWS were classified by the quartile method, and the lowest z-scores for height quartile defined short stature as …

Phenotype Specific Nuclear Lamina Remodeling In Hipsc Derived Cardiomyocytes Bearing Tnnt2 Sarcomeric Variants, Isabella Leite Coscarella, Olalekan H. Usman, Lili Wang, Maicon Landim-Vieira, Lillian Wirstiuk, Amber N. Brown, Diego A. R. Zorio, Brian K. Washburn, Cynthia Vied, Bjorn C. Knollmann, Christopher Solís, Vitold E. Galkin, P. Bryant Chase, J. Travis Hinson, Jerome Irianto, Jose Renato Pinto

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

[Summary] Cardiomyocytes endure physical stress from the myocardium environment while generating their own mechanical strains. The force generated by sarcomeres is transmitted both longitudinally to adjacent sarcomeres and laterally to the cytoskeleton via intermediate filaments. This mechanical stimulus impacts other organelles, including the nucleus, thus playing a vital role in sensing and signaling nuclear adaptations. However, there is limited understanding of how changes in cardiac contractility affect nuclear mechanics. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of hyper- and hypo-contractility in nuclei of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) bearing TNNT2 pathogenic variants associated with hypertrophic (HCM) or dilated …

Pediatric Cancer Incidence, Temporal Trends, And Mortality In The United States By Health Disparities Indicators, Seer (1973-2014), Prachi P. Chavan, Laurens Holmes Jr.

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pediatric cancer incidence has been increasing in the United States, despite improvement in pediatric cancer survival. This steady increase in incidence trends is not completely understood but maybe associated with social and environmental factors. In this study we aimed to assess the cumulative incidence, temporal trends, and mortality rates in pediatric cancer. Additionally, we examined sub-group variability in both incidence and mortality rates. Methods: Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) −18 from 1973–2014 were used for the purpose of analysis in this study. Age-adjusted incidence rates were used to assess temporal trends in cancer among children aged < 1–19 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to examine the association between race and cancer mortality while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: There were 92,594 cancer diagnoses during this period. White children comprised 74,758, (80.7%), black children 10,030, (10.8%), and other races 6648, (7.2%). Overall the age-adjusted cumulative incidence was slightly higher among white children (16.4%) than black children (12.4%) and other (13.0%). Children aged 15–19 years and those in metropolitan regions were more likely to be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Relative to females, males were 16% more likely to die from the disease [adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09–1.22]. Additionally, compared to white children, black children had higher mortality rates [(aRR): 1.37, 99% CI: 1.23–1.52]. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend in pediatric cancer incidence; while white children have the highest incidence, black children and males indicated a survival disadvantage, indicative of racial and sex variability in overall pediatric cancer in the United States.

Enhancing Bone Regeneration Using Kaempferol As An Osteoprotective Compound: Signaling Mechanisms, Delivery Strategies, And Potential Applications, Mojdeh Salehi Namini, Sanam Mohandesnezhad, Sadaf Mohandesnezhad, Vahid Mansouri, Lobat Tayebi, Nima Beheshtizadeh

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Various plants, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, contain kaempferol, a bioflavonoid compound with diverse medicinal effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Furthermore, this compound exhibits multiple health-promoting properties, including osteoprotection and osteogenesis, primarily by modulating various cell-signaling pathways. This review aims to illustrate the medical advantages of kaempferol and its role in regulating bone metabolism through cell signaling mechanisms. Numerous studies have demonstrated the bone-protective properties of kaempferol and its encapsulated form. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal dosages, toxicity, safety, and other potential mechanisms of action. This review demonstrates that several signaling pathways, including nuclear …

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Are Less Frequent In Psoriasis Patients Starting Glp-1ra Compared To Controls: An Observable Retrospective Cohort Study, Ana Ormaza Vera, Marla F. Osorlo, Madison Olexson, June Choi, Chunghwan Ro, Clinton Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

Background: Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We have previously shown that psoriasis patients with dyslipidemia have an increased incidence of MACE despite treatment with a biologic and a statin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have shown to reduce MACE in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, comorbidities that commonly co-occur with psoriasis. However, the association between GLP-1RA and the incidence of MACE among patients with psoriasis remains unknown.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2014-2024 using a large, multi-center, electronic health record network (TriNetX). Patients aged 18-90 who started GLP-1RA …

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Risk In Acne Patients: Implications For Dermatologic Care, Alex Y. Liu, Ana Ormaza Vera, Clinton W. Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

[Practice points]

• Clinicians should consider monitoring for early signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adult patients with acne to facilitate prompt diagnosis and intervention.
• Clinicians should remain judicious when prescribing antibiotics for acne management to minimize potential disruptions to the gut microbiota and the risk for IBS.
• Isotretinoin may serve as a safer alternative to antibiotics in patients with acne, particularly those with gastrointestinal concerns.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma In Children And Adolescents, Eric J. Lowe, Wilhelm Woessmann

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) accounts for >95% of ALCL cases in children and adolescents. The first description of ALCL as a CD30-positive lymphoma in 1985 was followed by the detection of chromosomal translocations involving the ALK gene at chromosome 2p23. The pathogenesis of ALK-positive ALCL is based on signalling from the constitutive active ALK kinase. The clinical characteristics, therapy regimens and outcome data were reported in the 1990s and 2000s. Different chemotherapy regimens led to astonishingly similar long-term event-free survival rates of 70%, independent of the drugs, doses and duration of therapy. Additionally, patients with relapsed …

Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer Contributes To Microenvironmental Redirection Of Cancer Cell Fate, Julie Sofie Bjerring, Yara Khodour, Emilee Anne Peterson, Patrick Christian Sachs, Robert David Bruno

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

The mammary microenvironment has been shown to suppress tumor progression by redirecting cancer cells to adopt a normal mammary epithelial progenitor fate in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) by which this alteration occurs has yet to be defined. Here, we test the hypothesis that mitochondrial transfer from normal mammary epithelial cells to breast cancer cells plays a role in this redirection process. We evaluate mitochondrial transfer in 2D and 3D organoids using our unique 3D bioprinting system to produce chimeric organoids containing normal and cancer cells. We demonstrate that breast cancer tumoroid growth is hindered following interaction with mammary epithelial cells …

Determination Of Structural Factors Contributing To Protection Of Zinc Fingers In Estrogen Receptor Α Through Molecular Dynamic Simulations, Patricia B. Lutz, Wesley R. Coombs, Craig A. Bayse

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The ERα transcription factor that induces tumor growth is a potential target for breast cancer treatment. Each monomer of the ERα DNA-binding domain (ERαDBD) homodimer has two conserved (Cys)₄-type zinc fingers, ZF1 (N-terminal) and ZF2 (C-terminal). Electrophilic agents release Zn²⁺ by oxidizing the coordinating Cys of the more labile ZF2 to inhibit dimerization and DNA binding. Microsecond-length molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that greater flexibility of ZF2 in the ERαDBD monomer leaves its Cys more solvent accessible and less shielded from electrophilic attack by sulfur-centered hydrogen bonds than ZF1 which is buried in the protein. In the …

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, And Antibacterial Properties Of Partition Fractions Of Adansonia Digitata And Annona Muricata Extracts Using Chloroform, Ethyl Acetate, Ethanol, And Aqueous Solvent Systems, Fagbohun Oyenike Bushirat, Hassan Abdusalam Adewuyi, Sakariyau Adio Waheed, Maryam Nana Musa, Timothy God-Giveth Olusegun, Ayomide Babatunde Ishola, Agumage Idoko, Adeola Victor Kolawole, Adesanmi Adefunmilayo Oluwatuyi, Sarah Ngozi Agwasim

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata are traditionally used medicinal plants with reported pharmacological properties. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of partition fractions of Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata extracts obtained using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. The plant extracts were successively partitioned using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and MIC determination. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (10.2-15.6%), flavonoids …

The Importance Of Solution Studies For The Structural Characterization Of The Enterovirus 5' Cloverleaf, Morgan G. Daniels, Meagan E. Werner, Xiaobing Zuo, Steven M. Pascal

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Enteroviruses initiate genomic replication via a highly conserved mechanism that is controlled by an RNA platform, also known as the 5' cloverleaf (5'CL). Here, we present a biophysical analysis of the 5'CL conformation of three enterovirus serotypes under various ionic conditions, utilizing CD spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, and small-angle X-ray scattering. In general, a tendency toward a smaller monomeric hydrodynamic radius in the presence of salts was observed, but the exact structural signature of each 5'CL varied depending upon the serotype. Rhinovirus B14 (RVB14) exhibited at least two monomeric conformations and a low propensity for dimerization, while poliovirus 1 (PV1) showed …

Learning And Belonging In A Museum-School Environmental Stewardship Partnership, Joanna K. Garner, Mel Kuhn, Andrea M. Rocchio, Grace Friedenreich

Center for Educational Partnerships Publications

Students in urban, low-income communities can lack access to environmental science outreach in natural settings. As a result, they may face barriers to applying course content to real-world contexts and developing an agentic, hopeful stance towards environmental stewardship. In this paper, we describe a partnership between a maritime museum and park, an urban school district, and ecology experts. The project aimed to increase students’ knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, develop awareness of stewardship-related actions and career pathways, and support a sense of belonging to the museum. Activities included classroom visits by experts, field trips to plant classroom-grown grasses in the museum’s …

Clarification Of Public Health Pathways Toward Clinical Careers: A Pilot Study Describing A Benchmark Analysis Project, Elizabeth A. Brown, Melissa Feliciano, Daniel Martinez

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Introduction: Undergraduate public health programs have adapted the required basic sciences based on medical and technological advances and the needs of the public health workforce. We aim to demonstrate how a benchmark analysis project was used to improve curriculum and develop a model where basic sciences in public health can be used to build pathways to clinical graduate programs like medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, etc.

Methods: Authors conducted a benchmark analysis of Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) Degrees (or public health-related degrees) in the southern region of the United States (US) to explore required basic sciences. Authors searched …

Psychometric Evaluation Of A Novel Measure Of Trauma-Related Cannabis Use To Cope, Sage E. Hawn, Terrell A. Hicks, Christopher Latourrette, Anita Thomas, Daniela Chaname, Sarah Ehlke, Abigail Powers Lott

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are commonly comorbid and are associated with many negative public health outcomes. One plausible explanation for this comorbidity comes from a self-medication framework, which suggests people use cannabis to cope with PTSD symptoms. Despite theoretical and empirical evidence for PTSD-related cannabis use to cope, no measure of this construct exists.

Objective: We sought to address this gap by developing and validating a novel measure of PTSD-specific cannabis self-medication, which we have termed the Trauma-Related Cannabis Use to Cope (TRCU) questionnaire.

Method: The psychometric properties of the TRCU and how it …

Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability Modulates The Association Between The Perceived Workload And The Stroop Effect On Behavioral Performance, Xiao Yang, Michael Gazzanigo, Fang Fang, Spencer House

Psychology Faculty Publications

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) reflects top-down cognitive processes involved in emotion-cognition integration. Using cognitive control can be effortful and increase negative affect. However, this intrinsic affective component of cognitive control has not been well studied, and the role of vmHRV in the association between subjective experience in using cognitive control and behavioral performance remains unknown. The current study aimed to examine the relationship of vmHRV with cognitive control and perceived workload in a cognitive task. Eighty-one participants performed the Stroop interference task. Participants rated subjective workload using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scale for congruent and incongruent …

Parent Ptsd, Social Support And Differential Associations With Facets Of Anxiety Sensitivity, Kristen Bermingham, Christopher Latourrette, Karen G. Chartier, Spit For Science Working Group, Ananda B. Amstadter, Kaitlin Bountress

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), the belief that anxiety experiences have negative implications, is a prospective predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has been linked to changes in PTSD in experimental studies. AS is comprised of three sub-components: cognitive, physical, and social concerns. PTSD is moderately heritable and parental PTSD may increase risk for these AS facets both directly and through environmental influences like reduced social support.

Objective: The present study will examine whether Parent PTSD is associated with reduced social support and in turn facets of AS.

Method: Participants were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal study of college student …

Automation To Autonomy: Temporal Dynamics Of Trust And Visual Attention Allocation Did Not Evolve, Tetsuya Sato, Eric Chancey, Yusuke Yamani

Psychology Faculty Publications

Emerging work environments are expected to implement autonomy that performs various functions without human input. Previous works has shown that trust in automation is negatively correlated with visual attention allocation, indicating that trust is a dynamic construct. Moreover, trust in automation and trust in autonomy appears to evolve in similar ways. However, recent work has demonstrated differences between trust in automation and trust in autonomy within Kaber’s (2018) theoretical framework (Sato et al., 2023b). Yet, it is uncertain whether the development of trust and visual attention allocation differs between automation and autonomy. The present study examined the temporal dynamics of …

Drinking Motives And Alcohol Sensitivity Mediate Multidimensional Genetic Influences On Alcohol Use Behaviors, Jeanne E. Savage, Spit For Science Working Group, Danielle M. Dick

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background

Genetic influences account for a substantial proportion of individual differences in alcohol use behaviors (AUBs). However, multiple distinct sets of genes are linked to different AUBs via uncertain causal links. Here, we explore whether intermediate neurobiological traits mediate the relationship between polygenic scores (PGSs) and multiple AUBs, with the aim to better understand processes captured by different genetic profiles.

Methods

We derived four alcohol-related PGSs in participants from Spit for Science, a longitudinal study of college students in the United States (n=4549). Using linear regression, we tested the relationship between PGSs and 22 potential mediators, including personality, …

Fabrication Of Palladium Decorated Zinc Oxide Nanostructures For Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing, Reagan Aviha, Anju Joshi, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The growing global burden of diabetes necessitates the development of glucose sensors that are not only reliable and sensitive but also cost-effective and amenable to point-of-care use. In this work, we report a non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG), functionalized with zinc oxide (ZnO) and palladium (Pd) nanostructures. The ZnO nanostructures were systematically optimized on the LIG surface by varying electrochemical deposition parameters, including applied potential, temperature, and deposition time, to enhance the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in alkaline medium. Subsequent modification with Pd nanostructures further improved the electrocatalytic activity and sensitivity of the sensor. The performance …

Advanced Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensor For Ultra-Sensitive Dopamine Detection In Physiological Fluids, Megha Shinde, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

This study presents a novel point-of-care electrochemical sensor for dopamine (DA) detection, featuring a flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) modified with a unique nanocomposite comprising Nb₄C₃T_x MXene, polypyrrole (PPy), and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). The LIG-Nb₄C₃T_x MXene-PPy-FeNPs is characterized by scanning electron microscopy to confirm the successful surface modification. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor via cyclic voltammetry showed significant electrochemical activity upon Nb₄C₃T_x MXene-PPy-FeNPs nanocomposite modification of the LIG surface with an increased peak anodic current (Ipa) from 43 μA to 104 μA. The sensor …

Electrochemical Strategies For Microrna Quantification Leveraging Amplification And Nanomaterials: A Review, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification …

Association Of Prenatal Exposure To Phthalates And Phenols With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Misa Hayasaka, Diana Aboukhater, George Saade, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between prenatal exposures to phthalates and phenols and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth weight, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS:

This study analyzed data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes consortium, which harmonized longitudinal data on more than 30,000 pregnancies and 57,000 children from 69 cohorts across the United States and Puerto Rico. Pregnancy outcomes included PTB, SGA, and GDM, identified from medical records or self-reports. Generalized estimating equations models with Poisson distribution and robust variance were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs per interquartile …

A Scoping Review Of Population Diversity In The Common Genomic Aberrations Of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Sean S. Kumar, Ninad Khandekar, Komal Dani, Saina R. Bhatt, Vinay Duddalwar, Anishka D' Souza

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Previous literature has shown that clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is becoming a more prevalent diagnosis and that the incidence and mortality differ both regionally and racially. While the molecular profiles for ccRCC are studied regionally through biopsy and sequencing techniques, the genomic landscape and ccRCC diversity data are not well studied. We conducted a review of the known genomic data on 6 of the most clinically relevant DNA biomarkers in ccRCC: von Hippel-Lindau (vHL), Polybromo-1 (PBRM1), Breast Cancer Gene 1-Associated Protein 1 (BAP1), Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase Domain-Containing 2 (SETD2), Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), and Lysine-Specific Demethylase 5C …

Balancing Regeneration And Resistance: Targeting Dclk1 To Mitigate Gastrointestinal Radiation Injury And Oncogenesis, Landon L. Moore, Jerry Jaboin, Milton L. Brown, Courtney W. Houchen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Ionizing radiation (IR) poses a dual challenge in medicine; while essential for cancer therapy, it inflicts collateral damage to normal tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. High-dose IR triggers acute radiation syndrome (ARS), characterized by crypt stem cell depletion, mucosal barrier disruption, inflammation, and potential progression to fibrosis and secondary malignancy. Emerging evidence identifies the epithelial kinase doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1)—highly expressed in GI tuft cells and cancer stem-like cells—as a master regulator of post-IR responses. DCLK1 integrates DNA repair (via p53/ATM), and survival signaling (via NF-κB, TGF-β, and MAPK) to promote epithelial regeneration, yet these same mechanisms contribute to …