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Gubic: The Global Urban Biological Invasions Compendium For Plants, Daijiang Li, Luke J. Potgieter, Myla F. J. Aronson, Irena Axmanová, Benjamin Baiser, Marta Carboni, Laura Celesti-Grapow, Sonja Knapp, Ingolf Kühn, Ana Carolina Lacerda De Matos, Zdeňka Lososová, Flavia A. Montaño-Centellas, Petr Pyšek, David M. Richardson, Lauren B. Trotta, Rafael D. Zenni, Sarel S. Cilliers, Bruce D. Clarkson, Amy J. S. Davis, Rebecca W. Dolan, Marcin M. Dyderski, Franz Essl, Orou G. Gaoue, Joanne Gui, Charly Géron, Gustavo Heringer, Cang Hui, Anzar A. Khuroo, Stefan Klotz, Peter M. Kotanen, Holger Kreft, Frank A. Sorte, Jonas J. Lembrechts, Bernd Lenzner, Christopher A. Lepczyk, Scott Macivor, Cristina Martínez-Garza, Akira S. Mori, Charles Nilon, Jan Pergl, Stefan J. Siebert, Alyona S. Tretyakova, Toby P. N. Tsang, Kei Uchida, Mark Van Kleunen, Montserrat Vilà, Hua-Feng Wang, Patrick Weigelt, Peter Werner, Nicholas S. G. Williams, Marten Winter, Marc Cadotte

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Abstract Urban areas are foci for the introduction of non-native plant species, and they often act as launching sites for invasions into the wider environment. Although interest in biological invasions in urban areas is growing rapidly, and the extent and complexity of problems associated with invasions in these systems have increased, data on the composition and numbers of non-native plants in urbanized areas remain scattered and idiosyncratic. We assembled data from multiple sources to create the Global Urban Biological Invasions Compendium (GUBIC) for vascular plants representing 553 urban centres from 61 countries across every continent except Antarctica. The GUBIC repository …

Faculty Senate Meeting Agenda And Minutes, February 24, 2025

Faculty Senate Minutes and Agendas

Agenda and minutes from the Wright State University Faculty Senate Meeting held on, February 24, 2025.

As A ‘Biological Being,’ I Embrace Science’S Fight Against Disease, Kenneth P. Serbin Phd

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Diabetes On Neurovascular Integrity: A Special Focus On Pericytes And Endothelin-1, Mia Edgerton

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes increases the risk of stroke and Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID). Diabetes also dysregulates the endothelin (ET) system. ET-1-mediated constriction of brain microvascular pericytes (BMVPCs) has been shown to contribute to brain hypoperfusion. However, there is a loss of BMVPCs in VCID, but underlying mechanisms of pericyte degeneration are poorly studied. ETA receptor activation can instigate phenotypical changes and cellular senescence in endothelial cells. . There is also emerging evidence that ETB receptor agonism improves outcomes in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke, but long-term effects, especially in diabetes, are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine …

Crow's Nest, February 24, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The February 24, 2025 edition of Crow's Nest.

Determining The Optimal Antioxidant Strategy: A Comparative Analysis Of Extractionmethods In Cistus Villosus L. Extracts Revealed By Lc-Hrms And Computationalmodeling, Hicham Bouakkaz, Ebru Erol, Khedidja Benarous, Gülaçti Topçu, Reguia Mahfoudi, Amar Djeridane, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Cistus villosus L., a beloved tea herb, contains a treasure trove of potent antioxidants. Our research unveils thisancient ally’s potential to shield against oxidative stress, a modern health threat.Materials and methods: Antioxidant assays were conducted to evaluate the potency of ethyl acetate extract. IC50 values were determinedfor the extract in various antioxidant assays. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed for the examination of the 22 compoundsanalyzed through LC-HRMS. Additionally, ADMET and PASS investigations were conducted to evaluate their capability as antioxidantsand inhibitors of oxidant formation.Results: Each identified compound boasts a history of antioxidant prowess, building the natural defense arsenal of …

Enhanced Formulation And Comprehensive Analysis Of Novel Natural Ointments Withgrape Seed And Pomegranate Peel Infused In Olive Oil, Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Madjda Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The global shift toward sustainable and organic alternatives in cosmetics and personal care has created a demandfor innovative and environmentally conscious formulations. This study aimed to develop novel natural ointments using beeswax andgrape seed (GS) and pomegranate peel (PP) extracts infused in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and determine the physicochemicalcharacteristics, microbiological properties, and antioxidant activity as a way to valorize organic waste toward its application in thecosmetic industry. The research aimed to promote sustainability and effectiveness in the cosmetic industry.Materials and methods: Microbial analysis was performed on the oils and ointments, followed by the extraction of active compoundsusing …

Investigating The Composition Of Fatty Acid, Tocopherol, And Sterol Contents Andantioxidant Capacity Of Oils From The Seeds Of Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Growing Inalgeria, Samira Nia, Madjda Benguechoua, Toufik Hadj Mahammed, Khatir Reggagui, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Vegetable oils are considered a vital source of energy when glucose cannot be utilized. Therefore, research on newsources of oil that demonstrate nutritional value is necessary. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a member of the Malvaceae family, isa remarkable botanical specimen due to its various uses; its roots, stem, leaves, fruits, and seeds are all valued for their nutritional,therapeutic, and industrial value. This study aims to demonstrate okra’s fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherol content, and sterolcontent and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the oils extracted from okra using three solvents.Materials and methods: The initial part of this study involved oil extraction …

Evaluating The Multifaceted Bioactivity Of Syzygium Aromaticum Essential Oil:The Central Role Of Eugenol, Noureddine Rahim, Chamseddine Derabli, Amina Bramki, Sara Mahdjoub, Sandrine Rup-Jacques, Ghozlane Barboucha, Stephani Hesse, Houssem Boulebd

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Syzygium aromaticum L. is a versatile plant traditionally used to treat digestive and respiratory issues, improve oral health, and relieve pain, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Its essential oil (EO), predominantly composed of eugenol, is rich in bioactive compounds. This study aims to clarify the specific contribution of eugenol to the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of S. aromaticum EO by comparing their individual effects. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to examine the antioxidant mechanism of eugenol and its role in enhancing the overall activity …

Metal Complexes Of Sulfamethazine/Benzoin-Based Schiff Base Ligand: Synthesis,Characterization, Dft Calculations, And Antimicrobial Activities, Kerem Buran

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The global rise in bacterial resistance poses a significant challenge, exacerbated by the overuse of antibacterial agents. Schiff base-metal complexes have gained attention for their potential antimicrobial properties, attributed to their unique three-dimensional structures and modes of action, such as cell wall inhibition and membrane disruption. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize a novel Schiff base (L) derived from sulfamethazine and benzoin, and to develop metal complexes of it with Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+. This research sought to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized Schiff base and its metal complexes to …

Assessing The Effects Of Long-Covid On Mental Health In The United States: A Population Based Study, Anusua Datta

School of Business Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.

METHODS: We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental …

Reviews And Syntheses: Variable Inundation Across Earth’S Terrestrial Ecosystems, James Stegen, Amy J. Burgin, Michelle H. Busch, Joshua B. Fisher, Joshua Ladau, Jenna Abrahamson, Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Li Li, Xingyuan Chen, Thibault Datry, Nate Mcdowell, Corianne Tatariw, Anna Braswell, Jillian M. Deines, Julia A. Guimond, Peter Regler, Kenton Rod, Edward K. P. Bam, Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Inke Forbrich, Kristin L. Jaeger, Teri O'Meara, Tim Scheibe, Erin Seybold, Jon N. Sweetman, Jianqiu Zheng, Daniel C. Allen, Elizabeth Herndon, Beth A. Middleton, Scott Painter, Kevin Roche, Julianne Scamardo, Ross Vander Vorste, Kristin Boye, Ellen Wohl, Margaret Zimmer, Kelly Hondula, Maggi Laan, Anna Marshall, Kaizad F. Patel

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The structure, function, and dynamics of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems are profoundly influenced by how often (frequency) and how long (duration) they are inundated with water. A diverse array of natural and human-engineered systems experience temporally variable inundation whereby they fluctuate between inundated and non-inundated states. Variable inundation spans extreme events to predictable sub-daily cycles. Variably inundated ecosystems (VIEs) include hillslopes, non-perennial streams, wetlands, floodplains, temporary ponds, tidal systems, storm-impacted coastal zones, and human-engineered systems. VIEs are diverse in terms of inundation regimes, water chemistry and flow velocity, soil and sediment properties, vegetation, and many other properties. The spatial and temporal …

A Comparative Mathematical Analysis Of Ice Modulation Measurement Techniques: Unifying Thermal Hysteresis, Freezing Point Depression, And Colligative Effects, Hayden Calvert Barry

Engineering Undergraduate Senior Theses

Thermal hysteresis (TH) measurement techniques for ice binding proteins (IBPs) have historically lacked standardization, making cross-study comparisons challenging and potentially impeding development of these materials for practical applications. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of three measurement techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microlitre osmometry, and cryostage microscopy. Through systematic experimentation with Wild Type III Antifreeze Protein (AFP) at varying concentrations (10μM, 100μM, 1mM), along with cell lysate AFP and Pseudomonas syringe ice nucleating protein (INP), mathematical relationships were established between measurement techniques, and cryostage microscopy was identified as the most reproducible and reliable method. Regression analysis revealed strong relationships between …

University Band

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

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Managing Lupin Sclerotinia: Know Your Risk And How To Respond, Ciara Beard, Geoff J. Thomas, Zia Hoque, Sarita Bennett, Pippa J. Michael, Rachael Crockett, Shannah Kanny, Montana Bradley

Grain and other field crops research reports

• Sclerotinia prevalence, particularly basal Sclerotinia (ground level infection) has increased significantly in Western Australia in the last five years. Since 2020, commercial crop surveys have found basal Sclerotinia more common in lupins than in canola, and it is difficult to manage.
• From 2021–2025 extensive research was conducted in the laboratory, glasshouse and field trials by research partners Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and lupin growers. Key new findings applicable to lupin growers are:
• Sclerotinia infects narrow-leaf lupin via two pathways: canopy and basal. Basal infection is more …

Stabilization Of Argan Oil Nanoemulsions Using Chitosan Extracted From Pink Shrimp Shells, Yousra Mdarhri, Ikram Bouziane, Ilyace Korodowou, Narjisse Mokhtari, Lama Rissouli, Fakhita Touhami, Mohamed Chabbi, Ahmed Touhami

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

This study investigates the use of chitosan, extracted from pink shrimp shells, as a stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions. Chitosan was obtained through demineralization, deproteination, bleaching, deacetylation, and purification, then characterized through potentiometric titration, viscometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and purity assessments. The resulting chitosan was used to stabilize nanoemulsions formulated with extra-virgin argan oil and a nonionic surfactant using the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The stability of the nanoemulsion was assessed through light scattering, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH measurements. The extracted chitosan exhibited high purity, a deacetylation degree of 88.34%, a molecular weight of …

Mental Health Seeking Perspectives Of Filipino Immigrants In California, Jonathan Patam Won

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Filipino immigrants have low access to mental healthcare in their native country and a high rate of mental health disorders. The problem that was investigated in this concurrent triangulation mixed-methods study was a lack of understanding regarding how Filipino immigrants to California perceive mental health services. Acculturation theory was used to understand the lived experiences of eight Californian Filipino immigrants who had sought mental health services and seven who had not. All participants had lived in California for at least 10 years. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed for the qualitative component. An acculturation questionnaire was used to gather …

Regulating Chemoresistance And Cancer Stemness: The Cdh17-Yap Pathway In Distinct Cellular States Of Lung Cancer Ctc Clusters, Zujun Que, Dan Qi, Yun Yang, Wang Yao, Jiajun Liu, Yan Li, Yuanyuan Yu, Luyao Wang, Fangfei Li, Ge Zhang, Erxi Wu, Jianhui Tian

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Drug resistance in metastatic lung cancer significantly contributes to patient mortality. This study explores the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors to metastasis, in driving this resistance. We aim to delineate the unique biological traits of CTC clusters in lung cancer and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their resistance to chemotherapy.

Methods: We used an ultralow adsorption plate to establish a CTC suspension culture system. Comparisons between adherent and suspension cultures of CTC-TJH-01 cells were made via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays to evaluate cell proliferation, drug resistance, and cancer stemness. The …

Advances In Immunotherapy In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Matthew D. Bloom, Sourav Podder, Hien Dang, Daniel Lin

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Over the past several years, the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma has been transformed by the incorporation of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy into the treatment paradigm. Frontline systemic treatment options have expanded beyond anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sorafenib, to a combination of immunotherapy approaches, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab, both of which have demonstrated superior response and survival to sorafenib. Additionally, combination treatments with checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been investigated with variable success. In this review, we discuss these advances in systemic treatment with immunotherapy, with a …

Openmmdl - Simplifying The Complex: Building, Simulating, And Analyzing Protein-Ligand Systems In Openmm, Valerij Talagayev, Yu Chen, Niklas Piet Doering, Leon Obendorf, Katrin Denzinger, Kristina Puls, Kevin Lam, Sijie Liu, Clemens Alexander Wolf, Theresa Noonan, Marko Breznik, Petra Knaus, Gerhard Wolber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become an essential tool for studying the dynamics of biological systems and exploring protein–ligand interactions. OpenMM is a modern, open-source software toolkit designed for MD simulations. Until now, it has lacked a module dedicated to building receptor–ligand systems, which is highly useful for investigating protein–ligand interactions for drug discovery. We therefore introduce OpenMMDL, an open-source toolkit that enables the preparation and simulation of protein–ligand complexes in OpenMM, along with the subsequent analysis of protein–ligand interactions. OpenMMDL consists of three main components: OpenMMDL Setup, a graphical user interface based on Python Flask to …

Summary From The Nci Clinical Trials Planning Meeting On Next Generation Of Clinical Trials In Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Andrea Apolo, Brian C. Baumann, Hikmat Al-Ahmadie, Leslie Ballas, Rick Bangs, Kenneth Brothers, Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Scott Delacroix, James J. Dignam, Jason A. Efstathiou, Adam S. Feldman, Jared C. Foster, Noah M. Hahn, Emma Hall, Donna E. Hansel, Jean Hoffman-Censits, Ashish M. Kamat, Sophia C. Kamran, Francesca Khani, Seth P. Lerner, Robert Lipman, Bhupinder Mann, David Mcconkey, James Mckiernan, Tracy L. Rose, Angela B. Smith, Catherine Tangen, Abdul Tawab Amiri, Chana Weinstock, Et Al

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The National Cancer Institute organized a virtual Clinical Trials Planning Meeting (CTPM) on 'Defining the next generation of clinical trials with combination therapies in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)' led by the Bladder Cancer Task Force of the NCI Genitourinary Cancers Steering Committee. The purpose of this meeting was to accelerate advances in clinical trials for patients with high-risk NMIBC. The meeting delivered a multidisciplinary expert consensus on optimal strategies for next-generation clinical trial designs in NMIBC with prioritization of combination therapies. Two clinical trial concepts were developed for potential implementation within the National Clinical Trials Network.

Bilateral Carotid Body Paragangliomas With Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex Subunit D Gene Mutation, Abdul R. Khan, Kelvin Li, Neel D. Gupta, Jagan D. Gupta, Mohammed M. Ansari, Triet M. Do, Enrique Palacios

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Antidiabetic Potential Of Polysaccharides From Algerian Saharan Zygophyllum Geslini Instreptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Houria Medjdoub, Waffa Bouali, Arezki Azzi, Nacera Belkacem, Nabila Benariba, Nawel Meliani

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Zygophyllum geslini, an endemic Algerian species, has numerous properties, especially as an antidiabeticdrug. In Algeria, this herb serves as condiment in Saharan dishes and as animal feed (Sheep, Goat and Camel). However, fewscientific studies have reported on the medicinal properties of this Saharan species. The aims of the present work were to study 1) thechemical aspects of polysaccharides extracted from this plant, 2) their inhibitory effect on pancreatic α-amylase in vitro, and 3) theirantihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in vivo.Materials and methods: First, polysaccharides were extracted from Z. geslini aerial part (ZGAP) in hot water and precipitated withethanol …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Phytochemical Analysis And Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, And Cytotoxic Activities Ofxanthium Strumarium L. (Asteraceae), Ahmet Beyatli

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Medicinal plants are considered an important source of novel antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. The main goal of this study was to define the beneficial properties of various extracts obtained from Xanthium strumarium. Materials and methods: Evaluations were conducted on the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts. High-performance liquid chromatography and diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to determine the phenolic profiles of the extracts. DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to evaluate the free radical scavenging properties of the X. strumarium extracts. The broth dilution method was used for antimicrobial activity assessments, the MTT assay was …

Inhibitory Effects Of Carvacrol On Glucansucrase From Streptococcus Mutans And Salivaryα-Amylase: In Silico And In Vitro Studies, Samet Kocabay, M. Abdullah Alagöz, Bi̇rnur Akkaya

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Streptococcus mutans produces glucansucrase, an enzyme that converts sucrose into lactic acid, which lowers the pH in the oral environment and leads to tooth enamel demineralization, a key factor in dental caries. Additionally, glucansucrase facilitates the formation of extracellular polysaccharides, which promote bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of carvacrol, a natural compound, on glucansucrase activity both in vitro and in silico. Materials and methods: Glucansucrase enzyme was purified from S. mutans. The inhibitory effects of carvacrol against glucansucrase enzyme were investigated both in vitro and in silico. Results: In the presence of 50 …

Phytochemical Profile And Nematicidal Potential Of Essential Oil From Algerian Wildoriganum Vulgare Subsp. Glandulosum Defs., Amina Mezerket, Juan Emilio Palomares Rius, Souad Bouasla, Henia Saib

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The root gall nematode Meloidogyne incognita constitute the most damaging species that infects many crops inAlgeria. The intense use of harmful agricultural chemical products has incited research to develop alternative methods with natural andecological advantages like essential oils extracted from plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Origanum vulgaresubsp. glandulosum Desf. (Lamiaceae) essential oil on the development of the root-knot nematode M. incognita in potted tomatoes.Materials and methods: In pot trials, we assess the activity of O. vulgare subsp. glandulosum essential oil at two concentrations of0.75 and 0.37 mg /L against M . incognita. …

The Therapeutic Potential Of Salvia Aegyptiaca Extracts In Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer:Insights Into Macroscopic, Histopathological, And Biochemical Mechanisms, Walid Mamache, Smain Amira, Fatima Benchikh, Hassiba Benabdallah, Amor Bencheikh, Hind Amira, Roumaissa Ounis, Mohammed Abdallah Torki, Chahrazed Kaoudoune

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: This study explores the antiulcer activity of different doses of Salvia aegyptiaca (SAE) methanol (ME) and decoctedextracts (DE) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.Materials and methods: Female Wistar rats weighing 180–200 g were divided into five groups: control, omeprazole (positive control),and extract-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Ulcers were induced with absolute ethanol 30 min after treatment with the extracts.The experiment was followed by macroscopic and histopathological examination. In vitro tests were also conducted to assess lipidperoxidation, catalase activity, mucus content, glutathione, and protein levels.Results: The study found that 100% ethanol caused significant damage, including colour and mucus loss, …

Antilipase Activities Of Cultivated Peppermint And Rosemary Essential Oils:In Vitro And In Silico Studies, Khadidja Bengana, Talia Serseg, Khedidja Benarous, Ari̇f Mermer, Yakup Şi̇ri̇n, Alaeddine Kaouka

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The growing interest in essential oils clearly indicates the power of nature and aligns with our increasing need to findtherapeutic solutions in the natural world. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the essential oils of Mentha × piperitaand Salvia rosmarinus, harvested from the Laghouat region of Algeria, against Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) and pancreatic lipasethrough both in vitro and in silico studies.Materials and methods: Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometryand spectrophotometry. Their antilipase activities were assessed using an inhibition assay, and molecular docking was performed withAutoDock Vina to explore interactions …

What To Do Now That You've Trapped A Nuisance Wild Animal, Cory Farnsworth, S. Nicole Frey

All Current Publications

This fact sheet outlines specific guidelines for legally responding to nuisance wild animals. Management best practices, animal use, euthanasia, and proper disposal are discussed.