Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Examining the fungal community in Iguania digestive tracts
No full textAnaerobic gut fungi (AGF; phylum Neocallimastigomycota) contribute to the degradation of plant biomass within the digestive tracts of herbivores. Regardless of their ecological importance, their evolution and host range remain poorly understood. Most studies, both culture-dependent and independent, have focused on herbivorous mammals, with limited research on AGF in reptiles. Comparative molecular dating of AGF from tortoise and mammalian feces suggests AGF predate their known mammalian hosts, with reptiles as potential original hosts. Beyond tortoises, herbivorous reptiles in the infraorder Iguania (squamate reptiles like iguanas, agamids, and other lizards) are capable of hindgut fermentation. With a prolonged solids retention time and their mostly plant-based diet, Iguania might be suitable AGF hosts.
To test the hypothesis that Iguania host evolutionary older AGF, we sampled wild and zoo-housed species within this order. We employed amplicon sequencing targeting the D1/D2 region of the LSU region using both general fungal and AGF-specific primers. Our objective is to identify and characterize the AGF communities within this order and place it within the context of their broader fungal communities. Preliminary results show a variety of known and novel AGF present. A more detailed data analysis is currently underway. Additionally, quantitative PCR will be used to estimate AGF abundance relative to total fungal abundance in these samples.
This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of AGF communities in herptiles, shedding light on the ecological roles and evolutionary history of AGF. It is the first detailed report on the AGF and broader fungal community in Iguania.Microbiology and Molecular Genetic
First report of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex associated with bacterial leaf scorch on American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis L.) in Oklahoma
No full textAmerican black elderberry, Sambucus canadensis L., is a woody deciduous shrub rich in antioxidants belonging to the Adoxaceae and is native to North America (Lee and Finn, 2007; Osman et al. 2023). S. canadensis L. is considered a homotypic synonym of Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli), the European elderberry (Bolli, 1994). In Oklahoma, elderberries are usually harvested from wild growing plants, but recent efforts have seen an upsurge in acreage in elderberry production (Carroll, 2017). In 2024, mild to severe leaf scorch symptoms were observed on all the elderberry plants (about 5 plants within 1-3 meters of each other) in the Oklahoma State University Native Plant Corridor collections in Stillwater campus. Leaf scorch symptoms were characterized by tan to brown, irregularly shaped necrotic lesions along the leaf margins which eventually spread to the entire leaflet resulting in curling of the leaflet and defoliation . Symptomatic leaves were collected from all the five elderberry plants for pathogen identification. Samples were processed within three days. The petiole and midrib of ten elderberry leaves showing symptoms were freeze-dried for 24 hours. Thereafter, samples were ground to powder in a Genogrinder for 3 minutes. DNA was extracted from ground petiole and midrib using NucleoSpin Plant II kit (Machereey-Nagel, Duren, Germany) following the manufacturer’s protocol. The ten DNA samples were tested for the presence/ absence of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) using Q-PCR, with positive control (DNA of Xf subsp. multiplex (Xfm) strain M12 and Xf subsp. fastidiosa (Xff) strain M23 and negative control (water). SYBR-green real-time PCR with primer sets Teme150fc/Teme454rg (more specific to Xff) and Dixon454fa/Dixon1261rg (more specific to Xfm) (Chen et al., 2005), yielding Ct values ranging from 23.71-30.55 and 14.63-28.6 for both primer sets respectively, as contrasting to no Ct in control, suggesting Xfm infection (lower Ct values). For a whole genome level evaluation, next generation sequencing was carried out on one sample, STW-2 (Ct = 14.63 for Dixon454fa/Dixon1261rg), using the Illumina NovaSeqX Plus platform as described previously (Bock et al. 2025). A total of 180 M paired reads (150 bp each) was generated with a mapping rate of 11.09% to Xfm M12 (NC_010513.1) and 10.72% to Xff M23 (NC_010577.1) using Bowtie2 (Langmead and Salzberg, 2012), suggesting the Xfm identity. A BLAST search using the top 5 and bottom 5 reads in the mapped read data against the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) core-nr database showed that all the top hits were Xfm (query coverage = 100%, Percentage Identity = 100%). The assembled draft genome of STW-2 (GenBank accession number JBNVQL000000000) has an average nucleotide index (ANI) of 99.7 to M12 and 98.0 to M23. All three analyses (PCR, whole genome read-mapping, and NCBI BLAST search) confirmed the association of Xfm to STW-2. Xff was previously isolated from an elderberry plant growing in a grape vineyard in Florida and was reported to cause mild symptoms on grapevines (Hopkins, 2005). This is the first report of Xfm associated with bacterial leaf scorch on elderberry. This finding is therefore important in understanding epidemiology and management of Xfm in the increasingly important elderberry production landscape and potential spread to other horticultural plants in Oklahoma.Entomology and Plant Patholog
Heroin self-administration induces sex-specific SUMOylation at early abstinence
No full textIntroduction: Opioid use disorder, particularly heroin use disorder (HUD), is a major medical challenge, marked by severe withdrawal symptoms and a high risk of relapse. Heroin abuse leads to severe withdrawal and high relapse rates, with neuroadaptations contributing to relapse. Sex-specific differences in heroin-induced neuroadaptations are poorly understood, limiting effective therapies. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as SUMOylation, play a key role in regulating protein function and neuroplasticity. SUMOylation attaches SUMO proteins to lysine residues, altering protein activity and influencing addiction mechanisms. Understanding sex-specific PTMs like SUMOylation could reveal new therapeutic targets for heroin addiction.Methods: We employed a novel SUMO Capture Assay combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to investigate SUMOylation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats subjected to heroin self-administration. Male and female rats underwent contingent heroin administration followed by a period of early abstinence. Global SUMOylation levels and specific SUMOylated proteins were analyzed to assess sex-specific differences in SUMOylation patterns.Results: Our analysis revealed significant sex-specific alterations in protein SUMOylation during early abstinence, notably, males exhibited selective SUMOylation of specific protein targets, including TCP-1η, a critical chaperone involved in protein folding. These findings suggest that SUMOylation may underlie sex-specific neurobiological responses to heroin abstinence and contribute to the persistent neuroadaptations associated with HUD.Conclusion: Preliminary studies show sex-specific changes in protein SUMOylation within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) during early abstinence from heroin self-administration. SUMO-Capture-LC/MS analysis revealed that SUMOylation occurs selectively in males on specific proteins, including TCP-1η, an important chaperone needed for protein folding. These findings suggest that SUMOylation may contribute to sex-specific neurobiological responses during heroin abstinence, highlighting potential targets for further investigation
Greater trochanter fracture and fixation in a teenage athlete: A case report
No full textIntroduction: Greater trochanter fractures are rare subtypes of hip fractures¹, with limited reports in the literature, resulting in disparities in demographics and management protocols.² Isolated greater trochanter fractures can occur due to avulsion injuries in younger patients caused by strong hip abduction, as well as pathological processes or traumatic injuries in the elderly. Fractures displaced by more than one centimeter typically require open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), while others can often be managed nonoperatively.³ These displaced fractures more pressing concerns due to the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which may occur if the medial circumflex femoral artery is disrupted as it traverses the greater trochanter.⁴ Pediatric patients are particularly at risk for traumatic AVN in the setting of displaced fractures. Unlike skeletally mature patients, whose vascular supply to the femoral head may include contributions from the metaphysis, pediatric patients rely heavily on the medial femoral circumflex artery for femoral head blood supply. This reliance increases their risk of AVN with greater displacement and delayed reduction. Although displaced fractures necessitate surgical intervention, ORIF carries inherent risks, including potential iatrogenic injury to the medial circumflex femoral artery, which could also result in femoral head AVN.Case Description: A 14-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of right hip pain following a “dog-pile” manner while playing football. Radiographs of the right hip revealed an isolated, displaced right greater trochanter fracture. Subsequent MRI confirmed the fracture as isolated, without intertrochanteric or intraarticular extension. Upon orthopedic consultation, ORIF was determined as the most appropriate management. During surgery, the fracture was visualized and reduced by forcefully internally rotating the greater trochanteric apophysis. Reduction was confirmed intraoperatively using fluoroscopic imaging. A semitubular Smith and Nephew plate was applied to the femur, and screws were inserted to secure the plate. Following fixation, the surgical team mobilized the patient’s hip to confirm stability and absence of fracture movement. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged with instructions for touch-down weight bearing using crutches and a plan to gradually increase weight-bearing activities over two to four weeks. At a two-week follow-up, the patient exhibited a well-healed incision, intact motor and sensory function, and no complications. Weight bearing was gradually increased over the following weeks. At the eight-week follow-up, the patient reported no new issues and showed satisfactory progress.Discussion/Conclusion: Isolated greater trochanter fractures are a rare subset of hip fractures, with minimal literature detailing their etiology, management, and prognosis, particularly in young athletes. Prompt and definitive treatment, such as ORIF, is crucial for minimizing complications like AVN and facilitating return to play. However, the surgical approach itself poses risks, including iatrogenic injury to the medial circumflex femoral artery, which could jeopardize femoral head viability. Given these dual risks, comprehensive preoperative planning is essential to optimize outcomes. The rarity of this injury underscores the importance of recognizing unusual pathologies and generating sufficient literature to guide management for all age groups and injury mechanisms
Endorsement of artificial intelligence guidelines across leading immunology journals: A cross-sectional analysis
No full textBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing immunology research, advancing data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. Yet, its integration presents challenges related to transparency, ethical considerations, and reproducibility. This study investigates how top immunology journals respond to these issues and opportunities through their author guidelines and policies.Methods: The top 100 immunology journals, ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator, were reviewed in a cross-sectional study. Data from each journal's 'Instructions for Authors' were analyzed to evaluate policies related to AI, such as reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in preparing manuscripts and generating images. To explore connections between these policies and journal characteristics, correlational analyses were conducted.Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 66% addressed AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was allowed by 29 % of journals, while 18 % approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.Conclusion: Although many immunology journals acknowledge the growing role of AI in research, few have adopted AI-specific reporting guidelines, which hinders standardization and transparency. To address this, we recommend implementing comprehensive guidelines to promote ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the age of AI-driven advancements
Evaluating participant diversity gaps in atopic dermatitis clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting diverse demographic groups. Clinical trials are crucial for evaluating interventions, but insufficient diversity in age, race, and ethnicity among participants can limit the generalizability of findings. This study aimed to examine the diversity of participants in AD clinical trials based on age, race, ethnicity, and sex.Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Using the Clinical Trial Diversity Rating (CDR) framework, we evaluated age, race, ethnicity, and sex inclusion in studies published between January 2013 and December 2023.Results: Our analysis of 17 studies revealed a significant underrepresentation of Asian, Black, and Hispanic/Latinx participants in AD clinical trials, with several studies showing statistically significant disparities. Conversely, white participants were predominantly overrepresented, although this finding was not statistically significant. We also observed disparities in sex representation, with females underrepresented in half of the studies and males overrepresented in the majority. Additionally, our analysis highlighted inconsistent reporting of age, as many studies failed to disclose the intended age range for treatment or the inclusion of participants over the age of 65.Conclusions: Clinical trials for atopic dermatitis in the United States demonstrated inconsistent reporting of race, ethnicity, and age. Our analysis revealed varying levels of participant inclusion among different demographics, with non-white participants being notably underrepresented in the majority of clinical trials
Native American genealogy and its role in tribal dynamics
No full textThe research aimed to understand how emerging and past genetic testing, ancestry bases, and genealogy as a whole have shaped the tribal and cultural landscape of Native American communities in Oklahoma. As the field of genetics has expanded, so have the ethical and logistical implications that come with it, resulting in many tribes suffering from challenges to their sovereignty, identity, traditions, and even rights to sacred lands. For one to become a citizen of a recognized tribe, requirements like ancestors on official census rolls or blood quantum are in order, which is why genetic testing and tracing lineage are crucial to the community. The study identified tribal requirements for 32 of the 38 recognized tribes in Oklahoma, all of which mandated lineage tracing to various census rolls. However, only seven of the tribes had genealogy resources readily available online.
This project involved each team member investigating their genealogy using free and widely accessible online resources. The aim was to assess the ease, accessibility, and accuracy of these resources, as well as to understand their impact on individuals and tribal identity. Of the research team, three members were tribal citizens, two of whom had never explored their ancestry. The team focused on connections to the Cherokee and Muscogee Creek tribes, both of which provided online resources that enabled tracing lineage across multiple generations with relative ease.
In addition to conducting lineage searches, sources and data on genealogy-related ethical and legal dilemmas, such as illegal usage of Native American DNA, blood-quantum disputes, and the impacts on tribal sovereignty and membership criteria, were investigated. Despite unethical DNA practices being prominent for the last century, few published works examine Native American tribes' relationship and history with genealogy as a whole, with most literature focused on isolated incidents or specific tribes rather than the broader implications for Native communities. This project focused on collecting knowledge of Native American genealogy resources and how ethical research practices can promote progress in healthcare and forensic genealogy through culturally and historically informed methodologies.OSU Center for Health Science
Evaluating guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in critical care journals: Addressing research integrity and transparency
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Critical Care and ICU Medicine research by improving data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, its use raises concerns about transparency, ethical practices, and reproducibility. This study examines how leading Critical Care and ICU Medicine journals address these issues through their author instructions and policies.Methods: A cross-sectional review was conducted on the top 100 peer-reviewed Critical Care and ICU Medicine journals, ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator. Data from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” were analyzed to assess AI-related policies, including AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in manuscript writing and image creation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and journal characteristics.Results: Of the 100 journals reviewed, 54% mentioned AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI as authors but requiring disclosure of AI involvement. AI-generated content was accepted by 12% of journals, and 16% allowed AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include comprehensive AI policies, though there remains a lack of standardization and detailed guidance.Conclusion: Although many Critical Care and ICU Medicine journals acknowledge AI’s growing role in research, few promote AI-specific reporting guidelines, leading to inconsistencies in transparency and standardization. The adoption of comprehensive guidelines is recommended to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the age of AI-driven advancements
Samson Occom, the Public Universal Friend, and a queer archive of the elsewhere
No full textThis chapter examines the intersecting lives and writings of Mohegan minister Samson Occom and the Public Universal Friend (born Jemima Wilkinson) to explore how their social experiments—Brothertown and Jerusalem—reveal alternative grammars of embodiment, intimacy, and futurity in the late eighteenth century. Through close readings of Occom’s journals and the Friend’s Death Book, the essay theorizes an “archive of the elsewhere,” where Indigenous and heterodox communities negotiate grief, gender nonnormativity, and sovereignty amid settler colonial violence. Drawing on Indigenous studies, queer theory, and political theology, the chapter argues that these texts illuminate transitive modes of flesh and kinship that resist normative frameworks, even as they remain entangled in colonial structures. Ultimately, Occom and the Friend’s efforts to imagine communal survival and nonnormative life index both utopian possibility and the foreclosures of settler expansion.Peer reviewedEnglis
Healthcare practitioners’ participation and experiences in the weight-inclusive healthcare movement
No full textThe weight-centric or weight-normative paradigm of health, which emphasizes weight as a primary determinant of health and the maintenance or achievement of low body fat as important for health enhancement, undergirds mainstream healthcare discourse and practice in Western cultures. Guided by health agencies, professional associations, and insurance companies, healthcare practitioners routinely surveil healthcare seekers’ body weight and counsel them on weight loss. Due to the ineffectiveness of and harms associated with this approach, including weight cycling, disordered eating, healthcare stress, healthcare avoidance, the perpetuation of weight stigma and the reproduction of health disparities, scholars are increasingly calling for a paradigm shift toward a weight-inclusive approach that decenters weight and is thus better positioned to enhance health, wellbeing, equity, and justice. Yet, little is known about healthcare practitioners’ participation and experiences in the weight-inclusive healthcare movement advancing that shift, particularly in the United States. Given the United States’s prominence and leadership role on the world stage and the important role that U.S.-based healthcare practitioners can play in advancing health-, equity- and justice-promoting social change that diffuses internationally, it is important to address this gap. Drawing on social movement scholarship on micromobilization, activism, and the biographical consequences of social movement participation and 85 in-depth interviews with U.S.-based weight-inclusive healthcare practitioners, this dissertation examines healthcare practitioners’ pathways to the weight-inclusive healthcare movement, the strategies and tactics they engage in to advance their goals for the movement, and the ways in which they are personally and professionally impacted by their involvement in the movement. Briefly, I find that healthcare practitioners’ participation involves resocialization and the experience of frame resonance, that practitioners engage in occupational and everyday activism to advance the movement, and that their participation in this movement impacts their personal and professional selves and relationships in a variety of ways. In addition to contributing novel empirical insights into healthcare practitioners’ participation and experiences in the weight-inclusive healthcare movement, this dissertation advances sociological theory and holds practical implications for the weight-inclusive paradigm shift in healthcare