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Design and Synthesis of Histidine-rich Peptides Analogs Targeting 3-Chemotrypsin Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2
No full textSince the development of COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, there has been a need for the development of an innovative solution to increase the bioavailability of inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has decreased the global life expectancy by 1.6 years from 2019-2020. Peptide therapeutics are effective because of their high affinity with receptors and low toxicity compared to small molecule drugs. Additionally, they can reduce off-target side effects because of their heightened target specificity and potency. The aim of this research is to design, model and synthesize the peptide that had the highest binding affinity and would be most effective when inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The 3CLpro protein of SARS-CoV-2 was targeted because it is essential for viral processing of SARS-CoV-2. Ten (10) new analogues containing several histidine amino acids were designed based on a peptide which showed inhibition efficiency against the Mpro. Peptides were modeled in Alpha-Fold to obtain the 3D structures and were then processed through the HDOCK server for molecular docking. The peptide analog 9 with the strongest binding affinity was analyzed and prepared for synthesis using the solid phase synthesis protocol employing a high swelling rink amide resin. After the peptide synthesis, the bond between peptide-resin complex was cleaved with 95% TFA, 2.5% H2O, and 2.5% Triisopropylsilane. The cleaved peptides were filtered, precipitated by adding cold ether, and lyophilized using acetic acid. The mass spectrometry experiment was conducted by dissolving peptide in 50%:49%:1% acetonitrile: water: formic acid solution at a concentration of 50 micromolar. Three intense peaks were detected at m/z 428.58, 642.33, and 1283.58 which correspond to the charge states of the peptide. However, one of the glycine is noticed to cleave from peptide as well. After synthesizing the peptide correctly, the analog 9 will be tested for inhibition efficiency using protease assays
Assessing the osmoregulatory capabilities of American alligator lingual glands
Get PDFCrocodilians inhabit a wide variety of aquatic, marine, and estuarine habitats on 4 continents. Saltwater-adapted species and populations face considerable osmoregulatory challenges in maintaining homeostasis with respect to plasma salt [NaCl] concentration. In addition to the kidneys and cloaca found in all crocodilians, crocodiles possess a salt-secreting lingual gland whose presence and function is less understood in other crocodilians. This study investigates the lingual gland anatomy, physiology, and potential function of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) populations exposed to varying salinity levels. At each of four sites (Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, Okefenokee NWR, and Banks Lake NWR), we will capture 12 to 15 alligators and collect plasma ion concentrations and lingual tissue samples for histological analysis. Anatomical and histological assessments of tissue biopsies processed via microscopy will identify inter-population differences. Researcher safety will be ensured using a field-standard jaw prop device. This study will enrich our understanding of alligator physiology in estuarine habitats, which will become critical over the next 100 years as sea levels rise and many coastal alligator habitats are expected to become more saline. Findings will advance reptilian physiology research by clarifying the evolutionary novelty and significance of the crocodile (and perhaps alligator) lingual gland. As apex predators, the individual health and population viability of alligators is crucial to the conservation of ecosystems they inhabit. Additionally, the study’s insights into alligator osmoregulatory mechanisms may inspire advancements in treating human conditions related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as kidney disease, heart failure, and dehydration, by revealing natural strategies for managing salt and water balance under extreme environmental stress
Student Liaisons for Autism: Using College Students in Bridging the Communication Gap
No full textThis action research focuses on supporting college students with autism by pairing them with RBT- certified student liaisons. These liaisons will monitor and coach students who have social, communicable, and executive functioning challenges. Research studies have shown that people with autism are less likely to graduate, get a job, or get married. Students with autism usually receive help throughout K-12 school, specifically with a 504 plan, but there are hardly any resources in higher education to help them. The student liaisons would bridge the gap between the students with autism and the rest of their college experience. There would be an observation period to assess where the liaisons are most needed for each individual student and then stage an intervention by coaching, creating goals, and developing much-needed skills that would increase their standard of living. Our research will take the data and make a connection between student liaisons and how they can help students with autism in higher education be more successful. Student liaisons will help the students make connections, plans, and develop skills that they would retain for the rest of their lives. We predict that our research will show that not only will this study increase and better the lives of college students with autism, but that ABA services on campus would not be hard to achieve and would ultimately make many people’s lives more efficient by developing much needed skills that would not only help them in college, but out of college and into the rest of their lives
Enhancing Patient Safety: Exploring Virtual Sitters\u27 Role in Fall Prevention Through Remote Virtual Monitoring
No full textRemote Virtual Monitoring (RVM) technology enhances safety for both patients and care teams by reducing falls, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of continuous patient observation, and lowering costs associated with falls and staff support. The success of fall reduction efforts largely depends on the role of virtual sitters, individuals who remotely monitor high-risk patients to prevent falls. This study aims to explore the experiences of virtual sitters, identifying key themes, challenges, and opportunities to improve the intervention. Specifically, the research investigates how technology, work shifts, and institutional support impact the effectiveness and job satisfaction of virtual sitters
Retrain the Brain: Situational Attribution for Lasting Bias Reduction
No full textImplicit biases, unconscious associations linking social groups to traits, can shape decisions in hiring, policing, and healthcare. While previous interventions to reduce implicit bias have shown short-lived effects, Situational Attribution Training (SAT) has been demonstrated to decrease automatic stereotyping by encouraging situational attributions for stereotype-consistent behaviors (Stewart et al., 2010; Stewart et al., 2022). This study expands on prior research by investigating whether multiple, short SAT sessions lead to longer-lasting and more generalized reductions in implicit biases toward both African Americans and Arab Muslim Americans. Participants are randomly assigned to either SAT for African American stereotypes, SAT for Arab Muslim American stereotypes, or a grammar-based control condition. Training consists of repeated sessions over five weeks, preceded and followed by assessments of implicit biases using the Person Categorization Task, explicit bias measures, and a resume hiring task. We anticipate that repeated SAT will result in sustained reductions in implicit bias that generalize to new stereotypic traits and influence participants’ evaluations of job candidates. These findings will highlight the importance of extended, structured bias-reduction interventions and inform future strategies to promote equity in real-world decision-making
Model for Analyzing Floorplate Morphology That Optimizes Daylighting and Cost
No full textOne of the key ways of improving the energy efficiency of a building is to enhance the daylight levels and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Good daylight levels are also associated with increased productivity and well-being of buildings occupants. Daylight levels are directly linked to the building floorplate depth, whereas shallow floorplate and elongated buildings are usually related to higher daylight levels. However, creating buildings that have more natural light comes with a greater construction cost due to larger envelope areas as well as greater operating costs due to the energy loss through the envelope. This research addresses the question of identifying basic design strategies for buildings that optimize between two opposing trends: enhancing daylighting in buildings while also reducing the amount of building envelope and energy transfer loss. We analyze a sample of fifty floorplates of key buildings of the 20th century considered best practice examples of architectural precedents. We inquire about the effect of building size on the complex relationship between natural lighting and building compactness, which is linked to cost. First, all the buildings are scaled and brought to the same floorplate size in order to evaluate the effect of building formal typology on daylighting. Second, the shapes of building floorplates are analyzed and categorized according to their shape compactness and fragmentation. The statistical analysis of the sample enables the identification of the cases that perform best regarding both daylight levels and the extent of the outer envelope. The findings can be used to inform the design of buildings in the future with important implications for the sustainability of the built environment
THE AMERICAN STATE CAPITAL, A TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH POLE
Get PDFA fall-out of our avoidance of capes and bays geography has been a benign neglect of political capitals. In addition to the mental block arising from past tedious memorizations of their existence has been a second factor of sparseness of cases. The United States with fifty state capitals has more than the number of capitals in most of the other federally organized sovereignties. The scientifically oriented among academic geographers have preferred to analyze phenomena in greater abundance such as central places or stream beds
The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend
Get PDFScott O. Moore Charlottesville: Rivanna Books, 2024 ISBN: 9780813951300 298 p. $24.95 (Pbk
Mental Liberation
No full textHealth is often prioritized for its physical aspects, yet the significance of mental health is frequently overlooked, despite its profound impact on someone’s overall well-being. Mental health is gradually becoming a less sensitive topic, particularly among young adults and teenagers, as they increasingly seek help. However, the current mental health institutions often fail to provide a safe and helpful environment for patients to prosper and recover.
These institutions are commonly described as jail-like or draining, lacking the uplifting and private atmosphere necessary for healing. Various factors contribute to these negative perceptions, including the absence of natural sunlight, cramped and suffocating rooms, and outdated decor. Moreover, the overall design of these facilities is often dull and devoid of life. It is essential for such facilities to become welcoming and comfortable places, instilling a sense of hopefulness that is currently lacking and may impede the recovery process.
Establishing successful institutions for mental health patients that embody hope and support can significantly enhance mental health outcomes. Such institutions would serve as a positive addition to New York City, given its stressful environment and the accessibility it offers to individuals. A positive space in New York City could start a global movement to create more inviting and supportive environments worldwide, facilitating the recovery process for individuals seeking help