Digital Commons Network^™

The Illegal Online Trade Of Indonesian Protected Pitcher Plants, Uswatun Hasanah, Retno Utami, Yatha Maziyyatul Hijriyah, Eni Nuraeni, Dwi Hilda Putri, Syahrul Kurniawan, Iyan Robiansyah

Forest and Society

Indonesia is a global hotspot of pitcher plant diversity with 80 Nepenthes species recorded to date - 59 protected under Indonesian law - and more species likely to be discovered and described in the future. Under Indonesian law, these protected Nepenthes can only be traded if they originate from artificially propagated sources, and trade necessitates specific permits and government-issued certification. The present study aimed to evaluate the trade of Nepenthes species protected by Indonesian law in Indonesian-language online markets. The trade data was searched in March 2024 in the top five most visited e-commerce in Indonesia, i.e., Shopee, Tokopedia, Lazada, …

Militarization Of Anti-Peasant Forest Conservation: The Case Of The Amazon Forest Reserve Zone (Afrz) After The Colombian 2016 Peace Agreement, Angie L. Durán, Luz A. Rodríguez

Forest and Society

In 2016, the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) that included the implementation of a Comprehensive Rural Reform (CRR) with the purpose to allocate and formalize land for peasant populations. In parallel, Colombia was committed to implement the global environmental agendas, including efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by reducing deforestation in the Amazon. Campesino communities in Colombia have historically been marginalized and pushed into forested lands and protected areas. This study seeks to understand the configuration of land-use conflicts in the Amazon Forest Reserve Zone (AFRZ) - a land management …

Rethinking The Rise Of Early-Onset Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Call To Action, Benjamin A Weinberg, Caitlin C Murphy, David R Freyer, K Leigh Greathouse, Jan K Blancato, Elena M Stoffel, Julia L Drewes, Anne Blaes, John M Salsman, Y Nancy You, Hannah Arem, Reetu Mukherji, Priyanka Kanth, Xin Hu, Anne Fabrizio, Marion L Hartley, Marios Giannakis, John L Marshall

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Since the early 1990s, there has been a dramatic rise in gastrointestinal cancers diagnosed in patients under age 50 for reasons that remain poorly understood. The most significant change has been the increase in incidence rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, especially rates of left-sided colon and rectal cancers. Increases in gastric, pancreatic, and other gastrointestinal cancer diagnoses have further contributed to this trend. We formed a multidisciplinary Think Tank to develop a strategic, coordinated approach to studying early-onset gastrointestinal cancers. This area of research is challenging given multifactorial etiologies. We focused on epidemiology and the environment, the microbiome, and survivorship …

Comprehensive Characterization Of The Transcriptional Landscape In Alzheimer’S Disease (Ad) Brains, Chengxuan Chen, Zhao Zhang, Yuan Liu, Wei Hong, Hande Karahan, Jun Wang, Wenbo Li, Lixia Diao, Meichen Yu, Andrew J Saykin, Kwangsik Nho, Jungsu Kim, Leng Han

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading dementia among the elderly with complex origins. Despite extensive investigation into the AD-associated protein-coding genes, the involvement of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and posttranscriptional modification (PTM) in AD pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we comprehensively characterized the landscape of ncRNAs and PTM events in 1460 samples across six brain regions sourced from the Mount Sinai/JJ Peters VA Medical Center Brain Bank Study and Mayo cohorts, encompassing 33,321 long ncRNAs, 92,897 enhancer RNAs, 53,763 alternative polyadenylation events, and 900,221 A-to-I RNA editing events. We additionally identified 25,351 aberrantly expressed ncRNAs and altered PTM events associated with AD …

Its Own Architect: Flipping Cardiolipin Synthase, Katsuhiro Sawasato, William Dowhan, Mikhail Bogdanov

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Current dogma assumes that lipid asymmetry in biological membranes is actively maintained and dispensable for cell viability. The inner (cytoplasmic) membrane (IM) of Escherichia coli is asymmetric. However, the molecular mechanism that maintains this uneven distribution is unknown. We engineered a conditionally lethal phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-deficient mutant in which the presence of cardiolipin (CL) on the periplasmic leaflet of the IM is essential for viability, revealing a mechanism that provides CL on the desired leaflet of the IM. CL synthase (ClsA) flips its catalytic cytoplasmic domain upon depletion of PE to supply nonbilayer-prone CL in the periplasmic leaflet of the IM …

Sumainyo Ang Kapayapaan: Can Peace Be Dispensed? Searching For The Probable Meaning Of The Peace Greeting In The Context Of The Religious Violence In John 20, Rhoneil M. Arevalo

Landas

Sumainyo ang kapayapaan is a formal translation of the peace greeting in John 20. But does the Filipino, specifically the Tagalog translation, capture the intent of the Gospel writer? The evangelist seems to be saying that he intended more than a peace greeting when he employed the phrase " Peace be with you " on three different occasions in the passage as mentioned above. The literary structure of John 20 provides hints that the author is considering other functions for the peace salutations, such as an exhortation to the frightened disciples to be courageous. This perspective is discerned from the …

A Propofol Binding Site In The Voltage Sensor Domain Mediates Inhibition Of Hcn1 Channel Activity, Verena Burtscher, Lei Wang, John Cowgill, Zi-Wei Chen, Christopher Edge, Edward Smith, Yongchang Chang, Lucie Delemotte, Alex S Evers, Baron Chanda

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels are members of the cyclic nucleotide-binding family and are crucial for regulating cellular automaticity in many excitable cells. HCN channel activation contributes to pain perception, and propofol, a widely used anesthetic, acts as an analgesic by inhibiting the voltage-dependent activity of HCN channels. However, the molecular determinants of propofol action on HCN channels remain unknown. Here, we use a propofol-analog photoaffinity labeling reagent to identify propofol binding sites in the human HCN1 isoform. Mass spectrometry analyses combined with molecular dynamics simulations show that a binding pocket is formed by extracellularly facing residues in …

Navigating A Partnership: My Personal Reflections On Flipping The Script, Ivana Carrington

Teaching and Learning Together in Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Leveraging Emotional Contagion With An Attitude Of Gratitude, Adrienna Bartnicki, Rachel Tindall

Teaching and Learning Together in Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Fta™ Card Use For Detection Of Mycoplasma Gallisepticum In Wild Birds, Linda Purvis, Dawn E.W. Drumtra

Georgia Journal of Science

Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards are increasingly accepted as an accurate method for nucleic acid detection, including testing for the presence of various avian diseases. However, the accuracy of FTA cards for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in wild birds has not been published. Traditional techniques for testing MG in birds include serum plate agglutanation (SPA), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) all of which are time consuming and require significant financial investment into specialized equipment. We tested the efficacy of using FTA cards to detect MG in wild bird carcasses collected in …

A Discussion On The Involvement Of Somalia's Children In Armed Conflict, Matilda Nash

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper discusses the issue of children’s involvement in armed conflict across the historically war-torn country of Somalia. This serious breach of a child’s rights is often kept ‘under the radar’ and needs voice. Here, the immediate, short term impacts are explored in addition to the life-long consequences for a child currently involved in armed conflict and for those who have had previous experience of it. Drawing on the work of a London-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Peace Direct, this article highlights the key challenges faced by those who attempt to tackle the problem and offers a thought-provoking, locally-led concept that …

Silicon And Phosphorus Co-Doping Of Aluminium Nitride Nanotube (Sip-Alnnt) As Sensors For Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Fuel Pollutants: A Computational Approach, Musa Runde, Uzairu Muhammad Sada, Friday O. Izachi, Odey S. Eburu, Anthony M.S. Pembere

Polytechnic Journal

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have become one of the major pollutants of the environment today due to consistent industrial activities, which have imposed great effects on human health. PAHs are mostly present in high concentrations in soils which are associated with industrial activities and are of concern due to their carcinogenic and toxic effects. With these growing industrial activities, developing alternative methods to mitigate the increasing negative effects caused by PAHs is considered a necessity. The novelty of this study is modelled aluminium nitride nanotube with silicon and phosphorus co-doping (SiP-AlNNT) to study its potential towards the sensing and adsorption …

Synthesis, Identification And Antibacterial Study Of New Ligand Derived From Benzothiazolemethanamine And Its Complexes With Some Metal Ions, Sahar Aqeel Hussain

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

A novel substituted 5-chloro-2-benzothiazolemethanamine ligand featuring an imine ‘(-N=CH-) category, 2-((((6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl) methyl)imino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol (CBTMIM), was synthesized through the reaction of 2-benzothiazolemethanamine, 5-chloro, with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde in an absolute ethanolic solution. The azomethine ligand and its metal complexes have been identified by using mass spectrometry, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, C, H, N, and S elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), (FESEM) microscopy, atomic absorbance spectroscopy. UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), magnetic susceptibility, and ionic conductance analysis. The chemical composition and additional measurement data of the metal complexes validate the stoichiometry of the metal: ligand ratio types that include; [M (L)], …

Development And Characterization Of Sodium Alginate-Based Active Edible Films Functionalized With Olive Mill Wastewater Extract, Nassima Hadri, Mohamed Didi Ould El-Hadj, Zineb Mahcene, Fatih Bozkurt, Rusen Metin Yildirim, Youcef Rahmani, Aicha Tedjani, Muhammet Arici

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater (PCO) of Algerian origin were used to produce sodium alginate-based active films using the casting method. The effects of adding various concentrations of PCO (0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v) were evaluated regarding the molecular, morphological, thermal, physicochemical, optical, barrier, biodegradability, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of the alginate films. The FTIR and SEM results elucidated the development of a coherent cross-linked structure attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions between PCO and alginate chains. Consequently, the films exhibited enhanced crystallinity and thermal stability, as revealed by DSC analysis. Moreover, PCO addition positively influenced several film properties, including …

Work-Based Learning And An Investigation Into Racial Hostility, An Autoethnographic Study, Emma Jones

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

The purpose of this research enquiry was to explore autoethnography as a useful and valid form of sociological research. To gain an understanding of its complex ethical considerations that differ from other methodologies and create an autoethnographical focus on experiences within a work based learning environment. This enquiry explores the thoughts, emotions and reactions provoked by a critical incident relating to racial hostility that stemmed from reactions to the days top news story. Investigating racism from biological and cultural aspects and examining critical race theory creates a perspective on how racist events can occur, develop and be maintained or reproduced. …

Prediction Of Patient Drug Response Via 3d Bioprinted Gastric Cancer Model Utilized Patient-Derived Tissue Laden Tissue-Specific Bioink., Yoo-Mi Choi, Deukchae Na, Goeun Yoon, Jisoo Kim, Seoyeon Min, Hee-Gyeong Yi, Soo-Jeong Cho, Jae Hee Cho, Charles Lee, Jinah Jang

Faculty Research 2025

Despite significant research progress, tumor heterogeneity remains elusive, and its complexity poses a barrier to anticancer drug discovery and cancer treatment. Response to the same drug varies across patients, and the timing of treatment is an important factor in determining prognosis. Therefore, development of patient-specific preclinical models that can predict a patient's drug response within a short period is imperative. In this study, a printed gastric cancer (pGC) model is developed for preclinical chemotherapy using extrusion-based 3D bioprinting technology and tissue-specific bioinks containing patient-derived tumor chunks. The pGC model retained the original tumor characteristics and enabled rapid drug evaluation within …

Optimizing Biofilm Assay Reproducibility And Characterizing The 12-Hydroxystearic Acid On Escherichia Coli, Khilola Khusanova

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilm formation in Escherichia coli plays a critical role in microbial chemical communication and surface-associated persistence. This study investigates the antibiofilm activity of 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA), evaluating its R and S enantiomers as well as a racemic mixture. E. coli BL21, biofilms were grown under standardized laboratory conditions and quantified using the Crystal Violet staining assay. Treatment with 12-HSA resulted in a measurable reduction in biofilm biomass, with differences observed between the individual enantiomers and the mixture. These findings suggest that 12-HSA influences early adhesion and biofilm development, supporting its potential as a small-molecule modulator of bacterial surface behavior. This …

Accuracy Of Node Reporting &Data System Version One Node-Rads 1.0in The Detection Of Lymph Node Metastasis In Primary Abdominopelvic Malignancies By Computed Tomography, Sabreen Alwan, Abdullateef Mustafa

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background:Evaluation of abdominal & pelvic lymph nodes on computed tomography is a ultimate task in radiological training in oncological reporting. Node –RADS1.0 was used to form a complete framework for radiological reporting of lymph nodes.Aim of the study: intended to assess lymph nodes metastasis among a sample of Iraqi patients with primary abdominopelvic tumors based on Node–RADS version 1.0 in comparison with histopathological results. Patients &Methods:This prospective comparative study was conducted at the CT unit of Oncology Teaching Hospital in the Baghdad Medical City for period from March 2021 to December 2022. The study sample included (70) patients with abdomen/ …

Acute Toxicity Of Chlorimuron-Ethyl To Daphnia Magna, Jack H. Bagwell

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The acute toxicity of a sulfonylurea herbicide, chlorimuron ethyl, to Daphnia magna was determined experimentally using acute toxicity tests.

The Postpartum Wellness Survey: Exploring The Role Of Social Determinants In The Diet–Depression Link, Ashley G. Brown

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Postpartum mental health is a critical, yet both clinically and socially underrecognized, component of maternal care. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 7 mothers and significantly impacts both maternal and family well-being. The Postpartum Wellness Survey (PWS) was developed to assess the interconnected relationships among dietary quality and nutrition knowledge, postpartum mood and emotional health, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Twenty-four participants within 12 months of delivery completed the survey, which integrated validated psychological and dietary assessment tools to capture community-level patterns in postpartum wellness. Composite scores across three PWS domains – Postpartum Mood and Emotional Health, …

The Role Of Gamma Knife In Brain Metastasis A Clinical Study Of 50 Cases, Ahmed Al Atraqchi, Ahmed Aga, Ahmed Al Juboori

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

AbstractBACKGROUND: Brain metastasis represent a significant source of mortality in patients with systemic cancer,they are neoplasms that originate in tissues outside (CNS) and spread to the brain. SRS is the precise delivery of focal radiotherapy to targets within the brain,SRS is delivered using dedicated radiosurgery platforms such as the Gamma Knife.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study performed in Saad Al-Witry Neuroscience Hospital,to evaluate the role of gamma knife radiosurgery as a treatment of secondary metastatic depending on tumor volume, peritumoral edema and presenting features with their effect on quality of life and survival, between January 2019 to …

Bone And Growth Status In Children With Epilepsy: A Hospital Bases Study, Mokhtar Yousef, Nebal Saadi, Eman Alobeidy

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background: Children with epilepsy have a high burden of physical comorbidity, and they experience poor long-term medical outcomes even after remission of their epilepsy. Little is known about types of these comorbidities and their occurrence in children epilepsy in Iraq.Objectives: the aim of this study to assess bone and growth status in children with epilepsy.Patients and methods: a cross sectional case-control study was conducted in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, in the period from November 2018 to October 2019. The study included 40 children diagnosed with epilepsy and another 40 healthy children, age- and sex-matched. The following parameters were measured in …

The Correlation Of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (Amh) Level With Anthropometric Measurements In Premenopausal Women, Rana Hammadi, Mohanned Bakir, Gumar Zamil

Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Background :Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can serve as a good biomarker for the ovarian reserve that can predict female fertility, studying the biological factors that impact AMH levels is necessary for predicting reproductive health outcomes . Obesity (general obesity by body mass index and central obesity by waist circumference), is associated with negative reproductive outcomes that could be related to its impact on AMH level . Female fecundity begins to decrease after women reach the age of 30 years for multifactorial causes that could be hormonal changes .Objective : The study aims to find the association of Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level …

Metabolism Of Co And H2 By Pioneer Bacteria In Volcanic Soils And The Phyllosphere, Nicola Fantom, Robin A. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Edina Prondvai, Philippe Constant, Gary M. King, Hendrik Schäfer, Marcela Hernández

Publications

Trace gas degradation is a widespread metabolic adaptation in microbial communities, driving chemosynthesis and providing auxiliary energy that enhances persistence during nutrient starvation. In particular, carbon monoxide and hydrogen degradation can be of crucial importance for pioneering microbial communities colonising new, oligotrophic environmental niches, such as fresh volcanic deposits or the aerial interface of the phyllosphere. After volcanic eruptions, trace gas metabolism helps pioneer colonisers to initiate soil formation in ash deposits and on recently solidified lava, a vital ecosystem service. Similarly, in the phyllosphere, bacteria colonising newly emerging leaves and shoots, and/or persisting on the oligotrophic surface of plants, …

Differentiation Of Mullus Barbatus And Mullus Surmuletus (Perciformes, Mullidae) From Turkish Waters Of The Mediterranean Sea Using Otolith Shape Analyses, Semra Saygin

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and surmullet (Mullus surmuletus) are valuable components of the commercial fishery industry in the Mediterranean Sea in Türkiye. To date, morphological and genetic characteristics have been used to distinguish these species. This study aimed to determine whether it was possible to distinguish between the two species using the morphometric features of their sagittal otoliths. Sagittal otoliths were subjected to elliptic Fourier analysis, wavelet analysis, and analysis of otolith shape indices for 117 specimens from the Mediterranean Sea coast of Türkiye (Mullus barbatus: 53 individuals; Mullus surmuletus: 64 individuals). Overall, canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) demonstrated strong discrimination …

Pivotal Roles Of Biglycan And Decorin In Regulating Bone Mass, Water Retention, And Bone Toughness, Rui Hua, Yan Han, Qingwen Ni, Roberto J. Fajardo, Renato V. Iozzo, Rafay Ahmed, Jeffry S. Nyman, Xiaodu Wang, Jean X. Jiang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Proteoglycans, key components of non-collagenous proteins in the bone matrix, attract water through their negatively charged glycosaminoglycan chains. Among these proteoglycans, biglycan (Bgn) and decorin (Dcn) are major subtypes, yet their distinct roles in bone remain largely elusive. In this study, we utilized single knockout (KO) mouse models and successfully generated double KO (dKO) models despite challenges with low yield. Bgn deficiency, but not Dcn deficiency, decreased trabecular bone mass, with more pronounced bone loss in dKO mice. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance measurements showed a marked decrease in bound water among all KO groups, especially in Bgn KO and dKO …

Novel Computational And Artificial Intelligence Models In Cancer Research, Li Liu, Fuhai Li, Xiaoming Liu, Kai Wang, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The ICIBM 2023 marked the 11th annual conference of its kind, with the ICIBM recently becoming the official conference of the International Association for Intelligent Biology and Medicine (IAIBM), showcasing cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of computation and biomedical research. A summary of the ICIBM 2023 program is provided by Li et al. [1]. As in previous years, cancer research remained a prominent focus, with numerous presentations highlighting innovative approaches to understanding and treating this complex disease. To summarize these contributions, selected works have been compiled in this Special Issue, “Novel Computational and Artificial Intelligence Models in Cancer …

Brand Equity Applied To The Fmcg Industry Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study Of Private Label Products In Ireland, Javier Casanoves-Boix, Ana Cruz-Garcia, Sonia García-Lafuente

Dept. of Marketing & International Business Publications

Introduction: This study aims to examine the significance of brand equity in private label products in Ireland, focusing on the period before and during the covid-19 pandemic.

Methodology: The sample consisted of 412 citizens of Cork (Ireland) who normally consume this kind of products. Five-point Likert scales were used to measure the main elements of brand equity, based on the previous studies found in the literature. IBM-SPSS29 was used as a working tool.

Results and discussion: The results show a positive relationship between perceptions of all variables related to brand equity both before and during covid-19, with …

Nls-Binding Deficient Kapβ2 Reduces Neurotoxicity Via Selective Interaction With C9orf72-Als/Ftd Dipeptide Repeats, Kevin Kim, Amandeep Girdhar, Maria Elena Cicardi, V. Kankate, Miyuki Hayashi, Ruoyu Yang, Jenny Carey, Charlotte M Fare, James Shorter, Gino Cingolani, Davide Trotti, Lin Guo

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs) are highly toxic proteins found in patients with C9orf72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). R-DPRs can cause toxicity by disrupting the natural phase behavior of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Mitigating this abnormal phase behavior is, therefore, crucial to reduce R-DPR-induced toxicity. Here, we use FUS as a model RBP to investigate the mechanism of R-DPR-induced aberrant RBP phase transition. We find that this phase transition can be mitigated by Kapβ2. However, as a nuclear import receptor and phase modifier for PY-NLS-containing RBPs, the function of WT Kapβ2 could lead to undesired interaction with its …

Atrx Silences Cartpt Expression In Osteoblastic Cells During Skeletal Development, Yi-Ting Chen, Ming-Ming Jiang, Carolina Leynes, Mary Adeyeye, Camilla F Majano, Barakat Ibrahim, Urszula Polak, George Hung, Zixue Jin, Denise G Lanza, Lan Liao, Brian Dawson, Yuqing Chen-Evenson, Oscar E Ruiz, Richard J Gibbons, Jason D Heaney, Yangjin Bae, Brendan Lee

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein ATRX is an essential regulator involved in maintenance of DNA structure and chromatin state and regulation of gene expression during development. ATRX was originally identified as the monogenic cause of X-linked α-thalassemia mental retardation (ATR-X) syndrome. Affected individuals display a variety of developmental abnormalities and skeletal deformities. Studies from others investigated the role of ATRX in skeletal development by tissue-specific Atrx knockout. However, the impact of ATRX during early skeletal development has not been examined. Using preosteoblast-specific Atrx conditional knockout mice, we observed increased trabecular bone mass and decreased osteoclast number in bone. In vitro coculture …