Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluations Of Hand-Arm Vibration (Hav) Exposure And Related Vascular And Musculoskeletal Heath Effects Among Groundskeeping Workers In Southeastern U.S., Nathan Chen

All ETDs from UAB

Long-term, excessive exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) may induce vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders, collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). However, concerns arise when adopting the currently available guidelines and standards to protect workers who regularly use vibrating tools due to the lack of standardized exposure assessment methods for HAV and reliable health indicators for HAVS. The existing exposure-response relationship addressed in ISO 5349-1 was developed based on epidemiological studies predominantly performed in temperate zones. Thus, this dissertation aimed to evaluate the HAV exposure levels and vascular and muscular health effects from vibration exposure among groundskeepers in the southeastern …

The Dopaminergic Cell-Intrinsic Clock And Bidirectional Relationships Of Circadian Disruption And Synucleinopathy, Ananya Swaroop

All ETDs from UAB

Circadian rhythms are crucial endogenous cycles with period of ~24 hours that evolved to adapt to light – dark driven changes in environmental conditions. At a molecular level, circadian rhythms are generated by the actions of clock genes that form a transcriptional- translational feedback loop and regulate the rhythmic expression of downstream clock-controlled genes. Cumulatively, the actions of these molecular clocks regulate rhythmicity of physiological and behavioral processes and are extensively characterized within the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Like SCN neurons, dopaminergic neurons of the SN are intrinsically pacemaking, though it is unknown if this intrinsic firing …

The Gip Receptor Activates Futile Calcium Cycling In White Adipose Tissue To Increase Energy Expenditure And Drive Weight Loss In Mice, Xinxin Yu, Shiuhwei Chen, Jan-Bernd Funcke, Leon G Straub, Valentina Pirro, Margo P Emont, Brian A Droz, Kyla Ai Collins, Chanmin Joung, Mackenzie J Pearson, Corey M James, Gopal J Babu, Vissarion Efthymiou, Ashley Vernon, Mary Elizabeth Patti, Yu A An, Evan D Rosen, Matthew P Coghlan, Ricardo J Samms, Philipp E Scherer, Christine M Kusminski

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Obesity is a chronic disease that contributes to the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular risk. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor (GIPR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) co-agonism provide an improved therapeutic profile in individuals with T2D and obesity when compared with selective GLP-1R agonism. Although the metabolic benefits of GLP-1R agonism are established, whether GIPR activation impacts weight loss through peripheral mechanisms is yet to be fully defined. Here, we generated a mouse model of GIPR induction exclusively in the adipocyte. We show that GIPR induction in the fat cell protects mice from diet-induced …

A Regularized Bayesian Dirichlet-Multinomial Regression Model For Integrating Single-Cell-Level Omics And Patient-Level Clinical Study Data, Yanghong Guo, Lei Yu, Lei Guo, Lin Xu, Qiwei Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The abundance of various cell types can vary significantly among patients with varying phenotypes and even those with the same phenotype. Recent scientific advancements provide mounting evidence that other clinical variables, such as age, gender, and lifestyle habits, can also influence the abundance of certain cell types. However, current methods for integrating single-cell-level omics data with clinical variables are inadequate. In this study, we propose a regularized Bayesian Dirichlet-multinomial regression framework to investigate the relationship between single-cell RNA sequencing data and patient-level clinical data. Additionally, the model employs a novel hierarchical tree structure to identify such relationships at different cell-type …

Causal Models And Prediction In Cell Line Perturbation Experiments, James P Long, Yumeng Yang, Shohei Shimizu, Thong Pham, Kim-Anh Do

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In cell line perturbation experiments, a collection of cells is perturbed with external agents and responses such as protein expression measured. Due to cost constraints, only a small fraction of all possible perturbations can be tested in vitro. This has led to the development of computational models that can predict cellular responses to perturbations in silico. A central challenge for these models is to predict the effect of new, previously untested perturbations that were not used in the training data. Here we propose causal structural equations for modeling how perturbations effect cells. From this model, we derive two estimators for …

Genetics And Biology Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Haoqiang Ying, Alec C Kimmelman, Nabeel Bardeesy, Raghu Kalluri, Anirban Maitra, Ronald A Depinho

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a grim prognosis for patients. Recent multidisciplinary research efforts have provided critical insights into its genetics and tumor biology, creating the foundation for rational development of targeted and immune therapies. Here, we review the PDAC genomic landscape and the role of specific oncogenic events in tumor initiation and progression, as well as their contributions to shaping its tumor biology. We further summarize and synthesize breakthroughs in single-cell and metabolic profiling technologies that have illuminated the complex cellular composition and heterotypic interactions of the PDAC tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on metabolic cross-talk across cancer and …

Development Of Sacb-Based Counterselection For Efficient Allelic Exchange In Fusobacterium Nucleatum, Peng Zhou, Bibek G C, Bo Hu, Chenggang Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Fusobacterium nucleatum, prevalent in the oral cavity, is significantly linked to overall human health. Our molecular comprehension of its role in oral biofilm formation and its interactions with the host under various pathological circumstances has seen considerable advancements in recent years, primarily due to the development of various genetic tools for DNA manipulation in this bacterium. Of these, counterselection-based unmarked in-frame mutation methods have proved notably effective. Under suitable growth conditions, cells carrying a counterselectable gene die, enabling efficient selection of rare, defined allelic exchange mutants. The sacB gene from Bacillus subtilis, encoding levansucrase, is a widely used …

Key Virulence Factors Responsible For Differences In Pathogenicity Between Clinically Proven Live-Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Sa14-14-2 And Its Pre-Attenuated Highly Virulent Parent Sa14, Byung-Hak Song, Sang-Im Yun, Joseph L. Goldhardt, Jiyoun Kim, Young-Min Lee

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Student Research

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a neuroinvasive and neurovirulent orthoflavivirus, can be prevented in humans with the SA₁₄-14-2 vaccine, a live-attenuated version derived from the wild-type SA₁₄ strain. To determine the viral factors responsible for the differences in pathogenicity between SA₁₄ and SA₁₄-14-2, we initially established a reverse genetics system that includes a pair of full-length infectious cDNAs for both strains. Using this cDNA pair, we then systematically exchanged genomic regions between SA14 and SA₁₄-14-2 to generate 20 chimeric viruses and evaluated their replication capability in cell culture and their pathogenic potential in …

Microtubules Sequester Acetylated Yap In The Cytoplasm And Inhibit Heart Regeneration, Shijie Liu, Vaibhav Deshmukh, Fansen Meng, Yidan Wang, Yuka Morikawa, Jeffrey D Steimle, Rich Gang Li, Jun Wang, James F Martin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The Hippo pathway effector YAP (Yes-associated protein) plays an essential role in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration. In response to physiological changes, YAP moves in and out of the nucleus. The pathophysiological mechanisms regulating YAP subcellular localization after myocardial infarction remain poorly defined.

Methods: We identified YAP acetylation at site K265 by in vitro acetylation followed by mass spectrometry analysis. We used adeno-associated virus to express YAP-containing mutations that either abolished acetylation (YAP-K265R) or mimicked acetylation (YAP-K265Q) and studied how acetylation regulates YAP subcellular localization in mouse hearts. We generated a cell line with YAP-K265R mutation and investigated the …

Impact Of Point-Of-Care Testing On Diagnosis, Treatment, And Surveillance Of Vaccine-Preventable Viral Infections, Kirthika Lakshmanan, Benjamin M. Liu

Student Publications

With the advent of a variety of vaccines against viral infections, there are multiple viruses that can be prevented via vaccination. However, breakthrough infections or uncovered strains can still cause vaccine-preventable viral infections (VPVIs). Therefore, timely diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of these viruses is critical to patient care and public health. Point-of-care (POC) viral diagnostics tools have brought significant improvements in the detection and management of VPVIs. These cutting-edge technologies enable prompt and accurate results, enhancing patient care by facilitating timely treatment decisions. This review delves into the advancements in POC testing, including antigen/antibody detection and molecular assays, while focusing …

Ubr5 In Tumor Biology: Exploring Mechanisms Of Immune Regulation And Possible Therapeutic Implications In Mpnst, Diana Akinyi Odhiambo, Selina Fan, Angela C Hirbe

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare but aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma characterized by poor response to therapy. The primary treatment remains surgical resection with negative margins. Nonetheless, in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the five-year survival rate is at 20-50%, with recurrence occurring in up to 50% of individuals. For patients with metastatic and unresectable disease, current treatment options include cytotoxic chemotherapy, which offers minimal benefit, and most patients die within five years of diagnosis. Despite advances in targeted therapy focusing on inhibiting Ras signaling and its downstream effectors, clinical trials report minimal clinical benefit, highlighting …

Modulation Of Stemness And Differentiation Regulators By Valproic Acid In Medulloblastoma Neurospheres, Natália Hogetop Freire, Alice Laschuk Herlinger, Julia Vanini, Matheus Dalmolin, Marcelo A C Fernandes, Carolina Nör, Vijay Ramaswamy, Caroline Brunetto De Farias, André Tesainer Brunetto, Algemir Lunardi Brunetto, Lauro José Gregianin, Mariane Da Cunha Jaeger, Michael D Taylor, Rafael Roesler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Changes in epigenetic processes such as histone acetylation are proposed as key events influencing cancer cell function and the initiation and progression of pediatric brain tumors. Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that acts partially by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and could be repurposed as an epigenetic anticancer therapy. Here, we show that VPA reduced medulloblastoma (MB) cell viability and led to cell cycle arrest. These effects were accompanied by enhanced H3K9 histone acetylation (H3K9ac) and decreased expression of the MYC oncogene. VPA impaired the expansion of MB neurospheres enriched in stemness markers and reduced MYC while increasing TP53 …

Yap Overcomes Mechanical Barriers To Induce Mitotic Rounding And Adult Cardiomyocyte Division, Yuka Morikawa, Jong H Kim, Rich Gang Li, Lin Liu, Shijie Liu, Vaibhav Deshmukh, Matthew C Hill, James F Martin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Many specialized cells in adult organs acquire a state of cell cycle arrest and quiescence through unknown mechanisms. Our limited understanding of mammalian cell cycle arrest is derived primarily from cell culture models. Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes, a classic example of cell cycle arrested cells, exit the cell cycle postnatally and remain in an arrested state for the life of the organism. Cardiomyocytes can be induced to re-enter the cell cycle by YAP5SA, an active form of the Hippo signaling pathway effector YAP.

Methods: We performed clonal analyses to determine the cell cycle kinetics of YAP5SA cardiomyocytes. We also performed …

Profiles Of Major Amish Settlements In North America: A Guide For Researchers And Service Providers, Cory Anderson, Rachel Bacon

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

Amish populations cluster in ethnic enclaves, or “settlements,” which are located across much of North America, notably in the regions of the Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, Midwest, and Upper South. This article profiles 38 of the largest and best known Amish settlements. The profiles include (1) a recent population tally and population projections to 2050, (2) population density maps, (3) settlement history, (4) socio-economic attributes, (5) religious affiliations, and (6) an overview of the physical and economic landscape. The purpose of this article is to provide scholars and service providers an informative introduction to the different settlements. This article can help …

Latine Immigrant Survivors Of Sexual Assault: Clinical Considerations For Aid And Empowerment, Jasmine Pochini

Counseling Psychology | Master's Theses

This thesis project attempts to ascertain the impact of sexual assault on Latine immigrants in the United States with the aid of a literature review and subsequent manual of clinical and sociocultural recommendations. The historical and political background of immigration in the U.S. is discussed, providing a background for the difficulties that Latine immigrants have faced for decades. All facets of immigration are explored, as well as the hostility that many immigrants face due to anti-immigrant sentiment. This combined with the acculturation process proves to have drastic effects on mental health. Sexual assault is then explored, identifying background and statistical …

Strength Training Can Modulate Urinary Adipokine Levels In Healthy Young Males, Marcelo Henrique Salviano De Faria, Lucélia Scarabeli Silva Barroso, Antonio Felipe Souza-Gomes, João Luís Vieira Monteiro De Barros, Adriana Maria Kakehasi, Erica Leandro Marciano Vieira, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva, Albená Nunes Silva

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 107-118, 2025. Adipose tissue stores energy in fat-rich adipocytes, which can produce and release several adipokines and modulate body metabolism. Exercise may induce adipokine production in adipocytes; however, the relationship between the two remains unclear. Few studies have shown the relationship between adipokines and strength training. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of strength training (ST) on urinary adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels. Twelve untrained young men (23.42 ± 2.67 years) were included in this study. Body composition was evaluated at baseline and after completing of the training protocol using …

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 31, No. 3, 2017, Chris Meis, Katrina Nuncio, Catrina Whitley, Dana Parker, David Yelacic

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume thirty-one and issue three of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 30, No. 8, 2016, Chris Meis, Catrina Whitley, Mike Shannon, Wendy Lockwood, Jessica Desmaris

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume thirty and issue eight of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 28, No. 10, 2014, Color Copy, Katrina Nuncio, Charlene Erwin, Jay Hornsby

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Color copy of volume twenty-eight and issue ten of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 28, No. 10, 2014, Katrina Nuncio, Charlene Erwin, Jay Hornsby

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume twenty-eight and issue ten of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2014, Color Copy, Katrina Nuncio, Charlene Erwin, Mike Shannon

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Color copy of volume twenty-eight and issue three of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2014, Katrina Nuncio, Charlene Erwin, Mike Shannon

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume twenty-eight and issue three of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 4, No. 9, 2005, Glynn Osburn, Paula Vastine

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume four and issue nine of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 4, No. 8, 2005, Glynn Osburn, Paula Vastine, Nathan Hays, Deborah Bloys Hardin, Martha Spalding

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume four and issue eight of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 4, No. 5. 2005, Color Copy, Glynn Osburn, Paula Vastine, Alan Skinner

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Color copy of volume four and issue five of TCAS Benchmark, with last few pages missing.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2005, Glynn Osburn, Paula Vastine

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume four and issue two of TCAS Benchmark.

Tcas Benchmark, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2005, Glynn Osburn, Paula Vastine

North Texas Archeological Society Records

Volume three and issue one of TCAS Benchmark.

Evaluation Of Green Tea Yoghurt Enriched With Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei E1 Microcapsules On Macrophage M1 Profile In High Fat-Fructose Diet Mice, Esha Ardiansyah, Nur Alfi Maghfirotus Sa’Adah, Rahmi Izati, Belinda Nabiila Al Faizah, Dawama Nur Fadlilah, Septhyanti Aprilia Kavitarna, Mochammad Fitri Atho’Illah, Siti Nur Arifah, Yoga Dwi Jatmiko, Muhaimin Rifa’I

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance that increases chronic low-grade inflammation, including macrophage cell infiltration. Adipose tissue macrophages are polarized into pro-inflammatory macrophage type 1 (M1), secrete large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activate transcription factors. Yoghurt with probiotics is popular at all ages for its health benefits and must be protected by microencapsulation. Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) fortification provides yoghurt nutrients while improving its functional qualities and bioactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E1 in green tea yoghurt (GTY) on the profile of M1 macrophages in mice fed a …

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet January 2025, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The January 6, 2025 monthly packet includes the agenda, appendices, and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held January 6, 2025.

Lanthorn, Vol. 59, No. 09, January 6, 2025, Grand Valley State University

Volume 59, August 5, 2024 – April 14, 2025

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.