Digital Commons Network^™

Differential Effects Of Curcumin And C646 On Mitogenic And Metabolic Signaling In Insulin-Stimulated Hepg2 Cells, Davis Raz, Rachael De Klerk

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

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

Liberty University Research Week

Based on information reported in previous studies, the release of a gaseous compound called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to increase 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 strives 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 …

Impact Of Family On Child Nutritional Health: A Literature Review, Julia Randall

Liberty University Research Week

Background

The nutrition habits of children depend entirely on the influence of parents via imitation, which has many implications for a child’s health and well being. A review of literature can effectively understand current health status and direct intervention efforts to reach children through parental education.

Methods

Articles for the review were selected based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 19 articles for analysis. 149 articles from CINAHL Ultimate or ProQuest databases written within the last four years began the evaluation process, which utilized a PRISMA research reporting system (Moher et al., 2009).

Results

Through the development of …

Pfas Exposure And Its Influence On Fetal And Early Childhood Development, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Melissa Lartey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental chemicals widely detected in humans. Prenatal PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse fetal and early childhood growth outcomes, raising significant public health concerns. This study investigates the influence of PFAS exposure on fetal and early childhood development.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies assessing maternal PFAS exposure during pregnancy and outcomes such as birth weight, gestational age, fetal growth trajectories, and early childhood anthropometry were included.

Results: Higher prenatal exposure to PFAS was associated with lower …

The Effects Of Ultra- Processed Foods On Metabolic Health Among Young Adults, Cynthia Ilechukwu, Atika Ali, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Krista Coipel, Naa Komley Commey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as defined by the NOVA classification system, are industrially produced foods that are high in added sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives while being low in fiber and essential nutrients. Young adulthood is a crucial period for developing long-term dietary habits, yet many young adults consume a disproportionately high amount of UPFs. Evidence suggests that diets high in UPFs can negatively affect metabolic health, increasing the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at relatively early ages. Understanding the impact of UPFs in this age group is important for developing preventive strategies …

Mental Health Consequences Of Climate-Related Hazards: A Us Case Study., Perseverance Nothando, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The planet has warmed considerably over the past four decades, leading to more extreme weather events like floods, fires, and hurricanes. In the U.S., the number of climate-related disasters has surged, affecting approximately 1.7 billion people between 2010 and 2020. Projections suggest that by 2050, the U.S. population impacted by climate-related disasters could double, with a quarter of the population affected annually. Research indicates that 25% to 50% of people exposed to extreme weather events are susceptible to negative mental health consequences, such as anxiety and PTSD. This underscores the urgent need to address the psychological impact of climate …

Clinical Implications And Future Directions Of Sepsis Treatment, Chelsey King

Liberty University Research Week

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, driven by a dynamic response that evolves from early hyperinflammation to profound immunosuppression. This review explores the pathogenesis of the cytokine storm, detailing how dysregulated pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation, NF-¿B signaling, and NETosis drive endothelial injury and organ dysfunction. Further, the transition into sepsis-induced immunoparalysis will be examined, characterized by lymphocyte apoptosis, “exhausted” cellular phenotypes, and persistent lymphopenia. This immune environment often results in Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS). Synthesis of clinical biomarkers and emerging therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibition, will highlight the necessity of biomarker-guided, personalized strategies …

Born Too Soon, Dying Too Early: Preventable Neonatal Deaths In Rural Uganda, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana

Liberty University Research Week

Neonatal mortality remains one of the most persistent public health challenges in Uganda, particularly in rural communities where access to quality maternal and newborn care remains limited. Despite global progress in reducing under-five mortality, deaths within the first 28 days of life continue to account for a substantial proportion of child mortality. Most neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries occur from preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, neonatal infections, and complications related to prematurity. This study examines the structural and healthcare determinants contributing to neonatal mortality in rural Uganda, with particular emphasis on place of delivery and skilled birth …

Stress And Fructose Uptake In Enterocytes, Gretchka Mair, Landri Shope

Liberty University Research Week

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent form of diabetes worldwide and represents a growing global health concern. T2DM is characterized by chronic fasting hyperglycemia and is increasingly associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. This study tests the hypothesis that heat stress, a gut dysbiosis-associated stressor, will upregulate the fructose transporter GLUT5 in enterocytes. Increased GLUT5 expression may enhance intestinal fructose uptake, thereby contributing to worsened glycemic control in T2DM. While the mechanism linking inflammation and impaired glucose homeostasis remains elusive, emerging evidence supports strong associations among gut dysbiosis, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.

The Effect Of Enzyme Inhibition & Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide Of Various Thiourea And Carbamate Compounds: A Medicinally Therapeutic Study, Jonah Petri

Liberty University Research Week

The release of the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to decrease pruritus (itchiness) and ocular pain in patients with glaucoma. Through the synthesis of various urea and carbamate derivatives within the endocannabinoid system, researchers at Liberty University have demonstrated that trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide can be released under biologically relevant conditions. These compounds were evaluated using the methylene blue assay to quantify hydrogen sulfide generation. In addition, enzyme inhibition studies were conducted to assess activity against the allosteric endocannabinoid hydrolase enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The screening data revealed significant FAAH inhibition, indicating potential …

New Ways To Address The Plastic Problem, Andrew J. Hanna

The Penguin Review

Since 1950, the world has produced some 9.2 billion metric tonnes of plastic.1 Other sources place the total closer to ten billion metric tonnes Furthermore, nearly 500 million tonnes of new plastic are manufactured each year– a figure that's projected to increase to 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060.2 The environmental effects of all this plastic production and pollution are disturbing. Because most plastics are synthetic–meaning they contain "no molecules found in nature"– they can't decompose. Instead, they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming microplastics (less than five millimeters (5 million nanometers) across) and then nanoplastics (less than …

Assessment Of Total Cellular Protein Following Fatty Acid Treatment Using The Bca Assay, Carli B. Maguire

Create@State

Fatty acids can influence cellular metabolism and protein homeostasis, potentially altering total protein content within cell samples. Accurate quantification of total protein concentration is essential for standardization for further biochemical assays and ensuring reproducibility. In this study, adherent mammalian cells were treated with a defined fatty acid preparation under controlled culture conditions. Following treatment, whole-cell lysates were collected and total protein concentration was determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The BCA assay is a colorimetric method based on the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu¹⁺ by peptide bonds under basic conditions, followed by formation of a purple-colored complex between bicinchoninic …

Robust Thermodynamic Analysis Of Flexible Protein-Ligand Binding Using Statistical Mechanics, Mitchell Dulaney

Create@State

Understanding how proteins bind small molecules is essential for accurate computational modeling of biological systems. However, calculating binding free energy (delta G), enthalpy (delta H), and entropy (delta S) becomes unreliable when proteins are flexible, and ligands are between multiple binding positions. This motion causes traditional computational methods to produce inconsistent thermodynamic values.

A computational workflow was implemented that included docking to predict likely binding positions, molecular dynamics simulations to sample how the protein and ligand move over time, and statistical mechanics analysis to calculate thermodynamic quantities. A new theoretical framework was developed and implemented in a custom program to …

Investigating Sertraline‑Mediated Modulation Of Succinate Dehydrogenase To Sensitize Tmz‑Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Supraja Mallapuram

Create@State

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest and most common brain tumor which remains highly resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), contributing to poor patient outcomes. Literature suggests that sertraline, a widely used SSRI, disrupts mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Because GBM depends heavily on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) for oxidative phosphorylation, sertraline‑mediated SDH inhibition may increase metabolic stress and reduce functional TMZ resistance. This poster presents a literature‑based rationale and proposed experimental design to evaluate sertraline‑induced SDH modulation and its potential to sensitize TMZ‑resistant T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings will guide future experimental work.

Inhibitory Effects Of Novel Compounds On Biofilm Formation In Streptococcus Mutans, Graysen S. Jones

Create@State

Inhibitory Effects of Novel Compounds on Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans

Impact Of Cover Crop Species And Planting Date On Earthworm Abundance And Biomass, Sowmya Thadisina, Maheshwari Saddollu

Create@State

Cover crops help to enhance soil structure, increase soil organic matter, and increase soil biological activity in agricultural systems. Earthworms are beneficial bioindicators of soil health as they enhance soil aggregation, aeration, and nutrient cycling. Understanding the influence of cover crop species and planting date helps optimize soil biological activity.

Synthesizing Fluorescent 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1h)-Ones Using A One-Pot Synthesis Reaction, John R. Griggs

Create@State

In medical and pharmaceutical practices, Biginelli (3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones) products have a number of potential uses due to their anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition, they are a possible treatment for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These compounds can be further modified to exhibit fluorescent properties. However, before using them in medicinal studies, it is useful to establish a procedure that can easily be modified and is synthetically accessible to allow for further optimization. The experiment was performed using the Biginelli compounds as a substrate, along with a variety of aromatic aldehydes and acids. After obtaining the products and purifying them with vacuum …

Skin Pattern As A Potential Monitoring Tool For Frog Populations, Lídize Sagarnaga Rivera, Virginie Rolland Dr., Lorin Neuman-Lee Dr.

Create@State

Skin pattern as a potential monitoring tool for frog populations

Population monitoring, which requires identifying individuals, is crucial for species conservation. Common techniques involve marking, which can harm animals and alter their behaviors. Natural markings are an alternative not yet explored for amphibians. Yet, the traditional method with elastomers (fluorescent implants) is invasive and not completely reliable—the tag may become lost or hard to see. The American green tree frog (Dryophytes cinereus) possesses naturally occurring and distinct golden dots on their dorsal side.  Therefore, we aim to assess whether patterns of golden dots on the skin of green …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Thiazole Derivatives As Potential Antitumor Agents, Kaylee Leddy

Create@State

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in both men and women in the USA. It originates in melanocytes, which make the melanin pigment that gives skin its color. While treatable in early stages, melanoma becomes nearly incurable once metastasized. Thiazole derivatives have been recognized in many pharmaceutical classes including anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, anti-tuberculosis, and diuretics. They have long been researched for their natural pharmacological properties and have shown potential to inhibit melanoma cell growth. In this study, catechol-substituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized using the Hantzsch-Thiazole synthesis. A total of 13 novel compounds were made using 2-chlorodihydroxyacetophenone with various catechol-substituted …

Amyloid Beta-42 Neurotoxicity In Drosophila Retinal Development, Shay O. Sims, Pierce Duncan, Malachi Abon, Jacob G. Smith

Create@State

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders globally. Thus far, the underlying mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of AD are innately elusive. Two hallmarks associated with the progression of AD exist, including Amyloid-Beta 42 (Aβ42) protein plaque formation and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins in neurons. Amyloid-beta is known to concentrate with other neuronal proteins as complexes form, including the cytoskeletal protein actin. However, whether actin contributes to neuronal decline in AD is unknown. To further understand the cellular cascades associated with AD, we investigated the role of cytoskeleton dynamics in modulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation within …

Transgenic Plant Cells For The Cost-Effective Production Of Pharmaceutical Proteins, Maria Gambaro

Create@State

Plant-based systems are becoming an important method for producing pharmaceutical proteins because they can be more cost-effective, and safer compared to traditional production methods which commonly use mammalian cells. This project aims to develop a transgenic plant cell system that can produce a pharmaceutical protein using molecular cloning techniques. A transgenic plant cell has the DNA of another plant integrated into its genome, altering its gene expression to produce different proteins. To begin, a plasmid carrying the gene of interest and the DNA components needed for expression will be designed. The plasmid will then be used to introduce the gene …

Variation In Infection Prevalence Of Splendidofilaria Pectoralis Across Alaskan Grouse Populations, Anahi Garcia Valdez, Diego Martinez

Create@State

In recent years, rapid climate change has altered species distributions worldwide and influenced parasite transmission dynamics in wildlife systems. Parasite infections play an important role in shaping patterns of disease distribution across species and populations. Understanding variation in infection prevalence across geographic regions and host demographic groups is essential for interpreting these patterns. Splendidofilaria pectoralis is a filarial nematode that infects the connective tissues of grouse (Aves: Tetraonini) in Alaska and has been moving northward as the climate warms. However, relatively little is known about the variation in prevalence of the nematode across geography and demography. This project examines variation …

Understanding The Relationship Between Morphometric Indices Of The Eleven Point River And Sediment And Nutrient Transport, Karimot Shobowale, Jennifer Bouldin

Create@State

Objective: To evaluate how watershed characteristics impact sediment transport and water quality parameters.

Reframing Alpha-Gal Syndrome As A One Health Oral Health Risk: A Theoretical Model For Dental Safety And Policy Reform, Oyebolu Aderinola Akinkugbe, Akuchinyere Titus-Okpanachi, Oluwatosin Marylyn Oduneye

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Inc3vits Model: A Hybrid Architecture To Accelerate And Reduce Complexity For The Deepvariant Model For Variant Calling, Mustafa Al-Saffar, Sura Z. Al Rashid

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Deep learning has revolutionized genomic variant calling, yet the computational cost of current systems continues to limit scalability. We present a controlled efficiency study of DeepVariant-style pileup architectures under identical training and inference conditions, comparing architectural downsizing with a hybrid CNN–local attention design. Inc3ViTs pairs a streamlined InceptionV3 stem with a lightweight local attention head based on patch tokenization and windowed self-attention, enabling a direct comparison with a CNN-only reduced Inception baseline. Across whole-genome and whole-exome short-read datasets, Inc3ViTs reduces training time by ~40–50% and reduces inference runtime relative to the original DeepVariant. The CNN-only baseline indicates that most speedups …

Tardigrade Bio-Exploration Reproduction Research Payload, Natalie Brattain, Kylie Nager, Chloe Nissen, Matas Ubartas

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

The Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Payload (tBEARR) is an external ISS standardized lab payload module mission under development by the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an undergraduate research club at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, FL. As club-driven research, we actively encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in hands-on space research, providing opportunities to contribute to all aspects of mission design, science, and operations. The mission aims to launch four separate cultures of tardigrades aboard a payload module to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) to study the effects of UV and cosmic radiation on their genetics and …

Infertility And Mental Health, Laynie Pugmire

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Adoption On Attachment, Laynie Pugmire

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Kasus Sabu : Sebuah Tinjauan Antropologi Di Bidang Hukum, Bemad L. Tanya

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Across The United States, Srivathsan Vijaya Raghavan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While cervical cancer is not among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States, it remains a significant concern due to its preventability through regular Pap smears and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. However, incidence rates are rising as screening participation among U.S. women declines. This quantitative study (N = 15714) explored cervical cancer screening behaviors by analyzing levels of community involvement and social functioning, guided by the socioecological model (SEM). The dependent variable was cervical cancer screening, while the independent variables were community involvement and social functioning. The study controlled for health insurance status, age, race, ethnicity, employment, education, …