Digital Commons Network^™

Distinct Properties And Activation Of Hexameric And Heptameric Pannexin 1 Channel Concatemers, Smriti Gupta, Yu-Hsin Chiu, Mohan C Manjegowda, Bimal N Desai, Kodi S Ravichandran, Douglas A Bayliss

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is a member of a topologically related and stoichiometrically diverse family of large pore membrane ion channels that support the flux of signaling metabolites (e.g., ATP) and fluorescent dyes. High-resolution structural analyses have identified PANX1 as a heptamer despite early evidence suggesting that it might be a hexamer. To determine if PANX1 channel activity is supported in both hexameric and heptameric conformations, we examined properties of concatenated PANX1 constructs comprising either six or seven subunits with intact or truncated C-termini (the latter to mimic caspase-cleavage activation). In whole-cell recordings from PANX1-deleted cells, the C-tail-truncated hexameric and heptameric …

Plural Molecular And Cellular Mechanisms Of Pore Domain, Timothy J Abreo, Emma C Thompson, Anuraag Madabushi, Kristen L Park, Heun Soh, Nissi Varghese, Carlos G Vanoye, Kristen Springer, Jim Johnson, Scotty Sims, Zhigang Ji, Ana G Chavez, Miranda J Jankovic, Bereket Habte, Aamir R Zuberi, Cathleen M Lutz, Zhao Wang, Vaishnav Krishnan, Lisa Dudler, Stephanie Einsele-Scholz, Jeffrey L Noebels, Alfred L George, Atul Maheshwari, Anastasios Tzingounis, Edward C Cooper

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

KCNQ2 variants in children with neurodevelopmental impairment are difficult to assess due to their heterogeneity and unclear pathogenic mechanisms. We describe a child with neonatal-onset epilepsy, developmental impairment of intermediate severity, and KCNQ2 G256W heterozygosity. Analyzing prior KCNQ2 channel cryoelectron microscopy models revealed G256 as a node of an arch-shaped non-covalent bond network linking S5, the pore turret, and the ion path. Co-expression with G256W dominantly suppressed conduction by wild-type subunits in heterologous cells. Ezogabine partly reversed this suppression. Kcnq2G256W/+ mice have epilepsy leading to premature deaths. Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from G256W/+ brain slices showed hyperexcitability. G256W/+ pyramidal …

Mechanisms Underlying Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated With Fkbp12 Deficiency, Amy D Hanna, Ting Chang, Kevin S Ho, Rachel Sue Zhen Yee, William Cameron Walker, Nadia Agha, Chih-Wei Hsu, Sung Yun Jung, Mary E Dickinson, Md Abul Hassan Samee, Christopher S Ward, Chang Seok Lee, George G Rodney, Susan L Hamilton

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a highly prevalent and genetically heterogeneous condition that results in decreased contractility and impaired cardiac function. The FK506-binding protein FKBP12 has been implicated in regulating the ryanodine receptor in skeletal muscle, but its role in cardiac muscle remains unclear. To define the effect of FKBP12 in cardiac function, we generated conditional mouse models of FKBP12 deficiency. We used Cre recombinase driven by either the α-myosin heavy chain, (αMHC) or muscle creatine kinase (MCK) promoter, which are expressed at embryonic day 9 (E9) and E13, respectively. Both conditional models showed an almost total loss of FKBP12 in …

Label Free, Capillary-Scale Blood Flow Mapping In Vivo Reveals That Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Evokes Persistent Dilation In Cortical Microvasculature, Yubing Y Shen, Jyoti V Jethe, Ashlan P Reid, Jacob Hehir, Marcello Magri Amaral, Chao Ren, Senyue Hao, Chao Zhou, Jonathan A N Fisher

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Non-invasive, low intensity focused ultrasound is an emerging neuromodulation technique that offers the potential for precision, personalized therapy. An increasing body of research has identified mechanosensitive ion channels that can be modulated by FUS and support acute electrical activity in neurons. However, neuromodulatory effects that persist from hours to days have also been reported. The brain's ability to provide blood flow to electrically active regions involves a multitude of non-neuronal cell types and signaling pathways in the cerebral vasculature; an open question is whether persistent effects can be attributed, at least partly, to vascular mechanisms. Using an in vivo optical …

Null Method To Estimate The Maximal Pa At Subsaturating Concentrations Of Agonist, Allison L Germann, Spencer R Pierce, Joe Henry Steinbach, Gustav Akk

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The maximal probability of being in an active state (PA,max) is a measure of gating efficacy for a given agonist acting on a given receptor channel. In macroscopic electrophysiological recordings, PA,max is typically estimated by comparing the amplitude of the current response to a saturating concentration of a test agonist to that of a reference agonist with known PA. Here, we describe an approach to estimate the PA,max for low-efficacy agonists at subsaturating concentrations. In this approach, the amplitude of the response to a high-efficacy control agonist applied alone is compared with the amplitude of the response to a control …

Geometric Morphological Analysis Of The Edfu Temple, Yara M. Soliman, Ashraf H. Ibrahim, Ahmed M. Awad

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The paper discusses the influence of nature on the design principles utilized by ancient Egyptian civilization, emphasizing how philosophers and artists learned from natural forms. It introduces the concept of Morphology, which examines the structures and forms of living and inanimate objects, categorized into eight types: Geometric, Chaotic, Plant, Animal, Human, Motor, Ecological, and Symbolic. The research focuses on applying the Geometric Morphological system to Edfu Temple, highlighting the need for contemporary designers to consider both form and content, rather than merely aesthetic shapes. The study aims to create an analytical framework using geometric determinants—unity, balance, scale, rhythm, proportion, abstraction, …

Merging Doodles With Live Action In Tv Commercials, Nancy Helaslasy Gerges, Mohamed Saad Kardash, Mohamed Mahmood Kamal Eldein Galal Eldein Mousa

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The purpose of the article is to study "The effectiveness of merging doodles with live- action in TV commercials" and focus on the challenges of modern advertising trends due to information overload and short attention spans. It addresses the diminishing appeal of television commercials and the increasing competition faced by advertisers. Active ads avoidance, such as channel switching or "zapping," is highlighted as a major concern, leading to wasted investment for advertisers. This paper describes the theoretical framework of various doodle styles and their impact on consumers, drawing on both foreign and Arab models. The research also demonstrate that merging …

An Assessment Of The Branding Visuals In Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Afeez Babatunde Siyanbola, Adedola Olayinka Adeyemi, Afolabi Benjamin Eni-Tan F., Tolulope O. Sobowale

Journal of Art, Design and Music

Academic institutions across the globe are making significant efforts toward creating vibrant marketization policies that effectively place them on a competitive pedestal globally. The College of Engineering and Environmental Design Olabisi University, Ibogun Campus leveraged on its area of academic strengths in engineering and art in creating visual branding that promote the campus as a learning destination. This study assessed the impact of branding visuals showcasing values and identity of College of Engineering and Environmental Design Olabisi University, Ibogun Campus. The branding visuals are aimed at accentuating the competitiveness of the institutions. This study adopts mixed methods, quantitative data captures …

Vol. 13 Iss. 2

Discussions

No abstract provided.

Promoting Private Conservation In Patra Seroja Ecopark, Dumai Municipality, Riau Province, Indonesia, Mokhamad Asyief Khasan Budiman, Yoppie Christian, Andy Afandy, Budi Prabowo, Desmiwati Desmiwati

Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea

This paper documents the voluntary conservation practices in Patra Seroja Ecopark Forest by Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina Ltd. - Refinery Unit II Dumai, Province of Riau, west coast of Sumatera Island. The company voluntarily allocated, financed, and managed 102 hectares of land in their private area to conserve and protect its in-situ biodiversity and preserve environmental service as a secondary objective. The results of studies and assessments carried out, the management application has fulfilled the Privately Protected Area (PPA) management criteria by IUCN regarding the orientation, biodiversity, management model, and utilization. However, PPA is not recognized legally …

The Laughing Buddha: The Education Of Compassionate Leaders Through Improvisational Play, Belinda Chiu

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

With an urgency to build a generative future, educational systems do not have a choice but to pay attention to how and what we train our future leaders. Yet there is still a gap as leadership studies are often relegated as a “soft” skill, rather than integrated as technical knowledge critical to the holistic effectiveness of a tertiary education. As a result, there is often a disconnect between students immersed in the idealistic bubble of the academy and graduates navigating life outside. Inquiry- and reflective-based methods of contemplative practices may be critical for leaders to avoid short-term, short-sighted decisions that …

The Power Of The Poetry Club, April Vazquez

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

Poetry spaces provide a place where young people can express themselves and develop skills like critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. They empower young people, particularly those at the margins of society. I organized an extracurricular poetry club, Yo Misma, with Latina adolescents in which we read the work of ten Latin American women poets. As a result of the experience, club members made connections between the poems and their own lives. Furthermore, reading poems by poets they identified helped the girls to find their own voices, both as readers and writers.

Ur-213 Generative Ai & Cybersecurity, Seth G Canada, Shreya Katare

C-Day Computing Showcase

This research project details the impact of Generative AI on Cybersecurity through both its potential enhancements and threats. Using advanced AI algorithms, this project explores how Generative AI can strengthen cybersecurity through systems like Anomaly Detection, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Malware Analysis. Also, this project addresses the growing challenges posed from Generative AI. In particular, issues surrounding Deepfake Phishing and Polymorphic Malware are discussed. Solutions to mitigate these issues are also provided to engage further understanding in the field. The goal of this research is to offer practical solutions for addressing the growing field of AI-driven cybersecurity.

A Rare Presentation Of Pseudomonas Putida Bacteremia Secondary To Skin And Soft Tissue Infection, Danielle Rowe, Sachi Patel, Varun Lakhmani, Harsh Patel

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Pseudomonas putida is a rod-shaped, flagellated, non-lactose fermenting, gram negative bacterium, usually found in water and soil habitats. P. putida generally causes nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients. Increased infection rates are seen in those patients with medical devices inserted, due to this organism’s innate ability to attach to moist and inanimate objects. In this case report we present a 63-year-old male patient with a past medical history of type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage 5, and hypertension who presented with P. putida cellulitis and bacteremia. This patient had no exposure to contaminated water sources or soil; however, had …

Oropharyngeal Lymphogranuloma Venereum: A Clinical Reasoning Challenge And Literature Review, Andrew D. Vogel, Anthony Asta, Hussam Ammar

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection typically caused by serovars L1-L3 of Chlamydia trachomatis. These serovars are tissue-invasive with a preponderance for lymphatic spread and can be acquired via unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. We present the case of a 23-year-old with a prior history of syphilis admitted with four weeks of progressively enlarging painful right cervical lymphadenopathy. Extensive testing, including oropharyngeal swabs and microbiological testing, did not yield a diagnosis, nor did extensive pathological and microbial testing of the lymph node biopsy tissue. Serological test of lymphogranuloma venereum revealed positive Chlamydia trachomatis L1 serovar antibodies. The …

Insulin Therapy For Acute Pancreatitis In A Patient With Lipase Maturation Factor 1 Mutation: A Case Report, Neha Bhaskar, Aram Bejnood, Christopher D. Jackson

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Acute pancreatitis is a frequent cause of hospital admission, managed with intravenous (IV) fluids, analgesia, and oral feeding when tolerated. In patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, insulin and other therapies may be necessary for disease resolution. We present a case of a patient with severe acute pancreatitis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with known lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1) gene mutations, which can impact insulin efficacy on triglyceride metabolism through altered lipoprotein lipase activity, successfully treated with intravenous insulin. This case highlights the effectiveness of insulin therapy even in those with LMF1 gene mutations.

Mafld: Exploring The Systemic Effects Beyond Liver., Utkarsh Dayal, Ujjwal Soni, Sourav Bansal, Kanishk Aggarwal, Chaitanya Chennupati, Sai Gautham Kanagala, Vasu Gupta, Ripudaman Singh Munjal, Rohit Jain

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern which is driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity. MAFLD is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which encompasses a range of conditions, from simple hepatic steatosis to more severe forms. This condition is associated with various complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), liver cirrhosis, and even malignancy. Recent research has highlighted a potential connection between gut dysbiosis and MAFLD, particularly in relation to CKD. This has underscored the significance of the gut-liver-kidney axis in understanding MAFLD's pathogenesis. Inflammation triggered by …

Hyperhomocysteinemia-Associated Thrombosis In Patients With Pernicious Anemia, Thura Win Htut, Kyaw Zin Thein, Thein Hlaing Oo

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction: Cobalamin deficiency (CD) due to pernicious anemia (PA) leads to hyperhomocystinemia, a risk factor for thrombosis. However, the clinical presentations and outcomes of hyperhomocystinemia-associated thrombosis (HAT) are not fully understood.

Methods: We undertook a literature search using PUBMED, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE databases for the terms “pernicious anemia AND thrombosis”, “pernicious anemia AND embolism”, “pernicious anemia AND thromboembolism”, “autoimmune gastritis AND thrombosis”, “autoimmune gastritis AND embolism”, “autoimmune gastritis AND thromboembolism” through January 2024 and reviewed the published literature. Our aim was to illustrate the clinical features of PA-related HAT.

Results: Of 20 patients, the median …

Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels: The Grim Reaper Sign In Acute Pancreatitis?, George Trad, Jackson Hoekstra, Rakahn Haddadin, John Ryan, Kartika Shetty

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Background and Aims:

Acute pancreatitis (AP) frequently presents in emergency departments and poses challenges in predicting severity and mortality. Established scoring systems like Ranson criteria, Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE) II, and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) have varying effectiveness. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme released during tissue damage, shows promise as a marker for organ injury in AP. This study aimed to evaluate LDH's potential to predict mortality risk and hospital stay duration in AP patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study analyzed AP cases at HCA Healthcare facilities from January 2011 to January …

Exploring The Potential Of Malvidin And Echiodinin As Probable Antileishmanial Agents Through In Silico Analysis And In Vitro Efficacy, Luis Daniel Goyzueta-Mamani, Daniela Pagliara Lage, Haruna Luz Barazorda-Ccahuana, Margot Paco-Chipana, Mayron Antonio Candia-Puma, Gonzalo Davila-Del-Carpio, Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino, Ricardo Andrez Machado-De-Avila, Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti, Edward L. D'Antonio, Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho, Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli

Natural Sciences Faculty Publications

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania species, presents serious public health challenges due to limited treatment options, toxicity, high costs, and drug resistance. In this study, the in vitro potential of malvidin and echioidinin is examined as antileishmanial agents against L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. infantum, comparing their effects to amphotericin B (AmpB), a standard drug. Malvidin demonstrated greater potency than echioidinin across all parasite stages and species. Against L. amazonensis, malvidin’s IC50 values were 197.71 ± 17.20 μM (stationary amastigotes) and 258.07 ± 17 μM (axenic amastigotes), compared to echioidinin’s 272.99 ± 29.90 μM and 335.96 …

Reflections, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

The article highlights the organization's ongoing efforts to promote global well-being for people, animals, and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of accessible research, community-focused initiatives, and collaborative strategies to drive meaningful change in animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Animals In Conflict – Part Iii: How Animals Are Harmed By Armed Conflicts And Military Activities, Janice H. Cox, Jackson Zee

WellBeing News

Armed conflicts often overlook the impact on animals, with international policies primarily focused on environmental protection. This article examines frameworks like the ENMOD Convention and the Rome Statute, highlighting gaps in law and advocating for stronger measures to safeguard wildlife, livestock, and companion animals in war zones.

A Continuum Mechanical Model Of The Brain During Closed Head Injury, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Working Papers

Exactly how traumatic axonal injury happens as a result of brief, intense acceleration of the head remains a mystery. The same can be said about traumatic microbleeds observed in MRI scans of people suffering concussions. This paper explores the mechanism of injury in terms of continuum biomechanics. A full-sized viscoelastic model of the human brain is developed that is subjected to impact with the rigid skull after crossing the subarachnoid space in response to brief, intense whole head acceleration, as might occur in falls or in contact sports. The brain is considered a compressible viscoelastic body of approximately uniform density, …

The Holy Spirit As The Protagonist Of Synodality: Foundations For Discernment, Mission, And Dialogue With Religions, George Plathottam

Asia Pacific Mission Studies

The article presents the role and function of the Holy Spirit in the Synod on Synodality (2021-2024). The synodal process intended to enhance the mission of the Church today, and to make the Church more synodal, is primarily a work animated and directed by the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis has insisted that the principal protagonist and driving force of the synod at every step of this journey, is the Holy Spirit. Throughout the history of the Church, Synods and ecclesial assemblies have invoked the Holy Spirit and sought His guidance in communal discernment. The Synod on Synodality, with its three …

Book Review | Regenerative Farming And Sustainable Diets: Human, Animal And Planetary Health, Leslie Barcus, Steve Hansch

WellBeing News

Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets (2025) explores transformative approaches to creating sustainable food systems that benefit humans, animals, and the planet. Edited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna, this anthology features insights from experts on regenerative agriculture, plant-based diets, biodiversity, and ethical farming, offering actionable pathways for global change.

Potential Of Red Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe Var. Rubrum) As An Anti-Cancer: A Review, I Gede Yudi Anggara, Aguslina Kirtishanti, Marisca E. Gondokesumo

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Red ginger rhizome, Zingiber officinale Roscoe var. Rubrum has long been used as a herbal medicine. Its biological properties, including anti-cancer properties, are confirmed. Compared to their stems and leaf tissues, the average amount of gingerols in red ginger rhizomes (104.39 μg/g) is much higher. In addition to gingerol, other nonvolatile pungent chemicals found in ginger include shogaols, paradols, gingerdiols, and zingerone. Gingerol disrupts the cell cycle, triggers apoptosis in cancer cells, and prevents the growth and spread of cells by interacting with particular proteins, gene targets, and signal transduction pathways. 6-shogaol activity suppresses NF-kB and signal transducer and activator …

Course Portfolio: Bios 443/843 Immunology, Nicole Sexton

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This course portfolio relates to the Fall 2025 delivery of BIOS 443/843: Immunology, cross listed as MBIO 443 and VMBS 843 and was prepared as part of the Faculty-led Inquiry into Reflective and Scholarly Teaching (FIRST) project. BIOS 443/843 is an upper division course that introduces Immunological concepts but also connects them to up to date literature in the field of Immunology with the intent of preparing students for careers in medicine and biomedical research. In Fall of 2025 this course was restructured to incorporate additional peer-to-peer learning opportunities and more distributed assessment styles, therefore was peer-reviewed to assess the …

Heterorepur: Efficient Modeling Of Heterogeneous Disease Graph For Depression Drug Repurposing Using Heterogeneous Graph Neural Networks, Ko-Hong Lin, Tongtong Huang, Kai Zhang, Xiaoqian Jiang, Yejin Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, yet existing treatments often result in suboptimal responses and encounter high recurrence rate. Repositioning existing medications, which often significantly reduces the required time and budget, has been demonstrated to be a promising strategy for drug discovery of multiple central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, an efficient modeling strategy of heterogeneous semantic information among biological networks has yet to be developed for drug repurposing.

Material and Methods In this study, we proposed HeteroRepur, by integrating heterogeneous graph neural networks to learn interaction features of Depression Drug Repurposing Graph …

Effect Of Feeding Fenugreek Extract And Encapsulated Lecithin On Finishing Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Liver Abscesses, Sofia Suarez Lorences, Rebecca L. Mcdermott, Joshua R. Benton, Robert Bondurant, Willard Lemaster, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding fenugreek extract and encapsulated lecithin (Furst-McNess Company, Rockford, Illinois, United States) on finishing cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscesses. Treatments were applied as a 2×2 factorial that included a control diet with no additive; a diet containing fenugreek extract; a diet containing encapsulated lecithin; and a diet containing both fenugreek extract and encapsulated lecithin. Tylosin was not included in any diets to test natural occurrence of liver abscesses. No interactions were observed between fenugreek extract and encapsulated lecithin treatments but neither feed additive impacted intakes, …

Effects Of Allocation Frequency On Cattle Performance And Forage Utilization When Swath Grazing A Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid In Eastern Nebraska, Thomas E. Aquino, Mary E. Drewnoski, Pedro Henrique J. Fernandes

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

A sorghum-sudangrass hybrid was swath grazed by growing steers (529 ± 18 lb) from November 2023 to January 2024. Treatments were offering new forage once (1X) or twice (2X) per week to determine the effect of allocation frequency on animal performance and forage utilization. Average daily gain was not impacted by treatment (1X = 0.45 ± 0.1 lb/day, 2X = 0.45 ± 0.1 lb/day). Pre-and post-graze biomass samples were collected to estimate forage utilization, which was not different between treatments (1X = 57.1 ± 3.6%, 2X = 61.1 ± 3.6%). However, there was a difference in carrying …