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Humanized Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Provides A Facile And Effective Tool To Identify Damaging Human Variants That Cause Exosomopathies, Khondakar Sayef Ahammed, Milo B Fasken, Anita H Corbett, Ambro Van Hoof

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The RNA exosome is an evolutionarily conserved, multiprotein complex that is the major RNase in 3' processing and degradation of a wide range of RNAs in eukaryotes. Single amino acid changes in RNA exosome subunits cause rare genetic diseases collectively called exosomopathies. However, distinguishing disease-causing variants from nonpathogenic ones remains challenging, and the mechanism by which these variants cause disease is largely unknown. Previous studies have employed a budding yeast model of RNA exosome-linked diseases that relies on mutating the orthologous yeast genes. Here, we develop a humanized yeast model of exosomopathies that allows us to unambiguously assess damaging effects …

A Nuclear Rna Degradation Code Is Recognized By Paxt For Eukaryotic Transcriptome Surveillance, Lindsey V Soles, Liang Liu, Xudong Zou, Yoseop Yoon, Shuangyu Li, Lusong Tian, Marielle Valdez, Angela M Yu, Hong Yin, Wei Li, Fangyuan Ding, Georg Seelig, Lei Li, Yongsheng Shi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The RNA exosome plays critical roles in eukaryotic RNA degradation, but how it specifically recognizes its targets remains unclear. The poly(A) tail exosome targeting (PAXT) connection is a nuclear adaptor that recruits the exosome to polyadenylated RNAs, especially transcripts polyadenylated at intronic poly(A) sites. Here, we show that PAXT-mediated RNA degradation is induced by the combination of a 5' splice site (ss) and a poly(A) junction (PAJ) but not by either sequence alone. These sequences are bound by U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) and cleavage/polyadenylation factors, which, in turn, cooperatively recruit PAXT. As the 5' ss-PAJ combination is typically …

A Deep Learning Strategy To Identify Cell Types Across Species From High-Density Extracellular Recordings, Maxime Beau, David J Herzfeld, Francisco Naveros, Marie E Hemelt, Federico D'Agostino, Marlies Oostland, Alvaro Sánchez-López, Young Yoon Chung, Michael Maibach, Stephen Kyranakis, Hannah N Stabb, M Gabriela Martínez Lopera, Agoston Lajko, Marie Zedler, Shogo Ohmae, Nathan J Hall, Beverley A Clark, Dana Cohen, Stephen G Lisberger, Dimitar Kostadinov, Court Hull, Michael Häusser, Javier F Medina

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High-density probes allow electrophysiological recordings from many neurons simultaneously across entire brain circuits but fail to reveal cell type. Here, we develop a strategy to identify cell types from extracellular recordings in awake animals and reveal the computational roles of neurons with distinct functional, molecular, and anatomical properties. We combine optogenetics and pharmacology using the cerebellum as a testbed to generate a curated ground-truth library of electrophysiological properties for Purkinje cells, molecular layer interneurons, Golgi cells, and mossy fibers. We train a semi-supervised deep learning classifier that predicts cell types with greater than 95% accuracy based on the waveform, discharge …

Acute Effects Of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation And Exergaming On Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms, Muhammed Şeref Yildirim, Merve Çoğ, Büşra Mehder Akbaş, Si̇nem Salar, Hi̇lal Kekli̇cek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a menstrual disorder with significant physical and psychological impacts. Physical activity and relaxation techniques are proven methods for managing PD. Advances in virtual reality (VR) suggest that immersive relaxation and exergaming could provide new avenues for symptom relief. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of VR-based interventions on PD symptoms and compare them with a control group receiving Jacobson’s Relaxation

Materials and methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial was conducted with 43 female participants aged 18–30 years with regular menstrual cycles and PD. Participants were allocated to three groups: (I) immersive VR relaxation, …

Benzyl Alcohol Improves Ang Ii-Induced Vascular And Renal Injury, Qi Hua, Zhenyu Gu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The etiology of hypertension in pediatric populations is complex and multifactorial, with metabolic abnormalitiesplaying a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the condition. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Benzyl alcohol (BA),identified through metabolomics analysis of pediatric hypertension serum, on Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular and renalinjury in murine models.

Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a vascular remodeling model by continuous 4-week Ang II infusionusing a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Bioinformatics was used to identify target metabolites. The tail artery, common carotid arterydiastolic, and systolic pressures in mice were determined with a blood pressure …

Lipid Dysregulation In Sebaceous Gland Disorders And The Impact Of Sphingolipid Metabolism On Acne Pathogenesis, Kaitlyn Miner, Ryan Murphy, Samantha Steiss, Mckenzie Burian, Hannah Welp, Alexandra Loperfito, Ashley O'Malley, Radhika Misra, Kelly Frasier

Student Publications

Lipid dysregulation within sebaceous glands is a critical factor underlying the pathogenesis of sebaceous gland disorders, particularly acne vulgaris. Sebaceous glands synthesize and secrete a complex mixture of lipids, including triglycerides, wax esters, free fatty acids, and sphingolipids, which contribute to skin barrier function and microbial homeostasis. Dysregulated lipid production, characterized by increased sebum secretion and altered lipid composition, has been implicated in promoting Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, hyperkeratinization, and inflammation, key processes in acne pathogenesis. Recent research highlights the pivotal role of sphingolipid metabolism, particularly ceramides, in modulating sebaceous gland activity and skin inflammation. Ceramide deficiencies in acne-prone skin contribute …

Genomic Insights And Phenotypic Characterisation Of Three Multidrug Resistant Cupriavidus Strains From The Cystic Fibrosis Lung, Sean D Kelly, James Butler, Heather Green, Andrew M Jones, Dervla T D Kenna, Sumita Pai, Katie J Muddiman, Trudie A Mccomb, Briana M Barrand, Vicky Bennett, Gyorgy Fejer, Mathew Upton

School of Biomedical Sciences

AimsWe aimed to investigate phenotypic and genomic traits of three Cupriavidus spp. isolates recovered from people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). These bacteria are recognised as emerging pathogens in PWCF.Methods and ResultsUsing short and long sequencing reads, we assembled three hybrid complete genomes for the genus Cupriavidus, adding to the 45 published currently, describing multipartite genomes and plasmids. The isolates likely represent three different species, and they carry a cumulative total of 30 ARGs with high homology to well-characterised resistance determinants from other bacteria. Multidrug resistance to antibiotics used in CF management was observed in all three isolates. However, two treatments …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Ann Bruce

Student Scholar Showcase

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges. The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact the quality of a patient’s life and overall independence. One specific challenge providers must account for when providing care to geriatric patients is a decreased range of mobility as age increases. Reasons as to why mobility decreases varies, and include but are not limited to degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, poor nutrition, poor physical mobility or lack thereof, and other comorbidities.

According to peer-reviewed resources, by engaging in frequent Dance Movement …

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance D3 Athletes, Hailey D. Smith Ms.

Student Scholar Showcase

A runner intentionally stresses their body to experience an adaptation, however, issues occur when the body does not have time to recover. Male athletes (n = 14) on the University of Lynchburg’s distance and middle-distance team participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV4training app), resting heart rate, perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress such as higher resting heart rates and higher cortisol levels, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, p …

Validating Dermal Corticosterone Swabs With Blood Assays In Green Frogs (Lithobates Clamitans), Emily Mcdavid

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Amphibian populations are declining globally due to numerous factors such as habitat disturbances, emergence of disease, and climate change. The stress caused by these factors can influence the endocrine system of affected individuals, resulting in changes in hormone levels associated with a “fight or flight” response. In amphibians, the primary stress hormone or glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), is a quantitative marker of stress levels in the body. CORT is released into the bloodstream when faced with a stress event with the purpose of increasing the chance of survival. While the effects of corticosterone can aid in increasing survival during a stressful …

Eating Dirt Does Not Hurt: Antimicrobial Properties Of Tajx1901, Katelyn Whitwell

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing problem due to bacteria evolving faster than the rate of new antibiotic discovery. Finding a new compound that could be used as an antibiotic would be beneficial for limiting the overuse of commonly prescribed antibiotics. This often means exploring environments that have gone unexplored in years. The compound secreted by the soil bacterium, Janthinobacterium lividum strain TAJX1901, which was found in a previously unexplored environment, has been shown to have antimicrobial effects in a lab setting. The compound was isolated and resolubilized into a solution and added to a disk to test for antimicrobial …

Developing A Database Through The Analyzation And Comparison Of Cartridge Casings Fired From Unknown And Known Firearms, Anna Sommerville

Liberty University Research Week

Used cartridge casings are convenient in criminal investigations to trace firearms back to the spent casing found at a scene. Using class characteristic toolmarks found on these casings including headstamp, firing pin impressions, breechface marks, case design, head type, color, and measurements of the neck, body, and head can be useful in eliminating unrelated firearms and narrowing it down to a group of possible firearms. Individual characteristic toolmarks are more exclusive by narrowing it down to one specific firearm by matching striation marks found on the body of the cartridge casing to the grooves on the inside of a firearm's …

Brewing Better Health: How Coffee Influences Metabolism And The Gut Microbiome, Emily Bayliss

Liberty University Research Week

Type II Diabetes (T2D) is characterized by chronically elevated fasting blood glucose and is a result of chronic insulin resistance. Epidemiologically, the relationship between habitual coffee consumption and T2D has been examined and is contended to be inversely associated with T2D risk. It is widely thought that the gut microbiome is linked to T2D because dysbiosis, which may be caused by chronic overnutrition, increases the inflammatory state. Increased ratios of Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes are consistent in individuals with obesity and T2D. Our lab found that matairesinol, a polyphenol found in coffee, inhibited Firmicutes growth and promoted Bacteroidetes growth. We thus determined the …

Using Fossil Data To Identify Lungless Salamander Kinds, Kayla Natelborg, Timothy R. Brophy

Liberty University Research Week

Baraminology is the study of God’s created kinds as described in Genesis 1 (Wise, 1992). Holobaramins are scientific approximations of these kinds identified by building up monobaramins (smaller, continuous groups) and dividing apobaramins (larger, discontinuous groups). The worldwide Flood also aids in approximating created kinds, as the mass extinctions and dramatic shifts in species distributions it caused are preserved in the fossil record. The lungless salamanders (Caudata: Plethodontidae) are composed of over 500 species in 29 genera and have been grouped together by herpetologists for almost 200 years. This indicates that the family represents a cognitum (group of organisms recognized …

The Effect Of Enzyme Inhibition & Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide: A Medicinally Therapeutic Study, Jonah Petri

Liberty University Research Week

The release of a gaseous compound called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to lead to increased medicinally beneficial effects in patients with glaucoma. These positive effects are expressed as a decreased level of pruritus (itchiness) and pain located in the eyes. Ongoing research is striving to maximize these positive effects through the formation of various compounds in the endocannabinoid system that release hydrogen sulfide when applied to patients who have glaucoma. Through the formation of various thioureas and carbamates, researchers at Liberty University have found that trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide are released in biologically relevant environments. These compounds …

Divergent Persecution: The Varied Treatment Of The Disabled In The Third Reich, Dylan Cumbo

Liberty University Research Week

This paper looks at the evolution of the Nazi’s treatment of the disabled. Their persecution changed over time based on public perception and the events of the war. Removing disabled people from Germany society was a practice long advocated for by Nazi leadership, Hitler in particular. With their rise to power, they began implementing policies that targeted the disabled. Initially, they began with prohibiting disabled people from marrying. sterilization of those with undesired traits. These operated publicly and had mixed approval from the broader public. The shift to mass slaughter came in 1939 after a plea from a disabled boy’s …

Evaluation Of Human Cadaver Tissue For Undergraduate Medical Histology Education, Levon Shukrian, Brooke Chapple, Shanice Rerrie

Liberty University Research Week

Histology is a foundational component of medical education, providing critical insights into tissue structure and function. While undergraduate biomedical sciences students traditionally use animal tissues for histological studies at Liberty University, this research explores the feasibility of using human cadaveric tissue to enhance undergraduate medical histology education. The research question guiding this study is: “Can human cadaver tissue serve as a viable and educationally valuable alternative to animal tissue in undergraduate histology education?” We hypothesize that cadaveric tissue will display preserved histological structures comparable to live tissue references, making it a useful educational tool. To test this hypothesis, testicular and …

Dna Extraction From Ancient Conehead Mummy Teeth, Abigail Mcdowell

Liberty University Research Week

Between 1880-1947, ancient burial sites in the Paracas peninsula of Peru were found and excavated by archaeologists. Several mummified remains were procured from these expeditions (Jones, K, 2018). These mummies presented apparent cranial deformations, which is what gave rise to the popular name "Conehead mummy". Their unusually elongated skulls and enlarged eye sockets sparked a wide range of speculative theories regarding their genetic origins. Some archaeologists and geneticists attributed the deformation to the cultural practice of cranial binding, which uses pressure to morph the skull – often a societal symbol of wealth or importance. Others believed the Conehead mummies were …

Analyzing Decomposition Levels In Cadaveric Tissue Using Gc/Ms, Lydia Buxa

Liberty University Research Week

Human decomposition is associated with qualitative changes to the body, which causes some ambiguity when determining the time since death, or postmortem index (PMI). There has been a recent push in the field of forensic science to quantify decomposition with reliable scientific or analytical methods. During decomposition, bacteria perform putrefactive processes to break down the macromolecules of the body, including amino acids. Two of these amino acids, lysine and ornithine, get decarboxylated to produce diamines known as cadaverine (CAD) and putrescine (PUT). Another biogenic amine produced in a variety of reactions during decomposition is methylamine (MEA). Recent research has indicated …

The Effects Of Type 1 Diabetes On Anti-Müllerian Hormone Gene Expression In Mouse Gonads, Audrey Lach, Abigail Hurley

Liberty University Research Week

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), a disorder that destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas, manifests in youth and negatively effects metabolism. Reproductive health of individuals with T1D is of growing concern, specifically in relation to Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). In males, AMH is secreted by the Sertoli cells in postnatal testes and is known to be valuable in assessing testicular development and function. In females, AMH is secreted by granulosa cells of the preantral and small antral follicles. AMH production decreases as antral follicles grow, allowing the follicles to mature for ovulation. This research aims to study the effects of T1D …

Fluoxetine Reveals Nuances To Memory Task Interpretation In An Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mouse Model, Maximiliano Pino, Rohaam Ooi

Liberty University Research Week

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease characterized by poor blood-glucose regulation. DM patients are 2x more likely to develop cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety. While research reliably reports cognitive dysfunction, preclinical studies have noted heightened freezing behavior in the fear conditioning test (FCT),which is traditionally indicative of improved memory. It is suggested that this is mediated by a depressive-like phenotype, whereby animals are expressing heightened reactivity to the negative stimuli, not improved memory. ​ Based off prior research, this study tested depression-mediated sensitivity to aversive stimuli using an antidepressant, fluoxetine (FLX), to modulate the relationship between FCT results and depressive-like …

Formalin-Induced Neuropathic Pain In Mice, David Mendes

Liberty University Research Week

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition of the nervous system often associated with inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and chemotherapy-induced damage. Current therapies are ineffective, highlighting the need for improved preclinical models. Neuropathic pain in mice has been modeled using invasive procedures such as spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and chronic constriction injury (CCI), which require survival surgery. In contrast, this study investigates the use of subcutaneous formalin injection as a non-surgical, reproducible alternative for modeling chronic pain in mice. Formalin is known to produce a biphasic pain response and has been used to model nociceptive pain. Recent studies …

Pcr Mapping Of Leu2 In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae To Identify Deleterious Mutations, Emily Bayliss

Liberty University Research Week

The LEU2 gene, a 1095 bp sequence, encodes 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase, an enzyme which plays a critical role in the leucine biosynthetic pathway.1 In the context of a three-part undergraduate genetics lab, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, baker’s yeast, was used as the model system on which the students performed genetic recombination because of the model’s high efficiency and simplicity. The yeast strain (EAY 235), which contained a deleterious mutation, was given to the students. The students were tasked with integrating the LEU2 gene as a linear fragment into the yeast genome through homologous recombination, and the results were scored for 235 LDO transformants. …

Characterization Of Endogenous Sas3 In C. Neoformans Via Co-Immunoprecipitation, Kayla Riggleman

Liberty University Research Week

The predicted amino acid sequence of Something About Silencing 3 (SAS3) gene in Cryptococcus neoformans suggests that it contains a putative Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) domain. Its role as a response/transcriptional modulator is further implied by its upregulation that is associated with Cryptococcal meningitis. Thus, there is a possible etiological correlation between SAS3 activity and cryptococcosis infection. To date, it has been determined that recombinant SAS3 does not display HAT activity on recombinant histones in vitro. Current experimentation is seeking to ascertain its endogenous role. This may point to the idea that endogenous SAS3 requires post-translational modifications before it is active, …

The Expression Of Insr-β, Insr-α, And P300 In Palmitic Acid And Glucose Treated Hepg2 Cells, Grace Mutesa, Caroline Wethington

Liberty University Research Week

Type II diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects 500 million people across the world and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Complications associated with diabetes include cardiovascular disease, eye damage and kidney disease. Insulin resistance occurs due to defects in the insulin signaling pathway. Here we explore different modalities of inducing insulin resistance in HepG2 cells, as part of a larger study to develop treatments to reverse insulin resistance. We used a dose response to find out what concentration of glucose, palmitic acid (PA), and insulin each treatment is required to induce insulin resistance. We used …

Volume 12 Complete Issue, James W. Gallagher

The Geographical Bulletin

Volume 12 Complete Issue

An Epigraphic· Geography Or "Kilroy (Amongst Others) Was Here", George F. Carter

The Geographical Bulletin

Vigorous debate has raged virtually since Columbus' discovery of America over who the American Indians were, where they came from, how they got here, and what the source of their civilization was. Momentarily, consideration was given to their being a separate creation; not the descendants of the people of Genesis. The Pope settled that by stating firmly that the Indians were God's creatures just as surely as the Spanish and Portuguese were, and as such entitled to all the rights, duties, and privileges thereto appertaining as they say as they cap and gown you.

Vaginismus: Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Options, Heather Thomas

Best Integrated Writing

This paper provides a current review of the diagnosis, causes, and treatment outcomes for vaginismus. Of particular interest are predisposing factors, like a lack of sex education and a sexually restrictive upbringing, for the development of this disorder. Controversies surrounding US-based diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunction are also reviewed, and up-to-date and novel treatment options, like vaginal Botox injections, are described.

Climate Change Adaptation Through Economic Democracy, Shriraksha Mohan

Best Integrated Writing

Mohan investigates and combines three different areas of literature and social movements to discuss the problem of climate change and economic adaptation. The value of this work is that it can be used to communicate among three independent types of social movements and inquiries. This can strengthen and connect dispersed yet overlapping efforts in addressing work issues, resource utilization, economic governance and participation, and ecological problems economies face today.

Make Them Hear You: Examining The Evolution Of Activism And Advocacy In The Gay Rights Movement, Angela Davis

Best Integrated Writing

This paper provides a thorough accounting and discussion of the strategies the LGBT movement employed during the past sixty years in an effort to achieve greater legal protections against exclusion and mistreatment. It offers an assessment of the successes and challenges of the movement, providing insights into the efficacies of strategies that may be employed in future waves of the movement.