Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Protective Efficacy Of A Sars-Cov-2 Vaccine Candidate B1351v Against Several Variant Challenges In K18-Hace2 Mice, Jie Yang, Huifen Fan, Anna Yang, Wenhui Wang, Xin Wan, Fengjie Lin, Dongsheng Yang, Jie Wu, Kaiwen Wang, Wei Li, Qian Cai, Lei You, Deqin Pang, Jia Lu, Changfu Guo, Jinrong Shi, Yan Sun, Xinguo Li, Kai Duan, Shuo Shen, Shengli Meng, Jing Guo, Zejun Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility and partial resistance to neutralization by antibodies has been observed globally. There is an urgent need for an effective vaccine to combat these variants. Our study demonstrated that the B.1.351 variant inactivated vaccine candidate (B.1.351V) generated strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses in BALB/c mice against the B.1.351 virus and other SARS-CoV-2 variants after two doses within 28 days. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice also exhibited elevated levels of live virus-neutralizing antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Following infection with these viruses, K18-hACE2 mice displayed a stable body weight, a high survival …

A/B Testing Of User Enrollment Forms To Enhance Diversity In The Biomedical Workforce Via The National Research Mentoring Network: User-Centered Design Case Study, Toufeeq Ahmed Syed, Erika L Thompson, Jason Johnson, Zainab Latif, Nan Kennedy, Damaris Javier, Katie Stinson, Jamboor K Vishwanatha

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is a National Institutes of Health-funded program for diversifying the science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine research workforce through the provision of mentoring, networking, and professional development resources. The NRMN provides mentoring resources to members through its online platform-MyNRMN.

OBJECTIVE: MyNRMN helps members build a network of mentors. Our goal was to expand enrollment and mentoring connections, especially among those who have been historically underrepresented in biomedical training and the biomedical workforce.

METHODS: To improve the ease of enrollment, we implemented the split testing of iterations of our user interface for platform registration. …

Influence Of Polypyrrole On Phosphorus- And Tio2-Based Anode Nanomaterials For Li-Ion Batteries, Chiwon Kang, Kibum Song, Seungho Ha, Yujin Sung, Yejin Kim, Keun-Young Shin, Byung Hyo Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Phosphorus (P) and TiO2 have been extensively studied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high specific capacities. However, P is limited by low electrical conductivity and significant volume changes during charge and discharge cycles, while TiO2 is hindered by low electrical conductivity and slow Li-ion diffusion. To address these issues, we synthesized organic–inorganic hybrid anode materials of P–polypyrrole (PPy) and TiO2–PPy, through in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of the nanoscale inorganic materials. These hybrid anode materials showed higher cycling stability and capacity compared to pure P and TiO2. The enhancements are attributed …

Towards Environmentally Sustainable Preservation Of Heritage Buildings, Rozal Rozal Yousef Hanna1, Ayman Gamal El-Din Abd El- Tawab2, Walaa Abou El- Haggag Mehanna3

Journal of Engineering Research

The construction industry, characterized by its intricate processes and extensive stakeholder networks, stands at the cusp of a digital revolution. The adoption of blockchain-smart contract (BCSC) technology is at the heart of this transformation. This research delves deep into the BCSC within the construction arena to provide comprehensive insight into its probable applications, inherent challenges, and potential future trajectories. Leveraging the PRISMA analysis technique, a curated collection of relevant academic research articles was assembled, shedding light on the existing body of knowledge regarding the application of BCSC technology in construction. The authors developed an innovative user interface tool customized to …

Review: Protection Of Wooden Structures With Nano-Titanium Dioxide Coating, Zienab Zienab A. Ahmed1*, And M. M. Mosallem2

Journal of Engineering Research

Wood is widely used for various purposes with good performance. Wood works as the main material for furniture, monuments, decorations and constructions. which has the close relationship with human. Durability of wood is important in ensuring an appropriate life for the structure being designed. Wooden construction deteriorates easily due to UV radiation and weather conditions. Many of wood types need a preservative treatment. Several compounds are available for chemical protection, but not all are completely safe for human health. New technologies with low environmental impact and economically feasible are developed, which improves the life cycle of wood. Titanium dioxide is …

Urbanism Strategies For Linking Existing And New Cities, Naglaa J. Q. Mo’Men Abdel-Qader Ebrahim1, Mohsen Bayad2

Journal of Engineering Research

New cities, designed for urban growth outside existing metropolitan regions, face challenges in street infrastructure due to rapid expansion. Efficient control of mobility is crucial as cities grow. Sustainable transportation involves factors like infrastructure, public transit, delivery networks, affordability, efficiency, air quality, health, and reduced emissions. Commuting between established and new urban areas is common, leading to issues like urban sprawl, longer travel times, and congestion in developing countries. The challenge is to improve accessibility while addressing air quality, traffic, congestion, noise, built environment, emissions, and sprawl. This study aims to explore factors influencing mobility choices in Egypt, focusing on …

Ocular Gene Transfer In The Spotlight: Implications Of Newspaper Content For Clinical Communications, Shelly Benjaminy, Tania M. Bubela

Office of the Provost

Background: Ocular gene transfer clinical trials are raising hopes for blindness treatments and attracting media attention. News media provide an accessible health information source for patients and the public, but are often criticized for overemphasizing benefits and underplaying risks of novel biomedical interventions. Overly optimistic portrayals of unproven interventions may influence public and patient expectations; the latter may cause patients to downplay risks and over-emphasize benefits, with implications for informed consent for clinical trials. We analyze the news media communications landscape about ocular gene transfer and make recommendations for improving communications between clinicians and potential trial participants in light of …

Mechanisms And Mass Transfer Kinetics Of Cr(Vi) Adsorbed By Mussel Shell Incorporated Adsorptive Membrane, Mohamad Ali Fulazzaky, Nur Atikah Abdul Salim, Mohd Hafiz Puteh, Tiffany L. Messer, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Juhana Jaafar, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mukhlis A. Rahman

UK CARES Faculty Publications

The presence of Cr(VI) results in pollution that threatens human health and aquatic life. Therefore, there is an urgent need for Cr(VI) to be removed from contaminated water. The mussel shell incorporated polyethersulfone (MSPES) membranes designed to form the flat sheet adsorptive membrane (FSAM) crossflow treatment systems was used to remove Cr(VI) from synthetic solution. The physicochemical properties of the MSPES membrane were verified using an atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, and water contact angle goniometer. The performance of MSPES2.0 to remove Cr(VI) ions ranged from 15.00 to 16.05 % was higher than that of MSPES2.2 ranged from 10.00 …

Use Of Cobalt(Iii) And Copper(Ii) Complexes With Thiosemicarbazone Ligands And Berberine Chloride As Anti-Cancer Agents Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Duaa Rashad Alajroush

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

It is a worrying fact that chemotherapeutic options for treating triple negative breast cancer are limited in nature, including the use of inorganic pharmaceuticals such as cisplatin and its analogues. It has been reported that cisplatin has undesirable side effects when used as a chemotherapeutic drug. As such, there is a need to use non-platinum-containing complexes as chemotherapeutic agents. Based on that issue, it has been reported by our research group and others that cobalt- and copper-containing complexes have shown great potential in anti-cancer properties when compared to cisplatin. In this research project, the cytotoxic effects of the following complexes: …

Fedgmmat: Federated Generalized Linear Mixed Model Association Tests, Wentao Li, Han Chen, Xiaoqian Jiang, Arif Harmanci

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Increasing genetic and phenotypic data size is critical for understanding the genetic determinants of diseases. Evidently, establishing practical means for collaboration and data sharing among institutions is a fundamental methodological barrier for performing high-powered studies. As the sample sizes become more heterogeneous, complex statistical approaches, such as generalized linear mixed effects models, must be used to correct for the confounders that may bias results. On another front, due to the privacy concerns around Protected Health Information (PHI), genetic information is restrictively protected by sharing according to regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This limits data sharing …

Identification Of Immune-Associated Biomarkers Of Diabetes Nephropathy Tubulointerstitial Injury Based On Machine Learning: A Bioinformatics Multi-Chip Integrated Analysis, Lin Wang, Jiaming Su, Zhongjie Liu, Shaowei Ding, Yaotan Li, Baoluo Hou, Yuxin Hu, Zhaoxi Dong, Jingyi Tang, Hongfang Liu, Weijing Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes and has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. A considerable number of DN patients have experienced irreversible end-stage renal disease progression due to the inability to diagnose the disease early. Therefore, reliable biomarkers that are helpful for early diagnosis and treatment are identified. The migration of immune cells to the kidney is considered to be a key step in the progression of DN-related vascular injury. Therefore, finding markers in this process may be more helpful for the early diagnosis and progression prediction of DN.

METHODS: The …

Ghcu, A Molecular Chaperone, Regulates Leaf Curling By Modulating The Distribution Of Kngh1 In Cotton, Yihao Zang, Chenyu Xu, Lishan Yu, Longen Ma, Lisha Xuan, Sunyi Yan, Yayao Zhang, Yiwen Cao, Xiaoran Li, Zhanfeng Si, Jieqiong Deng, Tianzhen Zhang, Yan Hu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Leaf shape is considered to be one of the most significant agronomic traits in crop breeding. However, the molecular basis underlying leaf morphogenesis in cotton is still largely unknown. In this study, through genetic mapping and molecular investigation using a natural cotton mutant cu with leaves curling upward, the causal gene GHCU is successfully identified as the key regulator of leaf flattening. Knockout of GHCU or its homolog in cotton and tobacco using CRISPR results in abnormal leaf shape. It is further discovered that GHCU facilitates the transport of the HD protein KNOTTED1-like (KNGH1) from the adaxial to the abaxial …

Genetic Analysis Of Seven Patients With Inherited Ichthyosis And Nagashima-Type Palmoplantar Keratoderma, Jing Zhang, Yue Yao, Ya Tan, Hua-Ying Hu, Lin-Xi Zeng, Guo-Qiang Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Inherited ichthyosis comprises a series of heterogeneous dermal conditions; it mainly manifests as widespread hyperkeratosis, xerosis and scaling of the skin. At times, overlapping symptoms require differential diagnosis between ichthyosis and several other similar disorders. The present study reports seven patients with confirmed or suspected to be associated with ichthyosis by conducting a thorough clinical and genetic investigation. Genetic testing was conducted using whole-exome sequencing, with Sanger sequencing as the validation method. The MEGA7 program was used to analyze the conservation of amino acid residues affected by the detected missense variants. The enrolled patients exhibited ichthyosis-like but distinct clinical manifestations. …

Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy For Optical Characterizations Of Orthotopic Head And Neck Cancer Models In Vivo, Pranto Soumik Saha, Jing Yan, Caigang Zhu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

We demonstrated an easy-to-build, portable diffuse reflectance spectroscopy device along with a Monte Carlo inverse model to quantify tissue absorption and scattering-based parameters of orthotopic head and neck cancer models in vivo. Both tissue-mimicking phantom studies and animal studies were conducted to verify the optical spectroscopy system and Monte Carlo inverse model for the accurate extraction of tissue optical properties. For the first time, we reported the tissue absorption and scattering coefficients of mouse normal tongue tissues and tongue tumor tissues. Our in vivo animal studies showed reduced total hemoglobin concentration, lower tissue vascular oxygen saturation, and increased tissue scattering …

A Probabilistic Approach To Estimate The Temporal Order Of Pathway Mutations Accounting For Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity, Menghan Wang, Yanqi Xie, Jinpeng Liu, Austin Li, Li Chen, Arnold Stromberg, Susanne Arnold, Chunming Liu, Chi Wang

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The development of cancer involves the accumulation of somatic mutations in several essential biological pathways. Delineating the temporal order of pathway mutations during tumori- genesis is crucial for comprehending the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Several computational and statistical methods have been introduced for estimating the order of somatic mutations based on mutation profile data from a cohort of patients. However, one major issue of current methods is that they do not take into account intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH), which limits their ability to accurately discern the order of pathway mutations. To address this …

Response To Replication Stress And Maintenance Of Genome Stability By Wrn, The Werner Syndrome Protein, David K. Orren, Amrita Machwe

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by loss of function of WRN. WS is a segmental progeroid disease and shows early onset or increased frequency of many characteristics of normal aging. WRN possesses helicase, annealing, strand exchange, and exonuclease activities and acts on a variety of DNA substrates, even complex replication and re- combination intermediates. Here, we review the genetics, biochemistry, and probably physiological functions of the WRN protein. Although its precise role is unclear, evidence suggests WRN plays a role in pathways that respond to replication stress and maintain genome stability particularly in telomeric regions.

T. Boudieri Extract Potentiates The Effects Of Capecitabine Treatment In Human Colon Cancer Cells, Katia Sawaya, Mahmoud Khalil, Ghada Khawaja

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major challenge for colorectal cancer patients worldwide, hence the persistent need to uncover alternative treatments as well as new adjunct therapies in the fight against cancer. Natural extracts constitute an excellent source of bioactive substances that have a promising potential in that regard, with minimal negative side effects. We have previously demonstrated that both the ethanolic as well as the water extracts of Terfezia boudieri, a black desert truffle abundant in and part of the cuisine of the Mediterranean region, have significant antiproliferative effects against colon cancer cells. Our aim in this study was …

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Metabolite Diversity Of The Rare Cliff Plant Oresitrophe Rupifraga Unge, Hao Wang, Jinjun Cao, Sheng Chang, Caifeng Yan, Guangming Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Oresitrophe is monotypic, with the only species, Oresitrophe rupifraga Bunge, which is exclusive to China, having special growth and developmental traits due to its habitat. Furthermore, it has bright flowers and medicinal benefits. This study investigated the metabolites present in various tissues of Oresitrophe rupifraga Bunge. Using a widely targeted metabolomics approach, 1965 different metabolites were identified in Oresitrophe rupifraga Bunge. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the aboveground and underground metabolites of Oresitrophe rupifraga differed significantly. The comparison between bulblets and leaves revealed the differential expression of 461 metabolites, whereas the …

Enhancing Tumor Classification Through Machine Learning Algorithms For Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Lawrence Agbota, Edmund F. Agyemang, Priscilla Kissi-Appiah, Lateef Moshood, Akua Osei- Nkwantabisa, Vincent Agbenyeavu, Abraham Nsiah, Augustina Adjei

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In cancer diagnosis, machine learning helps improve cancer detection by providing doctors with a second perspective and allowing for faster and more accurate determination and decisions. Numerous studies have used both classic machine learning approaches and deep learning to address cancer classification. In this study, we examine the efficacy of five commonly used machine learning algorithms; both traditional and deep learning models namely, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree and Deep Neural Networks (DNN). We analyze their ability to properly classify tumors as Benign or Malignant using the Wisconsin breast cancer dataset (WBCD). Random Forest …

Discovering Potential In Non-Cancer Medications: A Promising Breakthrough For Multiple Myeloma Patients., Omar S Al-Odat, Emily Nelson, Tulin Budak-Alpdogan, Subash C. Jonnalagadda, Dhimant Desai, Manoj K Pandey

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common type of cancer that unfortunately leads to a significant number of deaths each year. The majority of the reported MM cases are detected in the advanced stages, posing significant challenges for treatment. Additionally, all MM patients eventually develop resistance or experience relapse; therefore, advances in treatment are needed. However, developing new anti-cancer drugs, especially for MM, requires significant financial investment and a lengthy development process. The study of drug repurposing involves exploring the potential of existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. This can significantly reduce both time and costs, which are typically a major …

Considerations For Quality Control Monitoring Of Machine Learning Models In Clinical Practice, Louis Faust, Patrick Wilson, Shusaku Asai, Sunyang Fu, Hongfang Liu, Xiaoyang Ruan, Curt Storlie

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Integrating machine learning (ML) models into clinical practice presents a challenge of maintaining their efficacy over time. While existing literature offers valuable strategies for detecting declining model performance, there is a need to document the broader challenges and solutions associated with the real-world development and integration of model monitoring solutions. This work details the development and use of a platform for monitoring the performance of a production-level ML model operating in Mayo Clinic. In this paper, we aimed to provide a series of considerations and guidelines necessary for integrating such a platform into a team's technical infrastructure and workflow. We …

3d Organ-Scale Models Of Tumor Growth And Treatment, Rafael Ramon Bravo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To understand the dynamics of cancer, mathematical oncologists have developed models of tumor growth and treatment response. Some models are mechanistic and approach tumor growth at the cell-scale, focusing on the evolution of cancerous cells within the ecology of normal tissue, and are often simulated with agent-based modeling. Other models are more clinically motivated and model tumor growth operating at the organ-scale, using patient data to predict treatment response, and are often simulated with partial differential equations. We developed the Hybrid Automata Library which includes both agent-based modeling and partial differential equations for modeling at either of these scales. We …

The Confluence, Volume3, Issue 2, Full Issue

The Confluence

No abstract provided.

Microencapsulation Of Cosmos Caudatus Kunth Extract Using Sodium Alginate And In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Test, Safina Samara Nur Fadlila, Oktavia Eka Puspita, Zubaidah Ningsih, Anna Safitri

Makara Journal of Science

This study aims to encapsulate Cosmos caudatus K. leaf extract in sodium alginate crosslinked with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as coating materials through freeze-drying. Antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the applicability of the microcapsules as antidiabetic medicines. Their characteristics, antioxidant activity, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were also examined. Results indicated that the concentration of sodium alginate and pH influenced the manufacturing process of the microcapsules. The highest EE was obtained at pH 6 and alginate concentration of 2% (w/v). The IC₅₀ for the antioxidant activity of the microcapsules was 139.96 ± 1.094 μg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed …

From Graph Theory For Robust Deep Networks To Graph Learning For Multimodal Cancer Analysis, Asim Waqas

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the intersection of graph theory and deep learning, focusing on enhancing the robustness of deep neural networks (DNNs) and applying these advancements to complex problems like cancer diagnosis and treatment. We investigate the structural properties of graphs and their influence on neural network performance, particularly in multimodal learning. The work delves into the design space of DNN architectures using graph-theoretic measures, transforming graphs into DNN architectures for various tasks, and examining their robustness against noise and adversarial attacks. The study extends to medical imaging, highlighting advanced DNN architectures like U-Net for brain tumor segmentation. It addresses the …

06.24.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Research Networking Lunch (LINC), NIH podcast, CREW (Community First Research Center for Wellbeing and Creative Achievement) Premier Physics Experiment

Black Holes In Time: The Effect Of Grid Radiation On The Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Rebecca A. Bekker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Tumor-immune interactions shape a developing tumor and its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) resulting in either well-infiltrated, immunologically inflamed ‘hot’ tumor beds, or ‘cold’ immune deserts with low levels of infiltration. The pre-treatment immune state of the TIME is associated with treatment outcome; immunologically hot tumors generally exhibit better responses to radio- and immunotherapy than cold tumors. However, radiotherapy is known to induce opposing immunological consequences, resulting in both immunostimulatory and inhibitory responses. In fact, it is thought that the radiation induced tumoricidal immune response is curtailed by subsequent applications of radiation. Thus, I hypothesize that spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), administered …

Discovery Of Runs-Of-Homozygosity Diplotype Clusters And Their Associations With Diseases In Uk Biobank, Ardalan Naseri, Degui Zhi, Shaojie Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Runs-of-homozygosity (ROH) segments, contiguous homozygous regions in a genome were traditionally linked to families and inbred populations. However, a growing literature suggests that ROHs are ubiquitous in outbred populations. Still, most existing genetic studies of ROH in populations are limited to aggregated ROH content across the genome, which does not offer the resolution for mapping causal loci. This limitation is mainly due to a lack of methods for the efficient identification of shared ROH diplotypes. Here, we present a new method, ROH-DICE (runs-of-homozygous diplotype cluster enumerator), to find large ROH diplotype clusters, sufficiently long ROHs shared by a sufficient number …

Study Of Prognostic Splicing Factors In Cancer Using Machine Learning Approaches, Mengyuan Yang, Jiajia Liu, Pora Kim, Xiaobo Zhou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Splicing factors (SFs) are the major RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and key molecules that regulate the splicing of mRNA molecules through binding to mRNAs. The expression of splicing factors is frequently deregulated in different cancer types, causing the generation of oncogenic proteins involved in cancer hallmarks. In this study, we investigated the genes that encode RNA-binding proteins and identified potential splicing factors that contribute to the aberrant splicing applying a random forest classification model. The result suggested 56 splicing factors were related to the prognosis of 13 cancers, two SF complexes in liver hepatocellular carcinoma, and one SF complex in esophageal …

Potent And Selective Small Molecule Mcl-1 Inhibitor Demonstrates Anti-Myeloma Activity And Overcomes Chemotherapy Resistance, Omar Sami Faleh Al-Odat

Theses and Dissertations

Despite a record number of clinical studies investigating various anti-myeloma treatments, the 5-year survival rate for multiple myeloma (MM) patients in the US is only 55%, and nearly all patients relapse. Poor patient outcomes demonstrate that myeloma cells are "born to survive” which means they can adapt and evolve following treatment. Thus, new therapeutic approaches to combat survival mechanisms and target treatment resistance are required. Importantly, Mcl-1, anti-apoptotic protein, is required for the development of MM and treatment resistance. This study looks at the possibility of KS18, a selective Mcl-1 inhibitor, to treat MM and overcome resistance. Our investigation demonstrates …