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Viral Cell-to-Cell Spread: A Promising Antiviral Target
No full textHepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose a threat to public health with currently 71 million people worldwide infected and at increased risk of developing liver steatosis, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and worst-case scenario hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral entry into permissive cells is a commonly recognized drug target, however after replication and assembly of viral particles, many viruses spread to infect additional cells by two routes: cell-free (CF) and cell-to-cell (CTC) spread. While CTC spread shields the virus from neutralizing antibodies and is thought to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of chronic infection, traditional virus “entry inhibitors” are not designed to block this second means of spread. Therefore, using HCV as a model system, we determined the impact of inhibiting “viral spread” over the conventional strategy of inhibiting “viral entry” to establish the importance of CTC spread as a drug target. After characterizing a panel of compounds that inhibit CF entry or inhibit both CF and CTC spread, we tested the ability of these 2 groups of spread inhibitors to (1) synergize with HCV replication inhibitors, (2) block acute HCV spread and (3) prevent viral escape from replication inhibitors during combination treatment. Importantly, all 5 of the CF/CTC dual spread inhibitors synergized with HCV replication inhibitors, significantly slowed/prevented acute HCV spread, and slowed/prevented emergence of viral escape from replication inhibitors during co-treatment, while the CF entry inhibitors did not. As such, this work demonstrates the superior potential of “viral spread” as an antiviral drug target over the currently recognized target of “viral entry” and emphasizes the need to further characterize the mechanisms of viral CTC spread for future drug development
Implementation of a Depression Identification Protocol for Older Adults Residing in a Long-term care community: A quality improvement project
No full textNOMA: How Science Fits Within Hinduism
Full text linkIn modern day, science and religion have been pivoted against each other, especially under a Western—or Christian—lens. However, Christianity is not the only religion that exists. This Theology Project focuses on a nonwestern perspective by centering around Hinduism and how science can contradict or coincide with the other while comparing the science and religion debate to Christianity. I, as the researcher, use articles, journals, and books, as well as my own personal knowledge in Hinduism and science, to disentangle the complexities within each magisteria
Healthy Lifestyle in the Framework of the Community Education Project Nourish Chicago
No full textThe presentation focused on the work of the community education project named Nourish Chicago: Cultivating Health and Sustainability in Low-Income Communities through Accessible Education and Engaging Activities
Investigating the dual impacts of flooding and nitrogen management on soil biological health indicators across the growing season
No full textFlooding reduces crop yield and disrupts soil nitrogen (N) cycling; however, flooding and N fertilization effects on soil health are understudied. This study investigates how short-term flooding and N fertilization treatments influence soil health across the corn growing season. A split-plot randomized complete block design (main factor: flooding, sub-factor: N fertilization) assessed soil organic carbon (C) (POXC) and soil organic N (ACE protein). Soil samples were collected pre-flood, post-flood, and pre-harvest. POXC variability depended on fertilization; ACE protein increased significantly, regardless of fertilization. Findings suggest that flooding disrupts plant-microbe interactions, and ACE protein may be a stable soil health metric
Beyond Facts: Understanding and Addressing Science Denial Through Psychology and Social Identity
No full textScience denial remains a persistent challenge, affecting issues like climate change, vaccines, and evolution. Research suggests that denial is not just about misinformation but is deeply tied to psychological and social identity factors. This study explores cognitive biases, motivated reasoning, and group identity in shaping science rejection. Additionally, it examines strategies such as storytelling and prebunking” to improve science communication. Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance public acceptance of scientific findings
Stressors in Urban Ecosystems: Assessing the Challenges & Contributions of Bee Populations in Chicago
Full text linkThis presentation will evaluate the challenges that Chicago bee populations face from pesticide use and habitat fragmentation, including how urban spaces can foster pollinator populations. This presentation will also estimate the contribution of bee pollination services in Cook County as a rationale for policy recommendations. Over the course of the spring semester, we worked in a group of three students to review relevant literature, collect data, and perform a policy analysis. Through this experience, we deepened our understanding of urban bee ecology, the importance of urban planning, and community engagement
Cellular Trafficking of RNA Binding Protein, hnRNP A1 after ethanol (EtOH) & acetate exposure in neuronal cells
No full textAlcohol binge-drinking is a behavior with wide-ranging implications for neuronal health and neurodegenerative diseases. One observed consequence of binge- drinking is altered microRNA expression, which can be mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). RBPs play a critical role in regulating RNA metabolism, including splicing, stabilization, and transport. Previously, the Pak Lab have shown RBPs regulate microRNA biogenesis, such as that of miR-9, which is highly enriched in the central nervous system and is critical for neuronal development. Among these, hnRNP A1 is a key RNA- binding protein involved in regulating microRNA binding to their target mRNAs or control their degradation, influencing various cellular processes. Dysfunction of hnRNPA1 has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer\u27s and Huntington\u27s disease, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear.
Previous animal studies revealed hnRNP A1 remain in the nucleus across different brain regions in both male and female rats. Conversely, in neuronal cells, hnRNP A1 translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm upon alcohol treatment, which contradicted the findings in the animal model. We hypothesized the potential in vivo and in vitro discrepancy could be explained by the effects of EtOH’s metabolite, acetate, in the brain rather than EtOH. We treated neuronal cells with varying concentrations of acetate at different time points to examine its effect on hnRNP A1 localization. We hypothesized that acetate would not alter hnRNP A1 localizatio
Be Here For Fair Trade
Full text linkOur project explores the development of a strategic marketing mix for Chicago Fair Trade Day, an annual event promoting ethical consumerism and sustainable business practices. Through this approach, we seek to drive up attendance, boost sales for fair trade vendors, and reinforce Chicago\u27s role as a leader in ethical trade. The findings from this project will offer insights into effectively marketing fair trade initiatives and fostering consumer advocacy for sustainable commerce
Examining the Response of River Discharge to Accelerated Hydrologic Cycle in High Latitude Eurasia
Full text linkGlobal warming causes an increase in evapotranspiration from the surface, leading to an acceleration of the hydrologic cycle on a global scale. This is especially occurring in the Arctic over high-latitude regions of northern Eurasia. The change of Arctic climate leads to rapid sea ice loss, increased streamflow in rivers, early onset snowmelt and increased precipitation. More discharge from rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean means a stark change in the salinity of the ocean as well. Utilizing Arctic River station discharge data and surface air temperature data the recent and historical changes in Arctic River flow are examined. Using multivariate statistical analyses and programming software, the time of year/season that has become the most active season in the 21st century and exhibits clear signals of accelerated hydrologic cycle are shown in most detail. Discussed are also the causal mechanisms of enhanced streamflow and the effects of such rapid discharge from freshwater rivers to the Arctic Ocean