26242 research outputs found
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Exploring the Potential of the Novel Killer Toxin K21L in \u3cem\u3eSaccharomyces kudriavzevii\u3c/em\u3e
No full textFungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, pose a significant threat to global health. A potential alternative to traditional antifungal drugs lies in the application of “killer toxins” produced by certain yeast strains. Yeast exhibiting the killer phenotype are capable of secreting toxins that are harmful to neighboring susceptible yeasts while maintaining immunity themselves. A survey of killer toxin-producing yeasts has discovered a novel killer toxin found in Saccharomyces kudriavzevii. This killer toxin is a homolog of the K21 toxin found in Saccharomyces paradoxus and has been named K21-like (K21L). K21L is strikingly similar to K21, with 88.15% similarity and 81.21% identity at the amino acid level. In addition, secondary and tertiary structure predictions of both toxins show many conserved features, indicating K21 and K21L may share similar mechanisms of antifungal activity. This project aims to confirm the presence of the K21L gene and killer toxin expression by S. kudriavzevii and to characterize the function of these killer toxins. Preliminary data shows differences in their spectrums of activity and immunity and similar conditions for optimal antifungal activities. The homology of K21L and K21 at both the sequence and structural level allows for the development of chimeric toxins designed using molecular modeling to gain insights into what determines their differences in activity and immunity. This knowledge is essential for the potential future use of these toxins to target human pathogens
Hydrogeologic Heterogeneity Influences on Groundwater Flow and Residence Times at the South Fork Palouse River Mountain Front
No full textTo provide a framework for an upcoming groundwater age-dating study, we analyzed 47 wells within the mountain-front of the South Fork Palouse River basin. This area is a critical recharge interface, where water bypasses impermeable basalts to feed the region\u27s primary basalt-alluvium aquifer system. Our analysis identifies two distinct recharge systems: a shallow alluvial system (36% of wells) with moderate productivity (median 6 GPM), and a deeper, fractured Idaho Batholith system (53%) with highly variable productivity (0.5-60 GPM). Despite their structural differences, the key finding is that both systems are defined by extreme heterogeneity, creating highly tortuous flow paths. This geological complexity is critical for the planned tracer study, which aims to distinguish fast and slow recharge pathways by detecting anthropogenic markers. The tortuous flow paths mean any water sample is a composite of waters with different residence times. Therefore, a positive tracer detection indicates a sample contains a component of young water, not that the entire water body is young. Our findings provide the essential framework for interpreting upcoming tracer results, as the dual-system geology and heterogeneous flow paths create a wide distribution of residence times that must be considered when assessing recharge rates
Unearthing the Dead: An Investigation of Mesoamerican Chultun Burials at Archaeological Sites in Belize
No full textChultuns are often a subject of debate within the Mesoamerican archaeological community. These bottle-shaped subterranean structures are man-made chambered pits often found near residential complexes. Their primary function has not been able to be defined by researchers due to several issues. An interesting use found for these structures is as burial sites. This study focuses on a sampling of 62 individuals from various Maya chultun burials in Belize. The chultun burials span across 10 maximal site locations including Cahal Pech, Xual-Canil, Nohoch Ek, La Milpa, Cerro Maya, Minanha, Chaa Creek, Blue Creek, Caracol, and Ka’Kabish. Through the creation of a chultun burial database using archaeological field reports and a spatial analysis this research established potential connections and points of comparison between the chultun burials. In doing so, this study provides a starting point for future research into chultun burials and their relevance to Maya mortuary archaeology
SENP-1 Inhibition Alleviates Parkinson\u27s Disease-Related Signs and Reverses Damages from Preformed Fibrils of Alpha-Synuclein
No full textParkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deterioration of both motor and non-motor functions. PD and dementia with Lewy bodies are linked to the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein, a protein whose normal function remains unclear. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) noticeably alter the normal function and solubility of alpha-synuclein, affecting its roles in normal cellular processes and gain-of-function in pathology. SUMOylation is a PTM where a Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) is covalently attached to proteins, influencing their location, function, and stability. DeSUMOylation carried out by SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs), removes SUMO proteins, which regulates protein solubility and function. Our findings show that SENP1 removes SUMO1 from alpha-synuclein when the preformed fibril (PFF) of alpha-synuclein induced toxicity occurs, implicating reduced SUMOylation in PD pathology. Our results support that SENP1 levels were significantly elevated in the in vitro and in vivo models. A natural SENP1 inhibitor, Momordin Ic reduced the PFF-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein aggregation in N27p dopaminergic cells. These results suggest that preventing deSUMOylation by SENP1 inhibition can decrease oxidative stress and alpha-synuclein-mediated Lewy body pathology. Therefore, we believe that SENP1 inhibition may offer an excellent therapeutic approach for PD and possibly other neurodegeneration
Compatibility of Monomers and Fillers in Polysulfide Composites
No full textPolymer composites are made by combining a polymer matrix with another material to enhance their properties. Polymer composites are used in a wide variety of industries. Examples include body panels in cars, prosthetics, bicycle frames, and packaging materials. Other groups have used sulfur-based polymers to create materials that outperform current building materials using a greener fabrication process, inverse vulcanization. Inverse vulcanization combines sulfur with organic molecules to make high sulfur content polymers. Sulfur is inexpensive and abundant as a waste product, making the process cost-effective and sustainable. Sulfur-based polymer composites have very limited prior research. This project uses inverse vulcanization to combine sulfur with different monomers and fillers such as metals, metal oxides, and carbon sources to enhance the material properties. These polysulfides were characterized to determine the impact of the monomer structure and its compatibility with different fillers. H NMR was performed to ensure complete polymerization. DSC and TGA examined the thermal behaviors and stability. The solubility and material properties were also analyzed. This study has found that the inclusion of fillers can enhance polysulfide properties but the compatibility between the monomer and filler has a substantial impact on the quality of the final composite
Fabrication and Testing of a Custom Potting System for Porcine Hip Specimens
No full textDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a biomechanical disease of infancy that requires intervention in 2 of 1000 infants, yet understanding of disease biomechanics is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to fabricate and test a potting system for porcine hips with surgically induced hip dysplasia in a six degrees of freedom joint simulator (AMTI VIVO). The VIVO allows for the application of simulated forces and rotations to in-vitro joint specimens. To properly test the specimens, a repeatable method of fixturing and testing the specimens was needed. To achieve this, an aluminum potting system was developed. This system ensures reproducibility in the fixturing and testing of porcine hip specimens in the VIVO. In addition to the aluminum pots, the pelvis is secured during potting with a 3D-printed jig. The potted specimen is attached to the VIVO, where a ground reaction force and rotations about the flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and interior/exterior axis were applied. These forces and rotations were recorded over twenty cycles. The results from this pilot study will be used to validate a computation model of a porcine hip
Video Review and Data Quantification for Biomechanics of Bedsharing Study
No full textThere are approximately 3,500 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) each year, ~ 60% of incidents occurred while caregiver-infant dyads shared a sleep surface [1]. The overall objective of our study is to analyze biomechanical risks associated with the at-home bedsharing environment, including variables which may facilitate infant rolling. To accomplish this, we are collecting video recordings of caregiver-infant dyads during sleep in their home environment. The purpose of my project is to review these collected videos from participants to quantify movement events and positions using pre-determined data quantification rules. The methodology included evaluating videos in full, marking movement events, noting sleep postures of both the head and body, and observing total caregiver-infant contact time. Movement events were timed from the second of or the second before the onset of movement. Quantification of caregiver and infant movement was based on magnitude of the movement rather than duration. A minimum time of 10 seconds was required to qualify as a change in sleep posture; movement events which did not result in variance or change in sleep position was not factored into posture data. Further analysis included the calculation of total time spent in each sleep posture for the head and body. The development of this methodology will enable us to systematically quantify important characteristics of caregiver-infant bedsharing.
[1] Erck Lambert AB, Shapiro-Mendoza CK, Parks SE, et al. Pediatrics (2024) 153 (3): e2023061984
Exploring Innovative Approaches to Micropropagate North American Cloudberry (\u3cem\u3eRubus chamaemorus\u3c/em\u3e)
No full textCloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a nutritionally rich and uniquely flavored berry with high commercial potential. However, declining wild populations and limited success of conventional propagation methods hinder conservation and commercial cultivation. The species\u27 complex physical and chemical seed dormancy further complicates propagation, highlighting the need for efficient in vitro techniques. This project aims to develop a standardized micropropagation protocol to ensure a reliable and uniform supply of cloudberry plant material. Two genotypes (PI 672676 and PI 672677) were obtained from the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository. The seeds were soaked overnight on a shaker to remove the endocarp, surface-sterilized, treated with gibberellic acid (GA₃) for an hour, and cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (½ MS) medium supplemented with 4 µM or 8.9 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The GA₃ treatment enhanced germination, with seeds germinating approximately two weeks earlier than untreated controls. So far, 19 plantlets have been regenerated from PI 672677 and 5 from PI 672676 using MS, ½ MS, and PH media enhanced with varying amount of BAP. However, post-germination shoot development was most vigorous on PH medium supplemented with 4 µM BAP. Future efforts will focus on optimizing growth media to accelerate development and increase propagation efficiency
Body Composition and Strength Profiles of Normal Weight Obese Females: A Hidden Risk Population
No full textBody mass index (BMI) is the primary measure of obesity used in medical practice and fails to identify 50% of individuals who are genuinely obese. Consequently, there is a hidden population of individuals with high body fat who are misclassified as nonobese by BMI and described as ‘normal weight obese’ (NWO). This misclassification is particularly common in females in early adulthood, college, and childbearing years. Limited research exists on NWO in females with proper menstrual cycle phase study design. The purpose of this study was to identify health and fitness differences between NWO and normal weight lean (NWL) females. Participants completed three visits (1: 48-hr post menses; 2: 72-hr post ovulation; 3: 72-hr post visit 2). Participants performed a DXA scan (Horizon Hologic), bioelectrical impedance analysis assessment (BIA; InBody BWA2.0), and fitness tests. Thirty-eight participants completed all testing (NWL; N=24, NWO; N=14). Android, gynoid, and visceral adipose tissue were significantly greater in NWO compared to NWL (p \u3c 0.05), while lean mass was not different between groups. NWL lifted significantly more weight for bench press (NWL 89.5±22.3lbs, NWO 74.5±12.3lbs) and squat (NWL 159±35lbs, NWO 131±29lbs). Regardless of BMI and absolute lean mass, relative fat mass may impact muscle function and strength performance
Development of 3D Spheroid Models From C28-I2 Cells to Enhance Tissue Simulation and Support Glioblastoma Research
No full textOsteoarthritis, a debilitating condition affecting millions, is characterized by cartilage degradation. Effective therapies require robust models that accurately mimic native tissue. While traditional 2D cell cultures fall short, 3D spheroid models offer a more physiologically relevant environment. This project focused on establishing and characterizing a scaffold-free 3D spheroid model using human C28/I2 chondrocytes to better represent cartilage tissue for future research. Our primary goal was to optimize spheroid formation and assess their initial characteristics. Spheroids were generated using a hanging drop method, with initial seeding densities explored. We successfully established highly viable spheroids, consistently demonstrating over 90% cell viability after formation. Spheroids initiated with 20,000 cells reliably formed uniform, spherical structures approximately 300 µm in diameter within three days. Preliminary characterization included assessing spheroid morphology, size, and shape, all of which indicated successful self-assembly into compact 3D structures. Future work will involve a comprehensive comparison of gene expression profiles, including markers for cell cycle, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and cell adhesion, to further validate this 3D model against conventional 2D cultures. This foundational work demonstrates the successful establishment of a reproducible 3D human chondrocyte spheroid model. This model holds significant promise for investigating chondrocyte biology, cartilage regeneration, and for screening novel therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis in a more physiologically relevant context