Digital Commons Network^™

Avasimibe Abolishes The Efficacy Of Fluvastatin For The Prevention Of Cancer In A Spontaneous Mouse Model Of Breast Cancer, Anjana Bhardwaj, Alexander Koh, Rhea Bhala, Janvi Sandhu, Zhenlin Ju, Leslie Faye Cando, Jing Wang, Isabelle Bedrosian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is upregulated during breast cancer development and progression. Inhibition of the aberrantly upregulated cholesterol pathway by statins reduces breast tumor incidence and burden by 50% in SV40 C3(1) TAg mice, a mouse model of triple negative breast cancer. We hypothesized that fluvastatin's preventive efficacy could be further enhanced by co-targeting the statin-induced restorative feedback pathways that tightly control the cholesterol pathway and are involved in resistance to statins. Acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (

Pgrmc2 Is A Pressure-Volume Regulator Critical For Myocardial Responses To Stress In Mice, Farideh Amirrad, Vivian La, Sharareh Ohadi, Miram Albotaif, Sha Webster, James K. Pru, Kiumars Shamloo, Ashraf M. Mohieldin, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Progesterone receptors are classified into nuclear and membrane-bound receptor families. Previous unbiased proteomic studies indicate a potential association between cardiac diseases and the progesterone receptor membrane-bound component-2 (PGRMC2); however, the role of PGRMC2 in the heart remains unknown. In this study, we use a heart-specific knockout (KO) mouse model (MyH6•Pgrmc2^flox/flox) in which the Pgrmc2 gene was selectively deleted in cardiomyocytes. Here we show that PGRMC2 serves as a mediator of steroid hormones for rapid calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes to maintain cardiac contraction, sufficient stroke volume, and adequate cardiac output by regulating the cardiac pressure-volume relationship. The KO …

Longitudinal Multi-Omics In Alpha-Synuclein Drosophila Model Discriminates Disease- From Age-Associated Pathologies In Parkinson’S Disease, Justin Moore, Timothy Wu, Justin Dhindsa, Omar El Fadel, Anh Le, Alma Perez, Bismark Amoh, Akash Tarkunde, Katy F Zhu, Matthew Avalos, Eric B Dammer, Duc M Duong, Nicholas T Seyfried, Joshua M Shulman, Ismael Al-Ramahi, Juan Botas

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) starts decades before symptoms appear, usually in the later decades of life, when age-related changes are occurring. To identify molecular changes early in the disease course and distinguish PD pathologies from aging, we generated Drosophila expressing alpha-synuclein (αSyn) in neurons and performed longitudinal bulk transcriptomics and proteomics on brains at six time points across the lifespan and compared the data to healthy control flies as well as human post-mortem brain datasets. We found that translational and energy metabolism pathways were downregulated in αSyn flies at the earliest timepoints; comparison with the aged control flies suggests that elevated …

Zero & Infinity Two Divergent Concepts Converging Into Nothing, Aiden Hills

Osmosis Magazine

The concepts of zero and infinity have perplexed mathematicians, philosophers, and scientists since the very beginning of civilization. These abstract ideas challenged existing paradigms in arithmetic and geometry, paving the way for groundbreaking advances in fields ranging from quantum mechanics to cosmology. Let us examine the resistance and eventual acceptance of zero and infinity, highlighting their indispensable roles in modern science and technology.

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2024

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Cars Don’T Stop For Yellow Lights: Turning Maine’S Yellow Flag Law Red, Jamison Rhoads-Doyle

Maine Law Review

This Case Note is about Maine’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law, Title 34-B, Section 3862-A, of the Maine Revised Statutes. The purpose of Maine’s law and others like it is to proactively take firearms away from individuals who present a substantial risk of violently harming themselves or others. In the aftermath of the mass shooting which occurred in Lewiston, Maine on October 25, 2023, there was debate over whether law enforcement could have used Section 3862-A to proactively prevent the shooting, as well as over whether Section 3862-A was an effective tool for preventing violence in the first place. This …

Mitigating The Negative Effects Of Over And Early Exposure To Media With Joint Media Engagement: A Literature Review, Mary K. Littlepage

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This paper examines the negative impact of over and early exposure to media on children’s developmental domains. Among other deleterious effects, early and over exposure to media has been associated with attention deficits, language delays, and interrupted social interactions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) addresses these concerns with recommendations, discouraging the use of screens for children birth to eighteen months and recommends that children over two years old limit their viewing to one to two hours or less per day (AAP Council on Communications and Media, 2016). For children within the recommended viewing and age parameters, many studies have …

Using Diverse Picture Books To Strengthen Social And Emotional Skills, Jessica L. Edwards

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Social and emotional learning skills are inherently interconnected with culturally responsive teaching, as any progress with equity and justice requires intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive competence. This article discusses the significance of this connection, providing numerous ideas for using diverse picture books to establish and further strengthen social and emotional learning skills within any classroom environment.

Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations And Their Implication In Limiting Anthropomorphizing In Animal Research, Isabel Dilandro

Osmosis Magazine

Emotions in humans are very difficult to measure in a scientifically responsible manner.They are fickle, difficult to define, and even more difficult still to attach numerical value to as a subjective, malleable thing. If affective science, also known as the study of emotion, is difficult to fully grasp with participants that can talk back to us, effectively providing verbal insight to the inner workings of their cognition and self-reporting their thoughts and feelings for interpretation, then what are researchers meant to do when it comes time to measure the same responses in subjects that cannot provide them with any of …

“How Neonicotinoids In Pesticides Impact Bee Behavior And Ecological Interactions”, Jack Dupuy

Osmosis Magazine

Animal pollination, primarily facilitated by bees, represents a crucial ecosystem service, benefiting nearly 90 percent of flowering plants and contributing to the prosperity of 75 percent of the world's most prevalent crops.

Osmosis Magazine - Fall 2023

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

The Origins Of Mathematics: Invented Or Discovered?, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

A divisive subject amongst students of all ages, Mathematics remains an integral part of each student’s educational journey. Why is that? you may wonder. The answer is that Mathematics lies at the center of the natural world.

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2023

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Conservation Status Of Virginia Populations Of The Rare And Jeopardized Bridle Shiner, Notropis Bifrenatus, Wayne C. Starnes, Gabriela M. Hogue, Morgan E. Raley

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The Bridle Shiner, Notropis bifrenatus (Cope, 1867), Family Leuciscidae, is a small minnow species that ranges in Atlantic coastal river drainages of eastern North America from the St. Lawrence in Canada southward to the Santee River basin of South Carolina. Over several decades notable declines throughout its range have been observed and multiple natural resource agencies note it to be jeopardized with probable extirpations evident in a number of drainages. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recognized the need to assess the status of the Bridle Shiner within its historical range in Virginia. Here we report the results …

Frontotemporal Dementia And Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report And Clinical Insights, Audrey Grigore, Lynne J. Goebel

Internal Medicine

Primary care providers are often the first contact for patients with neurodegenerative illnesses, however, they may not be aware of the relationship of certain diseases that may have an impact on their patients' longevity. This case report reminds clinicians of the association between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Physicians should be aware of the association, because FTD commonly occurs first and may prepare clinicians to be alert to the signs of ALS in these patients, leading to earlier detection of ALS and the prescription of disease-modifying medication that may extend the lifespan of people with these diseases. …

Maternal Dietary Dha And Epa Supplementation Ameliorates Adverse Cardiac Outcomes In Thc-Exposed Rat Offspring., Kendrick Lee, Mohammed H Sarikahya, Samantha L Cousineau, Ken K-C Yeung, Amica Lucas, Kara Loudon, Thane Tomy, Gregg T Tomy, David R C Natale, Steven R Laviolette, Daniel B Hardy

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Cannabis use in pregnancy is associated with low birthweight outcomes. Recent preclinical data suggests that maternal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure leads to decreases in birthweight followed by early cardiac deficits in offspring. Currently, no studies have explored an intervention for these maternal THC-induced deficits. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to exhibit cardioprotective effects. In this present study, we demonstrated that maternal dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids ameliorates both THC-induced fetal growth and postnatal cardiac deficits in offspring. Our data indicates this may be underpinned by alterations in cardiac and hepatic fatty acids and reduction in markers of cardiac collagen …

Applied Leadership Principles In Multiracial/Multiethnic Churches, Steffon Arrington

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

We would all be a lot wiser, and a lot smarter if we had a looking glass to see what life holds in store every five to ten years. Upon reflection on our lives, we can discern the transformations, and in some instances, we may recognize the guiding influence of God’s providence. I’m often reminded of the words from the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). As I look back on my life, I see …

Apobec3a Drives Ovarian Cancer Metastasis By Altering Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Jessica M. Devenport, Thi Tran, Brooke R. Harris, Dylan Fingerman, Rachel A. Deweerd, Lojain H. Elkhidir, Danielle Lavigne, Katherine Fuh, Lulu Sun, Jeffrey J. Bednarski, Ronny Drapkin, Mary M. Mullen, Abby M. Green

2020-Current year OA Pubs

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent and aggressive histological subtype of ovarian cancer and often presents with metastatic disease. The drivers of metastasis in HGSOC remain enigmatic. APOBEC3A (A3A), an enzyme that generates mutations across various cancers, has been proposed as a mediator of tumor heterogeneity and disease progression. However, the role of A3A in HGSOC has not been explored. We observed an association between high levels of APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis and poor overall survival in primary HGSOC. We experimentally addressed this correlation by modeling A3A expression in HGSOC, and this resulted in increased metastatic behavior of HGSOC …

Nad+ Prevents Chronic Kidney Disease By Activating Renal Tubular Metabolism, Bryce A. Jones, Sanjay Jain, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with renal metabolic disturbances, including impaired fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a small molecule that participates in hundreds of metabolism-related reactions. NAD+ levels are decreased in CKD, and NAD+ supplementation is protective. However, both the mechanism of how NAD+ supplementation protects from CKD, as well as the cell types involved, are poorly understood. Using a mouse model of Alport syndrome, we show that nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD+ precursor, stimulated renal PPARα signaling and restored FAO in the proximal tubules, thereby protecting from CKD in both sexes. Bulk RNA-sequencing showed …

Individualized Peep Can Improve Both Pulmonary Hemodynamics And Lung Function In Acute Lung Injury, Mayson L A Sousa, Luca S Menga, Annia Schreiber, Mattia Docci, Fernando Vieira, Bhushan H Katira, Mariangela Pellegrini, Sebastian Dubo, Ghislaine Douflé, Eduardo L V Costa, Martin Post, Marcelo B P Amato, Laurent Brochard

2020-Current year OA Pubs

RATIONALE: There are several approaches to select the optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), resulting in different PEEP levels. The impact of different PEEP settings may extend beyond respiratory mechanics, affecting pulmonary hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVES: To compare PEEP levels obtained with three titration strategies-(i) highest respiratory system compliance (C

METHODS: Experimental studies in two porcine models of acute lung injury: (I) bilateral injury induced in both lungs, generating a highly recruitable model (n = 37); (II) asymmetrical injury, generating a poorly recruitable model (n = 13). In all experiments, a decremental PEEP titration was performed monitoring P

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PEEP …

Augmented Expression Of Superoxide Dismutase 2 Mitigates Progression And Rupture Of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Huimin Yan, Ying Hu, Yang Lyu, Antonina Akk, Angela C Hirbe, Samuel A Wickline, Hua Pan, Elisha D O Roberson, Christine T N Pham

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Using Drones To Enhance Garden Projects, Douglas Weber, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

This fact sheet explores using drones to enhance garden projects at home and in schools. It covers the benefits of drones, such as monitoring garden health, planning layouts, and assessing plant conditions through advanced imaging technologies. Additionally, it outlines essential factors to consider when selecting a drone, including cost, battery life, camera quality, and local regulations. Tips for safe operation and effective usage are also provided, as well as fun facts about drones.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Organic Pest Management, Ruby Mohr, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

This fact sheet on organic pest management outlines sustainable gardening practices that promote ecological balance and biodiversity. It defines organic pest management as a proactive method, using natural insecticides like sulfur and neem oil, along with unique pest control strategies such as beer traps and cinnamon repellents. Additionally, it highlights plants like mint and marigolds that repel harmful pests while attracting beneficial insects. By implementing these approaches, gardeners can protect crops sustainably, enhance soil health, and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, thus supporting a healthier food system.

Garnet & Black: Spring 2025, University Of South Carolina, Office Of Student Media

Garnet & Black Magazine

No abstract provided.

Whale Sentience & Scientific Serendipity, Andrew Rowan Dphil

WellBeing News

Whales exhibit advanced cognitive functions, including intricate social behaviors and communication skills, indicative of high intelligence and sentience. Understanding these traits is crucial for informing ethical considerations and enhancing conservation strategies for these majestic marine mammals.

To Declaw Or Not To Declaw?, Andrew Rowan Dphil, Kathleen Rowan

WellBeing News

Declawing cats, known medically as onychectomy, involves amputating the last bone of each toe to remove the claws. While some pet owners consider it a solution to prevent property damage or reduce the risk of relinquishment to shelters, the procedure is associated with significant pain, potential behavioral changes such as increased biting and litterbox avoidance, and ethical debates regarding animal welfare. Alternatives like providing appropriate scratching surfaces, regular nail trimming, and using nail caps are recommended to address unwanted scratching behaviors without resorting to declawing.

Pets And Politics, Andrew Rowan Dphil

WellBeing News

The article explores how politicians leverage pet ownership to enhance their public image, noting that over 90% of U.S. presidents have had pets in the White House. It also examines studies highlighting pets' role as social catalysts and discusses regional variations in pet ownership across the United States.

A Role For The Actin Cytoskeleton And Plastin-3 In Osteoblast Mineralization And Mechanosensation, Samantha Meagan Chin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The great diversity in actin network architectures and dynamics is exploited by cells to drive fundamental biological processes including cell migration, intracellular trafficking, and cell division. One such system that relies on the actin cytoskeleton to fulfill its physiological function are osteoblasts, which are mesenchymal lineage bone cells that promote bone formation through depositing a collagen scaffold and subsequently promoting mineralization of this matrix. A number of factors are known to drive osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblast cells including extracellular matrix cues such as substrate stiffness, which are primarily detected via mechanosensitive machinery linked to the actin cytoskeleton. Disruptions to β-actin, …

The Echo: March 10, 2025, Taylor University

2024-2025 (Volume 112)

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Turmeric-Induced Hepatotoxicity With Hyperferritinemia, Nina R. Spitofsky, Albert A. Huang, Aria Jalalian, Stefanie Gallagher, Scott Fink

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Introduction: We present the first published case of turmeric-associated drug-induced liver injury (DILI) accompanied by significant ferritin elevation. Case Presentation: Our patient, a 59-year-old female with DILI caused by long-term ingestion of oral turmeric supplements, presented with painless jaundice on an annual exam. The patient’s liver function tests exhibited a hepatocellular pattern and hyperferritinemia (>2,000 ng/dL). Additional testing was negative except for heterozygosity for the H63D allele associated with hemochromatosis. A liver biopsy indicated acute hepatitis without fibrosis or stainable iron. Conclusion: Upon discontinuation of the supplement, liver enzymes normalized within a month. This case highlights the potential for …