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Development and Application of Oxidatively Responsive Porous Polymer Networks
No full textReactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for normal physiological function. However, abnormally increased concentrations of ROS can be detrimental to wound healing and exacerbated in metabolic disorders such as diabetes. In bone grafting applications, high levels of hydrogen peroxide inhibit osteoblast activity while promoting osteoclastic activity through the RANKL pathway. Oxidatively responsive polymers based on sulfide linkages demonstrate the ability to sequester ROS, specifically hydrogen peroxide, at pathophysiologic levels. Furthermore, the polymer networks displayed a high sensitivity to accelerated oxidative degradation media conditions and little response under accelerated hydrolytic conditions. Through understanding structure-property relationships and scaffold fabrication strategies, highly porous polyHIPEs were characterized. The resulting scaffolds produced porosities of 97%, pore sizes ranging from 27 ��m to 656 ��m, and high levels of interconnects. Further processing of scaffolds, including cleaning and anprolene sterilization, had no impact on the scaffold's ability to sequester ROS. In vivo characterization of the polyHIPEs through histologic analysis show the implants do not elicit an acute or chronic inflammatory response. MicroCT of diabetic rat calvarial defects revealed 66% more new bone growth at implant sites than at sham sites.
In wound healing applications, oxidatively labile SMP foams for biopsy tract sealing were developed. Device down-selection was determined using a custom testbed to simulate leaks associated with lung biopsies. Device geometries were evaluated by sealing efficacy and usability by deployment. 1.5 mm diameter SMP devices containing iducial marker bands sealed biopsy tracts from 40 mL/min to < 1 mL/min and showed low deployment force below 2N.
Overall, this work demonstrates how understanding structure-property relationships of oxidatively responsive polymer systems and designing porous scaffolds to create application-specific implants can be applied to both acute injuries of soft tissues and bone grafting applications
Higher Education Student Affairs Graduate Programs Role in Preparing New Professionals to Engage in Social Justice Work: A Case Study
No full textHigher Education/Student Affairs (HESA) graduate programs are responsible for developing and preparing future student affairs professionals. Although HESA programs often express a commitment to social justice and inclusion, there is a lack of literature assessing the success of these programs. While many program websites and mission statements include social justice and inclusion language, little existing research explores how HESA programs introduce these concepts into their curriculum. The lack of research into this aspect of HESA graduate programs makes it challenging to determine their effectiveness in preparing student affairs professionals for social justice work in roles as full-time practitioners.
The purpose of this study is to understand how a HESA graduate program prepares new student affairs professionals to engage in social justice work. This preparation includes teaching, advising, curricular offerings, professional development, and curriculum development. This study utilized a case study approach to explore the curriculum, professional, learning, and teaching experiences of current students, recent alumni, faculty, and graduate student supervisors associated with one HESA graduate program.
Findings from this study suggest that HESA programs play a role in developing graduate students��� multicultural competence. Through academic and practical experiences, graduate students gained knowledge, skills, and direct experience with social justice and inclusion topics. Many of these direct experiences contributed to their preparedness to navigate social justice and inclusion work in their full-time roles in the field. While most components of the program contributed to their development, some experiences, such as cohort dynamics, hindered development. Entry-level participants identified both success and challenges they encountered engaging in social justice and inclusion work in their roles, leaving opportunity to further prepare students during their time in HESA programs. This study suggests the use of the Stages of Change Model as a theoretical framework to further develop HESA graduate students toward actionable change aimed at creating a generation of multiculturally competent student affairs professionals
An Exploration of Career Choice of Black Middle School Youth After Their Participation in a Culturally Relevant STEM/Agricultural 4-H Program
No full textThere is a substantial gap between the demand for skilled workers in the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources sector and the available workforce, with the additional challenge of underrepresenting Black professionals in this field. This study investigates the career preferences of Black middle school students in Texas to unravel the root causes contributing to the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of diversity. Utilizing qualitative research methods, I employed a semi-structured protocol involving nine Black students. I aimed to assess their career choices, camp experiences, and perceptions of agriculture after participating in a STEM-focused, culturally relevant agricultural program offered by the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program 4-H camp. Thematic analysis revealed that while the camp did not alter their immediate career choices, it increased their interest in agriculture and awareness of available careers. Furthermore, their perception of agriculture shifted towards viewing it as a STEM-related field following their camp experience. The implications of this study are significant for 4-H Youth Development professionals and other youth-serving agricultural educational programs offering insights into the design of STEM-based agricultural programs that leverage students' interests and skills to create connections to agricultural occupations. By addressing the workforce gap and promoting diversity in the agricultural sector, this research may contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant agricultural workforce
The Role of METTL14 in Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis
Get PDFAngiogenesis, the intricate process of blood vessel formation from preexisting vessels, plays a vital role in embryo development and organogenesis. Furthermore, its involvement in various pathological conditions such as diabetes and tumor development underscore its significance in diverse biological processes. Lymphangiogenesis, closely related to angiogenesis, is the creation of lymphatic vessels and is implicated in lipid absorption, tissue fluid homeostasis, and immune monitoring. Recent studies have elucidated the impact of mRNA modifications on the stability, degradation, alternative splicing, and translation efficiency of mRNA molecules. The most prevalent mRNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6a), is highly conserved, reversible, and site specific. The modification is installed on mRNA molecules by methyltransferases known as ���writers.��� Among these ���writers,��� methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) is a crucial component of the complex, aiding in the recognition of conserved sequences where the m6A modification is often installed. In the intricate landscape of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial cells (ECs), serving as effectors and transducers of angiogenic stimulation, play a pivotal role in coordinating cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. METTL14, through its participation in the "writer" complex, potentially influences the installation of m6A and subsequently impacts the mRNA molecules involved in the necessary processes of EC migration, proliferation, and apoptosis during angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This positions METTL14 as a potential upstream regulator of various angiogenic processes. To delve deeper into understanding METTL14's role, vascular endothelial cell-specific knockout mouse lines were generated by crossing Mettl14 flox/flox mice with Tie2-Cre mice and Cdh5-Cre. Whole mount immunofluorescence staining of mice embryos was performed to determine METTL14���s impact on angiogenesis, and a tube formation assay was performed as an in-vitro model for METTL14���s impact on angiogenesis. The whole mount immunofluorescence staining of the embryos revealed disrupted and disorganized blood vessel growth, and the tube formation assay showed decreased tube length and area. The impact of METTL14 on lymphangiogenesis was examined with whole mount staining of the dorsal skin of mice embryos with the Mettl14 endothelial knockout, and lymphatic vessels were found to be dilatated. Based on these results METTL14 is essential for both lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis
