Life Sciences Commons^™

Unveiling The Genomic Blueprint Of Two Pantoea Agglomerans Phages: Lia And Yaegar As Emerging Members Of The Chaseviridae Family, Leslie M. Ewool

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteriophages represent an essential component of microbial ecosystems and a promising resource for biocontrol. This study presents a comprehensive comparative genomic and evolutionary characterization of two novel bacteriophages that infect Pantoea agglomerans, Lia and Yaegar, belonging to the Loessnervirus genus within the Chaseviridae family. Both Lia and Yaegar possess double-stranded DNA genomes of approximately 54 kb with 44.4% GC content and 82 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Functional annotation revealed distinct modules for replication, structural assembly, and lysis, but no genes associated with lysogeny, antibiotic resistance, or virulence. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis indicated over 96% similarity between Lia, Yaegar, …

Effect Of Various Lactobacillus Probiotic Strains On Oral Antihypertensive Drug Response: A Systematic Review, Khoirunnisa Ramadhani, Keri Lestari

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy can be influenced by metabolic and systemic inflammatory factors associated with gut microbiota conditions. Probiotic strains from the genus Lactobacillus have been reported to modulate antihypertensive effects through complex biological mechanisms. This article evaluates experimental evidence from seven in vivo studies on the influence of Lactobacillus strains on the response to antihypertensive drugs, including pharmacodynamic mechanisms and drug–probiotic interactions. The combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with amlodipine enhanced nitric oxide production, increased eNOS expression, reduced IL-6 levels, and improved drug bioavailability, leading to greater blood pressure …

Optimization Of Guava Leaf Extract Cream Formulation Through Variations Of Xanthan Gum And Stearic Acid For Wound Cure In Rats, Ayudia Cipta Khairani, Mia Ariasti

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Cuts are among the most common skin injuries caused by sharp objects and can lead to infection if not properly treated. Natural ingredients such as guava leaves have been widely investigated for their wound-healing potential. Guava leaves contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins, which contribute to anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue regeneration processes. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the physical properties and wound-healing effectiveness of guava leaf ethanol extract cream with varying concentrations of xanthan gum and stearic acid as emulsifiers. The extract was obtained by maceration using 70% ethanol and formulated into four cream formulas …

Drug-Related Problems In Hemodialysis Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Study At X Hospital (January–May 2022), Muhammad Refki Abrari, Jatmiko Susilo

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Indonesia has increased from 2.0 ‰in 2013 to 3.8 ‰in 2018. The presence of complex comorbidities associated with CKD causes varied therapy regimens (poly-pharmacy), leading to an increased risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). To overcome these complications, dialysis is often used to remove metabolic waste and rebalance electrolytes to maintain life in patients experiencing rapid loss of kidney function. This study aims to evaluate drugs consumed as well as DRPs experienced by patients diagnosed with CKD undergoing hemodialysis at X Hospital from January to May 2022. The study procedures were carried out …

What Is The Hospital Pharmaceutical Care? Perceptions And Expectations Of Doctors In Interprofessional Collaboration In 2 Types Of Indonesia Hospitals, Anisyah Achmad, Savvy Augustin Tirta, Titi Annisa Bella, Ratna Kurnia Illahi, Bambang Sidharta, Valentina Yurina, Wara Rejeki

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Hospital Pharmaceutical Care (HPC) is the pharmacist’s direct responsibility to aim for patient safety and quality of life. HPC is a means of avoiding medication and human errors. Carrying out a HPC requires a good collaboration between doctors and pharmacists in treatment management. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between doctors’ perceptions and expectations of clinical pharmacists at HPC. This research is descriptive quantitative observational with a cross-sectional approach. The data were collected using purposive sampling (type A hospital) and total sampling (type C hospital) through interviews using perception and expectations questionnaires on doctors’ to pharmacists …

Β-Glucan As A Potential Modulator Of Tgf-Β Signaling And Emt-Driven Resistance In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Hanifa Dinda Hayati, Riezki Amalia, Gemilang Lara Utama, Dika Pramita Destiani

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, limiting the effectiveness of targeted therapies and making chemotherapy the primary treatment option. However, resistance to chemotherapy remains a major clinical challenge, often driven by dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. TGF-β plays a dual role in cancer, initially acting as a tumor suppressor but later promoting tumor progression through mechanisms such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, and the establishment of cancer stemness. This review aims to explore the role of TGF-β signaling and EMT …

Environmental Risk Assessment Of Textile Waste From Bio-Engineered Fibers In The Fashion Industry, Aayush Pankaj Agarwal, Harshit Soral, Irmak Aktan, Karol Montserrat Gonzalez Saad, Maria Daniela Saa Espinosa, Sheetal Suhas Dhanuka, Yi Yang

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

The global fashion industry generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2030. Bio-engineered fibers, including bacterial cellulose, mycelium-based leather, and recombinant protein textiles emerge as sustainable alternatives to conventional fibers. Despite their promise, recent evidence suggests that these fibers may pose environmental risks at the end-of-life stage, such as incomplete biodegradation in landfills, microfiber shedding, and chemical leaching from dyes and coatings. The purpose of this study is to examine how these risks are represented through scientific literature, corporate sustainability reports, and policy frameworks, and to identify strategies for integrating risk …

Perceived Effects Of Verbal Orders On In-Patient Medication Reconciliation And Safety: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study, Yahaya Jafaru, Abubakar K. Sahabi, Mohammed M. Sani

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Medication reconciliation presents significant challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly due to communication gaps that contribute to patient safety incidents. The aim of the study was to investigate the perceived effect of verbal orders on in-patient medication reconciliation and safety. The study was a cross-sectional survey with nurse employees of the three tertiary hospitals in Kebbi State, Nigeria as population of the study. The instrument for the data collection was a 21-items researcher-constructed self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square and binomial regression analysis were used in data analysis. Over two-thirds (70.7%) of the respondents reported a negative perceived effect on the patient’s compliance. The …

Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiota And Antihypertensive Drugs: A Systematic Review, Dhiya'ul Haq, Keri Lestari

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Hypertension is a multifactorial condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of hypertension and modulates the response to antihypertensive therapy. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on the bidirectional interaction between gut microbiota and antihypertensive drugs. Original studies published up to May 2025 on this topic were collected from two online databases: PubMed and Scopus. A total of 220 articles were identified, and 9 articles met the inclusion criteria for further discussion. Three of these included articles discussed how gut …

Anti-Inflammatory Actions Of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L. In Acute And Chronic Inflammation: Insights From Preclinical Studies, Angel Christella, Dzava P. F. Ismail, Eli Halimah

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Chronic inflammation is a major factor in various degenerative diseases. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often the main choice, but long-term side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and nephrotoxicity limit their use. Therefore, natural alternatives such as Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) have attracted attention due to their bioactive compound contents with anti-inflammatory properties. This narrative review was conducted through a systematic search of articles from the last 10 years in PubMed and Scopus. Keywords used a combination of MeSH and free terms related to fenugreek and anti-inflammatory agents. In vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects …

Fgf13 Regulates Vgsc-Independent Cardiomyocyte Impulse Propagation Via Cx43 Trafficking, Lala Tanmoy Das, Mattia Malvezzi, Aravind R Gade, Maiko Matsui, Margaret Mckay, Eric Q Wei, Matea J Zelich, Keon Mazdisnian, Jared Kushner, Bi-Xing Chen, Isabella Distefano, Daniel Roybal, Lin Yang, Lisa Stoll, James C Lo, Marian Kalocsay, Fadi G Akar, Steven O Marx, Geoffrey S Pitt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: FHF (fibroblast growth factor homologous factor) variants associate with arrhythmias. Although FHFs are best characterized as regulators of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gating, recent studies suggest broader, non-VGSC-related functions, including regulation of Cx43 (connexin 43) gap junctions and hemichannels, mechanisms that have generally been understudied or disregarded.

Methods: We assessed cardiac conduction and cardiomyocyte action potentials in mice with constitutive cardiac-specific Fgf13 ablation (cFgf13KO) while targeting Cx43 gap junctions and hemichannels pharmacologically. We characterized FGF13 regulation of Cx43 abundance and subcellular distribution. With proximity labeling proteomics, we investigated novel candidate mechanisms underlying FGF13 regulation of Cx43. …

Increased Intermembrane Space [Ca2+] Drives Mitochondrial Structural Damage In Cpvt, Shanna Hamilton, Radmila Terentyeva, Roland Veress, Fruzsina Perger, Zuzana Nichtova, Mark Bannister, Jinxi Wang, Sage Quiggle, Rachel Battershell, Matthew Gorr, Sandor Györke, Bum-Rak Choi, Christopher George, Andriy Belevych, György Csordás, Dmitry Terentyev

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by abnormally high RyR2 (ryanodine receptor) activity is a common finding in cardiovascular diseases. Mechanisms linking RyR2 gain of function with mitochondrial remodeling remain elusive. We hypothesized that RyR2 hyperactivity in cardiac disease increases [Ca 2+ ] in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) and activates the Ca 2+ -sensitive protease calpain, driving remodeling of mitochondrial cristae architecture through cleavage of structural protein OPA1 (optic atrophy protein 1).

METHODS: We generated a highly arrhythmogenic rat model of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, induced by RyR2 gain-of-function mutation S2236L(Ser2336Leu)(+/-) . We created a new biosensor to measure IMS-[Ca2+ ] …

Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Patterns And Outcomes In Early-Stage Her2-Positive Breast Cancer, Inimfon Jackson, Xiudong Lei, Hui Zhao, Rashmi Murthy, Sharon H Giordano, Mariana Chavez-Macgregor

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We examined neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) use, pathological complete response (pCR) and the association with overall survival (OS) among patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Patients ≥18 years with stage I-III HER2-positive BC from 2010-2022 who had surgery and chemotherapy were identified. Of 195,023 patients treated with chemotherapy, 37.7% received NACT. NACT use increased from 18.6% in 2010 to 63.4% in 2022 (p <  0.001) and pCR rates rose from 21% to 47.6% (p <  0.001). Black patients were less likely to receive NACT (aOR = 0.96;95%CI 0.93-0.99) or achieve pCR (aOR = 0.86;95%CI 0.82-0.90) than White patients. pCR was associated with a reduction in the risk of death (aHR = 0.45;95%CI 0.42-0.48). 3-year OS increased from 91% in 2010 to 95% in 2019 for patients without a pCR (p <  0.001), and from 97% to 99% for patients with pCR (p = 0.002). Further research is needed to understand and address racial and ethnic disparities in treatment access and outcomes.

Ecology Of Subaerial Algae: Photosynthetic Capacity As A Function Of Relative Humidity In A Naturally- Occurring Association, James A. Nienow

Georgia Journal of Science

Subaerial algae are defined by their ability to grow on surfaces exposed directly to the air. We are currently investigating the nature of the adaptations that allow these unicellular microorganisms to form rich growths in an environment subjected to repeated and prolonged periods without liquid water. It is well known from laboratory studies that at least some members of the group are able to sustain metabolic activity using water vapor at high relative humidity. However, data concerning the significance of this ability in natural populations are almost completely lacking. To help fill in this gap, we tracked the photosynthetic capacity …

Protein-Protein Interaction–Interfering Peptide Rescues Dysregulated Nmda Receptor Signaling, Robert E. Featherstone, Hongbin Li, Ameet S. Sengar, Karin E. Borgmann-Winter, Olya Melnychenko, Lindsey M. Crown, Ray L. Gifford, Felix Amirfathi, Anamika Banerjee, Aivi Tran, Krishna Parekh, Margaret Heller, Wenyu Zhang, Robert J. Gallop, Adam D. Marc, Pragya Komal, Michael W. Salter, Steven J. Siegel, Chang-Gyu Hahn

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

The complex and heterogeneous genetic architecture of neuropsychiatric illnesses compels us to look beyond individual risk genes for therapeutic strategies and target the interactive dynamics and convergence of their protein products. A mechanistic substrate for convergence of synaptic neuropsychiatric risk genes are protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) complex. NMDAR hypofunction in schizophrenia is associated with hypoactivity of Src kinase, resulting from convergent alterations in PPIs of Src with its partners. Of these, the association of Src with PSD-95, which inhibits the activity of this kinase in the NMDAR complex, is known to be increased in schizophrenia. Here, …

Facility Usage On The International Space Station, Justin St. P. Walsh, Rao Hamza Ali, Ryan Shihabi, Erik Linstead

Art Faculty Articles and Research

Science experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) and in future space habitats require “facilities,” as they are known to space agencies, as the core building blocks of the research capabilities they provide. Facilities are experimental apparatus that enable research, often (but not always) used for more than one experiment, such as centrifuges, furnaces, gloveboxes, freezers, and more. The US Orbital Segment of the ISS has been home to 191 such facilities, belonging to four of the five ISS international partner agencies as well as private companies, in its 25 years of continuous operation. Until now, there has been no …

A Pilot Study Of Life Model Informed Therapy And Its Efficacy For Reducing Anxiety And Increasing Joy In Adults, William R. Mouer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This pilot study researched Life Model Informed Therapy (LMIT), a modality developed into a six-week treatment targeted to decrease anxiety and increase joy in adults that self-reported as having anxiety. Fourteen participants were recruited by Facebook ads in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Outcome data were collected using the State Joy Scale (SJS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Participants received the same LMIT treatment for six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions. Participants self-reported on their joy and anxiety levels at three periods of time, including a pre-treatment, post-treatment and one month after-treatment test. Two one-way RM-ANOVA tests were conducted. Results of …

Automated Detection Of Kinky Back In Broiler Chickens Using Optimized Deep Learning Techniques, Ramesh Bahadur Bist, Andi Asnayanti, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Yang Tian, Chaitanya Palleria, Dongyi Wang, Adnan Alrubaye

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The global poultry industry faces growing challenges from skeletal disorders, with Kinky Back (KB) significantly impacting broiler welfare and production. KB causes spinal deformities that reduce mobility, feed access, and increase mortality. It often remains undetected in early subclinical stages. Traditional KB diagnosis methods are slow and subjective, and highlighting the need for an automated and objective detection. This study develops a machine learning approach for detecting KB in broilers using image data. Male Cobb 500 broilers were raised under controlled conditions and monitored over 7 weeks using overhead 4K video cameras. Behavioral and posture data related to KB were …

Hsp90 Buffers Deleterious Genetic Variations In Brca1, Brant Gracia, Xing-Han Zhang, Patricia Montes, Tin Chanh Pham, Min Huang, Junjie Chen, Georgios Ioannis Karras

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Protein-folding chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) buffers genetic variation in diverse organisms, but the clinical significance of HSP90 buffering in human disease remains unclear. Here, we show that HSP90 buffers mutations in the BRCT domain of BRCA1. HSP90-buffered BRCA1 mutations result in protein variants that retain interactions with partner proteins and strongly rely on HSP90 for protein stability and function in cell survival. Moreover, HSP90-buffered BRCA1 variants confer poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor resistance in cancer cells. Low-level HSP90 inhibition overcomes this resistance, revealing a cryptic and mutant-specific HSP90-contingent synthetic lethality. Furthermore, by stabilizing metastable variants across the entirety …

Acceptability Of Active And Sham Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation In Major Depression: Mixed Methods Qualitative Analysis In A Randomised Controlled Trial, Peter J Lagerberg, Rachel D Woodham, Sudhakar Selvaraj, Nahed Lajmi, Harriet Hobday, Gabrielle Sheehan, Ali-Reza Ghazi-Noori, Maheen Rizvi, Sarah S Kwon, Paulette Orhii, Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, Jair C Soares, Allan H Young, António R Fidalgo, Hakimeh Rezaei, Cynthia H Y Fu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that is a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Acceptability impacts patient preference, treatment adherence and outcomes, however, it has typically been assessed through measures of attrition, self-reported satisfaction levels, or adverse events. We sought to explore participant acceptability using structured questionnaires and individual interviews.

Methods: Acceptability was assessed in a fully remote, multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized superiority trial of a 10-week course of home-based tDCS for MDD. Questionnaires were conducted at baseline and at the 10-week end of treatment. Participants were 174 adults (120 women) …

Exploring The Relationship Between Loneliness And Real-Time Measurements Of Gsr And Hrv During Concept Mapping, And Cortisol And Oxytocin Levels, Jangwon Seo

Masters Theses

This study attempts to explore loneliness among college students from a bio-physio-psycho-social perspective, and it utilizes real-time physiological measurements (GSR and HRV) and biomarkers (cortisol and oxytocin) in conjunction with psychosocial assessments. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involve concept mapping exercises, with the aim of comprehending the full nature of how loneliness interacts with physiological and psychological processes. At Time 1 (T1) we found significant positive correlations between loneliness and elevated GSR levels, which is indicative of increased sympathetic arousal (r = .35, p < .01). Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between loneliness and mean RR intervals in HRV that indicated autonomic dysregulation featured by increased sympathetic activities as well as reduced parasympathetic functions (r = -.28, p < .05). However, at Time 2 (T2), these correlations were not significant indicating possible temporal fluctuations due to adaptive responses or extraneous variables such social support systems or coping mechanisms. The qualitative data from concept mapping enriched the analysis by providing deeper insights into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying loneliness. Despite limitations like demographic skewness, funding constraints, logistical challenges, etc., this, therefore, highlights the need for multidimensional investigations of psychological phenomena. This has implications for future research as well as clinical practice, which could include using these integrative measures to develop holistic interventions for mental health disorders.

The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium's Consensus-Based Framework For Assigning Allele Function., Bailey M. Tibben, Andrea Gaedigk, Li Gong, Katrin Sangkuhl, Michelle Whirl-Carrillo, Mary V. Relling, Roseann S. Donnelly, Teri E. Klein, Kelly E. Caudle

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) is dedicated to integrating pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice by developing and disseminating peer-reviewed, evidence-based gene-drug clinical practice guidelines. A critical component of this effort is the assignment of clinical function to pharmacogene alleles, which informs the translation of genetic test results into actionable prescribing decisions. This technology review outlines the standardized procedures and framework used by CPIC to assign allele clinical functional status through the work of Pharmacogene Curation Expert Panels (PCEPs). These panels, comprising multidisciplinary experts, systematically review and evaluate evidence to assign functional status to pharmacogenetic haplotypes. The process includes rigorous …

Grapes Cure Cancer: My First Molecular Docking Analysis Of Resveratrol Binding To Anti-Apoptotic Protein Bcl-2: In Silico, Sydni Ann Kolokoltsev, Vishwas Joshi

Publications and Research

B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) is an anti-apoptotic protein frequently overexpressed in cancer, enabling tumor cells to evade programmed death. Resveratrol, a grape-derived polyphenol, has reported anticancer properties. Here we performed in silico docking of resveratrol to human BCL-2 using AutoDock Vina. The best-ranked pose exhibited a predicted binding free energy of 8.0 kcal/mol and formed at least one short hydrogen bond (~1.8 Å) with pocket residues. These results support further evaluation of resveratrol as a potential modulator of BCL-2-mediated apoptosis.

Assessment Of Microbiological And Physicochemical Parameters In Ground Beef From Fast Food Outlets In The Prishtina Region, Diora Kastrati, Veton Haziri, Ibrahim Mehmeti, Violeta Lajqi Makolli, Arianeta Nura, Flutura C. Ajazi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Fast food consumption has significantly increased, particularly in fast-paced cities like Prishtina. Hamburgers, one of the most consumed products in this industry, rely on ground beef, which poses notable food safety risks due to potential contamination and inadequate hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters in ground beef from fast food outlets in the Prishtina region. The research involved analyzing 12 samples from various fast-food establishments in Prishtina, collected during June-July 2024. Microbiological analyses focused on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli, using standard cultivation methods on Plate Count Agar and …

Exploring The Potential Of Martian Agriculture: Assessing Viability And Nutritional Composition Of Plants Cultivated In Martian Regolith, Abigail Ross

Honors Theses

In addition to sunlight and water, plants can utilize a small number of nutrients from the soil to biosynthesize all the materials that are needed for growth and development. However, plants require an environment where they are able to obtain those nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and nitrogen. Environmental factors determine the types and accessibility of nutrients available to plants. Plants then take up these nutrients from the soil to aid in biological mechanisms and the synthesis of important molecules needed for growth and development. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital molecule that is …

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer For The Removal Of Nutrients From Water: Synthesis, Application, Performance And Limitation, Emmanuella Anang, Abolade Busari

Faculty Publications

Nutrient contamination is a major contributor to eutrophication and water quality degradation worldwide. Conventional treatment technologies often lack selectivity and efficiency in complex aquatic environments, highlighting the need for advanced materials with tailored recognition capabilities. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for nutrient remediation due to their high selectivity, stability and reusability. This review synthesizes recent progress on the synthesis strategies of MIPs. Applications of MIPs in removing phosphate, nitrate and ammonia from water are critically examined, with particular attention to adsorption performance under varying environmental conditions. The limitations of current systems, including modest adsorption capacities, incomplete …

Cdk2 Inhibition Enhances Cdk4/6 Inhibitor Antitumor Activity In Comprehensive Breast Cancer Pdx Model Screen, Nealia C House, Maxine M Chen, Sima Khazaei, Victoria Brown, Philip Ramsden, David H Peng, Sydney Moore, Liang Yuan, Rentian Wu, Fangyang Wang, Linjie Luo, Ningping Feng, Christopher A Bristow, Timothy A Yap, Khandan Keyomarsi, Joseph R Marszalek, Scott Ribich, Mikael L Rinne, Lakshmi B Muthuswamy, Kerrie L Faia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Aberrant cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) activity is implicated as a resistance mechanism to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Using preclinical patient-derived xenograft models, the CDK2i + CDK4/6i combination was active broadly across CDK4/6i-resistant and -naïve HR+ and triple-negative breast cancer models. A novel, weighted mRNA expression signature involving CCND1, CCNE1, RB1, and CDKN2A (p16) predicted response to combined inhibition of CDK2 and CDK4/6. Addition of endocrine therapy significantly enhanced antitumor activity in HR+ models, providing preclinical proof-of-concept for the broad antitumor activity of the triple combination. Early clinical data demonstrated …

Unsaturated Fatty Acid Oil-Based Microdroplets: A Promising Novel Class Of Microdroplets, Ramiz S. Alejilat

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Droplet-based microfluidics has rapidly advanced numerous fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, medicine, food science, and cosmetics. In these systems, fluorocarbon oil combined with fluorinated surfactants is the preferred medium for fluid encapsulation, offering exceptional stability and biocompatibility essential for sensitive biological and chemical processes. However, growing concerns about the environmental and biological risks associated with fluorinated chemicals have prompted a search for alternatives.

This study is the first to explore the use of unsaturated fatty acids derived from emu oil for microdroplet formation. We characterized droplet formation based on flow rates and the presence non-fluorinated surfactant at a certain …

Long-Term Outcomes And Treatment Patterns In Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Patients Who Discontinue Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Btki) Therapy, Karan L Chohan, Lorenzo Gensini, Sherif Seif, Xiaowen Sun, Lei Feng, Melody R Becnel, Mahmoud M Gaballa, Hans C Lee, Oren Pasvolsky, Krina K Patel, J Christine Ye, Donna M Weber, Robert Z Orlowski, Sheeba K Thomas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Emerging Tools In Plant Genome Editing, Shilpi Sharma, Naveen Kumar Saroha, Abhilasha Sehrawat, Guiliang Tang, Deepali Singh, Sachin Teotia

Michigan Tech Publications

Plant genome editing has undergone a transformative shift with the advent of advanced molecular tools, offering unprecedented levels of precision, flexibility and efficiency in modifying genetic material. While classical site-directed nucleases such as ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 have revolutionized genome engineering by enabling targeted mutagenesis and gene knockouts, the landscape is now rapidly evolving with the emergence of novel systems that go beyond the conventional double strand break (DSB)-mediated approaches. Advanced and recent tools include LEAPER, SATI, RESTORE, RESCUE, ARCUT, SPARDA, helicase-based approaches like HACE and Type IV-A CRISPR system, and transposon-based techniques like TATSI and piggyBac. These tools unlock …