Life Sciences Commons^™

Reply To Yi Et Al, A Jay Freeman, Kenneth Ng, Fuchenchu Wang, Ying Yuan, Mark E Lowe, Aliye Uc

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Overcoming Egfr-Tki Resistance By Targeting The Tumor Microenvironment, Jinsong Zhang, Natalie Vokes, Man Li, Jiachen Xu, Hua Bai, Jie Wang, Zhijie Wang, Jianjun Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Targeted therapy has ushered in a new era of precision medicine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) stand as the recommended first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC harboring sensitive EGFR mutations. Nevertheless, most patients inevitably confront the challenge of drug resistance. This phenomenon arises not solely from intrinsic alterations within cancer cells but also from the intricate dynamics of the tumor microenvironment and the complex interactions that occur between cancer cells and their immediate surroundings. This review consolidates the current knowledge regarding EGFR-TKI resistance mechanisms, with a specific emphasis on unraveling the …

Determinant Of 30-Day Mortality Of Pulmonary Legionellosis: Do Coinfections Matter?, Takahiro Matsuo, Sebastian Wurster, Ying Jiang, Jeffrey Tarrand, Scott E Evans, Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We retrospectively reviewed 64 cases of cancer with pulmonary legionellosis (Legionella pneumophila in 73%). Nearly all patients received Legionella-active antibiotics, yet 30-day mortality was 23%. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were hyponatremia, bilateral lung involvement, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥5. Lung coinfections were common (31%) but did not significantly increase mortality.

A Potential Role For Magi-1 In The Bi-Directional Relationship Between Major Depressive Disorder And Cardiovascular Disease, Priyanka Banerjee, Khanh Chau, Sivareddy Kotla, Eleanor L Davis, Estefani Berrios Turcios, Shengyu Li, Zhang Pengzhi, Guangyu Wang, Gopi Krishna Kolluru, Abhishek Jain, John P Cooke, Junichi Abe, Nhat-Tu Le

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose of review: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, loss of interest in activities, feelings of sadness and worthlessness. MDD often coexist with cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the precise link between these conditions remains unclear. This review explores factors underlying the development of MDD and CVD, including genetic, epigenetic, platelet activation, inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption.

Recent findings: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the membrane-associated guanylate kinase WW and PDZ domain-containing protein 1 (MAGI-1) are associated with neuroticism and psychiatric disorders including MDD. SNPs in …

Individual-Based Modelling Of Adaptive Physiological Traits Of Cyanobacteria: Responses To Light History, Mohammad Hassan Ranjbar, David P. Hamilton, Michael L. Pace, Amir Etemad-Shahidi, Cayelan C. Carey, Fernanda Helfer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Adaptive physiological traits of cyanobacteria allow plasticity of responses to environmental change at multiple time scales. Most conventional phytoplankton models only simulate responses to current conditions without incorporating antecedent environmental history and adaptive physiological traits, thereby potentially missing mechanisms that influence dynamics. We developed an individual-based model (IBM) that incorporates information on light exposure history and cell physiology coupled with a hydrodynamic model that simulates mixing and transport. The combined model successfully simulated cyanobacterial growth and respiration in a whole-lake nutrient enrichment experiment in a temperate lake (Peter Lake, Michigan, USA). The model also incorporates non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) to improve …

Large Deviation Theory In Stochastic Processes: Applications To Biological Modeling, Moshe C. Silverstein

Dissertations

This dissertation delves into developing and applying stochastic models to analyze complex biological systems. It leverages Large Deviation Theory (LDT) to gain insights into these systems, focusing on two key examples: neural networks and calcium signaling dynamics. Traditional deterministic methods frequently fail to capture biological processes' randomness and inherent variability. Meanwhile, many stochastic approaches struggle to be mathematically tractable or provide accessible insights. The approach introduced in this study provides rigorous mathematical frameworks to enhance understanding of these stochastic behaviors while remaining tractable and insightful.

A stochastic model for a random biological neural network is constructed that addresses the dependencies …

Smokejumper Obituary: Bennett, William C. “Billy” (West Yellowstone 1998), National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Obituaries

No abstract provided.

How Many Fathers? Frequency Of Multiple Paternity In Soupfin Sharks (Galeorhinus Galeus) From California And Australia, Okoiya Kelly

Theses

Multiple paternity has been widely documented in elasmobranch fishes (sharks, rays, and skates); however, the frequency of multiple paternity (FMP; the percentage of sampled litters having multiple sires) varies greatly both among and within species. Understanding the reasons for this inter- and intraspecific variation in FMP may be key to understanding why females mate with multiple males. The soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is an understudied species in this regard with only one study previously investigating multiple paternity, in which two out of five litters sampled from New Zealand were found to have multiple sires (FMP = 40.0%). We augmented this …

Monitoring Marine Animal Interactions With Open Ocean Aquaculture And The Potential For Measuring Impacts, Ryan Richard Yont

Theses

Aquaculture, the farming of water-based organisms, is one of the fastest growing industries in the food production sector globally. Aquaculture farms, regardless of type, are categorized as either coastal or offshore marine aquaculture and are generalized into three categories: fed (e.g., finfish), unfed (e.g., filter-feeding bivalves), and autotrophic (e.g. kelp). Viewed as an agricultural industry, marine aquaculture is tightly regulated, particularly in the U.S. Despite this, an area of concern for the public and management alike is the potential for marine life interactions with aquaculture gear. Even the best-run farms represent a change in the physical and biological characteristics of …

Unraveling The Multilevel Dynamics Of Water, Sanitation, And Child Anthropometry In Indonesia, Rifa Kirana, Ahmad Komarulzaman

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Anthropometrics, reflecting nutritional status, growth, and development, are crucial elements that can predict a person’s health and well-being. However, low anthropometric measures among children under 5 years remain a significant issue in Indonesia, often influenced by various factors at the household and community levels. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation has been identified as major determinants of these adverse health outcomes. This study analyzes the relationship between anthropometric measures and access to water and sanitation at household and community levels using a multilevel analysis approach.

Methods: The study employs cross-sectional data from the Indonesian Family Life …

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Intergenomic Conflicts Between Bacteria And Their Genetic Parasites, Pavithra A.S

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteria are constantly infected by obligate acellular genetic parasites, such as plasmids and phages. The genetic conflicts between bacteria and their parasites, aggravated by horizontal gene transfer, exert significant ecological and evolutionary pressure on their respective genomes. The eco-evolutionary significance of parasite-derived elements on bacterial genomes is not well understood.

This study explored the genomics of plasmid-derived genetic elements such as antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), type II endonuclease toxin-antitoxin systems (TAs) and endonuclease colicin-like bacteriocin (CLB) operons, and phage-derived prophages of Escherichia coli using bioinformatics and developing novel hybrid agent-based models. We sequenced eight E. coli isolated from local wastewater …

Pm2.5 In The Respirable Air A Threat To Heart Health Investigating The Influence On Cardiovascular Performance And Unmasking The Potential Strategies For Cardio Protection, Bhavana Sivakumar

Theses and Dissertations

Air pollution, characterized by the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, represents a significant environmental and public health challenge impacting millions worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 90% of the global population resides in regions where air pollution surpasses the recommended thresholds for healthy air quality. Within the realm of air pollution, the composition of particulate matter emerges as a pivotal consideration, particularly regarding PM2.5, comprising minute particles originating from diverse sources such as combustion processes, industrial operations, and natural phenomena like wildfires and dust storms. PM2.5 exhibit a range of chemical and physical attributes contingent …

Exploring Berberine As A Novel Therapeutic Agent Against Staphylococcus Aureus Infections: Targeting Inflammation And Antibiotic Resistance, Daniel Kopulos

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile Gram-positive bacterium commonly found on human skin. While often harmless, it can cause various infections when the skin is compromised, ranging from minor issues to life-threatening conditions in immunocompromised individuals.

The bacterium’s ability to resist antibiotics, particularly methicillin, underscores its clinical challenge. Staphylococcus aureus can also acquire vancomycin resistance. It evades immune responses through multiple mechanisms, including capsule formation, interference with immune proteins like staphylococcal protein A, and secretion of toxins such as Panton-Valentine Leukocidin. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective strategies against Staphylococcus aureus infections.

The immune response to Staphylococcus aureus infections …

Single-Center Clinical Experience Of Extended Sleeve Lobectomy (Esl) Versus Standard Sleeve Lobectomy (Sl), Haoyou Wang, Wei Wang, Peng Zu, Gregor J Kocher, Mara B Antonoff, Alberto Lopez-Pastorini, Chenlei Zhang, Wei Chen, Hongxu Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Sleeve lobectomy (SL) and extended SL (ESL), which aim to preserve pulmonary function and enhance the quality of life of patients while ensuring oncological outcomes, are valuable surgical options for the treatment of centrally located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to compare perioperative adverse events and long-term survival between SL and ESL in NSCLC patients, providing a comprehensive review of surgical outcomes, complications, and survival to assess the roles of SL and ESL in thoracic oncology.

Methods: This single-center retrospective study assessed the outcomes of NSCLC patients who underwent SL or ESL from June 2014 to …

Cmtm4 Inhibits Gastric Tumorigenesis And Metastasis, Xiurui Han, Weiwei Fu, Qinghua Sun, Jing Ning, Jing Zhang, Silvio Matsas, Fabrício Freire De Melo, Hejun Zhang, Xinyu Hao, Qiao Meng, Yueqing Gong, Huiling Zheng, Jing Zhang, Shigang Ding

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 4 (CMTM4) is involved in immune regulation and tumor progression; however, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. This study explored the role and mechanism of CMTM4 in GC.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze CMTM4 expression in human gastric biopsied cells from patients with GC (N=23) or chronic superficial gastritis (N=23). To investigate the function of CMTM4 in GC cells, the gene

RESULTS: CMTM4 expression was more downregulated in the human GC tissues than the gastritis tissues. CMTM4 overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the GC cells, whereas CMTM4 knockdown …

The Potential For Automated Insect Classification Using Infrared Remote Sensing, Rachel Deahl

Theses

Insects play an important role within ecosystems, occupying almost all trophic levels and providing crucial services such as pollination and decomposition. In addition, they can directly and negatively impact humans as crop pests, parasites, and disease vectors. Thus, it is essential to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of insect populations and communities. Various forms of remote sensing, such as LiDAR, have been used to capture data on insects but often are costly and require advanced expertise. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate a cost-effective methodology that balances information loss. This thesis aims to outline the discrimination required …

Antioxidant, Photoprotective, And Cytotoxic Activities Of Tristaniopsis Merguensis Leaf Fractions With Molecular Docking Study Of Potential Fraction, Boima Situmeang, Respati Tri Swasono, Tri Joko Raharjo

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Through experimental along with molecular docking techniques of potential fraction, this study intended to evaluate the essential phytochemical elements of Tristaniopsis merguensis leaflets as well as potential antioxidant, photoprotective, along with cytotoxic activities. The DPPH and ABTS tests were used to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of the n-hexane (HPF), ethyl acetate (EPF), and methanol (MPF) fractions. Using an in-vitro solar protection factor (SPF) assessment, the photoprotective ability of T. merguensis components against UV damage was examined. Subsequently, invitro cytotoxic research were carried out against MCF-7 cell line (breast cancer line) assay. This was followed by molecular docking stimulation testing against …

Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In A Local Wastewater Treatment Plant In North Georgia, Nou Moua, Lindsay Mccuen, Sarah White, Swapna Bhat, Margi Flood, Jeanelle Morgan

Georgia Journal of Science

Antibiotics are some of the most essential lifesaving drugs currently available to us against infectious diseases. Several pathogens are developing resistance to these drugs and many have become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Such multi-drug resistance is becoming a global issue and has been found in many environments including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, we sampled a local WWTP for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This WWTP is in North Georgia and runs directly into Lake Lanier, which is the main source of drinking water for the Atlanta area as well as a popular spot for water recreation. We obtained treated and …

Methodologies For Dry Fixation And Taxidermy Of Education-Oriented Scorpion Specimens, Victoria Tang

Euscorpius

Scorpions hold a renowned status as iconic creatures across numerous cultures in the world. Traditionally preserved as desiccated specimens for educational purposes, they have been exhibited in museums and pedagogic collections, serving as concrete epistemological conduits for public education on biodiversity. However, these specimens frequently lack meticulous organization, potentially misrepresenting the animals’ ethological characteristics. This brief article aims to offer paradigmatic guidance for taxidermy of scorpions, ensuring a more accurate depiction of their in vivo habitus, achievable through the use of readily obtainable tools and undemanding techniques.

Acute Kidney Injury Induced Lithium Toxicity With Concomitant Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Yin Ye Lai, Normaizuwana M. Mokhtar, Intan Nureslyna Samsudin, Subashini C. Thambiah

BioMedicine

Lithium, despite being an indispensable agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, has a narrow therapeutic index and needs to be carefully administered. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication due to central dopaminergic blockade. This case report illustrates the challenges in lithium therapy particularly related to the development of NMS when further risk factors such as polypharmacy and dehydration are present. We report a case of a 50-year-old man with underlying bipolar affective disorder who was previously able to tolerate olanzapine and lithium well, however developed chronic lithium toxicity due to diminished lithium elimination in …

Loss Of Tyrosine 211 Phosphorylation Of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (Pcna) Enhances Postnatal Mammary Gland Development, Yi-Chun Shen, You-Zhe Lin, Wan-Rong Wu, Pei-Le Lin, Chien-Ching Liao, Feng-Chi Chung, Chia-Yun Chen, Ching-Yu Weng, Shao-Chun Wang

BioMedicine

The intricately orchestrated progression of mammary tissue development involves the precise coordination of gland differentiation and cellular proliferation. Nevertheless, the understanding of the role and regulatory mechanisms governing the DNA replication machinery in mammary gland development remains limited. Given the essential role of DNA replication in the viability of living cells, any genetic disturbance to its replicative function, in any form, will impede organ development. This circumstance poses a technical challenge in elucidating the potential function of cell proliferation in mammary morphogenesis. PCNA is crucial in DNA replication, playing a pivotal role in the development of complete eukaryotic organisms. The …

Effect Of Inulin From Dahlia Tubers (Dahlia Variabilis) Extract On Insulitis Severity And Insulin Expression In Diabetic Rats, Ismawati Ismawati, Saryono Saryono, Mukhyarjon Mukhyarjon, Ilhami Romus, Veni Dayu Putri, Sri Yanti, Fitri Dyna, Nada Idzdihari Adesti

BioMedicine

Background: Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis), a widely cultivated ornamental plant in Indonesia, is known to contain 84.08% inulin in its tubers. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of inulin from various plant sources. However, most of the research is in the form of a mixture of inulin with other active substances, and no one has analyzed the effects of inulin derived from dahlia tubers. This study examines the effect of inulin from dahlia tuber extract on blood glucose levels, serum insulin expression, pancreatic tissue insulin expression, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the extent of …

Effect Of Mucuna Pruriens Seed Extract On Depression-Like Behavior Derived From Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Rats, Alfonso Mata-Bermudez, Ricardo Trejo-Chávez, Marina Martínez-Vargas, Adán Pérez-Arredondo, María De Los Ángeles Martínez-Cárdenas, Araceli Diaz-Ruiz, Camilo Rios, Héctor Alonso Romero-Sánchez, Agustino Martínez-Antonio, Luz Navarro

BioMedicine

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe health problem for which there is no specific treatment, leading to neurological or neuropsychological consequences. One of the most described disorders, even after mild TBI (mTBI), is depression, related to mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) plant has various antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose: There is insufficient evidence of M. pruriens use for the treatment of neurobehavioral and depressive impairments induced by TBI and of the mechanisms underlying this effect, so we aimed to evaluate the ability of shortterm administration of M. pruriens extract …

Effect Of Alantolactones On Cardiac Parameters Of Animals Under Artificially Induced Oxidative Stress, Mishal Fatima, Hina Andaleeb, Tanzila Rehman, Ouz Gul, Shanza Azeezz, Huzaifa Rehman, Haq Nawaz

BioMedicine

Purpose: Phytochemicals have been found effective in reducing the oxidative stress and damage to cardiovascular and other tissues. In this study, the effects of alantolactone (AL) on cardiac parameters in rabbits exposed to artificially-induced oxidative stress were investigated. Method: The oxidative stress was induced in a group of White New Zealand rabbits by injecting 40% hydrogen peroxide solution (1 ml/kg body weight) thrice with an interval of 72 h. The hydrogen peroxide-treated animals were orally treated with AL extracted from the roots of Inula helenium (1 ml/kg repeated thrice after 72 h). Blood samples were taken before and after the …

Polyphenols In Bee Products And Prevention Of Cell Senescence, Siti Nuriah Mohd Noor, Marahaini Musa, Ahmad Azlina, Siew Hua Gan, Kannan Thirumulu Ponnuraj

BioMedicine

Sustaining the continuity of cells and their homeostasis throughout the lifespan is compulsory for the survival of an organism. Cellular senescence is one of mechanisms involved in cell homeostasis and survival, and plays both important and detrimental roles in the maintenance of malfunctioned and normal cells. However, when exposed to various insults (genetic, metabolic and environmental), the cells undergo oxidative stress which may induce premature senescence, or so-called stress-induced premature senescence. Many age-related diseases are associated with premature senescence. Hence, there is growing interest in the intake of natural sources such as dietary food, which has protective functions on human …

Special Supplement Issue On Quality Assurance And Enrichment Of Biological And Biomedical Ontologies And Terminologies, Licong Cui, Ankur Agrawal

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Ontologies and terminologies serve as the backbone of knowledge representation in biomedical domains, facilitating data integration, interoperability, and semantic understanding across diverse applications. However, the quality assurance and enrichment of these resources remain an ongoing challenge due to the dynamic nature of biomedical knowledge. In this editorial, we provide an introductory summary of seven articles included in this special supplement issue for quality assurance and enrichment of biological and biomedical ontologies and terminologies. These articles span a spectrum of topics, such as development of automated quality assessment frameworks for Resource Description Framework (RDF) resources, identification of missing concepts in SNOMED …

The Neuroscience Of Mindfulness Based Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Elizabeth Strasser

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy and neuroscience are two fields which are currently growing and expanding with the development of new technology which allows for therapists and scientists to advance their understanding of how the brain and the body respond to the world around us. The interaction between the brain, body, and environment is complex, and for the sake of clarity for this thesis this interaction will be conceptualized through the lens of the body-mind model, polyvagal theory, neuroaesthetics, the flow state, mindfulness, sensory engagement, and art as therapy. Neuroscience in relation to psychology can be used to develop a deeper understanding of …

Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Behavioral Phenotypes Are Not Underscored By Different Gut Microbiomes, Paul A. Ayayee, Ryan Y. Wong

Biology Faculty Publications

Although bold and shy behavioral phenotypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been selectively bred and maintained over multiple generations, it is unclear if they are underscored by different gut microbiota. Using the microbiota–gut–brain concept, we examined the relationship between gut microbiota and the behavioral phenotypes within this model animal system to assess possible gut microbe-mediated effects on host behavior. To this end, we amplified and sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons from the guts of bold and shy zebrafish individuals using the Illumina Miseq platform. We did not record any significant differences in within-group microbial diversity nor between-group community …

Avicennia Marina Mangrove Plant Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles And Their Therapeutic Activity Against Oral Pathogens And Other Biological Properties, Kannan Kamala, Pitchiah Sivaperumal, Dhanraj Ganapathy

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

In the last few decades nanoparticles are widely used in the control of many pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer growth both in-vitro and in-vivo. A marine plant of Avicennia marina is widely used in traditional medicine for diabetes, inflammation and skin diseases. Objective: In general Avicennia marina has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases and it has shown significant inhibition against various pathogen and the formation of free radicals. Also, the plant A.marina mediated selenium nanoparticles has therapeutic activity has promising to develop biocompatible new cost effective treatment for various oral diseases. Methods: …

In Silico Modelling And Docking Simulation Of Egfr-Targeted Diphtheria Toxin Chimera With Various Targeting Moieties, Muhammad Afif Naufal Bmed, Benedictus Ansell Susanto Bmed, Talitha Dinda Gunawan Bmed, Azhar Ridha Lukman Bmed, Alifa Rahma Rizqina Bmed, Muhammad Misbahul Fuad Bmed

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Introduction: Cancer is a major etiology of death worldwide due to high mortality and suboptimal medicine. However, an emerging field, targeted therapy enabled a more selective and effective therapeutic action. This article aims to analyze in-silico the hypothetical targeted therapy agent that is combinations of conjugate consisting of EGFR targeting moieties and diphtheria toxin (DT-390).

Method: Our novel peptide is a conjugate of a novel EGFR targeting peptide and DT-390, forming a chimera. The tertiary structure was predicted using AlphaFold 2.0. The best IDDT scoring and stereochemistry profiles were utilized. The HADDOCK2.4 webserver modelled the docking between our …