Digital Commons Network^™

Heavy Metal Contamination And Health Risks In Katoro's Artisanal Gold Mining Soils, Tanzania, Innocent J. Lugendo, Venance Mwesiga

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in surface soils from artisanal gold mining areas in Katoro, Tanzania, evaluating ecological and human health risks. Thirty-six soil samples were systematically collected from three mining villages (Bingwa, Isenye, and CCM) at varying distances ranging from 30 to 90 m from active mining pits alongside twelve control samples from a non-mining area for comparison purposes. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, and As in soil samples were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Results revealed severe contamination, with Cr (117–1255 mg/kg), Cu (81–104 mg/kg), and Ni (89–271 mg/kg) exceeding permissible limits. The …

Crude Extracts Of Seaweeds (Ulva Lactuca And Eucheuma Spinosum) As Biostimulants For Enhancing Sweet Pepper Production, Charles Olambo Joseph, Seif Amour M

Tanzania Journal of Science

Sweet pepper is the world’s second most important vegetable after tomato, making its production vital for economic growth and supporting livelihoods. However, growing concerns about environmental protection and sustainability make the search for eco‑friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers inevitable. Seaweed extracts are rich in bioactive compounds that can stimulate key plant growth and defense pathways making them effective biofertilizer. A Randomized Complete Block Design was laid out to evaluate the potential of seaweed extract (U. lactuca and E. spinosum) in promoting the growth and productivity of sweet pepper(Capsicum annuum L.). Seaweed was applied in both liquid and …

Modeling The Effects Of Screening, Vaccination, Treatment, And Non-Pharmaceutical Controls On Leptospirosis Transmission Dynamics, Janeth Michael, Herieth Rwezaura, Goodluck Mlay, Nyimvua Shaban Mbare

Tanzania Journal of Science

Leptospirosis is the world’s most common zoonotic disease and remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and high exposure risks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combined interventions: screening, vaccination, treatment, and non-pharmaceutical controls in reducing leptospirosis transmission in human and domestic animal populations. The study develops and analyzes a deterministic compartmental model with eleven compartments representing human, domestic animal, and bacterial populations. Stability analysis reveals that the Disease-Free Equilibrium (DEF) is globally asymptotically stable when the effective reproduction number is less than a unit ( < 1), ensuring disease eradication under these conditions, whereas the Endemic Equilibrium Point (EEP) remains stable when > 1. The study employs the normalized forward …

Mathematical Analysis Of Toxicants And Diseases Impact On A Prey-Predator System With Control Interventions, Nuru Yazidi Juma, Thadei Damas Sagamiko, James Philbert Mpele

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study developed a generic prey-predator mathematical model incorporating logistic growth for prey and a Holling Type I functional response for predator consumption. Prey-predator interactions form the foundation of ecological balance, but in recent decades these systems have been increasingly threatened by toxicants and infectious diseases. The combined effect of these challenges can lead to severe population declines, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem instability, making their study important for conservation and environmental management. The model includes the effects of diseases and toxicants on prey and toxicants only on predators, and explores optimal control strategies to mitigate these threats. Without considering time …

Rainwater Harvesting For Domestic Use In Suburb Areas Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Case Study Of Wazo Hill, Scholastica S. Ishengoma, Mahir Mohammed Said, Neema O. Msuya

Tanzania Journal of Science

Despite the increasing reliance of rainwater harvesting in semi-urban areas, there is a lack of comprehensive localized data on the safety of harvested rainwater, particularly in areas such as Wazo Hill where communities predominantly depend on it. This study evaluates the quality of harvested rooftop rainwater intended for human consumption and assesses its compliance with the World health Organization (WHO) and Draft East Africa Standards (DEAS) for drinking water. Rainwater samples were collected from various catchment surfaces and storage systems located in Wazo Hill, Tanzania. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select the households equipped with rainwater harvesting …

Assessment Of Bacteriological Quality And Physico-Chemical Parameters Of Domestic Water Sources In Relation To Human Health Risk In Kigamboni, Tanzania, Joseph A. Mwakosya

Tanzania Journal of Science

Data on bacteriological quality and physico-chemical parameters is crucial for protection and sustainable utilization of water resources. This study determined bacteriological quality and physico-chemical parameters of well and tap water sourcesin relation to human health risk in Kigamboni, Tanzania. Thirty water samples were collected randomly and analyzed using SPSS software. The mean values for well water samples of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Phosphate, and Calcium Carbonate were 7.2, 960.27 mg/L, 528.13 mg/L, 1.52 NTU, 288.00 mg/L, 30.13 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 0.08 mg/L, and 160.07 mg/L, respectively. The mean values for tap water …

Morphological And Biochemical Characterization Of Endophytic Bacteria From Selected Medicinal Plants Found At The University Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Ibrahim Juma

Tanzania Journal of Science

Endophytic bacteria are capable of colonising internal tissues of medicinal plants, and producing secondary metabolites (biochemical compounds) of beneficial importance like the ones produced by their host plants. Though Tanzania harbours a wide species of medicinal plants with endophytic bacteria capable of producing such important bioactive substances, research on these bacteria remains scant, which limit their biotechnological applications. This work was undertaken to isolate and document endophytic bacteria from tropical almond, local avocado, banana and blue snake weed plants found at the University of Dar es Salaam, main campus. The study characterised the isolated endophytes based on morphological descriptors and …

Dissecting The Intrinsic And Extrinsic Regulators Of Prostate Cancer Dormancy In The Bone Microenvironment, Mostafa M. Nasr

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Metastatic disease is the primary driver of cancer-related mortality. In prostate cancer (PCa), patient survival decreases dramatically once the disease spreads to distant organs, with over 80% of metastases occurring in the bone. This dissemination is often followed by a clinically silent period of tumor dormancy that can last for years, creating a critical reservoir of cells poised for lethal relapse. A significant barrier to understanding and targeting this dormant phase has been the lack of robust experimental models. This thesis first addresses this challenge by establishing a novel stress-induced model of PCa dormancy, validated across multiple murine and human …

Early Intratracheal Budesonide To Reduce Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia In Extremely Preterm Infants: The Budesonide In Babies (Bib) Randomized Clinical Trial, Namasivayam Ambalavanan, Waldemar A Carlo, Kayla J Nowak, Laura Elizabeth Wiener, Shirley S Cosby, Abhay J Bhatt, Kristi L Watterberg, Brenda B Poindexter, Martin Keszler, Carl T D'Angio, Luc P Brion, Vivek Narendran, Carrie A Rau, C Michael Cotten, Matthew M Laughon, Abhik Das, Matthew A Rysavy, Anna Maria Hibbs, Janell Fuller, Karen M Puopolo, Anup Katheria, Ravi M Patel, Jennifer R Bermick, Abbot R Laptook, Irina Prelipcean, Myra H Wyckoff, Ryan Moore, Stephanie L Merhar, Robin K Ohls, Bradley A Yoder, Marta Perez, Sarvin Ghavam, Lauritz R Meyer, Valerie Y Chock, Sara B Demauro, Wesley M Jackson, Deepali Handa, Michele C Walsh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Extremely preterm infants are at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and death. Multiple small randomized clinical trials showed that a combination of budesonide with surfactant compared with surfactant alone reduced BPD or death.

Objective: To determine if early intratracheal administration of a combination of budesonide (0.25 mg/kg) mixed with surfactant, compared with surfactant alone, reduces physiologic BPD or death by 36 weeks' postmenstrual age in extremely preterm infants.

Design, setting, and participants: This double-masked randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2021 to June 2024 in the 17 centers of the United States Neonatal Research Network. Infants 22 …

Effects Of Coffee Preparation Processes On Colloidal Particle Formation And Antioxidant Properties, Gao Guanzhen, Rao Pingfan, Xu Yao, Zhou Jianwu, Shan Yunhui

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of grinding size and extraction temperature on the chemical composition, colloidal properties, and antioxidant activity of coffee colloidal particles, and to elucidate their formation and characteristics. [Methods] Coffee infusions were prepared from whole beans, medium-ground (0.9 mm), and fine-ground (0.3 mm) coffee beans using hot brewing (100 ℃, 3 min) and cold brewing (4 ℃, 24 h). The content of total solids, total sugars, proteins, total polyphenols, and lipids were determined. The colloidal properties were characterized using a nanoparticle size and zeta potential analyzer. The infusions were separated into a filtrate (true solution phase) and …

Effect Of Tagatose Glycosylation On Functional Characteristics Of Egg White Protein Powder, Dou Xiaoxue, Chen Huimin, Li Qianwen, Chen Zhuo, Chen Shuxing, Liu Lili

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To improve the functional characteristics of egg white protein (EWP) by tagatose glycosylation. [Methods] Firstly, the differences in antioxidant activity, emulsifying property, emulsion stability, foaming ability, and foaming stability are compared among glycosylated EWP (G-EWP), heat-treated EWP (H-EWP), and EWP. Then, the mechanism underlying the structural changes of G-EWP is investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, scanning electron microscopy, and particle size analysis. [Results] Compared with EWP and H-EWP, G-EWP exhibits significantly improved antioxidant activity, emulsifying property, emulsion stability, foaming ability, and foaming stability (P<0.05). After glycosylation, the molecular weight increases. Tagatose is covalently grafted to egg white protein, with the content of α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turn changing and the morphology changing from spherical to large block-like complexes. The average particle size decreases from 153.53 nm to 129.33 nm (P<0.05), and the zeta potential value decreases from-22.68 mV to-31.83 mV (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Tagatose glycosylation can significantly improve the functional characteristics of EWP.

Effects Of Starch Structural Changes On The Dispersibility Of Cyperus Esculentus, Sun Xiaowei, Song Chunli, Ren Jian

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of structural changes in Cyperus esculentus starch on its apparent viscosity, water absorption index, and stability, providing theoretical support for its development and application in blended powders. [Methods] C.esculentus powder was modified by three methods, i.e., ultrafine grinding, microwave treatment, and enzymatic treatment. The effects of starch structure changes caused by these modifications on powder dispersibility were analyzed. [Results] Compared with native C.esculentus powder, enzymatic treatment reduced the relative crystallinity from 43.49% to 20.69%, causing the most significant starch structure disruption and notably improving dispersibility. The apparent viscosity and stability of the powder dispersion increased …

Fungal Diversity And Mycotoxins At Different Shelf-Life Stages Of Postharvest Longan, Gao Yunkai, Huang Yongping, Tang Zhuhua, Deng Hao, Yin Qingchun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the differences in fungal community structure and mycotoxin contamination during different shelf-life stages of postharvest longan. [Methods] Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the fungal diversity of postharvest longan under room temperature storage (25 ℃) and cold storage (4 ℃). Meanwhile, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the levels of 44 mycotoxins in longan samples to identify potential toxin-related hazards. [Results] With the extension of shelf life, the fungal diversity and richness of postharvest longan fruit under room temperature storage showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while …

An Automated Pipetting Device Based On Visual Positioning, Zhu Ping, Chen Hongbo, Zheng Junke

Food and Machinery

[Objective] Aiming at the poor precision and great susceptibility to human factors in the process of sample pretreatment in modern food testing laboratories, an automatic pipetting device is developed to improve the detection efficiency and quality, reduce the cost of equipment and the complexity of maintenance, and meet the needs of dual-channel pipetting of various sample liquids between different specifications of test tubes. [Methods] The transmission structure of the screw driven by the motor is adopted to realize the accurate transverse and vertical movement of the screwing jaw and the pipette tip. A micro-upgrade precision suction pump is used to …

Effect Of Ginger Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Treatment On Preservation Quality And Microbial Changes Of Chilled Pork At 4 ℃, Li Xinwei, Chen Peihang, Lin Bimin, Miao Jianyin

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To analyze the preservation effect of ginger essential oil nanoemulsion as a natural preservative for pork. [Methods] Pork tenderloin was treated with 1.5% (w/w) ginger essential oil nanoemulsion. Changes in sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological indexes of the pork were analyzed during storage at 4 ℃.High-throughput sequencing technology was applied to analyze changes in the pork microflora during storage. [Results] The pH value, volatile basic nitrogen, and malondialdehyde content of pork treated with ginger essential oil nanoemulsion were significantly lower than those of the control group treated with sterile water at different time points (P<0.05), showing good preservation effects and extending the shelf life of pork tenderloin by 6 days. The nanoemulsion effectively reduced microbial abundance and diversity and inhibited spoilage bacteria such as Macrococcus and Brochothrix, thereby delaying pork spoilage. [Conclusion] Ginger essential oil nanoemulsion can serve as a natural preservative that effectively inhibits spoilage bacteria growth, reduces protein degradation and lipid oxidation in pork, improves sensory quality, and extends the shelf life of pork products.

Anti-Fatigue Effects Of Euglena Extract On Mice, Zhang Jun, Xu Bin, Xi Yanli, Zheng Minghai, Han Yuxuan, Li Huimin

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To study the effects of euglena extract on the anti-fatigue and antioxidant free radical levels in mice, and to explore its specific mechanism. [Methods] A total of 40 healthy adult male Kunming mice are randomly divided into a control group (normal saline is used instead of injection to establish fatigue mice models), a low dose group (euglena extract 0.25 g/kg BW), a medium dose group (euglena extract 0.5 g/kg BW), and a high dose group (euglena extract 1.5 g/kg BW). The groups of different doses are administered by gavage. The exhaustive swimming time and fatigue rotarod test time are …

Analysis Of Nutritional Components And In Vitro Antioxidant Activities In Different Parts Of Eucommia Ulmoides, Wang Tingting, Hu Ping, Chang Yingshuang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To study the nutritional components and in vitro antioxidant activities in different parts of Eucommia ulmoides. [Methods] The content of protein, fat, ash, vitamin C, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid in different parts of E.ulmoides is determined according to the methods specified in national standards. The antioxidant activities of different parts of E.ulmoides are evaluated based on the ABTS+ free radical scavenging ability, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and total reducing power. [Results] There are statistical differences in the content of essential nutrients among different parts of E.ulmoides (P<0.05). The ash content and fat content are the highest in the leaves, reaching 13.65 and 6.19 g/100 g, respectively. The protein content and Vc content are the highest in male flowers, reaching 20.8 and 13.9 g/100 g, respectively. The total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and polysaccharides are the highest in the leaves, reaching 2.45, 1.61, and 1.27 g/100 g, respectively. The results of in vitro antioxidant activity assay show that male flowers have the highest total reducing power, with the IC50 of 10.2 μg/mL. The leaves have the highest ABTS+ free radical scavenging ability and DPPH free radical scavenging ability, with IC50 being 11.19 and 11.40 μg/mL, respectively. The comprehensive evaluation results of membership function method show that the antioxidant effect of the leaves is the best, and that of the cortex is the weakest. [Conclusion] The nutritional value and antioxidant properties of E.ulmoides vary among cortex, leaves, and male flowers. E.ulmoides leaves with both edible and medicinal properties demonstrate certain nutritional value in the development and utilization of food raw materials in the future.

Optimization Of Extraction And Purification Process Of Polyphenols From Prunus Cerasifera Ehrhart And Analysis Of Their Antioxidant Activity, Ayijia Malike, Salamet Adirs, Tajiguli Abulikemu, Atawula Tiemuer, Gulfira Ylham, Nigereyi Yadikaer

Food and Machinery

[Objective] Using the fruits of Prunus cerasifera as raw materials, this study aimed to optimize the preparation process of polyphenols and evaluate their antioxidant activity. [Methods] The optimal extraction conditions for polyphenols from P.cerasifera were determined using ultrasound-assisted compound enzyme extraction, optimized through single-factor experiments and a Box-Behnken response surface design. Macroporous adsorption resin was employed for the enrichment and purification of the polyphenols. The DPPH radical scavenging ability, ABTS ⁺ radical scavenging ability, and total antioxidant capacity of the polyphenols before and after purification were evaluated. [Results] The optimal extraction conditions were as follows:pectinase to cellulase mass ratio of …

Effects Of Auricularia Auricula Polysaccharides On Its Rehydration Characteristics, Su Xin, Lu Huiwei, Liu Zhou, Chai Zhenyu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the effects of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides on its rehydration characteristics. [Methods] Auricularia auricula polysaccharides are extracted by the hot water-ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula residue is dried to a constant weight and rehydrated. Then, the water content, swelling, rehydration ratio, texture characteristics, and water distribution state of the rehydrated Auricularia auricula are determined to explore the effects of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide content on its rehydration characteristics. [Results] The crushing degree of Auricularia auricula is proportional to the polysaccharide removal rate. Compared with Auricularia auricula and polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula of 20~16 mesh, the polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula …

Spectroscopic Investigation Of Plasma Parameters In An Iron Target: A Comparative Study Of Different Laser Energies, Hiba A. Abed, Sabah N. Mazhir, Saeed N. T. Alrashid

Baghdad Science Journal

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a powerful technique for analyzing materials through the creation of plasma by laser ablation. In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation of plasma parameters in an Fe target using LIBS spectroscopy. The experiment involved using a high-power laser to ablate the Fe target, generating a plasma plume that emitted characteristic spectral lines. By analyzing the emitted light, we extracted valuable information about the plasma parameters, including electron temperature, electron density, and ionization degrees. The LIBS setup was carefully calibrated and optimized to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. The obtained spectra were employed …

New Economic Hub Proposal In West Java Based On Toll Road Connectivity Using Community Detection, Ichwanul Muslim Karo Karo, Mohd Farhan Bin Md. Fudzee, Shahreen Binti Kasim, Azizul Azhar Ramli

Baghdad Science Journal

A region's economic activity has a significant impact on the growth of its surroundings. Adequate connectivity (e.g., toll roads, railways, airlines and others) are essential to the inter-regional economy and encourage new economic hub. Indonesia is intensively constructing toll road infrastructure and West Java province has the highest number of planned/operating it. This study aims to identify new economic hubs in West Java based on connectivity between regencies/cities with toll roads. The new hubs are identified by using a community detection approach. To support the idea, this study illustrates cities/regencies as vertices and connectivity of cities/regencies with toll roads as …

Prevalence And Molecular Characterization Of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella In Poultry Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Tumwi T. Salah, Paulo S. Joseph, Bishop I. Magidanga, Richard S. Mwakapuja, Victor A. Makene

Tanzania Journal of Science

Poultry is one of the common source of non-typhoidal Salmonella and poultry products are the major sources of human and animal infections with the Salmonella. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella in live commercial and backyard chickens from retail markets and farms in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. The study was conducted in four districts; Ubungo, Kinondoni, Temeke and Ilala. A total of 400 chickens (120 broilers, 120 layers and 160 backyard chickens) were tested for Salmonella. Salmonella isolation and identification was carried out using bacteriological standard methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) …

Development Trends And Priority Research Fields Of Electrochemical Discipline In The 15th Five Year Plan Period, Lin Zhuang, Wen-Bin Cai, Heng-Xing Ji, Qing Li, Gong-Wei Wang, Sen Xin, Qing Zhao, Fang-Yi Cheng, Yu-Guo Guo, Lan-Qun Mao, Yang Tian, Fei Wu, Li-Min Zhang, Yan Xiang, Jin-Song Hu, Rui Cao, Li Xiao, Hua-Bing Tao, Wei Xing, Dong-Ping Zhan, Hong-Gang Liao, Mei-Ling Xiao, Bin Ren, Zhang-Quan Peng, Rui Wen, Xiang Wang, Yue-Feng Song, Hou-Fu Lv, Bao-Yu Xia, Guo-Xiong Wang, Jun Cheng, Zhi-Pan Liu, Min Zhou, Bing Huang, Cun-Pu Li, Yu-Qin Zou, Shuang-Yin Wang, Hai-Bo Lin, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

In fulfillment of the national science-and-technology development agenda, the Department of Chemical Sciences of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) convened the Strategic Symposium on the Fifteenth Five-Year (2026–2030) Development Plan for Electrochemistry held in Xiamen on 29 August, 2025—the culminating year of the Fourteenth Five-Year (2021–2025) Development Plan. More than forty leading experts in the field of electrochemistry participated with spanning nine thematic fronts: Interfacial Electrocatalysis, Interfacial Electrochemistry for Energy Storage, Bioelectrochemistry, Electrochemistry of Hydrogen Energy, Electrochemical Micro-/Nano-Manufacturing, Operando Electrochemical Characterization, Electro-Thermal Coupling Catalysis, Theoretical and Computational Electrochemistry, and Electrochemical Synthesis. The forum assembled China’s foremost electrochemical …

The Roles Of Sirt1 In Breast And Gynecologic Malignancies, Jianmin Ding, Matthew T Ye, Songlin Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, exerts complex and context-dependent effects in breast and gynecological cancers. By deacetylating histone and non-histone proteins such as p53, FOXO, and NF-κB, SIRT1 regulates essential processes including DNA repair, apoptosis, metabolism, and stress response. In breast cancer, SIRT1 may act as a tumor suppressor in early stages by maintaining genomic stability but promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and chemoresistance in aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer. Similarly, in gynecological cancers, SIRT1 displays dual roles: promoting proliferation via estrogen signaling and p53/FOXO1 inhibition in Type I endometrial cancer yet potentially supporting DNA repair in …

Selective Rna Sequestration In Biomolecular Condensates Directs Cell Fate Transitions, Patrizia Pessina, Mika Nevo, Junchao Shi, Srikanth Kodali, Eduard Casas, Yingzhi Cui, Alicia L Richards, Emily J Park, Xi Chen, Florencia Levin-Ferreyra, Alejandra Rivera Tostado, Erica Stevenson, Nevan J Krogan, Danielle L Swaney, Qilong Ying, Qi Chen, Justin Brumbaugh, Bruno Di Stefano

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Controlling stem cell differentiation is a longstanding goal in biomedical research. Here we explore how cell fate is influenced by RNA condensates, specifically P-bodies, which modulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. We profiled the transcriptomes of biomolecular condensates in diverse developmental contexts spanning multiple vertebrate species. Our analyses revealed conserved, cell type-specific sequestration of untranslated RNAs encoding cell fate regulators. P-body RNA contents do not reflect active gene expression in each cell type but are enriched for translationally repressed transcripts characteristic of the preceding developmental stage. Mechanistically, P-body contents are controlled by microRNAs and can be profoundly reshaped by perturbing AGO2 or …

Molecular And Cellular Characterization Of Planarian Stem Cell Microenvironments, Frederick G Mann, Carolyn E Brewster, Dung M Vuu, Mol Mir, Riley Galton, Shao-Fu Nien, Enya R Dewars, Carlos Guerrero-Hernández, Jason A Morrison, Mary C Mckinney, Lucinda E Maddera, Melainia L Mcclain, Kate E Hall, Seth Malloy, Shiyuan Chen, Brian D Slaughter, Sean A Mckinney, Stephanie H Nowotarski, Anoja Perera, Blair W Benham-Pyle, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Stem cell niches are essential for regulating stem cell self-renewal and differentiation during tissue repair and regeneration. However, the mechanisms supporting stem cell function in highly regenerative organisms, such as the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, remain unclear. Using spatial transcriptomics, we identified two cell types associated with planarian stem cells: secretory cells we term "hecatonoblasts" and intestinal cells. Surprisingly, while hecatonoblasts were in close physical proximity to stem cells in the mesenchyme, they were dispensable for regeneration. In contrast, intestinal cells, despite lacking direct contact with stem cells, regulated both their position and function during regeneration. Electron microscopy revealed diverse …

A Guide To Breaking Seed Dormancy Of Common Wetland Plant Species, Samantha R. Kurkowski, Rae Robinson, Sandra E. Johnston, Montana M. Horchler, Adrienne E. Ernst, Margaret D. Haney, Karin M. Kettenring

All Current Publications

This guide was developed from a series of seed dormancy break and germination experiments conducted over 4 years with 41 species. The purpose of this guide is to synthesize the information we learned through these experiments and present the findings for those interested in breaking seed dormancy, such as land managers, restoration practitioners, and wetland researchers. Ultimately, we hope this guidance catalyzes further wetland restoration throughout the Intermountain West.

Cd7 Regulates The Persistence Of Terminally Exhausted Cd8 T Cells During Chronic Infection, Sean Hyslop, Colby J Hofferek, Maria V Stegantseva, Emerald Kan, Kelli A Mccord, Victor M Alvarez, Amanda Y Xia, Jacob P Conarty, Andreas Wieland, William H Hudson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

CD8+ T cell exhaustion limits immune responses during cancer and chronic infection. We identify CD7 as a tissue-specific regulator of terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells during chronic infection. CD7 expression progressively increases during exhaustion, reaching its highest levels on a subset of CD101+Tim3low terminally exhausted cells that arise in the liver. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that CD7-deficient terminally exhausted cells display altered expression of co-stimulatory, translational, and effector genes, correlating with markedly reduced persistence and increased apoptotic susceptibility. Importantly, CD7 is preferentially upregulated on PD-1+CD39+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), suggesting CD7 may play …

Investigating The Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pathogenic Snps On Human Vegfa Dimer: Insights From Molecular Dynamics Study, Rajib Islam, Jahirul Islam, Mohammad A. Halim

Faculty Articles

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a key regulator of angiogenesis. It forms a homodimer and binds to VEGF receptors to activate signaling pathways important for blood vessel growth and maintenance. In this study, we examined the structural and functional effects of two deleterious mutants, R262Q and C266Y, using integrative computational methods. Molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis showed that both mutations disrupted crucial interface interactions, including H-bonds, salt bridges, and disulfide linkages. As a result, the dimer conformation became less stable, which was also supported by binding free energy analysis. In addition, structural superimposition analysis revealed that …

The Meaning Of Happiness Among Urban Children And Adolescents In Indonesia: A Qualitative Study Through Drawings, Eko Handayani, Dewi Maulina, Winarini W. Dahlan

Psychological Research on Urban Society

Urban children and adolescents face various stressors, including academic pressure, digital media exposure, and limited green spaces, which influence their happiness perception. This study aims to explore the meaning of happiness in children and adolescents living in Indonesia’s urban areas through qualitative research using a drawing-based approach. A total of 243 participants, aged 9-15, from elementary and junior high schools in Jakarta, were asked to draw "I am happy when..." with written brief explanations. Data were analyzed using visual and narrative-thematic approaches across children and adolescents from a developmental psychology perspective. The findings reveal that the images and explanations of …