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Synthesis Of Sensitive Oligodeoxynucleotides Containing Acylated Cytosine, Adenine, And Guanine Nucleobases, Komal Chillar, Rohith Awasthy, Marina Tanasova, Shiyue Fang

Michigan Tech Publications

Background/Objective: Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing base-labile modifications such as N4-acetyldeoxycytidine (4acC), N6-acetyladenosine (6acA), N2- acetylguanosine (2acG), and N4-methyoxycarbonyldeoxycytidine (4mcC) are highly challenging to synthesize because standard ODN synthesis methods require deprotection and cleavage under strongly basic and nucleophilic conditions, and there is a lack of ideal alternative methods to solve the problem. The objective of this work is to explore the capability of the recently developed 1,3-dithian-2-yl-methoxycarbonyl (Dmoc) method for the incorporation of multiple 4acC modifications into a single ODN molecule and the feasibility of using the method for the incorporation of the 6acA, 2acG and 4mcC modifications into ODNs. Methods: …

Characterizing Spatial Epidemiology In A Heterogeneous Transmission Landscape Using The Spatial Transmission Count Statistic, Leke Lyu, Gabriella Veytsel, Guppy Stott, Spencer Fox, Cody Dailey, Lambodhar Damodaran, Kayo Fujimoto, Pamela Brown, Roger Sealy, Armand Brown, Magdy Alabady, Justin Bahl

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Viral genomes contain records of geographic movements and cross-scale transmission dynamics. However, the impact of regional heterogeneity, particularly among rural and urban centers, on viral spread and epidemic trajectory has been less explored due to limited data availability. Intensive and widespread efforts to collect and sequence SARS-CoV-2 viral samples have enabled the development of comparative genomic approaches to reconstruct spatial transmission history and understand viral transmission across different scales.

Methods: We proposed the spatial transmission count statistic that efficiently summarizes the geographic transmission patterns imprinted in viral phylogenies. Guided by a time-scaled tree with ancestral trait states, we identified …

Architecture Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Glutamyl-Trna Synthetase Defines A Subfamily Of Dimeric Class Ib Aminoacyl-Trna Synthetases, Michael K. Fenwick, Stephen J. Mayclin, Steve Seibold, Amy E. Derocher, Sandhya Subramanian, Isabelle Q. Phan, David M. Dranow, Donald D. Lorimer, Ariel B. Abramov, James M. Bullard

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Chemistry)

The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRSs) are an ancient family of structurally diverse enzymes that are divided into two major classes. The functionalities of most AaRSs are inextricably linked to their oligomeric states. While GluRSs were previously classified as monomers, the current investigation reveals that the form expressed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rotationally pseudosymmetrical homodimer featuring intersubunit tRNA binding sites. Both subunits display a highly bent, “pipe strap” conformation, with the anticodon binding domain directed toward the active site. The tRNA binding sites are similar in shape to those of the monomeric GluRSs, but are formed through an approximately 180-degree rotation …

Covid-19 Infection History As A Risk Factor For Early Pregnancy Loss: Results From The Electronic Health Record-Based Southeast Texas Covid And Pregnancy Cohort Study, Micaela N Sandoval, Michelle R Klawans, Mackinsey A Bach, Jennifer Mikhail, Edward A Graviss, Tru Cao, Jacqueline G Parchem, Junaid Husain, Eric Boerwinkle

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection before or during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes are still largely unknown. We hypothesized that COVID-19 in early pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly miscarriage.

Methods: We examined the relationship between COVID-19 and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and preterm delivery in a large, retrospective, electronic health record (EHR)-based cohort, from 2019 to 2023. Generalized estimating equation modeling was performed to identify risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study exposures included COVID-19 before pregnancy, COVID-19 during pregnancy, age, race/ethnicity, comorbidity burden, and neighborhood-level social vulnerability.

Results: In the …

Apolipoprotein E (Apoe) And Alzheimer's Disease Risk In A Ugandan Population: A Pilot Case-Control Study, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cognitive decline and progressive functional impairment. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, particularly its ϵ2, ϵ3, and ϵ4 alleles, plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, and has been implicated in AD pathogenesis. Although the APOE ϵ4 status is associated with an increased risk of AD, its impact varies across populations. This study investigated the prevalence of and association between APOE alleles and AD risk in a Ugandan cohort. This case-control study was conducted in Uganda, and included 87 participants (45 patients with AD and 42 healthy controls). Cognitive assessment …

Study On Metal-Drug Coordination And Development Of Hydrogel Drug Delivery Systems, Tamanna Ferdous

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This dissertation outlines a novel triple-networked hydrogel for a hydrophobic drug delivery system. The drug Simvastatin is used as a cardiovascular medication, but it has also been reported to function as an osteoinductive agent. Therefore, to deliver the drug locally to the affected area, a mechanically stable and tunable hydrogel has been designed using modified chitosan, PEGDMA, and PLA-PEG micelles. This hydrogel exhibited a steady release of simvastatin over a long period of 14 weeks. Additionally, the hydrogel is biocompatible and biodegradable, as demonstrated by the cytotoxicity test. This dissertation presents a comprehensive exploration of a novel triple-networked hydrogel specifically …

Three Cases Of Adolescent Orf Virus Skin And Soft Tissue Infection In Southeast Texas, Margaret Taylor Danner, Caroline A Schrodt, Alexandra Tuttle, Victoria Shelus, Brendan Sullivan, Ankhi Dutta, Claire Bocchini, Denver Niles

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We report 3 adolescents who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Houston, Texas, with cutaneous skin lesions after contact with sheep and/or goats. The cases presented a diagnostic challenge initially but were later suspected or confirmed as orf virus infection after consultation with infectious diseases specialists.

Induced Cd8a Identifies Enhanced Human Nk Cell Il-15-Induced Proliferation And Metabolism And Modulates Nk Cell Activation, Celia Cubitt

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that play an important role in the surveillance and elimination of virally-infected and malignantly-transformed cells. These primary effector functions are achieved by producing cytokines and chemokines which activate and recruit additional immune effectors, as well as direct cytotoxic killing via perforin and granzymes. NK cell function is tightly regulated by a balance of germ-line encoded activating, inhibitory, co-stimulatory, and cytokine receptors expressed at the cell surface. Through these activating and inhibitory receptors, NK cells recognize and kill targets without prior sensitization through the loss of self-identifying molecules such as major histocompatibility …

A Theory-Based Intervention To Mitigate Weight Bias Among Nurses: A Pilot Study, Gregory S. Marler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: As obesity rates continue to rise, a growing number of individuals living with obesity will seek medical care, increasing their exposure to weight-biased healthcare providers. This bias presents a significant risk, as it can lead to compromised care, diminished trust in medical professionals, and ultimately poorer health outcomes. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, must recognize the harmful impact of weight bias and take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. Addressing this bias is essential to ensuring equitable, high-quality care and improving patient outcomes.

Aim: The study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an intervention for acute care …

Investigating Social Network Peer Effects On Hiv Care Engagement Using A Fuzzy-Like Matching Approach: Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis Of The N2 Cohort Study, Cho-Hee Shrader, Dustin T Duncan, Redd Driver, Juan G Arroyo-Flores, Makella S Coudray, Raymond Moody, Yen-Tyng Chen, Britt Skaathun, Lindsay Young, Natascha Del Vecchio, Kayo Fujimoto, Justin R Knox, Mariano Kanamori, John A Schneider

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Social network data are essential and informative for public health research and implementation as they provide details on individuals and their social context. For example, health information and behaviors, such as HIV-related prevention and care, may disseminate within a network or across society. By harmonizing egocentric and digital networks, researchers may construct a sociocentric-like "fuzzy" network based on a subgroup of the population.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to generate a more complete sociocentric-like "fuzzy" network by harmonizing alternative sources of egocentric and digital network data to examine relationships between participants in the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) cohort study. Further, we …

Effects Of Age And Employment On Covid-19 Rates By Nonmetro/Metro Location, Amanda Jean Keith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, the combination of a highly transmissible virus and the preexisting vulnerability of rural areas amplifies the impact of COVID-19 surges in the rural population compared to the urban counterpart. This quantitative non-experimental ex-post facto study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between metro and non-metro locations and COVID-19 infection and mortality, and how age and employment status influence the outcomes. The theoretical framework was the rural nursing theory, with the social determinants of health providing the framework for integrating the underlying concept through the five domains of economic stability, education, health and health care, …

Over-The-Counter Cold Medication Usage Self-Efficacy Among Undergraduate Students In The United States, Ray Goodwin

Honors Theses

Background

This study looks at the trends in over-the-counter medication usage and self-efficacy among undergraduate college students in the United States. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications serve as the most easily accessible and commonly purchased medications and can be used as a basis to determine this demographic’s attitudes and behaviors towards self-medication. In addition, undergraduates represent a diverse population for analyzing differences among demographic groups.

Methods

A Qualtrics survey was sent out to undergraduates across the US via a panel, and the team received 403 useable responses. As part of a larger study, the survey presented participants with four different scenarios at …

Metabolic Reprogramming Driven By Ant2 Deficiency Augments T Cell Function And Anti-Tumor Immunity In Mice, Omri Yosef, Leonor Cohen-Daniel, Oded Shamriz, Zahala Bar-On, Wajeeh Salaymeh, Amijai Saragovi, Ifat Abramovich, Bella Agranovich, Veronika Lutz, Joseph Tam, Anna Permyakova, Eyal Gottlieb, Magdalena Huber, Michael Berger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

T cell activation requires a substantial increase in NAD+ production, often exceeding the capacity of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). To investigate how T cells adapt to this metabolic challenge, we generate T cell-specific ADP/ATP translocase-2 knockout (Ant2-/-) mice. Loss of Ant2, a crucial protein mediating ADP/ATP exchange between mitochondria and cytoplasm, induces OXPHOS restriction by limiting ATP synthase activity, thereby impeding NAD+ regeneration. Interestingly, Ant2-/- naïve T cells exhibit enhanced activation, proliferation and effector functions compared to wild-type controls. Metabolic profiling reveals that these T cells adopt an activated-like metabolic program with increased mitobiogenesis and anabolism. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of ANT …

Disrupting Nrf2-Driven Cancer Biology Through One-Carbon Metabolism Inhibition, Julius Chembo

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with treatment resistance and recurrence posing major barriers to long-term survival. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, many cancers develop resistance to chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, significantly limiting their effectiveness. One key driver of therapeutic resistance is nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2), a transcription factor that regulates antioxidant responses and drug detoxification. While NRF2 protects normal cells from oxidative stress, its aberrant activation in cancer promotes tumor progression, metabolic reprogramming, and resistance to standard treatments. Alarmingly, NRF2 hyperactivation is implicated in some of the most aggressive and refractory malignancies, yet no …

Development Of A Risk Score To Aid With The Diagnosis Of Infections After Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol For A Retrospective Cohort Study, Felicia Skelton, Larissa Grigoryan, Joann Pan, Ashley Collazo, Barbara Trautner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who develop urinary tract infection (UTI) present differently than the non-SCI population. UTIs can cause loss of quality of life and even lead to life-threatening complications including urosepsis. Challenges in SCI management include distinguishing symptomatic UTI from asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), which occurs often in patients with SCI, and the lack of standardization in UTI diagnosis in SCI.

Objective: This study aims to set the foundation for the development of a risk score to improve diagnostic accuracy of UTI after SCI.

Methods: This study will use data from the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data …

Exploring The Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms: Implications For Disease Susceptibility, Thrupthi Rai, Sushma M, Jadeppa G, Suma M N, Swetha Nk

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

The Vitamin D endocrine system, comprising of Vitamin D, its receptor (VDR), and metabolic enzymes, coordinates essential physiological functions influencing skeletal metabolism, immune response, and various diseases including osteoarthritis, cancer, and obesity. Understanding the impact of genetic variations, particularly the VDR gene, on disease susceptibility is crucial. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Vitamin D metabolism, deciphering how the VDR gene works and understanding how different versions of the gene impact complex diseases. It provides a brief overview of the association between VDR gene polymorphisms in inflammatory disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, coronary artery disease, asthma, cancer, and infectious diseases. …

Meningococcal Sepsis In Pregnancy: A Case Of Neisseria Meningitidis Bacteremia In The First Trimester, Tiffany Pittman, Madison Morgan, Monica Drummond, Allison Tresner

Research Day

Introduction:

Meningococcal sepsis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a rare but life-threatening infection, especially in pregnant women, where the risk of rapid deterioration can occur. The diagnosis of sepsis due to N. meningitidis in early pregnancy is particularly challenging due to limited treatment options that are safe for both mother and fetus. This case highlights the clinical course, diagnosis, and management of Neisseria meningitidis bacteremia in an 8-week pregnant woman, providing valuable insights for clinicians treating systemic infections in pregnancy.

Case Presentation:

A 29-year-old female, gravida 4 para 2012, at 8 weeks and 6 days gestation with no other contributory …

Hand Sanitizer Intoxication In Disguise: A Case Study, Evan Curry, Michael Nickasch, Heather Theibert

Research Day

Background

Hand Sanitizer intoxication often presents nonspecific symptoms like tachycardia, drowsiness, vomiting, and abdominal pain that can delay diagnosis and lead to more serious consequences like seizure and coma (Slaughter, 2014; Lacouture, 1983). This case describes a patient with sudden onset of altered mental status that resolved within 24 hour that was later found to be secondary to hand sanitizer intoxication.

Case

Patient is a 33-year-old female with history unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and generalized anxiety disorder admitted to medicine floor in hospital for treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Patient was placed on CIWA protocol, given IV thiamine, and treated …

Lived Experiences Of Icu Nurses Caring For Critically Ill Patients Infected With Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study In Thailand, Charuedee Putruttanamaneekun, Yaowarat Matchim, Thitiporn Pathomjaruwat, Thanyarat Boontoi, Itsari Srisupha-Olarn, Sukanya Thongbupa, Borwarnluck Thongthawee, Parinya Raetong

Journal of Health Research

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging disease that caused infections and a pandemic worldwide. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses played an important role in providing care for critically ill patients. Their experiences during the pandemic in Thailand were not well documented. This study explored the lived experiences of ICU nurses caring for critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 in Thailand.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological study guided by Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics. Data were collected between December 2021 and March 2023 among fifteen ICU nurses at a university hospital. The partcipants drew pictures reflecting their experiences; they participated in in-depth interviews …

The Lack Of Access To Quality Healthcare Delivery In Nigeria: Its Implications For The Nigerian Citizens, Tonyesima Furro

Journal of African Policy Studies

This study examines the lack of access to quality healthcare delivery for the broad majority of Nigerians using Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) in Rivers State as a case study. The paper argues that corruption and mismanagement are the linchpins for the lack of access and the provision of quality healthcare delivery for the citizens of Nigeria. In spite of the nation's abundant resources and financial solvency due largely to oil revenues, there is very little awareness by successive leaderships both military and civilian rule of the need to confront the pressing problem of healthcare. As a consequence, today, a child …

A Honduran Prevalence Study On Soil-Transmitted Helminths Highlights Serological Antibodies To Tm-Wap49 As A Diagnostic Marker For Exposure To Human Trichuriasis, Neima Briggs, Leroy Versteeg, Rojelio Mejia, Jeroen Pollet, Maria Jose Villar, Bin Zhan, Graeme Segal, Stephanie Novak, Patricia Lenihan, Paul Musgrave, Viviana Ellis, Carol Florencia Coello, K Jagannadha Sastry, Joe Craft, Peter J Hotez, Maria Elena Bottazzi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections rank among the most prevalent communicable diseases of humans, yet detection of these parasites is mostly restricted to identifying active infection through fecal examinations. Currently, there are no commercial diagnostic tools to identify a prior whipworm or hookworm exposure, and the few serological assays for roundworm infection have not been well validated for crossreactivity or infections in humans. Such diagnostic restrictions limit the range of scientific and clinical questions that surround STH exposures and their implicated relationship to chronic diseases, such as autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic …

Characterising Acute And Chronic Care Needs: Insights From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2019, A. A. Asadi-Pooya

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Chronic care manages long-term, progressive conditions, while acute care addresses short-term conditions. Chronic conditions increasingly strain health systems, which are often unprepared for these demands. This study examines the burden of conditions requiring acute versus chronic care, including sequelae. Conditions and sequelae from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 were classified into acute or chronic care categories. Data were analysed by age, sex, and socio-demographic index, presenting total numbers and contributions to burden metrics such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years Lived with Disability (YLD), and Years of Life Lost (YLL). Approximately 68% of DALYs were attributed to chronic …

Diagnostic Imaging Of A Large Pancreatic Pseudocyst With Infection Over Time In A Dog, Chanyoung Ryu, Wooseok Jin, Sang-Kwon Lee, Daji Noh, Sooyoung Choi, Kija Lee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 5-year-old Pompitz presented with anorexia and vomiting. Radiographs showed a half-moon-shaped mass in the left cranial abdomen. A large cyst was identified near the left pancreas on ultrasound. Computed tomography revealed a fluid-attenuating mass with rim enhancement in the pancreas. Laboratory tests identified Staphylococcus warneri in the cystic lesion, and pancreatic pseudocyst with infection was suspected. The fluid accumulation and clinical signs recurred over several months. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging showed a hyperintense cystic lesion with a duct-like structure and hyperintense line between the cyst and the gastric wall on T2-weighted images as well as signal change of the …

Addressing Late Latent Syphilis In Pregnancy: A Case Study Emphasizing Interdisciplinary Communication And Public Health Collaboration, Mustafa I. Ansari, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Congenital syphilis has re-emerged as a significant public health concern, despite being preventable through timely diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Late latent syphilis, particularly in high-risk populations, poses serious risks to both mother and fetus, with non-compliance to treatment exacerbating these dangers. Effective management requires coordinated efforts between healthcare providers and public health officials to ensure proper intervention and follow-up.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of interdisciplinary communication and public health collaboration in the management of late latent syphilis during pregnancy, focusing on how coordinated care can address challenges such as patient non-compliance …

Recently Reported Adverse Effects Of Miscellaneous Antibiotics, Essie Samuel, Jeffrey D. Mccanless, Zuhal M. Saadut, Victoria Vo, Andrew Wilson, Komal Bhut

Research Day

Purpose

Antibiotics are utilized for the treatment of various infections though they are not used entirely without any safety concerns. Antibiotics are known to be associated with various adverse effects and literature review can be utilized in not only learning about these adverse effects but also how to manage them. Our research focuses on the adverse effects published in the literature during 2023 on multiple antibiotic drug classes. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated collection of information to healthcare professionals from all disciplines on both pre-existing and new or uncommon side effects of antibiotics.

Methods

A …

Stretch-Induced Hip Injury Causing Septic Arthritis: A Case Report, Jovante Dockery, Felix Bui, Ciara Burgess, Noorjahan Ali

Research Day

Introduction: Septic arthritis is a serious bacterial condition commonly affecting kids through hematogenous spread. It is frequently caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Kingella Kingae. The joint space of bones, such as the hips and knees of children, is a common location for septic arthritis to form. Monitoring the ESR and CRP are important in diagnosing and treating the infection. We present a rare case that highlights septic arthritis in a child that was caused by a stretching incident that was not evident due to normal lab values and was considered to be a muscle strain.

Case Report: …

Stethoscope Hygiene And Its Relationship To Healthcare Acquired Infections: A Research Proposal, Thomas P. Baker

Aurora

Problem: Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) are an increasingly prevalent issue in healthcare. While hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent HAIs, stethoscope hygiene may be an underutilized practice that can further prevent HAIs.

Purpose: The purpose of the research proposal is to determine if patients are more at risk of acquiring a HAI from improperly sanitized stethoscopes in comparison to stethoscopes that are cleaned in accordance with best practice methods while being treated in a hospital.

Methods: This proposal is a mixed-methods study. A 30-minute educational seminar on the importance of stethoscope hygiene and evidence-based …

Influenza Talk Proposed Titles, Henry Arguinchona

Conferences

No abstract provided.

Region 10 Special Pathogen Transport Preparedness, Providence - Special Pathogens Program

Conferences

No abstract provided.

When Zebras Attack: Special Pathogens Preparedness In An Ever-Changing World, Jonathan Grien

Conferences

No abstract provided.