Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Carbonaceous aerosol from the thermal degradation of plastics through atmospheric oxidation: Airborne particle method development
No full textNanoplastics, known but not well studied pollutants, can be aerosolized and have the potential to spread widely in the atmosphere with residence times on the order of weeks. The bleaching of nanoplastics is of interest due to the main climate contributions of aerosol particles’ relation to light absorption and scattering. An experiment was designed to study the bleaching of Red PETG 3-D printing filament by oxidation (ozone exposure). To that end, an experimental apparatus comprised of mixing volumes, desiccants, filters, a tube furnace, ozone generator, smog chamber, ozone analyzer, Photoacoustic Extinctiometer (PAX), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), among other tubing and connection hardware was developed. Aerosolized plastics nanoparticles of the dyed PETG filament after thermal degradation were injected to the smog chamber for study during their residence time in the smog chamber gas volume. Results are inconclusive for oxidation experiments, due to difficulty with the magnitude of bleaching due to ozone when compared to noise introduced by size distribution evolution. Next steps for the developed experimental apparatus, injection methods, and data collection procedures include trying alternative (more robust) aging mechanisms. Aging by introduction of hydroxyl radical injection from photolysis of hydrogen peroxide is one specifically promising alternative.Purdie Research Scholars ProgramChemistr
Liver glycogen phosphorylase as a potential sex based biomarker for hepatitis c-cirrhosis progression to hepatocellular carcinoma
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally and remains a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While different biomarkers for HCV progression are currently being researched, there is little known about sex-based biomarkers. It is significant to acknowledge sex-based differences in diseases especially due to previous research that showed liver estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated sex-based differences exist in cirrhosis and HCC patients. Liver ERbinding may lead to protective effects in pre-menopausal women. Showing that there were sex-based differences led us to investigate the glycogen phosphorylase enzyme family, specifically the liver isoform (PYGL). It plays a key role in glycogen metabolism. Dysregulation of PYGL has been studied in different cancers, yet its role in sex-based differences in HCV-induced cirrhosis and HCC remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the sex-based differential expression of PYGL and its potential role as a biomarker in HCV-induced cirrhosis and HCC progression.Methods: 65 (healthy, cirrhosis, HCC) liver tissues were obtained from NIH Liver Tissue Bank. DIA proteomics mapped 4445 proteins, including PYGL. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) validated PYGL protein expression in these tissues.Results: From the proteomics study, PYGL is not upregulated in HCV-cirrhosis males compared to healthy controls but shows significant upregulation in HCV-cirrhosis females, highlighting sex-based differences. In HCC patients, PYGL is significantly upregulated regardless of sex, with no observed differences between males and females. From IHC, PYGL expression was confirmed to be present in all three tissue types across both sexes.Conclusions: PYGL was upregulated in HCC patients in comparison to controls. This upregulation should be investigated to see if the upregulation is specific to the liver or the tumor itself. Elevated PYGL expression in females may serve as a biomarker for early-stage HCV-related liver disease progression to hepatocellular carcinoma
Myelin pathology in white matter tracts following chronic intermittent ethanol exposure in mice
No full textBackground: In the vertebrate brain, myelin sheaths accelerate action potential propagation. Chronic alcohol exposure disrupts myelin gene/protein expression and reduces white matter integrity in humans. This study investigated the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on myelin ultrastructure in three mouse brain white matter tracts.Methods: Electron microscopy was used to assess myelin sheath ultrastructure in the corpus callosum (cc), stria medullaris (sm), and anterior commissure (ac) of two C57BL/6J male mice exposed to six nonconsecutive weeks of CIE vapor inhalation (n=1) or air only (n=1). Each CIE week involved four cycles of 16-hour intoxication followed by 8-hour withdrawal and a final 72-hour withdrawal. Each 16-h period of ethanol vapor exposure was primed with an i.p. injection of ethanol (1.5 g/kg) to initiate intoxication and pyrazole (1 mmol/kg) to normalize ethanol clearance rate between individual mice. The air-exposed control mouse received pyrazole only. During vapor exposure, the CIE mouse had an average blood alcohol level of 199.0 ± 15.1 mg/dL. Mice were perfused five days after the final withdrawal and immersed in fixative for 3 weeks. Brain punches containing the cc, ac, and sm were processed for electron microscopy imaging at 5300x magnification, and axons >0.3 μm in diameter were analyzed for myelination status and pathologies using Fiji software.Results: CIE exposure induced significant myelin pathology across all examined white matter tracts including splitting myelin, uncompacted myelin, degenerating axons, and electron-dense bodies. Degenerating axons were the most frequent pathology in the cc of the CIE mouse, with a mean relative frequency of 1.00 ± 0.00 compared to 0.21 ± 0.01 in the air-exposed mouse. Splitting myelin was elevated in the ac and sm of the CIE mouse, with relative frequencies of 1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.23 ± 0.02 (ac) and 0.21 ± 0.01(sm) in the air-exposed mouse. Electron-dense bodies were observed in both groups but were more frequent in the CIE mouse.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that CIE exposure disrupts myelin ultrastructure, with degenerating axons as the most frequent pathology. This effect may stem from intoxication, withdrawal, or both. Despite the small sample size, this study highlights the tract-specific impact of ethanol exposure on white matter integrity. Further research should explore whether these findings are consistent across larger cohorts, sexes, and additional brain regions to clarify the mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced myelin damage
Discrepancies in safety reporting for chronic back pain clinical trials: An observational study from ClinicalTrials.gov and publications
No full textIntroduction: Chronic back pain (CBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is commonly managed with pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical interventions. However, adverse event (AE) reporting for these therapies often lacks transparency, raising concerns about the accuracy of safety data. This study aimed to quantify inconsistencies in AE reporting between ClinicalTrials.gov and corresponding randomized controlled trial (RCT) publications, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive safety reporting to improve clinical decision-making and patient care.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Phase 2–4 CBP RCTs registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between 2009, when the submission of AE information became legally required, and 2023. Data extraction focused on AE reporting, trial sponsorship, and discrepancies in serious adverse events (SAEs), other adverse events (OAEs), mortality, and treatment-related withdrawals between registry entries and corresponding publications. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate reporting inconsistencies, adhering to STROBE guidelines for observational studies.Results: A total of 114 registered trials were identified, with 40 (35.1%) corresponding publications. Among these, 67.5% were industry-sponsored. Only 4 (10%) publications fully reported adverse events (AEs) without discrepancies, while 36 (90%) contained at least one inconsistency compared to ClinicalTrials.gov. Discontinuation due to AEs was explicitly reported in 24 (60%) of ClinicalTrials.gov entries and in 30 (75%) of publications, with discrepancies in 16 trials (40%). Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported differently in 15 (37.5%) publications; 80% reported fewer SAEs than ClinicalTrials.gov. Other adverse events (OAEs) showed discrepancies in 37 (92.5%) publications, with 43.2% reporting fewer and 54.1% reporting more OAEs.Discussion: This study highlights pervasive discrepancies in AE reporting for CBP trials, undermining the reliability of published safety data. Inconsistent reporting poses risks to clinical decision-making and patient safety. Adopting standardized reporting guidelines, such as CONSORT Harms, and ensuring transparent updates in publications could enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of safety data. Journals and regulatory bodies should enforce compliance and future efforts should develop mechanisms to monitor and correct reporting inconsistencies, enhancing the trustworthiness of safety data in clinical research
Capturing barriers to accessing free food resources for international students at Oklahoma State University: A photovoice study
No full textFood insecurity among college students is a rising issue in the United States, particularly among international students. These students often face unique challenges in accessing and preparing food as they adapt to life in a new country. Many college campuses provide food assistance programs, including pantries and other free food resources. However, the effectiveness of these programs in reducing food insecurity depends on their full utilization. International students, in particular, often encounter barriers that limit their utilization of these resources. Despite their significance, these challenges remain under-researched and require further investigation. This study aimed to examine the barriers international students attending Oklahoma State University (OSU) face in accessing free food resources both on and off campus.
The findings highlight the challenges international college students experience in accessing and utilizing free food resources on and off campus. College campuses may aim to address these logistical and nutritional concerns by providing resources that better suit international student cultural food needs and adjusting operational hours to better suit students’ schedules.Nutritional Science
Impact chair-based resistance band exercise has on levels of depression and cognitive functioning in people with Alzheimer’s Disease
No full textThis study looks at the impact chair-based resistance band exercise (CRBE) has on levels of depression and cognitive functioning in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Additionally, it examines whether a person’s attendance rate in the 6-week CRBE program can affect these outcomes. Data was collected using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Descriptive Statics was used to plot scores on a line graph. The results show there is a difference between pre-and-post MMSE and GDS-15 scores in individuals who have completed the CRBE program among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The results show that attendance does impact cognitive functioning and levels of depression, but it doesn’t clearly state what type of impact
Lateral ankle sprain with cuboid syndrome in a secondary school student-athlete
No full textBackground: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are one of the most common injuries in secondary school student-athletes. Cuboid syndrome (CS), a mild alteration to the arthrokinematics or congruency of the cuboid sometimes caused by improper or ill-fitting footwear, may be overlooked due to its similarities to LAS. Many secondary school student-athletes do not wear proper footwear for their foot size or type and may often be a secondary cause of CS after an inversion mechanism. Additionally, weakness or overuse of peroneus longus muscle is also thought to play a role in CS due to its insertion.Case Presentation: The patient is a white 18-year-old male basketball student-athlete with a history of LAS. During practice he landed on another player's foot, resulting in pain, tenderness and swelling over the lateral right talocrural joint that extended to the cuboid and midfoot. He reported hearing and feeling a pop at the time of injury. X-rays and orthopedic tests were performed, and results indicated a Grade II LAS. The patient continued to present with lateral midfoot tenderness, restricted dorsiflexion, and discomfort during the push-off phase of gait. Localized swelling was noted surrounding the cuboid. Due to this prolonged discomfort, further special tests were performed. The dorsal-plantar cuboid shear test was positive, and produced an audible cavitation with immediate pain reduction. After the test, the patient was then able to walk without antalgic gait. While pain returned occasionally, joint mobilizations were performed and rehabilitation emphasized peroneal strengthening in addition to various other strength and agility work. The patient was able to return to play within 20 days.Conclusions: Additional orthopedic testing is useful in LAS to rule out CS if pain persists and is located below the talocrural joint or within the midfoot. Strengthening the peroneal muscles is crucial for adolescent patients because of the footwear they typically select. Such footwear frequently limits natural body movements, which can lead to muscle weakness and imbalances within the lower leg. The restrictions imposed by these shoes can have long-term consequences on the ankle and foot, especially following an injury
Paraneoplastic renal tubular acidosis secondary to ovarian teratoma
No full textBackground: Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a relatively uncommon disorder, often linked to autoimmune conditions or adverse effects of certain medications. It is rare for clinicians to encounter this disorder during their medical practice. There are 3 distinct types: type 1(distal), type 2 (proximal), and type 4 (hypoaldosteronism). Etiology of a specific case of RTA can be difficult to pin, which is what prompted us to get further imaging. Our case report is going to reveal a rare relationship between RTA and an ovarian teratoma. Ovarian teratomas are a type of germ cell tumor that are composed of somatic tissue, typically ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. These tissues are foreign to the anatomic site they are found in. More than 95% of ovarian teratomas are mature cystic teratomas which are generally asymptomatic. If symptoms do occur, they are typically associated with the size of the teratoma itself.Case Presentation: This case begins with a female patient presenting to the emergency department with acute paralysis of all four of her extremities. Initial laboratory results revealed a potassium value of 1.5mEq/L. Consistent with this hypokalemia, EKG changes showed distinct U-waves. This patient was promptly treated with aggressive potassium repletion. Interestingly, the potassium failed to rise as expected, so focuses on potassium loss were explored. A comprehensive work-up ultimately led to a working diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis (RTA). A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a large ovarian teratoma. Interestingly, this patient had a history of a similar mass previously which was resected successfully in the past. Surgical removal of the teratoma was indicated, and after the procedure, her potassium was normalized appropriately. This raised an intriguing question: 'Could this teratoma be the source of her hypokalemia?’ Her paralysis corrected as her potassium was replenished, and she was able to safely discharge from the hospital with oral potassium supplementation and close follow-up. At subsequent follow-ups, her potassium did remain within normal limits with intermittent lowering that was far less severe than her initial presentation.Discussion: This case report aims to highlight a rare presentation of severe symptomatic hypokalemia potentially linked to an ovarian teratoma with underlying autoimmune or paraneoplastic factors. The concurrence of RTA and ovarian teratomas are exceedingly rare within scientific literature. With the presentation of this case, we emphasize the potential value of exploring paraneoplastic syndromes associated with ovarian teratomas and subsequent clinical implications
Risk-reward analysis of different movement strategies in response to food quality and toxicant
No full textCaenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are a nematode that often serve as model organisms in a lab setting because their populations are easy to maintain, and certain traits can be isolated. Laboratory C. elegans are most often fed Ecschericia coli (E. coli) due to its abundance and easy accessibility, but E. coli is not considered a high quality food resource. Studies have in the past proven that C. elegans have a keen ability to sense nearby food sources and demonstrate clear reactions to environmental stimuli such as toxic chemicals, acting accordingly and avoiding it whenever possible. This experiment aims to investigate the C. elegans’ risk-benefit analysis using E. coli and the higher quality food source Comamonas species DA1877 as well as the toxicant copper sulfate. The purposes of the Comamonas and the copper sulfate are to act as incentives and deterrents, respectively, and trials seek to assess the C. elegans’ assessment of the value of food resources with respect to the possibility of exposure to the toxicant. Another variable tested in these experiments was the relationship between the C. elegans’ movement strategies and risk analysis, with two strains used, one of a faster speed and one of a lower speed. During trials, subjects were placed on 100x100 mm square agar plates divided into 36 cells, 6 columns by 6 rows, which were spliced to isolate the C. elegans between 18 cells with pathways of varying lengths. E. coli and Comamonas were placed at the end of each path, with or without the obstruction of copper sulfate. Trials lasted 5 days before C. elegans were counted and population density quantified by distribution relative to either food source. Results from this experiment could potentially suggest how an organism of a different species would react when put into a similar situation, such as how they may react when presented with barriers to ideal locations.Integrative Biolog
Grasshopper management in rangeland, pastures and crops
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311